The One Thing I Can't Change

by J L Bendoski

Anastasia never forgot the first time she saw Tanner, the senior track star. Years later, their paths crossed again in college, and this time, he noticed her. But their relationship is cut short when Tanner reveals a dark secret about his family - a secret that has caused every woman he has ever told to leave him.

Anastasia is torn between the wonderful moments they shared and the fear of a future with a man like his father.

But as she navigates through struggles, failures, and bad relationships, she receives a letter from one of the few men who was ever truly good to her.

Determined to make things right, she goes to find him and see if he can forgive her.

Will they both be able to grow and change to finally have their happily ever after, or will the past continue to haunt them?

A poignant tale of second chances, coming of age, and new adult romance.

Highschool Sweethearts
Second Chance
Secret Love Letters
Happily Ever After

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2025

Reviews

[Geraldine Winters]

The One Thing I Can’t Change by JL Bendowski is a powerful, touching story of two estranged lovers plagued by misunderstandings, bad timing, and missed opportunities. Tanner struggles with relationships after inheriting a potentially devastating condition that most partners in his life turn away from. Anastasia tends to gravitate toward harmful relationships that feed off her self-doubt. The author’s talent is showcased through the dual narratives of each character. Personal letters, expressive and insightful, mark the beginning of chapters and set the tone for moving scenes and heartfelt drama over the course of several years. The author brings to life strong, detailed characters that readers will connect with on several levels. Doubts, fears, hesitations…all emotions are captured in vivid dialogue and storytelling that makes you root for Tanner and Anastasia each step of the way. Every chapter presents new challenges, self-triumphs, and setbacks in a moving novel that speaks to the heart. A highly recommended book by a gifted author.

[Vicky]

Spice: none

Do you love second chances? Do you overthink while in a relationship? Do you love when a book has letters or texts? If you answered yes this may be a read for you. It is available on KU. Standalone no series to follow. The storyline within this story is wonderfully written. It does go back and forth between past and present. You work through a relationship that had a lot of struggles. It is a HEA. No spice.

[Annette Phillips]

so good

I enjoyed reading this story so much. Even though it was sad and very emotionally draining, I liked the message it gave. There are so many ways to think about relationships and make them thrive.

[Mari]

The plot sounded exciting when I picked up the book and I was expecting a lot more. In the end, I wasn’t a fan of how the timeline is presented in the book and I still have questions about certain characters and what happened to them.