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The Gathered Fragments of Us: A Second-Chance, Family Drama, Marriage-in-Crisis Romance
This is not your average second-chance romance. Sometimes the real test of your story isn't whether you can forgive—it's whether your love can survive the tests that come when everything goes wrong.
Felicity Barrett thought she had a marriage to a man she loved and a beautiful future. But when years of neglect and unspoken grief collide with her husband's devastating mistake, everything begins to crumble.
Caden Barrett has always been the fixer—at work, at home, and in his marriage. But some things can’t be solved with late-night apologies or expensive gifts. To win back Felicity’s trust, he’ll have to face his failures, fight for their future, and learn what it truly means to not only love his wife, but to show that love.
Together, they must navigate family turmoil, betrayal, and the painful echoes of the past. Through chaos, heartbreak, and unexpected joys, Felicity and Caden discover that love isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, forgiveness, and choosing each other again and again.
This is a story of brokenness and healing, of second chances and the quiet work of love. It is a novel that explores modern marriage, blended families, and courage while when everything shatters, can love be rebuilt stronger than before?
Felicity Barrett thought she had a marriage to a man she loved and a beautiful future. But when years of neglect and unspoken grief collide with her husband's devastating mistake, everything begins to crumble.
Caden Barrett has always been the fixer—at work, at home, and in his marriage. But some things can’t be solved with late-night apologies or expensive gifts. To win back Felicity’s trust, he’ll have to face his failures, fight for their future, and learn what it truly means to not only love his wife, but to show that love.
Together, they must navigate family turmoil, betrayal, and the painful echoes of the past. Through chaos, heartbreak, and unexpected joys, Felicity and Caden discover that love isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, forgiveness, and choosing each other again and again.
This is a story of brokenness and healing, of second chances and the quiet work of love. It is a novel that explores modern marriage, blended families, and courage while when everything shatters, can love be rebuilt stronger than before?
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2025
417 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 2, 2025
First read and enjoyed this on Wattpad, enjoyed it just as much on KU. The H, as many ex-husbands do, struggles with letting go of the old and reorganizing priorities when they finally move on. The h was far too accommodating, in my opinion. I did enjoy their journey to a stronger and firmer foundation. The daughter was the most mature of all of the characters.
September 27, 2025
Much different and deeper than expected. It took me in an entirely direction than I had anticipated from the blurb and first chapter.
Notes for the author:
At the beginning of the book, Macy is doing homework even though school doesn't start for a week.
Chapter 29 is listed as being from Felicity's POV but is really from Caden's.
Notes for the author:
At the beginning of the book, Macy is doing homework even though school doesn't start for a week.
Chapter 29 is listed as being from Felicity's POV but is really from Caden's.
September 24, 2025
What started as a marriage in crisis story quickly veered off into other family drama. Still, I enjoyed it.
In my humble opinion, of course 💙
In my humble opinion, of course 💙
October 7, 2025
Notes for me
-Caden and Felicity married like 7 years. He has a daughter, Macy, from his first marriage to Jessica.
-Felicity requested an expensive handbag for her bday. It’s the first time she’s asked for a gift. She comes home and Macy has the purse on thanking her for it and she loves it. F is devastated. C had hidden it in M’s closet and she found it. He didn’t correct her when M thought it was hers.
-This is a long story with a lot going on. Marriage in peril, embezzlement, mental issues.
-WOW, this has quite the gut punch moment.
-Caden and Felicity married like 7 years. He has a daughter, Macy, from his first marriage to Jessica.
-Felicity requested an expensive handbag for her bday. It’s the first time she’s asked for a gift. She comes home and Macy has the purse on thanking her for it and she loves it. F is devastated. C had hidden it in M’s closet and she found it. He didn’t correct her when M thought it was hers.
-This is a long story with a lot going on. Marriage in peril, embezzlement, mental issues.
-WOW, this has quite the gut punch moment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
bring your tissues
This book is nothing like I expected, but in the best of ways. There is so much emotion in this book, and I definitely cried a lot. Good read
This book is nothing like I expected, but in the best of ways. There is so much emotion in this book, and I definitely cried a lot. Good read
October 24, 2025
Good Story
This review rambles a bit, but it’s honest, so here we go. This is a good story. It is heartfelt, well-paced, and ended on a good note. It was, in some ways, aspirational. A glimpse at what marriage can be when both people choose each other, over and over again, every day. My only slightly negative feedback is that it feels a bit too optimistic. I mean, if both people in a relationship are self-aware enough to realize they need to change and care enough about one another to seek the help they need, then of course the relationship will get stronger. But self-awareness and caring enough about each other are exactly the pieces needed to save most marriages. Without both pieces, no amount of love can save a marriage. Marriages aren’t lost because both people have both pieces; they’re lost precisely because both people don’t have both pieces. I am a happily married child of, and firm supporter of, divorce. That said, I like reading novels like this where a solid relationship can be saved and even improved when both people choose each other. So, overall, this is a good story and a great read!
This review rambles a bit, but it’s honest, so here we go. This is a good story. It is heartfelt, well-paced, and ended on a good note. It was, in some ways, aspirational. A glimpse at what marriage can be when both people choose each other, over and over again, every day. My only slightly negative feedback is that it feels a bit too optimistic. I mean, if both people in a relationship are self-aware enough to realize they need to change and care enough about one another to seek the help they need, then of course the relationship will get stronger. But self-awareness and caring enough about each other are exactly the pieces needed to save most marriages. Without both pieces, no amount of love can save a marriage. Marriages aren’t lost because both people have both pieces; they’re lost precisely because both people don’t have both pieces. I am a happily married child of, and firm supporter of, divorce. That said, I like reading novels like this where a solid relationship can be saved and even improved when both people choose each other. So, overall, this is a good story and a great read!
October 5, 2025
What a waste of my time. I love MIC romances, it’s my shit. But, this was not good . It lacked chemistry between the couple.
October 15, 2025
I usually enjoy a marriage in crisis book with serious reflection and no cheating, and this definitely had moments of that!
I do think it was longer than it needed to be. The middle had a lot of other conflicts thrown in that I think detracted too much from the main plot, and I didn’t think we needed the pov of his ex wife or child to really add to the story. It definitely could use some editing, too.
So overall, it wasn’t my favorite, but it had some cute moments!
I do think it was longer than it needed to be. The middle had a lot of other conflicts thrown in that I think detracted too much from the main plot, and I didn’t think we needed the pov of his ex wife or child to really add to the story. It definitely could use some editing, too.
So overall, it wasn’t my favorite, but it had some cute moments!
October 30, 2025
A lots of drama romance
Many things can affect a marriage-children, exes, illness, addiction, and lies. All are found in this romance. Felicity and Caden work through it all to save their marriage and protect their family. A bit much drama and angst, but a pretty good read.
Many things can affect a marriage-children, exes, illness, addiction, and lies. All are found in this romance. Felicity and Caden work through it all to save their marriage and protect their family. A bit much drama and angst, but a pretty good read.
November 15, 2025
I loved it. Felicity was a strong FMC and Caden needed a swift kick up the bum and I think he got it. At his core he was trying to do the right thing but somehow almost always got it wrong and it really affected their marriage. At the beginning I really didn’t like Macy but I’m glad that she wasn’t the bratty child I assumed she would be. She was truly devastated when she thought she had a hand in their problems. I really felt the redemption and the love and I felt the grovel was satisfying.
November 15, 2025
oh wow.
So much to unpack in this book. Caden really had some fixing to do. Felicity, well she need to find herself again. These 2 needed to find themselves and each other. And Macy bless her little heart. No child should have to go through so much. This family needed healing and with each other they found it.
So much to unpack in this book. Caden really had some fixing to do. Felicity, well she need to find herself again. These 2 needed to find themselves and each other. And Macy bless her little heart. No child should have to go through so much. This family needed healing and with each other they found it.
November 1, 2025
Very emotional
When I started reading I assumed this book would be a simple husband is an idiot, pills his head out of his butt and smartens up. There was that but also joy and sadness. While there is a happy ending you can see the journey it took to get there.
When I started reading I assumed this book would be a simple husband is an idiot, pills his head out of his butt and smartens up. There was that but also joy and sadness. While there is a happy ending you can see the journey it took to get there.
not-for-me
October 30, 2025Not a fan of unnecessary, overly drawn out grovel when it's totally unwarranted.
October 23, 2025
Really good read
An awesome story. A little emotional but I enjoyed it very much. I cannot wait to read about Maliyah's story.
An awesome story. A little emotional but I enjoyed it very much. I cannot wait to read about Maliyah's story.
October 27, 2025
so good
This was truly a good read. There were times it was incredibly slow (imo) while fleshing out details and covering the same scene from both POV but it was overall a good storyline
This was truly a good read. There were times it was incredibly slow (imo) while fleshing out details and covering the same scene from both POV but it was overall a good storyline
November 9, 2025
I started this on Wattpad, but borrowed and finished it in KU. This starts as a marriage in crisis, but turns into a family drama. Our couple comes out stronger in the end but it is quite a journey.
October 26, 2025
wonderful story
Heart touching moments of joy angry sadness would recommend others to read I am looking forward to more of your storylines
Heart touching moments of joy angry sadness would recommend others to read I am looking forward to more of your storylines
October 10, 2025
This popped up in one of my FB groups, a marriage in trouble, definitely my thing. Read the title of chapter one and knew I’d read it on Wattpad.
October 13, 2025
Great book!
I really enjoyed the emotional journey. I was a little confused about why Brad was locked up. I don’t remember him being involved with Jennifer in stealing the money from Caden’s company. AlsoFelicity never mention Ethan giving her the e book or his feelings for her.
Overall I enjoyed the read.
I really enjoyed the emotional journey. I was a little confused about why Brad was locked up. I don’t remember him being involved with Jennifer in stealing the money from Caden’s company. AlsoFelicity never mention Ethan giving her the e book or his feelings for her.
Overall I enjoyed the read.
October 25, 2025
Lovely story
I enjoyed this on Wattpad and now on zon. The couple worked on their issues, and life was not suddenly perfect.
I enjoyed this on Wattpad and now on zon. The couple worked on their issues, and life was not suddenly perfect.
October 16, 2025
This wasn't a bad story. In fact, I loved the wife's feelings of being put very last behind everyone in her husband's life. That created a bit of angsty goodness that I enjoy.
The husband wasn't a jerk at all. He was just busy AF in his job, and he had his assistant taking up the slack when it came to caring for his wife's birthdays, anniversaries and other big events in her life. The wife felt taken for granted and forgotten, and the hubby just felt spread thin with his extremely long hours at work, trying to care for his daughter after the divorce of his first wife, and moving into this marriage with his new wife.
The angst was minimal, and gone in a flash, and the story turned into the husband grovelling and the grovel never being good enough for his new wife. She was just about ready to leave the marriage after his last mess up of forgetting how old she was on her birthday after a string of other forgotten dates. The story then turned into the husband getting his shit together and putting the work in, and doing nonstop ass kissing for forgiveness. The story became a bit tedious and exhausting. I felt bad for him. He wasn't an asshole, he just wasn't present. And when he tried to fix it his wife wasn't interested.
I did enjoy the evil ex trying to cause problems in his life. She didn't want him back, she just wanted to screw him over and steal his money.
Not a bad story, it just needed a little more oomph. I'd definitely read this author's future works.
October 19, 2025
I first read this book as a work in progress on Wattpad and I continued with it until the end. I was hooked. It is interesting to now read the published version of the book and wonder how readers' input influenced the final version of the book. From my perspective, the author has added a lot of detail and made some minor changes e.g., if memory serves me and it may well not, the h had a different occupation. Perhaps because I already knew what was going to happen, I had difficulty maintaining interest in the story, leaving it and coming back to it. It seems like the first quarter of the book is the climax event of a marriage in crisis, the next third is OW (the H's ex-wife) drama and the final third is the resolution of the problems with the marriage and the OW. It almost felt like three connected stories.
The h and H have been married for six years and the h feels she has become invisible as the H prioritizes his work and co-parenting his daughter with his ex over her. When the H gives his daughter the gift he bought for the h asked for for her birthday, the h decides it's time to stand up for herself. She goes away for her birthday weekend by herself and reflects on who she is. The H and his daughter plan to make amends. The H's original plans for the weekend don't get mentioned again nor does the commitment to volunteering get described as actually happening.
The H does many things to prove that actions speak louder than words.
The h and H have been married for six years and the h feels she has become invisible as the H prioritizes his work and co-parenting his daughter with his ex over her. When the H gives his daughter the gift he bought for the h asked for for her birthday, the h decides it's time to stand up for herself. She goes away for her birthday weekend by herself and reflects on who she is. The H and his daughter plan to make amends. The H's original plans for the weekend don't get mentioned again nor does the commitment to volunteering get described as actually happening.
The H does many things to prove that actions speak louder than words.
October 5, 2025
I loved this book! I was completely drawn in by the emotional depth of the story and the way it captured the quiet pain of feeling unseen in a marriage, from page one. The main character’s journey felt so real and relatable, her mix of strength, vulnerability, and longing really resonated with me. I could see pieces of my own experiences reflected in her struggles to reconnect in her relationship and rediscover her sense of self in the process.
What I appreciated most was how the story unfolded with so many unexpected turns. Just when I thought I knew where things were headed, the plot surprised me in the best ways, especially with the suspense surrounding the daughter’s mother and the heartbreaking twist that came later. Those moments kept me emotionally invested and unable to put the book down. I finished this book in less than two days!
The author has a beautiful way of writing about love, forgiveness, and resilience. She doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, complicated parts of relationships, but she also reminds readers of the hope that can be found in healing and rediscovery. This book will stay with me even now that I’ve finished it (hopefully long enough to get me through until Winter 2026)! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys emotional, character-driven stories that feel honest and deeply human.
What I appreciated most was how the story unfolded with so many unexpected turns. Just when I thought I knew where things were headed, the plot surprised me in the best ways, especially with the suspense surrounding the daughter’s mother and the heartbreaking twist that came later. Those moments kept me emotionally invested and unable to put the book down. I finished this book in less than two days!
The author has a beautiful way of writing about love, forgiveness, and resilience. She doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, complicated parts of relationships, but she also reminds readers of the hope that can be found in healing and rediscovery. This book will stay with me even now that I’ve finished it (hopefully long enough to get me through until Winter 2026)! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys emotional, character-driven stories that feel honest and deeply human.
January 2, 2026
Wow, just wow!
This captivating novel takes readers on an intense emotional journey through the complex marriage of Felicity and Caden. I've read this book three times and still struggle to find words to describe how amazing it is!
Their marriage teeters on the brink of collapse, strained by Caden's overwhelming work commitments and his tendency to prioritize his ex-wife and daughter over Felicity. For instance, he can't even remember it's her 40th birthday in a week, and she just feels invisible. The title describes it best as we delve deep into the heart-wrenching dynamics of a relationship where Felicity feels perpetually undervalued and loses pieces of herself to accommodate everyone else. I love how Felicity starts to choose what she needs and Caden finally realizes what he has done to their relationship and tries to repair the damage he caused. As they navigate their marriage, there are many twists and turns that take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It is a powerful read that will leave readers breathless and deeply moved by the intricate portrayal of love, sacrifice, and struggles that life sometimes throws at you. I would highly recommend this amazing second-chance, marriage-in-crisis book!
This captivating novel takes readers on an intense emotional journey through the complex marriage of Felicity and Caden. I've read this book three times and still struggle to find words to describe how amazing it is!
Their marriage teeters on the brink of collapse, strained by Caden's overwhelming work commitments and his tendency to prioritize his ex-wife and daughter over Felicity. For instance, he can't even remember it's her 40th birthday in a week, and she just feels invisible. The title describes it best as we delve deep into the heart-wrenching dynamics of a relationship where Felicity feels perpetually undervalued and loses pieces of herself to accommodate everyone else. I love how Felicity starts to choose what she needs and Caden finally realizes what he has done to their relationship and tries to repair the damage he caused. As they navigate their marriage, there are many twists and turns that take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It is a powerful read that will leave readers breathless and deeply moved by the intricate portrayal of love, sacrifice, and struggles that life sometimes throws at you. I would highly recommend this amazing second-chance, marriage-in-crisis book!
October 5, 2025
This is about the story of a couple trying to find their way back to each other after years of neglect. The main character is a woman whose 40th birthday becomes the final breaking point when her husband forgets it and even gives away her gift. That moment pushes her to finally face how disconnected their marriage has become.
What I liked most about this book was how real it felt. The conversations between them were honest and emotional, showing that rebuilding love isn’t easy but it’s possible when both people are willing to try. I especially liked how the husband didn’t try to defend his mistakes. Instead, he took real steps toward change, like going to therapy and listening more.
The writing style was smooth and emotional, with a reflective tone that made the story feel personal. There was also a bit of suspense, especially when his ex-wife and daughter’s problems started pulling him in another direction, making me wonder if he’d slip back into old habits.
I really loved how it ended — the couple came out stronger, and it felt like they truly earned their happy ending. Overall, I’d give it three stars.
What I liked most about this book was how real it felt. The conversations between them were honest and emotional, showing that rebuilding love isn’t easy but it’s possible when both people are willing to try. I especially liked how the husband didn’t try to defend his mistakes. Instead, he took real steps toward change, like going to therapy and listening more.
The writing style was smooth and emotional, with a reflective tone that made the story feel personal. There was also a bit of suspense, especially when his ex-wife and daughter’s problems started pulling him in another direction, making me wonder if he’d slip back into old habits.
I really loved how it ended — the couple came out stronger, and it felt like they truly earned their happy ending. Overall, I’d give it three stars.
October 10, 2025
Originally read on Wattpad.
Grovel = H has not prioritized the h and made her an afterthought in their marriage. h finally hits the breaking point in the first chapter. H must work through his own blindness, OW drama to get to the point of groveling. h eventually forgives, but maybe the OW drama was a convenient reason to speed up the process??
OW drama = OW was the ex of the H and his baby mama. She goes after the h and even her own kid. Comeuppance? OW has a terminal disease which caused a lot of the drama. OW's husband caused some drama after OW's death.
Grovel = H has not prioritized the h and made her an afterthought in their marriage. h finally hits the breaking point in the first chapter. H must work through his own blindness, OW drama to get to the point of groveling. h eventually forgives, but maybe the OW drama was a convenient reason to speed up the process??
OW drama = OW was the ex of the H and his baby mama. She goes after the h and even her own kid. Comeuppance? OW has a terminal disease which caused a lot of the drama. OW's husband caused some drama after OW's death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
3.75⭐️
This was my first foray into this author’s work and I had a really enjoyable time. It’s at heart a book centering a marriage in trouble; but, it’s also a story of family and healing. While this custody could have used some tightening up (as some portions were drawn out or repetitive), it was clear how much love endured between Felicity and Caden. I love how they fought to strengthen their marriage while simply prioritizing Macey’s well-being. I look forward to what this author brings out next.
As always, please check content warnings.
This was my first foray into this author’s work and I had a really enjoyable time. It’s at heart a book centering a marriage in trouble; but, it’s also a story of family and healing. While this custody could have used some tightening up (as some portions were drawn out or repetitive), it was clear how much love endured between Felicity and Caden. I love how they fought to strengthen their marriage while simply prioritizing Macey’s well-being. I look forward to what this author brings out next.
As always, please check content warnings.
October 27, 2025
Not what I expected!
I started this book as it sounded like a redemption story, not after another woman betrayal but feeling unseen and unheard is its own trauma.
But this story went in a completely different direction including family trauma that hit a little too close to me. So while I enjoyed it and finished it, it took me longer than other books as it was a bit too much of an emotional punch for me.
I started this book as it sounded like a redemption story, not after another woman betrayal but feeling unseen and unheard is its own trauma.
But this story went in a completely different direction including family trauma that hit a little too close to me. So while I enjoyed it and finished it, it took me longer than other books as it was a bit too much of an emotional punch for me.
December 5, 2025
I remembered reading this back in Wattpad.
I liked it, I am a sucker for marriage in crisis with no cheating because seriously a talented author can create angst and drama without degrading and humiliating your female main character by making her take back the cheater and this book is just that. My only complain was it dragged toooo long, I wished some things were cut and some were given emphasis instead.
I liked it, I am a sucker for marriage in crisis with no cheating because seriously a talented author can create angst and drama without degrading and humiliating your female main character by making her take back the cheater and this book is just that. My only complain was it dragged toooo long, I wished some things were cut and some were given emphasis instead.
November 1, 2025
Unexpected read….worth every minute spent reading!!!!!
This story isn’t the typical marriage in distress plot line. Every character in this book has a something to contribute to the story and story he author used each very well. This book will have you feeling all the feels. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Well done!!
This story isn’t the typical marriage in distress plot line. Every character in this book has a something to contribute to the story and story he author used each very well. This book will have you feeling all the feels. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Well done!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews