What do you think?
Rate this book
This Is Love
Rachel Miller had love, life and happiness…until she didn’t.
Uncertain of how to cope and move on without him, Rachel’s life comes to halt as she mourns the loss of her fiancé Ben. Then one night she discovers it doesn’t have to.
By way of dreams, Rachel and Ben continue to live the life they planned together. It's unconventional, not even real, but it's enough for Rachel. For the first time since Ben’s death, she’s happy…whole. That is until she runs into someone she barely knew from years ago and suddenly real life is just as great as her dream one.
Now Rachel doesn’t know what to do. Will letting someone new in threaten what she has with Ben? Or will their love story threaten her new happiness? Is it crazy to chase after a ghost while being caught up by someone very real?
Uncertain of how to cope and move on without him, Rachel’s life comes to halt as she mourns the loss of her fiancé Ben. Then one night she discovers it doesn’t have to.
By way of dreams, Rachel and Ben continue to live the life they planned together. It's unconventional, not even real, but it's enough for Rachel. For the first time since Ben’s death, she’s happy…whole. That is until she runs into someone she barely knew from years ago and suddenly real life is just as great as her dream one.
Now Rachel doesn’t know what to do. Will letting someone new in threaten what she has with Ben? Or will their love story threaten her new happiness? Is it crazy to chase after a ghost while being caught up by someone very real?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
29 people are currently reading
1652 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Nolan
8 books162 followersAuthor of the novel This Is Love and currently working on adding much more to that list!
Follow me on my Facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorcarolinenolan
Twitter - @carolinewrites1
Instagram - mrscarolinenolan
Stalk me! I like it!
Follow me on my Facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorcarolinenolan
Twitter - @carolinewrites1
Instagram - mrscarolinenolan
Stalk me! I like it!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 10, 2020
4.5 stars
This is Love is a unique and unconventional love story. It’s a story about loss, friendship, hope, and most of all- love. Rachel is a woman who has suffered a tragic loss. Losing the love of your life is one of the hardest losses anyone can imagine, I’m sure. After losing her fiancé, Ben, Rachel doesn’t know how to go on. She feels helpless and hopeless. Grief consumes her. But then, Rachel finds a way to start moving forward. She doesn’t know if it’s healthy or not, but it’s the only way she can seem to cope.
Everything is slowly starting to go back to normal for Rachel. She’s working again, trying to go out with friends again, but at night- she’s with her Ben. Her dreams make her life worth while and that’s what she’s holding on to. That is, until she meets Jackson, or I should say sees him again. Jackson was Mr. Popular in high school. He was also 2 years older than Rachel and didn’t know she existed. But she knew him. Everyone did. Jax has moved back to town after being gone for a long time. When he meets Rachel, they click. They become friends first, and it’s exactly what Rachel needs, but their friendship starts to turn into more. And it’s scary for her.
I loved watching Jackson and Rachel’s relationship progress. Their journey, struggles and the love between them felt so real. And towards the end when Jackson - I seriously had all the feels and my tears were pouring. It was such a beautiful moment. I love emotional reads so much and this one made me feel in all the best ways.
It's such an amazing feeling, to read a new to me author and fall in love with their story. It’s happened to me a few times this year, and it never gets old. I fell in love with this story. It was a moving and powerful novel and it was beautifully written. I loved all the characters involved and felt that the author took a story that could have been messy and crafted it into a gripping and stunning romance.Ican’t wait to read more from this author in the future!
This is Love is a unique and unconventional love story. It’s a story about loss, friendship, hope, and most of all- love. Rachel is a woman who has suffered a tragic loss. Losing the love of your life is one of the hardest losses anyone can imagine, I’m sure. After losing her fiancé, Ben, Rachel doesn’t know how to go on. She feels helpless and hopeless. Grief consumes her. But then, Rachel finds a way to start moving forward. She doesn’t know if it’s healthy or not, but it’s the only way she can seem to cope.
I knew then I could still live my life with Ben. I knew it wasn’t conventional or even real for that matter, but for me, it was enough.
Everything is slowly starting to go back to normal for Rachel. She’s working again, trying to go out with friends again, but at night- she’s with her Ben. Her dreams make her life worth while and that’s what she’s holding on to. That is, until she meets Jackson, or I should say sees him again. Jackson was Mr. Popular in high school. He was also 2 years older than Rachel and didn’t know she existed. But she knew him. Everyone did. Jax has moved back to town after being gone for a long time. When he meets Rachel, they click. They become friends first, and it’s exactly what Rachel needs, but their friendship starts to turn into more. And it’s scary for her.
“I’m scared I don’t have enough left to give you,” I confess. He presses his lips to my forehead. This time it feels much more intimate than it did after our date.
“Don’t be,” he whispers against my skin. “I just felt you give me everything.”
I loved watching Jackson and Rachel’s relationship progress. Their journey, struggles and the love between them felt so real. And towards the end when Jackson - I seriously had all the feels and my tears were pouring. It was such a beautiful moment. I love emotional reads so much and this one made me feel in all the best ways.
It's such an amazing feeling, to read a new to me author and fall in love with their story. It’s happened to me a few times this year, and it never gets old. I fell in love with this story. It was a moving and powerful novel and it was beautifully written. I loved all the characters involved and felt that the author took a story that could have been messy and crafted it into a gripping and stunning romance.Ican’t wait to read more from this author in the future!
“You made my life worth it.”
February 8, 2016
God! GOD! What has Caroline Nolan done?
Rachel Miller had everything she could ever wish for. But Life, stupid Life had other plans. In a matter of a few seconds she lost her fiance, her love and her happiness. As a result, she is left as a mere shell of her former self. She misses Ben and everyday her heart weighs heavier with the grief. She tries and she tries to come to terms with the reality of her situation. Suddenly, one day, she doesn't have to. Rachel discovers that she can live the life she wanted to with Ben through her dreams. She feels whole again no matter how messed up the situation is.
Life decides to poke her nose again. Rachel now faces an attraction to Jackson Perry that is so intense that she finds it hard to breathe around him. These new feeling make her feel helpless but oh so wonderful. Rachel needs to decide if she wants to keep living in her dreams or can she ever let another guy have her heart.
Okay first of all, I was neither mentally not emotionally prepared for this. I thought, 'Oh this is going to be cute' and then I was sucker punched with all these feels. The story was so real, so honest and so raw. It hit me in the heart in places I didn't even know I had. This Is Love is a story I will carry with me FOREVER.
Second of all, I am in love with Caroline. I want to hug her and kiss her without it being inappropriate but good Lord her. Her writing was beyond amazing. And I am so ecstatic that she decided to become a writer. ~Sonal
Rachel Miller had everything she could ever wish for. But Life, stupid Life had other plans. In a matter of a few seconds she lost her fiance, her love and her happiness. As a result, she is left as a mere shell of her former self. She misses Ben and everyday her heart weighs heavier with the grief. She tries and she tries to come to terms with the reality of her situation. Suddenly, one day, she doesn't have to. Rachel discovers that she can live the life she wanted to with Ben through her dreams. She feels whole again no matter how messed up the situation is.
Life decides to poke her nose again. Rachel now faces an attraction to Jackson Perry that is so intense that she finds it hard to breathe around him. These new feeling make her feel helpless but oh so wonderful. Rachel needs to decide if she wants to keep living in her dreams or can she ever let another guy have her heart.
Okay first of all, I was neither mentally not emotionally prepared for this. I thought, 'Oh this is going to be cute' and then I was sucker punched with all these feels. The story was so real, so honest and so raw. It hit me in the heart in places I didn't even know I had. This Is Love is a story I will carry with me FOREVER.
Second of all, I am in love with Caroline. I want to hug her and kiss her without it being inappropriate but good Lord her. Her writing was beyond amazing. And I am so ecstatic that she decided to become a writer. ~Sonal
October 18, 2016
FIVE FALL IN LOVE STARS.
"I'm having an affair. But it's who I'm cheating on I can't figure out."
This book crept up on me, it slowly drew me in and then took over my feelings all at once. This is the kind of book that I instantly wish everyone could experience the same kind of journey. I loved how I felt reading this book; shaken up but kindly handled all at the same time. I have a huge amount of author admiration for Caroline Nolan, a word genius who has not only provided a book worthy to escape into but in my opinion gave something of herself when she released this novel.
What's it all about?
For me this book is about celebrating love that has been lost and a hope for this characters future. The heroine, Rachel has experienced the difficulty of discovering that she might need to a second chance at finding love and this novel is her journey from start to finish. Discover a love story that will make you whole and an author that will blow you away.
What did I love?
Mostly I fell in love with the heroines journey, most romance readers love to find a new hero to adore, but for my tastes I'm always hoping that the female lead will win me over. I want to understand the characters that I'm reading about and Caroline Nolan seemingly, effortlessly offers up a story that is both relatable and heartwarming. This book provides the right amount of heart break, slow burn, a tinge of angst and soft, and I loved every single part of the journey. There was not a single ounce of bitterness displayed in the book, instead what the author provided was a gorgeous tale of hope and love. For me the plot was realistic and wonderfully played out, the timeline of events had great flow and my expectations were blown apart.
Final thoughts ...
Caroline Nolan is a newly discovered author by myself and I have zero regrets at my time spent with her work. Heart warming and poignant is how I would sum my thoughts towards this novel. A book that I know won't leave me anytime soon. To anyone who has loved and lost and found the strength to love again I'm sure this book was designed with you in mind. And for those of you who are lucky enough to hold onto loved ones, here's a story to find yourself lost within. Enjoy ... kisses.
"I'm having an affair. But it's who I'm cheating on I can't figure out."
This book crept up on me, it slowly drew me in and then took over my feelings all at once. This is the kind of book that I instantly wish everyone could experience the same kind of journey. I loved how I felt reading this book; shaken up but kindly handled all at the same time. I have a huge amount of author admiration for Caroline Nolan, a word genius who has not only provided a book worthy to escape into but in my opinion gave something of herself when she released this novel.
What's it all about?
For me this book is about celebrating love that has been lost and a hope for this characters future. The heroine, Rachel has experienced the difficulty of discovering that she might need to a second chance at finding love and this novel is her journey from start to finish. Discover a love story that will make you whole and an author that will blow you away.
What did I love?
Mostly I fell in love with the heroines journey, most romance readers love to find a new hero to adore, but for my tastes I'm always hoping that the female lead will win me over. I want to understand the characters that I'm reading about and Caroline Nolan seemingly, effortlessly offers up a story that is both relatable and heartwarming. This book provides the right amount of heart break, slow burn, a tinge of angst and soft, and I loved every single part of the journey. There was not a single ounce of bitterness displayed in the book, instead what the author provided was a gorgeous tale of hope and love. For me the plot was realistic and wonderfully played out, the timeline of events had great flow and my expectations were blown apart.
Final thoughts ...
Caroline Nolan is a newly discovered author by myself and I have zero regrets at my time spent with her work. Heart warming and poignant is how I would sum my thoughts towards this novel. A book that I know won't leave me anytime soon. To anyone who has loved and lost and found the strength to love again I'm sure this book was designed with you in mind. And for those of you who are lucky enough to hold onto loved ones, here's a story to find yourself lost within. Enjoy ... kisses.
April 29, 2016
Title: This is Love
Series: Standalone
Author: Caroline Nolan
Release date: November 3, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
This is Love was such a powerful and moving story. It's a story about one woman's tragic loss of her beloved fiancé and how she struggled to cope in the aftermath. What follows is a pointed and thoughtful look at the healing process that someone struggling with grief must go through. Despair, guilt, anger, numbness, and fear are only a few of the stages and expressions of her loss.
My world had forever changed in a matter of a minute. Sixty seconds. How many people can say that? Be prepared for that?
So far, you're probably thinking that this sounds pretty depressing, aren't you? Well, you'd be wrong. That was the beauty of this book, and one of the reasons why I was so impressed with this new author's talent. Even though the subject matter was very weighty, it wasn't excruciating to read. The heaviness was cut with really engaging and witty characters that I didn't want to stop reading about. I can't tell you how many times Rachel or her friends made me smile or even outright laugh. I wasn't expecting it to have that added layer to the story and it made a world of difference.
After a long year of merely surviving and going through the motions rather than living, Rachel has found sweet relief from her unhappy reality. She's visited by her beloved Ben in her dreams. In brief but comforting flashes, she grasps on to him with everything she has. Those fading feelings of happiness she once had flare to life again with her walk through her memories with the man she loved.
Until everything comes to a screeching halt again when a new man enters her life.
Jackson was that guy in high school everyone wanted, a couple of years ahead of Rachel, but she was well aware of his presence. When she sees him on her first night out with friends, she's strangely shaken and unsettled. A fragile friendship forms and Jackson slowly coaxes her out of the safe bubble she's been existing in. Suddenly she's smiling in the present, finding joy in new moments. And slowly he starts to stir emotions that she has no desire to have and no ability to stop.
I want Jax too much. My feelings for him have grown so strong that losing him would devastate me.. I should have stopped this months ago, but I didn't. I couldn't. I was powerless against him then, even more so now.
One of my concerns was that her love that she held and cherished for Ben would detract the attention away from her present with Jax. Thankfully, that wasn't the case at all. I came to love both men, and I could honestly feel how she could be so torn and unable to take the steps to move firmly into the unknown with this wonderful man waiting quietly for her.
I loved seeing watching Jax and Rachel's attraction slowly and tenderly unfurl. He was so patient and respectful even while the sexual tension was heavily patent. I swear, these two had my heart pounding so many times, just waiting for him to break through her delicate emotional barriers. It was so, so good.
"If you want this even a fraction of how much I want it, tell me." His hands come up, spreading across the sides of my face, the tips of his fingers now lost in my hair. "Are you telling me, Rachel?" he whispers, almost pleading with me to say yes.
This is Love is more than just a story about another broken woman who finds love again. It's a depiction of the emotional battle that someone dealing with loss goes through. The choices that must be made in order to let go without a burdened spirit into the future. Caroline Nolan has presented a book that I not only devoured, but would gladly re-read many times. It was such a beautiful and poignant story, and one I won't soon forget.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
March 5, 2016
Caroline Nolan crafted an amazing story. It is so beautiful and easy to read and enjoy. I love the author’s writing style. The story brings a lot of different emotions. This book hooked me because of the characters and the journey they go through. Not only the main character, but the secondary characters, as well.
Rachel was happy and very much in love until tragedy left her heartbroken and devastated. Two years later, Rachel is still lost in her memories and struggles to put her life back together. Finding love again is something she never thought possible. That is, until she runs into Jackson who flips her entire world on its axis. Rachel tries to heal after the loss of her fiancé Ben while learning to love again when finding Jax.
I was immediately drawn to the characters of this book. I've enjoyed the intensity and the connection the characters have made with one another. I absolutely loved the writing, how it was filled with heart and ease at the same time. I, also, loved watching Jax and Rachel’s relationship develop and the way Jax helps her open up her heart to the possibilities of love, and all that come with it. I have to confess, it was Jax who stole my heart. With his big heart and his remarkable ability to listen and hear and his loyalty and concern and just plain greatness, he stole every scene he was in.
This book was heartfelt and moving. The romance was subtle and sweet. There are some books that you wish you could read all over for the first time again and this is one of them. I recommend it to anyone who's looking for a Five Star book.
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Rachel was happy and very much in love until tragedy left her heartbroken and devastated. Two years later, Rachel is still lost in her memories and struggles to put her life back together. Finding love again is something she never thought possible. That is, until she runs into Jackson who flips her entire world on its axis. Rachel tries to heal after the loss of her fiancé Ben while learning to love again when finding Jax.
I was immediately drawn to the characters of this book. I've enjoyed the intensity and the connection the characters have made with one another. I absolutely loved the writing, how it was filled with heart and ease at the same time. I, also, loved watching Jax and Rachel’s relationship develop and the way Jax helps her open up her heart to the possibilities of love, and all that come with it. I have to confess, it was Jax who stole my heart. With his big heart and his remarkable ability to listen and hear and his loyalty and concern and just plain greatness, he stole every scene he was in.
This book was heartfelt and moving. The romance was subtle and sweet. There are some books that you wish you could read all over for the first time again and this is one of them. I recommend it to anyone who's looking for a Five Star book.
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 23, 2016
3.5 strong debut stars.
An enjoyable enough read. Nothing earth-shattering. Definitely not 5 stars for me. I didn't find it that emotional at all.
Beautiful cover on the book. For a debut author, it was quite good. I didn't really connect with any of the main characters.
Sorry I cannot be more enthusiastic but it just did not overwhelm me.
An enjoyable enough read. Nothing earth-shattering. Definitely not 5 stars for me. I didn't find it that emotional at all.
Beautiful cover on the book. For a debut author, it was quite good. I didn't really connect with any of the main characters.
Sorry I cannot be more enthusiastic but it just did not overwhelm me.
July 16, 2016
I love reading a great book by a new-to-me author. It’s an extra special treat when the book is the author’s first. This Is Love is an enthralling love story that is so skillfully executed it’s difficult to believe it is Caroline Nolan’s debut novel.
I’ve read my fair share of death and dying books lately, and while most of them are uplifting, many have a pervasive depressing quality. This book is unique in that it’s not a blubbering mess of a tear-jerker. It doesn’t indulge in despair, yet it’s still a poignant story about living fully and loving after loss.
The story involves an unconventional love triangle between Rachel, Ben—her fiancé who passed away—and Jax—the new man in her life who makes her laugh for the first time in over a year. Both men are beyond perfect, and Rachel struggles with her ability to fall in love with Jax without diluting or betraying her love for Ben.
This Is Love is a moving and simply delightful story with an incredibly satisfying ending. I’m looking forward to reading more of Caroline Nolan’s work.
Recommended for fans of:
True love
Second chance romance
Brownies
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
I’ve read my fair share of death and dying books lately, and while most of them are uplifting, many have a pervasive depressing quality. This book is unique in that it’s not a blubbering mess of a tear-jerker. It doesn’t indulge in despair, yet it’s still a poignant story about living fully and loving after loss.
The story involves an unconventional love triangle between Rachel, Ben—her fiancé who passed away—and Jax—the new man in her life who makes her laugh for the first time in over a year. Both men are beyond perfect, and Rachel struggles with her ability to fall in love with Jax without diluting or betraying her love for Ben.
“Letting someone in doesn’t mean you’re letting another go. It just means your heart is growing. Making more room.”I confess I was apprehensive about Rachel having a relationship with the ghost of her husband through dreams. I’m not a big fan of paranormal romance, and it turns out this isn’t one. The dream sequences between Rachel and Ben could easily have been weird or just plain silly. Instead, it’s through the dreams that the reader gets to appreciate their history and the strength of their love. At the same time, the romance between Rachel and Jax builds at an easy, gratifying pace. I had a great deal of affection for all the characters, especially Rachel’s faithful and brash best friend, Tess.
This Is Love is a moving and simply delightful story with an incredibly satisfying ending. I’m looking forward to reading more of Caroline Nolan’s work.
Recommended for fans of:
True love
Second chance romance
Brownies
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Read
May 5, 2016Unfortunately this was a DNF for me at 30%.
It's definitely a case of just me. I think I've read too many books lately where there's been a death of a loved one. I'm just getting over one sad story and I'm moving onto another.
Maybe, I started this book at the wrong time. I've gone months without reading books with death in it and in the last few weeks I've read four.
Lots of positive feedback from other readers, so don't use my review alone to decide whether to read it or not.
It's definitely a case of just me. I think I've read too many books lately where there's been a death of a loved one. I'm just getting over one sad story and I'm moving onto another.
Maybe, I started this book at the wrong time. I've gone months without reading books with death in it and in the last few weeks I've read four.
Lots of positive feedback from other readers, so don't use my review alone to decide whether to read it or not.
August 21, 2016
4.5 Superb stars
“This was not a mistake. I know what this is! You know what this is! This is love, Rachel. We are falling in love.”
WOW! What a debut! Caroline Nolan is an author we’ll be keeping an eye on because if this is her debut novel, we can only surmise the amazing stories we have to look forward to from her in the future!
In This Is Love, Caroline Nolan brought to life a story that not only hit us emotionally but was delivered so beautifully and with such striking imagery, we became a part of the story. There was a wonderful sense of realness, honesty and sincerity to Caroline Nolan’s prose that ensured every touch, every word and every nuance of her characters were achingly experienced as we found ourselves completely connected to this story as it unfolded.
“I know we can do this. I know it because I know we’re worth it. You know it too.”
This Is Love centres around Rachel Miller, who we meet a year following the sudden and unexpected death of her fiancée, Ben. Rachel felt Ben’s loss terribly and has struggled to come to grips with life without Ben. Rachel was so caught up in planning her future with this man, the last thing she expected was to be facing life without him. In the blink of an eye, Rachel’s hopes, dreams and plans crumbled when she lost the love of her life.
“Your relationship with Ben. It didn’t end by choice. It didn’t end because you fell out of love. It was taken. Unfairly, unjustly. It’s not how your story with Ben was supposed to end. You didn’t lose the love. You lost the man.”
Rachel knows she needs to pull herself out of the blackness of grief that has enveloped her and agrees to a night out with her friend Tess, who is an absolute hoot by the way. This girl has no filter and isn’t afraid to speak her mind with hilarious and cringe worthy results. It is whilst on this night out Rachel familiarises herself with Jackson Perry who has recently moved back into town after working in Switzerland for a few years as an Investment banker. Jax…oh dear god he stole our hearts! He was so…normal. A great sense of humour, successful, kind, sweet, romantic yet with a fierce determination in his pursuit of Rachel. Our hearts swooned over Jax! His smile and attraction to Rachel is like a defibrillator to her heart as Rachel feels the first stirrings of attraction that excites her.
His eyes darken slightly. “This isn’t romance,” he says, correcting me. “This is a restaurant with good food and wine. Romance is what happens in the between. Moments I haven’t had a chance to show you yet.”
But for Rachel, her attraction to Jax also brings carries a lot of guilt. As thrilled she is to be experiencing these feelings, she’s also mortified that during the time she spends with Jax, Ben is away from her thoughts causing her to endure conflict and unease over her feelings.
‘How can I let go of someone I’ve been trying so hard to keep? How can I keep him if it could cost me everything I’ve just found? How am I supposed to leave one behind?’
We were there every step of the way as with Jax and Rachel. Their affection for one another never felt rushed and it was a welcome relief to have them communicating the way they did. Jax especially wears his heart of his sleeve and was never hesitant in verbalising and showing exactly what was in his heart and head.
“You took me by surprise, I wasn’t expecting you or even looking for you.”
It is through Rachel’s dreams we become acquainted with Ben and witness the effect he had on her life. The sheer happiness and joy they had shared when he was alive and how extremely difficult it is for Rachel to let him go and allow herself to open her heart for a second chance at love are explored through these dreams. We loved getting to know Ben and really felt for Rachel in her dilemma but Jax had burrowed his way into our hearts and we were hoping he would eventually be what Rachel needed to move forward….but would Rachel be able to let go of her past?
Although this is a story of a woman living through her grief, in no way did we find this story overly heavy, sad or depressing. Sure, it was full of emotion but we also found it to be quite uplifting in some ways as we became excited with Rachel over the possibility of new love yet understood her hesitancy due to her feelings for Ben. This book was romance and second chance love, it was passionate, sensual, at times witty and so beautifully brought to life. Our only gripe was that we would have loved more ‘afters‘ but that could be because we loved these characters and weren’t quite ready to close the pages on their love story.
“Do you know my greatest fear? My greatest fear is that someone else was meant to be the love of your life. It’s also my greatest hope.”
Purchase Amazon US
Purchase Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
March 13, 2016
I am a wreck right now, y'all. Just a puffy eyed, twitchy, ooey gooey ball of emotions. This. Boooook! Why have you not read this book yet?! Seriously. Stop reading this review and go read this book, and then come back and thank me later.
Listen, I know the blurb sounds sad. It was scary for me, too. I like my stories fluffy and happy, and tend to shy away from depressing ugly cries. So, a story about a woman (Rachel) who loses her fiancé only to reconnect with him in her dreams—ensuring she doesn't have to let him go, even if it's not real life—was a scary leap for me to take. It was the idea of how she'd reconnect with someone in her awake life, someone who may help her heal and move on, that pushed me to pick up the book. I love stories about hope, and that's what struck me with this one.
So, I went into the book pretty sure that I knew how this was going to play out.
And then it didn’t play out at all the way I thought it would.
Seriously.
It was SO MUCH better.
It was light, and tender, and humorous. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming and hopeful. It struck this perfect balance between respecting that Rachel was grieving, but allowing her to heal and live. I loved Rachel. LOVED her. She was so real to me. I loved how she struggled with her emotions and loyalties, but managed to stay reasonable and mature. I loved how brave she was. I adored her friendship with Tess (and my GOD, can we talk about what a scene-stealer Tess was?! LOVE.) And I cheered as hard as anybody for her as she pulled herself out of the darkness and let herself come alive again.
And Jax? Are there even words for Jax? Has there ever been a more perfect hero? I can’t tell you how many times he made my breath catch. He’s perfectly written—strong, and sexy, patient and kind. He had just the right amount of sense of humor balancing out his intensity. He was fun, gentle, honest and amazing. I lost my heart to that man right along with Rachel.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. Sure, it reduced me to a sobby mess a couple times, but it was so beautiful—and completely worth it. Despite the crying, I would not call this a sad book, at all. Caroline Nolan wrote this with such an exquisite, gentle touch; it left me so happy, my heart completely overflowing and a giant smile on my face. If you're looking for a breathtaking, stunning story about loss, healing, hope and the capacity of the heart to love limitlessly—THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED! READ IT! ~ Shelly, 5 stars
Listen, I know the blurb sounds sad. It was scary for me, too. I like my stories fluffy and happy, and tend to shy away from depressing ugly cries. So, a story about a woman (Rachel) who loses her fiancé only to reconnect with him in her dreams—ensuring she doesn't have to let him go, even if it's not real life—was a scary leap for me to take. It was the idea of how she'd reconnect with someone in her awake life, someone who may help her heal and move on, that pushed me to pick up the book. I love stories about hope, and that's what struck me with this one.
So, I went into the book pretty sure that I knew how this was going to play out.
And then it didn’t play out at all the way I thought it would.
Seriously.
It was SO MUCH better.
It was light, and tender, and humorous. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming and hopeful. It struck this perfect balance between respecting that Rachel was grieving, but allowing her to heal and live. I loved Rachel. LOVED her. She was so real to me. I loved how she struggled with her emotions and loyalties, but managed to stay reasonable and mature. I loved how brave she was. I adored her friendship with Tess (and my GOD, can we talk about what a scene-stealer Tess was?! LOVE.) And I cheered as hard as anybody for her as she pulled herself out of the darkness and let herself come alive again.
And Jax? Are there even words for Jax? Has there ever been a more perfect hero? I can’t tell you how many times he made my breath catch. He’s perfectly written—strong, and sexy, patient and kind. He had just the right amount of sense of humor balancing out his intensity. He was fun, gentle, honest and amazing. I lost my heart to that man right along with Rachel.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. Sure, it reduced me to a sobby mess a couple times, but it was so beautiful—and completely worth it. Despite the crying, I would not call this a sad book, at all. Caroline Nolan wrote this with such an exquisite, gentle touch; it left me so happy, my heart completely overflowing and a giant smile on my face. If you're looking for a breathtaking, stunning story about loss, healing, hope and the capacity of the heart to love limitlessly—THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED! READ IT! ~ Shelly, 5 stars
May 22, 2016
What am amazing debut from Caroline Nolan! All the things I love in a great book...well written story, characters to fall in love with, and omg the feels!!! A new author to follow! Full review to come!
August 22, 2018
3,5
Estava na vibe de ler sobre o assunto..é bem construída a história mas não me arrancou fortes emoções não.
Estava na vibe de ler sobre o assunto..é bem construída a história mas não me arrancou fortes emoções não.
July 4, 2019
WOW! What an amazing debut novel by Caroline Nolan.
Its books like these that make me love reading and what I look to find in each and every book I read.
This is a book about love after loss and it was executed perfectly. I admit when I read the synopsis I was worried that I wouldn't like the parts of the book where Ben showed up in our heroine's - Rachel dreams but I breathed easy because it was done so well. Delivered in a way to give the reader an insight into how Ben and Rachel met what their relationship was like before he was so unfairly taken from this world and why she was having such a hard time moving on. It didn't dominate the book, rather these scenes were very cleverly interspersed throughout and the final time Ben appears the message he delivers is just powerful and gives Rachel the closure that she has been searching for ever since he passed away.
This was most definitely a slow burn relationship between Rachel and Jackson and where normally I would be getting a bit antsy it wasn't the case here. I savoured every exchange, glance, text and touch until they finally shared their first kiss.
This was truly a wonderful and heartfelt book. I loved the authors writing style and I loved reading every word.
Its books like these that make me love reading and what I look to find in each and every book I read.
This is a book about love after loss and it was executed perfectly. I admit when I read the synopsis I was worried that I wouldn't like the parts of the book where Ben showed up in our heroine's - Rachel dreams but I breathed easy because it was done so well. Delivered in a way to give the reader an insight into how Ben and Rachel met what their relationship was like before he was so unfairly taken from this world and why she was having such a hard time moving on. It didn't dominate the book, rather these scenes were very cleverly interspersed throughout and the final time Ben appears the message he delivers is just powerful and gives Rachel the closure that she has been searching for ever since he passed away.
This was most definitely a slow burn relationship between Rachel and Jackson and where normally I would be getting a bit antsy it wasn't the case here. I savoured every exchange, glance, text and touch until they finally shared their first kiss.
This was truly a wonderful and heartfelt book. I loved the authors writing style and I loved reading every word.
August 23, 2016
4.5 Superb stars
“This was not a mistake. I know what this is! You know what this is! This is love, Rachel. We are falling in love.”
WOW! What a debut! Caroline Nolan is an author we’ll be keeping an eye on because if this is her debut novel, we can only surmise the amazing stories we have to look forward to from her in the future!
In This Is Love, Caroline Nolan brought to life a story that not only hit us emotionally but was delivered so beautifully and with such striking imagery, we became a part of the story. There was a wonderful sense of realness, honesty and sincerity to Caroline Nolan’s prose that ensured every touch, every word and every nuance of her characters were achingly experienced as we found ourselves completely connected to this story as it unfolded.
“I know we can do this. I know it because I know we’re worth it. You know it too.”
This Is Love centres around Rachel Miller, who we meet a year following the sudden and unexpected death of her fiancée, Ben. Rachel felt Ben’s loss terribly and has struggled to come to grips with life without Ben. Rachel was so caught up in planning her future with this man, the last thing she expected was to be facing life without him. In the blink of an eye, Rachel’s hopes, dreams and plans crumbled when she lost the love of her life.
“Your relationship with Ben. It didn’t end by choice. It didn’t end because you fell out of love. It was taken. Unfairly, unjustly. It’s not how your story with Ben was supposed to end. You didn’t lose the love. You lost the man.”
Rachel knows she needs to pull herself out of the blackness of grief that has enveloped her and agrees to a night out with her friend Tess, who is an absolute hoot by the way. This girl has no filter and isn’t afraid to speak her mind with hilarious and cringe worthy results. It is whilst on this night out Rachel familiarises herself with Jackson Perry who has recently moved back into town after working in Switzerland for a few years as an Investment banker. Jax…oh dear god he stole our hearts! He was so…normal. A great sense of humour, successful, kind, sweet, romantic yet with a fierce determination in his pursuit of Rachel. Our hearts swooned over Jax! His smile and attraction to Rachel is like a defibrillator to her heart as Rachel feels the first stirrings of attraction that excites her.
His eyes darken slightly. “This isn’t romance,” he says, correcting me. “This is a restaurant with good food and wine. Romance is what happens in the between. Moments I haven’t had a chance to show you yet.”
But for Rachel, her attraction to Jax also brings carries a lot of guilt. As thrilled she is to be experiencing these feelings, she’s also mortified that during the time she spends with Jax, Ben is away from her thoughts causing her to endure conflict and unease over her feelings.
‘How can I let go of someone I’ve been trying so hard to keep? How can I keep him if it could cost me everything I’ve just found? How am I supposed to leave one behind?’
We were there every step of the way as with Jax and Rachel. Their affection for one another never felt rushed and it was a welcome relief to have them communicating the way they did. Jax especially wears his heart of his sleeve and was never hesitant in verbalising and showing exactly what was in his heart and head.
“You took me by surprise, I wasn’t expecting you or even looking for you.”
It is through Rachel’s dreams we become acquainted with Ben and witness the effect he had on her life. The sheer happiness and joy they had shared when he was alive and how extremely difficult it is for Rachel to let him go and allow herself to open her heart for a second chance at love are explored through these dreams. We loved getting to know Ben and really felt for Rachel in her dilemma but Jax had burrowed his way into our hearts and we were hoping he would eventually be what Rachel needed to move forward….but would Rachel be able to let go of her past?
Although this is a story of a woman living through her grief, in no way did we find this story overly heavy, sad or depressing. Sure, it was full of emotion but we also found it to be quite uplifting in some ways as we became excited with Rachel over the possibility of new love yet understood her hesitancy due to her feelings for Ben. This book was romance and second chance love, it was passionate, sensual, at times witty and so beautifully brought to life. Our only gripe was that we would have loved more ‘afters‘ but that could be because we loved these characters and weren’t quite ready to close the pages on their love story.
“Do you know my greatest fear? My greatest fear is that someone else was meant to be the love of your life. It’s also my greatest hope.”
Purchase Amazon US
Purchase Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
March 28, 2016
What a powerful book! "This is Love" is an unusual take on how a grieving woman tries to move forward in life, and by doing such, she finds love. It is beautifully written - all the characters are necessary, lively, and relatable, and the feelings you feel are remarkable. It's really not a tear jerker, but a healing type of story. Love it!
April 7, 2016
I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK! I absolutely love the characters. ALL OF THEM! Tess was a great secondary character. I loved her no BS attitude. Jax was so swoon worthy. Rachel was written perfectly! Even Ben...as much as I didn't want to love and connect to him i did.This whole story line was incredible. I loved how it was done and you can completely relate to what happens even if you've never been there. The chemistry and tension between the characters was insane. My stomach had so many butterflies and knots. The banter was fantastic. I laughed frequently. There was also heart break and at one point the author completely destroyed me! I was full out ugly crying bc I just got it and it was hard to imagine going through that. I cannot wait for more from this author!
I feel like I am not doing this book justice. so please just go give it a try for yourself.
I feel like I am not doing this book justice. so please just go give it a try for yourself.
February 2, 2016
4.5 stars!! I really loved this story! For me, it started off a bit slow, but definitely picked up speed in the second half. I was also extremely distracted with real life when I started it, so that probably had something to do with it. The book is very well-written, and has TONS OF FEELS!! I fell super in love with Jax, and I was pulling for him the entire time. I also loved the supporting characters, and would definitely read their books, if the author chose to write them! THIS IS LOVE is a very emotional journey, with a lot of realistic grief and healing. I definitely recommend this one, and suggest you grab a box of tissues for this beautiful story!
December 23, 2016
Seldom do you come across a good book and this was definitely a very good read. One of my favourite reads of 2016.
It was an emotional story about possibilities of love, about the miraculous power of love. Love that heals, love that makes you strong when you feel you are broken, lost.
It was an emotional story about possibilities of love, about the miraculous power of love. Love that heals, love that makes you strong when you feel you are broken, lost.
November 17, 2018
Another win for me in the romance genre...yay...sometimes I feel like I'm losing all my interest in this genre, but books like this one are helping to restore it.
The blurb only tells you about the fiancé who Rachel loses, it only hints at the new man she meets...and he (Jax) is at the center of this story and Jax is one who had a hand in making this story so memorable for me. This story at its core is about grieving and learning to move on from that grief. With characters who not only feel real but are also relatable, and a sorrowful but ultimately uplifting storyline to go with them, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
๏ Breakdown of Ratings ๏
Plot⇝ 5/5
Main Characters⇝ 5/5
Secondary Characters⇝ 5/5
The Feels⇝ 5/5
Pacing⇝ 5/5
Addictiveness⇝ 4.5/5
Theme or Tone⇝ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇝ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)⇝ 5/5
Originality⇝ 5/5
Ending⇝ 5/5 Cliffhanger⇝ Nope.
๏ ๏ ๏
Book Cover⇝ It's kind of gray, but it goes with the story well.
Setting⇝ Maybe, Chicago...it doesn't really specify.
Source⇝ I own Kindle eBook
๏ ๏ ๏
The blurb only tells you about the fiancé who Rachel loses, it only hints at the new man she meets...and he (Jax) is at the center of this story and Jax is one who had a hand in making this story so memorable for me. This story at its core is about grieving and learning to move on from that grief. With characters who not only feel real but are also relatable, and a sorrowful but ultimately uplifting storyline to go with them, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
๏ ๏ ๏ MY RATING ๏ ๏ ๏
☆5☆STARS - GRADE=A+
๏ Breakdown of Ratings ๏
Plot⇝ 5/5
Main Characters⇝ 5/5
Secondary Characters⇝ 5/5
The Feels⇝ 5/5
Pacing⇝ 5/5
Addictiveness⇝ 4.5/5
Theme or Tone⇝ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇝ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)⇝ 5/5
Originality⇝ 5/5
Ending⇝ 5/5 Cliffhanger⇝ Nope.
๏ ๏ ๏
Book Cover⇝ It's kind of gray, but it goes with the story well.
Setting⇝ Maybe, Chicago...it doesn't really specify.
Source⇝ I own Kindle eBook
๏ ๏ ๏
March 8, 2016
'I'm having an affair. But it's who I'm cheating on I can't figure out'
When I read a book that I am really enjoying I often put myself into the story and think about how I would react or feel if what I was reading was actually happening to me. I did just reading reading This Is Love.
Rachel is at such a wonderful place in her life, about to be married to Ben, the man of her dreams, owning her own business, a great circle of friends, a beautiful home and needless to say a very happy life. Until it all comes a grinding halt when Ben is taken from her, tragically.
It has been nearly two years since he died. It is fair to say that Rachel is simply going through the motions now, she still does the same things she did before but she is weighed down in sorrow. Her life was not meant to turn out this way. Ben was her forever. They had plans to marry and raise a family in the home they had bought.
Rachel reluctantly agrees to step back into the social world with her best friend Tess and this is when she meets Jackson Perry. He is a few years older than her, recently returned from working overseas and he is incredibly handsome. There is definitely an attraction there but Rachel brushes it off as simply that.
There are more encounters with Jackson to come that leave Rachel feeling happy, confused and guilty as she struggles with what she is beginning to feel for Jackson and the depth of the love she has for Ben. The dreams she keeps having are not helping, the closer she gets to Jackson, the more she feels Ben slipping further away and it is ripping her apart. She knows she has to make a choice and either one is going to be heartbreaking.
'But my greatest fear is that if I move forward, I'll lose what links me to my past. That I'll lose Ben all over again.'
I loved how real this story felt. Caroline did a wonderful job at making me feel everything that Rachel was going through, the hope and happiness she felt, all her pain and confusion and the overwhelming guilt she struggled with. I was completely pulled into this story and shed tears for her. I cannot believe this is a debut novel from this author and I can't wait to read more from her!
"I'm scared I don't have enough left to give you," I confess.
"Don't be," he whispers against my skin. "I just felt you give me everything."
When I read a book that I am really enjoying I often put myself into the story and think about how I would react or feel if what I was reading was actually happening to me. I did just reading reading This Is Love.
Rachel is at such a wonderful place in her life, about to be married to Ben, the man of her dreams, owning her own business, a great circle of friends, a beautiful home and needless to say a very happy life. Until it all comes a grinding halt when Ben is taken from her, tragically.
It has been nearly two years since he died. It is fair to say that Rachel is simply going through the motions now, she still does the same things she did before but she is weighed down in sorrow. Her life was not meant to turn out this way. Ben was her forever. They had plans to marry and raise a family in the home they had bought.
Rachel reluctantly agrees to step back into the social world with her best friend Tess and this is when she meets Jackson Perry. He is a few years older than her, recently returned from working overseas and he is incredibly handsome. There is definitely an attraction there but Rachel brushes it off as simply that.
There are more encounters with Jackson to come that leave Rachel feeling happy, confused and guilty as she struggles with what she is beginning to feel for Jackson and the depth of the love she has for Ben. The dreams she keeps having are not helping, the closer she gets to Jackson, the more she feels Ben slipping further away and it is ripping her apart. She knows she has to make a choice and either one is going to be heartbreaking.
'But my greatest fear is that if I move forward, I'll lose what links me to my past. That I'll lose Ben all over again.'
I loved how real this story felt. Caroline did a wonderful job at making me feel everything that Rachel was going through, the hope and happiness she felt, all her pain and confusion and the overwhelming guilt she struggled with. I was completely pulled into this story and shed tears for her. I cannot believe this is a debut novel from this author and I can't wait to read more from her!
"I'm scared I don't have enough left to give you," I confess.
"Don't be," he whispers against my skin. "I just felt you give me everything."
February 22, 2016
Just a few teasers ;)
April 14, 2018
The guy with a last name as his first, Jackson Perry aka Jax stole my heart although I didn't get to read his thoughts until the epilogue. What a guy, he was totally swoonworthy, patience, cool, calm and confident. Nothing wrong with the heroine, Rachel but Jax really stole the spotlight. My heart went boom,boom, boom whenever they had their outings/dates, I could really feel their romance building up, how comfortable they were with each other and the love towards Brownies that Rachel had and Jax acknowledged. Fantastic story, worth rereads.
October 8, 2016
Grief is such an overwhelming feeling that it's even hard to describe. It tears you apart and it feels like you're unable to pick up the pieces. I love how the author captured that for me and the acceptance that it was time to fully live again. Getting over grief is one of the hardest things imaginable but it just shows the depth of human feelings. The capacity to love even when we are at our darkest and the full acceptance that love always overcomes the darkness.
I loved the book and I really needed the feelings it evoked in me, sometimes we all just need a good ugly cry.
4 stars.
I loved the book and I really needed the feelings it evoked in me, sometimes we all just need a good ugly cry.
4 stars.
March 23, 2016
Beautiful and realistic. Every word was moving. I read it slowly because I didn't want it to end.
September 25, 2016
I love impressive reads by rookie authors.
This is the story of Rachel, who, after losing fiance Ben in a tragic accident, learns to love again. What I liked about this book is that it doesn't dwell on the loss of Ben so much that we lose sight of who Rachel is. Sure, we feel her pain throughout the novel, but I have read other novels like this one that are nothing but crushing, weighty depression, leaving me feel so annoyed, I'm not sure I want the hero/heroine to find happiness. This one is delicately balanced. I felt Rachel's pain, but there was enough of her left that I wanted her happiness as well.
I also liked that their relationship built slowly. They started out as friends, giving them time to properly fall for one another. The problem I had was their conversations were rather superficial, talking about their days and about work, nothing really substantial. I understand that if Rachel had opened up, it would have come crashing down sooner, but Jax could have revealed some stuff. Backgrounds, family, college stories... something.
Jax was perfect, but a bit too perfect. I like my heroes with a little more edge to them. Don't get me wrong. He was what Rachel needed, but not what I like in a hero.
I am not a fan of the "soulmates" idea. I truly believe there is more than one person for everyone. I like that the book explored this idea.
This is the story of Rachel, who, after losing fiance Ben in a tragic accident, learns to love again. What I liked about this book is that it doesn't dwell on the loss of Ben so much that we lose sight of who Rachel is. Sure, we feel her pain throughout the novel, but I have read other novels like this one that are nothing but crushing, weighty depression, leaving me feel so annoyed, I'm not sure I want the hero/heroine to find happiness. This one is delicately balanced. I felt Rachel's pain, but there was enough of her left that I wanted her happiness as well.
I also liked that their relationship built slowly. They started out as friends, giving them time to properly fall for one another. The problem I had was their conversations were rather superficial, talking about their days and about work, nothing really substantial. I understand that if Rachel had opened up, it would have come crashing down sooner, but Jax could have revealed some stuff. Backgrounds, family, college stories... something.
Jax was perfect, but a bit too perfect. I like my heroes with a little more edge to them. Don't get me wrong. He was what Rachel needed, but not what I like in a hero.
I am not a fan of the "soulmates" idea. I truly believe there is more than one person for everyone. I like that the book explored this idea.
December 20, 2016
I have so many happy memories to share about this story but that would mean sharing spoilers and I want others to read this book and experience the same memories I did. What I will share it that Caroline wrote an exceptional debut novel proving to me as a reader that Rachel will find success as a writer. Caroline impressed me with the way she kept Ben's character alive through dreams without adding too much pain to the loss. I also appreciated the limited amount of time Rachel spent grieving.
The story unfolds through dreams of Ben. Ben was remembered and shared as a character through Rachel's dreams. Rachel spent months coping by living a regimented life of routine. Rachel fought to hold onto a love she shared with Ben afraid to let it go. Rachel thought she had to stop loving Ben in order to replace the guilt of loving another. Rachel struggled to find balance between loving two men.
This Is Love was about finding happiness after suffering loss. Rachel's character showed strength during a time of pain. Rachel's character transformed from a grieving widow into a hopeful and loving character.
Jackson was a heartwarming character that you wanted to embrace. Jax had a subtle way of creating a friendship with Rachel without needing explanations or pushing for more. Jax gave Rachel the control and power to choose the pace of their relationship. Rachel was given a second chance at love with a man who was not supposed to be her future.
"Keeping Ben’s memory somewhere safe and protected in your heart but leaving enough room for something more to come." When Caroline offers her character advice like this quote it made the connection for me.
“Your relationship with Ben. It didn’t end by choice. It didn’t end because you fell out of love." Either Caroline spoke from personal experience or she was good at understanding these emotions. This quote spoke volumes indicating how Rachel was unwilling to let go of the past for fear of losing Ben's memories and unwillingness to have new memories.
"We were so busy planning the beginning of our life together that we weren’t prepared for the ending of it.” This story was filled with great quotes. When I read this quote I thought to myself Rachel was going through the motions in life filling her days with happy moments with Jax only to embrace the nights with memories of Ben. It was not until the day and night blended together and overlapped did the realities cross paths.
Rachel searched for closure while discovering new possibilities in her life.
The best compliment Ben could ask for from Rachel was taking the love she shared with Ben and giving it to another. This story had all the components I look for in an emotional heartfelt story. I highly recommend it.
The story unfolds through dreams of Ben. Ben was remembered and shared as a character through Rachel's dreams. Rachel spent months coping by living a regimented life of routine. Rachel fought to hold onto a love she shared with Ben afraid to let it go. Rachel thought she had to stop loving Ben in order to replace the guilt of loving another. Rachel struggled to find balance between loving two men.
This Is Love was about finding happiness after suffering loss. Rachel's character showed strength during a time of pain. Rachel's character transformed from a grieving widow into a hopeful and loving character.
Jackson was a heartwarming character that you wanted to embrace. Jax had a subtle way of creating a friendship with Rachel without needing explanations or pushing for more. Jax gave Rachel the control and power to choose the pace of their relationship. Rachel was given a second chance at love with a man who was not supposed to be her future.
"Keeping Ben’s memory somewhere safe and protected in your heart but leaving enough room for something more to come." When Caroline offers her character advice like this quote it made the connection for me.
“Your relationship with Ben. It didn’t end by choice. It didn’t end because you fell out of love." Either Caroline spoke from personal experience or she was good at understanding these emotions. This quote spoke volumes indicating how Rachel was unwilling to let go of the past for fear of losing Ben's memories and unwillingness to have new memories.
"We were so busy planning the beginning of our life together that we weren’t prepared for the ending of it.” This story was filled with great quotes. When I read this quote I thought to myself Rachel was going through the motions in life filling her days with happy moments with Jax only to embrace the nights with memories of Ben. It was not until the day and night blended together and overlapped did the realities cross paths.
Rachel searched for closure while discovering new possibilities in her life.
The best compliment Ben could ask for from Rachel was taking the love she shared with Ben and giving it to another. This story had all the components I look for in an emotional heartfelt story. I highly recommend it.
December 27, 2016
Finding that one true love in life is always unique. Some of us find it….some never do. For Rachel - each moment with Ben has led her to their future. Both have jobs they love, and have even bought their first home together. Rachel is relishing in planning the wedding of her dreams to the man that is her everything. Nothing could have prepared her for the realization that one moment was about to shatter her entire future. A tragedy of unimaginable proportions that would alter each day after that momentous night.
Going through the motions of day to day life ceased for Rachel. Grief surrounding her heart and making each memory a stabbing reminder of all that was lost. Inch by inch, Rachel is trying to get back to her ‘normal’ life. What she looks forward to the most is the nights. That is the time that she is reunited with Ben….even if only in her dreams. It is a piece of Ben that Rachel can hold on to when she needs Ben to be near. Rachel keeps this little secret from those that man the most in her life. Knowing none of them would understand the way she is expressing her grief.
As fate would have it, a blast from the past is introduced into Rachel’s life. The most popular guy from high school - Jackson - moves back to town. Once the two meet, an instant attraction begins. As the two begin to discover a newfound friendship, Rachel finds herself troubled at how easy it is to share so much with Jackson. With the memories of her past crowding into her present, Rachel is struck by a fear of losing everything that made her life with Ben so special. Will Rachel’s fears of ‘cheating on her past’ cause her to lose out on the best romance of her life?
What an unconventional love story!! This Is Love revolves around love, loss, and picking up the pieces after a tragic twist of events. No one can know just how hard it is to lose someone the way Rachel lost Ben. As we all know - grief has many stages and forms. For Rachel - it rears its head ever time she turns around. Making it hard for her to move on. Each action feeling like a betrayal to the love she once had for Ben.
I love discovering ‘new to me’ authors, and Caroline Nolan just captured my attention. This Is Love was a beautifully written story with so much heart and power written between the lines. It is a journey that readers will think about long after turning that last page, but will cherish each and every chapter during Rachel’s journey. Make sure to check this debut novel out!! It is definitely worth it!
Going through the motions of day to day life ceased for Rachel. Grief surrounding her heart and making each memory a stabbing reminder of all that was lost. Inch by inch, Rachel is trying to get back to her ‘normal’ life. What she looks forward to the most is the nights. That is the time that she is reunited with Ben….even if only in her dreams. It is a piece of Ben that Rachel can hold on to when she needs Ben to be near. Rachel keeps this little secret from those that man the most in her life. Knowing none of them would understand the way she is expressing her grief.
As fate would have it, a blast from the past is introduced into Rachel’s life. The most popular guy from high school - Jackson - moves back to town. Once the two meet, an instant attraction begins. As the two begin to discover a newfound friendship, Rachel finds herself troubled at how easy it is to share so much with Jackson. With the memories of her past crowding into her present, Rachel is struck by a fear of losing everything that made her life with Ben so special. Will Rachel’s fears of ‘cheating on her past’ cause her to lose out on the best romance of her life?
What an unconventional love story!! This Is Love revolves around love, loss, and picking up the pieces after a tragic twist of events. No one can know just how hard it is to lose someone the way Rachel lost Ben. As we all know - grief has many stages and forms. For Rachel - it rears its head ever time she turns around. Making it hard for her to move on. Each action feeling like a betrayal to the love she once had for Ben.
I love discovering ‘new to me’ authors, and Caroline Nolan just captured my attention. This Is Love was a beautifully written story with so much heart and power written between the lines. It is a journey that readers will think about long after turning that last page, but will cherish each and every chapter during Rachel’s journey. Make sure to check this debut novel out!! It is definitely worth it!
March 9, 2017
I would have given it a 5* rating but Rachel was just a tad annoying. Great book and I do recommend it for those who loves romances.
January 16, 2016
This is Love
Caroline Nolan
4 stars
This one is a box of tissue friends so prepare yourself. What a great read from a new to me author.
Rachel Miller had everything including the love of her life. Ben was her light and the perfect man for her … and then he was gone; taken from her unexpectedly. Rachel doesn’t know how to go forward with her life alone so she doesn’t. Ben comes to her in her dreams and in her thoughts. For some it may not seem real and sound crazy but for Rachel its perfect .. well as perfect as can be and its enough for her to find peace. If this is how she is to spend her life then so be it.
Jackson Perry – His lips, his voice … Jax. His stare sends shivers up her spine. How can this be? How can she have Ben filling her dreams and Jax filling her desires? She hasn’t been with a man for two years …. Quilt ridden Rachel knows she has to let Jax go. He deserves more than she can give but what does Jax want and what does Rachel’s heart really want.
This book is a really good read. It’s a story of love and loss and finding your happiness again in the present instead of the past. I like a little more action and intensity in a read but all in all this is a keeper. Great love story. Click this one up.
Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Caroline Nolan
4 stars
This one is a box of tissue friends so prepare yourself. What a great read from a new to me author.
Rachel Miller had everything including the love of her life. Ben was her light and the perfect man for her … and then he was gone; taken from her unexpectedly. Rachel doesn’t know how to go forward with her life alone so she doesn’t. Ben comes to her in her dreams and in her thoughts. For some it may not seem real and sound crazy but for Rachel its perfect .. well as perfect as can be and its enough for her to find peace. If this is how she is to spend her life then so be it.
Jackson Perry – His lips, his voice … Jax. His stare sends shivers up her spine. How can this be? How can she have Ben filling her dreams and Jax filling her desires? She hasn’t been with a man for two years …. Quilt ridden Rachel knows she has to let Jax go. He deserves more than she can give but what does Jax want and what does Rachel’s heart really want.
This book is a really good read. It’s a story of love and loss and finding your happiness again in the present instead of the past. I like a little more action and intensity in a read but all in all this is a keeper. Great love story. Click this one up.
Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
November 3, 2015
I absolutely adored this book!
I had the honor of reading it as an ARC and it was amazing.
This story has me gripped from the first page and didn't let go until the last word. This is Love is a beautiful love story. It's a story about loving, losing, letting go and loving again. Don't hesitate to buy this book. Read it. Love it. And read it again. I did.
I can't wait to see what else this amazing new author writes in the future. Caroline has an awesome future as an author ahead of her.
6 Stars. One of my all time faves.
I had the honor of reading it as an ARC and it was amazing.
This story has me gripped from the first page and didn't let go until the last word. This is Love is a beautiful love story. It's a story about loving, losing, letting go and loving again. Don't hesitate to buy this book. Read it. Love it. And read it again. I did.
I can't wait to see what else this amazing new author writes in the future. Caroline has an awesome future as an author ahead of her.
6 Stars. One of my all time faves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews