What do you think?
Rate this book
Other Side of the Wall
There once were two couples, neighbors in fact, but like most neighbors today, hardly a word was spoken in passing. What they knew of each other mostly consisted of what was inadvertently heard through the wall that divided their townhomes.
The Langstons and the Russos had more in common than they both knew. Both couples were newly married and terribly unhappy, each for different reasons of course. Scott and Jenna Langston were facing an incurable disease and Ava and Peter Russo were plagued with heartache and betrayal.
Too often, Scott could hear Ava crying through the wall. He wondered what would make such a beautiful woman so sad, but he had enough of his own problems, he couldn’t worry about what was happening on the other side of the wall. On occasion, Ava could hear Scott’s pleas for his wife to be well. She wanted to offer help and comfort, but she was too physically and emotionally exhausted to reach out across the wall.
Eventually, Ava’s crying ceased and her name changed. Scott’s pleas went quiet as they went unanswered. Now, instead of two couples, there were two very lonely heartbroken individuals divided by a wall, each trying to deal with the hand they had been dealt.
The Langstons and the Russos had more in common than they both knew. Both couples were newly married and terribly unhappy, each for different reasons of course. Scott and Jenna Langston were facing an incurable disease and Ava and Peter Russo were plagued with heartache and betrayal.
Too often, Scott could hear Ava crying through the wall. He wondered what would make such a beautiful woman so sad, but he had enough of his own problems, he couldn’t worry about what was happening on the other side of the wall. On occasion, Ava could hear Scott’s pleas for his wife to be well. She wanted to offer help and comfort, but she was too physically and emotionally exhausted to reach out across the wall.
Eventually, Ava’s crying ceased and her name changed. Scott’s pleas went quiet as they went unanswered. Now, instead of two couples, there were two very lonely heartbroken individuals divided by a wall, each trying to deal with the hand they had been dealt.
248 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2014
177 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
63 books1,378 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 12, 2022
Scott and Ava are neighbors, and both come together after both of their marriages ended. While Ava is ready to move on from her bad marriage, Scott is still dealing with the death of his wife and is not ready for a new romantic relationship. Soon Scott and Ava become very close friends, and even though Ava wants more, she is trying to be patient as Scott continues to deal with his loss. I liked Ava, she was a very strong and independent. Scott is a mess, haha. I get the reasons behind his behavior, but I still never felt that connected to him or that I really got to know him very well. This would have been a fun one to have a dual perspective going on. I liked that Scott and Ava were friends first and seeing how that naturally grows into something more. It felt very authentic to me.
Overall, this was a fun read. Kept me up late reading and I wanted to see how everything would wrap up. It's one I would read again.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Overall, this was a fun read. Kept me up late reading and I wanted to see how everything would wrap up. It's one I would read again.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Source: Kindle Unlimited
March 1, 2017
This book scared me a little because I thought it was going to be way too depressing and serious. But hello? I've read Peel's books before and that should've been a big clue that I would love it. Although there are a few serious issues touched on, it's mostly a very sweet story about a couple's journey to finding love again and moving on from situations that they never expected to find themselves in.
I can't imagine finding myself alone again, as either a widow or a divorcee, and I'm sure letting go of the past is scary. It seems that grief goes in cycles and I've heard that you need to experience the year of firsts to truly be ready to move on. I don't know if that's true or not, but it sure worked for Scott and Ava.
It's much easier to take the easy route through life, but it's not as fulfilling to do so. Watching Scott stop and start, as he stumbles through life was aggravating at times because I wanted him to just get over it and move on already, but the process also had some very tender moments. Building and rebuilding relationships takes time and work and I loved watching his familial relationships settle. Ava seems much more ready to move on and holy cow, she is one strong lady! I do have one burning question though--HOW could Scott have ended up married to Jenna in the first place?!
I love the swoony romance and the way these characters interact with their families and with each other. There's something to be said for those bonds and it gives the whole story a rooted feeling. Even being treated like teenagers again, in some ways, is so hilarious and sweet.
If you love a good women's fiction with some angst, love, and growth, check this one out.
Content: implied affair, some innuendo, mild and swoony romance;
I can't imagine finding myself alone again, as either a widow or a divorcee, and I'm sure letting go of the past is scary. It seems that grief goes in cycles and I've heard that you need to experience the year of firsts to truly be ready to move on. I don't know if that's true or not, but it sure worked for Scott and Ava.
It's much easier to take the easy route through life, but it's not as fulfilling to do so. Watching Scott stop and start, as he stumbles through life was aggravating at times because I wanted him to just get over it and move on already, but the process also had some very tender moments. Building and rebuilding relationships takes time and work and I loved watching his familial relationships settle. Ava seems much more ready to move on and holy cow, she is one strong lady! I do have one burning question though--HOW could Scott have ended up married to Jenna in the first place?!
I love the swoony romance and the way these characters interact with their families and with each other. There's something to be said for those bonds and it gives the whole story a rooted feeling. Even being treated like teenagers again, in some ways, is so hilarious and sweet.
If you love a good women's fiction with some angst, love, and growth, check this one out.
Content: implied affair, some innuendo, mild and swoony romance;
February 2, 2015
Another great book! New favorite author!
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
May 24, 2017
May 2017:
My two thoughts while reading this book for the second time?! Grrrrr and *dreamy sigh* This is another book that I wanted to Gibbs slap our hero! But I still absolutely loved it! <3
December 2015:
Before I start my review I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about reading Other Side of the Wall. As you can tell by the synopsis it's on the heavier side. I have LOVED all of Jennifer's other books and I was hoping I would love this one as well! What did I do the moment I finished this book?! I let out a big ol' dreamy sigh! I should have known that Jennifer would be amazing when it comes to writing about tough subjects!
Ava doesn't have the best of marriages nor does she have the best of husbands. When she suffers the ultimate betrayal at his hands she doesn't wait around to see if it can be fixed. She knows she deserves better than the way she's been treated and sets out to make that happen. She packs up her husband's things, changes the locks on her house and starts the process of moving forward with her life.
Scott doesn't have the happiest of marriages. His wife is facing an incurable disease. It's just a matter of time before they have to say goodbye. He begs and pleads for her to get better but soon that dreadful day arrives and she is gone. He is left to pick up the pieces and start the process of moving forward with his life.
There are two brokenhearted people, living side by side, sharing the same wall, both trying to start their lives anew. They had no clue that when Ava reached out to Scott to offer her condolences, their lives would change forever.
I enjoyed watching Ava and Scott's friendship grow into something more, something that neither of them really had in their first marriage. They definitely had their ups and downs and Scott was a "friggin moron" at times but in the end they realized that together they were better... together they were complete... together they would have forever.
*dreamy sigh*
I seriously loved this book! I felt like I was right there with Ava while she was personally telling me her story. I was sucked in again by Ms. Peel and we all know how much I love when that happens! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! I just know it's going to be AMAZING!
And of course I cannot forget my casting! *dreamy sigh*
My two thoughts while reading this book for the second time?! Grrrrr and *dreamy sigh* This is another book that I wanted to Gibbs slap our hero! But I still absolutely loved it! <3
December 2015:
Before I start my review I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about reading Other Side of the Wall. As you can tell by the synopsis it's on the heavier side. I have LOVED all of Jennifer's other books and I was hoping I would love this one as well! What did I do the moment I finished this book?! I let out a big ol' dreamy sigh! I should have known that Jennifer would be amazing when it comes to writing about tough subjects!
Ava doesn't have the best of marriages nor does she have the best of husbands. When she suffers the ultimate betrayal at his hands she doesn't wait around to see if it can be fixed. She knows she deserves better than the way she's been treated and sets out to make that happen. She packs up her husband's things, changes the locks on her house and starts the process of moving forward with her life.
Scott doesn't have the happiest of marriages. His wife is facing an incurable disease. It's just a matter of time before they have to say goodbye. He begs and pleads for her to get better but soon that dreadful day arrives and she is gone. He is left to pick up the pieces and start the process of moving forward with his life.
There are two brokenhearted people, living side by side, sharing the same wall, both trying to start their lives anew. They had no clue that when Ava reached out to Scott to offer her condolences, their lives would change forever.
I enjoyed watching Ava and Scott's friendship grow into something more, something that neither of them really had in their first marriage. They definitely had their ups and downs and Scott was a "friggin moron" at times but in the end they realized that together they were better... together they were complete... together they would have forever.
*dreamy sigh*
I seriously loved this book! I felt like I was right there with Ava while she was personally telling me her story. I was sucked in again by Ms. Peel and we all know how much I love when that happens! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! I just know it's going to be AMAZING!
And of course I cannot forget my casting! *dreamy sigh*
May 1, 2015
4.5--Another great one by Jennifer Peel!! This one started out a little slower than the others, and rightfully so, based on the subject matter.
There was a lot packed into this book, but I thought that it was handled well (although, I had a hard time figuring out why Scott ever actually married Jenna to begin with. I felt like he really settled for less with her). Nothing felt rushed or like it dragged on...although sometimes I wanted to shake Scott and say, "WAKE UP!!" But then when he explained why he was feeling/acting the way he had been, it seemed understandable. I just hurt for Ava at times, because she'd already been through so much (not that there weren't times when I didn't want to say to her, "Ok, his wife did just die this year..."). Both characters, like all of Peel's characters, were so real. Again, I felt like Ava was just sitting with me, telling me her story over a cup of coffee. And while I can't relate directly to either her or Scott's situation, I could definitely sympathize with how they were feeling. It was great to watch them grow and change along the way.
One question Ava asked herself several times was, "How did this become my life?" It was neat to see how the meaning behind that question changed over time.
And thank goodness there was an epilogue!! Even though the "future" part wasn't very long, I was so glad we at least got a peek into their life together down the road.
If you enjoy sweet, clean, romantic stories (and don't mind them coming with a little baggage--but doesn't feel heavy), then grab this one!
There was a lot packed into this book, but I thought that it was handled well (although, I had a hard time figuring out why Scott ever actually married Jenna to begin with. I felt like he really settled for less with her). Nothing felt rushed or like it dragged on...although sometimes I wanted to shake Scott and say, "WAKE UP!!" But then when he explained why he was feeling/acting the way he had been, it seemed understandable. I just hurt for Ava at times, because she'd already been through so much (not that there weren't times when I didn't want to say to her, "Ok, his wife did just die this year..."). Both characters, like all of Peel's characters, were so real. Again, I felt like Ava was just sitting with me, telling me her story over a cup of coffee. And while I can't relate directly to either her or Scott's situation, I could definitely sympathize with how they were feeling. It was great to watch them grow and change along the way.
One question Ava asked herself several times was, "How did this become my life?" It was neat to see how the meaning behind that question changed over time.
And thank goodness there was an epilogue!! Even though the "future" part wasn't very long, I was so glad we at least got a peek into their life together down the road.
If you enjoy sweet, clean, romantic stories (and don't mind them coming with a little baggage--but doesn't feel heavy), then grab this one!
July 2, 2015
Um...if you haven't read any of Jennifer Peel's books yet, you'd better go do it! This book is cute, I didn't want to put it down. You see the story through Ava's eyes, and she is a great character. Ava and her husband have divorced, and she knows that her neighbor's wife has died of some kind of illness. She's not sure what, because she's been in her own world dealing with her own problems. But she chooses to be kind and take him dinner. He invites her to share it with him and for some odd reason, they end up kissing. What Ava doesn't know is that Scott and Jenna weren't any happier in their marriage than Ava and Peter had been.
I loved the premise of this book. I don't think I've ever read a book where the romantic couple had started out married to someone else, living literally right on the other side of the wall from each other. The characters were great as well, I really liked Ava, Scott made me a bit crazy sometimes. I also really liked that the romance wasn't a cut and dried thing. Both Scott and Ava had things that they needed to work through. Sometimes their romance was on, and sometimes it was off...way off. In the end things worked out well for both of them, but it was a winding road to get there, full of healing, change and love. What a great journey! Can't wait to read more of Jennifer Peel's books!
I loved the premise of this book. I don't think I've ever read a book where the romantic couple had started out married to someone else, living literally right on the other side of the wall from each other. The characters were great as well, I really liked Ava, Scott made me a bit crazy sometimes. I also really liked that the romance wasn't a cut and dried thing. Both Scott and Ava had things that they needed to work through. Sometimes their romance was on, and sometimes it was off...way off. In the end things worked out well for both of them, but it was a winding road to get there, full of healing, change and love. What a great journey! Can't wait to read more of Jennifer Peel's books!
November 10, 2021
I like this author and have been reading through her backlist but this one didn't work for me. I really hate the dead ex trope but sometimes when it's done well, I'm OK with it. That wasn't the case here. Even though they didn't have that great of a marriage, he said he loved her and he moved on way too fast. I liked the h but she was way too pushy and expected him to just forget the wife and move on. She'd been through a traumatic divorce but she just breezed right through it and was ready to jump into a new relationship. It wasn't realistic to me. She was actually pretty selfish. The fact she showed up on the FIRST anniversary of the wife's death was icky to me and they talked about eloping that night. Geez, she'd only been dead a year!
And what was the deal with Beth? They never even discussed it, he said one line that she was right about her and she was never mentioned again! She had been a big part of their separation and it was never addressed.
I just couldn't buy his complete turnaround and I don't think they discussed the issues enough. He came to Florida and she was just all in. I didn't feel their epic love connection that they went on about. Just a year ago they were both married to other people.
I'll continue to read her other books but this one just didn't work for me.
And what was the deal with Beth? They never even discussed it, he said one line that she was right about her and she was never mentioned again! She had been a big part of their separation and it was never addressed.
I just couldn't buy his complete turnaround and I don't think they discussed the issues enough. He came to Florida and she was just all in. I didn't feel their epic love connection that they went on about. Just a year ago they were both married to other people.
I'll continue to read her other books but this one just didn't work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2015
I don't know what's going on with me. This is another clean romance, but oh, boy the angst. I think the reason I'm addicted to this author's writing is because she sets it up so the hero messes up big time, and then there's the whole winning the heroine back. In this book, it worked. Scott's mess up, though really idiotic, was understandable given what he was going through. I LOVED how Ava responded. All in all, another engaging read, but there were parts that were slow.
November 19, 2021
Sweet story with a divorcée heroine and widower hero. They’ve been neighbors since before she caught her husband cheating and his wife was ill.
Too many info dumps—lots of telling, instead of showing.
2.5 rounding up, the characters were nice, the secondary characters were nice, even the cheating ex knew what he’d lost.
Too many info dumps—lots of telling, instead of showing.
2.5 rounding up, the characters were nice, the secondary characters were nice, even the cheating ex knew what he’d lost.
July 19, 2023
Oh Scott and Ava! You two sure have had some hard things to deal with. But I have to say that Ava was just so graceful and wonderful in how she handled her hard situations and her heartaches.
I loved watching their friendship develop. Sometimes I wanted to give Scott a piece of my mind. But I sure loved Ava's family and the steps forward that happened when she finally went home!
This is one I'll be reading again and again! Probably with some tissues because, yes, I had tears!!!
Content: Divorce, death, falling in love again. Some innuendos but overall clean.
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
I loved watching their friendship develop. Sometimes I wanted to give Scott a piece of my mind. But I sure loved Ava's family and the steps forward that happened when she finally went home!
This is one I'll be reading again and again! Probably with some tissues because, yes, I had tears!!!
Content: Divorce, death, falling in love again. Some innuendos but overall clean.
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
August 20, 2015
Ava and Scott are both married and living next to each other. Ava's husband is a real piece of work (UGH!!), and they end up getting a divorce. Scott's wife Jenna is very ill, and dies.
A while after Jenna dies, Ava works up the courage to take over a meal to Scott. She really feels she should have gone over much sooner, but she has had her own issues dealing with her own divorce. Scott invites her to share the meal together, and a wonderful evening follows. The connection is definitely there, you can feel the electricity between them building. Scott moves in for a kiss, and soon gets caught up in the whole of it. When realization of what he is doing hits, the guilt sets in, and the evening comes to an abrupt ending.
Over time Scott and Ava develop a great friendship, with the possibility of maybe something more. If only Scott would be willing to let go of the past, and see what is right in front of him. It seems like he is forever trying to keep Ava on the other side of the wall.
I loved Ava, she is such a strong female lead. She knows what she wants, has the patience to invest in it, yet she knows her limits, and knows to stand up for herself when needs be! I was rooting for her throughout the whole read!
I had a hard time with Scott. I felt for him losing his wife, that is the worst, whatever the condition of your relationship. So I understand his holding back and hesitating to move forward. I even have complete compassion for the whole back and forth, because I feel for him wanting to move forward, yet feeling guilty. Yet I found myself at times rolling my eyes at his stupidity, feeling the urge to smack him about, and thinking this is it! Sometimes men are so dense, or at least men like Scott in this case. He really needed to get his act together and move forward.
I loved the supporting cast in this book immensely. Scott's family, especially his mum are the best. The way they embrace Ava, and make her a part of the family is heartwarming! Ava's family are also incredible, imagine having a brother like Ava! I found myself in tears during the tough moments saying goodbye to some of these characters (Sorry if this is giving too much away of the story :( ) These people add such a richness to this great story, it's like an amazing chocolate cake with a delectable icing smothered all over it. It adds such a richness to the whole experience, you feel so content after eating (reading) it, and can look back feeling utterly satisfied!
Come on over to my blog: http://www.mylissasreviewsandbookthou... OR https://www.facebook.com/Mylissarevie...
where we are doing a big Jennifer Peel GIVEAWAY this week!!!
A while after Jenna dies, Ava works up the courage to take over a meal to Scott. She really feels she should have gone over much sooner, but she has had her own issues dealing with her own divorce. Scott invites her to share the meal together, and a wonderful evening follows. The connection is definitely there, you can feel the electricity between them building. Scott moves in for a kiss, and soon gets caught up in the whole of it. When realization of what he is doing hits, the guilt sets in, and the evening comes to an abrupt ending.
Over time Scott and Ava develop a great friendship, with the possibility of maybe something more. If only Scott would be willing to let go of the past, and see what is right in front of him. It seems like he is forever trying to keep Ava on the other side of the wall.
I loved Ava, she is such a strong female lead. She knows what she wants, has the patience to invest in it, yet she knows her limits, and knows to stand up for herself when needs be! I was rooting for her throughout the whole read!
I had a hard time with Scott. I felt for him losing his wife, that is the worst, whatever the condition of your relationship. So I understand his holding back and hesitating to move forward. I even have complete compassion for the whole back and forth, because I feel for him wanting to move forward, yet feeling guilty. Yet I found myself at times rolling my eyes at his stupidity, feeling the urge to smack him about, and thinking this is it! Sometimes men are so dense, or at least men like Scott in this case. He really needed to get his act together and move forward.
I loved the supporting cast in this book immensely. Scott's family, especially his mum are the best. The way they embrace Ava, and make her a part of the family is heartwarming! Ava's family are also incredible, imagine having a brother like Ava! I found myself in tears during the tough moments saying goodbye to some of these characters (Sorry if this is giving too much away of the story :( ) These people add such a richness to this great story, it's like an amazing chocolate cake with a delectable icing smothered all over it. It adds such a richness to the whole experience, you feel so content after eating (reading) it, and can look back feeling utterly satisfied!
Come on over to my blog: http://www.mylissasreviewsandbookthou... OR https://www.facebook.com/Mylissarevie...
where we are doing a big Jennifer Peel GIVEAWAY this week!!!
January 21, 2023
I so love this author! She has such a wonderful, easy, laid-back writing style. Her stories sweep me away into a magical, imaginary, romantic world where I completely lose myself. This was another great book and I highly recommend it.
April 16, 2015
I love this new author! Her books are hard to put down!
April 6, 2025
Fun story with characters overcoming grief and loss. Scott is projected really well as an oblivious man. I like that the story doesn't go perfectly the whole time.
February 7, 2015
Another great read for me. There are so many facets to relationships, let alone grieving. Seeing the chemistry develop between these two hurting people was beautiful. Each of us has these complicated needs and emotions, and sometimes we get distracted or forget to show the ones we care how we care. Myriad complications complicate the beauty of the relationship in this story. It all comes down to recognizing what is most important, and cherishing it by action, word, and not just feeling it in your heart. Recognizing it is part of the conflict, acknowledging it is another. Sweet, and poignant story, full of supportive family members (for the MC), and the complications of real life, work, past relationships, etc. Well worth the time to read it. Ava is a wonderful, caring person, helps others, and is healing from her divorce, Scott is wounded, and healing from the death of his wife, and the subtly unhealthy relationship he had with her. Meshing their two lives together in the year after both of these events is a dance that worth reading.
February 4, 2015
I have loved all of Jennifer Peel's books, and this was no exception. This one started out slower than the others (I believe this is the first book she wrote, but it is the fourth book of hers I have read), but when it picked up I loved reading Scott and Ava's story - I love it when you get to the end of a book, and you aren't quite ready to say good-bye to the main characters!
What I didn't like: I was so excited when I discovered a new author I really liked, but now that I've finished this book I have read all the books she has written... I really wish there was another one for me to read next! I definitely look forward to more books from this author!
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
What I didn't like: I was so excited when I discovered a new author I really liked, but now that I've finished this book I have read all the books she has written... I really wish there was another one for me to read next! I definitely look forward to more books from this author!
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
January 26, 2015
4.5 Stars
I know it's been a great book when it stays on my mind for days after I have finished and the characters start to feel like friends you don't want to leave behind. I was a little bit unsure as the story began, the style of writing in the first half of the book was almost as if I was reading Ava's journal and I was craving some dialogue. But once Scott and Ava began their journey together they were attached to my heart and I wanted to see them find their happily ever after the second time around. I wanted to wring Scott's neck at one point and shake some sense into him and Ava was a little too quick to trust again, but in the end I was a happy reader.
Content: Clean!
I know it's been a great book when it stays on my mind for days after I have finished and the characters start to feel like friends you don't want to leave behind. I was a little bit unsure as the story began, the style of writing in the first half of the book was almost as if I was reading Ava's journal and I was craving some dialogue. But once Scott and Ava began their journey together they were attached to my heart and I wanted to see them find their happily ever after the second time around. I wanted to wring Scott's neck at one point and shake some sense into him and Ava was a little too quick to trust again, but in the end I was a happy reader.
Content: Clean!
April 19, 2015
Poignant romance about two broken people who live in the same apartment building and how they meet and begin becoming whole again. This had a bit of cute, a sprinkling of heartache, and a dash of laughter all stirred into a hearty romantic stew that warmed my heart. I loved seeing the characters grow and develop, then falter, stumble, and begin again. I really love this author’s writing style. Her books always get tossed into my favorite bin to read again.
September 20, 2019
The heroine is a little too perfect. And the hero clearly needed a therapist from the get go, but it's a sweet fairy tale romance & Jennifer Peel's books are a reliable happily-ever-after.
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
November 18, 2021
3 star
It was ok. There was some OW drama, not as much as i was led to believe. I also did not like how the hs mom welcomed the H with open arms into her house after he broke her heart. The H definitely had his jerky moments but i belived in their HEA
It was ok. There was some OW drama, not as much as i was led to believe. I also did not like how the hs mom welcomed the H with open arms into her house after he broke her heart. The H definitely had his jerky moments but i belived in their HEA
January 3, 2021
Ava, a nurse, is married to Peter, until one day his pregnant girlfriend comes into her clinic. While crying over her divorce, Ava hears a man weeping on the other side of the common wall of their townhome. Turns out his wife died after a long illness. Weeks later (she has her own trauma to deal with), she takes him a casserole. He invites her in, they share a meal and good conversation. Hours pass, and they end up kissing. This is an intriguing beginning, and you'd expect the author to do something deep with it.
Unfortunately, the story becomes shallow and two-dimensional after that. Ava quickly falls for Scott, expecting him to snap out of his grief and treat her like the great catch she is. When that doesn't happen and he wavers, she dumps him. Then he gladly forgets all about his dead wife (about whom not one good thing was ever said by either of them) and chases after Ava. Between this and the fawning over Ava by both families (and her family treating her like a 12-year-old virgin), this book was not for me.
Unfortunately, the story becomes shallow and two-dimensional after that. Ava quickly falls for Scott, expecting him to snap out of his grief and treat her like the great catch she is. When that doesn't happen and he wavers, she dumps him. Then he gladly forgets all about his dead wife (about whom not one good thing was ever said by either of them) and chases after Ava. Between this and the fawning over Ava by both families (and her family treating her like a 12-year-old virgin), this book was not for me.
October 1, 2023
There were so many conflicting things in this book. It just felt garbage pail after garbage pail. I won’t waste my time trying to remember them all but in the end when they’re back in Chicago and they see multiple wrecks but the ER nurse doesn’t stop to help anyone???? Every woman being out to get her with him??? There not being a single good thing about his dead wife mentioned??? The WILD family Christmas party they have every year being from 6-9 and nothing interesting at all happening?? It was giving pick me YeehAw girl and just makes southerners look bad. Every character felt like a stereotypical caricature of what they should be and I’m just glad the book is over. Had such a great concept that was wasted on whatever this was
February 9, 2023
Three and a Half Stars!
I'm a sucker for these "Hero is devastated and still deeply in love with his dead wife-to the point of completely shattering his new heroine in his life" stories, and this one fit that bill pretty awesomely. This dude was so hung up on his dead wife, he just couldn't let her go. I adored the brutally gutting feels that this part of the story brought up. Unfortunately, the story took a turn at about the 65% mark, and it got REALLY cheesy, and a bit too religious for me after that. That being said, this was a very low drama story, with a bit of decent angst, and not too bad of a way to spend the afternoon.
I'm a sucker for these "Hero is devastated and still deeply in love with his dead wife-to the point of completely shattering his new heroine in his life" stories, and this one fit that bill pretty awesomely. This dude was so hung up on his dead wife, he just couldn't let her go. I adored the brutally gutting feels that this part of the story brought up. Unfortunately, the story took a turn at about the 65% mark, and it got REALLY cheesy, and a bit too religious for me after that. That being said, this was a very low drama story, with a bit of decent angst, and not too bad of a way to spend the afternoon.
May 21, 2017
Clean, cute romance
Content: very clean
Language: Clean
Religious: Not really. Some references to God and church, but not religious at all.
Overall story: This is probably 3.5 stars due to a ton of editing errors, but I'm on a Jennifer Peel kick so I decided to just go with 4 stars. Also all of her books are in first person POV. This book involves a widower and a divorcee who are neighbors and a romance develops. Overall a cute story.
Happy reading!!
Content: very clean
Language: Clean
Religious: Not really. Some references to God and church, but not religious at all.
Overall story: This is probably 3.5 stars due to a ton of editing errors, but I'm on a Jennifer Peel kick so I decided to just go with 4 stars. Also all of her books are in first person POV. This book involves a widower and a divorcee who are neighbors and a romance develops. Overall a cute story.
Happy reading!!
May 29, 2017
This was a bit different than her other books that I have read. It had two main characters that came with a lot of baggage. I think the guy made some really stupid decisions and I was so mad at him. But that is what a good book does, right? Draws you in and wants you to see it through. It ended fabulously and I loved seeing both of them put their baggage aside and start new. I would love to see a book for her brother Tucker. He was funny!
December 6, 2018
Other Side of the Wall
This was about two people who lived next door to each other. One marriage ended in divorce. The other ended when the wife died. They came together to help the other through their own unique grief. But it became clear that what they felt was more. But when his guilt kicked in one too many times it might be the end of the story. Will he figure out before it is too late? Or will she walk away from the hurt?
This was about two people who lived next door to each other. One marriage ended in divorce. The other ended when the wife died. They came together to help the other through their own unique grief. But it became clear that what they felt was more. But when his guilt kicked in one too many times it might be the end of the story. Will he figure out before it is too late? Or will she walk away from the hurt?
January 2, 2025
I think the author hates her h or her H's are really wimps.
I really like my H to be alpha and this one over here was beta or below that.
The h was way better but i think she is a masochist sho likes getting hurt or no self respect i mean from the start she was way more into the H than him and i really didn't like his behaviour and her acceptance of the same.
Again explanations are never sufficient for the crap behaviour.
Sorry not my style and might not read further from her.
I really like my H to be alpha and this one over here was beta or below that.
The h was way better but i think she is a masochist sho likes getting hurt or no self respect i mean from the start she was way more into the H than him and i really didn't like his behaviour and her acceptance of the same.
Again explanations are never sufficient for the crap behaviour.
Sorry not my style and might not read further from her.
February 14, 2017
Jennifer Peel has a talent for writing complex characters. This was a good read but not as enjoyable for me as some of her other books. The main male character in this story made me want to reach through the pages and shake some sense into him. Ultimately it ended up being very cute.... just had to get through the frustration.
May 25, 2018
Omgosh,yet an PHENOMENAL story from Jennifer! I don't know what I'm going to when I read all her 📚. Anyway both Ava & Scott are working though different things in life, but they share a wall & that wall turns into Sooo much more for each of them. It was so good I didn't want to it end! Definitely worth your time 😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews