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Both Sides of Love
2022 Readers' Favorite Silver medal winner in Women's Fiction2019 IAN Book of the Year Awards for Women's Fiction FinalistBeth has just come face to face with a secret past that could tear her life apart. Every day, Beth Butler is reminded of the accident that left her emotionally and physically scarred. Uncomfortable in public, she devotes her time and energy to caring for her husband and child. To help her out of her isolation, her husband convinces Beth to attend a meeting at her daughter's school. Secluded at the back of the room, Beth is surprised when gorgeous and outgoing Noreen White extends a hand in friendship. The two form a close bond and Beth starts to feel a sense of happiness and solace long missing from her life. As their relationship blossoms, Beth comes face to face with her past and is torn between maintaining her secret or confiding a truth that could tear both her friendship and family apart.
Both Sides of Love explores the power of friendship, the beauty of true love, and one woman's struggle to choose. Candid, humorous at times, and full of surprises, it is a must-read for anyone who has ever loved, lost, and loved again.
Both Sides of Love explores the power of friendship, the beauty of true love, and one woman's struggle to choose. Candid, humorous at times, and full of surprises, it is a must-read for anyone who has ever loved, lost, and loved again.
- GenresRomance
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
About the author
Kimberly Wenzler
5 books78 followersKimberly was born and raised on Long Island where she currently resides with her husband and their two sons. She blogs at www.kimberlywenzler.com using humor to share her personal views on life, reading and writing. Kimberly is currently at work on her next novel. Feel free to drop a line and say hi. She loves visitors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 14, 2017
Lizzie loses everything she holds dear in one devastating moment. She and her best friend Nan are on their way to a party when they get into an accident. Nan doesn't survive and Lizzie is severely injured. She will never look the same as before the accident. She needs numerous surgeries, her face is disfigured and she has a limp. After months of recovering Lizzie is finally ready to get on with her life again, but she has changed. She now calls herself Beth. She's no longer the person she used to be and has therefore broken up with Daniel, her soulmate.
Beth is married and has a daughter. Her husband is a wealthy doctor and on the outside it seems like she's done well for herself. Because her daughter is at school and Beth has nothing else to do she joins the PTA. There Beth finally finds someone she can connect to, the first person she can be partially herself with after the accident, Noreen. Noreen and Beth soon become best friends. However, there's something about Noreen Beth doesn't know straight away and when she finds out it's too late to fix the situation. If Beth wants to stay friends with Noreen she has to pay the ultimate price, will she be able to do this?
Both Sides of Love is a beautiful emotional story. Beth has lost so much, she's a deeply troubled woman and there isn't much happiness in her life. She's kind and caring and she loves her daughter more than anything, but she can never give herself completely to anyone or be open about who she is and what she feels. It's heartbreaking to see how much she's lost in one terrible moment. She isn't the bright successful student with the gorgeous boyfriend any longer and has left the woman who was going to change the world behind. Beth is a wife and mother with a big empty house and a large hole inside of her. Kimberly Wenzler describes her grief in a raw and honest way that often brought tears to my eyes.
Both Sides of Love is a multilayered story about complicated relationships. Noreen is quite a whirlwind and balances Beth's personality very well, so the story never becomes too heavy, which is something I really liked. I kept hoping life would be kinder to Beth eventually and that she'd find some kind of happiness after all the heartbreak she has to go through. Noreen and Beth both have their flaws and issues, but their connection is unbreakable, which is something I absolutely loved. Beth doesn't tell Noreen about the sacrifice she's made, she just gets on with it. She gives what she can give and Noreen takes what she can get, which is a fascinating topic for a story.
Kimberly Wenzler writes about true love and loyal friendship in a fantastic way. Beth will never let anyone see who she truly is, but Noreen constantly manages to challenge her and that makes her come out of her shell a little. Noreen is gorgeous, outspoken, honest and impulsive while Beth is introverted. They are a team and that makes it even harder for Beth when she discovers the link between Noreen and her past. Kimberly Wenzler describes her doubts, reluctance and stubbornness in a great way and I couldn't stop reading because of it. I love a good story about complicated relationships and Both Sides of Love is a book I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this fantastic moving story.
Beth is married and has a daughter. Her husband is a wealthy doctor and on the outside it seems like she's done well for herself. Because her daughter is at school and Beth has nothing else to do she joins the PTA. There Beth finally finds someone she can connect to, the first person she can be partially herself with after the accident, Noreen. Noreen and Beth soon become best friends. However, there's something about Noreen Beth doesn't know straight away and when she finds out it's too late to fix the situation. If Beth wants to stay friends with Noreen she has to pay the ultimate price, will she be able to do this?
Both Sides of Love is a beautiful emotional story. Beth has lost so much, she's a deeply troubled woman and there isn't much happiness in her life. She's kind and caring and she loves her daughter more than anything, but she can never give herself completely to anyone or be open about who she is and what she feels. It's heartbreaking to see how much she's lost in one terrible moment. She isn't the bright successful student with the gorgeous boyfriend any longer and has left the woman who was going to change the world behind. Beth is a wife and mother with a big empty house and a large hole inside of her. Kimberly Wenzler describes her grief in a raw and honest way that often brought tears to my eyes.
Both Sides of Love is a multilayered story about complicated relationships. Noreen is quite a whirlwind and balances Beth's personality very well, so the story never becomes too heavy, which is something I really liked. I kept hoping life would be kinder to Beth eventually and that she'd find some kind of happiness after all the heartbreak she has to go through. Noreen and Beth both have their flaws and issues, but their connection is unbreakable, which is something I absolutely loved. Beth doesn't tell Noreen about the sacrifice she's made, she just gets on with it. She gives what she can give and Noreen takes what she can get, which is a fascinating topic for a story.
Kimberly Wenzler writes about true love and loyal friendship in a fantastic way. Beth will never let anyone see who she truly is, but Noreen constantly manages to challenge her and that makes her come out of her shell a little. Noreen is gorgeous, outspoken, honest and impulsive while Beth is introverted. They are a team and that makes it even harder for Beth when she discovers the link between Noreen and her past. Kimberly Wenzler describes her doubts, reluctance and stubbornness in a great way and I couldn't stop reading because of it. I love a good story about complicated relationships and Both Sides of Love is a book I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this fantastic moving story.
June 22, 2015
Both Sides Of Love is a true Love Story. It is set in Pennsylvania and opens with a scene from 1978. Lizzie is 21 she has her life ahead of her studying environmental science, she has a wonderful boyfriend whom she plans to spend the rest of her life with and she has the support of her best friend Nancy.
With Daniel away in England, Lizzie and Nancy are off to a party when they are involved in a tragic traffic accident.
Fast forward to 1990 and we meet Beth, a shy woman married to Alan with a young daughter. Forcing herself out of her comfort zone Beth heads for her first PTA meeting. Very conscious of her limp, and scarring from the accident, Beth is a different person. She changed her name and after a long time was persuaded to pick up her life by her devoted father.
At the meeting Beth meets another new Mum, Noreen and the two soon become firm friends. They are both good for each other and the friendship blossoms. But it's a friendship which will be greatly tested for more than one reason.
This is a classic love story, one which is very well written, it takes you on highs and lows, it brought tears to my eyes and definitely had me routing for Beth as she faced all her hurdles.
With Daniel away in England, Lizzie and Nancy are off to a party when they are involved in a tragic traffic accident.
Fast forward to 1990 and we meet Beth, a shy woman married to Alan with a young daughter. Forcing herself out of her comfort zone Beth heads for her first PTA meeting. Very conscious of her limp, and scarring from the accident, Beth is a different person. She changed her name and after a long time was persuaded to pick up her life by her devoted father.
At the meeting Beth meets another new Mum, Noreen and the two soon become firm friends. They are both good for each other and the friendship blossoms. But it's a friendship which will be greatly tested for more than one reason.
This is a classic love story, one which is very well written, it takes you on highs and lows, it brought tears to my eyes and definitely had me routing for Beth as she faced all her hurdles.
June 2, 2019
The story in this novel is nothing short of spectacular. This book takes a look at one woman and almost her entire life from her early twenties, to when her hair starts turning grey. Lizzie thought she had it all when she was young: she was beautiful, had an amazing BFF, and an incredible boyfriend named Daniel who she intended to marry after he returned from a summer in England. All of that changes one tragic night when she is involved in a car accident which leaves her physically scarred to the point where she doesn’t recognize herself in the mirror anymore. She is also left mentally scarred, as her best friend didn’t survive the accident. Rather than force her boyfriend to return to a crippled and unattractive woman, she sends him a letter effectively ending their relationship without telling him about the accident. Years later, Lizzie has changed her name to Beth, she has a husband, young daughter, and a noticeable limp. One day at a PTA meeting she meets another mother named Noreen who she immediately connects with. She has finally found a friend who she can confide in, and even act herself with, just like with her former friend who died so many years ago. There’s just one problem. It turns out that Noreen is married to Daniel.
Good God this book was intense. Lizzie/Beth immediately recognizes Daniel as the former love of her life, but doesn’t know if he recognizes her, and she constantly struggles with the decision of whether or not to reveal her true identity as the woman he has always longed for. These two shared such a brief romance when they were young, and yet they have always wondered throughout the years what might have been. What made this book incredible is that all of the characters, not just Beth and Daniel, seemed so unbelievably real. You really connect with each and every one. I think the main contributing factor to this was because the book was told from multiple character’s point of view. You experience all of their ups and downs along with them, including the daily struggles and concerns which we all go through in life. Finishing this book was a very interesting experience. I remember taking a deep breath and thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe something so incredible could happen to one person.” I literally had to remind myself that I’d just read a piece of fiction, and that the characters weren’t real people.
The story may have been exceptional, but the writing was superb. This book was expertly thought out. You could tell that a lot of time and effort went into evaluating the actions and decisions of each character. When first reading the description of the book I initially thought, “Well, Beth will eventually tell Daniel who she is, he’ll leave his wife, she’ll leave her husband, and they’ll walk off into the sunset together.” Oh no my friends. That would simply be too easy, and pretty unrealistic. This book explores the deeper emotions behind the decision-making process of each character, and we realize that Beth’s hesitancy towards revealing her true identity has more to do with her dedicated friendship with Noreen rather than her feelings for Daniel. That is why I LOVED this book! We are presented with the inner-workings of relationships; not just those between the two romantic leads, but those with their friends and family as well. Both Sides of Love also expands beyond this study of people and relationships to question what it really means to live a full life. Beth has always regretted her decision to leave Daniel, but does that mean that everything that’s happened to her afterwards means nothing? She has an amazing daughter, a loving husband, and a best friend in Noreen. What more could she ask for for herself?
This entire book is a build-up in that it literally doesn’t end until the very last page. Oddly enough, this almost made me feel that it ended too quickly. What I wouldn’t give for an epilogue, or an afterward of some kind. I’m not asking for much, just a couple of pages to see what our characters are up to 5 years down the road. Looks like I just didn’t want this book to end! Consider yourself warned though that it can get depressing at times. The book spans over many years, people die, lives are affected, and if you ever happen to cry while reading a sad book, then you will need a freakin’ barrel of tissues to get through this one. I’m talking ugly crying here people. All in all though, I personally felt that it was completely worth it. I can’t applaud the author enough for her mastery with words, and for all of the thought put into each and every sentence. How is this your first novel?! Bravo!
Good God this book was intense. Lizzie/Beth immediately recognizes Daniel as the former love of her life, but doesn’t know if he recognizes her, and she constantly struggles with the decision of whether or not to reveal her true identity as the woman he has always longed for. These two shared such a brief romance when they were young, and yet they have always wondered throughout the years what might have been. What made this book incredible is that all of the characters, not just Beth and Daniel, seemed so unbelievably real. You really connect with each and every one. I think the main contributing factor to this was because the book was told from multiple character’s point of view. You experience all of their ups and downs along with them, including the daily struggles and concerns which we all go through in life. Finishing this book was a very interesting experience. I remember taking a deep breath and thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe something so incredible could happen to one person.” I literally had to remind myself that I’d just read a piece of fiction, and that the characters weren’t real people.
The story may have been exceptional, but the writing was superb. This book was expertly thought out. You could tell that a lot of time and effort went into evaluating the actions and decisions of each character. When first reading the description of the book I initially thought, “Well, Beth will eventually tell Daniel who she is, he’ll leave his wife, she’ll leave her husband, and they’ll walk off into the sunset together.” Oh no my friends. That would simply be too easy, and pretty unrealistic. This book explores the deeper emotions behind the decision-making process of each character, and we realize that Beth’s hesitancy towards revealing her true identity has more to do with her dedicated friendship with Noreen rather than her feelings for Daniel. That is why I LOVED this book! We are presented with the inner-workings of relationships; not just those between the two romantic leads, but those with their friends and family as well. Both Sides of Love also expands beyond this study of people and relationships to question what it really means to live a full life. Beth has always regretted her decision to leave Daniel, but does that mean that everything that’s happened to her afterwards means nothing? She has an amazing daughter, a loving husband, and a best friend in Noreen. What more could she ask for for herself?
This entire book is a build-up in that it literally doesn’t end until the very last page. Oddly enough, this almost made me feel that it ended too quickly. What I wouldn’t give for an epilogue, or an afterward of some kind. I’m not asking for much, just a couple of pages to see what our characters are up to 5 years down the road. Looks like I just didn’t want this book to end! Consider yourself warned though that it can get depressing at times. The book spans over many years, people die, lives are affected, and if you ever happen to cry while reading a sad book, then you will need a freakin’ barrel of tissues to get through this one. I’m talking ugly crying here people. All in all though, I personally felt that it was completely worth it. I can’t applaud the author enough for her mastery with words, and for all of the thought put into each and every sentence. How is this your first novel?! Bravo!
May 24, 2014
I read this book in one weekend. The story of Beth, Noreen, and Daniel is engaging and definitely tugged at the heartstrings. The characters are so well developed that I felt like I was a part of their lives. The title, Both Sides of Love, is an interesting choice as this is not your typical love story; the book explores the love of a deep and lasting friendship, the love of a good man, and that once in a lifetime love we all hope to have in our lives. The story moves at a quick pace.This book would be a great book club selection.
September 10, 2014
I received a copy of Both Sides of Love through Goodreads First Reads. It is a wonderfully written book that I could not tear myself away from. I ended up finishing it in one sitting - there was no way I was going to be able to sleep without knowing what became of Lizzie and Daniel. The characters are so easily relatable that you can't help but love all of them. I laughed and cried along with them as their stories unfolded. Kimberly Wenzler tells a beautiful story of love, loss and friendship that makes me look forward to her next book already!
October 22, 2014
Thanks to Goodreads First Reads and the author, Kimberly Wenzler, I get the pleasure and delight to read, "Both Sides of Love" for FREE! Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Both Sides of Love. I couldn't put it down once I started it. This was a story about life, family, love, death, and survival. It had everything you would ever want in your book collection, much less in one book. I definitely recommend this book to read.
July 16, 2014
A beautifully written story about friendship, life, love and connections of the soul. I found myself wrapped up in the story, alternately wanting to continue to read until it was finished and wanting to put it down to savor my time with Beth and Noreen. I loved it and look forward to more from Kimberly Wenzler.
June 6, 2014
A beautiful, well written story about friendship, loyalty and true love.
July 6, 2016
I L.O.V.E.D this book.....love the characters, love the subject matter (family, love & friendship) and Kimberly Wenzler's writing style! Best seller material!
July 24, 2022
Lovely story
Two young lovers with plans for the rest of their lives. Two best friends out for the evening, and a horrible accident that takes one and forever alters the life of the other.
Fast forward a few years. The survivor of the accident, terribly changed physically, is now married with a young daughter when she meets her new neighbor, who coincidentally has a daughter the same age who will be in the same class in school. Soon both mothers and daughters have become best friends. For a long time Beth doesn’t meet Noreen’s husband because he travels for work, but when she finally does, she gets a terrible shock. Who has her friend married and how will this affect their friendship?
This is definitely better than 4 stars because of the deftness with which the author handles the story, but less than 5. I want to give it 4.5 stars.
Two young lovers with plans for the rest of their lives. Two best friends out for the evening, and a horrible accident that takes one and forever alters the life of the other.
Fast forward a few years. The survivor of the accident, terribly changed physically, is now married with a young daughter when she meets her new neighbor, who coincidentally has a daughter the same age who will be in the same class in school. Soon both mothers and daughters have become best friends. For a long time Beth doesn’t meet Noreen’s husband because he travels for work, but when she finally does, she gets a terrible shock. Who has her friend married and how will this affect their friendship?
This is definitely better than 4 stars because of the deftness with which the author handles the story, but less than 5. I want to give it 4.5 stars.
August 21, 2020
Really good. But not plausible...no.
Ok I loved the book. Great escape love story. It would have been a perfect love story to me when I was (much) younger. But I'm not younger, and I prefer reading novels that carry a story that could possibly happen.
I can't go into detail without a spoiler or three, which would ruin what others may find to be a very nice story, believing it to be true to human nature and the memory.
Still, the story idea is good; the pacing is well done. I found a few typos but no glaring mistakes. I will definitely read more from this author.
Ok I loved the book. Great escape love story. It would have been a perfect love story to me when I was (much) younger. But I'm not younger, and I prefer reading novels that carry a story that could possibly happen.
I can't go into detail without a spoiler or three, which would ruin what others may find to be a very nice story, believing it to be true to human nature and the memory.
Still, the story idea is good; the pacing is well done. I found a few typos but no glaring mistakes. I will definitely read more from this author.
December 26, 2022
Wow, what a beautifully captivating story of life, love, friendship, and the unbreakable bond of soulmates. This story was gently moving, and I cried several times. I loved everything about it.
January 27, 2015
I picked this up after Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies. At first I focused the similarities, but as I continued reading, I came to appreciate the differences.
My first impression was that I was reading another PTA-mom story, but I soon realized it was more nuanced than that as I came to know and like Beth and Noreen. The portrayal of Beth and Dutch’s restraint and loyalty were almost unbelievable given the strength and durability of their feelings; denying those feelings became a habit that was almost too hard to break! i held on waiting to see what would compel Beth to be honest with Dutch/Daniel, and the story reached a very satisfying conclusion. The author did a nice job of showing how secrets can fester over a lifetime, a slow simmer, as opposed to a dramatic implosion. This book reminded me that you can never really know the whole story of someone’s situation, and how lonely it can be inside a marriage, and that is never too late to rekindle your dreams.
My first impression was that I was reading another PTA-mom story, but I soon realized it was more nuanced than that as I came to know and like Beth and Noreen. The portrayal of Beth and Dutch’s restraint and loyalty were almost unbelievable given the strength and durability of their feelings; denying those feelings became a habit that was almost too hard to break! i held on waiting to see what would compel Beth to be honest with Dutch/Daniel, and the story reached a very satisfying conclusion. The author did a nice job of showing how secrets can fester over a lifetime, a slow simmer, as opposed to a dramatic implosion. This book reminded me that you can never really know the whole story of someone’s situation, and how lonely it can be inside a marriage, and that is never too late to rekindle your dreams.
July 5, 2015
I absolutely loved Both Sides of Love. It was an emotional book from start to finish and one I couldn't make myself put down. I experienced so many different emotions as I lived vicariously through the lives of the two women in this book.
The writing was outstanding and the story and characters well developed. I don't want to say anything about the plot other than what is in the book blurb because I would ruin the book for whoever might read it. There is tragedy, friendship, romance, suspense and more complex emotions.. The main character, Beth, is a loving and giving person and you just can't help but fall in love with her.
This is truly a great book and I am giving it 5 stars. I can honestly say that I am anxiously anticipating the release of the author's next book this summer.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
www.mylifeonestoryatatime.com
The writing was outstanding and the story and characters well developed. I don't want to say anything about the plot other than what is in the book blurb because I would ruin the book for whoever might read it. There is tragedy, friendship, romance, suspense and more complex emotions.. The main character, Beth, is a loving and giving person and you just can't help but fall in love with her.
This is truly a great book and I am giving it 5 stars. I can honestly say that I am anxiously anticipating the release of the author's next book this summer.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
www.mylifeonestoryatatime.com
November 9, 2020
After an horrific car accident takes the life of her best friend and leaves college student Lizzie disfigured and physically impaired, the woman struggles to find joy in anything. Lizzie changes her name to Beth and cuts ties to her former life. She's perfectly fine with her quiet life of mediocracy until a chance encounter with a vivacious and lively mom at a PTA meeting turns her life around.
With Noreen, her new best friend, Beth rediscovers how to laugh and have fun again. Along with this new lease on life, Beth comes face to face with the life she let go, and she'll have to choose between the happiness of her old life and a friendship that has given her a new lease on life.
A well-written thoughtful and memorable story.
With Noreen, her new best friend, Beth rediscovers how to laugh and have fun again. Along with this new lease on life, Beth comes face to face with the life she let go, and she'll have to choose between the happiness of her old life and a friendship that has given her a new lease on life.
A well-written thoughtful and memorable story.
June 12, 2016
A heart warming story that covers the lifetime of 4 people. When a tragedy happens to Lizzie she goes on with out the love of her life. As the years go bye she finds another love and settles into family life. Her past then comes back to her. What happens when she see the love that she lost.
This is a great read that covers true friendship, family, letting go and second chances. I loved watching all of the characters grow throughout this book. What I loved most is it covered many years of the characters life.
This is a great read that covers true friendship, family, letting go and second chances. I loved watching all of the characters grow throughout this book. What I loved most is it covered many years of the characters life.
July 17, 2014
Wow! This book is an emotional roller coaster. Lizzie is on the precipice of her happily ever after with her very own Prince Charming when an accident shatters everything. Forced to rebuild her life, she struggles to pull herself together: physically and emotionally. When she becomes friends with a fellow mom at her first PTA meeting, Lizzie (now known as Beth) will face her past head-on. A page-turner that explores the beauty of true friendship and the ideals of love that lasts forever.
Read
September 13, 2014This is a wonderful book about true love and friendship. I truly enjoyed the way that the author chose to write each chapter. The story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and I found it hard to put the book down without knowing what the ultimate outcome was going to be for each of the characters. This is the first novel published by Kimberly Wenzler, but from the quality of what I read, certainly not the last! I look forward to her next book!
June 20, 2014
Great book. My favorite thing is how she treats the male loves in Lizzie's life. Both of the men equally have their faults and strengths.
My summery is all good things come to those who wait and go for it when the timing is right.
Loved it!
My summery is all good things come to those who wait and go for it when the timing is right.
Loved it!
July 2, 2014
Loved this book! Recommended by my sister in law who went to school with the author. Another great book for the beach. I found myself reaching for my kindle when I had a free moment just to read a little more.
Read
September 18, 2014Absolutely great! I was privileged to have the author attend our book club meeting. The discussion was wonderful with many insights to how the process of the book came about. I've also read the book three times! Each time I find something new! Everyone needs to read this one!
September 11, 2014
This book was a beautiful, heart wrenching story of love and friendship. It was hard to put this down and I was constantly hoping that Beth would end up with her true love. I was frustrated to see Beth constantly sabotaging her life but that's all part of the story. Wonderful book!
October 7, 2016
Wow
This beautiful written book , I love it. I laugh with the characters and I cry with them. I couldn't put it down. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last one either.
This beautiful written book , I love it. I laugh with the characters and I cry with them. I couldn't put it down. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last one either.
May 27, 2014
I love a book that makes you forget about everything. I was hooked from page 1. Beautiful story of friendship, love, relationships & life. Great for book clubs too.
June 15, 2014
What a beautiful story about the complex nature of love and loyalty. Beautifully written. I couldn't put it down until the very end!
July 25, 2014
Loved the book, couldn't put it down!
October 22, 2014
*I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Review to come..
September 22, 2014
Wonderful book looking forward to the next one
November 10, 2014
wonderful first novel by Ms. Wenzler. Smooth read, captivating and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for her next one.
March 10, 2015
a beautiful story about friendship, loyalty and unconditional true love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews