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The Grand Gesture
When widowed romance author, Mia, meets handsome surfy, Lucas, the last thing she expects is to be asked out on a date. Especially by a guy who’s clearly in his twenties. Mia’s practically forty and raising two daughters. There’s also the fact that she’s not ready to introduce a new man into their lives.
With a little push from her sister, Halley, Mia agrees to meet Lucas for a coffee. She knows it can’t possibly lead anywhere, given the age difference, but as Halley tells her, it’s a good way to get back out there, an in between, before she finds love again. Although Mia has no intention of ever falling in love again. She had her one true love and she lost him.
But there’s no denying that after two years of talking to her dead husband, Lucas has brought Mia back to life. Though nothing about this new relationship is straightforward, and Mia is sure it can’t be something that lasts… Or can it?
With a little push from her sister, Halley, Mia agrees to meet Lucas for a coffee. She knows it can’t possibly lead anywhere, given the age difference, but as Halley tells her, it’s a good way to get back out there, an in between, before she finds love again. Although Mia has no intention of ever falling in love again. She had her one true love and she lost him.
But there’s no denying that after two years of talking to her dead husband, Lucas has brought Mia back to life. Though nothing about this new relationship is straightforward, and Mia is sure it can’t be something that lasts… Or can it?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
4 people are currently reading
9313 people want to read
About the author
Emily Brott
6 books84 followersEmily is the author of fiction novels, The Switch Theory, Everything You Need To Know and her most recent release The Grand Gesture. Her novels cover several women's fiction genres - family dramas, domestic suspense and romance. Each of her books have been inspired by either a dream, one of her paintings or a chance meeting and the character's worlds begin to grow in her mind until their stories have to be told.
She is also the author of Have Your Cake, a healthy baking cookbook where all recipes are made with no butter, no added sugar and no white flour, published in 2011, and Healthy Home Cooking For Kids, published in 2013.
Emily lives In Melbourne, Australia with her family and in her spare time she loves to paint.
https://www.facebook.com/emilybrottau...
https://www.instagram.com/emilybrotta...
She is also the author of Have Your Cake, a healthy baking cookbook where all recipes are made with no butter, no added sugar and no white flour, published in 2011, and Healthy Home Cooking For Kids, published in 2013.
Emily lives In Melbourne, Australia with her family and in her spare time she loves to paint.
https://www.facebook.com/emilybrottau...
https://www.instagram.com/emilybrotta...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 4, 2024
Loved it! RTC ❤️
June 19, 2024
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
The Grand Gesture by Emily Brott is an absolutely gorgeous page-turning bookish romance story and is told in a fresh, realistic and sensitive style. This is the third book Emily has published and the writing has excelled each time! It’s not often a book makes me emotional but I had happy tears reading this one, the writing is really immersive and gives you all the feels, I loved it.
During her book launch author Mia Stanton meets handsome surfie guy Lucas who is getting a book signed for his mother who unfortunately couldn’t be at the bookstore for the launch. This was such a great bookish meet-cute. 💕 I enjoy reading books about books and it’s a bonus when the protagonist is an author who shares her writing experiences.
I loved Mia’s relatable character and her challenges dating a younger man and the way she deals with her grieving. There were such caring scenes and it was wonderful to feel the emotions of a mother trying to do the dating thing yet making absolutely sure her children’s happiness comes first. Even if romance isn’t your favourite genre you’ll love this!
Thank you so much to the lovely Emily Brott for the gifted copy
The Grand Gesture by Emily Brott is an absolutely gorgeous page-turning bookish romance story and is told in a fresh, realistic and sensitive style. This is the third book Emily has published and the writing has excelled each time! It’s not often a book makes me emotional but I had happy tears reading this one, the writing is really immersive and gives you all the feels, I loved it.
During her book launch author Mia Stanton meets handsome surfie guy Lucas who is getting a book signed for his mother who unfortunately couldn’t be at the bookstore for the launch. This was such a great bookish meet-cute. 💕 I enjoy reading books about books and it’s a bonus when the protagonist is an author who shares her writing experiences.
I loved Mia’s relatable character and her challenges dating a younger man and the way she deals with her grieving. There were such caring scenes and it was wonderful to feel the emotions of a mother trying to do the dating thing yet making absolutely sure her children’s happiness comes first. Even if romance isn’t your favourite genre you’ll love this!
Thank you so much to the lovely Emily Brott for the gifted copy
July 2, 2024
I’ve never read anything by this author, but I will read everything else she has written. I loved this book and the characters.
June 9, 2024
Although romance novels aren't my usual genre, I was delighted when Emily contacted me to ask if I'd be interested to read and review her latest book, The Grand Gesture.
In fact I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I adored this cosy and fun read I didn't want it to end. I was utterly captivated by Emily's writing, it flowed so naturally and transported me completely into Mia's world. This sweet story was filled with fun, wonderful and realistic characters and gave me all the emotions! I found it dealt with real life issues very well too.
This is Emily's third novel and by far my favourite! I really enjoyed her previous two books also; The Switch Theory, and Everything You Need to Know.
I'll be there with bells on for her next book, in fact, I would love to a see a sequel to The Grand Gesture! 💞
In fact I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I adored this cosy and fun read I didn't want it to end. I was utterly captivated by Emily's writing, it flowed so naturally and transported me completely into Mia's world. This sweet story was filled with fun, wonderful and realistic characters and gave me all the emotions! I found it dealt with real life issues very well too.
This is Emily's third novel and by far my favourite! I really enjoyed her previous two books also; The Switch Theory, and Everything You Need to Know.
I'll be there with bells on for her next book, in fact, I would love to a see a sequel to The Grand Gesture! 💞
May 27, 2024
This book is about Mia, an author and mother of two who meets a younger guy that she connects with right away. This book had its moments that I thought were done well, like Mia processing grief. But I did feel like I wanted more from the meet cute and I wasn’t a fan of multiple break ups in the story.
This is one I would recommend to people who enjoy age gap (she’s older) and finding to love again.
Thank you to the author for gifting this book to me in exchange for an honest review.
This is one I would recommend to people who enjoy age gap (she’s older) and finding to love again.
Thank you to the author for gifting this book to me in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2024
When I first read the synopsis of The Grand Gesture, I immediately thought of the book The Idea of You. I don't remember everything about that book but I do know it's about an age gap romance where the woman is older, around 40, and the man is only about 18. It was also spicy.
The Grand Gesture is also an age gap romance, but has far less sizzle, it's closed door which definitely has more mass appeal. I also liked that in this book the young man is older than 18, although still a young adult.
The Grand Gesture is a lovely romance that deals with real problems of being a single parent after the death of a partner. It's a emotional story that tugs at your heart. The main characters are fantastic and the supporting characters are extremely well developed.
This is the 2nd book I have read by her and she has written a beautiful romance!
I really loved it
The Grand Gesture is also an age gap romance, but has far less sizzle, it's closed door which definitely has more mass appeal. I also liked that in this book the young man is older than 18, although still a young adult.
The Grand Gesture is a lovely romance that deals with real problems of being a single parent after the death of a partner. It's a emotional story that tugs at your heart. The main characters are fantastic and the supporting characters are extremely well developed.
This is the 2nd book I have read by her and she has written a beautiful romance!
I really loved it
July 28, 2024
The Grand Gesture starts with a meet cute between author Mia and the 13 years younger Lucas who is lining up to get one of Mia’s books signed for his mother. Lucas asks Mia for coffee and Mia baulks at the idea - not feeling quite ready to step out and meet someone after the death of her husband Noah two years prior. Mia also has her kids to think of and she’s not feeling ready to introduce a new man into their lives.
What follows eventually is Mia and Lucas dating and Mia continuing with the back and forth in her own head about moving on with Lucas, and saying a final goodbye to Noah. The reader gets a real sense of her loss and grief and her ever so mindful care for her children’s hearts. Lucas sadly gets the rough end of the stick - but there’s never any doubt about Lucas’ intentions towards Mia.
This is a nice, somewhat emotional read. There’s alot of doubt from Mia that has her in her own head and talking to her dead husband that didn’t work so well for me. I felt a little more could have been made of the emotional connection between Lucas and Mia - as I felt this would have been what was the deal breaker for Mia given her situation. I just felt there was a distance and not quite the connection and it kind of dimmed Lucas’ character a fraction. I also got a bit distracted by some of the dialogue and Mia’s jaunt to find herself. I did love the wrap up at the end which made the last quarter of the book worth it.
Thanks to Emily Brott for sending me a copy of this book to read.
What follows eventually is Mia and Lucas dating and Mia continuing with the back and forth in her own head about moving on with Lucas, and saying a final goodbye to Noah. The reader gets a real sense of her loss and grief and her ever so mindful care for her children’s hearts. Lucas sadly gets the rough end of the stick - but there’s never any doubt about Lucas’ intentions towards Mia.
This is a nice, somewhat emotional read. There’s alot of doubt from Mia that has her in her own head and talking to her dead husband that didn’t work so well for me. I felt a little more could have been made of the emotional connection between Lucas and Mia - as I felt this would have been what was the deal breaker for Mia given her situation. I just felt there was a distance and not quite the connection and it kind of dimmed Lucas’ character a fraction. I also got a bit distracted by some of the dialogue and Mia’s jaunt to find herself. I did love the wrap up at the end which made the last quarter of the book worth it.
Thanks to Emily Brott for sending me a copy of this book to read.
June 9, 2024
The Grand Gesture is a romance at heart, but it is really so much more. Romance author, Mia, lost her husband in a tragic accident two years ago. With two children to think about, she has no interest in dating and she knows that no one could ever replace Noah in her heart. When she meets surfer, Lucas, at her book launch, she does not expect him to ask her out, especially considering he is so much younger. With encouragement from her sister, Halley, Mia agrees to meet him for coffee, even though she knows it can’t go anywhere. Despite all the obstacles, Mia cannot deny that she is attracted to Lucas, but how can she navigate this new relationship when there are so many challenges?
Emily has hit it out of the park with the sensitive and realistic storyline. The main characters were both amazing and I just wanted things to work out for them. I don’t really do the book boyfriend thing, but if I did Lucas would be it. Sensitive, caring, thoughtful, loyal and of course a hot surfy, he’s exactly what Mia needs to help her move forward with living. I loved that Emily portrayed Mia as a fantastic mum putting her kids’ happiness before her own. So often in books, the parenting aspect is glossed over, in favour of romance, but this was very believable.
Emily you have written another amazing story that had me invested in these characters and their happiness.
Emily has hit it out of the park with the sensitive and realistic storyline. The main characters were both amazing and I just wanted things to work out for them. I don’t really do the book boyfriend thing, but if I did Lucas would be it. Sensitive, caring, thoughtful, loyal and of course a hot surfy, he’s exactly what Mia needs to help her move forward with living. I loved that Emily portrayed Mia as a fantastic mum putting her kids’ happiness before her own. So often in books, the parenting aspect is glossed over, in favour of romance, but this was very believable.
Emily you have written another amazing story that had me invested in these characters and their happiness.
June 22, 2024
Forty-year-old widowed romance author and a mother of two, Mia, didn’t expect to be asked out on a date by a much younger Lucas. With a little push from her sister, Mia decided to give this possibility of a relationship a go, even though she knew it couldn’t last, could it?
Emily kept surprising me with her level of writing maturity with each book she churned out. This one immediately hooked me from the first chapter, and was so easy to get through.
I loved the level of details included in the book. Each mundane moment Mia had with Lucas and her daughters brought me closer to her character, including when Lucas offered soy sauce for her sushi! Lucas was the perfect leading man in the book, he was mature for his age (important, especially given the age-gap factor), and was perfect for Mia. One thing I would’ve wanted to hear more was his thought process on joining Mia’s family (as opposed to ‘building’ his own).
While there was a scene that was a bit out of character in the third act IMHO, I loved Mia’s journey throughout the book, and I was satisfied with the way it ended. The last chapter tucked at my heart strings, which was how I knew I was fully invested in Mia’s story.
This was another solid book from Emily. I can’t wait to read her next one!
(Thanks to the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
Emily kept surprising me with her level of writing maturity with each book she churned out. This one immediately hooked me from the first chapter, and was so easy to get through.
I loved the level of details included in the book. Each mundane moment Mia had with Lucas and her daughters brought me closer to her character, including when Lucas offered soy sauce for her sushi! Lucas was the perfect leading man in the book, he was mature for his age (important, especially given the age-gap factor), and was perfect for Mia. One thing I would’ve wanted to hear more was his thought process on joining Mia’s family (as opposed to ‘building’ his own).
While there was a scene that was a bit out of character in the third act IMHO, I loved Mia’s journey throughout the book, and I was satisfied with the way it ended. The last chapter tucked at my heart strings, which was how I knew I was fully invested in Mia’s story.
This was another solid book from Emily. I can’t wait to read her next one!
(Thanks to the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
June 1, 2024
I absolutely adored this book, I didn’t want it to end! A beautiful romance story
Mia is a very successful Australian author. She has 2 children, Ivy 14, and Piper 10. It’s been 2 years since she lost the love of her life and her daughter’s father Noah.
Her first book since Noah’s passing has just released and at the book launch she meets a handsome twenty something surfer named Lucas. Sparks fly straight away, but Mia is too concerned about the age difference to take anything seriously.
Always putting her children first, Mia is worried it’s too soon since Noah’s death. With some gentle nudging from her sister, she finally agrees to go on a date with Lucas. The date is wonderful, conversation flows effortlessly. But can a relationship work with a big age gap? Is Mia ready to find happiness for herself
I loved everything about this wonderful book, the story, Mia and Lucas are fabulous characters.
Emily touched on the guilt Mia felt for moving on from Noah and how she was navigating this new chapter in her life, plus the complexity with her children so eloquently
Such a well written, heartfelt, very enjoyable romance book
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to review
Mia is a very successful Australian author. She has 2 children, Ivy 14, and Piper 10. It’s been 2 years since she lost the love of her life and her daughter’s father Noah.
Her first book since Noah’s passing has just released and at the book launch she meets a handsome twenty something surfer named Lucas. Sparks fly straight away, but Mia is too concerned about the age difference to take anything seriously.
Always putting her children first, Mia is worried it’s too soon since Noah’s death. With some gentle nudging from her sister, she finally agrees to go on a date with Lucas. The date is wonderful, conversation flows effortlessly. But can a relationship work with a big age gap? Is Mia ready to find happiness for herself
I loved everything about this wonderful book, the story, Mia and Lucas are fabulous characters.
Emily touched on the guilt Mia felt for moving on from Noah and how she was navigating this new chapter in her life, plus the complexity with her children so eloquently
Such a well written, heartfelt, very enjoyable romance book
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to review
May 28, 2024
Oh my heart. What a beautiful book! Where are all my romance book lovers?? This book is for you!
From page 3 I was hooked. An author, in book store, at a book signing, meeting a spunky surfer. This was the perfect start for me and it just continued throughout the book.
I loved watching Lucas and Mia get to know each other. Despite their age difference, they were the perfect match and I adored Lucas so much! Ahh I want more!!
There’s always that big moment of introducing your new partner to family and friends, but the trickiest is always when there’s children involved. I loved how Emily dealt with this in the book, it was perfect.
I absolutely loved this book! There were some frustrations (i will keep it spoiler free) but it can’t always be smooth sailing can it? Just like life.
Do yourself a favour and got get this book if you enjoy a sweet romance!
Thank you so much Emily for sending me a copy, I couldn’t put it down!
From page 3 I was hooked. An author, in book store, at a book signing, meeting a spunky surfer. This was the perfect start for me and it just continued throughout the book.
I loved watching Lucas and Mia get to know each other. Despite their age difference, they were the perfect match and I adored Lucas so much! Ahh I want more!!
There’s always that big moment of introducing your new partner to family and friends, but the trickiest is always when there’s children involved. I loved how Emily dealt with this in the book, it was perfect.
I absolutely loved this book! There were some frustrations (i will keep it spoiler free) but it can’t always be smooth sailing can it? Just like life.
Do yourself a favour and got get this book if you enjoy a sweet romance!
Thank you so much Emily for sending me a copy, I couldn’t put it down!
June 3, 2024
This is the third book I’ve read by Emily and she just keeps getting better. Show casing what a versatile writer she is in different genres we are treated to a romance with The Grand Gesture. I loved Mia and Lucas right from the start with their awkward meet cute and enjoyed getting to know them, their families and friends.
The path to romance is never easy and this case with had a reverse age gap, a grieving mother of two who’s not quite ready to move on and a family member with mental health issues. I really enjoyed how Emily explored these issues with depth and care. Mia’s journey was quite an emotional one and you felt it along with her. Both the characters had some friends and family around them. I particularly enjoyed Mia’s straight talking sister Halley and how she wasn’t afraid to push Mia. I always enjoy books about books and writing and enjoyed seeing hearing about Mia’s writing process. I did wonder at times how much of Mia was Emily at times. There was probably one break up too many for me but the grand gesture at the end certainly made up for it! I can’t wait to see what Emily comes up with next.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of the book.
The path to romance is never easy and this case with had a reverse age gap, a grieving mother of two who’s not quite ready to move on and a family member with mental health issues. I really enjoyed how Emily explored these issues with depth and care. Mia’s journey was quite an emotional one and you felt it along with her. Both the characters had some friends and family around them. I particularly enjoyed Mia’s straight talking sister Halley and how she wasn’t afraid to push Mia. I always enjoy books about books and writing and enjoyed seeing hearing about Mia’s writing process. I did wonder at times how much of Mia was Emily at times. There was probably one break up too many for me but the grand gesture at the end certainly made up for it! I can’t wait to see what Emily comes up with next.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of the book.
June 10, 2024
The perfect second chance romance to kick off the summer…and the feel good read I really needed right now! 🩷
Thank you Emily Brott for my gifted copy. It means more to me than you know!
Thank you Emily Brott for my gifted copy. It means more to me than you know!
July 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book, the characters were relatable and you could feel the love in the story. It was written well.
May 11, 2024
Thankyou so much to the Emily Brott for sending me a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Mia who is a mother of two girls, romance author and a widow. After two years of grieving the unexpected death of her husband Noah, Mia attends a book launch and meets Lucas. With encouragement from her sister Halley, Mia begins dating Lucas. But falling in love again after the death of her husband, brings many challenges.
This book was beautiful. I loved every second of it and devoured it. Mia is such a relatable and real character. She is still grieving but trying to navigate a new life for herself and daughters. Lucas is such a loveable and patient guy. I really loved their dynamic. Also absolutely loved the age gap element. I loved the relationship between Mia and her daughters and the introduction of Lucas to their family. I liked that Mia went through many steps forward and back towards her relationship with Lucas as it made it more realistic. I think the fact that she isn't just trying to find love again but also herself again after grieving and parenting makes this book have so much depth. It was just such a lovely story, easy to binge and both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Always love a romance set in Australia too. I highly recommend this one!
This book follows Mia who is a mother of two girls, romance author and a widow. After two years of grieving the unexpected death of her husband Noah, Mia attends a book launch and meets Lucas. With encouragement from her sister Halley, Mia begins dating Lucas. But falling in love again after the death of her husband, brings many challenges.
This book was beautiful. I loved every second of it and devoured it. Mia is such a relatable and real character. She is still grieving but trying to navigate a new life for herself and daughters. Lucas is such a loveable and patient guy. I really loved their dynamic. Also absolutely loved the age gap element. I loved the relationship between Mia and her daughters and the introduction of Lucas to their family. I liked that Mia went through many steps forward and back towards her relationship with Lucas as it made it more realistic. I think the fact that she isn't just trying to find love again but also herself again after grieving and parenting makes this book have so much depth. It was just such a lovely story, easy to binge and both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Always love a romance set in Australia too. I highly recommend this one!
January 25, 2025
Loved it!
June 10, 2024
A book about an older author and a younger surfer….yes please!!
Mia, a widowed mother and romance author.
Lucas, a younger, carefree surfer.
They meet at a book launch, and soon start going on dates. There is chemistry, but is chemistry enough when there is an age gap, emotional baggage, and people at two different stages of life.
This book is full of ups and downs, it tackles some heavy issues, but does have some fun romance in the mix too.
I have been lucky enough to read all three of Emily’s books and I have enjoyed them all.
Mia, a widowed mother and romance author.
Lucas, a younger, carefree surfer.
They meet at a book launch, and soon start going on dates. There is chemistry, but is chemistry enough when there is an age gap, emotional baggage, and people at two different stages of life.
This book is full of ups and downs, it tackles some heavy issues, but does have some fun romance in the mix too.
I have been lucky enough to read all three of Emily’s books and I have enjoyed them all.
June 7, 2024
How beautiful was this read🥰 This book captured my attention instantly and I couldn’t put it down. I read 180 pages in one day (that’s a huge effort for me🙊)
I just wanted to know more and wanted to see where this love story went. Mia and Lucas’ love story was no walk in the park, it had many ups and downs and was so realistic which I loved. After Mia’s devastating loss she was able to find her spark again. I also love that this story started and ended at the same location. Mia is an author, I really enjoyed hearing about her writing process, it really made me appreciate all the amazing authors in this world and how lucky we are to have such wonderful storytellers in our lives.
I know nothing about surfing but liked reading about it throughout this book. You’ll also find that this book talks about grief however the main messaging of finding happiness after loosing a loved one was truly beautiful.
If you haven’t read any of Emily’s books then please check them out, her writing style flows so nicely and I love how she captivates her readers from the beginning. I fell in love with each character. All of Emily’s characters are so loveable and relatable.
Congratulations Emily on another amazing book, will we get to read more about Mia and Lucas in the future?
And a big well done to Emily’s daughter Jess for the gorgeous cover.
I just wanted to know more and wanted to see where this love story went. Mia and Lucas’ love story was no walk in the park, it had many ups and downs and was so realistic which I loved. After Mia’s devastating loss she was able to find her spark again. I also love that this story started and ended at the same location. Mia is an author, I really enjoyed hearing about her writing process, it really made me appreciate all the amazing authors in this world and how lucky we are to have such wonderful storytellers in our lives.
I know nothing about surfing but liked reading about it throughout this book. You’ll also find that this book talks about grief however the main messaging of finding happiness after loosing a loved one was truly beautiful.
If you haven’t read any of Emily’s books then please check them out, her writing style flows so nicely and I love how she captivates her readers from the beginning. I fell in love with each character. All of Emily’s characters are so loveable and relatable.
Congratulations Emily on another amazing book, will we get to read more about Mia and Lucas in the future?
And a big well done to Emily’s daughter Jess for the gorgeous cover.
July 2, 2024
This is my third book by Emily Brott and I'm amazed at how different each one has been! All three have heart and beloved characters to really connect with.
Read this one if you love:
🏄♂️ A cute meet cute
🏄♂️ Single parent
🏄♂️ Age gap
🏄♂️ Author and surfer combo
🏄♂️ Roller-coaster romance
When widowed author Mia meets surfer Lucas, the last thing she expects is the sparks of attraction and to be asked on a date. He's young. She's got 2 daughters. It can't work ..... can it?
Also ... I love that Emily's daughter designed this gorgeous cover 🥰
Read this one if you love:
🏄♂️ A cute meet cute
🏄♂️ Single parent
🏄♂️ Age gap
🏄♂️ Author and surfer combo
🏄♂️ Roller-coaster romance
When widowed author Mia meets surfer Lucas, the last thing she expects is the sparks of attraction and to be asked on a date. He's young. She's got 2 daughters. It can't work ..... can it?
Also ... I love that Emily's daughter designed this gorgeous cover 🥰
August 3, 2024
First of all: Thank you so much Emily for giftig me a copy of your third book.
I was super excited but also a little anxious when Emily reached out. A big age gap and a grieving wife… could that be a book I could get lost in? Turned out it could be.
While the book contains heavy topics Emily still chose to write a positive one : honest, sensitive and at times definitely funny (cheers to Mia‘s sister Halley. She was the best!)
I really often do struggle with huge age gaps when one of them is still very young. But Lucas achieved to convince me that maturity doesn’t come with age. He was such a sweetheart and the way he helped Mia finding to trust and open up again was overwhelming. Not to mention him bonding with Mia‘s girls and creating a „safety bubble“ for all three of them. The situation you are in in real life has a huge impact on the way you connect with books I think and with this one I could relate big time.
And then there was Mia: Heartbroken, feeling betrayed by life not ready to move on. Seeing her crawl out of her shell and gaining strength starting to loosen the imaginary strings with which she tried to keep her dead husband Noah close was heartbreaking and made me cry. Big tears followed by bright smiles and a happy heart reading about how she gained trust and chased happiness again (for her and her kids). She was such a brave woman, her girls two wonderful souls and Lucas the perfect match.
This books sums up the rules for life pretty perfectly:
☀️ Never give up!
☀️ Give yourself the time you need!
☀️ Let new people in (even if it feels almost too overwhelming)!
And finally:
☀️ You are allowed to be happy again!!☀️
I loved this book and if you haven’t already please do. You won’t regret it!!
★ 𝑯𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒕?
I was super excited but also a little anxious when Emily reached out. A big age gap and a grieving wife… could that be a book I could get lost in? Turned out it could be.
While the book contains heavy topics Emily still chose to write a positive one : honest, sensitive and at times definitely funny (cheers to Mia‘s sister Halley. She was the best!)
I really often do struggle with huge age gaps when one of them is still very young. But Lucas achieved to convince me that maturity doesn’t come with age. He was such a sweetheart and the way he helped Mia finding to trust and open up again was overwhelming. Not to mention him bonding with Mia‘s girls and creating a „safety bubble“ for all three of them. The situation you are in in real life has a huge impact on the way you connect with books I think and with this one I could relate big time.
And then there was Mia: Heartbroken, feeling betrayed by life not ready to move on. Seeing her crawl out of her shell and gaining strength starting to loosen the imaginary strings with which she tried to keep her dead husband Noah close was heartbreaking and made me cry. Big tears followed by bright smiles and a happy heart reading about how she gained trust and chased happiness again (for her and her kids). She was such a brave woman, her girls two wonderful souls and Lucas the perfect match.
This books sums up the rules for life pretty perfectly:
☀️ Never give up!
☀️ Give yourself the time you need!
☀️ Let new people in (even if it feels almost too overwhelming)!
And finally:
☀️ You are allowed to be happy again!!☀️
I loved this book and if you haven’t already please do. You won’t regret it!!
★ 𝑯𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒕?
September 14, 2024
Such a cute book!!! Got to love a sweet romance book.
July 2, 2024
✍️ Romance Author Mia is widowed and raising two daughters after losing her husband to a tragic accident when she meets Lucas who is a surfer and younger than her at a book signing. She hasn't thought much about dating lately after her husband's death but with some coaxing from her sister she decides to give it a try and see what happens.
Upon Commencing the Story I was Instantly Hooked and found the Premise to be very Absorbing and Addictive. I couldn't put it down.
The previous two books of Emily's I read I Completely Enjoyed and once again I felt the same way about this book too. I Appreciated that each one is quite Distinct from the other and features a unique set of characters themes and a profound insight into the world.
I Adored the characters of Mia and Lucas who I believed were well Developed and Executed and simply Unblemished. A picture -perfect Pairing with a Sufficient amount of emotion and energy to create a perfect match.
Filled with Heartfelt Moments, Romance, Grief and Family, this was an inspiring and pragmatic story about the journey of life and love in the midst of difficult times told with a sense of humility and grace.
Highly recommend!
Upon Commencing the Story I was Instantly Hooked and found the Premise to be very Absorbing and Addictive. I couldn't put it down.
The previous two books of Emily's I read I Completely Enjoyed and once again I felt the same way about this book too. I Appreciated that each one is quite Distinct from the other and features a unique set of characters themes and a profound insight into the world.
I Adored the characters of Mia and Lucas who I believed were well Developed and Executed and simply Unblemished. A picture -perfect Pairing with a Sufficient amount of emotion and energy to create a perfect match.
Filled with Heartfelt Moments, Romance, Grief and Family, this was an inspiring and pragmatic story about the journey of life and love in the midst of difficult times told with a sense of humility and grace.
Highly recommend!
June 23, 2024
This was my second "age gap" romance and I unintentionally read both this month. The first made me feel a little "icky", I couldn't relate to any of the story, and I hated the ending. I was worried going into this one that I would feel the same, but I am happy to report that this was sweet and redemptive.
The age gap is more tolerable and the love felt realistic. The MC has a lot of history, guilt, and trauma to deal with and while that felt exhausting at some points, it felt very fair to her late husband.
Now, I don't personally know that I would be willing to date like the MC did while I had teenage children but hopefully I will never be in that predicament.
Overall, this was a solid romance with lots of sweet moments.
The age gap is more tolerable and the love felt realistic. The MC has a lot of history, guilt, and trauma to deal with and while that felt exhausting at some points, it felt very fair to her late husband.
Now, I don't personally know that I would be willing to date like the MC did while I had teenage children but hopefully I will never be in that predicament.
Overall, this was a solid romance with lots of sweet moments.
May 21, 2024
Widowed romance author, Mia, has a meet cute with a handsome surfer and while only in his 20's, they hit it off right away. Though Mia is 38 and raising her two daughters, she gives it a chance. But is she really ready to move on from her one true love?
I am always drawn to novels about authors or books, so I must admit I was immediately engrossed. This was such a beautiful heartfelt novel and I found myself really cheering on the main character. The family dynamics were so realistic and the Grand Gesture was another uplifting read by the author. 4.5* 💐
I am always drawn to novels about authors or books, so I must admit I was immediately engrossed. This was such a beautiful heartfelt novel and I found myself really cheering on the main character. The family dynamics were so realistic and the Grand Gesture was another uplifting read by the author. 4.5* 💐
June 23, 2024
I was kinda bored by this book and honestly ended up jumping to the end. It did have a happily ever after though.
August 5, 2024
🌟 The Grand Gesture 🌟
📖 ��𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩:
When widowed romance author Mia meets handsome surfy Lucas at a book launch, the last thing she expects is to be asked on a date. Especially by a guy in his 20s. Mia's practically forty and rating two daughters and the fact that she's not ready to introduce a new man.
With a little push from her sister, Mia agrees to meet with lucas for a coffee. She has no intention of falling in love again, or does she?
💭 𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
•I enjoyed this! Although I have to admit, I am not a fan of age gap romance.
•Putting that trope aside, it was a cosy read and loved how Mia found a way to move on and be happy.
•Filled with second chances, family love, and topics of grief.
•You could feel Mia's struggles and loved that she got a happy ending.
Pick this up if you're into
✔️Age gap romance
✔️Widowed
✔️Family
✔️Happy endings
My rating: 4/5
⭐⭐⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Emily Brott for gifting me a copy ♡
📖 ��𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩:
When widowed romance author Mia meets handsome surfy Lucas at a book launch, the last thing she expects is to be asked on a date. Especially by a guy in his 20s. Mia's practically forty and rating two daughters and the fact that she's not ready to introduce a new man.
With a little push from her sister, Mia agrees to meet with lucas for a coffee. She has no intention of falling in love again, or does she?
💭 𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
•I enjoyed this! Although I have to admit, I am not a fan of age gap romance.
•Putting that trope aside, it was a cosy read and loved how Mia found a way to move on and be happy.
•Filled with second chances, family love, and topics of grief.
•You could feel Mia's struggles and loved that she got a happy ending.
Pick this up if you're into
✔️Age gap romance
✔️Widowed
✔️Family
✔️Happy endings
My rating: 4/5
⭐⭐⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Emily Brott for gifting me a copy ♡
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