Cornerstone

by M.J. Allen

Wendy has loved her husband, Atlas, since she was twelve years old.
He was her first kiss. Her first love. Her forever.

Together, they built what everyone else called a perfect life. They married young, raised two beautiful boys, and were still deeply in love.

Until Atlas pulled away.

Wendy does everything she can to save their marriage, carrying the weight of the house, the kids, and all the invisible labor no one ever sees. But when Atlas doesn’t show up to their final resort, marriage counseling, Wendy makes a choice that breaks her heart.

She stops waiting for him.

As Wendy rebuilds her life and rediscovers the woman she was before she became a wife and mother, Atlas begins to unravel. Watching his sons look at him like a stranger, and the woman he’s loved his entire life slip through his fingers, forces him to confront the truth he’s been running from.

But to heal their fractured marriage, Atlas will have to face the real reason he pulled away.

And what does it have to do with his brother’s late wife, Carrie?

A deeply emotional, marriage-in-trouble second chance romance about the damage silence can do, prioritizing mental health, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the person who has always been home.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance, Mental Health, Family Drama

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2026

About the author

MJ Allen is a contemporary romance author who loves writing about strong, kind heroines and the men who adore them. Her stories explore mental health, emotional intimacy, respect and loyalty, and women’s empowerment.

When she’s not writing, MJ can be found spending time with her husband in their New Jersey town with their two cats.

Reviews

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is awesome. A proof that good marriage-in-trouble stories can exist without throwing infidelity into the mix.

Ngl, it's quite long, though, and can get a little repetitive at times. But looking past those parts, it's actually a really good book—sad at times, sure, but also inspiring and heartwarming. 🤍

I’d love to read more stuff like this! 😄

[Gel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll give this one a 3.5 and round up

✔️each others one and only for everything
✔️been together since they were 12
✔️ once she threw in the towel she made him not only work for her and her kids, but work for himself
✔️ OCD and PTSD rep done right. As someone with both of these diagnosis, I appreciated how it was handled and explained
✔️ unique reason for pulling back! As someone with OCD I understand how intrusive thoughts can be completely irrational and consuming so I honestly liked his reason for pulling back. It WASN’T rational but that’s the whole point.

❌ it became a little redundant at times. Could have been about 100 pages shorter. I did some skimming.
❌ overuse of the terms of endearment (baby and honey…baby especially bc it was her name for her kids AND his name for her)
❌ she let him get away with not communicating with him for an entire year!! That’s too long to live with someone and put up with their shit.

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly plot, the H is afraid of losing his wife but works all the time, is never home and ignores her calls/texts. He’s pretty much all to himself so why be surprised she wanted to separate?

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader Note 💕
I’m romance-focused and particular about relationship dynamics. I always flag cheating, OWD/OMD, and romantic scenes involving other people so readers can decide if the book fits their comfort zone.


⭐ Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Genre: Romance

📃Brief summary : This books follow Wendy ( the h ) and Atlas ( the H), they have been together since childhood, but lately Atlas has been very neglectful of his family, withdrawn and easy to snap, this isn't an overnight change and has been happening for a full year which prompted Wendy to seperate, but as the story goes we find out the reason for his chance of character.

✍️ Overall Thoughts : My first thought is that it's very well paced, the grovel and redemption weren't overnight and weren't too extreme either since the reason for them is valide, the book tackled 2 very hard disorders / mental illnesses PTSD and OCD, and i found it refreshing from the usual " childhood trauma ", instead we were given a reason that could happen to anyone anytime, which felt a lot more realistic.

👥 Main Characters
💃 FMC
• Name: Wendy
• Personality: Caring, Supportive, Understanding, forgiving
• Character Growth: 2/5, but only because she was great start to finish.
• Did I like her? Yes

🕺 MMC
• Name: Atlas
• Personality: Hardworking, withdrawn, loving, madly in love with his wife lol
• Character Growth: 4/5
• Did I like him? Yes

🧠 Relationship Dynamics
• Chemistry: 5/5
• Communication: Messy / none existent and then Good, it was a work in progress
• Relationship Development: Medium
📚 Plot
• Pacing: Medium
• Engagement: Engaging
• Originality: 4/5
🖋️ Writing Style
• Writing Quality: 3.75/ 5
• Style: Descriptive in a good way
• Focus: Monologue-heavy

🚨 Content & Safety
• Cheating: No
• Other Women Drama (OWD): No, but see noted below
• Other Men Drama (OMD): No
• Romantic Scenes with Other People: No
• Other people after meeting/ being together : No
• Virgins or Experienced: Virgins when they met years ago and only been with each other.
Notes : There wasn't Any OWD, but Atlas had a young employee Aubree that hit on him and brought him food a lot because she assumed he was single ( he didn't have any pictures of his family nor did he speak about them due to what happened to him), Atlas was also a clueless idiot and never caught on to the cues that she was interested, so one time Wendy brought their boys to see their dad at work and they found the ow alone with him laughing at something he said ( and he was even shocked because it wasn't even funny ), when he introduced his family, the ow was shocked and very embarrassed and apologized to them too ( she was a very nice woman), Atlas also apologized to Wendy and introduced her and their boys to all his coworkers. the ow ended up telling Atlas that he's lucky to have Wendy and he should never hide her again. and even changed working locations out of embarrassment.

❤️ Tropes & Vibes
• Tropes: Marriage in crisis.
• Vibes: Emotional, Angsty, Sweet
✅ Final Verdict
Would I recommend? Yes 100%
Final thoughts: My first book by this author and i look forward to reading more from her since she seems to handle heavy topics in a very good way
📅 Read Date: 24/02/2026

⚠️Note:
My content is not criticism of the book or author. It exists solely to help readers make informed choices based on personal boundaries.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet marriage in trouble romance!! Never thought I’d put those words in the same sentence but I don’t know how else to describe it. I liked how through it all, these two never lost love for each other. That was never the problem and never would be. I honestly loved both of the characters. Atlas was actually so damn sweet and Wendy was an amazing mother and wife. Watching them get back together and working through stuff was so heartwarming. There’s no denying that they are soulmates. I loved how they were each other’s first and last everything, have been together since they were 12!! So cute.

Some light OW drama with a coworker who didn’t know he was married but she ended up being nice in the end, there was no malicious intent on her end. I also really liked Liam. He had a few teenage moments with his attitude but he was such a champion and protector for his mom. I really hope we get his and birdies book with no cheating of course because that would devastate me!!!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I loved this book. Read it in one sitting.

As a SAHM and also as someone who struggles with my mental health I feel like I could see so much of myself in both Wendy and Atlas, so I teared up quite a few times. I kinda wanted to shake them both a couple times too but I’m so happy for them that they got their HEA, it was very well deserved.

This is the 2nd book I’ve read from this author and I’m really impressed with both books I’ve read, I’m not just reading to read, when I’m reading she has me feeling, thinking and reflecting about myself too, if that makes sense.

As long as her books are safe I think she’ll be an auto-read author for me 🤞🏻

-Dual PoV
-h & H both 32
-Each other’s first and only everything
-marriage in crisis
-no OWD/OMD- Atlas had an employee who assumed he was single and tried to hit on him, he was oblivious to her and when she found out she had a wife and kids she was so apologetic and embarrassed, she ended up moving jobs to a different location. She was such a non-issue that I don’t even count it and I hate owd. I’m just mentioning it incase anyone else likes to know stuff like this too.
-HEA
-Epilogue 5 years later still happily married and stronger than ever and they welcome their third child, a baby girl 🥰

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, please see Sophia's review, it is outstanding and provides a clear and realistic overview of all parts of this book.

The writing, character development, timing and storyline are all exceptional. The description of the mental illness aspects of the H's behavior was very well done. The relationship of the family members and the healing process were also strong points. No infidelity, no instant forgiveness...everything was thoughtful and slow and moved toward positive goals. It was, at times, repetitive and that slowed things down somewhat. Not sure I could have tolerated the H's behavior for an entire year without leaving.

Highly recommended.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for me only

If you want to read this story, DON’T read my review. These are only notes to jog my memory.

One of the best marriage in trouble books I’ve read!

You need to go into this as blind as possible.

I will say read the TW because there are deep subjects discussed.


Atlas works at family shop

Wendy SAHM two sons.

In love since 12 yo

Last year Atlas started pulling away like not being home until after bedtime and out before anyone awakes. Missing everything with their boys. Won’t even talk to Wendy. Won’t be intimate with her.

Obviously she suspects cheating. She files for separation. We don’t get his POV until right before that. Truth is heartbreaking.

LAST CHANCE FOR NO SPOILERS

His SIL died of a brain aneurysm leaving his brother and two young girls.

He has night terrors anytime he interacts with her of something like that happening to Wendy so he pulls away trying to protect his heart. The separation papers make him realize how bad he screwed up.

New receptionist at shop shows an interest. He has absolutely no interest in her.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abandonment disguised as grief

This book is bs to me. I did not like at all. There will be spoilers.

Starting with the positives: The book is a story about grief, stress, depression, and other internal struggles that come with a great loss. How those things affect a family dynamic and how therapy can help navigate strong, overwhelming feeling while helping the characters cope and build positive responses to trauma and triggers. It highlights the benefits of individual, group, and family therapy. And it also shows the characters applying those therapeutic practices in real time. There is a positive message about therapy to be found in this bs of a story.

***Spoilers past this point***

The bs: So the MMC’s SIL died and his brother tried to self delete, so the MMC abandoned, avoided, and had a visceral reaction to his own family FOR A YEAR?!? His SIL passes away, which makes him think his wife will inevitably also pass away so then he treats her like sh*t for a whole year. He removed her so thoroughly from his public life that no one at his family-owned and worked, well established business in this little bitty town knows that he has a wife and not one but two kids?!? Mind you he has been with only his wife since Jr. high.

Did the Grandfather also not mention or bring around his grandkids or DIL for a year?!? The grandfather didn’t notice that his son was going to work early and staying late everyday for a year, and that he never mentioned or picked up his kids, never went to any of there events, never had them in the shop himself in over a year?!? He never bought them to the shop that he also worked in?

The MMC’s grief over his SIL and brother was so severe he couldn’t look, talk, touch, acknowledge his wife or kids but he was good as long as they were at home waiting on him while he moved around like they didn’t exist cause he was scared to loose them??? We are supposed to empathize and sympathize with him?!? It took for the FMC to file for separation and loose contact for him to have a panic attack and realize hey I do want my family?

The more I read the more it pissed me off. It reads like I purposely treated you like shit but I had a good reason. I DNF’d it about half way through. This seemed like a story of a young woman who was trapped as a trad wife and when she finally finds independence he turns into an infant that required therapy and coddling to re-trap her. The brother’s situation was sad but had nothing to do with him or why he treated his wife horribly. The author even notes that he doesn’t even talk to his brother and he is nowhere in the story but the MMC is so affected by his personal strife?

Then the whole story seemed like an infomercial for therapy. The brother was in therapy, the MMC was in therapy while institutionalized and then went to therapy on his own, the FMC was in therapy, the children were in therapy, they went to therapy as a couple and therapy as a family. They were going to therapy like it was free and they had unlimited time. Then almost all the conversations referred back to what they learned or discussed in therapy. It was overkill. I just couldn’t get with it.

The blurb made it seem like the dead SIL and the MMC may of had inappropriate relationship but that’s not the case. She really didn’t have anything to do with anything. The MMC is selfish, the FMC is a doormat that almost put herself and kids first but was roped back in with a woe-is-me sob story, and the grandparents, the grandfather specifically, are questionable. I did not like this book at all.

[Izabela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it ❤️. I cried a lot, but that was really good read.

[Jill Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage in crisis. I liked the FMC for not putting up with his crap and taking control of things for her and her children.

[SC Girlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So….ummm…yeah - lots to unpack

This book definitely makes an impact on you.

The first comment I will make is that it is way too long. There is a ton of filler material that you do not care to know. Like the back history of characters that really don’t matter. I found myself skipping seven pages at a time just looking for dialogue and I missed absolutely nothing about the story. Now this may be one of this author’s author’s first books, I don’t know, and that might explain it, but it was way too long for what it was.

I think my biggest true complaint about the book is that I don’t think they should’ve ended up together. Now a lot of times I will say that if a character is irredeemable. I don’t feel like this MMC was that. I think he put in a lot of effort and time in to try and fix what was wrong with him. However, that being said, I do not believe that she should have forgiven him. There are a lot of things that a wife can forgive her husband for but things that impact children are not one of those things. He became a stranger to his sons. He alienated them and made them not even want to be in his presence. He was a horrible role model for his kids, and while I understand that he was having some mental issues, there is no excuse for being a bad parent.

This isn’t a single fight he had with his wife where he talked to her rudely and they needed to recalibrate teaching their sons how to treat their partners. This was so much deeper than that. I went through this - I divorced my husband. He was not being a good role model to my son and we remarried a couple years later. My son to this day has still not forgiven him and that weighs on me. I think this author minimalized the effect of being a bad parent. Especially when it comes to a protective son for his mother. My son will never forgive my husband for what he put me through and it wasn’t even near as bad as what this main character did. That is really truly where the three star rating comes from.

I like groveling and I like people working on fixing themselves and having true growth, but I don’t like this idea that he could fix things after he alienated his children for an entire year. Maybe with the younger son he could come back from that but this author has no clue the pain a protective teenage son goes through when his father is a bad partner. The writing was good and the plot was strong and the character development there. It had all of the pieces, but the true mental weight of everything that was there it was just too much for him to come back from in my opinion.

Additionally, those boys at that age really didn’t need therapy. I know a lot of people need therapy, but she’s talking about all of these different types of therapy and wanting her sons to go to it. No, they’re OK. They just want to protect their mom and have structure and happiness in their lives so there were just a lot of of those pieces. I do not regret reading it at all, but I don’t think it was quite the story it could have been had they just reached a happy coparenting medium, and she moved on with someone else…

[NM · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL;DR recap - You should read this book. :)

Atlas and Wendy have a love for the ages…

Until Atlas changes. He disengages, dismisses, neglects, and ignores his wife and children for a full year, with no explanations or reasons why.

Wendy, the Cornerstone of the family, finally reaches her breaking point. After one last chance, she files for separation and asks Atlas to leave.

What follows is a heartbreaking tale as Atlas falls apart, and his family has to struggle through this situation.

As the truth comes out (I’m not going to spoil it), Atlas has to find his way back, and earn his redemption and second chance with the wife and family he truly loves.

The journey of getting back together is filled with serious and also wonderfully lighter-hearted moments as they all work to rebuild and create a new, stronger normal. Atlas’s love and yearning is so deep and beautifully visible as the story unfolds and time moves forward.

Despite the trauma of the beginning, the book becomes uplifting, touching, and even happy. Romance creeps back in, and by then, you’ll be thinking, Finally!

Wendy, Atlas, and sons Liam and Noah are beautifully developed with depth and realism. They’re not “book perfect” characters. The other characters are just as appealing — supportive yet grounded. Every character brings something unique to the story.

As one WattPad commented said, Atlas is now the gold standard for book husbands who screw up and redeem themselves. The entire book is extremely well written by a talented author who wrings every emotion out of you!

Atlas and Wendy belong together. You’ll be rooting for them to get back together because it is CLEAR that’s where they belong. It’s a journey you’ll be glad you went on with them, because their love is inspiring.

The next book, with Liam and girlfriend Birdie is just getting started on WP. I can only hope it’s as exceptional as this one.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely recommend…

This was wow… Definitely recommend having tissues right there waiting because you will need them.it was definitely different than I thought I will say this THERE IS NO CHEATING NOT EVEN EMOTIONAL CHEATING I thought there was cause how it said what the MMC was going through had something to do with his late sister in law, but nope. I loved this book a lot I don’t want to give any away but her relationship with her mother and that really hit home for me so I cried, just not being seen and not wanted and everything g Wendy was feeling and saying how she would never do this or that with her kids like her mom. 🥹🥹❤️❤️ and the MMC self growth and his apology speeches to his boys 🥰🥰🥰 like I said you will need tissue more than once. I will say for like 3 chapters there it did get a little boring I kinda skimmed through but still paid attention to the key words, but it pulled me back in fast so I like that.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

No sé qué calificación ponerle, momentáneamente lo dejo en 3.

Me gustó, pero al mismo tiempo siento que Wendy perdonó muy rápido y hasta dejó de lado sus sentimientos cuando se enteró de la razón por la que Atlas alejó a su familia. Llega un punto en el que reprime lo que siente porque el pobrecito ya pasó por mucho, pero ella también.

Algo que me gusto es cuando el psicólogo habla con él y le dice claramente que lo que hizo fue abuso emocional, y él lo acepta, no se excusa e intenta mejorar. Es muy raro ver que acepten lo que hicieron mal y se enfrente a las consecuencias de sus actos.

Me gustó mucho que la suegra apoyaba a Wendy a pesar de ver que su hijo sufría. Incluso cuando vio que Wendy dudaba de seguir con el divorcio, le dijo que, si bien su hijo estaba mal psicológicamente, eso no quitaba lo que le hizo y que debía pagar por sus actos, y que tenía que ponerse primero.

[Agu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started crying as soon as the book began. It's beautiful how everyone does their part to rebuild the family. While it was sad that FMC was so alone for a year without her husband's support, taking care of almost everything and feeling like she didn't have the right to feel bad, I liked how she said, "I need to be Wendy again," and prioritized herself. I liked that MMC realized his mistake, how he distanced himself, and that what he did wasn't right at all, but it still hurts how he gradually became an absent figure in his own family. The book teaches that it's perfectly normal to go to therapy for any reason, something that isn't seen much these days. It also shows that a woman's role isn't to be a housewife or do everything alone; everyone in the family should contribute, since they all live in the same house.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic!

As a follower of this author, this book I paused on. The blurb seemed a little off putting when I first read it. And as someone who needs to check triggers, I had to do a little more research before deciding.

With that being said, I granted this book 5⭐️

You are asking how? Right? It’s true. 100% no mistakes made. It is a 5 star book, Period.

Even with some of my triggers mentioned here, I was able to read this fantastic work because the AUTHOR MADE IT BELIEVABLE! The relatability, the deep dark voices that we imagine and are afraid to even whisper, all done with the care of someone who has either: lived it as a main or side character, or was one of the helpers of someone who had this same type of fall out. This. Author. ATE, to quote GloRilla. One of the BEST I’ve read not just this year, but period.

[Dre · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars... I was originally annoyed with Atlas's reasoning for disengaging with his family, but after finding out what he went through with his sister-in-law and then his brother, and his mental health issues because them, I thought this was actually pretty believable. I like how the mental health issues were handled, especially the in-patient part. I have a friend who struggles with mental health, and she has a regular therapist and another for I forget the term she used, but like when an acute situation pops-up, and this person is more equipped to deal with the PTSD-type stuff, so I totally get him requiring an in-patient setting for a month and then needing multiple therapists and appointments after to keep him from relapsing. And even with the meds and therapy, relapse is still always a possibility and having a supportive family is a huge thing for these ppl.

[Nikki ღ Navareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story definitely started out nice and angsty. I was fairly positive the Hero had been fucking around on his wife by his actions in this story in the beginning. The truth of why he pulled away and stopped interacting with his family or being present with them in any way, was a bit of a stretch of the imagination. Or at least it was a stretch of MY imagination. I’m not sure I bought his reasoning. Despite the hard to believe reason for his cutting his family off completely, I did enjoy the angsty feelings this story elicited. I enjoyed how the wife dealt with this guy's dumbassery too.

[Carole Copeland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Give it a chance

At first, I didn't think I'd make it through this book. In the beginning it was too wordy, dialogue was limited, and repetitive. But I tried to plow through and glad I did. I liked that this was about a couple who were deeply connected and there weren't outside interests like so many other authors throw in. I will say it was an interesting subject he was dealing with and I think if there is a story about the brother that it would seem redundant as this book pretty much covers what he would be dealing with. After you get past some long drawn out spots, the story starts to get better, still repetitive but more dialogue comes into play. Don't think the book needed to be as long but it turned out alright and left an interest in Mercy Universe.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, when I first started this book, I didn’t have very high expectations. But the more I read, the more I found myself getting completely invested, and before I knew it, I just couldn’t put it down.

I really appreciated how the story tackled such deep and meaningful topics. The portrayal of a struggling marriage, especially with children involved, felt very real and emotional. It explored what it truly means to fight for a relationship and how complex that journey can be.
I also found the discussion around mental health, particularly through Atlas’s experiences, incredibly powerful and important.

There were a few repetitive moments throughout the book, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.

[Carrie Dozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

My new fav Wattpad author!
Marriage in trouble
Loss of family member
PTSD
H shutting down and neglects family a whole year
The h is such a wonderful mom and person. Her heart is breaking with how her husband has changed. He’s cruel and never home and misses everything with the boys. When she finally says enough is enough and serves him divorce papers, he starts to work on himself and right his wrongs…
Mild ow drama, truly clueless H but he only sees his wife!
Supportive in laws🥰 I love this for the h
She is currently writing Liam(their son)and Birdies(autistic) book and I’m so excited for it!
Each other one and only!!

[Maria Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I wasn't quite sure what to make of this story because it was a marriage in crisis but no cheating .Wendy loved Atlas since she was a child and he loved her back now married with 2 sons Atlas goes cold ,dsnt seem to want to be around his family,he spends more time away from home and no one knows why .Wendy takes action and decided to seperate and that when Atlas knows he has to change ,to confront his issues and win his family back .It's sad and emotional ,and issues with mental health but written so well and with compassion .I loved every character involved esp their sons Liam and Noah .It has a great epilogue too

[Dominique Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I’m usually not the one to read “marriage in crisis” romance but thought I give this one a chance after seeing it recommended on Reddit.

Both MCs were likable even Atlas despite all the pain he put Wendy & their kids through. I liked that the author included flashbacks/info (told rather than shown unfortunately) on what their relationship was like before the “incident” & before Atlas pushed everyone away. Getting insight into how he acted before made it a lot easier for me to root for him and his relationship with Wendy.

Some bits did feel a bit repetitive but overall it was pretty enjoyable read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

so so good

okay but wow this book 😭

i’m so picky with ratings and almost never give 5 stars… but this one easily deserves it. like I’d go higher if I could. it pulled me in right away and I stayed hooked the entire time.

their relationship?? sooo good. it felt real and emotional and just made me care about them so much. i love a love story that actually makes you feel something and this one definitely did.

also can we talk about “baby” 🥹 it’s already cute but when atlas says “my baby”… yeah that had me smiling so hard lol

just such a good book. i didn’t want it to end at all 💕

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlas and Wendy

Atlas and Wendy have been together for twenty years, since they were 12 years old. The are married with 2 boys and a perfect life. Until Atlas her beloved husband started to distance himself not only from her but from their sons. To they point that after a year of this, her famiky was unrecognisable; the man that had been the centre of their lives was now a complete ... stranger. And Wendy finally realised she had to put herself and her children first and she did was she never imagined she would ever do...she handed him divorce papers.
Highly recommended

[Sunstarandsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very poignant and emotional story about a marriage that gets blown off course and how the MCs work really hard to repair and gain it back.

I loved the both of them, individually and together. I thought their journey was really sweet and sad, in parts. And the support they got from his parents was incredible.

I will say - I wasn't quite convinced on how the the marriage fell apart. Did I think the reasons were valid, yes - but did I think she sort of let it happen & didn't really try to probe on whether he needed help & support, also yes.

[Jordan Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent read

Atlas and Wendy Durant are a couple you’re rooting for. I love their children, their family and friends. This story is so well done.

I was not prepared for what was upsetting Atlas, but as the story went on the more it made sense. A truly horrible hang up.

I’m glad that they were able to make it back to each other. We saw the ups and downs and then finding their way back. We also got to see the other people find their people and the Durant family get closure. I’m hopeful to see Taylor/Trey and Bonnie/Trace’s stories too.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally read on Wattpad.

Fantastic view into a marriage in crisis that revolves around trauma/PTSD that is the silent killer of the marriage. No OW drama, no cheating.

Grovel = H has some trauma which causes him to distance himself from his wife and kids. When H finally had the light bulb moment, the h and the kids are just done with him. H has to work very hard on himself first before he can return to his family for a proper grovel. Well done.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't typically write reviews but I absolutely loved this story!

Wendy was the definition of a strong FMC, trying to find herself outside of being a wife and mother after years of marriage. When her husband starts pulling away, she stands up and starts her own life.

Atlas, poor sweet baby. When I learned why he pulled away and had been distant, I was devastated for him. His journey back to himself showed how strong he was and how much he loved his family.