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Cornerstone: A Marriage-In-Trouble Romance
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.
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.
- GenresContemporary
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
58 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Allen
2 books15 followersMJ 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.
When she’s not writing, MJ can be found spending time with her husband in their New Jersey town with their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 17, 2026
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.
✔️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.
February 17, 2026
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!!!
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!!!
February 15, 2026
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2026
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.
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.
February 15, 2026
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.
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.
February 15, 2026
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.
February 14, 2026
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!!
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!!
February 16, 2026
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
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
February 14, 2026
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.
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.
February 14, 2026
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.
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.
February 13, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It did an amazing job of outlining and walking through a marriage with going through a unique struggle. The POV from both the husband and wife were very well done. I read it when it was on WattPad. I’m buying it on the release date in support of the author. And can’t wait to read more from this book’s universe!
February 14, 2026
Great read
Oh my! This book was so good. Wendy and Atlas and their two beautiful boys Liam and Noah. They had been in love and married forever. Something happened and Atlas started pulling away! Why? Was it another woman, did he just not love Wendy anymore? Please read this! The book flows beautifully and is an amazing read. 5 stars!!!
Oh my! This book was so good. Wendy and Atlas and their two beautiful boys Liam and Noah. They had been in love and married forever. Something happened and Atlas started pulling away! Why? Was it another woman, did he just not love Wendy anymore? Please read this! The book flows beautifully and is an amazing read. 5 stars!!!
February 17, 2026
Beautiful
Wendy & Atlas are the best couple. I love their love. They love hard, and it's the sweetest, most deep love I've read in forever. The mental struggles in this one are real, and MJ did such a great job portraying the very real trauma and anguish we can do to ourselves over grief. I can't say enough that this was an AMAZING BEAUTIFUL definite reread.
Wendy & Atlas are the best couple. I love their love. They love hard, and it's the sweetest, most deep love I've read in forever. The mental struggles in this one are real, and MJ did such a great job portraying the very real trauma and anguish we can do to ourselves over grief. I can't say enough that this was an AMAZING BEAUTIFUL definite reread.
Review of advance copy
I know it’s only a month into 2026 but this is the best book of the year. It’s so well written. The story of Atlas & Wendy gave me all the feelings- I cried with both of them. Thank you to the author for writing and putting a bit of your soul and heart in.
February 15, 2026
Absolutely loved this story
This one was definitely a page turner and tear jerker. As someone with a spouse who had his own mental issues during one point of our marriage, I can relate to how certain this happened and unfolded. It was a great read!
This one was definitely a page turner and tear jerker. As someone with a spouse who had his own mental issues during one point of our marriage, I can relate to how certain this happened and unfolded. It was a great read!
February 17, 2026
WOW!!!!!!!!! This was soooooo good. Phenomenal writing with heart and soul. Very heavy but refreshing at the same time. I wish I could find more books that flow as beautifully as this. I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
February 17, 2026
Marriage Troubles
Husband checks out sister-n-law passed away unexpectedly he thinks it will happen to his wife.
He distances himself from her and their boys
She finally has enough serves him divorce papers.
MMC starts to work on himself.
Husband checks out sister-n-law passed away unexpectedly he thinks it will happen to his wife.
He distances himself from her and their boys
She finally has enough serves him divorce papers.
MMC starts to work on himself.
February 18, 2026
Such a great book
This was an amazing book. Many times I’m on the fence about a ML getting redemption but not in this case. He fully earned it and the circumstances that caused the break weren’t necessarily something he had much control over.
This was an amazing book. Many times I’m on the fence about a ML getting redemption but not in this case. He fully earned it and the circumstances that caused the break weren’t necessarily something he had much control over.
Review of advance copy
This was such a good story!
February 17, 2026
Sob. But happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews