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Thought I Knew You #1.5
While You Were Gone
A Companion Novella to the NYT Bestseller Thought I Knew You
Despite Karen Caughee’s intense focus on her music, her life is drifting out of its lane. Her alcoholic mother keeps calling from bars for early-morning rides, her boyfriend doesn’t think she gets him, and that Toronto Symphony Orchestra position she applied for ends up going to her friend, Amy. By chance, she meets American Greg Randolf just before she’s in a car accident. He pulls her from the wreckage, but after major surgery, her recovery is slow. Without her music, her life’s pursuit, Karen is pushed further adrift.
Greg stays by her side while she heals, and he sees her every time he’s in Toronto for work. Without any other support or friendship in her life, Karen craves his enthusiastic attention, and their friendship deepens to love. Though she’s fallen hard for him, he doesn’t share everything with her. In one heartrending moment, Karen’s life comes to a crossroads, and she must face the full truth about who Greg is, and about who she has become.
Despite Karen Caughee’s intense focus on her music, her life is drifting out of its lane. Her alcoholic mother keeps calling from bars for early-morning rides, her boyfriend doesn’t think she gets him, and that Toronto Symphony Orchestra position she applied for ends up going to her friend, Amy. By chance, she meets American Greg Randolf just before she’s in a car accident. He pulls her from the wreckage, but after major surgery, her recovery is slow. Without her music, her life’s pursuit, Karen is pushed further adrift.
Greg stays by her side while she heals, and he sees her every time he’s in Toronto for work. Without any other support or friendship in her life, Karen craves his enthusiastic attention, and their friendship deepens to love. Though she’s fallen hard for him, he doesn’t share everything with her. In one heartrending moment, Karen’s life comes to a crossroads, and she must face the full truth about who Greg is, and about who she has become.
115 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
36 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
Kate Moretti
12 books1,626 followersKate Moretti lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and a dog. She’s worked in the pharmaceutical industry for ten years as a scientist, and has been an avid fiction reader her entire life.
She enjoys traveling and cooking, although with two kids, a day job, and writing, she doesn’t get to do those things as much as she’d like.
Her lifelong dream is to buy an old house with a secret passageway.
She enjoys traveling and cooking, although with two kids, a day job, and writing, she doesn’t get to do those things as much as she’d like.
Her lifelong dream is to buy an old house with a secret passageway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 28, 2017
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Red Adept Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
This was an interesting read for me. After having read the first book, “Thought I Knew You”, I went into this companion novel knowing what to expect. I got to find out some of the answers to Claire’s questions from the first book and got a bit of a glimpse into Greg.
This story is told from Karen’s point of view. She is having a rough go of it when she meets Greg and she falls head over heals for him almost straight away. I immediately empathized with how alone Karen felt. She has a mother she can’t depend on and a brother who doesn’t make time for her. I really felt her vulnerability and it’s no wonder she fell head first into things when she met Greg.
What really struck me, while reading this story, is how different Karen and Claire’s perception of Greg was. To me it illustrates how a person’s character is not black and white, but rather changes through perspective and interaction with individual personalities. Neither characterization, from both women’s point of view, paint a very good picture of Greg. I just didn’t see him as the villain Claire and Karen cast him as, though. All three characters had flaws and made bad choices in life.
I really enjoyed this follow-up novella. It rounded out the story for me. So.... is it wrong that I now crave
This was an interesting read for me. After having read the first book, “Thought I Knew You”, I went into this companion novel knowing what to expect. I got to find out some of the answers to Claire’s questions from the first book and got a bit of a glimpse into Greg.
This story is told from Karen’s point of view. She is having a rough go of it when she meets Greg and she falls head over heals for him almost straight away. I immediately empathized with how alone Karen felt. She has a mother she can’t depend on and a brother who doesn’t make time for her. I really felt her vulnerability and it’s no wonder she fell head first into things when she met Greg.
What really struck me, while reading this story, is how different Karen and Claire’s perception of Greg was. To me it illustrates how a person’s character is not black and white, but rather changes through perspective and interaction with individual personalities. Neither characterization, from both women’s point of view, paint a very good picture of Greg. I just didn’t see him as the villain Claire and Karen cast him as, though. All three characters had flaws and made bad choices in life.
I really enjoyed this follow-up novella. It rounded out the story for me. So.... is it wrong that I now crave
October 22, 2015
Loved "While You Were Gone." It's the sequel to "Thought I Knew You" which left us with the question of what happened to Greg, the husband.
In Karen Caughee's life, everything is a mess. Her job with the Toronto Symphony where she's a violinist, her mother who is an alcoholic, her boyfriend who you want to beat up because he's a jerk.
Then there's Greg, captivating and interesting, who you can't quite piece together, an accident, falling in love and the lies, deceits, cover ups and mysteries begin. Loved the twist at the end.
Short read. Grab coffee, the book, sit down on a Saturday afternoon.
In Karen Caughee's life, everything is a mess. Her job with the Toronto Symphony where she's a violinist, her mother who is an alcoholic, her boyfriend who you want to beat up because he's a jerk.
Then there's Greg, captivating and interesting, who you can't quite piece together, an accident, falling in love and the lies, deceits, cover ups and mysteries begin. Loved the twist at the end.
Short read. Grab coffee, the book, sit down on a Saturday afternoon.
August 25, 2015
Three and a half stars: A fascinating look at the other side of the story.
Karen feels like her life is suddenly falling apart. Last night, she retrieved her drunk, alcoholic mother from the bar at three in the morning, the night before her big audition. Thus, her audition for the principal violinist chair was a disaster, then later that night, her boyfriend breaks up with her. Just when she thinks she has hit rock bottom, Karen meets a wonderful man at the bar, but as she leaves in the cab, she is in a horrible car accident. Thankfully, Greg, the man she met that night, is there by her side to help her heal. Karen unexpectedly finds herself falling head over heels in love, but the problem is Greg lives in the U.S. As the relationship progresses, Karen begins to wonder more about Greg and his life. Who is Greg Randolph?
What I Liked:
*I am a big fan of I Thought I Knew You so I was eager to read this companion novella to uncover the other side of the story. I was surprised at the range of emotions I felt. I went into this expecting to not like Greg and Karen, but I was immediately drawn to Karen and her plight, and in the end, I couldn't help but like her. Once again, Ms. Moretti proves that you can't ever completely know someone, nor can you judge someone without knowing the whole story. If you have yet to read I Thought I Knew You, I urge you to pick up both books.
*Karen is one of those characters you can't help but like. Her life seems to be falling apart around her, and if it can go wrong, it does, but what I appreciated about her was that she didn't sit around and feel sorry for herself. She was determined and driven. I liked how she reevaluated her life once she got on her feet, and I especially liked how she mended the fences with her mother. Again, I expected to not like Karen because she is the other woman, but I was proven wrong.
*Even though I knew going in that this was a novel about cheating, I wasn't disgusted or upset about the adulterous relationship. I think because the author handles it so well, and because Karen isn't aware that Greg is cheating. Yes, there were signs she should have picked up on, but she was head over heels in love. I thought the romance and the relationship was well done, and it made you think.
*I was pleased that the book ended a year down the road. It was nice to see how Karen got back on her feet, and that she was in a good place.
And The Not So Much:
*I am still wanting to understand Greg better. I have now had a glimpse of him through the eyes of two different woman who loved him, but I still don't have a strong knowledge as to who he is. I guess I need a third book from Greg's point of view because as it stands in both book he is the villain, or is he?
*I am bothered that there isn't a good explanation as to why Greg decided to cheat on Claire. Was he bored? Was it because he felt a connection with Karen and he didn't really intend to fall in love? I really want to understand his motives.
*It has been awhile since I read the first book, so the details surrounding Greg's accident were sketchy, and they were glossed over in this novella. I wish the author had explained the situation better when Claire and Karen meet.
*Even though I was satisfied with the novella, and I felt like I got a full story, I wish that the book hadn't flash forwarded into the future. I would have loved to watch Karen get back on her feet instead of getting a recap a year down the road. I was invested in her character and I wanted more story. Isn't that how it always goes with a novella?
While You Were Gone is an intriguing and entertaining read that shows the other side of an affair. Not everything is black and white, and Ms. Moretti will show you that sometimes love blossoms from unexpected situations. I urge you to check out both While You Were Gone and I Thought I Knew You. Both books are fascinating reads that will have you questioning relationships and how well you know someone.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Karen feels like her life is suddenly falling apart. Last night, she retrieved her drunk, alcoholic mother from the bar at three in the morning, the night before her big audition. Thus, her audition for the principal violinist chair was a disaster, then later that night, her boyfriend breaks up with her. Just when she thinks she has hit rock bottom, Karen meets a wonderful man at the bar, but as she leaves in the cab, she is in a horrible car accident. Thankfully, Greg, the man she met that night, is there by her side to help her heal. Karen unexpectedly finds herself falling head over heels in love, but the problem is Greg lives in the U.S. As the relationship progresses, Karen begins to wonder more about Greg and his life. Who is Greg Randolph?
What I Liked:
*I am a big fan of I Thought I Knew You so I was eager to read this companion novella to uncover the other side of the story. I was surprised at the range of emotions I felt. I went into this expecting to not like Greg and Karen, but I was immediately drawn to Karen and her plight, and in the end, I couldn't help but like her. Once again, Ms. Moretti proves that you can't ever completely know someone, nor can you judge someone without knowing the whole story. If you have yet to read I Thought I Knew You, I urge you to pick up both books.
*Karen is one of those characters you can't help but like. Her life seems to be falling apart around her, and if it can go wrong, it does, but what I appreciated about her was that she didn't sit around and feel sorry for herself. She was determined and driven. I liked how she reevaluated her life once she got on her feet, and I especially liked how she mended the fences with her mother. Again, I expected to not like Karen because she is the other woman, but I was proven wrong.
*Even though I knew going in that this was a novel about cheating, I wasn't disgusted or upset about the adulterous relationship. I think because the author handles it so well, and because Karen isn't aware that Greg is cheating. Yes, there were signs she should have picked up on, but she was head over heels in love. I thought the romance and the relationship was well done, and it made you think.
*I was pleased that the book ended a year down the road. It was nice to see how Karen got back on her feet, and that she was in a good place.
And The Not So Much:
*I am still wanting to understand Greg better. I have now had a glimpse of him through the eyes of two different woman who loved him, but I still don't have a strong knowledge as to who he is. I guess I need a third book from Greg's point of view because as it stands in both book he is the villain, or is he?
*I am bothered that there isn't a good explanation as to why Greg decided to cheat on Claire. Was he bored? Was it because he felt a connection with Karen and he didn't really intend to fall in love? I really want to understand his motives.
*It has been awhile since I read the first book, so the details surrounding Greg's accident were sketchy, and they were glossed over in this novella. I wish the author had explained the situation better when Claire and Karen meet.
*Even though I was satisfied with the novella, and I felt like I got a full story, I wish that the book hadn't flash forwarded into the future. I would have loved to watch Karen get back on her feet instead of getting a recap a year down the road. I was invested in her character and I wanted more story. Isn't that how it always goes with a novella?
While You Were Gone is an intriguing and entertaining read that shows the other side of an affair. Not everything is black and white, and Ms. Moretti will show you that sometimes love blossoms from unexpected situations. I urge you to check out both While You Were Gone and I Thought I Knew You. Both books are fascinating reads that will have you questioning relationships and how well you know someone.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
October 9, 2015
I love this author’s writing a LOT! The way this author writes, she is 'very' talented! I read and reviewed Thought I Knew You and I loved the book! I gave it a five star rating, too, because it truly deserved it. I highly suggest reading that book first, in the order these were written. After the first book, this can be read, if so desired, as a follow-up. If not read that way, I know this book WILL take away from the first book, and very well may take a lot away from the first book if you read this novella first. (The author did put this book as 1.5, meaning it is to come ‘after’ the first book, and I’m glad she did.) This book made the New York Times Bestsellers list and the USA Today bestseller list with ‘Thought I Knew You’ in May of 2014! She also won the Big Al’s Books and Pals 2013 Reader’s Choice Award Romance Winner (per Amazon for that one.) Congratulations to this author again! This proves how well she writes and how excellent this book is!
When I was finished with that book, I was done, I felt very satisfied, and the ending, well, that is how that couple in that story were left. Good or bad, happy or sad, that is the way this author wrote the end of that story. Sure, when you finish reading a book, you can be left with unanswered questions at times, but that happens with almost every book out there. That is the story, that is how it was written. There are things we loved about the book and then there are those little things we may be questioning or not agree with. It happens in every book. Sure, people probably had questions about this book, but it’s not ANY different from any other book. In fact, this book has been compared to Gone Girl, but you don’t see that author writing another book, a 1.5 follow-up book explaining anything more about it. Yes, I don’t understand the reason why this author felt the need to publish this book. She has an excellent, award winning book she wrote, and I feel she should have left it at that and I much rather would have liked to have seen her move on and write a NEW book! A brand new stand-alone book because this author writes so well she could be celebrating that book hitting the charts. Instead, this author is staying in the past with this book and writing the sides of the story of other characters from the first book.
I’m disappointed. I’m disappointed because this book was really good. This author CAN WRITE! I would have much preferred to spend my time reading a NEW book with new characters and have seen her leave these as they are. Again, this book made it huge, it was so successful hitting the bestseller charts and the romance award, too! I kind of feel this author caved due to the moral issues some readers had, and this is holding this author back.
In the beginning of the book, the author has a “Dear Reader” letter. She tells us this book is a stand-alone novella based on the first book. I’m glad she wrote that. She continues on to tell us apparently some readers had issues with Claire and Greg’s final decision in that first book, so I happen to feel this author is trying to make the ‘bad guy’ look better. The author goes on to tell us (and what I believe is she is standing up for her own characters she wrote) more about the characters from the first book, and trying (per what she wrote in this letter to us) to make Greg and Karen human, more lovable, despite their mistakes.
I could go on standing up for more reasons why I think this author should have just moved on to writing her next book, and I could list all the reasons why I don’t believe we are privy to every character’s side of every story, just as in real life we often don’t always get the side of every story about the people closest to us. I can think of many things from my first marriage I still don’t have answers to, but . . . I will never get them. I wish I had an author out there to write my ex’s side of the story so I could understand a lot more about a lot of the things that happened and the real reason why about so many things, but then again do I really want to find out about all of the details and KNOW EVERYTHING that led up to the end of our marriage after learning his side of the story? NO way! What if the character of Claire were to read this book and learn ALL the details about her husband’s side of the story? How do you think she would feel reading and learning all of the intimate details about her husband? Not good. See, writing like this could go on and on, back and forth, over and over, and this is why I feel the way I do about this book.
I tried to write this review without giving ANY spoilers for the first book or give ANY information that would reflect back onto the first book because I think that first book was just excellent, so in case this review sounds vague and/or maybe even a little spotty in places, this is why. I don’t even want to talk about what this novella is about because most anything I say will give a lot of information about the first book’s story away. Besides, there are so many other detailed reviews about this book already, I don't want to 'add' more information than what you already have.
Kate Moretti, please keep writing well into the future! You are SO talented and we LOVE how wonderful you write that we want more!! We can’t wait for your next new book!
This book was provided to me by the author and her publicist through Red Adept Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
When I was finished with that book, I was done, I felt very satisfied, and the ending, well, that is how that couple in that story were left. Good or bad, happy or sad, that is the way this author wrote the end of that story. Sure, when you finish reading a book, you can be left with unanswered questions at times, but that happens with almost every book out there. That is the story, that is how it was written. There are things we loved about the book and then there are those little things we may be questioning or not agree with. It happens in every book. Sure, people probably had questions about this book, but it’s not ANY different from any other book. In fact, this book has been compared to Gone Girl, but you don’t see that author writing another book, a 1.5 follow-up book explaining anything more about it. Yes, I don’t understand the reason why this author felt the need to publish this book. She has an excellent, award winning book she wrote, and I feel she should have left it at that and I much rather would have liked to have seen her move on and write a NEW book! A brand new stand-alone book because this author writes so well she could be celebrating that book hitting the charts. Instead, this author is staying in the past with this book and writing the sides of the story of other characters from the first book.
I’m disappointed. I’m disappointed because this book was really good. This author CAN WRITE! I would have much preferred to spend my time reading a NEW book with new characters and have seen her leave these as they are. Again, this book made it huge, it was so successful hitting the bestseller charts and the romance award, too! I kind of feel this author caved due to the moral issues some readers had, and this is holding this author back.
In the beginning of the book, the author has a “Dear Reader” letter. She tells us this book is a stand-alone novella based on the first book. I’m glad she wrote that. She continues on to tell us apparently some readers had issues with Claire and Greg’s final decision in that first book, so I happen to feel this author is trying to make the ‘bad guy’ look better. The author goes on to tell us (and what I believe is she is standing up for her own characters she wrote) more about the characters from the first book, and trying (per what she wrote in this letter to us) to make Greg and Karen human, more lovable, despite their mistakes.
I could go on standing up for more reasons why I think this author should have just moved on to writing her next book, and I could list all the reasons why I don’t believe we are privy to every character’s side of every story, just as in real life we often don’t always get the side of every story about the people closest to us. I can think of many things from my first marriage I still don’t have answers to, but . . . I will never get them. I wish I had an author out there to write my ex’s side of the story so I could understand a lot more about a lot of the things that happened and the real reason why about so many things, but then again do I really want to find out about all of the details and KNOW EVERYTHING that led up to the end of our marriage after learning his side of the story? NO way! What if the character of Claire were to read this book and learn ALL the details about her husband’s side of the story? How do you think she would feel reading and learning all of the intimate details about her husband? Not good. See, writing like this could go on and on, back and forth, over and over, and this is why I feel the way I do about this book.
I tried to write this review without giving ANY spoilers for the first book or give ANY information that would reflect back onto the first book because I think that first book was just excellent, so in case this review sounds vague and/or maybe even a little spotty in places, this is why. I don’t even want to talk about what this novella is about because most anything I say will give a lot of information about the first book’s story away. Besides, there are so many other detailed reviews about this book already, I don't want to 'add' more information than what you already have.
Kate Moretti, please keep writing well into the future! You are SO talented and we LOVE how wonderful you write that we want more!! We can’t wait for your next new book!
This book was provided to me by the author and her publicist through Red Adept Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2015
WARNING: This review will be a bit spoiler-y to those who haven't read Kate's first novel, Thought I Knew You.
Let me start by saying I'm coming into this novella biased for a number of reasons. First of all, I'm a huge fan of Kate Moretti's previous works: Thought I Knew You and Binds That Tie. Secondly, I'm a sucker for books about classical music, and OMG THE HEROINE'S AN ORCHESTRA VIOLINIST!!! Thirdly, I like Kate's writing so much that I published her myself in Brave New Girls, the anthology about girls in STEM that I co-edited. Fourthly, I watched this book go from a vague idea to an actual book, which is always thrilling. I chatted with Kate when she was first brainstorming what she'd do with a Thought I Knew You companion novella (I may have pestered her about writing about the Other Woman you meet in TIKY because I'm a fangirl and wanted to know what happened from her POV). And fifthly, Kate sent me an early draft to vet for classical music-type things (I play violin and spent my teen years as a dedicated orchestra girl), so I kind of feel like one of the book's aunties (not my baby, but sometimes feels a little like it).
Also, *disclaimer time* Kate and I share a publisher (Red Adept Publishing), but this is NOT one of the reasons I'm biased (neither Red Adept nor Kate asked me to review this book, and my opinions are completely my own honest thoughts, etc. etc. Sage's Blog Tours did send me a free review copy, but I'd already bought and paid for the novella with my own cashie money because I love Kate's work and I wanted to read more).
Damn. I think that intro's longer than my review's going to be. Let's get to it then.
Karen Caughee's life is a mess. As a dedicated member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, she dreams of being the next Concertmistress and taking her passion for music to the next level. But with an alcoholic mother to take care of, a boyfriend she's drifting apart from, and stiff competition from her frenemy in the violin section, she ends up succumbing to the whirlwind of pressures and botching her audition. Just when it seems things can't get any worse, she's in a car accident that causes a devastating injury - one that keeps her from playing her violin.
She finds solace in the man who pulled her from the wreck, an American named Greg whom she'd met earlier that evening by chance. Greg gives her the support she sorely needs, but she only sees him when he's in town for a business trip. And though she's fallen hard for him, she starts to realize that he's not who she thinks he is... and he's put her in a terrible position.
I love that Kate used this novella, a companion piece to Thought I Knew You, to explore Karen's untold story. Karen's only seen briefly in TIKY as the infamous Other Woman. TIKY is about Claire Barnes coming to grips with her husband's disappearance and struggling with his betrayal, and Karen's more of a symbol than a person. While You Were Gone takes what TIKY set up and flips the infidelity tale on its head. Karen becomes a fully realized character, and I love seeing the story from the other side.
WYWG is really, in many ways, a character study. It delves deep into Karen's struggles and passions, letting her tell her side of the story in her own voice. I love that it shows that the Other Woman is a person too. Kate has a real talent for breathing life into her characters and making them feel real. The conversational voice and the complex emotions, the romance and the betrayal... I enjoyed every moment in this novella. Especially the scene in which Claire confronts Karen... same dialogue as in TIKY, but told from Karen's perspective.
We live in a world that loves to make quick, snap judgments of people and is always in a rush to put them into little boxes with labels on them. Readers of TIKY (including myself!) did just that to Karen, the Other Woman in an extramarital affair. By giving Karen a voice, Kate shows us how every story has multiple sides, and even unlikable figures are also human beings. And sometimes, they aren't what you think.
Let me start by saying I'm coming into this novella biased for a number of reasons. First of all, I'm a huge fan of Kate Moretti's previous works: Thought I Knew You and Binds That Tie. Secondly, I'm a sucker for books about classical music, and OMG THE HEROINE'S AN ORCHESTRA VIOLINIST!!! Thirdly, I like Kate's writing so much that I published her myself in Brave New Girls, the anthology about girls in STEM that I co-edited. Fourthly, I watched this book go from a vague idea to an actual book, which is always thrilling. I chatted with Kate when she was first brainstorming what she'd do with a Thought I Knew You companion novella (I may have pestered her about writing about the Other Woman you meet in TIKY because I'm a fangirl and wanted to know what happened from her POV). And fifthly, Kate sent me an early draft to vet for classical music-type things (I play violin and spent my teen years as a dedicated orchestra girl), so I kind of feel like one of the book's aunties (not my baby, but sometimes feels a little like it).
Also, *disclaimer time* Kate and I share a publisher (Red Adept Publishing), but this is NOT one of the reasons I'm biased (neither Red Adept nor Kate asked me to review this book, and my opinions are completely my own honest thoughts, etc. etc. Sage's Blog Tours did send me a free review copy, but I'd already bought and paid for the novella with my own cashie money because I love Kate's work and I wanted to read more).
Damn. I think that intro's longer than my review's going to be. Let's get to it then.
Karen Caughee's life is a mess. As a dedicated member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, she dreams of being the next Concertmistress and taking her passion for music to the next level. But with an alcoholic mother to take care of, a boyfriend she's drifting apart from, and stiff competition from her frenemy in the violin section, she ends up succumbing to the whirlwind of pressures and botching her audition. Just when it seems things can't get any worse, she's in a car accident that causes a devastating injury - one that keeps her from playing her violin.
She finds solace in the man who pulled her from the wreck, an American named Greg whom she'd met earlier that evening by chance. Greg gives her the support she sorely needs, but she only sees him when he's in town for a business trip. And though she's fallen hard for him, she starts to realize that he's not who she thinks he is... and he's put her in a terrible position.
I love that Kate used this novella, a companion piece to Thought I Knew You, to explore Karen's untold story. Karen's only seen briefly in TIKY as the infamous Other Woman. TIKY is about Claire Barnes coming to grips with her husband's disappearance and struggling with his betrayal, and Karen's more of a symbol than a person. While You Were Gone takes what TIKY set up and flips the infidelity tale on its head. Karen becomes a fully realized character, and I love seeing the story from the other side.
WYWG is really, in many ways, a character study. It delves deep into Karen's struggles and passions, letting her tell her side of the story in her own voice. I love that it shows that the Other Woman is a person too. Kate has a real talent for breathing life into her characters and making them feel real. The conversational voice and the complex emotions, the romance and the betrayal... I enjoyed every moment in this novella. Especially the scene in which Claire confronts Karen... same dialogue as in TIKY, but told from Karen's perspective.
We live in a world that loves to make quick, snap judgments of people and is always in a rush to put them into little boxes with labels on them. Readers of TIKY (including myself!) did just that to Karen, the Other Woman in an extramarital affair. By giving Karen a voice, Kate shows us how every story has multiple sides, and even unlikable figures are also human beings. And sometimes, they aren't what you think.
September 25, 2015
This is not your usual romance. Karen Caughee has had some really rough days lately. She’s a concert violinist for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and lost her bid for concertmistress that she thought was a shoe-in. Her longtime boyfriend, a local music teacher, tells her there’s really nothing between them and admits he’s met someone else. Her dad left years ago and her mom is a somewhat functioning alcoholic who needs to be hauled home from the local bar on a regular basis. And Karen is the one who gets the calls in the middle of the night because her brother has a wife and kids and can’t be bothered to pick up his phone.
So Karen goes to a local bar and grill and is having a few martinis to cheer herself up when she meets a nice guy who’s with a group of businessmen. After talking awhile, he helps her into the taxi that she calls to take her home. Within minutes, the taxi is broadsided and Karen’s consciousness fades away.
Waking up in the hospital a few days later, Karen finds that no one has even been concerned about where she’s been, except for Greg Randolf, the American guy who pulled her from the taxi after the accident. He calls to check on her and is there to take her home the day she’s released. Weeks and weeks of recovery follow and Greg continues to check back when he’s in town and bring groceries and essentially take care of Karen when no one else does.
There are some subtle clues along the way that not everything is right with this budding romance, but you really, really want it to be. You root for Karen, because she’s a nice girl who’s been through so much already in her life and Greg is a steady, hardworking guy who travels a lot for business. Their relationship progresses to intimacy, although Greg seems a little reluctant at first. When they’re apart, they talk or text every day. Soon Greg is asking Karen to accompany him on trips and to come to his company apartment in New York for long weekends. And cautiously she allows herself to think of happily ever after…
There are some incredible twists and turns in this novel that caught me completely by surprise, although that sense of foreboding that something is not quite right stays with you throughout. I found it a fascinating read about the many gray areas between right and wrong. It definitely works as a stand alone book, although it was written as a companion to Ms. Moretti’s previous novel, Thought I knew You. Join me at https://ladieswholunchreviews.WordPre... for more!
So Karen goes to a local bar and grill and is having a few martinis to cheer herself up when she meets a nice guy who’s with a group of businessmen. After talking awhile, he helps her into the taxi that she calls to take her home. Within minutes, the taxi is broadsided and Karen’s consciousness fades away.
Waking up in the hospital a few days later, Karen finds that no one has even been concerned about where she’s been, except for Greg Randolf, the American guy who pulled her from the taxi after the accident. He calls to check on her and is there to take her home the day she’s released. Weeks and weeks of recovery follow and Greg continues to check back when he’s in town and bring groceries and essentially take care of Karen when no one else does.
There are some subtle clues along the way that not everything is right with this budding romance, but you really, really want it to be. You root for Karen, because she’s a nice girl who’s been through so much already in her life and Greg is a steady, hardworking guy who travels a lot for business. Their relationship progresses to intimacy, although Greg seems a little reluctant at first. When they’re apart, they talk or text every day. Soon Greg is asking Karen to accompany him on trips and to come to his company apartment in New York for long weekends. And cautiously she allows herself to think of happily ever after…
There are some incredible twists and turns in this novel that caught me completely by surprise, although that sense of foreboding that something is not quite right stays with you throughout. I found it a fascinating read about the many gray areas between right and wrong. It definitely works as a stand alone book, although it was written as a companion to Ms. Moretti’s previous novel, Thought I knew You. Join me at https://ladieswholunchreviews.WordPre... for more!
September 1, 2015
I have been a fan of Kate Moretti's since her first book, and was thrilled when I learned she was writing a novella to tell us Greg's story from Thought I Knew You. This novella is taut and engrossing, as is typical for Moretti's work, but it also gives us some background that allows us to see the story from the point of view of "the other woman". Karen is not a home-wrecking shrew, but rather a hard-working musician in need of love and support. Greg swoops in on the worst two days of her life and gives her her a taste of the affection she's been craving, but nothing is what it seems. I read the novella in one sitting. My only complaint is that I wished it were longer so I could swim in it for awhile more. Fans of TIKY should NOT miss this well-crafted work from a talented author!
August 28, 2015
This review was originally posted on Fifty Shades of Books
1 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC granted in exchange for an honest review ***
Karen Caughee has a world of problems on her hands: an alcoholic mother, a brother who doesn't care, a boyfriend who just broke up with her, and a failed violin audition as the above constantly preoccupies her. And the cherry on the icing: the car accident that happened during that same day, that leaves her with a broken arm and a broken leg.
With no family or friends looking after her, she is surprised to find that Greg Randolf a complete stranger that she met at a bar the night of her accident is there by her side, and intent on making things better for her. The more time they spend together, the more she craves Greg's attention. However, Greg is not originally from Toronto, and frequently travels for work ...
What I loved about this book:
Nothing stood out
What I felt needed improvement:
The very weak heroine
The ending, which lacks conclusion and morale
I was granted an ARC of While You Were Gone via Netgalley. This was my first book by Kate Moretti, and the companion novella to Thought I Knew You . There was no indication whatsoever that this couldn't be read as a standalone and I was okay with that. Frankly, if I hadn't known, I never would've guessed that While You Were Gone was a side-novella to some prequel.
While You Were Gone is definitely a quick read (90 minutes tops), so I read it in full, but during the entire read, I wasn't exactly captivated, and was frankly looking forward to finding out how the end played out. And well, turns out that I was extremely disappointed at the book as a whole, especially since the ending leaves the reader with a huge WTF feeling. It's not a cliffhanger, it's just a ton of loose ends that the author didn't bother tying together.
Anyway. Let's begin with the fact that the cover of this book is extremely misleading. It represents a confident girl in a flowy dress and dressy shoes. Well, Karen, the heroin in While You Were Gone is definitely none of that: she spends most her time in a cast, and the rest of her time, she's uncomfortable in her own skin and sometimes near depression stage. Actually, the whole cover is bloomy and summery and nice and ah.... good feelings! But this book has nothing of that: you'll get cheating, breakups, alcoholic mothers, accidents, careless family members and frustration. Wow. How's that for a novella - heavy, huh?
I didn't like Karen to begin with. Not because I have no compassion (because I admit that she goes through a lot in this book) but because I disliked that fact that she was so cliché and a total pushover. I just couldn't relate to someone who would settle for a jerk as a boyfriend just because it was the comfortable thing to do. I also couldn't relate to the fact that she had no friends whatsoever, or couldn't stand her ground where her mother and brother are concerned. Last but not least, I couldn't relate to someone who is hell bent on pursuing their career but doesn't actually have passion for what they do. Or actually, I can understand how that would happen to anyone, but in that case: muster up and go do something you like!
Anyway, the whole story was told from Karen's POV and it wasn't extremely joyful. It actually bordered on depression. But then she meets Greg, and suddenly all that gloominess goes away. However, through reading the story from Karen's POV, you notice that she's completely weak and delusional: she confides in a total stranger (however heroic that person might have been), just because at that point in time, he's the only person she has.
Yet even after months of hour-long talking (and sleeping) with him, she still doesn't know or doesn't bother asking him what he does for a living, where he lives, etc. Man, she doesn't even stalk him on Google. That's what every normal head-over-heels-in-love person would do! In the end, not even the reader knows what exactly Greg's job was. I had no details whatsoever on this main (!) character. How am I supposed to relate to the couple and to the relationship they build? But again, in the end, it's not a big deal, because of the crappy way the book ends - and that doesn't make you want to know Greg at all.
So... stuff went completely downhill in the ending and as I said, and a lot of ties were left with loose ends. I would have appreciated a bit more than that, because as it stands, I really don't know where the morale of the story is (because frankly, none of the characters get out unscathed, or "live to tell" a meaningful story with deep wisdom), and that a big no in my books.
It's weird, because I really want to find out more, but I wouldn't risk wasting my time on a book if it is bound to leave me as frustrated as this one...
Upcoming author? Need help with a book cover design?
I'm a freelance graphic designer happy to help you out in exchange for a reader's copy. Contact me!
1 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC granted in exchange for an honest review ***
Karen Caughee has a world of problems on her hands: an alcoholic mother, a brother who doesn't care, a boyfriend who just broke up with her, and a failed violin audition as the above constantly preoccupies her. And the cherry on the icing: the car accident that happened during that same day, that leaves her with a broken arm and a broken leg.
With no family or friends looking after her, she is surprised to find that Greg Randolf a complete stranger that she met at a bar the night of her accident is there by her side, and intent on making things better for her. The more time they spend together, the more she craves Greg's attention. However, Greg is not originally from Toronto, and frequently travels for work ...
What I loved about this book:
Nothing stood out
What I felt needed improvement:
The very weak heroine
The ending, which lacks conclusion and morale
I was granted an ARC of While You Were Gone via Netgalley. This was my first book by Kate Moretti, and the companion novella to Thought I Knew You . There was no indication whatsoever that this couldn't be read as a standalone and I was okay with that. Frankly, if I hadn't known, I never would've guessed that While You Were Gone was a side-novella to some prequel.
While You Were Gone is definitely a quick read (90 minutes tops), so I read it in full, but during the entire read, I wasn't exactly captivated, and was frankly looking forward to finding out how the end played out. And well, turns out that I was extremely disappointed at the book as a whole, especially since the ending leaves the reader with a huge WTF feeling. It's not a cliffhanger, it's just a ton of loose ends that the author didn't bother tying together.
Anyway. Let's begin with the fact that the cover of this book is extremely misleading. It represents a confident girl in a flowy dress and dressy shoes. Well, Karen, the heroin in While You Were Gone is definitely none of that: she spends most her time in a cast, and the rest of her time, she's uncomfortable in her own skin and sometimes near depression stage. Actually, the whole cover is bloomy and summery and nice and ah.... good feelings! But this book has nothing of that: you'll get cheating, breakups, alcoholic mothers, accidents, careless family members and frustration. Wow. How's that for a novella - heavy, huh?
I didn't like Karen to begin with. Not because I have no compassion (because I admit that she goes through a lot in this book) but because I disliked that fact that she was so cliché and a total pushover. I just couldn't relate to someone who would settle for a jerk as a boyfriend just because it was the comfortable thing to do. I also couldn't relate to the fact that she had no friends whatsoever, or couldn't stand her ground where her mother and brother are concerned. Last but not least, I couldn't relate to someone who is hell bent on pursuing their career but doesn't actually have passion for what they do. Or actually, I can understand how that would happen to anyone, but in that case: muster up and go do something you like!
Anyway, the whole story was told from Karen's POV and it wasn't extremely joyful. It actually bordered on depression. But then she meets Greg, and suddenly all that gloominess goes away. However, through reading the story from Karen's POV, you notice that she's completely weak and delusional: she confides in a total stranger (however heroic that person might have been), just because at that point in time, he's the only person she has.
"He looked at me, not with pity, like Scott and Amy always did, but with compassion. Understanding. He spoke my language."
Yet even after months of hour-long talking (and sleeping) with him, she still doesn't know or doesn't bother asking him what he does for a living, where he lives, etc. Man, she doesn't even stalk him on Google. That's what every normal head-over-heels-in-love person would do! In the end, not even the reader knows what exactly Greg's job was. I had no details whatsoever on this main (!) character. How am I supposed to relate to the couple and to the relationship they build? But again, in the end, it's not a big deal, because of the crappy way the book ends - and that doesn't make you want to know Greg at all.
So... stuff went completely downhill in the ending and as I said, and a lot of ties were left with loose ends. I would have appreciated a bit more than that, because as it stands, I really don't know where the morale of the story is (because frankly, none of the characters get out unscathed, or "live to tell" a meaningful story with deep wisdom), and that a big no in my books.
It's weird, because I really want to find out more, but I wouldn't risk wasting my time on a book if it is bound to leave me as frustrated as this one...
Upcoming author? Need help with a book cover design?
I'm a freelance graphic designer happy to help you out in exchange for a reader's copy. Contact me!
August 5, 2023
For those of you who liked "I thought I knew you" by Kate Moretti... I read the companion novella called "While you were gone". I don't want to say too much but it's fills in the gaps about Greg. I really enjoyed hearing the story from a different angle.
June 26, 2016
While You Were Gone by Kate Moretti is an engaging story that I enjoyed very much. It is about professional violinist Karen Caughee, and Greg Randolf, a trainer/lecturer that travels a lot for his company. While working in Toronto, Greg and Karen meet at a bar, where Karen is doing a nice job of drowning her sorrows. They leave together and Karen gets into a cab alone. A few moments later, there is an accident which puts her in the hospital. For the short-term, Karen's violin career with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is on hold, due to her broken arm, ankle, and other serious injuries. Greg actually saved Karen, by pulling her from the burning wreckage. As as result, they spend time together when Greg is in town and fall in love.
Ms. Moretti opens the story with a bang, and around the fourth chapter, I could not control the sadness and empathy I felt for Karen. Her disinterested mother and brother do not care enough to lend a helping hand, leaving her to fend for herself after being discharged from the hospital. How is she supposed to get groceries with a broken arm and ankle? Greg, a virtual stranger at the time, steps up to the plate and his constant kindness kept me smiling from ear to ear. Even when Karen discovers Greg's secret, I continued to like him. Ms. Moretti truly captures the emotion of Greg's deception, and the couple's final words to each other are quite impassioned.
All the characters are well-defined, realistic and compelling. Although the author wrapped up the story in the last chapter, the ending felt incomplete and abrupt. In a nutshell, this is an intriguing novella, with twists and turns that I felt deep into my soul.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Ms. Moretti opens the story with a bang, and around the fourth chapter, I could not control the sadness and empathy I felt for Karen. Her disinterested mother and brother do not care enough to lend a helping hand, leaving her to fend for herself after being discharged from the hospital. How is she supposed to get groceries with a broken arm and ankle? Greg, a virtual stranger at the time, steps up to the plate and his constant kindness kept me smiling from ear to ear. Even when Karen discovers Greg's secret, I continued to like him. Ms. Moretti truly captures the emotion of Greg's deception, and the couple's final words to each other are quite impassioned.
All the characters are well-defined, realistic and compelling. Although the author wrapped up the story in the last chapter, the ending felt incomplete and abrupt. In a nutshell, this is an intriguing novella, with twists and turns that I felt deep into my soul.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
August 17, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about Karen, a violinist with the TSO who has lost her passion for music, she is fed up with being the only one dealing with her alcoholic mother (her brother never helps) and although she has a boyfriend, their relationship is rocky. Her life changes dramatically the day she meets Greg as this is also the day she is involved in a car accident and ends up in hospital. Throughout the ensuing few months as her injuries heal we see how she deals with being unable to play her violin and we also see her relationship with Greg develop.
At the beginning of the novella the author states that this is a stand alone story but is connected to her previous novel, Thought I Knew You which also features the characters of Greg and Karen. While the story is well written and well described and the characters are believable I don't feel this novella can stand on it's own, completely unconnected to the previous novel. Having never read the novel mentioned I found the story a bit one-sided and slow. Given I have just read another novella of a similar length in 2 hours I expected this to be the same but it took twice as long. If you've read Thought I Knew You and want more background and depth to the story of Greg and Karen then I would recommend this, however as a stand alone story I feel it is slightly lacking.
This is a story about Karen, a violinist with the TSO who has lost her passion for music, she is fed up with being the only one dealing with her alcoholic mother (her brother never helps) and although she has a boyfriend, their relationship is rocky. Her life changes dramatically the day she meets Greg as this is also the day she is involved in a car accident and ends up in hospital. Throughout the ensuing few months as her injuries heal we see how she deals with being unable to play her violin and we also see her relationship with Greg develop.
At the beginning of the novella the author states that this is a stand alone story but is connected to her previous novel, Thought I Knew You which also features the characters of Greg and Karen. While the story is well written and well described and the characters are believable I don't feel this novella can stand on it's own, completely unconnected to the previous novel. Having never read the novel mentioned I found the story a bit one-sided and slow. Given I have just read another novella of a similar length in 2 hours I expected this to be the same but it took twice as long. If you've read Thought I Knew You and want more background and depth to the story of Greg and Karen then I would recommend this, however as a stand alone story I feel it is slightly lacking.
August 24, 2015
I was given an ARC of While You Were Gone from NetGalley for an honest review and this is this the review.
I had such mixed feelings for this book I don't know where to begin. I know it is a novella leading up to the main book and it was written to give more information on Karen and Greg's past but to me this book was written to make Greg look like a jerk and Karen a victim but I took it the other way. If you are going to pick a guy up at a bar, kiss him on the sidewalk drunk off your booty, then have bad things happen to you and fall for the guy that YOU picked up at the bar and never took the time to really get to know you deserve the pain he brings down on you when you learn there are secrets. I may sound jaded but Karen got what she asked for. I will not get into spoilers but is you are going to get dependent on a guy just cause he is there it may be to good to be true.
Overall, this book was okay, I thought Karen was a bit of a head case who was a very weak female character and I just felt zero potty for her. I can only give this novella three out of five stars.
I had such mixed feelings for this book I don't know where to begin. I know it is a novella leading up to the main book and it was written to give more information on Karen and Greg's past but to me this book was written to make Greg look like a jerk and Karen a victim but I took it the other way. If you are going to pick a guy up at a bar, kiss him on the sidewalk drunk off your booty, then have bad things happen to you and fall for the guy that YOU picked up at the bar and never took the time to really get to know you deserve the pain he brings down on you when you learn there are secrets. I may sound jaded but Karen got what she asked for. I will not get into spoilers but is you are going to get dependent on a guy just cause he is there it may be to good to be true.
Overall, this book was okay, I thought Karen was a bit of a head case who was a very weak female character and I just felt zero potty for her. I can only give this novella three out of five stars.
January 22, 2016
first time reading this author & i will FOR SURE read more from her!
i like the writing style, i like the story and i liked the characters.
i didn't like the ending which seemed somewhat rushed AND i noticed one thing...
this confrontation between Karen (the other woman) & Claire (the wife). the characters seem focused on each other & there is a really strong air of animosity between them... but none of them really think of Greg. it's more a "competition" kind of thing - Karen things Greg stayed only for his kids & didn't really took his love for his wife seriously. she judges the wife & comments on everything from an extremely negative perspective -- even lies to her; i found it to be interesting.
anyway, can't wait to read this story from Claire's point of view.
p.s. is poor Greg now all alone?!
August 28, 2015
I didn't read the first book about Claire and Greg, so I had no context or background for this story. Reading this, I knew he was married, but I thought maybe the married couple had moved on and these two characters could be together. I did not like this book. I did not like either main characters. The story goes from one month of Greg being gone for good, to her her barely meeting Cal, to then two years later jump in time and being with Cal. I thought there was a malfunction with my kindle and it had skipped pages. Nope. The story really did end that way. I did not like the ending because it was so abrupt. The story does not flow well at the end and seriously feels incomplete.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
August 26, 2015
Received from Netgalley for a honest review. While You Were Gone is a novella that shows the missing part of the book I Thought I Knew You. We get to learn about Karen and her take on what happen in Toronto with Greg. I feel for Karen and how her life was when she meet Greg. I diffently understand how Greg got catch up but still don't excuse him for what was done. You could read this novella alone but I highly recommend that you read Katie Moretti's first part to this story. This book gives away a few things at the end. Maybe we could hear from Greg's point of view?
June 2, 2016
what a fab read, was really hooked, couldn't put it down. the story line contains many twists and turns which seem to creep up on you. the characters were well written and worked really well with the story line. the author has written a fantastic story which will leave you wanting more
highly recommended
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August 26, 2015
I was asked to read this book and give an honest review by net galley. I tried to give this book a chance, but found it to be a very slow start. I was bored with it, and it did not keep my interest. I will not read any more books by this author.
September 25, 2016
The companion novella to "Thought I knew You"- Karen's version of her relationship with Greg-wish I had known about it when "Thought I knew You" was fresh in my mind!
September 13, 2021
I liked this sequel novella to Thought I Knew You, but wish I would have read it much closer to the first book. The perspective of what happened while Greg was away from Claire was very intriguing, but it would have been more powerful read while still the most familiar with the alternative story line.
January 28, 2021
was thrilled to see somewhat of a follow up to I thought I knew You.
Loved it, but definitely needs to be read second
Loved it, but definitely needs to be read second
September 9, 2015
Received via NetGalley and Red Adept Publishing in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
I originally didn't realize that While You Were Gone was a novella attached to another of Moretti's works called Thought I Knew You. I actually had no idea until I was probably half way through when I started realizing that half of Greg's story was MIA. I wasn't particularly surprised by the subject matter of the book, early on you get an idea of what's actually going on behind the scenes, but it was still a fantastic read.
While You Were Gone is an emotional roller coaster ride filled with more than pure romance. Its a story about self-discovery, life choices and reconstructing family ties. Karen is meant to be the every-woman, the late twenties-early thirties who can't seem to find her way, the one who begins to question their life choices.
Karen's life is about music. She immerses herself in her career at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and her boyfriend Scott until everything falls apart. Her boyfriend leaves her, she gets into a serious car accident and her beloved career is no longer set in stone. The night of the crash she meet Greg, a man who inspires Karen to be more than just a musician, and causes her to question what she really wants in her future. When Karen learns about Greg's secret everything falls apart, but in the ashes can she find the strength and courage to become the person she was meant to be?
I didn't really like Karen and her desire to steal everyone else's men. I don't feel this opinion is out of left field since she goes after a guy while they are both on first dates or that she goes after a man who is clearly holding himself back from her. If a guy is reluctant, don't chase him or force yourself on him! She consistently seems to have her hands in the "someone-else's-partner" cookie jar but fails to see how this makes her unlikable by other women (I mean, she only has one female friend!).
Otherwise, While You Were Gone was an amazing book with heart wrenching moments, strong characters and the sex scenes were PG. It's incredibly hard to find novels that have love scenes that end well before anything actually happens. I definitely loved the fact that more focus was put on the love story and Karen's relationship with her mother and brother rather than sex scenes. I loved that not every second page was filed with intense descriptions of what they did to each others' body, but instead was filled with text that helped develop the characters, their relationships and the plot.
I also loved that Moretti's writing is so masterful and strong emotionally that the main family oriented portions of the book were something I could understand. I don't understand family ties as thoroughly as most people and generally shy away from novels that are heavily family. I usually end up frustrated by the book or feeling like there's something wrong with me for not really understanding the relationships between the characters. I was shocked to find my lack of irritation with Karen's desire for family bonds and even found myself cheering her on.
I cannot wait to delve into more of Kate's work because While You were Gone was unique and extremely well written. I rarely come across a novel that feels so realistic, encompassing and realistic.
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy clean romance, family struggles, self-discovery and tales about coming a grips with life. I would definitely recommend reading on a Sunday afternoon with a glass of wine on the patio. A light hearted romance with a really explosive ending.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
I originally didn't realize that While You Were Gone was a novella attached to another of Moretti's works called Thought I Knew You. I actually had no idea until I was probably half way through when I started realizing that half of Greg's story was MIA. I wasn't particularly surprised by the subject matter of the book, early on you get an idea of what's actually going on behind the scenes, but it was still a fantastic read.
While You Were Gone is an emotional roller coaster ride filled with more than pure romance. Its a story about self-discovery, life choices and reconstructing family ties. Karen is meant to be the every-woman, the late twenties-early thirties who can't seem to find her way, the one who begins to question their life choices.
Karen's life is about music. She immerses herself in her career at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and her boyfriend Scott until everything falls apart. Her boyfriend leaves her, she gets into a serious car accident and her beloved career is no longer set in stone. The night of the crash she meet Greg, a man who inspires Karen to be more than just a musician, and causes her to question what she really wants in her future. When Karen learns about Greg's secret everything falls apart, but in the ashes can she find the strength and courage to become the person she was meant to be?
I didn't really like Karen and her desire to steal everyone else's men. I don't feel this opinion is out of left field since she goes after a guy while they are both on first dates or that she goes after a man who is clearly holding himself back from her. If a guy is reluctant, don't chase him or force yourself on him! She consistently seems to have her hands in the "someone-else's-partner" cookie jar but fails to see how this makes her unlikable by other women (I mean, she only has one female friend!).
Otherwise, While You Were Gone was an amazing book with heart wrenching moments, strong characters and the sex scenes were PG. It's incredibly hard to find novels that have love scenes that end well before anything actually happens. I definitely loved the fact that more focus was put on the love story and Karen's relationship with her mother and brother rather than sex scenes. I loved that not every second page was filed with intense descriptions of what they did to each others' body, but instead was filled with text that helped develop the characters, their relationships and the plot.
I also loved that Moretti's writing is so masterful and strong emotionally that the main family oriented portions of the book were something I could understand. I don't understand family ties as thoroughly as most people and generally shy away from novels that are heavily family. I usually end up frustrated by the book or feeling like there's something wrong with me for not really understanding the relationships between the characters. I was shocked to find my lack of irritation with Karen's desire for family bonds and even found myself cheering her on.
I cannot wait to delve into more of Kate's work because While You were Gone was unique and extremely well written. I rarely come across a novel that feels so realistic, encompassing and realistic.
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy clean romance, family struggles, self-discovery and tales about coming a grips with life. I would definitely recommend reading on a Sunday afternoon with a glass of wine on the patio. A light hearted romance with a really explosive ending.
October 7, 2015
This is a stand-alone novella based on Thought I Knew You. This was my first read from this author, and I expect more books are coming from this author.
Even though this is a story about a young lady in her twenties she has suffered a lot by the people in her life, even by the ones who are suppose to love her and protect her at a young age. Sometimes a child has to take on more responsibility than they should have to because a parent or parents are neglectful, addicted to drugs or an alcoholic, or just can not live up to the responsibilities.
Karen has had to pick up the pieces so many times for her mother because her mom has a drinking problem, and her father since he left the marriage a long time ago. Her brother Pete has turned a blind eye because he has his own family and is always busy. Karen has been there for her family and friends, but when she gets in a car accident without any fault of her own there is no one there for her except for Greg.
Greg seems like he is a great guy in the beginning and would make a good husband for Karen, but he is living a secret life that is revealed towards the end of the book. Life takes a drastic turn for Karen and Greg that I did not see coming, but there were signs something was not right, but I enjoyed the story, could feel the emotions of these characters, and can see another book coming to continue at least Karen's story.
There were parts in the story where I was hooked into the events, but then the author jumped to another story that caused me to have to re-read some parts to make sure I was not missing something.
I could relate to the story even at my age (in my forties) because of a similar upbringing, having to deal with crisis on my own, and having to deal with the consequences of choices made. Karen too had to find a way to move on, and make a better life for herself.
Received complimentary from Sage Blog Tours for a honest review.
Even though this is a story about a young lady in her twenties she has suffered a lot by the people in her life, even by the ones who are suppose to love her and protect her at a young age. Sometimes a child has to take on more responsibility than they should have to because a parent or parents are neglectful, addicted to drugs or an alcoholic, or just can not live up to the responsibilities.
Karen has had to pick up the pieces so many times for her mother because her mom has a drinking problem, and her father since he left the marriage a long time ago. Her brother Pete has turned a blind eye because he has his own family and is always busy. Karen has been there for her family and friends, but when she gets in a car accident without any fault of her own there is no one there for her except for Greg.
Greg seems like he is a great guy in the beginning and would make a good husband for Karen, but he is living a secret life that is revealed towards the end of the book. Life takes a drastic turn for Karen and Greg that I did not see coming, but there were signs something was not right, but I enjoyed the story, could feel the emotions of these characters, and can see another book coming to continue at least Karen's story.
There were parts in the story where I was hooked into the events, but then the author jumped to another story that caused me to have to re-read some parts to make sure I was not missing something.
I could relate to the story even at my age (in my forties) because of a similar upbringing, having to deal with crisis on my own, and having to deal with the consequences of choices made. Karen too had to find a way to move on, and make a better life for herself.
Received complimentary from Sage Blog Tours for a honest review.
September 1, 2015
Have you ever finished a book and wondered what the rest of the story was? What happen to a character? In 2012 I read Thought I Knew You by Kate Moretti and was left with these questions about Greg. While You Were Gone answers these questions. Yet it does not tell the rest of the story as far as continuing where the first book ended. This book tells the rest of the story. It tells about the character, Greg, who was missing for a lot of the story. What was he up to? Where was he?
This is Greg and Karen’s story. Greg’s life. Karen’s life. While on a trip to Canada Greg saves a woman, Karen, from a fiery cab. Of course, their relationship goes from there. Things happen, things change, and the story develops. I cannot give away too much or you won’t have a reason to read the book.
I loved getting a peek into Greg’s world. It is not the same story as Thought I Knew You. Everything, except Greg, is different in this story. There are different characters, a different location, and a different ending with a similar twist. While I still don’t agree with what he did or even the reason why he does it, I had more compassion for Karen. She truly loves Greg. She trusts him, even when he gives her reason to doubt him.
Unlike many series books, this one is a standalone story. Whichever book you read first you will know the twist. Kate Moretti did an excellent job pulling the story together.
This is Greg and Karen’s story. Greg’s life. Karen’s life. While on a trip to Canada Greg saves a woman, Karen, from a fiery cab. Of course, their relationship goes from there. Things happen, things change, and the story develops. I cannot give away too much or you won’t have a reason to read the book.
I loved getting a peek into Greg’s world. It is not the same story as Thought I Knew You. Everything, except Greg, is different in this story. There are different characters, a different location, and a different ending with a similar twist. While I still don’t agree with what he did or even the reason why he does it, I had more compassion for Karen. She truly loves Greg. She trusts him, even when he gives her reason to doubt him.
Unlike many series books, this one is a standalone story. Whichever book you read first you will know the twist. Kate Moretti did an excellent job pulling the story together.
September 12, 2015
The real end!
I loved Thought I Knew You, as I have loved every book written by Katie Moretti, and was surprised to find its sequel. Having not felt left up in the air like other readers apparently were, I was not entirely sure a final conclusion was necessary. I was wrong! Wanting to reveal nothing about Thought I Knew You, I will say that this novella can stand on its own. It is more meaningful, however, knowing the details of the relationship between Karen, a concert violinist, and Greg, her soul mate.
I love Karen because I see many of the best parts of me in her. She is the hard worker, the responsible one, the unmarried daughter who her married-with-children brother assumes has no life. When Paula, her alcoholic mother, needs help, Karen always comes to the rescue until one day she grows a backbone and refuses.
Her chance meeting with Greg, as the result of a car accident, opens Karen's eyes. There is far more to life, she discovers, than playing the violin and bailing her mother out of trouble. For the first time, she finds love. She is over-the-moon happy until she is not.
I recommend this novella to everyone who enjoys a well-written love story, but to get the most from it, read Thought I Knew You first. Discover how well Kate Moretti develops the characters so artfully.
I loved Thought I Knew You, as I have loved every book written by Katie Moretti, and was surprised to find its sequel. Having not felt left up in the air like other readers apparently were, I was not entirely sure a final conclusion was necessary. I was wrong! Wanting to reveal nothing about Thought I Knew You, I will say that this novella can stand on its own. It is more meaningful, however, knowing the details of the relationship between Karen, a concert violinist, and Greg, her soul mate.
I love Karen because I see many of the best parts of me in her. She is the hard worker, the responsible one, the unmarried daughter who her married-with-children brother assumes has no life. When Paula, her alcoholic mother, needs help, Karen always comes to the rescue until one day she grows a backbone and refuses.
Her chance meeting with Greg, as the result of a car accident, opens Karen's eyes. There is far more to life, she discovers, than playing the violin and bailing her mother out of trouble. For the first time, she finds love. She is over-the-moon happy until she is not.
I recommend this novella to everyone who enjoys a well-written love story, but to get the most from it, read Thought I Knew You first. Discover how well Kate Moretti develops the characters so artfully.
September 20, 2015
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. While this was a companion novel to Thought I Knew You I felt like it was a standalone book. Karen is in a place in her life where everything seems bleak. Dealing with her alcoholic mother in the middle of the night leads to her being less than stellar for her audition for the position at the orchestra she has been waiting her whole career. The day isn't over yet until her boyfriend decides he doesn't want her anymore and is seeing someone else. Drowning her sorrows and meeting a man she clicks with was not the plan, getting in an accident wasn't either but he stays by her side. She becomes giddy and attached to his energy and how they are together. One night brought them together but one night can bring it all tumbling down. Karen will have to decide which road to go. A short and quick read that made me wanting more from this author.
October 27, 2015
Thank you to Net Galley & Red Adept Publishing for an ARC of this book. An enjoyable quick read. It re tells the story of Thought I Knew You from Karen's perspective.
Karen is single & plays the violin in an orchestra- she has just broken up with her boyfriend & meets Greg that same evening in a bar. He lies to Karen from the offset.
They have been having a relationship for a year when Karen discovers he is married. Greg tells her he will not leave his wife Claire. He leaves Karen's apartment & is involved in an accident & is in a coma for over a year.
Karen is unaware of this & is startled when Claire presents at her door 2 years later. Karen is has moved on with her life & can't get rid of Claire quickly enough as she is expecting her mother. There is of course a little twist at the end of the story.
I was glad I had read I Thought I Knew you before reading this book.
Karen is single & plays the violin in an orchestra- she has just broken up with her boyfriend & meets Greg that same evening in a bar. He lies to Karen from the offset.
They have been having a relationship for a year when Karen discovers he is married. Greg tells her he will not leave his wife Claire. He leaves Karen's apartment & is involved in an accident & is in a coma for over a year.
Karen is unaware of this & is startled when Claire presents at her door 2 years later. Karen is has moved on with her life & can't get rid of Claire quickly enough as she is expecting her mother. There is of course a little twist at the end of the story.
I was glad I had read I Thought I Knew you before reading this book.
October 25, 2015
While You Were Gone is billed as a companion novella to Moretti's NYT bestseller, While You Were Out and has a brief note at the beginning that explains the connection. The extremely short version of that is one of the characters in the first novel disappears and this story adds some perspective to what happened. I read the note and immediately forgot it. It's been a few years since I read the first book and I didn't go back and refresh my memory until I was done reading. It turns out that you don't need to remember the first to enjoy the second.
As for the story itself, it's a good one. It explores themes of family, love, and loss. It also delves into how we often start down a path in life, not always through a conscious decision, and can become committed to that path for no good reason. There's a lesson in there for some of us.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
As for the story itself, it's a good one. It explores themes of family, love, and loss. It also delves into how we often start down a path in life, not always through a conscious decision, and can become committed to that path for no good reason. There's a lesson in there for some of us.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
August 27, 2015
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While You Were Gone is a breathtakingly stunning account of a young woman's struggle with the pressures of a broken family, a failing career, and a new relationship.
Karen has let her love of music distract her from the turmoil of her home life for her whole life. Now she's passed over for a position she was 'made for' and an accident leaves her unable to even play for months.
A new relationship helps rebuild, but will it do more bad than good?
The elegant writing, heartfelt connections, and vibrant emotions make this book one that I will remember for quite some time.
While I suggest reading Thought I Knew You, as I will be doing, it is in no way required to understand this novela.
While You Were Gone is a breathtakingly stunning account of a young woman's struggle with the pressures of a broken family, a failing career, and a new relationship.
Karen has let her love of music distract her from the turmoil of her home life for her whole life. Now she's passed over for a position she was 'made for' and an accident leaves her unable to even play for months.
A new relationship helps rebuild, but will it do more bad than good?
The elegant writing, heartfelt connections, and vibrant emotions make this book one that I will remember for quite some time.
While I suggest reading Thought I Knew You, as I will be doing, it is in no way required to understand this novela.
March 9, 2016
Surprising sequel
This novella is a companion to the book I Thought I Knew You. This story is told from the point of view of Karen Caughee, a young violinist living in Toronto. She is living a very lonely, troubled life when she meets Greg. Their attraction to each other is immediate, and Karen is unprepared when Greg's secrets and lies are revealed. In the novel which precedes this book, Greg is a missing person, a husband and father who lives in
New Jersey. It was fascinating to learn about Greg's life leading up to his disappearance. Karen is such an interesting character, and it was intriguing to see Greg in this persona, after only hearing his wife's recollections of him in the book. A great twist at the end is always a great way to end a story!
This novella is a companion to the book I Thought I Knew You. This story is told from the point of view of Karen Caughee, a young violinist living in Toronto. She is living a very lonely, troubled life when she meets Greg. Their attraction to each other is immediate, and Karen is unprepared when Greg's secrets and lies are revealed. In the novel which precedes this book, Greg is a missing person, a husband and father who lives in
New Jersey. It was fascinating to learn about Greg's life leading up to his disappearance. Karen is such an interesting character, and it was intriguing to see Greg in this persona, after only hearing his wife's recollections of him in the book. A great twist at the end is always a great way to end a story!
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