What do you think?
Rate this book
Things That Break Us
SOME TRUTHS ONLY REVEAL THEMSELVES WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS APART.
Tessa Williams is doing everything right—at least on the surface. At twenty-five, she’s an American medical student, fulfilling her father’s dreams, completing a clinical rotation in Botswana, Africa. But beneath her polished exterior, she’s unraveling—haunted by an abusive relationship, burdened by expectations, and increasingly unsure of what she wants for herself. A weekend escape to a remote safari lodge—and an unexpected connection with Corey Diallo, her twenty-nine-year-old South African guide with grief of his own—changes everything. What begins as a chance encounter becomes something deeper, forcing them both to confront the pain they’ve buried…and the lives they’ve been told to want. Spanning twelve years and two continents, Things That Break Us, is a sweeping, emotional debut about the invisible wounds we all carry, the expectations that shape us, and the moments that define who we become. It’s a novel that asks: How do we let go of others’ expectations to build the life we truly want? Not the one others planned for us. Not the one that looks good. But the one uniquely, wildly, and solely ours. Because, sometimes…it takes being far from home to finally come home to yourself
Tessa Williams is doing everything right—at least on the surface. At twenty-five, she’s an American medical student, fulfilling her father’s dreams, completing a clinical rotation in Botswana, Africa. But beneath her polished exterior, she’s unraveling—haunted by an abusive relationship, burdened by expectations, and increasingly unsure of what she wants for herself. A weekend escape to a remote safari lodge—and an unexpected connection with Corey Diallo, her twenty-nine-year-old South African guide with grief of his own—changes everything. What begins as a chance encounter becomes something deeper, forcing them both to confront the pain they’ve buried…and the lives they’ve been told to want. Spanning twelve years and two continents, Things That Break Us, is a sweeping, emotional debut about the invisible wounds we all carry, the expectations that shape us, and the moments that define who we become. It’s a novel that asks: How do we let go of others’ expectations to build the life we truly want? Not the one others planned for us. Not the one that looks good. But the one uniquely, wildly, and solely ours. Because, sometimes…it takes being far from home to finally come home to yourself
433 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
17 people are currently reading
5198 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Felkins
1 book53 followersHi, I’m Lisa Felkins.
I write emotionally-driven fiction about the messy, beautiful parts of life—love, loss, healing, and finding your way when everything feels broken.
My debut novel, Things That Break Us, takes readers from Botswana to the U.S., following a young medical student who must confront the pain she’s buried and the expectations she’s outgrown.
When I’m not writing, I’m working as a family nurse practitioner, chasing after my two kids, or listening to any audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan (I’m a little obsessed—it's my dream to have her narrate my book).
I read everything from book club fiction to memoirs to romance. If you love heartfelt, character-driven stories, I’d love to connect here!
I write emotionally-driven fiction about the messy, beautiful parts of life—love, loss, healing, and finding your way when everything feels broken.
My debut novel, Things That Break Us, takes readers from Botswana to the U.S., following a young medical student who must confront the pain she’s buried and the expectations she’s outgrown.
When I’m not writing, I’m working as a family nurse practitioner, chasing after my two kids, or listening to any audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan (I’m a little obsessed—it's my dream to have her narrate my book).
I read everything from book club fiction to memoirs to romance. If you love heartfelt, character-driven stories, I’d love to connect here!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 7, 2025
Let’s talk about this amazing cover-wow. It’s a beauty. That the story takes place in Botswana, is another wow in my books.
Tessa is a 25 year old medical student doing an internship in Botswana for 2 months. Taking on a career she has no passion for but wants to please her father. She’s just left an abusive relationship when she meets Corey. A safari tour guide. Two people with pasts that haunt them and have left them scarred and broken. We go back in time and return 11 years later.
Honestly, this was a guilty pleasure read. It was steamy and sultry with the excessive use of the “f” word-which doesn’t bother me, but may bother others.
The author’s style: far too much telling rather than showing. The dialogue immature and repetitive. Overly flowery descriptions. Those internal thoughts these characters had? Stop spoon feeding them to the reader! We aren’t complete idiots. There were some glaring holes in the plot. Did I say repetitive?
However, for all the negatives, I still found this to be a compelling read. Perhaps it was the location and descriptions of the elephants; or the moody colouring of the cover; or perhaps I was just in a mellow mood and let this one sway me. I do feel the need for a shower after reading it.
This is no Pulitzer Prize winner for sure- but it did lure me in.
Would I recommend? Probably not. 🤷♀️
3.5⭐️
Tessa is a 25 year old medical student doing an internship in Botswana for 2 months. Taking on a career she has no passion for but wants to please her father. She’s just left an abusive relationship when she meets Corey. A safari tour guide. Two people with pasts that haunt them and have left them scarred and broken. We go back in time and return 11 years later.
Honestly, this was a guilty pleasure read. It was steamy and sultry with the excessive use of the “f” word-which doesn’t bother me, but may bother others.
The author’s style: far too much telling rather than showing. The dialogue immature and repetitive. Overly flowery descriptions. Those internal thoughts these characters had? Stop spoon feeding them to the reader! We aren’t complete idiots. There were some glaring holes in the plot. Did I say repetitive?
However, for all the negatives, I still found this to be a compelling read. Perhaps it was the location and descriptions of the elephants; or the moody colouring of the cover; or perhaps I was just in a mellow mood and let this one sway me. I do feel the need for a shower after reading it.
This is no Pulitzer Prize winner for sure- but it did lure me in.
Would I recommend? Probably not. 🤷♀️
3.5⭐️
September 6, 2025
Gaborone, Botswana, Africa. Tessa Williams is a twenty-five year old American medical student, she and her best friend Liz are about to start an eight week clinical rotation at the Princess Victoria Hospital, and she’s panicking.
Tess might look like she has everything under control, but she feels fake and it’s all an act, one she has been putting on for years, Tess just escaped an abusive relationship, her father has always expected her to follow in his footsteps, and she’s not sure if she even wants to be a doctor.
For their last weekend of freedom Tess and Liz plan to go on a safari, at Impodimo Lodge, here she meets Corey Diallo a South African guide, Tess is drawn to him, he loves his job and she can understand why.
Things That Break Us is told in three parts, from 2007 t0 2019 and set in Africa and America. The emotional and thought provoking debut novel by Lisa Felkins explores many topics, such as abusive relationships, loss of a loved one, parental expectations, how hard it is to be a doctor and separate your feelings from doing your job, terminal illnesses, anxiety and depression, being stuck in a rut and how do you escape this and entity.
This story made me think, the medical system in Africa is very different to western countries, young doctors are thrown into the thick of things and it’s really hard to process everything.
I really liked both main characters Tessa and Corey, the references to the animals we associate with Africa, it’s a narrative about choices, listening to that inner voice, and we all have one and having the strength do what you want and change the path of your life.
Five stars from me, everyone could benefit from reading Things That Break Us and I highly recommend, I had no issue with Corey’s swearing and dropping the f bomb and a warning for those who don’t like bad language.
Tess might look like she has everything under control, but she feels fake and it’s all an act, one she has been putting on for years, Tess just escaped an abusive relationship, her father has always expected her to follow in his footsteps, and she’s not sure if she even wants to be a doctor.
For their last weekend of freedom Tess and Liz plan to go on a safari, at Impodimo Lodge, here she meets Corey Diallo a South African guide, Tess is drawn to him, he loves his job and she can understand why.
Things That Break Us is told in three parts, from 2007 t0 2019 and set in Africa and America. The emotional and thought provoking debut novel by Lisa Felkins explores many topics, such as abusive relationships, loss of a loved one, parental expectations, how hard it is to be a doctor and separate your feelings from doing your job, terminal illnesses, anxiety and depression, being stuck in a rut and how do you escape this and entity.
This story made me think, the medical system in Africa is very different to western countries, young doctors are thrown into the thick of things and it’s really hard to process everything.
I really liked both main characters Tessa and Corey, the references to the animals we associate with Africa, it’s a narrative about choices, listening to that inner voice, and we all have one and having the strength do what you want and change the path of your life.
Five stars from me, everyone could benefit from reading Things That Break Us and I highly recommend, I had no issue with Corey’s swearing and dropping the f bomb and a warning for those who don’t like bad language.
August 26, 2025
First off - this cover is why I wanted to read this book! It is so stunning. Second it was about South Africa, a place I’ve dreamt about going for 45 years! But what kept me reading it was the well written story of a young girl who idolizes her father and wants to be perfect in his eyes so she lives her life following the footsteps she believes he wants for her - where true happiness was always a carrot dangling in front of her - always just out of her reach.
I think we can all see ourselves in this main character - wanting to try so hard to please someone - but then end up not happy at all. I absolutely loved all the vivid descriptions of the wild life in South Africa, I actually felt like I could see what they were seeing which was great. If you want a book about perseverance this is it. If you want a book about hope and dreams and finally deciding to do what you want - this is it.
What an excellent first published novel by Lisa Felkins. Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Felkins and 222 Ventures LLC for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinons.
I think we can all see ourselves in this main character - wanting to try so hard to please someone - but then end up not happy at all. I absolutely loved all the vivid descriptions of the wild life in South Africa, I actually felt like I could see what they were seeing which was great. If you want a book about perseverance this is it. If you want a book about hope and dreams and finally deciding to do what you want - this is it.
What an excellent first published novel by Lisa Felkins. Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Felkins and 222 Ventures LLC for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinons.
August 3, 2025
I loved this book! I was looking for a book that involved Africa as my son, his family, and my daughter were in Africa on a safari and I wanted to feel closer to them. This met that need and more. Not only is there a safari in the book, but the descriptions of it match the pictures that have been shared with me. This is a tear-jerker but sweet and hopeful novel. In part a romance but in actuality a story about a woman trying to find her way to being who she really wants to be. Tessa Williams has just ended an abusive relationship and is nor doing a 2 month internship in Africa not being sure she really wants to be a doctor even though she wants to make her physician proud. Then she meets Corey, her safari guide, and is faced with an important decision. You have to read the book to find out what Tessa did. Suffice it to say you won’t be disappointed. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
September 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Tessa Williams is a medical student from the US doing a rotation in Botswana, Africa. She appears to have it all together, but beneath the surface she’s falling apart. A weekend escape brings her to meet Corey Diallo, her safari tour guide who has grief of his own. What was only supposed to be a brief encounter turns into something deeper.
Wow. This book was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. It breaks my heart that Tessa spent so much of her life with so little regard for herself or her own happiness! Corey has his own grief he holds, but he is a light in the dark for Tessa. I loved their characters so much. I shed many tears reading this!
“Pain unfurls profoundly beautiful lessons, if we’re willing to listen.”
5 Stars!
Tessa Williams is a medical student from the US doing a rotation in Botswana, Africa. She appears to have it all together, but beneath the surface she’s falling apart. A weekend escape brings her to meet Corey Diallo, her safari tour guide who has grief of his own. What was only supposed to be a brief encounter turns into something deeper.
Wow. This book was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. It breaks my heart that Tessa spent so much of her life with so little regard for herself or her own happiness! Corey has his own grief he holds, but he is a light in the dark for Tessa. I loved their characters so much. I shed many tears reading this!
“Pain unfurls profoundly beautiful lessons, if we’re willing to listen.”
5 Stars!
September 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this book— from the elephants to the fake Tessa vs True Tessa to the internal conflict surrounding life choices— it is such a reminder that living for others, societal acceptance or what appears “happy” doesn’t lead to true happiness and love. The characters are well-developed and the discussion around grief is so poignant.
August 18, 2025
How far do we push ourselves into a life we knew we never wanted but thought we needed to have?
I read Things that break us by Lisa Felkins as an Advanced reader Copy over the last couple of days. This book really gave me some perspective while shattering my heart into many, many pieces. Lisa Felkins this book gave me all the feels and left me in my feels for days. I absolutely loved that it was set in Botswana and the authors descriptions of Impodimo lodge I can see in my minds eye. As a child of southern Africa reading these descriptions made me miss the feeling of my feet on African soil. Set between Botswana in the early 90’s and the U.S pre- pandemic around 2017, Tessa our FMC has set out on an independence journey. One that was meant to have her find herself and finally begin a loving relationship with both her career and herself. Running away from an abusive relationship and never truly revealing the extent of the abuse, Tessa finds her way to a remote safari lodge in Southern Africa for a weekend that will forever change her life. Tessa falls in love with the views and the safari guide named Corey Diallo our MMC. Corey has lived the last 11 years at the remote safari with a hardened shell around his heart that melts into mush when he meets Tessa. The love story that unfolds is absolutely stupendous in the way that Lisa tells it. I could not help but fall in love with Corey’s character, the hardened but gentle persona that Corey’s character exudes, must be my kryptonite, because I completely fell for it hook line and sinker. Tessa, a student doctor who is sent to Botswana to complete some of her training, is a lost and broken soul whom you can’t help but want to root for throughout this story. Broken because she can’t seem to fathom how she could have endured such abusive behavior from her ex-boyfriend and lost because she doesn’t seem to know who she is anymore. This book has so many wonderful lessons throughout and somehow it just spoke to me. Both Corey and Tessa deal with grief at different stages in their lives and the story deals with how each deal with their loss of loved ones and heartbreak of losing each other. The biggest lesson from this book for me was this: are we truly living our lives for ourselves or for how we think it should go. Are are you living your life the way that you think it should go of the way someone has told you it should go? These are some of the questions I asked myself whilst reading this book. The relationship that Tessa has with her father and the challenges she faces because of this relationship is one I could definitely relate to. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a story that will give you an immense amount of food for thought and definitely provoked some much-needed pause on my behalf. I cried like a baby whilst reading this book. I cannot believe that this book was a debut novel for Lisa Felkins and for that I give this book a solid 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed that it absolutely had something to say.
Please check your trigger warnings as there are themes of domestic violence and grief especially, which feature heavily throughout this book. It will go down as one of the books that I will never forget. Thank you to Lisa Felkins for writing this important story and to Victory editing NetGalley Co-op for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. Things that break us will be published on the 30 September 2025 and I for one cannot wait to see all of the praise this book absolutely deserves.
I read Things that break us by Lisa Felkins as an Advanced reader Copy over the last couple of days. This book really gave me some perspective while shattering my heart into many, many pieces. Lisa Felkins this book gave me all the feels and left me in my feels for days. I absolutely loved that it was set in Botswana and the authors descriptions of Impodimo lodge I can see in my minds eye. As a child of southern Africa reading these descriptions made me miss the feeling of my feet on African soil. Set between Botswana in the early 90’s and the U.S pre- pandemic around 2017, Tessa our FMC has set out on an independence journey. One that was meant to have her find herself and finally begin a loving relationship with both her career and herself. Running away from an abusive relationship and never truly revealing the extent of the abuse, Tessa finds her way to a remote safari lodge in Southern Africa for a weekend that will forever change her life. Tessa falls in love with the views and the safari guide named Corey Diallo our MMC. Corey has lived the last 11 years at the remote safari with a hardened shell around his heart that melts into mush when he meets Tessa. The love story that unfolds is absolutely stupendous in the way that Lisa tells it. I could not help but fall in love with Corey’s character, the hardened but gentle persona that Corey’s character exudes, must be my kryptonite, because I completely fell for it hook line and sinker. Tessa, a student doctor who is sent to Botswana to complete some of her training, is a lost and broken soul whom you can’t help but want to root for throughout this story. Broken because she can’t seem to fathom how she could have endured such abusive behavior from her ex-boyfriend and lost because she doesn’t seem to know who she is anymore. This book has so many wonderful lessons throughout and somehow it just spoke to me. Both Corey and Tessa deal with grief at different stages in their lives and the story deals with how each deal with their loss of loved ones and heartbreak of losing each other. The biggest lesson from this book for me was this: are we truly living our lives for ourselves or for how we think it should go. Are are you living your life the way that you think it should go of the way someone has told you it should go? These are some of the questions I asked myself whilst reading this book. The relationship that Tessa has with her father and the challenges she faces because of this relationship is one I could definitely relate to. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a story that will give you an immense amount of food for thought and definitely provoked some much-needed pause on my behalf. I cried like a baby whilst reading this book. I cannot believe that this book was a debut novel for Lisa Felkins and for that I give this book a solid 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed that it absolutely had something to say.
Please check your trigger warnings as there are themes of domestic violence and grief especially, which feature heavily throughout this book. It will go down as one of the books that I will never forget. Thank you to Lisa Felkins for writing this important story and to Victory editing NetGalley Co-op for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. Things that break us will be published on the 30 September 2025 and I for one cannot wait to see all of the praise this book absolutely deserves.
September 13, 2025
Lisa Felkins has delivered a debut novel that hits harder than a hippo protecting its territory – and trust me, that's saying something. "Things That Break Us" follows Tessa and Corey across twelve years and two continents, proving that sometimes the most profound journeys happen when you're standing perfectly still in your own life.
Set between the sweeping landscapes of Africa and the familiar chaos of America from 2007 to 2019, this isn't your typical "doctor finds themselves" story (though there's plenty of medical drama to satisfy your inner Grey's Anatomy fan). Felkins tackles the heavy stuff – abusive relationships, grief, parental expectations that could crush an elephant – but somehow manages to weave in moments of genuine humor that had me snorting coffee through my nose.
Tessa and Corey are beautifully flawed protagonists who feel like people you'd actually want to grab drinks with, assuming they could stop overthinking long enough to show up. The African setting isn't just exotic window dressing; it's practically a third character, complete with wildlife references that somehow make perfect metaphors for human behavior. Who knew meerkats could teach us about anxiety?
What really got me was how Felkins explores that nagging inner voice we all pretend doesn't exist – you know, the one that whispers "maybe your life could be different" while you're stuck in traffic or folding laundry for the thousandth time. The novel asks the big questions about choice and change without being preachy, which is about as rare as finding a unicorn in your backyard.
The medical elements are handled with the kind of authenticity that suggests Felkins either did her research or has spent quality time in hospitals (hopefully the former). The way she portrays the challenge of maintaining professional distance while dealing with terminal illness and human suffering is both heartbreaking and surprisingly funny – because sometimes laughter really is the best medicine, even when everything is falling apart.
My only quibble? Sometimes the timeline jumps felt like trying to follow a GPS with trust issues, but honestly, life rarely follows a straight path anyway, so maybe that's the point.
"Things That Break Us" is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. You think you're reading a straightforward story about two people figuring out their lives, and suddenly you're questioning your own choices and wondering if you dare to listen to that persistent little voice telling you to take a different path.
Bottom line: This book will make you laugh, cry, and possibly inspire you to book a trip to Africa. Felkins has created something special here – a story that's both deeply personal and universally relatable, proving that sometimes the things that break us are exactly what we need to become whole.
Perfect for readers who enjoyed "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" or "Educated" – and anyone who's ever wondered if they're brave enough to rewrite their own story.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Set between the sweeping landscapes of Africa and the familiar chaos of America from 2007 to 2019, this isn't your typical "doctor finds themselves" story (though there's plenty of medical drama to satisfy your inner Grey's Anatomy fan). Felkins tackles the heavy stuff – abusive relationships, grief, parental expectations that could crush an elephant – but somehow manages to weave in moments of genuine humor that had me snorting coffee through my nose.
Tessa and Corey are beautifully flawed protagonists who feel like people you'd actually want to grab drinks with, assuming they could stop overthinking long enough to show up. The African setting isn't just exotic window dressing; it's practically a third character, complete with wildlife references that somehow make perfect metaphors for human behavior. Who knew meerkats could teach us about anxiety?
What really got me was how Felkins explores that nagging inner voice we all pretend doesn't exist – you know, the one that whispers "maybe your life could be different" while you're stuck in traffic or folding laundry for the thousandth time. The novel asks the big questions about choice and change without being preachy, which is about as rare as finding a unicorn in your backyard.
The medical elements are handled with the kind of authenticity that suggests Felkins either did her research or has spent quality time in hospitals (hopefully the former). The way she portrays the challenge of maintaining professional distance while dealing with terminal illness and human suffering is both heartbreaking and surprisingly funny – because sometimes laughter really is the best medicine, even when everything is falling apart.
My only quibble? Sometimes the timeline jumps felt like trying to follow a GPS with trust issues, but honestly, life rarely follows a straight path anyway, so maybe that's the point.
"Things That Break Us" is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. You think you're reading a straightforward story about two people figuring out their lives, and suddenly you're questioning your own choices and wondering if you dare to listen to that persistent little voice telling you to take a different path.
Bottom line: This book will make you laugh, cry, and possibly inspire you to book a trip to Africa. Felkins has created something special here – a story that's both deeply personal and universally relatable, proving that sometimes the things that break us are exactly what we need to become whole.
Perfect for readers who enjoyed "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" or "Educated" – and anyone who's ever wondered if they're brave enough to rewrite their own story.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
August 27, 2025
This book absolutely tore me apart in the best way. I loved it so much that I am struggling to put into words just how deeply it affected me. I think many readers will find a piece of themselves in this story. Not because they are doctors or work in safaris, but because we have all experienced that feeling of being lost, not knowing where we are headed.
The writing is beautiful and immersive, with a structure that really stood out to me. I loved how the book is divided into three parts and how it moves back and forth in time, creating a rhythm that kept me completely engaged.
I am so glad Lisa decided to put this story out into the world! It is moving, thought provoking, and unforgettable. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this early. I know it will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended.
The writing is beautiful and immersive, with a structure that really stood out to me. I loved how the book is divided into three parts and how it moves back and forth in time, creating a rhythm that kept me completely engaged.
I am so glad Lisa decided to put this story out into the world! It is moving, thought provoking, and unforgettable. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this early. I know it will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended.
August 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own!!
This isn't the sort of book I'd usually read but I really enjoyed it! It was very engaging to read and I really liked the plot and the message of living the life you want rather than the one that's expected. I also really liked the moving back and forth between 'Now' and 'Then', it felt very cinematic to read (and it has so much potential for a movie adaptation). I loved the Peter POV scenes, especially the one with him dying because it was written so absolutely beautifully with the hallucinations and the floating between living and dying. I think Tessa seems quite young at points but this actually really suits the character, especially in the 'Then' segments, due to her life experience and naivety. Most of all, I would absolutely love though a spinoff from Jake's POV. I think there could be a really good story to tell with him healing from his marriage with Tessa, what with finding out it was all built on nothing and she wanted Corey all along - it'd be heart breaking and to see how he starts all over knowing it all wasn't really real while he believed it was. If a Jake spinoff ever came out I'd 100% read it, I think Felkins would do an amazing job of exploring that kind of grief too.
This isn't the sort of book I'd usually read but I really enjoyed it! It was very engaging to read and I really liked the plot and the message of living the life you want rather than the one that's expected. I also really liked the moving back and forth between 'Now' and 'Then', it felt very cinematic to read (and it has so much potential for a movie adaptation). I loved the Peter POV scenes, especially the one with him dying because it was written so absolutely beautifully with the hallucinations and the floating between living and dying. I think Tessa seems quite young at points but this actually really suits the character, especially in the 'Then' segments, due to her life experience and naivety. Most of all, I would absolutely love though a spinoff from Jake's POV. I think there could be a really good story to tell with him healing from his marriage with Tessa, what with finding out it was all built on nothing and she wanted Corey all along - it'd be heart breaking and to see how he starts all over knowing it all wasn't really real while he believed it was. If a Jake spinoff ever came out I'd 100% read it, I think Felkins would do an amazing job of exploring that kind of grief too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
I fell in absolute love with this book. It’s a very beautiful story of love over the years and from across the globe but it’s also about the harsh realities of life and grief and careers and finding yourself. Tessa and Corey are amazing characters and I already miss them so much. Taking place part of the time in Africa made this such an enjoyable book as I felt like I was there seeing wildlife and the beautiful views myself. This book is a must read and should be held close to the heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2025
An excellent tale of love & many other emotions. If u like Kristin Hannah then this is for you. Read it in a day & highly recommend. I connected with all the characters & the authors 2 notes at the eve are a must read
September 11, 2025
If you are looking for an emotionally moving story please stop what you are doing and add this to your TBR immediately!
Listen, I don't cry when reading... EV-ER!
I broke down and cried reading this and it took more than a moment to gather myself. It also left me pondering for days.
Told from multiple POV's over different timelines.Its about a girl Tessa who travels to Botswana for 2 months for her medical training.
She's literally just out of an abusive relationship (no one was aware of her turmoil), unsure she is pursuing medicine for the right reasons, she's just doing it because she has a strong desire to make her dad proud.
Before she begins training she goes with her friend/group on safari.
There she meets Corey, a safari guide with a penchant for using the F word..Things kind of click between them and they start a friendship with romantic undertones all the while knowing Tessa's time there has an end date.
At training she is forced to work in less than conducive medical environments and systems. She is confronted with jarring medical situations that further question her path and motivation to becoming a doctor.
Corey is her light in the dark tunnel that is the inner turmoil of her mind and with them both carrying pain and insecurities, in a short time they break through each others barriers. Will this be enough to carry them into the future?
(I'm being vague because I don't want to give much away.)
I could really relate a lot to Tessa. Her insecurities, imposter syndrome and her drive to be the perfect daughter. As driven as she was, she struggled so much internally. Corey's pain was also very valid and although I questioned his action I was still very ok with how things worked out in the end.
I am not usually quick to say this, but I think this is my favourite book of 2025 so far!
I loved the author's note too❤️
💯 Recommend!
Many thanks to Netgalley and author for the opportunity to read in advance and share my thoughts.
Listen, I don't cry when reading... EV-ER!
I broke down and cried reading this and it took more than a moment to gather myself. It also left me pondering for days.
Told from multiple POV's over different timelines.Its about a girl Tessa who travels to Botswana for 2 months for her medical training.
She's literally just out of an abusive relationship (no one was aware of her turmoil), unsure she is pursuing medicine for the right reasons, she's just doing it because she has a strong desire to make her dad proud.
Before she begins training she goes with her friend/group on safari.
There she meets Corey, a safari guide with a penchant for using the F word..Things kind of click between them and they start a friendship with romantic undertones all the while knowing Tessa's time there has an end date.
At training she is forced to work in less than conducive medical environments and systems. She is confronted with jarring medical situations that further question her path and motivation to becoming a doctor.
Corey is her light in the dark tunnel that is the inner turmoil of her mind and with them both carrying pain and insecurities, in a short time they break through each others barriers. Will this be enough to carry them into the future?
(I'm being vague because I don't want to give much away.)
I could really relate a lot to Tessa. Her insecurities, imposter syndrome and her drive to be the perfect daughter. As driven as she was, she struggled so much internally. Corey's pain was also very valid and although I questioned his action I was still very ok with how things worked out in the end.
I am not usually quick to say this, but I think this is my favourite book of 2025 so far!
I loved the author's note too❤️
💯 Recommend!
Many thanks to Netgalley and author for the opportunity to read in advance and share my thoughts.
August 9, 2025
Trigger Warning: Grief and parental loss
Lisa Felkins’ Things That Break Us is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that explores the quiet, often painful tension between living for others and choosing ourselves. At the center of the story is Tessa, a young woman navigating the heavy weight of expectation, grief, and self-discovery; a journey that, at times, felt deeply personal and difficult to read, especially as someone who, like Tessa, has experienced the profound loss of a parent.
Felkins writes with a quiet strength, capturing the inner turmoil of a character who is trying so hard to make everyone else proud that she begins to lose sight of who she truly is. The novel doesn't shy away from the discomfort of that realization including the guilt, the second-guessing, and the ache of wanting to keep the peace while breaking inside. Tessa’s story is as much about grief as it is about identity, and the writing honors both with grace and honesty.
What I found most moving was how Things That Break Us speaks to anyone who’s ever felt caught between obligation and authenticity — especially those of us trying to carry on someone else’s dreams in the name of love, only to realize the cost to our own joy. It's not always easy to read, particularly if you're still navigating your own grief, but it’s the kind of book that sits with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
A heartfelt, at times heartbreaking, novel that ultimately offers hope — not through tidy resolutions, but through the courage to choose ourselves, even when it’s hard.
Highly recommended for readers who appreciate emotionally layered stories about loss, growth, and the quiet power of reclaiming your own path
Lisa Felkins’ Things That Break Us is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that explores the quiet, often painful tension between living for others and choosing ourselves. At the center of the story is Tessa, a young woman navigating the heavy weight of expectation, grief, and self-discovery; a journey that, at times, felt deeply personal and difficult to read, especially as someone who, like Tessa, has experienced the profound loss of a parent.
Felkins writes with a quiet strength, capturing the inner turmoil of a character who is trying so hard to make everyone else proud that she begins to lose sight of who she truly is. The novel doesn't shy away from the discomfort of that realization including the guilt, the second-guessing, and the ache of wanting to keep the peace while breaking inside. Tessa’s story is as much about grief as it is about identity, and the writing honors both with grace and honesty.
What I found most moving was how Things That Break Us speaks to anyone who’s ever felt caught between obligation and authenticity — especially those of us trying to carry on someone else’s dreams in the name of love, only to realize the cost to our own joy. It's not always easy to read, particularly if you're still navigating your own grief, but it’s the kind of book that sits with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
A heartfelt, at times heartbreaking, novel that ultimately offers hope — not through tidy resolutions, but through the courage to choose ourselves, even when it’s hard.
Highly recommended for readers who appreciate emotionally layered stories about loss, growth, and the quiet power of reclaiming your own path
August 19, 2025
The circle of life 🦁🐘
I absolutely loved this book.
It’s a love story but it’s also a self-discovering path. The landscapes of Africa are so vivid that the desire of being there is dreadful.
The desire of corresponding to expectations from others drown us to an alternative life sometimes but it isn’t our life, the one where we feel free. The courage of Tessa to finally found her freedom, her home, is inspiring.
Loved the end the author built to the romance and felt warmed with the way happiness can be found in a feeling – Home ❤️
The circle of life, as a lesson, is present to all of us. We just need to be open to hear it.
“The things that break us—that tear us open, that rip us in two—are actually the things that make us”
Thank you to the author for the opportunity of reading the ARC. I know this will be a success and recommend everyone to read this book to stop and find yourselves, even if you think you don’t need it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🇵🇹
A leitura deste livro foi uma viagem fantástica. Não só nos leva a paisagens que imaginamos como deslumbrantes mas também nos mostra a importância de nos sentirmos nós próprios. Tantas vezes tentamos ser aquilo que devemos ser e esquecemo-nos de ser quem queremos ser.
Um romance, uma aventura, mas também um guia de lições para a vida. Gostei muito e recomendo.
I absolutely loved this book.
It’s a love story but it’s also a self-discovering path. The landscapes of Africa are so vivid that the desire of being there is dreadful.
The desire of corresponding to expectations from others drown us to an alternative life sometimes but it isn’t our life, the one where we feel free. The courage of Tessa to finally found her freedom, her home, is inspiring.
Loved the end the author built to the romance and felt warmed with the way happiness can be found in a feeling – Home ❤️
The circle of life, as a lesson, is present to all of us. We just need to be open to hear it.
“The things that break us—that tear us open, that rip us in two—are actually the things that make us”
Thank you to the author for the opportunity of reading the ARC. I know this will be a success and recommend everyone to read this book to stop and find yourselves, even if you think you don’t need it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🇵🇹
A leitura deste livro foi uma viagem fantástica. Não só nos leva a paisagens que imaginamos como deslumbrantes mas também nos mostra a importância de nos sentirmos nós próprios. Tantas vezes tentamos ser aquilo que devemos ser e esquecemo-nos de ser quem queremos ser.
Um romance, uma aventura, mas também um guia de lições para a vida. Gostei muito e recomendo.
September 15, 2025
Things that break us...in the best possible way 😍😢❤️
This book wrecked me so much that I needed 3 days to gather my thoughts for this review. Even the author note at the end broke me 🥹
Tessa is such a breath of fresh air, her struggle was so real, and somewhat relatable.
Corey...oh Corey, a hard but gentle MMC and it made me fall for him😍
The book is full of lessons, my favorite being to not lie to oneself, to not be Fake Tessa.
5 stars
~ I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own ~
This book wrecked me so much that I needed 3 days to gather my thoughts for this review. Even the author note at the end broke me 🥹
Tessa is such a breath of fresh air, her struggle was so real, and somewhat relatable.
Corey...oh Corey, a hard but gentle MMC and it made me fall for him😍
The book is full of lessons, my favorite being to not lie to oneself, to not be Fake Tessa.
5 stars
~ I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own ~
August 11, 2025
I’m so glad I picked up this book, and even more impressed that it’s the author’s debut novel.
While reading, I found myself highlighting so many quotes that spoke directly to my soul. Both main characters were incredibly relatable as they navigated life’s crossroads, wrestling with the tension between doing what’s expected and following what they truly desire. The portrayal of their journeys through love and grief felt raw and authentic, making it easy to connect with their emotions every step of the way.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s in a season of self-discovery or soul-searching, it’s the kind of story that lingers long after you turn the final page.
While reading, I found myself highlighting so many quotes that spoke directly to my soul. Both main characters were incredibly relatable as they navigated life’s crossroads, wrestling with the tension between doing what’s expected and following what they truly desire. The portrayal of their journeys through love and grief felt raw and authentic, making it easy to connect with their emotions every step of the way.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s in a season of self-discovery or soul-searching, it’s the kind of story that lingers long after you turn the final page.
September 20, 2025
Fantastic debut novel! Things That Break Us goes back and forth in time to tell the story of Tessa, a married doctor trapped within a life constructed to please those around her, as she dares to reconnect with the more authentic self she discovered years earlier, while on a medical internship in Botswana, Africa.
This book is an emotionally engrossing, multi-layered story that has something for everyone: part spicy romance, part travelogue, part medical drama and, most of all, a moving depiction of personal growth.
The book delves into a lot of emotionally-charged topics, including partner violence, eating disorders, miscarriage and loss of a loved one, which may be difficult for some readers. However, Felkins handles these topics with sensitivity and empathy for her characters that I think readers will appreciate.
What I loved the most about the book is its emotional honesty. Felkins lays bare the struggle to live authentically in today's world in a way that all readers can relate to. It also speaks candidly about -- and importantly normalizes -- mental health struggles that so many of us face but often keep hidden. Her writing style reflects this honesty: her style is bold and unflinching as she lets us into the inner thoughts of her characters in a way that really brings them to life.
I strongly recommend this book for readers looking for an engrossing page-turner that also has real emotional depth. It is a book that I loved reading and have no doubt will stay with me for a long time.
This book is an emotionally engrossing, multi-layered story that has something for everyone: part spicy romance, part travelogue, part medical drama and, most of all, a moving depiction of personal growth.
The book delves into a lot of emotionally-charged topics, including partner violence, eating disorders, miscarriage and loss of a loved one, which may be difficult for some readers. However, Felkins handles these topics with sensitivity and empathy for her characters that I think readers will appreciate.
What I loved the most about the book is its emotional honesty. Felkins lays bare the struggle to live authentically in today's world in a way that all readers can relate to. It also speaks candidly about -- and importantly normalizes -- mental health struggles that so many of us face but often keep hidden. Her writing style reflects this honesty: her style is bold and unflinching as she lets us into the inner thoughts of her characters in a way that really brings them to life.
I strongly recommend this book for readers looking for an engrossing page-turner that also has real emotional depth. It is a book that I loved reading and have no doubt will stay with me for a long time.
November 9, 2025
This was an easy escapist read. Pretty predictable but I liked the main characters and their loving and healing journey. It’s certainly not a top read.
October 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ the author sent me this book, and when I read the synopsis I just knew I needed to read this. I was hooked from beginning to end, the writing style was so addictive. I fell in love with the characters immediately. I laughed, I cried, I was yelling at the book, I had all the emotions. The author takes you through Tessa (FMC) through so many of life’s challenges - pleasing her dad, pleasing others, being afraid to do what she wanted to do, trying to make the right decisions, loss, grief, relationships, all the things. It was worth the read- I HIGHLY recommend if you enjoy emotionally driven fiction
October 31, 2025
Beautifully written. Loved it. Find your passion, live your life for you !!♡♡
Read
August 19, 2025This book is very emotional. It takes place over 12 years in the USA and south Africa. There are two main characters Tess Williams, a medical student, and Correy Diallo, a safari guide.
The two of them meet and it's like love at first sight. However, the entire book takes apart every emotion that controls the two of them There is love, loss, grieving, and healing.
There are so many lessons learned in the story. For example, pain is a part of life, but it teaches you stren̈gth and growth. Self discovery is a treasure, that should teach you to live a life for yourself and not to please someone else.
There are more and the book is full experiences to learn from that you are reminded this is how it should
The two of them meet and it's like love at first sight. However, the entire book takes apart every emotion that controls the two of them There is love, loss, grieving, and healing.
There are so many lessons learned in the story. For example, pain is a part of life, but it teaches you stren̈gth and growth. Self discovery is a treasure, that should teach you to live a life for yourself and not to please someone else.
There are more and the book is full experiences to learn from that you are reminded this is how it should
October 27, 2025
This was a beautifully written debut novel that took me on an emotional rollercoaster throughout. The further I got into the book the more invested I became in the characters and their intertwining stories. I loved the format of the writing as far as the shifting perspectives and time periods. I was truly captivated by this novel and was sad when I reached the end. I wanted more! Highly recommend giving this one a read.
September 30, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
First person POV, multiple narratives, linear timeline* *Other than the first chapter.
Written in Three Parts: 2007, 2018, 2019
MF Open Door Romance 🌶️ 3.5/5
FMC: Tessa, MMC: Corey
I wish I could give this 6/5 stars. WOW! Anyone who rates this low has never experienced love or loss in life or doesn’t have a heart. I said what I said.
If this book doesn’t get on the NYT best selling list, I’ll be shocked. And it’s a debut?!
I SOBBED HARD. I related to this story on so many levels and the author took the words right out of my mind when I couldn’t find the words to describe my own fear, grief, anxiety. What a beautifully, heartbreaking, eye opening story and extremely well written.
I am immediately buying a physical copy of this book when it’s published.
Thank you Lisa Felkins for the opportunity to read this masterpiece via NetGalley. I’m so glad that I did.
First person POV, multiple narratives, linear timeline* *Other than the first chapter.
Written in Three Parts: 2007, 2018, 2019
MF Open Door Romance 🌶️ 3.5/5
FMC: Tessa, MMC: Corey
I wish I could give this 6/5 stars. WOW! Anyone who rates this low has never experienced love or loss in life or doesn’t have a heart. I said what I said.
If this book doesn’t get on the NYT best selling list, I’ll be shocked. And it’s a debut?!
I SOBBED HARD. I related to this story on so many levels and the author took the words right out of my mind when I couldn’t find the words to describe my own fear, grief, anxiety. What a beautifully, heartbreaking, eye opening story and extremely well written.
I am immediately buying a physical copy of this book when it’s published.
Thank you Lisa Felkins for the opportunity to read this masterpiece via NetGalley. I’m so glad that I did.
August 12, 2025
I made it to 30% before I had to tap out and I’m sad about it! I was hoping for an ARC that was an emotional, hard hitting book and something different than what I’ve reviewed so far.
The writing style just isn’t for me. Wayyyy too many ellipses, dashes, and constant self-directed questions that broke up the flow. Dialogue and internal thoughts felt awkward, and sentences like “shit, well… maybe no one has ever… respected me before”. The ellipses break the flow in awkward spots. “No one has ever” is fine, but placing “respected me before” after another pause makes it sound like the speaker is losing their train of thought mid-sentence. It just doesn’t flow good to me and I constantly had to reread sentences to try to make the flow sound somewhat right in my brain.
The “instant love” element also didn’t work for me. Within a day the main character is deeply attached then she’s hopping on planes and packing overnight bags for a guy she barely knows. It’s hard to connect with a romance when it feels this rushed and far-fetched.
I don’t mind swearing, but the sheer amount of “fucks” in this book felt excessive and actually distracted from the story. Combine that with characters who keep hinting at being “broken” without explaining why, and I just couldn’t stay invested.
This one wasn’t a match for my tastes, and that’s okay. I know some readers love this style, but it just didn’t work for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own
The writing style just isn’t for me. Wayyyy too many ellipses, dashes, and constant self-directed questions that broke up the flow. Dialogue and internal thoughts felt awkward, and sentences like “shit, well… maybe no one has ever… respected me before”. The ellipses break the flow in awkward spots. “No one has ever” is fine, but placing “respected me before” after another pause makes it sound like the speaker is losing their train of thought mid-sentence. It just doesn’t flow good to me and I constantly had to reread sentences to try to make the flow sound somewhat right in my brain.
The “instant love” element also didn’t work for me. Within a day the main character is deeply attached then she’s hopping on planes and packing overnight bags for a guy she barely knows. It’s hard to connect with a romance when it feels this rushed and far-fetched.
I don’t mind swearing, but the sheer amount of “fucks” in this book felt excessive and actually distracted from the story. Combine that with characters who keep hinting at being “broken” without explaining why, and I just couldn’t stay invested.
This one wasn’t a match for my tastes, and that’s okay. I know some readers love this style, but it just didn’t work for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own
October 1, 2025
This book was full of so many ups and downs. I enjoyed every minute of reading it and being a part of Tessa and Corey’s lives. I will say that I have never cried more while reading a book so please take any trigger warnings seriously! It is an amazing, thought provoking story with the perfect ending.
November 22, 2025
📚Things That Break Us
✍🏻Lisa Felkins
Blurb:
SOME TRUTHS ONLY REVEAL THEMSELVES WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS APART.
Tessa Williams is doing everything right—at least on the surface. At twenty-five, she’s an American medical student, fulfilling her father’s dreams, completing a clinical rotation in Botswana, Africa. But beneath her polished exterior, she’s unraveling—haunted by an abusive relationship, burdened by expectations, and increasingly unsure of what she wants for herself. A weekend escape to a remote safari lodge—and an unexpected connection with Corey Diallo, her twenty-nine-year-old South African guide with grief of his own—changes everything. What begins as a chance encounter becomes something deeper, forcing them both to confront the pain they’ve buried…and the lives they’ve been told to want. Spanning twelve years and two continents, Things That Break Us, is a sweeping, emotional debut about the invisible wounds we all carry, the expectations that shape us, and the moments that define who we become. It’s a novel that asks: How do we let go of others’ expectations to build the life we truly want? Not the one others planned for us. Not the one that looks good. But the one uniquely, wildly, and solely ours. Because, sometimes…it takes being far from home to finally come home to yourself
My Thoughts
Lisa Felkins writes about pain and healing so honestly, it’s like she totally gets what it’s like to feel broken but still hold onto hope. That the story takes place in Botswana. Tessa is a 25 year old medical student doing an internship in Botswana for 2 months. Taking on a career she has no passion for but wants to please her father. She’s just left an abusive relationship when she meets Corey. A safari tour guide. Two people with pasts that haunt them and have left them scarred and broken. We go back in time and return 11 years later. Liz are about to start an eight week clinical rotation at the Princess Victoria Hospital, and she’s panicking. Tess might look like she has everything under control, but she feels fake and it’s all an act, one she has been putting on for years, Tess just escaped an abusive relationship, her father has always expected her to follow in his footsteps, and she’s not sure if she even wants to be a doctor..
For their last weekend of freedom Tess and Liz plan to go on a safari, at Impodimo Lodge, here she meets Corey Diallo a South African guide, Tess is drawn to him, he loves his job.. Tess wanting to try so hard to please someone - but then end up not happy at all. I absolutely loved all the vivid descriptions of the wild life in South Africa, I actually felt like I could see what they were seeing which was great. If you want a book about perseverance this is it. If you want a book about hope and dreams and finally deciding to do what you want.
Thanks NetGalley, 222 Ventures LLC publishing and Author Lisa Felkins for the advanced copy of "Things That Break Us" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#222Venture LLCPublishing
#ThingsThatBreakUs
#LisaFelkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Mental Health Struggles, disordered eating, cancer, pregnancy loss, domestic abuse, Sexually mature content and the portrayal of grief
✍🏻Lisa Felkins
Blurb:
SOME TRUTHS ONLY REVEAL THEMSELVES WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS APART.
Tessa Williams is doing everything right—at least on the surface. At twenty-five, she’s an American medical student, fulfilling her father’s dreams, completing a clinical rotation in Botswana, Africa. But beneath her polished exterior, she’s unraveling—haunted by an abusive relationship, burdened by expectations, and increasingly unsure of what she wants for herself. A weekend escape to a remote safari lodge—and an unexpected connection with Corey Diallo, her twenty-nine-year-old South African guide with grief of his own—changes everything. What begins as a chance encounter becomes something deeper, forcing them both to confront the pain they’ve buried…and the lives they’ve been told to want. Spanning twelve years and two continents, Things That Break Us, is a sweeping, emotional debut about the invisible wounds we all carry, the expectations that shape us, and the moments that define who we become. It’s a novel that asks: How do we let go of others’ expectations to build the life we truly want? Not the one others planned for us. Not the one that looks good. But the one uniquely, wildly, and solely ours. Because, sometimes…it takes being far from home to finally come home to yourself
My Thoughts
Lisa Felkins writes about pain and healing so honestly, it’s like she totally gets what it’s like to feel broken but still hold onto hope. That the story takes place in Botswana. Tessa is a 25 year old medical student doing an internship in Botswana for 2 months. Taking on a career she has no passion for but wants to please her father. She’s just left an abusive relationship when she meets Corey. A safari tour guide. Two people with pasts that haunt them and have left them scarred and broken. We go back in time and return 11 years later. Liz are about to start an eight week clinical rotation at the Princess Victoria Hospital, and she’s panicking. Tess might look like she has everything under control, but she feels fake and it’s all an act, one she has been putting on for years, Tess just escaped an abusive relationship, her father has always expected her to follow in his footsteps, and she’s not sure if she even wants to be a doctor..
For their last weekend of freedom Tess and Liz plan to go on a safari, at Impodimo Lodge, here she meets Corey Diallo a South African guide, Tess is drawn to him, he loves his job.. Tess wanting to try so hard to please someone - but then end up not happy at all. I absolutely loved all the vivid descriptions of the wild life in South Africa, I actually felt like I could see what they were seeing which was great. If you want a book about perseverance this is it. If you want a book about hope and dreams and finally deciding to do what you want.
Thanks NetGalley, 222 Ventures LLC publishing and Author Lisa Felkins for the advanced copy of "Things That Break Us" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#222Venture LLCPublishing
#ThingsThatBreakUs
#LisaFelkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Mental Health Struggles, disordered eating, cancer, pregnancy loss, domestic abuse, Sexually mature content and the portrayal of grief
September 29, 2025
Tessa Williams is a medical student in Botswana, fulfilling her father’s dreams while secretly unravelling from the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Her clinical rotation is meant to confirm her path in medicine, but she feels no passion for it and struggles to detach from her patients’ pain or her own fear of making the wrong choice. A weekend at a safari lodge introduces her to Corey, a South African guide with his own buried grief. Their connection is immediate, but they’re both too young to be making life-altering, cross-continent decisions after such a short time.
I picked this book because I wanted something set outside the usual USA/UK backdrop, and I wasn’t disappointed. The 'westerner in Africa' behaviours were mostly well handled, with only one moment that felt well-intentioned but overly privileged. The emotional weight of this story is intense, blending Tessa’s lingering trauma with the raw, heartbreaking choices she and Corey face. The hospital emergencies and hospice scenes are vivid and devastating, and I found myself in tears more than once.
This book made me think deeply about how short life is and how crucial it is to grasp what you truly want, just as Tessa must. The romance is understated but sweeping, waiting for the right moment to shine amid the heavier themes. And a special note: Corey is such a refreshing hero - despite his fairly busy and physical job he's not the stereotypical romance gym bro, but a man with a real body, including a soft paunch that Tessa adores. It made their connection feel even more authentic.
It’s the kind of story that forces you to examine your own life while still delivering a poignant, continent-crossing love story that lingers long after the last page.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
I picked this book because I wanted something set outside the usual USA/UK backdrop, and I wasn’t disappointed. The 'westerner in Africa' behaviours were mostly well handled, with only one moment that felt well-intentioned but overly privileged. The emotional weight of this story is intense, blending Tessa’s lingering trauma with the raw, heartbreaking choices she and Corey face. The hospital emergencies and hospice scenes are vivid and devastating, and I found myself in tears more than once.
This book made me think deeply about how short life is and how crucial it is to grasp what you truly want, just as Tessa must. The romance is understated but sweeping, waiting for the right moment to shine amid the heavier themes. And a special note: Corey is such a refreshing hero - despite his fairly busy and physical job he's not the stereotypical romance gym bro, but a man with a real body, including a soft paunch that Tessa adores. It made their connection feel even more authentic.
It’s the kind of story that forces you to examine your own life while still delivering a poignant, continent-crossing love story that lingers long after the last page.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
October 23, 2025
Felkins has written an incredible book that is full of humor, character development, internal conflict and a wonderful glimpse into the beauty of Africa. "Things That Break Us" focuses on Tessa William's life in the present day as well as giving us glimpses and chapters surrounding her clinical rotation in Botswana, Africa, 11 years ago. It is also a dual perspective, giving us glimpses into what Corey is thinking, the internal issues and unhealed trauma he is suffering from, and how he is experiencing this new woman in his life in Africa that seems to flip his whole life upside down.
The present time is filled with lots of longings, questioning her life choices, dreaming of a different life, and reminiscing on good times from when she was younger (ages 6-8, her teenage years, her trip to Africa), while also being very forward about what has led to her current life. As we view this trip into Africa, we get a different perspective of Tessa: a very raw and unfiltered version that seems to be much happier while dealing with personal conflicts within her mind. Botswana is not as technologically advanced in terms of medical care compared to the USA, so it rattles Tessa as she realizes how much harder it is to save lives while dealing with very realistic health issues here, such as AIDS, miscarriages, rabies, and more.
I really enjoyed the details that Felkins focused on, especially the different animals in Africa that weren't just your most common safari animals, but she also gave back stories to the animals as well as meaningful connections to the story. The raw emotions that are highlighted inside of Tessa's mind as well as Corey's were depicted in such a way that truly left me feeling as though I was there experiencing them too; it made the characters very realistic and it bridged that connection with readers that some books fall short of.
The only negative feedback I could give is that I wish the ending hadn't been so rapid in terms of Tessa's approaches to decisions (although I do know it's due to a new thought process that has her feeling free with infinite choices ahead of her), simply because it gave us less time to move from present day Tessa to this newfound version. It also didn't allow me to grasp the true depth of emotions that were occurring at the end. This book had a few intimate scenes, with the most detailed one seeming out of a place almost amidst everything else that Tessa was working through.
Overall I loved the book and would definitely recommend it to other people! Thank you so much Netgalley for the ARC of "Things That Break Us".
The present time is filled with lots of longings, questioning her life choices, dreaming of a different life, and reminiscing on good times from when she was younger (ages 6-8, her teenage years, her trip to Africa), while also being very forward about what has led to her current life. As we view this trip into Africa, we get a different perspective of Tessa: a very raw and unfiltered version that seems to be much happier while dealing with personal conflicts within her mind. Botswana is not as technologically advanced in terms of medical care compared to the USA, so it rattles Tessa as she realizes how much harder it is to save lives while dealing with very realistic health issues here, such as AIDS, miscarriages, rabies, and more.
I really enjoyed the details that Felkins focused on, especially the different animals in Africa that weren't just your most common safari animals, but she also gave back stories to the animals as well as meaningful connections to the story. The raw emotions that are highlighted inside of Tessa's mind as well as Corey's were depicted in such a way that truly left me feeling as though I was there experiencing them too; it made the characters very realistic and it bridged that connection with readers that some books fall short of.
The only negative feedback I could give is that I wish the ending hadn't been so rapid in terms of Tessa's approaches to decisions (although I do know it's due to a new thought process that has her feeling free with infinite choices ahead of her), simply because it gave us less time to move from present day Tessa to this newfound version. It also didn't allow me to grasp the true depth of emotions that were occurring at the end. This book had a few intimate scenes, with the most detailed one seeming out of a place almost amidst everything else that Tessa was working through.
Overall I loved the book and would definitely recommend it to other people! Thank you so much Netgalley for the ARC of "Things That Break Us".
October 13, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book through a NetGalley arc.
This is. Women’s fiction/new adult story with romantic elements. The book follows the journey of a doctor through two separate times. First as a med student doing a placement in Botswana, and 12 years later as a specialist in her hometown Philadelphia.
The story is essentially about the protagonist basing all her life choices on what she thinks her father would want (from her job, to getting married, to getting pregnant). She is extremely dissatisfied and depressed by this pathway but continues to follow it well into adulthood.
I did struggle with her following a pathway she completely despised for such a long time, but I guess lots of people are in jobs/relationships they don’t particularly like so perhaps it’s not so far fetched.
I did find her headlong jump into a completely new life at the end of the book to be a bit foolish. It felt like she was just transposing from doing what she thought her father wanted, to what suited the hero’s life, without actually really consciously working through what their life together might look like. Instead she just slotted into his. I felt I needed to see her really grow and make an informed decision before making the leap.
The book has plenty difficult life events occur to patients, family members and the heroine. If there are certain triggers you have then be careful with this book.
This is. Women’s fiction/new adult story with romantic elements. The book follows the journey of a doctor through two separate times. First as a med student doing a placement in Botswana, and 12 years later as a specialist in her hometown Philadelphia.
The story is essentially about the protagonist basing all her life choices on what she thinks her father would want (from her job, to getting married, to getting pregnant). She is extremely dissatisfied and depressed by this pathway but continues to follow it well into adulthood.
I did struggle with her following a pathway she completely despised for such a long time, but I guess lots of people are in jobs/relationships they don’t particularly like so perhaps it’s not so far fetched.
I did find her headlong jump into a completely new life at the end of the book to be a bit foolish. It felt like she was just transposing from doing what she thought her father wanted, to what suited the hero’s life, without actually really consciously working through what their life together might look like. Instead she just slotted into his. I felt I needed to see her really grow and make an informed decision before making the leap.
The book has plenty difficult life events occur to patients, family members and the heroine. If there are certain triggers you have then be careful with this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews