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Forever and a Day #1
through infinity
Librarian Notes: this is an alternate cover edition ASIN: B00PHLTVDE - through infinity.
When your past vanishes, what happens to your future?
Candice and Jason Woodruff had everything going for them: a strong marriage, the family they’d dreamed of, and successful businesses. When they made their wedding vows, they promised to love each other through infinity and beyond…but Candice doesn’t remember making that vow. Candice doesn’t remember the last eighteen years.
After a medical emergency, Candice awakens to find herself a married mother of four. She’s surrounded by a loving family of strangers, but Candice struggles to claim an identity while learning to be a wife and mother.
Candice is no longer the same woman Jason fell in love with all those years ago. Can they learn to love each other in this new reality?
Through Infinity is one woman’s journey as she rediscovers the love of her husband and children. But will that new found love be strong enough to carry them through infinity and beyond…
When your past vanishes, what happens to your future?
Candice and Jason Woodruff had everything going for them: a strong marriage, the family they’d dreamed of, and successful businesses. When they made their wedding vows, they promised to love each other through infinity and beyond…but Candice doesn’t remember making that vow. Candice doesn’t remember the last eighteen years.
After a medical emergency, Candice awakens to find herself a married mother of four. She’s surrounded by a loving family of strangers, but Candice struggles to claim an identity while learning to be a wife and mother.
Candice is no longer the same woman Jason fell in love with all those years ago. Can they learn to love each other in this new reality?
Through Infinity is one woman’s journey as she rediscovers the love of her husband and children. But will that new found love be strong enough to carry them through infinity and beyond…
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2014
4 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 30, 2015
The writing deserves 5 stars but I am waiting this on my feeling to it. This was a hard book to read, and as a mother, wife, daughter and friend I think it hit me harder, okay it walloped me upside the heart. I am not a fan of emotional reads, so this book was out of my comfort zone in more ways than one. It deals with the loss of love, children, time and the long road to recovery. It was very realistic, very well done and I'm glad I read it but I would not read it again so 4 stars, okay 4.4 stars.
A woman, falls and suffers brain trauma forgetting the last 17 years of her life, her children, her marriage all of it. She wakes up in a hospital at 40 years old and thinks she is 23, there is a stranger a man there and her parents who look oddly older. She slowly recovers, physically but her memory is not as easy to recover. She meets her children, yes meets them, get out your tissue box. Her husband, was her High School crush that she never talked too. Then the world has changed, cell phones, internet, everything is different. She goes through steps to reconnect, or at least be at peace with her past that was but may never be again. She may never find those lost years and must start new.
Her husband is the perfect husband, honest, supportive, attentive, sexy, and unwavering in his love for her and their children. He must court the woman of his dream who doesn't know him but has been with him for 17years. Time and paitience seem to come easily with his belief and complete faith that everything will be okay. I have never read a character with such wonderful qualities before, and I'd like to see more in future reads.
The kids, man what kids. They decide to take their mom on dates so she can get to know them. I had tears rolling down my cheeks, it was the sweetest thing. Young Dawson's date was the best of the best. I'll let you find out for yourself when you read the book, just get ready for a lot of 'awwww's"
It was an excellent read, it made me think about my own family and how much they mean to me. I had some hateful moments during the first 30-40% I can't stand others pain and suffering, I am marshmallow when it comes to reality issues. I would jump at another book from this author. Thank you SnoopyDoo for the recommendation
A woman, falls and suffers brain trauma forgetting the last 17 years of her life, her children, her marriage all of it. She wakes up in a hospital at 40 years old and thinks she is 23, there is a stranger a man there and her parents who look oddly older. She slowly recovers, physically but her memory is not as easy to recover. She meets her children, yes meets them, get out your tissue box. Her husband, was her High School crush that she never talked too. Then the world has changed, cell phones, internet, everything is different. She goes through steps to reconnect, or at least be at peace with her past that was but may never be again. She may never find those lost years and must start new.
Her husband is the perfect husband, honest, supportive, attentive, sexy, and unwavering in his love for her and their children. He must court the woman of his dream who doesn't know him but has been with him for 17years. Time and paitience seem to come easily with his belief and complete faith that everything will be okay. I have never read a character with such wonderful qualities before, and I'd like to see more in future reads.
The kids, man what kids. They decide to take their mom on dates so she can get to know them. I had tears rolling down my cheeks, it was the sweetest thing. Young Dawson's date was the best of the best. I'll let you find out for yourself when you read the book, just get ready for a lot of 'awwww's"
It was an excellent read, it made me think about my own family and how much they mean to me. I had some hateful moments during the first 30-40% I can't stand others pain and suffering, I am marshmallow when it comes to reality issues. I would jump at another book from this author. Thank you SnoopyDoo for the recommendation
July 25, 2015
**I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
What originally drew me to this book was the blurb and the cover wasn’t all that bad too. If you’re looking for a great, well constructed storyline then go pick this book up. I finished this book in one day. This is one of those page turning books that I couldn’t stop reading.
BLURB:
Candice and Jason Woodruff had everything going for them: a strong marriage, the family they’d dreamed of, and successful businesses. When they made their wedding vows, they promised to love each other through infinity and beyond…but Candice doesn’t remember making that vow. Candice doesn’t remember the last eighteen years. After a medical emergency, Candice awakens to find herself a married mother of four. She’s surrounded by a loving family of strangers, but Candice struggles to claim an identity while learning to be a wife and mother. Candice is no longer the same woman Jason fell in love with all those years ago. Can they learn to love each other in this new reality? Through Infinity is one woman’s journey as she rediscovers the love of her husband and children. But will that new found love be strong enough to carry them through infinity and beyond.
I couldn’t imagine waking up and losing 17 plus years of my life. Not remembering your own children and husband for 15 years is a real shock to the system. Candy had such a great support group and a family that was so understanding. I know Candy was frustrated to have this life but no recollection of it. The good and bad times that shaped her life was missing. Their kids were all so well mannered.
The retelling of their life together made me feel like I was there watching it all unfold. The love that was still blossoming between Candy and Jason was so heartwarming. After 15 years of marriage and it seemed like they were still in their honeymoon stage. Jason was such a strong man and the rock that Candy needed to get her through this unfortunate life altering event. Not only was this new to Candy but this was a big change for Jason and the kids too. They had a big obstacle to overcome. I know it had to be hard for Jason too. He lost a lot too that day when Candy woke up without any memory of their life together.
”I didn’t know what I did to deserve a second chance with you seventeen years ago, and I don’t know what I did to deserve a third chance with you, but I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I love you more now than I did when I asked you to marry me the first time.” -Jason
Dawson, the youngest son, was such a cutie. You could already tell that he was going to be a lady’s man. I love his “date” with Candy. He was such a gentleman and adorable when he was trying to act all grown up.
“I loved you before you were here, and I’ll love you long after I’m gone” - Jason
I think this is movie worthy. I would watch it and recommend it to all my friends.
”I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I know I love you more, through infinity and beyond...forever and a day.”
February 26, 2015
4.5 uber shweet stars!
Confusion and disorientation greets Candice when she awakes in a hospital bed. She lost her memory and the last 17 years of her life. She doesn't remember that she has a husband or that she has 4 kids.
When Candice is released from the hospital and goes home , she is unsure on how to handle things. At this point, she is in a 23-year-old's mind-frame, not a 40-year-old's. So for her last memory to be her being single and children-less, its a big hit for Candice to absorb.
The children and Jason (husband) enlist in helping Candice recover in the only way the know how - with love.
Jason was such a good father to each of his children. They all grew up with different personalities and different nicknames that fit them to a T. But there is one thing that they all shared; that was their parents love.
Jason and Candice are definitely soul mates and learning to love again.
The whole family wooed me. Candice and Jason have done such a good job raising their children and it's sad that Candice no longer has these memories. But that doesn't stop her in no way at all at creating new ones.
But with the patience, love and understanding of her family, they help Candice piece back the blanks of her life, even if the puzzle won't end out the same way it started, at least the puzzle is complete .
The biggest thing I enjoyed was that Libby Austin didn't
I loved that Libby wrote about Aspergers and had her story kind of revolve around the "puzzle pieces." I don't know if this was intentional or if this was pure coincidence, but it kind of made me love this book even more.
"I woke up one day and everything I knew has changed, not just changed, it had disappeared into a clouded either of tangled thoughts and missing pieces. My life had become a puzzle. Unfortunately, all of the pieces weren't there to put the puzzle back together."
Confusion and disorientation greets Candice when she awakes in a hospital bed. She lost her memory and the last 17 years of her life. She doesn't remember that she has a husband or that she has 4 kids.
When Candice is released from the hospital and goes home , she is unsure on how to handle things. At this point, she is in a 23-year-old's mind-frame, not a 40-year-old's. So for her last memory to be her being single and children-less, its a big hit for Candice to absorb.
The children and Jason (husband) enlist in helping Candice recover in the only way the know how - with love.
"Candice, when I said my vows, I meant them. You're the love of my life. I'll be beside you no matter what. Some days will be better than others, but there is nothing that could ever make me love you less or move from your side, unless you tell me to go, and even then, I will support you. You may not know the depth of my love for you right now, but my love will never waver. I'm here to stay. Got it?"
Jason was such a good father to each of his children. They all grew up with different personalities and different nicknames that fit them to a T. But there is one thing that they all shared; that was their parents love.
"I loved you before you were here, and I'll love you long after I'm gone."
Jason and Candice are definitely soul mates and learning to love again.
The whole family wooed me. Candice and Jason have done such a good job raising their children and it's sad that Candice no longer has these memories. But that doesn't stop her in no way at all at creating new ones.
But with the patience, love and understanding of her family, they help Candice piece back the blanks of her life, even if the puzzle won't end out the same way it started, at least the puzzle is complete .
The biggest thing I enjoyed was that Libby Austin didn't
I loved that Libby wrote about Aspergers and had her story kind of revolve around the "puzzle pieces." I don't know if this was intentional or if this was pure coincidence, but it kind of made me love this book even more.
February 11, 2015
Through Infinity by Libby Austin is a 2014 Infinity and Beyond publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an awesome story about family, faith and the ultimate power of love.
In the blink of an eye the solid seventeen year marriage between Jason and Candace was literally wiped clean. Gone, vanished, as though it never happened... at least that's the way it was for Candace, who suffered a serious life threatening health issue and in the process injured herself badly. She wakes up in the hospital with most of her memories gone. She has a loving husband and four precious children, but she remembers nothing about them whatsoever. So, for Candace, Jason is a stranger. She doesn't know him, so how can she live with him, be a wife to him, be a mother to their children? Will Jason lose his wife? Will their children, for all intents and purposes, lose their mother?
There was something about Jason that Candace trusted, something about him that pulled her toward him. She feels like she needs to try to be a good mother if nothing else, so she moves back in with Jason, but the two remain roommates only. This is not an arrangement Jason is happy about, since for him all his feelings are still alive and well. He wants his wife back and all that implies. But, Candace has a long hard road ahead of her and once she starts trying to get back to the business of living, there is no guarantee she will ever feel the same way toward Jason again. Her love for him may be well and and truly gone forever. But, Jason can't let himself dwell on that. He has faith that somewhere deep inside, Candace still loves him and he refuses to give up on her.
This scenario has been done in books, movies and TV more times than we can count. It never fails to evoke some serious “what if” thoughts. I thought the author did a great job of describing some of the emotions a person might experience if they did suddenly find their memories wiped clean. Candace went through high emotional stages where she cried easily, became angry at not being able to remember key events in the lives of her children, and was confused by what she felt for Jason.
Candace had a maternal instinct that her memory loss couldn't shake and her first priority became re-establishing her relationship with the four distinctive personalities that were her children. But, Jason and her marriage was on a back burner. She didn't know how to proceed on that front, despite her libido trying to lead the charge.
If this story fails to move you, then check your pulse. No, there are no breathtaking, stunning plot twist, no miracle cures, no deep, dark secrets popping out of the closet, no over the top angst. It's not sugar coated with pat answers. In fact, the story is very understated in many ways, but to me, the style of writing added an authenticity to the story. It was not an easy journey for Candace or Jason. The reader gets both perspectives and while we would naturally feel great sympathy for Candace, she was not the only one going through a hard time. So, I felt bad for the children and for Jason, too. Although Candace survived physically, the woman they all knew was no longer there, so in essence it was sort of like a death. It is immeasurably sad to think of losing your most precious memories. Your first kiss, your wedding, your children's births and countless other milestones in our lives, forever missing. But, at the very core of the story is the undaunted faith Jason has in his heart for Candace and his refusal to give up on once more winning her love. So, for this couple and their family, the new memories they make together will be that much sweeter. 5 stars
Note: There are some liner notes at the beginning of the book that are hilarious. For those of us who get tired of seeing an author's work rated down due to certain content, you won't want to skip over the author's disclaimer.
This is an awesome story about family, faith and the ultimate power of love.
In the blink of an eye the solid seventeen year marriage between Jason and Candace was literally wiped clean. Gone, vanished, as though it never happened... at least that's the way it was for Candace, who suffered a serious life threatening health issue and in the process injured herself badly. She wakes up in the hospital with most of her memories gone. She has a loving husband and four precious children, but she remembers nothing about them whatsoever. So, for Candace, Jason is a stranger. She doesn't know him, so how can she live with him, be a wife to him, be a mother to their children? Will Jason lose his wife? Will their children, for all intents and purposes, lose their mother?
There was something about Jason that Candace trusted, something about him that pulled her toward him. She feels like she needs to try to be a good mother if nothing else, so she moves back in with Jason, but the two remain roommates only. This is not an arrangement Jason is happy about, since for him all his feelings are still alive and well. He wants his wife back and all that implies. But, Candace has a long hard road ahead of her and once she starts trying to get back to the business of living, there is no guarantee she will ever feel the same way toward Jason again. Her love for him may be well and and truly gone forever. But, Jason can't let himself dwell on that. He has faith that somewhere deep inside, Candace still loves him and he refuses to give up on her.
This scenario has been done in books, movies and TV more times than we can count. It never fails to evoke some serious “what if” thoughts. I thought the author did a great job of describing some of the emotions a person might experience if they did suddenly find their memories wiped clean. Candace went through high emotional stages where she cried easily, became angry at not being able to remember key events in the lives of her children, and was confused by what she felt for Jason.
Candace had a maternal instinct that her memory loss couldn't shake and her first priority became re-establishing her relationship with the four distinctive personalities that were her children. But, Jason and her marriage was on a back burner. She didn't know how to proceed on that front, despite her libido trying to lead the charge.
If this story fails to move you, then check your pulse. No, there are no breathtaking, stunning plot twist, no miracle cures, no deep, dark secrets popping out of the closet, no over the top angst. It's not sugar coated with pat answers. In fact, the story is very understated in many ways, but to me, the style of writing added an authenticity to the story. It was not an easy journey for Candace or Jason. The reader gets both perspectives and while we would naturally feel great sympathy for Candace, she was not the only one going through a hard time. So, I felt bad for the children and for Jason, too. Although Candace survived physically, the woman they all knew was no longer there, so in essence it was sort of like a death. It is immeasurably sad to think of losing your most precious memories. Your first kiss, your wedding, your children's births and countless other milestones in our lives, forever missing. But, at the very core of the story is the undaunted faith Jason has in his heart for Candace and his refusal to give up on once more winning her love. So, for this couple and their family, the new memories they make together will be that much sweeter. 5 stars
Note: There are some liner notes at the beginning of the book that are hilarious. For those of us who get tired of seeing an author's work rated down due to certain content, you won't want to skip over the author's disclaimer.
February 13, 2015
Review to come :)
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November 17, 2014
5 Heartwarming Stars
***ARC copy received in advance for honest review***
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2014...
One day life is just as it should be; spending time with family doing the things you love. But waking up in the hospital unsure of why you are there with people that you don’t even recognize, changes everything.
Candice knows who she is but as a 23 college student enjoying life. Thinking her parents look a little different than she last remembered. Only to find out “the man” is Jason her husband, she is a mother of four and she is missing eighteen years of her memory. This is almost too much for her to handle.
Armed with a recovery plan, knowledge that she may or may not recover her memory Candice tries to have a positive attitude. All the while Jason never leaves her side and helps prepare her for meeting their children. Doing everything she can to gain her life back she slowly regains relations with her family, as they share their memories with her and making new memories together. Emotions are at an all time high.
Jason is the glue holding them together with his love for Candice and their beautiful family. He is calm and stable when he needs to be but he wants his life back. With confidence he won her hear 18 years ago and he is determined to it all again so they can still have their through infinity and beyond.
Libby does an amazing job of making you understand the emotions that her characters are going through. The children have vibrant personalities that shine through as fun and carefree but laced with concern. I look forward to reading more from Libby in the future.
***ARC copy received in advance for honest review***
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2014...
One day life is just as it should be; spending time with family doing the things you love. But waking up in the hospital unsure of why you are there with people that you don’t even recognize, changes everything.
Candice knows who she is but as a 23 college student enjoying life. Thinking her parents look a little different than she last remembered. Only to find out “the man” is Jason her husband, she is a mother of four and she is missing eighteen years of her memory. This is almost too much for her to handle.
Armed with a recovery plan, knowledge that she may or may not recover her memory Candice tries to have a positive attitude. All the while Jason never leaves her side and helps prepare her for meeting their children. Doing everything she can to gain her life back she slowly regains relations with her family, as they share their memories with her and making new memories together. Emotions are at an all time high.
Jason is the glue holding them together with his love for Candice and their beautiful family. He is calm and stable when he needs to be but he wants his life back. With confidence he won her hear 18 years ago and he is determined to it all again so they can still have their through infinity and beyond.
Libby does an amazing job of making you understand the emotions that her characters are going through. The children have vibrant personalities that shine through as fun and carefree but laced with concern. I look forward to reading more from Libby in the future.
October 11, 2014
** I received this book as an ARC for an honest review**
I have to be honest here, I struggled with my review. This wasn't because Through Infinity wasn't a good book but because I'm so used to a book with hot steamy sex and a storyline that might throw in a huge secret that gives the husband and wife an additional challenge to overcome. As Libby Austin says in her Dear Reader notes, if you are looking for that type of story this isn't it.
Since we've read the synopsis a few times already I will just skip to my thoughts on the book...
I thought Through Infinity was a fun read. Very warm and very much a "feel good" book. I saw Candice struggle and I could feel her frustration but her family was always a constant support. I loved Jason and his unconditional love. His obvious love for her gave me butterflies. The children made me laugh out loud and brought a dynamic to the story I appreciated. They added a real life element when they argued but made me smile when they pulled together and offered support.
All in all, Through Infinity left me smiling. I give it 4 stars because I do wish it had just a bit ...more. This is why I struggled with my review. I can't place my finger on it but I feel I needed more of something to keep my interest. A twist? A conflict? A fight with Jason? I'm just not sure.
That said, I will recommend this book to anyone who needs a lift me up book that will leave them with a warm heart.
Good job Libby Austin.
I have to be honest here, I struggled with my review. This wasn't because Through Infinity wasn't a good book but because I'm so used to a book with hot steamy sex and a storyline that might throw in a huge secret that gives the husband and wife an additional challenge to overcome. As Libby Austin says in her Dear Reader notes, if you are looking for that type of story this isn't it.
Since we've read the synopsis a few times already I will just skip to my thoughts on the book...
I thought Through Infinity was a fun read. Very warm and very much a "feel good" book. I saw Candice struggle and I could feel her frustration but her family was always a constant support. I loved Jason and his unconditional love. His obvious love for her gave me butterflies. The children made me laugh out loud and brought a dynamic to the story I appreciated. They added a real life element when they argued but made me smile when they pulled together and offered support.
All in all, Through Infinity left me smiling. I give it 4 stars because I do wish it had just a bit ...more. This is why I struggled with my review. I can't place my finger on it but I feel I needed more of something to keep my interest. A twist? A conflict? A fight with Jason? I'm just not sure.
That said, I will recommend this book to anyone who needs a lift me up book that will leave them with a warm heart.
Good job Libby Austin.
October 10, 2014
****I had the pleasure of receiving this ARC for an honest review. ****
When I read the the author's note to the reader, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive on continuing with this novel because her first warning before reading was that this book may not be something I'm interested in because I'm a huge fan of books with hot athletes and lots of hot sex. However, I have to admit, this was a pleasant change in what I was use to reading and turned out to be a beautiful book about family, friendship, and the unconditional love from a spouse during difficult times.
Since the previous reviews explain the synopsis of the book, I will tell you if you are looking for a light-hearted, beautiful romance novel in between the hot and heavy stuff you may typically read- then I recommend Through Infinity. You will fall in love with Candy's loving husband Jason, and their four children. I believe the children are the highlight of the book, and as a mom myself, I can truly relate to what Jason and Candy go through with their children. As far as Jason - I hope everyone who reads this book has little bit of this man at home. An AMAZING husband who loves unconditionally.
This is a 4 star review for me, only because it goes against my typical reading norm (shallow I know), but a sweet book and great read. Libby, you are definitely an author to follow for future projects, and I can't wait to read more about this amazing family. ;)
When I read the the author's note to the reader, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive on continuing with this novel because her first warning before reading was that this book may not be something I'm interested in because I'm a huge fan of books with hot athletes and lots of hot sex. However, I have to admit, this was a pleasant change in what I was use to reading and turned out to be a beautiful book about family, friendship, and the unconditional love from a spouse during difficult times.
Since the previous reviews explain the synopsis of the book, I will tell you if you are looking for a light-hearted, beautiful romance novel in between the hot and heavy stuff you may typically read- then I recommend Through Infinity. You will fall in love with Candy's loving husband Jason, and their four children. I believe the children are the highlight of the book, and as a mom myself, I can truly relate to what Jason and Candy go through with their children. As far as Jason - I hope everyone who reads this book has little bit of this man at home. An AMAZING husband who loves unconditionally.
This is a 4 star review for me, only because it goes against my typical reading norm (shallow I know), but a sweet book and great read. Libby, you are definitely an author to follow for future projects, and I can't wait to read more about this amazing family. ;)
October 9, 2014
I was given an ARC for an honest review of Through Infinity. The author’s first book and I have to say Libby, you nailed it. Beautifully written and from beginning to the end, I was so wrapped up in this story.
Candice wakes up in the hospital not remembering the past 18 years of her life including the love of her life, Jason and their four children. Her only memory is her parents, believing she’s 23 and still in college.
You can’t help but fall in love with Jason and the kids. Talk about melt your heart repeatedly. The kind of real love that describes this family is “unconditional love.” Regardless of the struggles Candice faces to gain her life back, they’re right there beside her every step of the way sharing memories and making new ones. Not only have they won Candice’s heart but mine as well, “through infinity and beyond…forever and a day.”
Candice wakes up in the hospital not remembering the past 18 years of her life including the love of her life, Jason and their four children. Her only memory is her parents, believing she’s 23 and still in college.
You can’t help but fall in love with Jason and the kids. Talk about melt your heart repeatedly. The kind of real love that describes this family is “unconditional love.” Regardless of the struggles Candice faces to gain her life back, they’re right there beside her every step of the way sharing memories and making new ones. Not only have they won Candice’s heart but mine as well, “through infinity and beyond…forever and a day.”
April 10, 2015
Of course I think it's great, I wrote the book. lol
February 2, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author via a giveaway on Goodreads with the promise of an honest review. This book sat in my possession for far to long before I was able to read it.
What can I say? If the synopsis provided about the book is not enough to get you interested then I don't know what. I mean seriously, can you imagine waking up to find out that you are essentially missing almost 20 years of your life and you have a husband and children that you know nothing about? Talk about the unimaginable!
Although I am by no means a medical professional so others can critique here if they choose but the plot and reactions seemed realistic to me. Candice went through a lot of emotion and a lot of not being able to control said emotions. I think I would react in the exact same way if I was essentially thrown in to a life I had no memory or knowledge of. I was with her along the entire journey.
I must pause a moment and spend some time on Jason. Talk about the ultimate male character. Thoughtful, sensitive, caring beyond words and did I mention extremely attractive? The way he patiently cared for Candice without expecting anything in return was inspiring. I have to say that I fell in love with him and he was actually the highlight of the story for me. I can only hope that if I ever find myself in a similar situation that my husband is as sweet.
As this is an honest review I do have to point out one aspect of the story that got on my nerves a little bit. All of the dialogue of Dawson was done in little kid speech impediment. Seriously all his words had to be literally translated as they were spelled out how they sounded. I do not think that this was necessary when it could have just been explained that he did not speak properly.
I will not divulge the outcome of the story as I think you have to read it to know. I do think that there may be a sequel so I will be keeping my eyes peeled to see how the rest of the story plays out. Overall I would recommend this read
Random thought: I have to say kudos to Austin for her little letter to the reader at the beginning of the story. She had me in stitches with her comments on the amount of profanity used in the book. The fact that she included the count for each swear word had me in stitches. So reader beware that there is some but not a lot ;-)
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author via a giveaway on Goodreads with the promise of an honest review. This book sat in my possession for far to long before I was able to read it.
What can I say? If the synopsis provided about the book is not enough to get you interested then I don't know what. I mean seriously, can you imagine waking up to find out that you are essentially missing almost 20 years of your life and you have a husband and children that you know nothing about? Talk about the unimaginable!
Although I am by no means a medical professional so others can critique here if they choose but the plot and reactions seemed realistic to me. Candice went through a lot of emotion and a lot of not being able to control said emotions. I think I would react in the exact same way if I was essentially thrown in to a life I had no memory or knowledge of. I was with her along the entire journey.
I must pause a moment and spend some time on Jason. Talk about the ultimate male character. Thoughtful, sensitive, caring beyond words and did I mention extremely attractive? The way he patiently cared for Candice without expecting anything in return was inspiring. I have to say that I fell in love with him and he was actually the highlight of the story for me. I can only hope that if I ever find myself in a similar situation that my husband is as sweet.
As this is an honest review I do have to point out one aspect of the story that got on my nerves a little bit. All of the dialogue of Dawson was done in little kid speech impediment. Seriously all his words had to be literally translated as they were spelled out how they sounded. I do not think that this was necessary when it could have just been explained that he did not speak properly.
I will not divulge the outcome of the story as I think you have to read it to know. I do think that there may be a sequel so I will be keeping my eyes peeled to see how the rest of the story plays out. Overall I would recommend this read
Random thought: I have to say kudos to Austin for her little letter to the reader at the beginning of the story. She had me in stitches with her comments on the amount of profanity used in the book. The fact that she included the count for each swear word had me in stitches. So reader beware that there is some but not a lot ;-)
November 14, 2014
I Love You Through INFINITY and BEYOND. .. Amazing,
I don't know where to start, this Author flipped my world in a great way. I TOTALLY fell in love with the whole family. This story is like no other I have read. Candice wakes up in a Hospital, not knowing what happen but also not a memory of the past 18 year of her life, also any memories with the One True Love of her life Jason and their 4 amazing kids. To say everything will go back to normal is an understatement. Candice does everything she can think of to remember her life and family. Can you fall in love with a family and a totally devoted and loving Husband all over again. You have kids that want their Mother back so to make new memories they start dating their Mom. I WILL say Little Dawson stole my heart. Oh and let's not forget the loving Jason, he never gives up, he knows in time he will win his wife back and have her love again. I think Author Libby Austin hit it out the park with her book " THROUGH INFINITY " , I can not wait for BEYOND to come out. From a line in the book that they said as a family.( I LOVE YOU THROUGHT INFINITY AND BEYOND). I 100% RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. A Must read.
I don't know where to start, this Author flipped my world in a great way. I TOTALLY fell in love with the whole family. This story is like no other I have read. Candice wakes up in a Hospital, not knowing what happen but also not a memory of the past 18 year of her life, also any memories with the One True Love of her life Jason and their 4 amazing kids. To say everything will go back to normal is an understatement. Candice does everything she can think of to remember her life and family. Can you fall in love with a family and a totally devoted and loving Husband all over again. You have kids that want their Mother back so to make new memories they start dating their Mom. I WILL say Little Dawson stole my heart. Oh and let's not forget the loving Jason, he never gives up, he knows in time he will win his wife back and have her love again. I think Author Libby Austin hit it out the park with her book " THROUGH INFINITY " , I can not wait for BEYOND to come out. From a line in the book that they said as a family.( I LOVE YOU THROUGHT INFINITY AND BEYOND). I 100% RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. A Must read.
November 26, 2016
A well written and thoughtfull story! I loved the way the struggles, thoughts, feelings, fears are described of each character (child, husband, wife). I can't even imagine being in such a situation and each of them have my full respect for how they were fighting and dealing with the circumstances. Mostly I loved Jason who never lost faith in their love and marriage!
November 30, 2014
WOW...just..WOW... Definitely on of the BEST books that I have read this year and I'll go even further and state one of the BEST books that I've ever read!!
Full review to come
Full review to come
November 27, 2014
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
Amnesia is a scenario scheme regularly used in Romance with more or less success, but I really like how it’s handled in Through Infinity. As asked here by the author, our past being the base of the person we are, who are we if we have forgotten half of our life?
When I read the synopsis of this novel, I thought about the movie The Vow with Rachel McAdams. Indeed, when Candice wakes up in the hospital after a short coma, she’s forgotten the last 17 years of her life, including her husband and her children. They will do everything to try and have her rediscover the lost memories.
I must say that reading Through Infinity was worthy of an emotional roller-coaster. Candice’s feelings are well shown, and stick to those I imagine I would feel in the same situation. The first person point of view amplifies the heroine’s emotions and feelings, and for once I think the story wouldn’t have had the same intensity written in the third person POV. I found it a little convenient the fact she was obsessive with her private diary and the diverse keepsakes, but I liked that she admit that it’s like reading a stranger’s story. I also found touching how she absolutely wants to connect with her children, while unconsciously leaving her husband in the background because he’s always the guy on which she had a crush at school without ever daring to talk to him.
Speaking of husband… Jason is really fantastic throughout the story. He’s attentive, loving, he supports Candice without saying anything or so, he’s great with the kids, he has faith in their love and the fact he can make her fall in love with him once again. In a nutshell he’s almost perfect (I’m in love, I want the same! Lol). The fact we only see him through Candice’s eyes probably shows him in a better light than in reality, even if from time to time she can see that this ordeal is hard for him too.
The children inevitably have a big place in the story, and with each a very different personality their interactions with the couple are realistic and sometimes funny. The first scene when they meet again their mother after her coma was especially touching. I liked their idea of dates with Candice to try and rekindle the ties. They also allow the heroine not to focus for a long time on what happened to her by forcing her to take care of those around her.
For a first book, Through Infinity is a success. The author plans for next year & Beyond, which should be the story from Jason’s POV, and I can’t wait to discover it. And if both titles together make you thing about Buzz Lightyear (Through infinity and beyond!) it’s completely deliberate and explained in the novel.
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
Amnesia is a scenario scheme regularly used in Romance with more or less success, but I really like how it’s handled in Through Infinity. As asked here by the author, our past being the base of the person we are, who are we if we have forgotten half of our life?
When I read the synopsis of this novel, I thought about the movie The Vow with Rachel McAdams. Indeed, when Candice wakes up in the hospital after a short coma, she’s forgotten the last 17 years of her life, including her husband and her children. They will do everything to try and have her rediscover the lost memories.
I must say that reading Through Infinity was worthy of an emotional roller-coaster. Candice’s feelings are well shown, and stick to those I imagine I would feel in the same situation. The first person point of view amplifies the heroine’s emotions and feelings, and for once I think the story wouldn’t have had the same intensity written in the third person POV. I found it a little convenient the fact she was obsessive with her private diary and the diverse keepsakes, but I liked that she admit that it’s like reading a stranger’s story. I also found touching how she absolutely wants to connect with her children, while unconsciously leaving her husband in the background because he’s always the guy on which she had a crush at school without ever daring to talk to him.
Speaking of husband… Jason is really fantastic throughout the story. He’s attentive, loving, he supports Candice without saying anything or so, he’s great with the kids, he has faith in their love and the fact he can make her fall in love with him once again. In a nutshell he’s almost perfect (I’m in love, I want the same! Lol). The fact we only see him through Candice’s eyes probably shows him in a better light than in reality, even if from time to time she can see that this ordeal is hard for him too.
The children inevitably have a big place in the story, and with each a very different personality their interactions with the couple are realistic and sometimes funny. The first scene when they meet again their mother after her coma was especially touching. I liked their idea of dates with Candice to try and rekindle the ties. They also allow the heroine not to focus for a long time on what happened to her by forcing her to take care of those around her.
For a first book, Through Infinity is a success. The author plans for next year & Beyond, which should be the story from Jason’s POV, and I can’t wait to discover it. And if both titles together make you thing about Buzz Lightyear (Through infinity and beyond!) it’s completely deliberate and explained in the novel.
December 11, 2014
Looking at it in hindsight, I figure I should have just skipped the author’s note. Her defensiveness and repeated comments about what the book was and was not definitely put me off quite a lot. I do not normally feel this way when I read these author notes, but I found this one so defensive with the author trying time and again, in such a short space, to convince me to read her book (I opened it already—why on earth do you think I opened it if I was not going to at least read some of it?). I am not used to author’s trying so hard to get the reader to read the book. Let the book speak for itself. Anyway, I kept reading, though this defensive intro by the author never did stray far from my thoughts.
This is a book about a woman who, after an accident, cannot remember years of her life. During those years, a lot of important things happened: she aged, got married, had four children—none of which she remembers. This is her story of coming to grips with all this and coming back to her pre-accident reality. For the most part, I enjoyed reading about her successes and failures, about the fantastic support her family and everyone else involved, especially her husband gave her. I did find all the continual parts where the author would try to show the reader just how degraded her speech was to be unnecessary and a rather negative (to me) distraction. I could not stop myself from moaning, “Oh no, here she goes again!”
As the author so pointedly states, this is not a book filled with sexy romantic scenes, but one filled with a woman and her supportive family and friends struggling to return to normalcy after an accident. It definitely shows how strength and support will take anyone through even the most difficult of times and situations. It also illustrates the profound love Jason had for her and their family, which probably had the biggest impact on her successes and ability to keep plugging when things got tough or did not go as planned or hoped. However, she also is very strong and has deep, unwavering faith, as seen I her willingness and ability to go on toward her goal.
I think a reader who is looking for something to read that is a bit different will enjoy this book. It shows just how love and support can help one triumph. However, I suggest the reader not read the author’s note. In fact, in my opinion, because of its nature and content, it might have been better to include this at the end of the book. I noticed other were a bit put off by it also. I received this from NetGalley to read and provide an honest review.
This is a book about a woman who, after an accident, cannot remember years of her life. During those years, a lot of important things happened: she aged, got married, had four children—none of which she remembers. This is her story of coming to grips with all this and coming back to her pre-accident reality. For the most part, I enjoyed reading about her successes and failures, about the fantastic support her family and everyone else involved, especially her husband gave her. I did find all the continual parts where the author would try to show the reader just how degraded her speech was to be unnecessary and a rather negative (to me) distraction. I could not stop myself from moaning, “Oh no, here she goes again!”
As the author so pointedly states, this is not a book filled with sexy romantic scenes, but one filled with a woman and her supportive family and friends struggling to return to normalcy after an accident. It definitely shows how strength and support will take anyone through even the most difficult of times and situations. It also illustrates the profound love Jason had for her and their family, which probably had the biggest impact on her successes and ability to keep plugging when things got tough or did not go as planned or hoped. However, she also is very strong and has deep, unwavering faith, as seen I her willingness and ability to go on toward her goal.
I think a reader who is looking for something to read that is a bit different will enjoy this book. It shows just how love and support can help one triumph. However, I suggest the reader not read the author’s note. In fact, in my opinion, because of its nature and content, it might have been better to include this at the end of the book. I noticed other were a bit put off by it also. I received this from NetGalley to read and provide an honest review.
May 10, 2015
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
This was truly an amazing story that would stay with you long after the book has ended. The author's ability to draw you into Candice's life was simply beautiful. Through her writing you could connect with this woman and experience her "adventure" of discovering who she was.
Through her lens you learned more about Candy, Jason and their four children, as well as her support system. Each person's role was vitally important to the whole of the story. Especially those of the children: Damaris, Sybany, Xavier and Dawson.
The quality of the relationships were astoundingly beautiful creating so much depth and thoughtfulness throughout the book. Each person added a unique layer to the tale making this an inspiring read.
When Candy woke up in the hospital she had no idea what these people would mean in her life, especially husband Jason. This man was the embodiment of a perfect partner, husband and father. His patience with her during her confusion, handling every aspect seemed effortless but his vulnerability would shine thru now and then and you new he was flawed but still very much perfect for Candice. And, don't forget, drop dead gorgeous.
Each chapter added to Candice's healing and discovery as she met her family once again. Losing seventeen years of her life left her confused, angry and overwhelmed but due to her support system, the Doctors and her rehabilitation program she gathered the courage to face every event as it occurred. She had to learn everything quickly knowing that these people dependent on her; although she doubted that she had no compassionate skill to be a mother you witness first hand how it kicks in with every child, leaving you awestruck at the blossoming relationships.
Little Dawson really touched my heart, his ability to reach out to her in his own special way is touching and gripping at the same time. When the children suggested that each much have a date with her so that she could get to know them: Dawson stepped up the plate and I think their date was simply the best ever. This little gentlemen would bring it far, that;s for sure.
This was simply a beautiful book that would touch the heart in more ways than one. The romance that happened for the third time in their life was filled with great moments, funny quirks and an intensity that would lid the fire within.
A remarkable book.
This was truly an amazing story that would stay with you long after the book has ended. The author's ability to draw you into Candice's life was simply beautiful. Through her writing you could connect with this woman and experience her "adventure" of discovering who she was.
Through her lens you learned more about Candy, Jason and their four children, as well as her support system. Each person's role was vitally important to the whole of the story. Especially those of the children: Damaris, Sybany, Xavier and Dawson.
The quality of the relationships were astoundingly beautiful creating so much depth and thoughtfulness throughout the book. Each person added a unique layer to the tale making this an inspiring read.
When Candy woke up in the hospital she had no idea what these people would mean in her life, especially husband Jason. This man was the embodiment of a perfect partner, husband and father. His patience with her during her confusion, handling every aspect seemed effortless but his vulnerability would shine thru now and then and you new he was flawed but still very much perfect for Candice. And, don't forget, drop dead gorgeous.
Each chapter added to Candice's healing and discovery as she met her family once again. Losing seventeen years of her life left her confused, angry and overwhelmed but due to her support system, the Doctors and her rehabilitation program she gathered the courage to face every event as it occurred. She had to learn everything quickly knowing that these people dependent on her; although she doubted that she had no compassionate skill to be a mother you witness first hand how it kicks in with every child, leaving you awestruck at the blossoming relationships.
Little Dawson really touched my heart, his ability to reach out to her in his own special way is touching and gripping at the same time. When the children suggested that each much have a date with her so that she could get to know them: Dawson stepped up the plate and I think their date was simply the best ever. This little gentlemen would bring it far, that;s for sure.
This was simply a beautiful book that would touch the heart in more ways than one. The romance that happened for the third time in their life was filled with great moments, funny quirks and an intensity that would lid the fire within.
A remarkable book.
November 17, 2014
I find amnesia both fascinating and hard to read about. It's extremely difficult to find out who we are and then realize we have to start all over again when we can't remember. It feels like sort of a blessing and a curse. I felt really bad for Candice "Candy", Jason, and their family at having to figure out their relationships all over again.
The story flows at a rapid pace and I found it very hard to put down. I loved how supportive Jason and Candy's families were of this difficult time for their family and how the story focused on the strength family can provide. I especially enjoyed the kids and seeing how they familiarized themselves with their mother again.
There were moments when I was teary eyed, moments when I giggled and smiled, and moments when I laughed out loud. I loved seeing Candy "find" herself and what she wanted. I love Jason's integrity and his will power. I'm looking for a man like that. I really enjoyed seeing their love blossom again. I have a feeling their story will be continuing and I'm looking forward to it.
Libby Austin's debut novel is beautiful and I'm really looking forward to more books from her. I was slightly surprised at how much I enjoyed this "middle-aged" love story. It really wasn't about how old they were, but all about finding love again. The story wasn't melt your pages hot, but it still had some heat and lots of chemistry between Jason and Candice.
The story flows at a rapid pace and I found it very hard to put down. I loved how supportive Jason and Candy's families were of this difficult time for their family and how the story focused on the strength family can provide. I especially enjoyed the kids and seeing how they familiarized themselves with their mother again.
There were moments when I was teary eyed, moments when I giggled and smiled, and moments when I laughed out loud. I loved seeing Candy "find" herself and what she wanted. I love Jason's integrity and his will power. I'm looking for a man like that. I really enjoyed seeing their love blossom again. I have a feeling their story will be continuing and I'm looking forward to it.
Libby Austin's debut novel is beautiful and I'm really looking forward to more books from her. I was slightly surprised at how much I enjoyed this "middle-aged" love story. It really wasn't about how old they were, but all about finding love again. The story wasn't melt your pages hot, but it still had some heat and lots of chemistry between Jason and Candice.
February 16, 2015
* * * * * 5 Star Review
Libby Austin delivered a book that speaks for itself. With every page you flip, with every word you read you will fall in love with this story and with each character.
Candice Woodruff was a 40 year old married woman mother of four, she had an amazing life filled with love from her family but one day she suffered an accident and woke up loosing her last 18 years of her life. Candice knows she must work on remembering her old life back in order to be the woman she was before the accident. But can she?
Jason Woodruff knows he must be the rock of the family at this moment. He must show his kids as well as Candice the loving family they were before the accident.
Candice and Jason must learn to interact with each other as well with their children in order for her to try and live her life as normal as possible until she remembers. But her fear is what if she can't remember.
Can their love survive this horrible obstacle that life has presented them? Or will Candice give up the love she once had for Jason and only concentrate on her and her kids?
I was taken by this story, the plot is so well written and so easy to follow. You will laugh, love, cry with each and every single page you read.
I recommend for you not to wait and read this book, you will not be disappointed and I can assure you, you will read it over and over again.
Libby Austin delivered a book that speaks for itself. With every page you flip, with every word you read you will fall in love with this story and with each character.
Candice Woodruff was a 40 year old married woman mother of four, she had an amazing life filled with love from her family but one day she suffered an accident and woke up loosing her last 18 years of her life. Candice knows she must work on remembering her old life back in order to be the woman she was before the accident. But can she?
Jason Woodruff knows he must be the rock of the family at this moment. He must show his kids as well as Candice the loving family they were before the accident.
Candice and Jason must learn to interact with each other as well with their children in order for her to try and live her life as normal as possible until she remembers. But her fear is what if she can't remember.
Can their love survive this horrible obstacle that life has presented them? Or will Candice give up the love she once had for Jason and only concentrate on her and her kids?
I was taken by this story, the plot is so well written and so easy to follow. You will laugh, love, cry with each and every single page you read.
I recommend for you not to wait and read this book, you will not be disappointed and I can assure you, you will read it over and over again.
October 23, 2014
"ARC Copy Review"
Well to be absolutely honest - I loved this book!! I have read it 4 times. This book will make you truly believe in soul mates. From the very beginning you knew that this book was about devotion, it was about finding and falling in love. It will absolutely make you cry and make you laugh. Libby Austin has done a great job in this book.
Why do I love it so much? I normally read hot and steamy and true to the authors words this book is not about steamy love scenes, its about dedicated love, family and hope! this book is a beautiful story. You will fall in love with this family.
Well to be absolutely honest - I loved this book!! I have read it 4 times. This book will make you truly believe in soul mates. From the very beginning you knew that this book was about devotion, it was about finding and falling in love. It will absolutely make you cry and make you laugh. Libby Austin has done a great job in this book.
Why do I love it so much? I normally read hot and steamy and true to the authors words this book is not about steamy love scenes, its about dedicated love, family and hope! this book is a beautiful story. You will fall in love with this family.
February 7, 2015
I don’t even know where to start with this review for this awesome book. All I want to do is, scream “go buy a copy of this great books, you will love it”
But I guess that really wouldn’t count as a review lol, so I will do my best to tell you what I thought of the book other than I LOVE IT.
I could never imagine waking up one day and the family I love are now strangers to me and the last 20 years are wiped form my memory.
You can read my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/infi...
But I guess that really wouldn’t count as a review lol, so I will do my best to tell you what I thought of the book other than I LOVE IT.
I could never imagine waking up one day and the family I love are now strangers to me and the last 20 years are wiped form my memory.
You can read my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/infi...
September 11, 2016
Je dois dire que lire Through Infinity a été digne d’un grand huit émotionnel. Les sentiments de Candice sont bien exprimés, et collent à ce que j’imagine que je ressentirais dans la même situation.
Avis complet
Avis complet
June 8, 2019
I chose to read and review this book. I enjoyed this book it is well written nice plot nice characters I enjoyed how they meet and come together in each chapter I was surprised in some chapters and awesome end
August 1, 2015
Through Infinity, Libby Austin
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, women’s fiction
I like to mix and match my books so I’ve something for whatever mood I’m in to read. this one sounded intriguing but its been sitting there looking at me for the past week, waiting for me to be in the right frame of mind. I find if I read something I’m not in the mood for I don’t enjoy it so well, and with review books it’s important not to let anything other than the book influence my views. well IMO anyway ; )
So yesterday I’d had my fill of fantasy, didn’t want yet another drama filled angsty romance ( though I do love those), and wasn’t in the mood for a historical read. I just wanted something different so it was the turn of Through Infinity. A strange title I thought, but as you get towards the end of the story it makes sense and is incredibly apt. Its a moving story, a triumph of love over adversity. Hurrah too for Libby including a character with a disability and portraying them positively, not as some poor beleaguered, downtrodden soul needing pity, but someone who is more than the disability, where its simply just another facet of character. That made the book extra special for me. When we think of most of the population – we think that’s “normal” but in fact we’re all very different and have issues, and I really think this idea of Normal is false, and maybe if we could celebrate our differences as simply another part of the person we are life would be so much easier all round. Aaand that’s my rant for today ; )
I so felt for them all, Candy losing all memory of her family after a simple fall – what a nightmare that must be. Waking up thinking you’re 23 and finding that in fact you’re nearly 40 and married with four kids....Then her poor husband, loves her dearly and she hasn’t a clue who he is. Same for the kids...what a terrible thing to happen to a family. Jason must have wondered and worried if he’d get his wife back. She’s there in person but not spirit, and he needs to tread incredibly carefully. The way it was written is superb, showing that its not all roses, roses all the way. The kids were so great, and their reactions very real. Who knows what goes on in a child's mind, and when something catastrophic like this happens it impacts them and they all deal differently. They each had very individual characters and felt so real to me, I wanted to cry for them at times. My own kids were 14, 15 and 17 when I had my left leg amputated through cancer. I spend some long periods in hospital too far to visit. . It changed all our lives, not just mine and was a very dark time looking back. The youngest in the family, Dawson, is a real gem and made me laugh so much. He provided some much needed levity to balance the story. I had a very clear mental picture of him. I loved too when the older ones broke the usual rules, asking mum could they do x, y, z knowing they weren’t allowed but knowing too that she didn’t know that. Its a typical kids reaction – to push the line. I didn’t want to read all sickly sweet, perfect kids, I wanted what was delivered, some real ones, with genuine reactions.
Jason – he was a hero. Such a hard thing to do, face a wife who has no memory of you married, only from school where he didn’t know her, but she was crushing on him. The story he told her about how he finally got her to date him – that was wonderful, and very typical of the man he still was. Someone who was determined to make his wife fall in love with him all over again. He’s incredibly patient but of course he makes mistakes. As he says – there’s no manual for how to do this. When he got a knock on the head, and was taken to hospital and played that joke on her – yep, I could see many men doing that, and many women having the reaction she did, even without their own personal circumstances. Its things like that, where he got it wrong, that add the reality to the story.
I didn’t notice at first the relevance to the hearts with jigsaw inserts that start each chapter and then just past half way it came to me. Clever touch.
Its a fabulous read, a story for when you want a romance, but something that’s different, a book that could be real – and I guess is to many families. Where the characters are not perfect but make mistakes, just like us. I really enjoyed this story and its one for the keepers file.
Stars: Five , a fabulous read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
December 26, 2014
4-4.5 stars
I woke up one day and everything I knew had changed, not just changed, it had disappeared into a clouded ether of tangled thoughts and missing pieces. My life had become a puzzle. Unfortunately, all of the pieces weren't there to put the puzzle back together.
Candice woke up one day to confusion and memory loss. And unfortunately that meant losing a significant chunk of her adult life and the most important relationships she had developed. Thus begins a process of recovery and rebuilding a life she can't remember and getting to know her new family and coming to terms with some new limitations.
Throughout it all Candice has such a fun sense of humor...even initially. Some of her observations in the midst of chaos had me smiling during a traumatic situation. It is hard for her to figure out what is going on and how to reconcile her loss. She is strong willed, opinionated, but is living with a huge void. But she has the strength to work hard at her therapy and relearning her life. A world seventeen years in the future is much different than the one she remembers.
“When your past vanishes what happens to your future?”
It is a journey for her to learn bits of her past through other means while trying to reconnect to the most important people in her life...her husband and four children. I enjoyed the process and methods they used to try to develop new understanding of each other and relationships. The kids are all so different, talented, and loving. It is a bit more challenging to try to rebuild the intimacy lost between a husband a wife. Jason is amazing--such a loving, devoted, patient, tender, and protective man. But she has a lot of emotional baggage to get through. And they truly have no choice but to begin again as the people they are now.
"Well, I did get you to fall in love with me once, despite your attempts to play hard to get...I'm pretty confident it could happen again."
Can you reestablish connections of the heart even if your mind won't let you remember loving them?
This is not a typical hot, angsty, romance novel . It is more of an emotional journey for a woman and her family...but it is a love story. It is told in Candice's point of view so we understand her confusion, fears, anxiety, and feelings. Some is told in present day recollections and some in previous journal entries as she tries to reconcile who she was with who she is. She is a woman torn between a missing past, life in the present, and an unsure future. The characters have depth, are likable, and interesting. Parts of it are a slice of a normal, crazy family life but living with the effects of this huge change. And how they deal with it, proves what they are made of. I fell for all of the members of this family and they had me smiling more than sad. Jason is completely and utterly swoonworthy. It has some really sweet and happy moments that balance out the tragic situation. It is a heartfelt, humorous, and inspirational story of love, family, and hope. There will be a holiday novella Thanks for the Memories coming soon and Jason's point of view in the companion novel & Beyond.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I woke up one day and everything I knew had changed, not just changed, it had disappeared into a clouded ether of tangled thoughts and missing pieces. My life had become a puzzle. Unfortunately, all of the pieces weren't there to put the puzzle back together.
Candice woke up one day to confusion and memory loss. And unfortunately that meant losing a significant chunk of her adult life and the most important relationships she had developed. Thus begins a process of recovery and rebuilding a life she can't remember and getting to know her new family and coming to terms with some new limitations.
Throughout it all Candice has such a fun sense of humor...even initially. Some of her observations in the midst of chaos had me smiling during a traumatic situation. It is hard for her to figure out what is going on and how to reconcile her loss. She is strong willed, opinionated, but is living with a huge void. But she has the strength to work hard at her therapy and relearning her life. A world seventeen years in the future is much different than the one she remembers.
“When your past vanishes what happens to your future?”
It is a journey for her to learn bits of her past through other means while trying to reconnect to the most important people in her life...her husband and four children. I enjoyed the process and methods they used to try to develop new understanding of each other and relationships. The kids are all so different, talented, and loving. It is a bit more challenging to try to rebuild the intimacy lost between a husband a wife. Jason is amazing--such a loving, devoted, patient, tender, and protective man. But she has a lot of emotional baggage to get through. And they truly have no choice but to begin again as the people they are now.
"Well, I did get you to fall in love with me once, despite your attempts to play hard to get...I'm pretty confident it could happen again."
Can you reestablish connections of the heart even if your mind won't let you remember loving them?
This is not a typical hot, angsty, romance novel . It is more of an emotional journey for a woman and her family...but it is a love story. It is told in Candice's point of view so we understand her confusion, fears, anxiety, and feelings. Some is told in present day recollections and some in previous journal entries as she tries to reconcile who she was with who she is. She is a woman torn between a missing past, life in the present, and an unsure future. The characters have depth, are likable, and interesting. Parts of it are a slice of a normal, crazy family life but living with the effects of this huge change. And how they deal with it, proves what they are made of. I fell for all of the members of this family and they had me smiling more than sad. Jason is completely and utterly swoonworthy. It has some really sweet and happy moments that balance out the tragic situation. It is a heartfelt, humorous, and inspirational story of love, family, and hope. There will be a holiday novella Thanks for the Memories coming soon and Jason's point of view in the companion novel & Beyond.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2015
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
What would you do if you woke up one morning unable to remember the last twenty years of your life? How would you feel? And would you want to get your life back exactly the way it was, or would you make some changes? First of all, it is probably safe to say that most people, including me, would be incredibly scared, angry and, perhaps, feel rather lost and unable to wrap their heads around it.
“Through Infinity" & "thanks for the memories" by Libby Austin tell a very moving and heart-warming story about Candice who wakes up with amnesia. Believing herself to be only twenty-three years old, imagine the heartbreak of learning that she is, in fact, forty, and that she has been married for fifteen years. Oh, and let us not forget the fact that her and her husband, Jason – who she does not remember, either – have four children. To say that Candace is scared and confused would be an understatement.
This is a story about how one woman finds herself in a situation few of us cannot even imagine, and about what she has to do in order to get her life back. In this process, she has to re-learn even some very simple things – things we take for granted – and, in doing so, find out if the life she has led up to this point is the one she truly wants. And how can you know that if you cannot remember a vast number of years? How do you cope? Moreover, how does your family and children cope with a loved one having amnesia?
I have to say that the struggles Candice go through were close to tearing me to pieces. I also feel that despite her initial panic about her situation, she handles her recovery in a very admirable way, and I really came to like her. The fact that her husband, Jason, stands by her every step of the way gives a whole new meaning to the following line of the wedding vows: “for better or for worse”, and reading about their life as he helps Candice fill in the blanks was very enjoyable to me.
Miss Austin has, in my opinion, written a story in such a way that you cannot help but take pleasure from her words, and this is not a sad story, mind you. There are plenty of moments when I found myself chuckling because of the humour and dry wit in which the author has chosen to write her book – especially in the scenes involving Candice and Jason’s children – and I also believe that the journey Candice goes through is pretty easy to relate to.
All in all, I would definitely recommend “Through Infinity" & "thanks for the memories” to lovers of second-chance love stories – well, that is what I would call it anyway, because of the lack of memory the heroine has to suffer through. There are some tears, some laughter, some feel-good moments, and these all play a massive part of whether or not I enjoy a romance novel.
What would you do if you woke up one morning unable to remember the last twenty years of your life? How would you feel? And would you want to get your life back exactly the way it was, or would you make some changes? First of all, it is probably safe to say that most people, including me, would be incredibly scared, angry and, perhaps, feel rather lost and unable to wrap their heads around it.
“Through Infinity" & "thanks for the memories" by Libby Austin tell a very moving and heart-warming story about Candice who wakes up with amnesia. Believing herself to be only twenty-three years old, imagine the heartbreak of learning that she is, in fact, forty, and that she has been married for fifteen years. Oh, and let us not forget the fact that her and her husband, Jason – who she does not remember, either – have four children. To say that Candace is scared and confused would be an understatement.
This is a story about how one woman finds herself in a situation few of us cannot even imagine, and about what she has to do in order to get her life back. In this process, she has to re-learn even some very simple things – things we take for granted – and, in doing so, find out if the life she has led up to this point is the one she truly wants. And how can you know that if you cannot remember a vast number of years? How do you cope? Moreover, how does your family and children cope with a loved one having amnesia?
I have to say that the struggles Candice go through were close to tearing me to pieces. I also feel that despite her initial panic about her situation, she handles her recovery in a very admirable way, and I really came to like her. The fact that her husband, Jason, stands by her every step of the way gives a whole new meaning to the following line of the wedding vows: “for better or for worse”, and reading about their life as he helps Candice fill in the blanks was very enjoyable to me.
Miss Austin has, in my opinion, written a story in such a way that you cannot help but take pleasure from her words, and this is not a sad story, mind you. There are plenty of moments when I found myself chuckling because of the humour and dry wit in which the author has chosen to write her book – especially in the scenes involving Candice and Jason’s children – and I also believe that the journey Candice goes through is pretty easy to relate to.
All in all, I would definitely recommend “Through Infinity" & "thanks for the memories” to lovers of second-chance love stories – well, that is what I would call it anyway, because of the lack of memory the heroine has to suffer through. There are some tears, some laughter, some feel-good moments, and these all play a massive part of whether or not I enjoy a romance novel.
November 29, 2015
This review was originally posted on [www.125pages.com]
Through Infinity is another mother gets amnesia and forgets her husband and family tales. I thought I would instantly like the book when reading the author's note she calls out that the book has cussing and is unapologetic about it. But sadly I did not love Through Infinity. I have read a few amnesia stories this year and some have been very good (Wake-Up Call) but this one was just okay. I actually thought the cursing was forced at times and unnecessary in certain scenes. Now I have no issue with cursing and do my fair share of it, but there is a time and place for it and certain utterances in the story seemed to have no purpose other than to make sure a curse was in the chapter. Aside from that I also had a problem figuring out some minor plot points. A person, place or company would be named to the amnesia sufferer with no explanation of what it was and she was just fine and I was confused. The pacing was good and the story flowed in a mostly logical manner. The world building was a little off as mentioned before, I was unsure what certain references were. At the heart of the story the family was well portrayed and I enjoyed that the children had issues, angst and were at times just brats. In some books the kids are seen but not heard or they are perfect angels and I enjoyed that there were realistic in this one. Through Infinity, to me, suffered from trying to be too many things at once; a hip book where the f-bomb is tossed around, a wholesome family tale where the children are homeschooled yet still socialized and a chick lit amnesia tale. If one direction was picked, I think it would have been more successful.
Favorite lines - " 'Just because something isn’t true doesn’t mean you can’t believe in it.’ The line hit home for me because there are a lot of things I didn’t know as true, but I had to believe in them to get through each day. Or else I might go crazy; I had enough shit on my mental plate to deal with without adding a nervous breakdown."
Biggest cliché - "Mom has amnesia." "Again?"
Have you read Through Infinity or added it to your TBR?
Through Infinity is another mother gets amnesia and forgets her husband and family tales. I thought I would instantly like the book when reading the author's note she calls out that the book has cussing and is unapologetic about it. But sadly I did not love Through Infinity. I have read a few amnesia stories this year and some have been very good (Wake-Up Call) but this one was just okay. I actually thought the cursing was forced at times and unnecessary in certain scenes. Now I have no issue with cursing and do my fair share of it, but there is a time and place for it and certain utterances in the story seemed to have no purpose other than to make sure a curse was in the chapter. Aside from that I also had a problem figuring out some minor plot points. A person, place or company would be named to the amnesia sufferer with no explanation of what it was and she was just fine and I was confused. The pacing was good and the story flowed in a mostly logical manner. The world building was a little off as mentioned before, I was unsure what certain references were. At the heart of the story the family was well portrayed and I enjoyed that the children had issues, angst and were at times just brats. In some books the kids are seen but not heard or they are perfect angels and I enjoyed that there were realistic in this one. Through Infinity, to me, suffered from trying to be too many things at once; a hip book where the f-bomb is tossed around, a wholesome family tale where the children are homeschooled yet still socialized and a chick lit amnesia tale. If one direction was picked, I think it would have been more successful.Favorite lines - " 'Just because something isn’t true doesn’t mean you can’t believe in it.’ The line hit home for me because there are a lot of things I didn’t know as true, but I had to believe in them to get through each day. Or else I might go crazy; I had enough shit on my mental plate to deal with without adding a nervous breakdown."
Biggest cliché - "Mom has amnesia." "Again?"
Have you read Through Infinity or added it to your TBR?
December 26, 2014
My life began the day I died … Wait, let me rephrase, my life as I know it began five days after I died.
Candice Woodruff wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the previous seventeen years. The last thing she remembers is being 23, and now she’s 40, married with 4 children. She has no memory of of the people she lives with or works with. Disoriented, overwhelmed, she struggles to balance the person she thinks she is with the person she thinks she is supposed to be.
Reading amnesia based stories feels like both a puzzle and a suspense as the narrator navigates learning about who they are, what they are, and determining what they are supposed to do next. Candace faces all these challenges. Waking up with no memory of one’s husband and children brings a certain amount of disorientation that can’t help to spill out to readers. But despite the challenges of memory loss, Candace’s personality isn’t lost and she often turns to humor to defuse some of the uncomfortable situations that arise.
Jason was such a perfect husband. Not perfect in that he has no negative emotions, but perfect in that he takes the vows he exchanged seriously, and recognizes that his family has entered one of those “for worse” periods. This was not easy on any member of the family, and Jason and the kids give yet another aspect to Candace’s memory loss.
Each of their children had such different personalities, and I loved each one. The addition of the children added another level to Candace’s recovery, and watching those relationships rebuild was a big part of this story. There was one thread from one of the daughters that I had wished was fleshed out further, but for the most part I loved the depth the kids brought to the story.
There were some moments where I was confused. Characters referenced that I couldn’t remember their connection, events referenced that were never resolved, and a fourth wall break that caught me off guard in it’s singularity. There were also times when I felt like I was being told the story rather than watching it unfold through the characters’ eyes. While Candace narrates the entire story, it often read as a retelling of the events rather than either a memory or a real time account.
But for the most part, this was a great read. It was emotional, family oriented, and honest about the upheaval that losing memories brings to one’s life. There were plenty of light moments to balance out the heavy. And the family at the center of the story were fun to read, fun to watch, and fun to get to know.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Candice Woodruff wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the previous seventeen years. The last thing she remembers is being 23, and now she’s 40, married with 4 children. She has no memory of of the people she lives with or works with. Disoriented, overwhelmed, she struggles to balance the person she thinks she is with the person she thinks she is supposed to be.
Reading amnesia based stories feels like both a puzzle and a suspense as the narrator navigates learning about who they are, what they are, and determining what they are supposed to do next. Candace faces all these challenges. Waking up with no memory of one’s husband and children brings a certain amount of disorientation that can’t help to spill out to readers. But despite the challenges of memory loss, Candace’s personality isn’t lost and she often turns to humor to defuse some of the uncomfortable situations that arise.
Jason was such a perfect husband. Not perfect in that he has no negative emotions, but perfect in that he takes the vows he exchanged seriously, and recognizes that his family has entered one of those “for worse” periods. This was not easy on any member of the family, and Jason and the kids give yet another aspect to Candace’s memory loss.
Each of their children had such different personalities, and I loved each one. The addition of the children added another level to Candace’s recovery, and watching those relationships rebuild was a big part of this story. There was one thread from one of the daughters that I had wished was fleshed out further, but for the most part I loved the depth the kids brought to the story.
There were some moments where I was confused. Characters referenced that I couldn’t remember their connection, events referenced that were never resolved, and a fourth wall break that caught me off guard in it’s singularity. There were also times when I felt like I was being told the story rather than watching it unfold through the characters’ eyes. While Candace narrates the entire story, it often read as a retelling of the events rather than either a memory or a real time account.
But for the most part, this was a great read. It was emotional, family oriented, and honest about the upheaval that losing memories brings to one’s life. There were plenty of light moments to balance out the heavy. And the family at the center of the story were fun to read, fun to watch, and fun to get to know.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2015
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review. (thank you)
Through Infinity by Libby Austin is a book that will melt your heart. This was a story about unconditional love and learning to love again. All of this exquisitely told through dual points of view, and with heart felt emotions.
Austin put me right in Candice's head, all through this book, I keep saying - what would I do if this happen to me? Candice wakes up to beeping in the hospital, and a massive headache. A man walks by and does a double take and says "oh your awake." She doesn't recognize him, he is a complete stranger to her. This is where I started asking myself, if I woke up not knowing my husband or kids, what would I do. I think that was what made this book a little heartbreaking for me.
Jason, Candy's husband along with their family helps her put her life back together one piece at a time. That's great, but she is no longer the woman she used to be. Jason does so many sweet things in this book, he is such a devoted husband and father to their four children. Where are these men in real life? I probably highlighted 1/2 of this book, some of the things he would say to her were so loving and understanding. Yes, big man crush on him right now.
This book appeared to either be very well researched or first hand knowledge of some of the other situations that are in play. I loved how each child was well developed with all their characteristics fully described. The star of the book of course was little man! Dawson is their youngest child and I promise I would pluck him from the pages and keep him as my own.
I love the dialect in this book. The setting is in Alabama, most books and movies go to the extreme when trying to replicate the southern drawl. Austin was spot on! Being from Alabama myself, I hate it when we are made to look like lower class people without educations just because of where we are from and how we pronounce our words. I was curious where Austin was from because it really sounded like me talking in this book. I author stalk all the time, so I look her up and chat with her through facebook messaging. She is indeed from Alabama, so no wonder she got it right- She is my people! I'm from North AL and she is from South AL but it's all the same!
Pick this book up, I highly recommend it, I even told my mom to read it!
5 stars!
Through Infinity by Libby Austin is a book that will melt your heart. This was a story about unconditional love and learning to love again. All of this exquisitely told through dual points of view, and with heart felt emotions.
Austin put me right in Candice's head, all through this book, I keep saying - what would I do if this happen to me? Candice wakes up to beeping in the hospital, and a massive headache. A man walks by and does a double take and says "oh your awake." She doesn't recognize him, he is a complete stranger to her. This is where I started asking myself, if I woke up not knowing my husband or kids, what would I do. I think that was what made this book a little heartbreaking for me.
Jason, Candy's husband along with their family helps her put her life back together one piece at a time. That's great, but she is no longer the woman she used to be. Jason does so many sweet things in this book, he is such a devoted husband and father to their four children. Where are these men in real life? I probably highlighted 1/2 of this book, some of the things he would say to her were so loving and understanding. Yes, big man crush on him right now.
This book appeared to either be very well researched or first hand knowledge of some of the other situations that are in play. I loved how each child was well developed with all their characteristics fully described. The star of the book of course was little man! Dawson is their youngest child and I promise I would pluck him from the pages and keep him as my own.
I love the dialect in this book. The setting is in Alabama, most books and movies go to the extreme when trying to replicate the southern drawl. Austin was spot on! Being from Alabama myself, I hate it when we are made to look like lower class people without educations just because of where we are from and how we pronounce our words. I was curious where Austin was from because it really sounded like me talking in this book. I author stalk all the time, so I look her up and chat with her through facebook messaging. She is indeed from Alabama, so no wonder she got it right- She is my people! I'm from North AL and she is from South AL but it's all the same!
Pick this book up, I highly recommend it, I even told my mom to read it!
5 stars!
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
The only thing that makes each of us…”us”..is a very fragile thing called memories. The majority of us can recall where we were 5 weeks ago, what we had for lunch on Monday and even that cute girl with the long pony-tail back in 2nd grade..what’s her name.
Yet, what defines us if we don’t have memories?
As I’m sitting here, trying to find the right words for this review I find myself drifting off into my own memories – meeting the man who would change my life in so many ways, the sound of my son’s first breath, the fear at a frightening diagnosis, the satisfaction at succeeding despite all the odds against us. The plot of a favorite book, the words to a song that defines my love for my man, the sight of a well loved grandfather’s face.
What am I without those memories?
I should be telling you the highs and lows of this particular book. I should be praising the author for her ability to touch something deep within my psyche. But.. I cannot do those things for I am flooded with memories of my own right now.
This is not a novel of steaming hot sexy love scenes, nor of madcap mystery solving. It is the story of one strong family who must adjust and live with the knowledge that a wife, a mother –does not remember them. It is the story of a woman who must learn to understand her children and know each one’s individuality. A wife who must learn if she can love this man who calls himself her husband. A husband who must court his wife and help her fall in love with him all over again. It is about children who know their mother, and just want her back in any way possible…even if that means helping her make new memories of them.
I recommend this book to anyone. Just anyone who has loved, who has memories of loving and being loved… anyone who knows that without their own memories, they would be lost.
Pick this one up. 5 outta 5 rating. It’s worth the time to get to know this family – and because of reading it, to know the worth of your own memories all the more.
*I received an e-ARC of Through Infinity from Infinity and Beyond Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
The only thing that makes each of us…”us”..is a very fragile thing called memories. The majority of us can recall where we were 5 weeks ago, what we had for lunch on Monday and even that cute girl with the long pony-tail back in 2nd grade..what’s her name.
Yet, what defines us if we don’t have memories?
As I’m sitting here, trying to find the right words for this review I find myself drifting off into my own memories – meeting the man who would change my life in so many ways, the sound of my son’s first breath, the fear at a frightening diagnosis, the satisfaction at succeeding despite all the odds against us. The plot of a favorite book, the words to a song that defines my love for my man, the sight of a well loved grandfather’s face.
What am I without those memories?
I should be telling you the highs and lows of this particular book. I should be praising the author for her ability to touch something deep within my psyche. But.. I cannot do those things for I am flooded with memories of my own right now.
This is not a novel of steaming hot sexy love scenes, nor of madcap mystery solving. It is the story of one strong family who must adjust and live with the knowledge that a wife, a mother –does not remember them. It is the story of a woman who must learn to understand her children and know each one’s individuality. A wife who must learn if she can love this man who calls himself her husband. A husband who must court his wife and help her fall in love with him all over again. It is about children who know their mother, and just want her back in any way possible…even if that means helping her make new memories of them.
I recommend this book to anyone. Just anyone who has loved, who has memories of loving and being loved… anyone who knows that without their own memories, they would be lost.
Pick this one up. 5 outta 5 rating. It’s worth the time to get to know this family – and because of reading it, to know the worth of your own memories all the more.
*I received an e-ARC of Through Infinity from Infinity and Beyond Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
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