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Full Circle: A Forty Year Love Story
What if, in another universe, you and I could find one another again?
Do you remember your first love? Regardless of how old you were… if you close your eyes can you remember the feeling from the first time you saw him or her? Was it an immediate hit to your heart? Was it a slow start and then love struck? Was it short lived, lasted for years or for a few, are you lucky to still be together, having that happily ever after story?
Full Circle tells the story of a young carefree Kate who falls in love for the first time at the age of sixteen, fueled by her early teen defiance and through young love's misguided passion to pursue a relationship fraught with ups and downs. As the years pass, Kate navigates the tumultuous waves of young love, facing betrayal, heartache, and pain along the way. With each twist and turn, she grapples with the question of whether she really is enough and if she will ever find true happiness.
With the help of a cast of very special people in her life, the story spans over forty years as Kate rediscovers her inner strength to become stronger, independent and most of all, allows her demons to finally be set free.
Full Circle is a captivating story that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of young love and yearned for a sense of closure and fulfillment.
Do you remember your first love? Regardless of how old you were… if you close your eyes can you remember the feeling from the first time you saw him or her? Was it an immediate hit to your heart? Was it a slow start and then love struck? Was it short lived, lasted for years or for a few, are you lucky to still be together, having that happily ever after story?
Full Circle tells the story of a young carefree Kate who falls in love for the first time at the age of sixteen, fueled by her early teen defiance and through young love's misguided passion to pursue a relationship fraught with ups and downs. As the years pass, Kate navigates the tumultuous waves of young love, facing betrayal, heartache, and pain along the way. With each twist and turn, she grapples with the question of whether she really is enough and if she will ever find true happiness.
With the help of a cast of very special people in her life, the story spans over forty years as Kate rediscovers her inner strength to become stronger, independent and most of all, allows her demons to finally be set free.
Full Circle is a captivating story that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of young love and yearned for a sense of closure and fulfillment.
- GenresRomance
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 30, 2026
This book is so much more than just a love story. It encompasses so much.
The trials and tribulations of life
Trauma
Mental illness
Heartbreak
And so much more.
What I loved most about this story is the FMC finding her way even though she had to claw her way out through all of the hardships she faced. It’s truly a testament to human resiliency and that you can accomplish anything as long as you just show up and keep trying.
The trials and tribulations of life
Trauma
Mental illness
Heartbreak
And so much more.
What I loved most about this story is the FMC finding her way even though she had to claw her way out through all of the hardships she faced. It’s truly a testament to human resiliency and that you can accomplish anything as long as you just show up and keep trying.
February 11, 2026
I don't think I've ever read a book that made me cry as much as this one did. This book has so much sadness in it, but among that sadness, there was love, joy, and hope. It's a coming of age story, first love, and second chances. It will have you hoping that the ending turns out the way you want.
You have Kate who, after years, is finally telling her story to her ex and why she left all those years ago. It is definitely a grab your tissues kind of book. The ending had me bawling tears of sadness and feeling happy at the same time. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I'm so glad I read this book and highly recommend it.
You have Kate who, after years, is finally telling her story to her ex and why she left all those years ago. It is definitely a grab your tissues kind of book. The ending had me bawling tears of sadness and feeling happy at the same time. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I'm so glad I read this book and highly recommend it.
May 2, 2024
Got this free read! Love how the story gradually develops, and I found myself rooting for Kate from all the challenges she faced. It’s heartbreaking and also inspiring. Love is never too late for anybody regardless of age.
October 25, 2025
Full Circle: A Forty Year Love Story by Susan J. Dufner is a deeply touching and introspective novel about love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human heart.
Told through the life of Kate, a woman whose first love leaves an imprint that echoes across decades, this story captures the raw beauty and heartbreak of coming of age, making mistakes, and learning to forgive both others and oneself. Dufner writes with the honesty of someone who understands that love is rarely perfect, but it is always transformative.
Across forty years of joy, betrayal, and redemption, Kate’s journey becomes a mirror for readers reflecting on their own “what ifs” those unforgettable connections that shape who we become. The novel’s emotional authenticity and gentle wisdom remind us that while time changes us, true love has a way of coming full circle.
With its heartfelt realism and universal themes, Full Circle is perfect for readers who loved The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks or One Day by David Nicholls a moving testament to the power of forgiveness, growth, and the loves that never really leave us.
Told through the life of Kate, a woman whose first love leaves an imprint that echoes across decades, this story captures the raw beauty and heartbreak of coming of age, making mistakes, and learning to forgive both others and oneself. Dufner writes with the honesty of someone who understands that love is rarely perfect, but it is always transformative.
Across forty years of joy, betrayal, and redemption, Kate’s journey becomes a mirror for readers reflecting on their own “what ifs” those unforgettable connections that shape who we become. The novel’s emotional authenticity and gentle wisdom remind us that while time changes us, true love has a way of coming full circle.
With its heartfelt realism and universal themes, Full Circle is perfect for readers who loved The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks or One Day by David Nicholls a moving testament to the power of forgiveness, growth, and the loves that never really leave us.
January 31, 2025
I was hooked from the first page! I love how each chapter started with stats of what was going on that particular year. Brought back so many memories.
I loved the characters, especially Kate...this book has me in tears, many happy, some touching and sad.
It was very relatable...and once I started reading, I did not want to out it down. Woke up at 3:30 am this morning, figured I would read until my eyes got tired. At 7:15 I finished the book!!
If you are a Boomer and love "Love" stories
I highly suggest you read this book.
What I loved most, is the author went to the same High School that I did and although we were not close friends...we hung out in similar places and have many mutual friends.
Make sure you have tissues handy 👍
I loved the characters, especially Kate...this book has me in tears, many happy, some touching and sad.
It was very relatable...and once I started reading, I did not want to out it down. Woke up at 3:30 am this morning, figured I would read until my eyes got tired. At 7:15 I finished the book!!
If you are a Boomer and love "Love" stories
I highly suggest you read this book.
What I loved most, is the author went to the same High School that I did and although we were not close friends...we hung out in similar places and have many mutual friends.
Make sure you have tissues handy 👍
April 22, 2026
A Moving Story of Love, Loss, and Second Chances
Overall, this was a good story with an emotional and hopeful arc. Susan Dufner created a beautiful story that spans more than four decades, and the long timeframe helps show the deep history between Kate and Seth. At times, the frequent time jumps made it a little harder to stay grounded in the narrative, and the mid‑story shift toward Walter and Katerina felt like manufactured drama that pulled focus away from the relationships I was most invested in. A solid, heartfelt read overall.
Overall, this was a good story with an emotional and hopeful arc. Susan Dufner created a beautiful story that spans more than four decades, and the long timeframe helps show the deep history between Kate and Seth. At times, the frequent time jumps made it a little harder to stay grounded in the narrative, and the mid‑story shift toward Walter and Katerina felt like manufactured drama that pulled focus away from the relationships I was most invested in. A solid, heartfelt read overall.
July 8, 2024
Loved this book and how it is a tale through time! The beginnings of each chapter were interesting tidbits and I can say that the book had a little bit of everything. Kate was a true heroine and I loved the ending. A must read!!
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May 1, 2024May 1, 2024
May 2, 2024
A relatable story from the author. Love, heartbreak and second chances. Thanks for the free copy.
May 6, 2024
A relatable story from the author. Love, heartbreak and second chances. Thanks for the free copy.
May 19, 2024
Although i did not like the writing much, this book was heartbreaking and inspiring and im glad Kate got her happy ending!
July 2, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book. It was filled with every emotion possible. Laughter, tears, happiness and a reminder to Chairish family and friends.
November 23, 2025
This book is such a roller coaster of emotions, but an incredible story. The author created so many layers throughout the characters, that it made everything interesting.
March 3, 2026
Relatable is what I thought when I read Full Circle. I lost my dad two and a half years ago and having gone through everything with my mom we aren’t quiet where Kate is, but I loved this story.
May 28, 2024
wonderful love story
I typically don’t read live stories but this one peaked my interest. It was so much true to life and life is so short. Make sure you have the tissues available. I hope Susan will be coming out with another love story. She has true talent even though this is her first novel.
I typically don’t read live stories but this one peaked my interest. It was so much true to life and life is so short. Make sure you have the tissues available. I hope Susan will be coming out with another love story. She has true talent even though this is her first novel.
May 4, 2024
Thank you to the team who gifted me this book as part of a giveaway. It was an amazing read. This book so beautifully expressed all the emotions and had me feeling for all the characters. The joy and tears of this read were a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews