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Destiny #0
Just Beginning
Twenty-something Jenny Campbell's life has been a series of screw-ups, and the latest one endangered her little brother's life. But when she falls for sophisticated Gabe Harrison, she has a chance to turn her life around...if she can keep her past a secret.
Gabe's career as a successful doctor has left just enough time for his teenage children and little else. But when beautiful, vivacious Jenny comes along, she breathes love and happiness into his lonely life. There's only one their families are opposed to their relationship. Money and age differences mean nothing to Gabe as long as they have trust, love, and respect.
Gabe's career as a successful doctor has left just enough time for his teenage children and little else. But when beautiful, vivacious Jenny comes along, she breathes love and happiness into his lonely life. There's only one their families are opposed to their relationship. Money and age differences mean nothing to Gabe as long as they have trust, love, and respect.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2014
28 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Rizzo
8 books162 followersTheresa Rizzo is an award-winning author who writes emotional stories that explore the complexity of relationships and families through real-life trials. Born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, she now lives outside of Boulder, Colorado with her husband of thirty-two years.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 10, 2014
Sometimes when the right person comes along, no matter who they are, no obstacle seems too high to climb. When Jenny met Gabe, all the signs of attraction were there for this feisty, free-spirited young woman who has been a little down on her luck, life wise. Gabe is older, a successful and conservative surgeon, divorced with children, but when Jenny comes into his life, there is hope, happiness and a lightness he hasn’t felt in a long time. She makes him feel alive with her bohemian ways, her spur of the moment ideas and the sheer wonder of life in her eyes. But will their pasts come between them? Will their age difference become an issue? What’s more important, money and being closer in age or love and trust? To say the world is against them may a bit harsh, but their families sure weren’t happy with their plans to wed. Both agreed they didn’t want children of their own, too many children were out there, waiting for someone to give them love.
Their emotional banks were depleted by the time their volunteer work at a local clinic was done. But could these feelings change? Would the young journalist decide she wanted the smell of a baby in her arms before her “clock” ran down? Would the doctor decide he, too wanted to start a new family, or would this become a stumbling block to their future?
Two hearts entwined, dreams and a life shared, smooth sailing on the Loveboat or is a storm brewing, fueled by the feelings of another?
Just Beginning by Theresa Rizzo is real life drama, real life love and real life differences in people that can tear a couple apart or build their bonds tighter, but first one must be totally honest, respecting their mate to enough to share their changing feelings. They say opposites attract and that fits the description of Jenny and Gabe to a tee, although they complement each other completely, two halves of a whole. Ms. Rizzo has built her world around everyday life, joys and sorrows and has done a remarkable job of taking her readers on a path to maturity and realization, while dumping enough spikes on the road to flatten hopes for a smooth journey. Are those spikes secrets held? As the background and prequel to Just Destiny is a must read to fill in the cracks in their future tale. Ms. Rizzo has etched out conflict and love in a no nonsense way, like scrimshaw on wood, there is stark beauty in her words.
I received this edition from Theresa Rizzo in exchange for my honest review.
Paperback Publication: November 19, 2014
eBook: Publication Date: December 10, 2014
Publisher: Theresa Rizzo
ISBN-13: 9780989045049
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print Length: 271 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Their emotional banks were depleted by the time their volunteer work at a local clinic was done. But could these feelings change? Would the young journalist decide she wanted the smell of a baby in her arms before her “clock” ran down? Would the doctor decide he, too wanted to start a new family, or would this become a stumbling block to their future?
Two hearts entwined, dreams and a life shared, smooth sailing on the Loveboat or is a storm brewing, fueled by the feelings of another?
Just Beginning by Theresa Rizzo is real life drama, real life love and real life differences in people that can tear a couple apart or build their bonds tighter, but first one must be totally honest, respecting their mate to enough to share their changing feelings. They say opposites attract and that fits the description of Jenny and Gabe to a tee, although they complement each other completely, two halves of a whole. Ms. Rizzo has built her world around everyday life, joys and sorrows and has done a remarkable job of taking her readers on a path to maturity and realization, while dumping enough spikes on the road to flatten hopes for a smooth journey. Are those spikes secrets held? As the background and prequel to Just Destiny is a must read to fill in the cracks in their future tale. Ms. Rizzo has etched out conflict and love in a no nonsense way, like scrimshaw on wood, there is stark beauty in her words.
I received this edition from Theresa Rizzo in exchange for my honest review.
Paperback Publication: November 19, 2014
eBook: Publication Date: December 10, 2014
Publisher: Theresa Rizzo
ISBN-13: 9780989045049
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print Length: 271 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 25, 2015
WOW!! What a beautifully written beginning to Gabe and Jenny’s story. Their first date, that first kiss ~ a first kiss that you can feel ~ a first kiss that makes the butterflies in your stomach that lay in anticipation of that moment…..come to life. The poem you will read during Gabe and Jenny’s wedding ceremony….not going to lie….made me teary eyed, but so perfect.
I still dislike George, still dislike Annie, not a fan of Judith, but am loving Steve as much as I did in Just Destiny. I’m tempted to reread Just Destiny ~ but I’m not so sure my heart can handle that heartwarming, yet heartbreaking story again.
~ 4.5 ~ Just Beautiful ~ Stars
I still dislike George, still dislike Annie, not a fan of Judith, but am loving Steve as much as I did in Just Destiny. I’m tempted to reread Just Destiny ~ but I’m not so sure my heart can handle that heartwarming, yet heartbreaking story again.
~ 4.5 ~ Just Beautiful ~ Stars
March 22, 2016
I thought I had read all of Theresa Rizzo’s books. I found 2 I hadn’t read, and both of them are already published. Apparently Just Destiny came out first then she wrote the prequel, Just Beginning, to give the backstory for Gabe and Jenny’s romance.
For those of you who have never heard of Theresa Rizzo (you haven’t been reading my blog for very long then) you need to give her books a try. She writes very emotionally deep stories. Her characters are well developed and you can visualize exactly how they look and imagine them acting in these situations.
Jenny Campbell meets Dr. Gabe Harrsion while visiting her brother in the hospital. They end up dating and it is fun to watch in on their lives. He is fourteen years older than she and has two grown children. She has issues with her parents. They work and flirt and fall in love, but the details of how the flirting and working and falling in love happens is what the whole story is about.
They are fun to read about and I was rooting for their relationship to work out the entire length of the book. I highly recommend this book. It is a little on the steamy side, not what I would consider a clean romance, but neither is it what I would consider erotica. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I think you’ll like it as much as I did.
For those of you who have never heard of Theresa Rizzo (you haven’t been reading my blog for very long then) you need to give her books a try. She writes very emotionally deep stories. Her characters are well developed and you can visualize exactly how they look and imagine them acting in these situations.
Jenny Campbell meets Dr. Gabe Harrsion while visiting her brother in the hospital. They end up dating and it is fun to watch in on their lives. He is fourteen years older than she and has two grown children. She has issues with her parents. They work and flirt and fall in love, but the details of how the flirting and working and falling in love happens is what the whole story is about.
They are fun to read about and I was rooting for their relationship to work out the entire length of the book. I highly recommend this book. It is a little on the steamy side, not what I would consider a clean romance, but neither is it what I would consider erotica. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I think you’ll like it as much as I did.
March 9, 2015
I loved Theresa Rizzo's Just Destiny and was really excited to get to know Jenny and Gabe before the events of Just Destiny took place.
As is the case with all prequels, it was odd to read this book, knowing what would happened to Jenny and Gabe in Just Destiny. It was almost like having a premonition of something bad happening the whole time I was reading. This feeling kept me from really investing myself in the story, since I knew sad times were on their way for Jenny and Gabe. My only regret about Just Beginning is that I wish I'd read it before Just Destiny.
With that said, I did really enjoy Just Beginning. I love Rizzo's writing style: she draws me in and I can't put her books down. Her premises are so believable and realistic that I feel like the things that happen to her characters could easily happen to me. This feeling allows me to put myself in the characters' shoes and really get drawn into the story.
I loved getting to know Steve, Jenny and Gabe's neighbor and great friend, even better in this book. He's one of the main characters in book two, and I loved knowing his history and back story. It made me like him even more.
Just Beginning is a great read. I highly recommend these books, and can't wait to read Theresa Rizzo's next book!
As is the case with all prequels, it was odd to read this book, knowing what would happened to Jenny and Gabe in Just Destiny. It was almost like having a premonition of something bad happening the whole time I was reading. This feeling kept me from really investing myself in the story, since I knew sad times were on their way for Jenny and Gabe. My only regret about Just Beginning is that I wish I'd read it before Just Destiny.
With that said, I did really enjoy Just Beginning. I love Rizzo's writing style: she draws me in and I can't put her books down. Her premises are so believable and realistic that I feel like the things that happen to her characters could easily happen to me. This feeling allows me to put myself in the characters' shoes and really get drawn into the story.
I loved getting to know Steve, Jenny and Gabe's neighbor and great friend, even better in this book. He's one of the main characters in book two, and I loved knowing his history and back story. It made me like him even more.
Just Beginning is a great read. I highly recommend these books, and can't wait to read Theresa Rizzo's next book!
December 29, 2014
** TARA'S REVIEW **
4 Stars
In the prequel to Just Destiny (see my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ), we are treated to the story behind the story. Finding out how Jenny and Gabe meet and fall in love. We get to follow their lives leading up to their mini getaway that changed it all.
I loved the fact that we got more insight into Gabe's past and what made him take the path to become a doctor, and how much he fell in love with Jenny.
I loved seeing their relationship blossom and the passion that Gabe and Jenny has for each other.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, it was a super quick read that I finished in a few hours. I'm normally not a fan of prequels unless of course I read them first, but having read this months after Just Destiny brought me right back. I really enjoyed it.
I would recommend both books in this series, they are great reads.
**A gifted copy was received by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
4 Stars
In the prequel to Just Destiny (see my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ), we are treated to the story behind the story. Finding out how Jenny and Gabe meet and fall in love. We get to follow their lives leading up to their mini getaway that changed it all.
I loved the fact that we got more insight into Gabe's past and what made him take the path to become a doctor, and how much he fell in love with Jenny.
I loved seeing their relationship blossom and the passion that Gabe and Jenny has for each other.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, it was a super quick read that I finished in a few hours. I'm normally not a fan of prequels unless of course I read them first, but having read this months after Just Destiny brought me right back. I really enjoyed it.
I would recommend both books in this series, they are great reads.
**A gifted copy was received by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
January 8, 2015
I really enjoyed reading all the background and set up into the characters lives that was in this book. You knew in Just Destiny there was still more than being shared in the courtroom but only saw smaller glimpses of it. If you're thinking about reading these books I would recommend reading this one first then you'll know more of what's happening with Just Destiny. I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 13, 2019
Good Introduction
This book was a nice introduction to “Just Destiny”. I really wanted to give it 5 stars, but already having read “Just Destiny”, I felt like I was already familiar with all of the characters, which I already knew that I would be since this IS a prequel. But a lot of the (already known) back story seemed to be repeated between these two books. I still love T Rizzos writing style, her characters and the way she effortlessly brings about bonding and attachment between the readers and the characters.
This book was a nice introduction to “Just Destiny”. I really wanted to give it 5 stars, but already having read “Just Destiny”, I felt like I was already familiar with all of the characters, which I already knew that I would be since this IS a prequel. But a lot of the (already known) back story seemed to be repeated between these two books. I still love T Rizzos writing style, her characters and the way she effortlessly brings about bonding and attachment between the readers and the characters.
September 25, 2017
this is the one before the first destiny. she meets gabe the dr at her 'brothers' hosptial bed when he fell off the skateboard she gave him. in the next book, which i read first, the husband gabe died in a car vs bike accident in front of her. she wanted to have his baby and got permission to get his sperm before he died , but the neighbor, a lawyer who was in love with her, married her and tho he cant have kids wanted one with her, not gabes.
it just filled in a little of the background from destiny#1
i wish i read this one first!
it just filled in a little of the background from destiny#1
i wish i read this one first!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2016
I received Just Beginning for free to read and provide an honest review. Let me be up front at first, I have not read the follow on book, Just Destiny, but the title does state this is a prequel to that book, so I figured both were closely related. In this story, Jenny Campbell, who has had a difficult life, meets and falls for an older, more sophisticated man, Gabe Harrison. Both find what they have wanted in each other. However, the big stumbling block to their relationship is the opposition to their marriage by their families. Can the pair get beyond this? Can they somehow reconcile the opposition so it does not destroy what they have together?
This is a well written, interesting book by an author whose books I have always enjoyed. In this one, she does not disappoint. Jenny’s and Gabe’s romance and courtship is a beautiful read of two people who try their best to put the best foot forward, and not dwell on or let the past infringe on their future together. The chemistry between them is clearly resent throughout their story. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this couple, individually and together. Their love story, at times, seemed almost too ideal for me, but I decided I needed this exciting look at a good, solid relationship after reading so many books about the rocky, difficult relationships coupes have in other books.
After reading this book, I am now ready to read the follow-on to their story in Just Destiny. If you have read that book, this one will probably help you understand and appreciate that story more. If you have not read Just Destine, this is a wonderful way to be introduced to the fascinating characters in that book. I recommend reading both.
This is a well written, interesting book by an author whose books I have always enjoyed. In this one, she does not disappoint. Jenny’s and Gabe’s romance and courtship is a beautiful read of two people who try their best to put the best foot forward, and not dwell on or let the past infringe on their future together. The chemistry between them is clearly resent throughout their story. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this couple, individually and together. Their love story, at times, seemed almost too ideal for me, but I decided I needed this exciting look at a good, solid relationship after reading so many books about the rocky, difficult relationships coupes have in other books.
After reading this book, I am now ready to read the follow-on to their story in Just Destiny. If you have read that book, this one will probably help you understand and appreciate that story more. If you have not read Just Destine, this is a wonderful way to be introduced to the fascinating characters in that book. I recommend reading both.
December 10, 2014
Just Beginnings takes us back to the world of Gabe and Jenny, who we got introduced to in Just Destiny earlier this year. This story shows us how they met and how their love grew. Just Destiny is a wonderful story on it's own but the reader gets dropped right into the middle of their world. We never really get the backstory of the two of them. Just Beginnings gives us that.
It was wonderful to find out more about Gabe and Jenny and to be able to see what their lives were like before tragedy strikes. Things fall into place that help explain Jenny's passion and the decisions she makes. We also get a better idea of what Gabe really was like and what he thought about things, something that we mostly get second hand in Just Destiny.
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Gabe and Jenny's world. Theresa writes such wonderful stories and I love these two characters. I want to reread Just Destiny again just so I can continue on in their lives. I think it would be interesting to find out if I perceive the story any differently now that I know what their lives and relationships with others were like before.
I am a huge fan of Theresa's and have enjoyed all of her books. I get so excited when I know she has another book out, I know it's going to be a story I am going to love. If you have not read Theresa's stories before, you really should!
It was wonderful to find out more about Gabe and Jenny and to be able to see what their lives were like before tragedy strikes. Things fall into place that help explain Jenny's passion and the decisions she makes. We also get a better idea of what Gabe really was like and what he thought about things, something that we mostly get second hand in Just Destiny.
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Gabe and Jenny's world. Theresa writes such wonderful stories and I love these two characters. I want to reread Just Destiny again just so I can continue on in their lives. I think it would be interesting to find out if I perceive the story any differently now that I know what their lives and relationships with others were like before.
I am a huge fan of Theresa's and have enjoyed all of her books. I get so excited when I know she has another book out, I know it's going to be a story I am going to love. If you have not read Theresa's stories before, you really should!
December 1, 2014
Just Beginning by Theresa Rizzo
4 Stars
Just Beginning is the prequel to Just Destiny and tells the story of how Jenny and Gabe meet and fall in love. Jenny, a freelance journalist, reminds Gabe of what it’s like to help people and much to the disgust of his uncle George, Gabe decides to work one day per week providing medical care for the disadvantaged at a local clinic.
The good thing about this book is that we are given the chance to get to know Gabe, that didn’t happen in Just Destiny, the story in that book is pretty one sided which made the moral dilemma in the plot even harder to decide on.
Gabe had a pretty bad childhood and it was only with the help of his Uncle that he was able to do so well in his career and become a successful doctor. I have to say considering his background I was disappointed with the judgemental attitude he seems to have developed as an adult, I would have respected him much more if he showed a little more sympathy and understanding to those less fortunate than himself. He really angered me with the harsh things he said about Amy, regardless of the way she lives her life, she needs help not judgement.
I enjoyed it and am glad to have been given the information, I may just have to read ‘Just Destiny’ again and see if my view of the storyline changes with my new knowledge.
ARC supplied for review
4 Stars
Just Beginning is the prequel to Just Destiny and tells the story of how Jenny and Gabe meet and fall in love. Jenny, a freelance journalist, reminds Gabe of what it’s like to help people and much to the disgust of his uncle George, Gabe decides to work one day per week providing medical care for the disadvantaged at a local clinic.
The good thing about this book is that we are given the chance to get to know Gabe, that didn’t happen in Just Destiny, the story in that book is pretty one sided which made the moral dilemma in the plot even harder to decide on.
Gabe had a pretty bad childhood and it was only with the help of his Uncle that he was able to do so well in his career and become a successful doctor. I have to say considering his background I was disappointed with the judgemental attitude he seems to have developed as an adult, I would have respected him much more if he showed a little more sympathy and understanding to those less fortunate than himself. He really angered me with the harsh things he said about Amy, regardless of the way she lives her life, she needs help not judgement.
I enjoyed it and am glad to have been given the information, I may just have to read ‘Just Destiny’ again and see if my view of the storyline changes with my new knowledge.
ARC supplied for review
January 27, 2015
I'm glad that I got this before I started reading Just Destiny, because now I know the full back story of all the characters. This was a truly sweet story, with just the right touch of drama and humor.
As someone in a relationship where there is an age difference, I've been through some of the same feelings Jenny has in this book--dealing with people presuming your husband is your father, for example. I think that helped make her and Gabe more real to me, too.
While I like Jenny, Gabe, Alex, Ted, Michael and Steve, I have negative feelings toward several characters,as well. George made me angry several times, as did Annie, Judith and Jenny's mother, whose name escapes me at the moment.
Now I can hardly wait to read Just Destiny, which is waiting on my Kindle.
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the above opinions are entirely my own.**
As someone in a relationship where there is an age difference, I've been through some of the same feelings Jenny has in this book--dealing with people presuming your husband is your father, for example. I think that helped make her and Gabe more real to me, too.
While I like Jenny, Gabe, Alex, Ted, Michael and Steve, I have negative feelings toward several characters,as well. George made me angry several times, as did Annie, Judith and Jenny's mother, whose name escapes me at the moment.
Now I can hardly wait to read Just Destiny, which is waiting on my Kindle.
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the above opinions are entirely my own.**
January 16, 2015
4 Stars
Overall, I enjoyed the book, it was a super quick read that I finished in a few hours. I'm normally not a fan of prequels unless of course I read them first, but having read this months after Just Destiny brought me right back. I really enjoyed it.
Click here for my full review
**A gifted copy was received by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Be sure to check out more of my reviews at: http://lustfulliterature.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/lustfulliterature
December 2, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is a prequel to “Just Destiny”, which I bought a while ago, but haven’t yet read. So, I was thrilled to receive the prequel that sets the background for the next book. This is a wonderful and complicated story about family and relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to continuing to read about all of these characters, especially now that I have read the “back story”.
April 26, 2015
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. The book got my attention right away. I thought the middle of the book took too long . The ending of the book set you up for the sequel making you want to read it. All in all it was a good book.
April 5, 2016
Unfortunately I gave up on this book around 30% mark... It was just too slow for me and a little boring. I did not feel the chemistry. I am sure a lot of readers would love this book, it just was not my cup of tea!
March 19, 2015
loved this book!!
September 14, 2015
An entertaining story that catches your attention and makes you want to keep reading to see what happens or what has happened in the past!
December 17, 2015
Good
the story that has so many different issues and families with different problems.the love between two people comes to getter.
the story that has so many different issues and families with different problems.the love between two people comes to getter.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews