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Choices
Contemporary RomanceLarge Print EditionOn a happy expedition to choose her wedding dress with her parents and her fianc Miles, Helen Wilsons life is shattered without warning when a car crash leaves her with only memories to console her. Coming to terms with her loss, she moves to Flatners, a cottage overlooking the Bristol Channel, and settles into a life she would never have imagined. Making new friends, she became caught up in their lives and relationships, and soon became aware of her own complex feelings for Harry Vallender, the previous owner of Flatners. In the aftermath of tragedy, love tentatively began to flower . . .
303 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
380 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sallis
67 books36 followersSusan Sallis was the author of over twenty bestselling novels, many of them set in the West Country. She was born in Gloucestershire and lived in Somerset with her family. She died in 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 1, 2015
A few years ago, I and my family had vacationed to this place. There, we stayed at a hotel plus resort. There wasn't a library, but there was a single book shelf in the lobby. I thought I'd borrow a book while I was there. None of the books really interested me, but then I found this: Choices by Susan Sallis. I took it to our suite, and read a few pages. Only a few pages because I didn't have much time with it. I skimmed through the book a little. The book seemed amazing and absolutely interesting and heart warming. But I obviously couldn't take it from there. I was pretty sad to leave it.
We got back home, and the first thing I did was search for the ebook. I didn't find it, not a single trace of it. I let it go, but it was always there in the corner of my mind.
The next two years, when I was introduced to the art of ordering books online, I searched for the book yet again. It was horribly expensive, or wasn't available at all. I let it go once again.
And then, I went to this bookstore, a very nice bookstore that sold second hand books. I saw other books of Susan Sallis, but Choices, the one that I wanted wasn't there. I came back home empty handed.
There is a place here, where every year, a fair sort of thing takes place, selling everything from household stuff to dresses to toys to jewellery. You name it, and its all there. I was informed by my mother who was informed by a friend that the fair was selling books at a low price, and that she could take me there since she knew I loved reading. And so we went. I wasn't keeping my hopes high; after all it was a fair. I didn't expect to find much interesting books. Nonetheless, I went, knowing that I might find something at least. There was a single stall with second hand books. I looked at all the books dejectedly, doubting that I might find something good. My mother bought children's fairy tales and story books for her students - she takes tuition - while my frown just got deeper and deeper. And then - I think I gave a cry of shock and disbelief - I saw Choices by Susan Sallis. I couldn't help the smile slowly stretching across my face - the salesman must have been thinking I'd gone bonkers, smiling at a book like that, all of a sudden. I was close to tears, but decided that that would be pretty stupid. Anyway, it was like meeting an old friend. You let them go but had not forgotten, and when you meet them once more, you are more than happy because you've gotten another chance to spend time together. I told my mother - rather incoherently - about the history I had with this book and she gave the okay and I was overjoyed. I knew it was fate that had made our paths cross and fate that had tied us together and fate again that had brought us together.
It wasn't until recently that I started reading Choices again, and it was such a beautiful, bitter sweet, emotional roller coaster ride. Finished the book in less than three days. The story was beautiful and the characters were amazing. I absolutely adored Helen, Harry, Dorry, Peggy, and yes, even Tom and Aunt Putrid! It was a joyful ride, and one I might and will never be able to forget. It taught me so much about life and love and friendship and death and ties and truth and honesty and courage and pain and sorrow and happiness and character development and to continue living your life no matter what happens, no matter how much you've lost, no matter what you want, no matter how much you want to die, no matter what shape you are in, because living is the most beautiful aspect about life!
It was amusing too, because of its unique and witty dialogue delivery and humour and character. I am so very overwhelmed right now! I hated that I finished the book so soon, and again, I find myself so close to tears. The ending was beautiful. Oh my God, I can't even begin to describe how beautiful and heartwarming this book was! It made me thankful for being who I am, it gave me hope in the afterlife, it gave me faith that there is possibility of healing of relationships by love and friendship and those tied and severed by sorrow and death. And it has restored my faith in life and love, true, pure, beautiful, and real love!
Thank you so much Susan Sallis for giving life to this reality of a book. Giving life to its characters. Oh God, I am rarely this ecstatic and dramatic about a book, and this has possibly got to be the most elaborate and biggest book review that I have ever written, and I could write more, because Choices deserves more than this, so much more. Oh my God I shiver and can still feel dried tears as I think of this wonderful book. It was definitely fate that brought us together
We got back home, and the first thing I did was search for the ebook. I didn't find it, not a single trace of it. I let it go, but it was always there in the corner of my mind.
The next two years, when I was introduced to the art of ordering books online, I searched for the book yet again. It was horribly expensive, or wasn't available at all. I let it go once again.
And then, I went to this bookstore, a very nice bookstore that sold second hand books. I saw other books of Susan Sallis, but Choices, the one that I wanted wasn't there. I came back home empty handed.
There is a place here, where every year, a fair sort of thing takes place, selling everything from household stuff to dresses to toys to jewellery. You name it, and its all there. I was informed by my mother who was informed by a friend that the fair was selling books at a low price, and that she could take me there since she knew I loved reading. And so we went. I wasn't keeping my hopes high; after all it was a fair. I didn't expect to find much interesting books. Nonetheless, I went, knowing that I might find something at least. There was a single stall with second hand books. I looked at all the books dejectedly, doubting that I might find something good. My mother bought children's fairy tales and story books for her students - she takes tuition - while my frown just got deeper and deeper. And then - I think I gave a cry of shock and disbelief - I saw Choices by Susan Sallis. I couldn't help the smile slowly stretching across my face - the salesman must have been thinking I'd gone bonkers, smiling at a book like that, all of a sudden. I was close to tears, but decided that that would be pretty stupid. Anyway, it was like meeting an old friend. You let them go but had not forgotten, and when you meet them once more, you are more than happy because you've gotten another chance to spend time together. I told my mother - rather incoherently - about the history I had with this book and she gave the okay and I was overjoyed. I knew it was fate that had made our paths cross and fate that had tied us together and fate again that had brought us together.
It wasn't until recently that I started reading Choices again, and it was such a beautiful, bitter sweet, emotional roller coaster ride. Finished the book in less than three days. The story was beautiful and the characters were amazing. I absolutely adored Helen, Harry, Dorry, Peggy, and yes, even Tom and Aunt Putrid! It was a joyful ride, and one I might and will never be able to forget. It taught me so much about life and love and friendship and death and ties and truth and honesty and courage and pain and sorrow and happiness and character development and to continue living your life no matter what happens, no matter how much you've lost, no matter what you want, no matter how much you want to die, no matter what shape you are in, because living is the most beautiful aspect about life!
It was amusing too, because of its unique and witty dialogue delivery and humour and character. I am so very overwhelmed right now! I hated that I finished the book so soon, and again, I find myself so close to tears. The ending was beautiful. Oh my God, I can't even begin to describe how beautiful and heartwarming this book was! It made me thankful for being who I am, it gave me hope in the afterlife, it gave me faith that there is possibility of healing of relationships by love and friendship and those tied and severed by sorrow and death. And it has restored my faith in life and love, true, pure, beautiful, and real love!
Thank you so much Susan Sallis for giving life to this reality of a book. Giving life to its characters. Oh God, I am rarely this ecstatic and dramatic about a book, and this has possibly got to be the most elaborate and biggest book review that I have ever written, and I could write more, because Choices deserves more than this, so much more. Oh my God I shiver and can still feel dried tears as I think of this wonderful book. It was definitely fate that brought us together
October 4, 2020
Where were the editors?
I am being generous giving Choices two stars. The storyline was promising and some of the characters were well developed. This is not the case with characters introduced toward the end of the book, and a good editor would have recognized their redundancy.
And while I know that fish and crisps are a beloved meal in
England, surely every single meal partaken by the characters didn’t have to be fish and crisps.
A good editor would have tightened up the dialogue,
especially Helen’s frustratingly tedious attempts to persuade everyone why she couldn’t be with Harry. And finally, a good editor would have remembered that Helen craved romance, and would not have allowed the humiliating incident where Helen initiated sex with Harry in her car in a parking lot. This scene was inappropriate and unnecessary. Choices, with better editing, would have been a better read.
I am being generous giving Choices two stars. The storyline was promising and some of the characters were well developed. This is not the case with characters introduced toward the end of the book, and a good editor would have recognized their redundancy.
And while I know that fish and crisps are a beloved meal in
England, surely every single meal partaken by the characters didn’t have to be fish and crisps.
A good editor would have tightened up the dialogue,
especially Helen’s frustratingly tedious attempts to persuade everyone why she couldn’t be with Harry. And finally, a good editor would have remembered that Helen craved romance, and would not have allowed the humiliating incident where Helen initiated sex with Harry in her car in a parking lot. This scene was inappropriate and unnecessary. Choices, with better editing, would have been a better read.
November 22, 2020
The book was ok. It felt very repetitive and very childish with the characters. Not one of them had anything good happen to them in the book and it felt forced in many ways. There was this constant pull of I'm not good enough for anyone else but then turn around everyone else is good for everyone else and I just suck type of feel. I think the author really had a great premise, just didn't execute it to the way I would have like to have seen it go. I did like the fact that I was shown and not told everything. I could see the water, I could see the way the house was set up, everything that way was fabulous it was just the characters and their dialouge.
November 18, 2017
A nice read but somewhere after the halfway point the author decided to throw in some unnecessary wrenches in the works and some odd character behaviour that was annoying. I've come across this before and it reminds me of a TV show that gets worried about dropping ratings and brings in a story arc or an unheard of character totally out of left field. It doesn't improve things and makes those of us that were enjoying the story shake our heads and wonder why.
July 16, 2021
The interconnections between the characters in this book were much too coincidental to believe. The characters were not all that likeable or admirable, and I did not get involved with the story like I hoped I would. It was a "meh" for me.
July 13, 2020
Heartwarming story of multiple relationships, set in current times in England. Was heartwarming. When the story was over, I wanted to know what happens next. But, while I was reading it, I got tired of the storyline that was based on misunderstandings. Characters saw things and made the wrong assumptions. Of course, that is what happens in real life all the time.
The main character is a woman names Helene who was involved in a tragic accident. The story revolves around her and the other people in the accident and those around them. Lots of unexpected new relationships evolve throughout the story.
The main character is a woman names Helene who was involved in a tragic accident. The story revolves around her and the other people in the accident and those around them. Lots of unexpected new relationships evolve throughout the story.
December 4, 2021
We were dropped into the plot immediately, and I should have suspected from the very beginning there would be little character development or motivation. This book is 50% too long, with mewlers, whiners, vague sidebar characters and ridiculous plot twists. I was mostly interested until about 35%, but then I got so tired of wiping the soapsuds off my glasses I just plodded through. Too much dialogue, not enough logic. So many arguments that are quickly assauged by a cup of teh. It felt like I was eavesdropping on two old ladies gossiping Corrie Street style on the number 2 bus.
December 18, 2020
A lovely story that was full of heartbreak and hope.
The characters were strong and they gelled really well together.
The story twisted and turned between families and friends and was really well interwoven.
The story was really well written and it flowed really well making it an additive read!
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
The characters were strong and they gelled really well together.
The story twisted and turned between families and friends and was really well interwoven.
The story was really well written and it flowed really well making it an additive read!
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
June 11, 2020
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
This is the 2nd book I've read by this Author and can highly recommend
This is rather a touching story but is done so well great strong characters I look forward to reading more by this Author.
This is the 2nd book I've read by this Author and can highly recommend
This is rather a touching story but is done so well great strong characters I look forward to reading more by this Author.
June 29, 2020
Fabulous book!
Although it was a little slow getting into this book, it became such an enjoyable read that I was very sorry to have it end. Wonderful personalities and a lovely, heart-warming story! Highly recommend
Although it was a little slow getting into this book, it became such an enjoyable read that I was very sorry to have it end. Wonderful personalities and a lovely, heart-warming story! Highly recommend
July 24, 2020
Making good Choices
This book was tragic, sad,, funny, hopeful, and romantic. Helen, the main character, is a courageous women who wills herself to become stronger and more independent despite the reality of the accident. I enjoyed reading this book.
This book was tragic, sad,, funny, hopeful, and romantic. Helen, the main character, is a courageous women who wills herself to become stronger and more independent despite the reality of the accident. I enjoyed reading this book.
October 2, 2020
Delightful read
I worked very hard during this story! After spending many years working with children with handicaps I really related to this story. Life is not always easy, but it IS always worth living.
I worked very hard during this story! After spending many years working with children with handicaps I really related to this story. Life is not always easy, but it IS always worth living.
December 9, 2020
I enjoyed the first half of the book but not so much the second half.
To much back and forth with childish reasons why Helen couldn't be with Harry.
I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. My mum read this and every much enjoyed it.
To much back and forth with childish reasons why Helen couldn't be with Harry.
I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. My mum read this and every much enjoyed it.
June 17, 2022
Beautiful romance novel with heartfelt moments to give you all the feels. The story is full of heartbreak.
A lesson in love and life that gives one hope things can get better and will get better if we believe it can.
A lesson in love and life that gives one hope things can get better and will get better if we believe it can.
July 13, 2020
A good summer read. Somewhat contrived. But a good escape from Covid issues. A quick read too.
October 15, 2020
Good read
What a wonderful plot this story provides with a look into actions that change one's life. Regrets courage to face what life offers
What a wonderful plot this story provides with a look into actions that change one's life. Regrets courage to face what life offers
October 15, 2020
Certainly not the best Susan Sallis book I have read.
May 2, 2021
Great story line
I was totally immersed after being shut down. I felt such disappointment for the main character and the sub character. However,it all worked out well for them
I was totally immersed after being shut down. I felt such disappointment for the main character and the sub character. However,it all worked out well for them
July 1, 2021
Meh. Truth be told, I skimmed a lot in this book. There just wasn’t a lot there to keep me fully engaged.
September 18, 2022
I really liked this book , but would have liked to see everyone settled , lovely ending still waiting for more
July 14, 2024
Definitely happy to have stumbled across this story! Very, very enjoyable read.
August 26, 2013
I really liked this Susan sallis book, I have read quite a few of her books, and this is my favourite so far. A lovely story, that is a little bit different to other stories I have read like this. Recommended read.
October 27, 2013
Boring! It's rare that I don't finish a book, particularly if I'm three quarters of the way through. But that was the case with this one. It started with promise, but believe me, it's not worth the effort. Disjointed, underwhelming characters and a drudge.
September 28, 2013
Heart-warming and a beautiful read- definitely one for the romantic readers!!
August 6, 2015
I enjoyed this book. A nice gentle, easy read. Believable characters and a story that I found kept me wanting to keep turning the pages to find out what happened next.
August 31, 2010
This was enjoyable "lightv read" - a simple love story.
August 29, 2017
Enjoyed. One of my "Read 50 books in my 50th year" .
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews