Never the Same

by Bess Richards

The differences between all-American midwest farm kid, Briggs Sullivan, and silver-spooned city slicker, Lucy Cartwright, are undeniable, but when they meet in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, the attraction between them is instantaneous. As they delve into a long-distance romance, Lucy’s haunted past underscored by a depressed, absent mother and a workaholic father with a huge secret, seems, for the first time, alleviated. But, just nine months after their first meeting, September 11, 2001 comes along, derailing in every way Briggs and Lucy’s plan for happily ever after. Laugh, cry, and fall in love with these characters as they tell a powerful story about love and family amidst the all too real, yet unimaginable circumstances of terrorism, war, illness, and separation. By novel’s end, you’ll see the mess within the picture perfect, high-values Sullivan family, and the love you weren’t sure existed among the dysfunctional, despondent Cartwrights.

362 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2014

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. A story about a woman with cancer and her struggle to have her baby or take treatments, all while waiting for her husband to return home from the war. A beginning author who I believe will go far with many more novels.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing love story. You will immediately fall in love with Briggs and Lucy, their families and their quest for happiness despite all that life throws at them. This novel takes you through the ups and downs of relationships, living through utterly devastating loss and the freedom that comes from learning a secret that almost wasn't revealed. Richards does a wonderful job of allowing each character the chance to describe their own thoughts and feelings with their own words. I really loved reading how the individual characters reacted to each situation, and how the small pieces perfectly dove-tailed together to form a lifetime of memories and regrets. The only reason it didn't receive 5 stars was I felt it was a little hard to believe all the things Lucy had to go through in one lifetime. While we don't get to plan out exactly how our lives will go - it seemed extremely unlikely one person would have to face all the tragedy, heartbreak and devastation that Lucy did. Although she faced considerable odds most of her life, the beauty of the story was her unlikely optimism and faith throughout. A must read!

[Dimple Malhotra · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no word that can describe how wonderful this story is, how simple yet beautifully written. I could go on and on about the feels this book gave me. Some books just leave a mark on you and this was definitely one of those.



You can find my complete review on my blog-
enthrallingdimple

Meanwhile, I will get a hold of my emotions that this book has set loose.

[Gina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional well written book. Lucy and Briggs meet on New Years Eve. A chance meeting leads to a powerful long distance romance. They end up marrying young and face one challenge after another. Lucy's parents have died but Brigg's family treats her like one of their own. Even though this book is sad it is well worth your time to read it.
* I received a free copy of this book from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all! This book is beautiful reading it made me truly feel apart of the story. I felt her joy, her pain, her sorrow, and her happiness. Bess Richard wrote a wonder novel and I can't wait to read more of hers in the future. You will never be the same after reading this book.

[Laura Hermosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recived a free copy fROM STORYCARTEL in exchange for my review. I like the STORY and found it fresh and lovely.The characters are easy to love; you feel their happiness and joy.