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Marked Heart #1
Enduring Everything
In order to put years of heartache and abuse behind her, Ren learned to bury the past deep down inside herself and focus on one thing; raising her daughter Sophia. As the years passed, she found peace in the daily routine of her job and becomes content with being a mom.
On the night of her daughter's wedding, Ren takes a risk and strays from the predictable world she has set up for herself when her longtime friend Jackson rekindles a loving promise he made to her long ago.
Ren cannot keep her past buried, and the two struggle when old problems start to creep back into their lives. She cannot get her world back in order and her instinct is to shut everyone out.
In the midst of it all, Ren is coerced into helping Charlotte, an adopted teenager of her close friends the Roberts'. Reluctantly agreeing, Ren finds Charlotte is in dire need of self control and direction. Upon discovering they share a similar upbringing, Ren feels she can advise Charlotte and keep her from repeating her own mistakes. Taking steps to ensure Charlotte's recovery, her new found purpose causes a rift in the family she has come to know and love as her own.
Battling issues, both new and old, will Ren & Jacks be able to endure everything life has thrown at them or will Ren give up everything and isolate herself from the inevitable pain that will follow when all her secrets are revealed?
On the night of her daughter's wedding, Ren takes a risk and strays from the predictable world she has set up for herself when her longtime friend Jackson rekindles a loving promise he made to her long ago.
Ren cannot keep her past buried, and the two struggle when old problems start to creep back into their lives. She cannot get her world back in order and her instinct is to shut everyone out.
In the midst of it all, Ren is coerced into helping Charlotte, an adopted teenager of her close friends the Roberts'. Reluctantly agreeing, Ren finds Charlotte is in dire need of self control and direction. Upon discovering they share a similar upbringing, Ren feels she can advise Charlotte and keep her from repeating her own mistakes. Taking steps to ensure Charlotte's recovery, her new found purpose causes a rift in the family she has come to know and love as her own.
Battling issues, both new and old, will Ren & Jacks be able to endure everything life has thrown at them or will Ren give up everything and isolate herself from the inevitable pain that will follow when all her secrets are revealed?
273 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2014
8 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
M. Sembera
23 books255 followersRomance author M. Sembera writes novels that will make you fall in love, laugh, cry, swoon and believe in second chances. She likes to write strong, flawed, relatable characters and throw them into complicated situations with a bit of humor.
A coffee addict and tea lover, M. plots her novels while highly caffeinated. Since biting the bullet and publishing her first novel in 2010, she has released books in contemporary romance, women's fiction, new adult, romantic comedy and is currently penning her first dark romance. The easiest way to stay up to date on new releases and upcoming novels is to sign up for her newsletter (http://eepurl.com/bdJ_Uj) or follow her on social media.
Facebook: @AuthorM.Sembera
Instagram: @m_sembera
Twitter: @M_Sembera
Snapchat: m.sembera
Book+Main: @Msembera
'For me, each new book I write or character I create feels like the first time and I find myself falling in love with writing all over again.'-M.
A coffee addict and tea lover, M. plots her novels while highly caffeinated. Since biting the bullet and publishing her first novel in 2010, she has released books in contemporary romance, women's fiction, new adult, romantic comedy and is currently penning her first dark romance. The easiest way to stay up to date on new releases and upcoming novels is to sign up for her newsletter (http://eepurl.com/bdJ_Uj) or follow her on social media.
Facebook: @AuthorM.Sembera
Instagram: @m_sembera
Twitter: @M_Sembera
Snapchat: m.sembera
Book+Main: @Msembera
'For me, each new book I write or character I create feels like the first time and I find myself falling in love with writing all over again.'-M.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 9, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I could not wait to get my hands on this book from the first time I heard about it when I featured author M. Sembera on my website! What a great story!
The story revolves around a promise made several years ago that a boy made to a girl. Now all grown up, Jackson is ready to make good on that promise to Ren. But a lot of life has been lived in between times and Ren's past is filled with hurts that keep her closed up emotionally. Keeping a promise might not be in the stars. What starts as a dream come true ends up very complicated, emotional, and at times, frightening for Ren because of her past abuse.
This was a great read. I loved the family aspect throughout the book and the support the characters had for one another. There were lots of characters, but I loved them all and the story was able to handle each one. My favorite character was Ren. I cried with her, laughed with her, and wanted to rip that redheads face off with her! The author did a great job in describing Ren's emotions in regards to dealing with past abuse - I was touched to tears on several occasions.
If you like a good love story that has all the complications that love has to offer, and then some, this story is for you. I highly recommend Enduring Everything.
I could not wait to get my hands on this book from the first time I heard about it when I featured author M. Sembera on my website! What a great story!
The story revolves around a promise made several years ago that a boy made to a girl. Now all grown up, Jackson is ready to make good on that promise to Ren. But a lot of life has been lived in between times and Ren's past is filled with hurts that keep her closed up emotionally. Keeping a promise might not be in the stars. What starts as a dream come true ends up very complicated, emotional, and at times, frightening for Ren because of her past abuse.
This was a great read. I loved the family aspect throughout the book and the support the characters had for one another. There were lots of characters, but I loved them all and the story was able to handle each one. My favorite character was Ren. I cried with her, laughed with her, and wanted to rip that redheads face off with her! The author did a great job in describing Ren's emotions in regards to dealing with past abuse - I was touched to tears on several occasions.
If you like a good love story that has all the complications that love has to offer, and then some, this story is for you. I highly recommend Enduring Everything.
April 6, 2014
This is the first book I’ve read of Ms. Sembera’s. I could tell that there was a long backstory or that I’d missed previous books. However, that in no way diminished the experience, for the history between Ren and Jacks was covered in a way that answered all my questions. And it was because of those questions that I enjoyed the book so much.
This story about overcoming one’s past is told in a fresh and unique manner! Ren obviously had a horrible past. Her routines allow her to feel that she is in control of her life, but she hasn’t truly overcome anything. She’s learned to compartmentalize and refuses to discuss what’s happened to her. During the course of this book she learns that controlling her life doesn’t necessarily mean LIVING her life.
It is not often that I read a book and go backwards to read everything written. I cannot wait to read the Renilla series! I know it’s shutting the barn door after the horse escapes, but I also know that I will have a rich, engaging, and emotionally consuming reading experience!
This story about overcoming one’s past is told in a fresh and unique manner! Ren obviously had a horrible past. Her routines allow her to feel that she is in control of her life, but she hasn’t truly overcome anything. She’s learned to compartmentalize and refuses to discuss what’s happened to her. During the course of this book she learns that controlling her life doesn’t necessarily mean LIVING her life.
It is not often that I read a book and go backwards to read everything written. I cannot wait to read the Renilla series! I know it’s shutting the barn door after the horse escapes, but I also know that I will have a rich, engaging, and emotionally consuming reading experience!
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August 8, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/8/2019)! 🎁
January 15, 2017
This novel follows Ren after the Renilla Series. Ren & Jackson battle new & old issues. Ren must face the inevitable pain that will follow when all her secret are revealed. This is a remarkable written and developed novel with no plot holes. With compelling characters that are realistic with real emotions and flaws. I love this book and this series. A sensational novel with twists & turns you won't see coming. A unparalleled writing style which I love. A must read novel & series.
February 11, 2015
Wow...what an emotional and seriously deep read that was. I was gifted this book after meeting the author at a book event and this was the first time I had ever heard of her or read anything she had written.
Surviving abuse, re-kindling old emotions and love, parenting children with a firm yet loving hand and dealing with the harsh realities of a jealous and unkind world are just some of the issues tackled in this at times complicated, and yet very simple story of forgiveness and taking back your life.
As a survivor myself, I appreciated that the melodrama was kept to a minimum, in favor of a more down-to-earth and realistic approach to what Ren had endured in the past and her efforts to help a damaged and abused teen girl who kept a hard protective shell around herself and fought to keep inside what she was going through. On top of this storyline, we have the 20 year old simmering on-the-back-burner love affair that Ren had with Jackson and the difficulties of making it work when there were too many secrets and outside pressures. Relationships with children who resent what their parents have kept from them, death, letting go and moving on to allow yourself the happiness you deserve, are all parts of what makes up the balance of this romantic and emotion-filled book. I really liked it a lot because it made me feel something and kept me cheering on Ren and Jackson to get their HEA and for families to stay united and strong.
***** 4.5 ***** "it was all worth the fight in the end" stars
Surviving abuse, re-kindling old emotions and love, parenting children with a firm yet loving hand and dealing with the harsh realities of a jealous and unkind world are just some of the issues tackled in this at times complicated, and yet very simple story of forgiveness and taking back your life.
As a survivor myself, I appreciated that the melodrama was kept to a minimum, in favor of a more down-to-earth and realistic approach to what Ren had endured in the past and her efforts to help a damaged and abused teen girl who kept a hard protective shell around herself and fought to keep inside what she was going through. On top of this storyline, we have the 20 year old simmering on-the-back-burner love affair that Ren had with Jackson and the difficulties of making it work when there were too many secrets and outside pressures. Relationships with children who resent what their parents have kept from them, death, letting go and moving on to allow yourself the happiness you deserve, are all parts of what makes up the balance of this romantic and emotion-filled book. I really liked it a lot because it made me feel something and kept me cheering on Ren and Jackson to get their HEA and for families to stay united and strong.
***** 4.5 ***** "it was all worth the fight in the end" stars
September 7, 2014
I found this to be a well written story of survival of abuse along with years of heartache from the man she loved. At first I was a little confused to what was going on, it didn’t take me long to catch up. I am guessing there were books before this one where it may have laid the ground work for me. It didn’t take away from the story just make it move a little slower for me to catch up.
This is a story about overcoming ones past, learning to move on and letting the past go. Abuse is a terrible thing and I feel the author has written this book just as it would be in real life. I understood where Ren was coming from, why she felt the way she did and why she made the choices she had.
I not only felt this book was believable but her characters were so realistic. The author pulls at your heart with a very heart breaking read. You feel like crying and will find yourself laughing why at times your heart will just break.
I felt this was a very well written book with an outstanding plot, the ending was wonderful. I did find myself occasionally confused since I had not read the books before, I found the book started out slow for me. I feel the title fits the story to a T and is perfect for this book.
This is a story about overcoming ones past, learning to move on and letting the past go. Abuse is a terrible thing and I feel the author has written this book just as it would be in real life. I understood where Ren was coming from, why she felt the way she did and why she made the choices she had.
I not only felt this book was believable but her characters were so realistic. The author pulls at your heart with a very heart breaking read. You feel like crying and will find yourself laughing why at times your heart will just break.
I felt this was a very well written book with an outstanding plot, the ending was wonderful. I did find myself occasionally confused since I had not read the books before, I found the book started out slow for me. I feel the title fits the story to a T and is perfect for this book.
March 20, 2015
Wow....it's amazing what love can endure! Miss Sembera definitely showed this fact throughout the entirety of the book!
Ren and Jackson have a love that endures and lasts and flourishes.
Ren comes from a home from which she is physically abused and ends up going into an abusive relationship as an adult. She leaves the relationship once she discovers that she's pregnant...very few people know this fact and that's the way Ren wants to keep it.
Jackson has loved Ren pretty much since the first time he laid eyes on her. He watched her go through several relationships that weren't right for her and now it's his time to be with the woman he's never been able to forget. Their relationship isn't easy though....they both have issues that need to be worked though and Ren's secrets are about to catch up with her.
Great story (although it did take me a little bit to get into it!) I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a HEA!!!
*****Reviewed for Book Fancy Blog*****
Ren and Jackson have a love that endures and lasts and flourishes.
Ren comes from a home from which she is physically abused and ends up going into an abusive relationship as an adult. She leaves the relationship once she discovers that she's pregnant...very few people know this fact and that's the way Ren wants to keep it.
Jackson has loved Ren pretty much since the first time he laid eyes on her. He watched her go through several relationships that weren't right for her and now it's his time to be with the woman he's never been able to forget. Their relationship isn't easy though....they both have issues that need to be worked though and Ren's secrets are about to catch up with her.
Great story (although it did take me a little bit to get into it!) I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a HEA!!!
*****Reviewed for Book Fancy Blog*****
September 29, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
M. Sembera's book Enduring Everything: A Marked Heart Novel is a book that isn't a must read it's a HAVE to read. It will have you on the edge of your seat once you begin until you finish it. It is a real page turner and you will turn page, after page and after page. It is about Ren who leaves her abusive husband to find another place to begin over again. She and her daughter, Sophia, find a town that they decide is a good place to start over. Ren meets Jackson. It is then when she begins to overcome her past and look forward to her future with Jackson. This book is about sadness, survival and strength. In the end it can be said Love can truly endure everything. I gave this book 5 stars but it deserves 10+. I highly recommend it to everyone. I look forward to more from M. Sembera.
M. Sembera's book Enduring Everything: A Marked Heart Novel is a book that isn't a must read it's a HAVE to read. It will have you on the edge of your seat once you begin until you finish it. It is a real page turner and you will turn page, after page and after page. It is about Ren who leaves her abusive husband to find another place to begin over again. She and her daughter, Sophia, find a town that they decide is a good place to start over. Ren meets Jackson. It is then when she begins to overcome her past and look forward to her future with Jackson. This book is about sadness, survival and strength. In the end it can be said Love can truly endure everything. I gave this book 5 stars but it deserves 10+. I highly recommend it to everyone. I look forward to more from M. Sembera.
April 4, 2015
Never let the past dictate your life. For Ren, this was a challenged for faced her whole life.
Ren's life has been nothing but abuse both physically and mentally; with the happiness she has in her life, her lovely daughter Sophia. With Sophia's father out of the picture, a marriage that only lasted for a year, and an abusive past no one ever wishes to experience, Ren never thought to share a happy life with anyone ever again. That is until Jackson Thomas proposed and declared his love for her.
Will Ren finally be able to let go of her haunting past so that she may finally find joy with a man she may just love? For those of you who love a good love a good love story, then Enduring Everything by M. Sembera is the novel for you. Pick up yourself a copy and find out that there is love for everyone.
Ren's life has been nothing but abuse both physically and mentally; with the happiness she has in her life, her lovely daughter Sophia. With Sophia's father out of the picture, a marriage that only lasted for a year, and an abusive past no one ever wishes to experience, Ren never thought to share a happy life with anyone ever again. That is until Jackson Thomas proposed and declared his love for her.
Will Ren finally be able to let go of her haunting past so that she may finally find joy with a man she may just love? For those of you who love a good love a good love story, then Enduring Everything by M. Sembera is the novel for you. Pick up yourself a copy and find out that there is love for everyone.
January 5, 2017
This was my first to read this author. This book is written in Ren's POV taking place in a smaller town, which I really enjoyed. Overall, I felt the main story-line was good and intriguing and I felt the ending was well written, allowing this book to be a possible standalone. The beginning of the story was a bit confusing and hard to follow. A lot of characters were introduced all at once and I had to go back and forth to keep up. I am actually still uncertain of a few characters. There were a few twists throughout but I was able to pick up on them. The main characters were in their 40s, which I feel is rare to find. However, I was not a fan of either of them, they presented to be very immature and even whiny at times. I enjoyed this book enough to continue on to see how the series progresses.
** Review for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
** Review for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
March 25, 2014
I loved this romance novel. The character development was perfectly satisfying, with realistic quirkiness that brought them all to life. The drama which surrounded the characters was realistic too, as was the romance that was woven masterfully within the plot. I was rooting for several different characters during the book ( I don’t do spoilers), and was very happy with the choices that they decided on when all was said and done. This was a well written, well edited enjoyable read. If you enjoy story lines that keep you turning pages because you just HAVE to know what's going to happen next, then you should enjoy this one. I Highly recommend it!
June 22, 2014
I would give this book 4 stars. A woman trying to put years of heartache and abuse behind her, by just focusing all her energy into raising her daughter finally try to capture her own happiness. But how it sometimes is in real life it always doesn't work out that way.And for me that's one of the best parts of this book was it seemed real. They are others books that touch on these same characters that I haven't read and don't think I would need to but I am because I really liked this book and the way this author writes.And as always can't wait for the next book.
March 26, 2014
I loved this book! I think it was my favorite in the series! M. Sembera is a master at relationships and the little nuances that make them real and believable. I lose myself in her story and laugh and cry with the characters. This novel finds Ren dealing with past issues long buried. Can she overcome? As everything is seeming to unravel, she finds healing in an unlikely and unwanted place. This novel proves that love can endure everything.
Read
August 12, 2015Marked Hearts Series should be on your read list.
Excellent book. Once again the author does not fail to tug at the heart. Ren raised and married her daughter off. She is ready to move on with her life with Jackson or is she. Jackson wants to be the man in her life and their marriage should make that easier, right ? Rent has some issues to deal with before she can participate in life and helping an abused teen to cope makes her realise it.
Excellent book. Once again the author does not fail to tug at the heart. Ren raised and married her daughter off. She is ready to move on with her life with Jackson or is she. Jackson wants to be the man in her life and their marriage should make that easier, right ? Rent has some issues to deal with before she can participate in life and helping an abused teen to cope makes her realise it.
March 24, 2014
Having read the Rennillia series, this book was a wonderful book to wrap up Ren and Jacks' story!! I already loved the Rennillia characters (even if Ren makes me yell out loud) I enjoyed getting to know the new characters as well!!!!! I am a sucker for a love story and say; thanks M. Sembera! Two thumbs up!!!!!
June 26, 2014
Well written story of survival of abuse from one man. How Sophia does it. Finished this book quickly because I wasn't able to put it down! I wanted to know more! I needed to know more! I wanted to keep reading what Sophia does next and you will want to know too! From misery to survival and strength, she gives it her all! Great read!
July 20, 2014
what a great story....at first I was very confused and was thinking...have a missed a book? but I soon got completely hooked. the characters are great....and it's nice to see characters with names that are unusual....auggie, ren, braden, emerson, amila. phenomenal. looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 15, 2016
I wan to start off with the fact that this book is my little piece of teardom. everyone has that movie or book that makes them cry and I have found my new cry baby book!!! Pack the Tissues before you read because I was not prepared for the tears. Rennellia and Jackson are my couple... I have rooted for them since ......forever...... but this was not what I expected.
September 26, 2016
Ren stays busy with raising her daughter Sophia after her heartache of years of abuse after her daughters wedding she decides to and be with Jackson a long time friend and she has found some one to love and ? You will have to read it loved this books steamy and awesome read I got it free for an honest review. Michelle
March 26, 2014
M. Sembera is a master of creating realistic characters that I have a vested interest in. This is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. The relationships in her book were real, poignant and heart tugging. I can't wait to read more by this author and I highly recommend this book!
February 20, 2015
This book had me hooked from page 1. I loved how it showed a struggle for Ren to help a young girl. Plus the love a man could hold for one woman for so long. Great book :)
January 8, 2016
review on box set
August 31, 2016
Wonderful book! Great struggles and storyline that women can relate to! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews