Back to You...: The Astonishing Fate of John Fisher

by Richard Plourde

What would you risk for a second chance at life—and at love?

After surviving leukemia thanks to a bone marrow transplant, self-absorbed millionaire John Fisher is given the gift of a new beginning. But thirteen years later, haunted by emptiness and regret, he becomes obsessed with finding the anonymous woman whose donation saved him. To John, she isn’t just a stranger—she is destiny, his true love, his soulmate.

There is only one problem: donor identities are kept strictly confidential. Breaking into the secure system that holds her file could cost him his career, his freedom, and the life he has built. Yet John is willing to risk it all.

His search for this mysterious woman takes him on an epic journey of obsession, redemption, and hope, forcing him to confront powerful questions about fate, love, and the meaning of second chances.

With echoes of Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook and the emotional depth of Marc Levy’s If Only It Were True, Back to You... is a moving, romantic, and suspenseful novel that will stay with readers long after the last page.

Praise for Back to You...

“You just have to read this book.” — Rayo Reads

“A real gem!” — Christine Michaud, Le Lundi

“I was captivated by this cleverly woven tale. The storytelling was brilliant.” — DJ Sakata, Books & Bindings

“Wow, what a great discovery. I had difficulty putting my tablet down.” — Books With Natasa

Genres: Contemporary, Family Drama, Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2013

About the author

Bestselling author Richard Plourde is a retired optometrist with a genuine passion for writing captivating stories. His two novels, originally published in French, were both critically acclaimed and were finalists for the coveted France-Acadie literary prize.

Richard also published a children’s novel that was selected as a one of the top children’s book of the year by the consumer guide “Protégez-vous”.

His books have been translated and published in English.

Father of two accomplished young adults and two beloved cats, he lives in a lovely town nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains in New Brunswick, Canada.

Richard is currently working on his fourth novel and is also writing the screenplay for his first book.






Richard Plourde habite Edmundston, sa jolie ville natale nichée dans une vallée entourée de montagnes verdoyantes, au Nouveau-Brunswick (Canada). Il est l’auteur de trois romans qui ont tous connu un succès retentissant.

Si tu savais…
Un jeune étudiant qui, en route pour l'université, est, bien malgré lui, plongé dans son futur. Il apprendra qu'il deviendra, un jour, père d'un enfant gravement malade. À la suite d'aventures parfois palpitantes, tantôt émouvantes et, à l'occasion, cocasses, il finira devant un choix capital… Choisira-t-il de mettre cet enfant au monde?
« Un des très bons livres que j'ai lus dans ma vie. », Diane Losier, Radio-Canada

Le koï et la grenouille
Une histoire d’amour inusité entre un jeune poisson et une jolie grenouille qui célèbre la différence et qui fait la promotion de l’acceptation et de l’amour de soi.
« Un des meilleurs livres pour la jeunesse de l’année. », - Magazine Protégez-Vous

Revenir… - L’étonnant destin de John Fisher
Un jour, sans prévenir, John Fisher a tourné le dos à son passé, à son nom, à son père. Ce choix, il croyait être en mesure de l’assumer, jusqu’à ce qu’un coup de téléphone vienne faire dérailler son train de vie. C’est comme ça quand le destin appelle et t’exige de revenir… Et si la vie, au fond, n’était qu’un éternel retour vers l’essentiel.
«  Revenir… et Si tu savais… sont de véritables bijoux. » - Christine Michaud, Le Lundi

Richard est actuellement à l’écriture de son 4e roman et à la scénarisation de « Si tu savais… ».

Reviews

[Little Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book follows a jerk of a guy named John Fisher. He is one of those people that feels he is entitled and everyone owes him, he never has to take responsibility for his actions/words/thoughts, it is always someone else's fault. It is told entirely from the POV of John Fisher. We meet John after his successful chemo treatments for leukemia and his break up with his girlfriend. He then is forced off work for a month because he becomes erratic and not the same guy he was several years ago.

During his time off, he goes home because his father reaches out that he was dying (he is not). From there, John goes on a journey with his best friend and a former fling he has been madly in love with his whole life to find the donor who saved his life. He feels in his heart that he and his donor were meant to be together forever. That she was his destiny.

I loved all of the characters in this story. They each brought value and entertainment. John is not really the kind of friend I would have kept along. He often seemed ungrateful and that entitled behavior comes out a lot. It was not until the true end that we see some kind of change in John to make him more likeable. In my opinion, John is not very relatable, but it did not take away from enjoying the overall story. He is the type of person that I do not like to be around. I don't think I would have helped him the way his friends did. Emma and Daniel were gems of the story! And sweet little Mary really was adorable and I liked how she really impacted John and his changes.

This book made me feel a wide range of emotions. It is beautifully written, though sometimes I got lost in the fluffiness of the words. I am not sure if this was a translation issue or the actual wording chosen. By the end I was crying my eyes out. Overall, it was a sweet story of love, growth, and self-discovery. This story has no spice, if that is something you are looking for. There are no romantic scenes, though there are jokes about it and discussions. This is considered a contemporary romance, romantic fiction. Happy reading!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about John Fisher a man who has survived cancer and 13 years of unhappiness.

When I started this book, I had to force myself to continue to read it. It wasn't because it was poorly written or anything the author did wrong but because I honestly could not find anything to like about John Fisher. He was conceited, self-centered, and simply an egotistical guy who I honestly just wanted to smack. I tried to relate, to sympathize with him when he was faced with leukemia but frankly, it just turned him into an even bigger jackass.

When his father pulls a trick on him to get him home, he begins becoming someone I could finally maybe like. Then he teams up with an old friend and an ex to find the woman who donated her bone marrow. Through, his journey to find her we begin to see him become more human. Then with the help of Mary, Emma's daughter, we see John start to even begin to have feelings.

This book isn't just about finding that one person you belong with but a journey of self-discovery. John goes from being a total jackass to someone you could like. He not only finds himself but he finds his heart and what makes him happy. This journey John takes allows him to see who he has become and to find what matters. Along the way, he rediscovers friendship and love.

I am glad I stuck with this book to the end it was a story that took me a journey from disliking someone to finally understanding them.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Brief
In this contemporary fiction novel that reads like women’s fiction but with a male lead, one man undergoes a transformative journey, bringing him back home and back to those who love him best. John Fisher is undeniably successful after leaving his small home town for the big city, with a beautiful girlfriend, an expensive condo, a fancy car, and the very real possibility of making partner at an esteemed accounting firm. But his life is turned on its head after being diagnosed and treated for leukemia, leading to a forced vacation that takes him back to his hometown. He reunites with his grandparents and the father he’s always hated, as well as two friends who can and will drop everything to join him on an impromptu trip to find the woman who donated the blood marrow that saved his life, because he believes she’s his soul mate. But there are twists and turns thrown in his path, and revelations that turn his childhood on its head, as well as the real love of his life being there all along. Back to You reads like a women’s fiction novel, but it proves to be a masterful gender switch full of emotional and lighthearted moments that offer the perfect balance. While the pacing is a little off now and then and the introduction to John and his dilemma felt longer than necessary, this is a sweet story full of second chances, adventure, and a return to what’s really important in life.

Extended Thoughts
One of my favorite genres is women’s fiction, with it’s focus on friendships, usually some kind of return to one’s roots, and sometimes a sweet romance. Back to You introduced me to a twist on that, offering me everything I love in women’s fiction, but doing a gender swap. Here, the man is the main character, but, if I pretend he’s a woman, I can see all of my favorite things in the genre, and it does a remarkable job of doing it. Despite an initially truly unlikable main character, I found Back to You to be a delightful read with fun characters, a rather harebrained trip with friends, and a fantastic romance that really put the main character in hot water.

John Fisher’s life changed when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Unfortunately, it was for the worse. Despite being highly successful and ambitious, and on the verge of making partner at the accounting firm he’s spent years at, things take a downturn when his girlfriend leaves him, his boss forces a long vacation on him, and his estranged father might be dying. With nothing else to do, John returns home, the one place he always dreamed of leaving and never dreamed of returning to. But now he also has the chance to reconnect with his grandparents and a couple of old friends, who jump at the chance to help him reach for a pipe dream he’s held: to find the woman who donated the bone marrow that saved his life because he believes she’s his soul mate. All the while, John comes face to face with his past, present, and future, forcing him to re-evaluate everything he believed and where he wants to go next.

This was such a fun twist on women’s fiction, and I liked the feeling of getting a women’s fiction novel from the man’s perspective. It was great to get to see what was going through his head during his big gesture, and fascinating to see the woman who would usually be telling the story react to him from the other side. I’ll admit I really didn’t like John at the beginning. He was callous, selfish, and ambitious in a way where he used people for his own ends more than anything else. He’s also bitter and has created such a strong narrative of his entire life that he comes off as self-righteous, and the reader can only shake their head at his behavior. I found his character really hard to read about for the first third of the book, but, once he reconnected with his family and his past, he slowly started to redeem himself, and I found Back to You to be a joy to read. It was fantastic to see his growth, and just as much fun to see him with his old friends.

While John wasn’t the easiest to come to like, I found the exact opposite to be true of his childhood friends, Daniel and Emma, and Emma’s little girl Mary. I adored seeing John with Mary; it was such a counterpoint to his behavior at the beginning of the novel, and I loved that it softened him, and addressed the awkwardness a man might feel when confronted with a little girl. And Mary was such a delight. I wish she had been a bigger player in the novel, but, when she was on page, she just wrapped my heart around her, just like she did with John. Daniel and Emma were a lot of fun, with Daniel having not really outgrown his adolescent ways and only feeling like he was sparking with maturity now and then, and Emma being the ever responsible one, even when she wasn’t exactly acting in the confines of the law. The three of them were a ton of fun, and I enjoyed their trips together to hunt down John’s anonymous donor. They almost felt like they regressed back to their teen selves, so it was fun when they had to bounce back and become adults with adult problems.

One such problem is a rather odd love triangle they found themselves in. It’s complicated by things like a little girl and John’s weird obsession with a woman he doesn’t even know in any way, shape, or form. But it also kind of felt like it was just dropped in, because it took a while for me to find the hints to it, almost as though a decision hadn’t been made until later on in the writing. There wasn’t a ton of build up to it, so a part of it did catch me off guard. The other part of it, though, since I’ve read this type of novel so many times, was something I fully expected for at least half of the novel, because it took about that long for John to return to his roots and to actually set out on his journey to find this woman. The description made me think the romance would be a bigger part of the novel, but it doesn’t really get started until about halfway through. The love triangle, though, was fascinatingly different. It felt more like a snake chasing its tail around cinder blocks, and never quite reaching it as I never felt the triangle was fully closed, but, rather, dealt with and then the characters moved on. But I kind of liked it, because it was different, and I enjoyed watching them chase after different things at different times.

I was also charmed by John’s family and the revelations he had, which helped to completely refrain his entire life’s narrative. When the reader first meets John, he’s surly, uncompromising, and those around him clearly indicate his leukemia diagnosis and treatment have changed him into something that feels like it more closely resembles a monster. It’s not easy for the reader to get to know him, or even feel sympathetic towards him, and it’s compounded by the recollections he shares about his childhood with a father who seemed to hate him and see him as a disappointment. When he does end up traveling back home, he’s first reunited with his mother’s parents, and I loved how it showed him in a different light. This reunion and John’s own behavior indicate a shift for him, making him likable little by little from there on out. I loved getting to know him after this, and I adored his grandparents, though I wish they had played bigger roles, because they were really lovely. But the main part of his family story line had to do with his father. While I thought this progressed rather quickly, and was resolved far too fast considering all the emotions that went into it, I liked that it offered a perspective shift for John, and it helped make him feel more human and flawed. This turned out to be really sweet, and I enjoyed how it played out.

The road trips John went on with Emma and Daniel were my favorite parts, though going around his hometown with him was a close second. I loved them together, and I really enjoyed how these trips played out, first to get the donor information and then to find the donor. It felt like teenage shenanigans, but I liked how it was all probably a lot more thought out than teens would have planned everything. It was fun to get to know all three of them as a group because their dynamics were delightful and the love triangle found its place couched in there. There’s a twist here that I really liked that’s tied into the road trips and the love triangle and John’s search for his soul mate. I thought the whole thing started a lot later than it should have, but the ending proved me wrong, and I really adored it, even if I felt some of the information at the end was far too contrived. It was a little less believable than the rest of the novel, which was kind of a disappointment, considering everything to that point had been so strong.

Back to You is really a fantastic read, especially for anyone who enjoys reading women’s fiction. I loved this gender twist, and I enjoyed the journey John went on, even if some of it felt paced a little wrong with an extended introduction that meant later events felt like they had to be sped up. Otherwise this was a lot of fun to read and I found myself delighted more than anything else. John really grew on me, and I was disappointed when the story ended.

Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Back to You" by Richard Plourde is an irresistible enemies-to-lovers romance fiction that will captivate readers from start to finish, regardless of their familiarity with the genre. Plourde weaves a compelling tale of love, redemption, and the power of second chances that is sure to resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its high-stakes premise, which sets the stage for a gripping and emotionally charged journey. The protagonist, John Fisher, is a self-absorbed millionaire who becomes convinced that the anonymous bone marrow donor who saved his life is his true soulmate. Plourde wastes no time in thrusting readers into John's desperate quest to find this mysterious woman, creating a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps the pages turning.

What truly sets "Back to You" apart is its exploration of complex themes such as fate, love, and the true meaning of second chances. Through John's journey, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as he grapples with the possibility of finding love in the unlikeliest of places. Plourde deftly navigates the intricacies of John's character, crafting a protagonist who is flawed yet undeniably compelling, and whose growth and transformation throughout the novel are both believable and deeply moving.

Another standout element of "Back to You" is the dynamic between John and the mysterious woman he is searching for. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed with finesse, as Plourde expertly builds tension and chemistry between the two characters, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The dialogue is sharp and witty, crackling with a palpable sense of longing and desire that will leave readers eagerly rooting for a happily ever after.

Furthermore, Plourde's prose is beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and evocative imagery that bring the story to life. From the bustling streets of New York City to the tranquil shores of a remote island, the settings are richly drawn and immersive, providing a vivid backdrop for John's journey of self-discovery and redemption.

Overall, "Back to You" is a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance fiction, as well as readers looking for a compelling and emotionally resonant story. With its compelling premise, complex characters, and skillful storytelling, Richard Plourde's novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they've turned the final page.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.

This was a compelling read following a man struggling to find his place in the world after battling with leukemia. John has become self-absorbed coveting material things over experiences and relationships. He has grown more and more caustic to his co-workers and unbeknownst to himself those material things he holds so dear now are not making him happy. When forced to take a leave of absence from his job, he sets out on a journey of self discovery. His aim is to reconnect with the person he was before cancer and perhaps reconcile some of his trauma from the past that is making him so angry and materialistic.

This was lovely redemption story about reconnecting with your past and mending lost relationships. John starts out as a very unlikable character. He is very entitled, thinks he knows everything, and is disrespectful to almost everyone around him. Hence the reason he is put on leave of absence from his prestigious job. As the story unfolds he reconnects with family and friends he hasn't seen in years. He has to have hard conversations about why he chose to leave his hometown and break contact with everyone he knew. As he has those conversations he gains clarity on his life and begins to break down some of the walls he has built over the years. His priorities begin to shift and he begins to transform into better person. John really redeems himself as we get to know him better, learn about his backstory, and understand what he wants his future to look like.

I loved Emma and Daniel in this. They were great friends to John, and despite the long years of no contact and hurt he caused them, they were eager to jump right back into help. They embark on a zany journey to find John's anonymous bone marrow donor, whom he feels is his one true love and will fix all of his problems. As he reconnects with his friends and John revisits happier memories, he realizes that he doesn't need the most expensive watch, the fastest car, and the most beautiful woman on his arm for the night. What he really needs is human connection.

While I did find parts of the plot predictable, I did enjoy John's redemption ARC. This is a great read.

Trigger warnings mention of abortion, teen pregnancy, cancer, cancer treatment, alcohol use

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Back to You…” presents the captivating tale of John Fisher, a man whose confrontation with mortality reshapes his outlook on life and love. After defeating cancer, John’s mission to recover his old life of luxury and success hits a wall of existential questioning, leading him on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and connection. The novel, at its core, is a poignant exploration of what it means to truly live. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of human emotions and relationships, making John’s initial superficial pursuits clash with the deeper, more meaningful connections he rediscovers upon returning to his roots. This contrast serves as the backbone of the narrative and offers a reflective mirror to the reader’s own life choices and values.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is John’s transformation from a pretentious and somewhat unlikable character into a figure of empathy and introspection. This transformation is a testament to the author’s skill in character development and storytelling, ensuring that readers remain engaged even when the protagonist’s flaws are at the forefront. The supporting cast, especially Emma and Daniel, adds richness to the narrative, providing both a grounding force and a catalyst for John’s transformation.

The quest to find the bone marrow donor introduces a unique twist to the story, blending elements of romance, mystery, and adventure. This journey is not just a physical one but also a metaphorical exploration of identity, gratitude, and the interconnectedness of lives. It’s a reminder of the impact of selfless acts and the unseen threads that bind us all.

While the book might start off on a slower note, requiring some patience from the reader, it ultimately rewards those who persevere with a compelling blend of literary fiction and romance. The narrative’s depth and well-crafted writing make it a standout read.

In conclusion, “Back to You…” is more than just a story about finding love or coming back home; it’s an introspective dive into what it means to find oneself after loss and disillusionment. It challenges the reader to consider the essence of true fulfillment and the paths we choose to pursue happiness. A testament to the power of second chances, this novel is undoubtedly a worthwhile read, offering both emotional resonance and thoughtful reflection.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

Sometimes, I could feel you toying with the latch to your heart, but never once did you dare to open it.

Do you plan to dishonour us with your presence for much longer, John?

I blamed others for my behaviour, but after a while I grew tired of condemning everyone. You see, we can do and say all sorts of things to save ourselves from our demons, but we cannot run forever. One day the truth catches up to us. Eventually, we understand the true nature of our shortcomings, and only then can we start healing.

John, please, spare me your clichés! I’m thirty- three years old and I’ve been single for thirty- four of them.

“John, we’ve been friends forever. I love you more than I love my own brother.” “Daniel, you don’t have a brother!”

Emma exuded a proud, confident elegance. She had always been like this: imbued with a flawless balance between strength and fragility, conviction and doubt, the woman she became and the girl she would forever be.

My Review:

I was captivated by this cleverly woven tale. The storytelling was brilliant, easy to follow, emotive, and cunningly paced with storylines populated by unique yet knowable and authentic inhabitants. Despite the loathsomeness of the main character I had a hard time putting my Kindle down as I was curious as to where his path was going to take him.

John Fisher was an absolute ogre of an individual, so any change in his behavior could only be an improvement. I enjoyed his journey and the powerful epiphanies that rocked his world during his forced leave of absence. I was delighted by the conclusion and found the reading experience fully satisfying. Richard Plourde is a crafty scribbler with undeniably strong word voodoo.

[Katinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Fisher thought he had it all: Money, a gorgeous girlfriend, fantastic life, expected to soon be given a partnership position at work, his life was pretty perfect. And then he was diagnosed with leukemia. His life was saved by an anonymous bone marrow donor, but after that, it seemed like everything fell apart. His girlfriend left him, he threw himself into his work, his attitude turned to being rude and no longer caring about other people, and his employer didn’t give him the promotion and instead forced him to take a six-month leave to find himself again, telling him to come back as the kind and caring person he used to be. Now, feeling quite lost and alone, he must find a way to put his life back together by facing the his past, both the good and the bad parts of it.

I received a review copy of this book and enjoyed it. It was a very sweet tale of a man who had lost who he truly was inside. He had embraced vanity, pride, appearance and possessions, but lost something much more important, and this journey takes him back full circle. Confronting his past, his personal demons, discovering what he wants the future to hold, and how to find both himself, and his future. I found it to be an interesting contemporary tale of self-discovery. And though I saw the ending coming from early on, it was still an enjoyable tale of how they got there.

I believe that anyone who enjoys reading contemporary novels about lost love, found love, self-discovery, and facing one’s past will enjoy this book.

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to You...: The astonishing fate of John Fisher by Richard Plourde is an incandescent story of one man’s journey of discovery and growth. The story is told entirely from John’s POV and instead of being claustrophobic, the story is an intimate description of John’s awakening. The John we first met is not a pleasant person. He has character flaws and an abrasive personality. We encounter John after a successful round of chemo treatments for leukemia and his breakup with his girlfriend. At this point John is hedonistic and has an elitist attitude. He is convinced that the world owes him. Reluctantly, he returns home to check on his father and then embarks on a quest of sort to find the woman who donated her marrow and subsequently saved his life. John feels that he has an almost spiritual connection to this woman, the fact that she saved his life gives them an unshakeable connection. John is accompanied on this quest by his best friend and a former girlfriend. John’s companions were both supportive and patient with his juvenile antics, I am sure less involved friends would have left his side given his unrelenting self-absorption. As the story and journey unfolds, readers can see a gradual and much needed evolution in the way that John sees and interacts with his world. I really enjoyed this richly rewarding story and loved the talented craftmanship displayed by the author.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to You
The Astonishing Fate of John Fisher
Richard Plourde

Back to You is a love story, but it’s also a romance that will check every mark for fans plus it’s a journey of self-discovery for protagonist John Fisher, a man who really needs a wake-up call, a man who may not seem like a hero at first.

A bone marrow donor would save John Fisher’s life after a cancer diagnosis but instead of taking care of the life that was saved he turned into a workaholic, vain hard-living man who lived each day as if it was his last day on earth. Then his boss gives him an ultimatum- find the decent man he once was, or John can kiss his partnership goodbye.

This ultimatum is a blessing in disguise and gives John an epiphany sending him on a journey to find the woman who donated the bone marrow that saved his life, the woman he now believes is his soul mate.

He begins his journey by going home, a place he never thought he set foot in again and turns to two old friends from his youth to help him.

There aren’t many men who really get romance, but Richard Plourde is one who does. His characters are realistic, and his main protagonist John will make readers angry and want to slap him often as he learns about life and love.

The plot is unique and compelling and the author’s engaging narrative will draw readers right into this exceptional one sitting read.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the blurb, I was intrigued, and I ended up loving the story! I will admit, when I first read the blurb, I was worried things would cross over into creepy territory (guy getting obsessed with someone he doesn’t know, etc), but it didn’t at all. This was actually a really sweet story of personal growth and discovery. It’s hard to like John when we first meet him - self-absorbed, greedy, and not very relatable. But his journey is fascinating, watching him change and evolve as you get deeper into the story. The characters all felt so real, that it was almost like taking a peek into someone’s private life. I honestly didn’t think John could change enough for me to like him by the end, and...well, I’ll let you read and draw your own conclusions. However, if you enjoy personal journeys, where the MC has chances to change and grow, you’ll want to grab this!

[Anastasia ⋆｡☽˚｡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Fisher, as soon as he could, left his hometown of New Brunswick to settle in Montreal. He thus left his father whom he was never able to satisfy. He has never returned since and has never contacted his father again.

As if to prove to himself that he was capable, he decided to succeed at all costs. Working like a madman, he was able to build a very good reputation. Very centered on himself, women paraded through his life without ever staying there and without ever giving him spark. The children? Oh no, it wasn't for him. One day, he still had to put on the brakes because he was stopped by cancer, leukemia. He was saved at the last minute by a marrow donor.

More detailed review here: SOON

[Rayo Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book voluntarily from the author for FREE and this is my honest opinion!

John is a very likeable character; in fact, I loved his character.  From being a self-centered dude to having leukemia and now to his aversion to hospitals. John is forced to go back to his roots to be a better person, and maybe even find love while at it!

Seeing John with his friend Daniel was my highlight of the novel. I loved how Daniel came through for John and how he found a father figure in one of his role models.

I am very happy that John had his fairy tale love story❤❤

You just have to read this book.

[heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was a long time coming but its here now.

Im sad to say i vould not finish the book and it pains me so much because i wanted to finish it so bad but around the 33% mark i lost all drive and interest in the story itself.

Dont get me wrong it is beauifully written and the story eventho it didnt hold me captive is beautifull too.

To me personally it felt like i was reading someones personal memories and i dont know why it just didnt held me captive.

So a short but strong review from me.
However i do highly recommend this book to anyone who asks.
It was just not for me and for that i am sorry, i dont like disapointing peoples.

[Sara McClaflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review here: https://onreviewbysara.com/2024/06/27...

I was given this book as a gift from the author. My opinions and thoughts of the book are mine alone.

My Rating: I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book just hit all the right spots in the right way. As a reader, I found myself wanting something that was different than every other book out there. I wasn’t ready for all the feels I experienced, but I honestly want to feel them again. I wish I could read this book for the first time over and over again.

[KJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book! It was a good story both of romance and personal growth. It was a little hard to get into, but it was very well written and had an engaging story line. The author just did a little bit too good of a job making the main character pretentious and awful for the first half+ of the book, but the other characters kept me invested. It read more like literary fiction than romance to me. Definitely worth the read!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back to You

A short read that was difficult to get through. This story centers around a self-absorbed guy that only cares about money and things he buy. A cancer survivor that believes his one true love is a mystery woman that saved his life. This story is his hunt to figure out who she is and to convince her to be with him. For me, it was very boring and uninteresting.

#GoodreadsGiveaways

[Sylvianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Fisher dès qu'il a pu, a quitté sa ville natale du Nouveau Brunswick pour aller s'installer à Montréal. Il quittait ainsi son père qu'il n'a jamais pu satisfaire. Il n'est jamais retourné depuis et n'a jamais recontacté son père.

Comme pour se prouver à lui-même qu'il était capable, il a décidé de réussir à tout prix. Travaillant comme forcené, il a su se faire une très bonne réputation. Très centré sur lui-même, les femmes défilaient dans sa vie sans jamais y rester et sans jamais lui donner des étincelles. Les enfants? Oh non, ce n'était pas pour lui. Un jour, il a tout de même dû mettre les freins puisqu'il a été stoppé par un cancer, la leucémie. Il a été sauvé in extremis par une donneuse de moëlle.

Étant sur le point d'atteindre le but ultime de sa carrière, son patron lui annonce qu'il devra redevenir le garçon qu'il était au tout début pour poursuivre sa carrière. En même temps, il reçoit un appel qui va venir bouleverser sa petite vie qu'il s'était fait. Son père est malade et voudrait renouer avec lui.

John Fisher entreprend alors un voyage qui va changer sa vie à tout jamais. Il va revenir dans sa ville natale. Peu à peu, il va se rendre compte qu'il a fait bien des erreurs dans sa vie et que les choses ne sont pas toujours comme on se les a imaginé. Il se rendra compte aussi qu'il a laissé derrière lui des choses très importantes qui auraient fait de lui, l'homme qu'il voulait être au fond de lui-même.

Arrivera-t-il a renouer avec son passé? Fera-t-il les bons choix cette fois-ci? Réussira-t-il sa carrière? Vous devez absolument lire ce roman pour savoir.

Mon avis :
Tout d'abord, je dois remercier Monsieur Plourde qui m'a contacté pour me proposer de lire son livre. J'ai tout de suite été intriguée par ce livre et je n'ai pas hésité à le commencer rapidement.

Wow, quelle belle découverte. J'ai eu de la difficulté à poser ma tablette. J'avais hâte de savoir ce qui allait ce passer pour cet égocentrique de John Fisher. C'est une lecture qui fait du bien, un petit bonheur à lire. Simple et touchant. Il m'a même fait sourire à quelques reprises dû à certaines réflexions du personnage ou certaines répliques. Même si j'avais deviné un peu le punch de la fin, l'auteur a su semer le doute dans mon esprit à plusieurs reprises.

L'auteur fait un clin d'oeil à un de ses livres dans le roman, j'ai trouvé ça cute. Comme vous le verrez dans le descriptif de l'auteur ci-bas, il semble avoir intégré certaines parties de sa vie dans ce roman. On en vient même à se demander si il ne nous raconte pas sa vie.

Personnellement, j'aurais aimé que l'histoire continue. J'aurais voulu savoir ce qu'il se passe ensuite. Je ne peux pas trop en dire, je ne veux pas dévoiler la fin.

Je recommande cette lecture sans hésiter.