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From the Wreckage #2
Out of Ruins
“Guilt. A painful, lonely feeling. It seeps into your pores slowly as you go through life day by day. Like a disease, it blackens your heart with thoughts and memories of what you did, or in my case, what you didn’t do.”
Surviving the storm was only the beginning for Jules. Surviving the guilt? That is something only love can help her overcome.
Surviving the storm was only the beginning for Jules. Surviving the guilt? That is something only love can help her overcome.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
248 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Michele G. Miller
43 books480 followersMichele loves words. Funny words, inspiring words, dirty words, sad words. All the words.
Use them wisely and kindly. Spin stories with them, mend fences with them, heal with them. Words are powerful. Words are forever.
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Also one half of the duo: Mindy Michele
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Use them wisely and kindly. Spin stories with them, mend fences with them, heal with them. Words are powerful. Words are forever.
AMAZON: http://bit.ly/MGM-AmzUS
FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/XPUMc1
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/michelegmillerau...
IG: https://www.instagram.com/authormiche...
FB READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chele...
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://bit.ly/MGMNews
Also one half of the duo: Mindy Michele
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 28, 2014
Enjoyed the sequel very much, just as much as the first! I love the characters and the story itself was wonderful, though heartbreaking at times. I'm looking forward to reading the last book and can't wait for these two to get their HEA once and for all. There's a lot more angst and drama in this book and at times I was worried for both Jules and West if they could really get past all the guilt they feel. After surviving the storm in From the Wreckage, both of their lives have really changed.
Forever.
And now they have to sort through the aftermath. When Jules and West go to a new school since their town was ruined along with their school. The school they now attend is their rivals and they're looked upon as their enemies. Well, Jules moreso than West. Every girl wants West and every guy wants to be his friend. But with Jules, it's not so much. She's his girlfriend and therefore, her last year in high school is not very easy. She's no longer the cheerleader she was at their old school. She's no longer the popular girl she once was. And she's having a hard time moving on without one of her best friends.
After everything they go through, can West and Jules overcome all obstacles to be together? Is their love as strong as they both believe?
Well, I guess you should just buy the first and second book to find out. I definitely recommend this series because it's a beautiful story of survival, love and moving on from a tragedy that alters your whole life. Great job to Michele Miller for another great read! I'll be reading the last book for sure!
Forever.
And now they have to sort through the aftermath. When Jules and West go to a new school since their town was ruined along with their school. The school they now attend is their rivals and they're looked upon as their enemies. Well, Jules moreso than West. Every girl wants West and every guy wants to be his friend. But with Jules, it's not so much. She's his girlfriend and therefore, her last year in high school is not very easy. She's no longer the cheerleader she was at their old school. She's no longer the popular girl she once was. And she's having a hard time moving on without one of her best friends.
After everything they go through, can West and Jules overcome all obstacles to be together? Is their love as strong as they both believe?
Well, I guess you should just buy the first and second book to find out. I definitely recommend this series because it's a beautiful story of survival, love and moving on from a tragedy that alters your whole life. Great job to Michele Miller for another great read! I'll be reading the last book for sure!
July 22, 2014
I will never be the same girl I was before West. Everything changed the night of the twister. Everything.
**
Jules used to know who she was. In school she did it all: cheerleader, student council, popular. But then the tornado that bore down on Tyler came and took her town, her school, and her friends. Lying with the rest of the debris somewhere scattered is also her confidence and her security. Now she doesn't know who she is. She is still dealing with grief and loss, but most of all guilt. Guilt of not being able to save her best friend. Her only cure is West. But that may be too much for him to carry alone.
**
"West, who was so unsure of himself at first, became confident and steadfast. He truly was my anchor at a time when I was sinking slowly."
**
Give me a moment here to gather my thoughts and wipe the tears away. Wow. This book! I absolutely could not wait for it the moment I finished the equally awesome FROM THE WRECKAGE to get my hands on this one. But now that I have finished OUT OF RUINS, I find myself with a huge, whopping case of book hangover. I am not sure I will be able to start the contemporary romance I planned to start right after. In fact, I think I need a good dose of paranormal to help me heal.
This book doesn't necessarily end on a happy note for Jules and West, but it ends exactly how it should. How it was meant to end. It ends in a way that makes you crave and desire for ALL THAT REMAINS. I am sitting on pins and needles to know how the series will end.
Oh me, oh my. The Romance! I was enamored and in love with these two and the love that just poured from them. Even young, I could see it was there. Heck, even I was beginning to believe that as long as they had each other they could work through anything. They seriously have a beautiful chemistry and a connection like no other. And it has been there from the beginning. If they can just focus on that, they just may be ok. But things are not all rainbows and butterflies for West and Jules. Both are struggling in their own ways and using each other as a crutch to get past their guilt. But the thing about crutches is every movement is slow go. They need real help for the issues they could do past on their own.
Miller has yet again proved that she has what it takes to write a book that captures the reader imagination and holds them hostage long after the book is over with. I am proof. OUT OF RUINS is captivating, engaging, and emotional. A definite must read! I will be adding this one right alongside FROM THE WRECKAGE as one of my all-time faves of 2014! 5 Stars all the way!
**
Jules used to know who she was. In school she did it all: cheerleader, student council, popular. But then the tornado that bore down on Tyler came and took her town, her school, and her friends. Lying with the rest of the debris somewhere scattered is also her confidence and her security. Now she doesn't know who she is. She is still dealing with grief and loss, but most of all guilt. Guilt of not being able to save her best friend. Her only cure is West. But that may be too much for him to carry alone.
**
"West, who was so unsure of himself at first, became confident and steadfast. He truly was my anchor at a time when I was sinking slowly."
**
Give me a moment here to gather my thoughts and wipe the tears away. Wow. This book! I absolutely could not wait for it the moment I finished the equally awesome FROM THE WRECKAGE to get my hands on this one. But now that I have finished OUT OF RUINS, I find myself with a huge, whopping case of book hangover. I am not sure I will be able to start the contemporary romance I planned to start right after. In fact, I think I need a good dose of paranormal to help me heal.
This book doesn't necessarily end on a happy note for Jules and West, but it ends exactly how it should. How it was meant to end. It ends in a way that makes you crave and desire for ALL THAT REMAINS. I am sitting on pins and needles to know how the series will end.
Oh me, oh my. The Romance! I was enamored and in love with these two and the love that just poured from them. Even young, I could see it was there. Heck, even I was beginning to believe that as long as they had each other they could work through anything. They seriously have a beautiful chemistry and a connection like no other. And it has been there from the beginning. If they can just focus on that, they just may be ok. But things are not all rainbows and butterflies for West and Jules. Both are struggling in their own ways and using each other as a crutch to get past their guilt. But the thing about crutches is every movement is slow go. They need real help for the issues they could do past on their own.
Miller has yet again proved that she has what it takes to write a book that captures the reader imagination and holds them hostage long after the book is over with. I am proof. OUT OF RUINS is captivating, engaging, and emotional. A definite must read! I will be adding this one right alongside FROM THE WRECKAGE as one of my all-time faves of 2014! 5 Stars all the way!
January 3, 2023
Speechless. That is how Out of Ruins left me. When I finished this heartachingly beautiful story I wiped my tears away, because yes I was crying, and just sat on my bed at a complete and utter loss of words.
Jules and West are two teenagers who have experienced an immense amount of loss, grief, and guilt at a very young and already difficult age. Instead of dealing with their guilt and grief in healthy ways, they get cover up the pain with alcohol, sex, and love. Their story is proof that even when things seem to be going well on the outside, everything can be falling to pieces on the inside.
If you have not already read From the Wreckage, book 1 in this series, you seriously need to one click it now.
Jules and West are two teenagers who have experienced an immense amount of loss, grief, and guilt at a very young and already difficult age. Instead of dealing with their guilt and grief in healthy ways, they get cover up the pain with alcohol, sex, and love. Their story is proof that even when things seem to be going well on the outside, everything can be falling to pieces on the inside.
If you have not already read From the Wreckage, book 1 in this series, you seriously need to one click it now.
November 23, 2014
Well Michele has once again ripped my heart out.
In From the Wreckage we dealt with a physical tornado. In Out Of Ruins we deal with an emotional one.
I am completely in love with Jules and Wests story. Not only are they teenagers dealing with the heavy emotions of young love, but everything is magnified by the trauma of the near death experience they shared. But is that experience the only reason for their bond? Or is it really genuine love? In this sequel, doubts are dealt with and insecurities faced. And the biggest twist will smack you right in the chest. Trust me, by the end- you won't know what hit you.
In From the Wreckage we dealt with a physical tornado. In Out Of Ruins we deal with an emotional one.
I am completely in love with Jules and Wests story. Not only are they teenagers dealing with the heavy emotions of young love, but everything is magnified by the trauma of the near death experience they shared. But is that experience the only reason for their bond? Or is it really genuine love? In this sequel, doubts are dealt with and insecurities faced. And the biggest twist will smack you right in the chest. Trust me, by the end- you won't know what hit you.
February 17, 2016
Guaranteed satisfaction! After the last words of the book are devoured, one marks the calendar for the next book release date in the trilogy. I fell in love with the characters and the pace of the story. The author will certainly receive accolades for her talents with this novel. I didn't want to put the book down. If teachers or high school students are seeking a book for a project or lesson in character development and foreshadowing then this is the book to select. The intimacy is tastefully approached. The story is beautifully written. I look forward to the release of “All That Remains”, August 2014! You will cheer for West and Jules too, wow what a love story!
October 22, 2015
Out of the ruins... this book is amazing. It is full of drama and love and something every teen age girl wants someday, well most of it anyway. The book is not like other books it is... different some way it pulls you in and doesn't let go, it brings the story to you so you don't have to imagine it. I think that the way the book is set up, so the Jules it telling the story to a camera, makes the story better in a way, it is hard to explain most of the story is like it is in the present but the other little part is her talking to the story and- in the stories scents- is the present.
July 22, 2014
The journey for Jules continues as she is in a new school and she is trying to deal with the loss! She turns to some bad habits to try and mask the pain! West is trying to be her support but things are not always easy, especially when Jules tries to hide her pain! What happens when tragedy strikes again? Will Jules and West lives be altered again? Such an emotional story, so excited for the next book! I need to know how it ends!
July 21, 2014
Can't wait for book 3! Ugh!
Jules and West are completely infatuated with one another until another tragedy rips them apart. West, West, West! What will we do with you!?
Jules and West are completely infatuated with one another until another tragedy rips them apart. West, West, West! What will we do with you!?
August 7, 2014
So glad book 3 comes out soon .... I need to know what happens next! These poor broken people, I want them fixed and happy!
August 13, 2014
A story about how life can change with the click of fingers. The love is there but will it survive through all the heartache that is still there from the incident. Great Second Book :D
May 8, 2015
Just as good as the first! Different emotions, things I hope I never really have to understand. For a teen love it's pretty epic.
September 2, 2019
What a heart-wrenching story. Pretty close to my home, this Texas tornado/small town story was pretty good. I felt that it (at times) lacked some reality and deeper understanding where it was needed, and that frustrated me!!! Also, the trauma and grief would have been crippling...yet they were obsessed with dating each other? Going to keep reading the series...I think the 2nd book will dive into the ptsd...
Now I have read all books in this series (holiday weekend of reading!) and I have a little bit of a different perspective:
1. This author desperately needs a new editor! My only highlights were the multiple typos...not spelling...but grammar (egads!) and the wrong word altogether. Not ok.
2. This is a good story. Is it a little too sappy? Yes. Is it frustrating because there’s a lot of back and forth stupidity? Yes. Is it nice that it’s not perfect and love prevails? YES.
3. The ptsd never really happened other than her dreams in the first book. I’m sorry...if a tornado destroyed my town, killed my friends, and changed everything about my teen life while I barely escaped after being trapped for hours under a collapsed house...yeah, I might have more than bad dreams.
4. The author PURPOSEFULLY did not elaborate on a few things in the first book so she could write novellas. Ok.
I upped the rating to a 4 because I enjoyed the story, but could not get over the poor editing and lack of depth.
Now I have read all books in this series (holiday weekend of reading!) and I have a little bit of a different perspective:
1. This author desperately needs a new editor! My only highlights were the multiple typos...not spelling...but grammar (egads!) and the wrong word altogether. Not ok.
2. This is a good story. Is it a little too sappy? Yes. Is it frustrating because there’s a lot of back and forth stupidity? Yes. Is it nice that it’s not perfect and love prevails? YES.
3. The ptsd never really happened other than her dreams in the first book. I’m sorry...if a tornado destroyed my town, killed my friends, and changed everything about my teen life while I barely escaped after being trapped for hours under a collapsed house...yeah, I might have more than bad dreams.
4. The author PURPOSEFULLY did not elaborate on a few things in the first book so she could write novellas. Ok.
I upped the rating to a 4 because I enjoyed the story, but could not get over the poor editing and lack of depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
I’m so close to giving this book 5 stars!!!! I’m pretty greedy with them, but this book is sooooo close to absolute perfection.
After the first book, I highly doubted I’d finish this sequel. I thought, ‘what’s left besides their relationship and going off to college?’ Man, was I wrong!!!
This book is such a beautiful coming of age story portraying such amazing accuracy of first love and how we can bond through trauma. It brought me back to such hard times in my own past, and the deep true love I experienced after trauma….how intense and fairytale-like that love was, even if it was not meant to be for the long run. The tether one can feel toward the one who saves them…or the ‘anchor’ as this book refers to it. It was so well written and depicted such ugly and beautiful truths so respectably. I’m pretty sure this is a story I won’t forget any time soon.
I am also impressed with the way the author goes back and forth between present and past Jules….very nicely done.
I’m thoroughly looking forward to discovering whether Buffy and Spike will reunite somehow or if they will grow into their separate lives with gratitude toward one another forever ingrained on their hearts.
After the first book, I highly doubted I’d finish this sequel. I thought, ‘what’s left besides their relationship and going off to college?’ Man, was I wrong!!!
This book is such a beautiful coming of age story portraying such amazing accuracy of first love and how we can bond through trauma. It brought me back to such hard times in my own past, and the deep true love I experienced after trauma….how intense and fairytale-like that love was, even if it was not meant to be for the long run. The tether one can feel toward the one who saves them…or the ‘anchor’ as this book refers to it. It was so well written and depicted such ugly and beautiful truths so respectably. I’m pretty sure this is a story I won’t forget any time soon.
I am also impressed with the way the author goes back and forth between present and past Jules….very nicely done.
I’m thoroughly looking forward to discovering whether Buffy and Spike will reunite somehow or if they will grow into their separate lives with gratitude toward one another forever ingrained on their hearts.
May 12, 2020
The second book kept me hook as much as the first one. I could not put it down.
The same somber tone is present, the reader has a sense that hers and West's love story is on a countdown.
We accompany Jules on her days in the new school where she is nothing but a shell of the girl she used to be. She is no longer cheer-leading, her circle of friends is reduced, she can't sleep, she cannot attend the football games anymore. She is depressed and can't seem to forgive herself for Tanya's death.
I felt that Jules was so centered in her pain, she never asked West about his. I mean, he was trapped in that basement too, he must be feeling guilty, saddened, depressed for all the losses as well. But they never have that conversation. And then doom happens again and that was it...
On to book 3
The same somber tone is present, the reader has a sense that hers and West's love story is on a countdown.
We accompany Jules on her days in the new school where she is nothing but a shell of the girl she used to be. She is no longer cheer-leading, her circle of friends is reduced, she can't sleep, she cannot attend the football games anymore. She is depressed and can't seem to forgive herself for Tanya's death.
I felt that Jules was so centered in her pain, she never asked West about his. I mean, he was trapped in that basement too, he must be feeling guilty, saddened, depressed for all the losses as well. But they never have that conversation. And then doom happens again and that was it...
“when you want something in life you need a reason for wanting it, or else you’ll give up when it gets too hard. That a person with motive and reason will work harder than someone who’s just trying something on a whim.”
On to book 3
July 27, 2023
Book 2 in the From the Wreckage series.
This is a great continuation of the story of Jules and West. I loved their bond and their commitment to each other. Part of the ruin left by the tornado was the high school, and the students from Hillsdale High are split up between three neighboring high schools. There was a lot more drama brought on by the people in this installment, rather than by the natural disaster in the first. Throughout the book I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I knew it was coming, and I hated knowing that. But drop it did, and I was left in a very unsatisfying cliffhanger. Luckily the third installment was right there ready to one-click, so I didn’t have to wait long for my conclusion.
As in the first book, the characters are engaging, the writing is strong, and the story is great. I’m happy to say that this is a series worth reading.
This is a great continuation of the story of Jules and West. I loved their bond and their commitment to each other. Part of the ruin left by the tornado was the high school, and the students from Hillsdale High are split up between three neighboring high schools. There was a lot more drama brought on by the people in this installment, rather than by the natural disaster in the first. Throughout the book I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I knew it was coming, and I hated knowing that. But drop it did, and I was left in a very unsatisfying cliffhanger. Luckily the third installment was right there ready to one-click, so I didn’t have to wait long for my conclusion.
As in the first book, the characters are engaging, the writing is strong, and the story is great. I’m happy to say that this is a series worth reading.
July 26, 2017
What the hey . . .
I guess I have to say I am ticked at the ending. I loved these characters and guess what I am not a teen. I am older. I loved the story until the end. I guess I feel cheated.
But it was a great story and should be read. Don't take my review as a reason not to read as it is worth it.
I guess I have to say I am ticked at the ending. I loved these characters and guess what I am not a teen. I am older. I loved the story until the end. I guess I feel cheated.
But it was a great story and should be read. Don't take my review as a reason not to read as it is worth it.
July 5, 2021
Kept me hooked!
I felt like I was a part of the story and everytime the main characters felt something I could feel it too. I wasn't crazy about the "ending" but I understand it was written with the intent on another book continuing the story and I'm purchasing it now. Another winner by Michele! Thank you for sharing your talent with us all!
I felt like I was a part of the story and everytime the main characters felt something I could feel it too. I wasn't crazy about the "ending" but I understand it was written with the intent on another book continuing the story and I'm purchasing it now. Another winner by Michele! Thank you for sharing your talent with us all!
June 10, 2019
Ok but way too dramatic
This book was way too dramatic.. over the top dramatic. There was no real need for the over the topness either and I found it distracting from the plot. I am not sure if I'll read the third book or not. I would recommend the first one over this one.
This book was way too dramatic.. over the top dramatic. There was no real need for the over the topness either and I found it distracting from the plot. I am not sure if I'll read the third book or not. I would recommend the first one over this one.
August 5, 2017
Love this series
December 19, 2017
Michelle G Miller has done it again. Couldn’t put this book down! I laughed I cried. I am so excited to see what happens in the final installment.
January 30, 2018
Book 2
Just as riveting and compelling as book one. I love Jules and West's story! Excited to read Book 3 and hope for a happy ending.
Just as riveting and compelling as book one. I love Jules and West's story! Excited to read Book 3 and hope for a happy ending.
February 21, 2018
Great Book
It's a easy read and a great conclusion to book one but it's not over I can't wait to read the finial story.
It's a easy read and a great conclusion to book one but it's not over I can't wait to read the finial story.
Read
March 25, 2020I am into book 3 and can't put it down, just like books 1 & 2 - this series is a great read & I highly recommend reading it to anyone - will follow this author for sure
April 3, 2020
Amazing story! Can't wait to see West's POV!
April 8, 2020
Meh. Had to skip a lot of sex scenes. Also very unrealistic piles of tragedy....I mean really.
August 17, 2020
Read the first book and immediately ordered the other two. I am 73 years old and yet still really enjoyed these books. I can't wait to start the last book!
May 13, 2022
good
Ugh this ending..just made me mad! Good book..Loved the story but of course I want more
But nope I hate that kinda ending
Ugh this ending..just made me mad! Good book..Loved the story but of course I want more
But nope I hate that kinda ending
January 30, 2020
West and Jules story continues... another great one by Michele Miller. I just love how the two try to stick it out through everything until the unthinkable happens. Can they survive what happens? I had to pick up the next book right after this one to find out because it will leave you wondering what happens.
December 4, 2017
I clearly remember her saying something about messing with her seatbelt....? Would it not have been on if she was messing with it?
March 25, 2022
This is a continuation of Jules and West's story after the twister. This book begins where the last left off on the first day of school at their rival high school. This book is filled with sadness, joy, and young love. The story moves more into new adult fiction and surprises you with twists you don't see coming. This book is heartbreaking and emotional as these characters battle their own inner demons and the immaturity of high school. This couple is addictive; I can't wait to see what happens next.
We begin with Jules talking to the camera for her time capsule project; she tells her story. The start of the new school is different for Jules as she battles with her life-changing and who she is now.
Jules is on a massive downward spiral as she works thru her best friend's loss. She has guilt, nightmare, and feeling of numbness toward life but refuses to seek professional help. Her redeeming moments are those teenage times when she is wrapped up in her boyfriend West. This book is heartbreaking and filled with sadness. Some moments fill you with joy as they do trivial things.
This story reads very immature for most of the book but then surprises you at the end.
This book stuns me as I get toward the end; one wrong decision sends them both careening into a shattering reality. I cried so hard thru this book as it brought tears to my eyes, and yes, the ending is horrible, but now I'm dying to know what happens next. Will West and Jules get a happy ever after?
We begin with Jules talking to the camera for her time capsule project; she tells her story. The start of the new school is different for Jules as she battles with her life-changing and who she is now.
Jules is on a massive downward spiral as she works thru her best friend's loss. She has guilt, nightmare, and feeling of numbness toward life but refuses to seek professional help. Her redeeming moments are those teenage times when she is wrapped up in her boyfriend West. This book is heartbreaking and filled with sadness. Some moments fill you with joy as they do trivial things.
This story reads very immature for most of the book but then surprises you at the end.
This book stuns me as I get toward the end; one wrong decision sends them both careening into a shattering reality. I cried so hard thru this book as it brought tears to my eyes, and yes, the ending is horrible, but now I'm dying to know what happens next. Will West and Jules get a happy ever after?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews