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Defining Moments #1
Defining Moments
**Due to adult language and adult situations, this book is not recommended for readers under the age of 18** Ellie’s world crumbles when the man who promised to love her forever walks away after 21 years of marriage. Determined to make a new life on her own, Ellie sets out on new adventures to find herself and rediscover her happiness. Cord is a man broken by unthinkable loss and heartache. After vowing to make a life for himself that does not include opening his heart again, he is thrown into a tailspin when the beautiful Ellie, and her protective sons, crash into his life. Both have healing to do. Both have demons to face. Can they fix themselves before they destroy each other?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2016
9 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 29, 2016
3.75 STARS
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First off the title is fantastic but for some reason it didn’t go with the story for me. Still, I enjoyed the story just think something different would have embodied the plot a bit better. The heroine, Ellie was a totally relatable character who is the mom of three grown boys and her world is rocked and destroyed by one conversation with her husband of twenty-one years, Justin.
”I do love you, Ell, I always have, but I need more. This is just not enough anymore.”
Poor Ellie then finds out that there is someone else, a twenty-five year old fitness model, who is currently pregnant with Justin’s child.
Ell has to reinvent herself and find a career path and learn how to live on her own. She's been married to Justin since such a very young age. She starts culinary school, gets her own place, and is embracing herself for the first time since she was nineteen years old. She meets the broken and sexy Saint Cordero. Saint is living at her apartment complex while his home is being built and it just so happens that he owns a restaurant in town and offers Ell a job. Though Ell is attracted to Saint, they pretty much remain in the friend zone most of the book. Still they have a strong bond, are growing on their own and have definitely fallen in love with one another.
I adored Ellie’s boys and her strength throughout the whole story. Even Justin’s character and his lies and texts were really entertaining. However, Saint never really says he’s sorry and puts his full heart out there for Ellie to me. I wanted so much more than he gave!!!!! I honestly didn’t think Ellie had anything to apologize for and seriously why didn’t he go to Italy and win her back?
Perhaps his POV or just something more from him when they do finally reconcile at the end would have sufficed. Still this was a good story with great characters and sadly for me a hero that was still too emotionally shut off than I prefer in these types of books.
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First off the title is fantastic but for some reason it didn’t go with the story for me. Still, I enjoyed the story just think something different would have embodied the plot a bit better. The heroine, Ellie was a totally relatable character who is the mom of three grown boys and her world is rocked and destroyed by one conversation with her husband of twenty-one years, Justin.
”I do love you, Ell, I always have, but I need more. This is just not enough anymore.”
Poor Ellie then finds out that there is someone else, a twenty-five year old fitness model, who is currently pregnant with Justin’s child.
Ell has to reinvent herself and find a career path and learn how to live on her own. She's been married to Justin since such a very young age. She starts culinary school, gets her own place, and is embracing herself for the first time since she was nineteen years old. She meets the broken and sexy Saint Cordero. Saint is living at her apartment complex while his home is being built and it just so happens that he owns a restaurant in town and offers Ell a job. Though Ell is attracted to Saint, they pretty much remain in the friend zone most of the book. Still they have a strong bond, are growing on their own and have definitely fallen in love with one another.
I adored Ellie’s boys and her strength throughout the whole story. Even Justin’s character and his lies and texts were really entertaining. However, Saint never really says he’s sorry and puts his full heart out there for Ellie to me. I wanted so much more than he gave!!!!! I honestly didn’t think Ellie had anything to apologize for and seriously why didn’t he go to Italy and win her back?
Perhaps his POV or just something more from him when they do finally reconcile at the end would have sufficed. Still this was a good story with great characters and sadly for me a hero that was still too emotionally shut off than I prefer in these types of books.
May 14, 2018
It's refreshing to read about a heroine that has a backbone, fights for what she needs for herself rather than being a doormat.
Unfortunately the book is in her POV, and it really needed to have the hero getting his say. Because he didn't, he came off as closed off and rather flat. I was also left with a fair few unanswered questions which needed to be closed off - particularly regarding her boys.
Steam was super low, with them only getting steamy after the 90% mark.
Unfortunately the book is in her POV, and it really needed to have the hero getting his say. Because he didn't, he came off as closed off and rather flat. I was also left with a fair few unanswered questions which needed to be closed off - particularly regarding her boys.
Steam was super low, with them only getting steamy after the 90% mark.
August 20, 2017
While I enjoyed Slam this book fell short for me.
I liked the heroine's journey to become a strong independent woman and this book was more about the heroine finding herself IMO.
The hero was a let down for me, I wanted him to chased her when she went to Italy but sadly he didn't and I'm happy she left to follow her dreams and didn't let anyone deterred her from going.
I liked the heroine's journey to become a strong independent woman and this book was more about the heroine finding herself IMO.
The hero was a let down for me, I wanted him to chased her when she went to Italy but sadly he didn't and I'm happy she left to follow her dreams and didn't let anyone deterred her from going.
June 21, 2020
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
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My first reading by the author and I really liked it. Our heroine has her world shaken and gets up, shakes off the dust and comes around fighting.
After dedicating herself exclusively to the family and being cheated by her husband throughout their married life, she learns to know and appreciate herself as a person and overcome the challenges of starting a new life at almost forty.
The ex (cheater scumbag) is a petty, selfish and despicable human being. In addition to not keeping his dick in his pants, he dumps his wife for a barbie doll almost the age of their children. I wanted him to totally fuck himself. Perhaps in the story about the children something will happen to him and he will receive the karma he deserves.
=====================
My first reading by the author and I really liked it. Our heroine has her world shaken and gets up, shakes off the dust and comes around fighting.
After dedicating herself exclusively to the family and being cheated by her husband throughout their married life, she learns to know and appreciate herself as a person and overcome the challenges of starting a new life at almost forty.
The ex (cheater scumbag) is a petty, selfish and despicable human being. In addition to not keeping his dick in his pants, he dumps his wife for a barbie doll almost the age of their children. I wanted him to totally fuck himself. Perhaps in the story about the children something will happen to him and he will receive the karma he deserves.
March 2, 2016
I think if the author had given more insight from the hero's perspective, I would have rated it 4-4.5 stars. But I still felt the hero was still holding himself back from the heroine when they had finally reconciled...or at least, something was missing.
What I did love was the heroine and the journey she took to find herself again. After the breakdown of her 21 year marriage, she goes back to school and ends up in a job that she loves. But it's the journey that she takes in order to find herself that I really enjoyed.
I had some unanswered questions, but like the author said, there will be other books. I hope there is going to be another book about Saint and Ellie, and hopefully we can get his point of view. I'll definitely be reading it.
As it stands, I liked lots about this book....I just wanted more.
3.5 stars :)
What I did love was the heroine and the journey she took to find herself again. After the breakdown of her 21 year marriage, she goes back to school and ends up in a job that she loves. But it's the journey that she takes in order to find herself that I really enjoyed.
I had some unanswered questions, but like the author said, there will be other books. I hope there is going to be another book about Saint and Ellie, and hopefully we can get his point of view. I'll definitely be reading it.
As it stands, I liked lots about this book....I just wanted more.
3.5 stars :)
February 24, 2016
4.5 Fantastic Stars!
Review by Lisa Kane
Life is about accepting who you are and making every single second of it count.
I love when a romance story is about adults who are slightly older than the norm. Ellie is 39, married with three boys-twins who are 20 and a 17 year old who is about to graduate from high school. She's made it her life's work to make a home for her family, while her husband Justin works as a fitness sales rep. Things are good-that is until she finds out that they aren't.
Out of the blue her husband tells her that he wants a divorce. He loves her, but what they have isn't enough. She isn't enough. He wants to feel passion again.
"Ell, there really is no easy way to say this," he chokes out, eyes filling with tears. Oh God. "You are my best friend, and I love you and our boys," he pauses and looks up at me as the tears spill over, "but I'm not in love with you anymore."
When she asks him if he has met someone else he tells her no, but he is thinking about it. Her whole life is thrown in disrepair. Who is she's not Justin's wife?
"Nothing has happened with anyone else," he pauses, swallowing before he continues, "but it could."
He moves out, and she has to learn to live a life without him. Her kids are angry at their dad, but they are old enough that their lives aren't turned upside down.
"I do love you, Ell, I always have, but I need more. This is just not enough anymore."
Can you say asshat? That's just about when my hate meter went into overdrive for this scum.
It's not long before Ellie finds out that Justin has replaced her with a twenty something hottie who is a fitness model. Justin has been keeping lots of secrets. Ellie kicks herself in the butt, starts to take more of an interest in who she is and makes plans to support herself with her love of cooking.
When she moves into her new apartment, she literally runs into her gorgeous neighbor, Saint "Cord" Cordero. There may be some interest on both their parts, but Ellie's life is so full of turmoil she can't fathom getting involved, yet alone dating someone. But they do become friends; he owns an upscale restaurant and Ellie is hired for the kitchen.
But he did say "friend" and having a friend in the apartment complex would be nice. Yeah, that's it. Friends. Now if I could just stop drooling over him...
One of the things I liked most about this story is things do not fall into place. The main characters are mature adults, don't play games and respect each other. You can't go from a twenty something year relationship to happiness with someone else over night. It won't last. These two go through some heartbreaking times. All the while, her ex Justin is a total ass; he is a total douche who just wants to play with Ellie's emotions while living his new life. I detested him.
I tell myself I'm dreaming, because there is no way Justin and Cord would be in the same place at the same time. In my mind, they kind of override each other. One, a reminder of pain and betrayal; the other, a reminder that life goes on.
Ellie's kids are what every mother deserves. They have her back always. They may be a tad overprotective of her, but they do it out of love. They each have their own story going on and I wouldn't mind seeing this becoming a series. Each of these characters is interesting and can hold their own plotlines.
The most impressive part of this story is that Ellie transforms from an insecure woman into someone when the opportunity presents itself-chooses what is best for her. Not her kids or the man in her life or what everyone else thinks is best for her. That shows such growth and strength and you can't help but admire this woman. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough; I loved this book!
The day I accepted that I am enough, was a day that will be burned into my mind until the day I die. I don't need anyone else to tell me I'm enough. I just know I am.
Review by Lisa Kane
Life is about accepting who you are and making every single second of it count.
I love when a romance story is about adults who are slightly older than the norm. Ellie is 39, married with three boys-twins who are 20 and a 17 year old who is about to graduate from high school. She's made it her life's work to make a home for her family, while her husband Justin works as a fitness sales rep. Things are good-that is until she finds out that they aren't.
Out of the blue her husband tells her that he wants a divorce. He loves her, but what they have isn't enough. She isn't enough. He wants to feel passion again.
"Ell, there really is no easy way to say this," he chokes out, eyes filling with tears. Oh God. "You are my best friend, and I love you and our boys," he pauses and looks up at me as the tears spill over, "but I'm not in love with you anymore."
When she asks him if he has met someone else he tells her no, but he is thinking about it. Her whole life is thrown in disrepair. Who is she's not Justin's wife?
"Nothing has happened with anyone else," he pauses, swallowing before he continues, "but it could."
He moves out, and she has to learn to live a life without him. Her kids are angry at their dad, but they are old enough that their lives aren't turned upside down.
"I do love you, Ell, I always have, but I need more. This is just not enough anymore."
Can you say asshat? That's just about when my hate meter went into overdrive for this scum.
It's not long before Ellie finds out that Justin has replaced her with a twenty something hottie who is a fitness model. Justin has been keeping lots of secrets. Ellie kicks herself in the butt, starts to take more of an interest in who she is and makes plans to support herself with her love of cooking.
When she moves into her new apartment, she literally runs into her gorgeous neighbor, Saint "Cord" Cordero. There may be some interest on both their parts, but Ellie's life is so full of turmoil she can't fathom getting involved, yet alone dating someone. But they do become friends; he owns an upscale restaurant and Ellie is hired for the kitchen.
But he did say "friend" and having a friend in the apartment complex would be nice. Yeah, that's it. Friends. Now if I could just stop drooling over him...
One of the things I liked most about this story is things do not fall into place. The main characters are mature adults, don't play games and respect each other. You can't go from a twenty something year relationship to happiness with someone else over night. It won't last. These two go through some heartbreaking times. All the while, her ex Justin is a total ass; he is a total douche who just wants to play with Ellie's emotions while living his new life. I detested him.
I tell myself I'm dreaming, because there is no way Justin and Cord would be in the same place at the same time. In my mind, they kind of override each other. One, a reminder of pain and betrayal; the other, a reminder that life goes on.
Ellie's kids are what every mother deserves. They have her back always. They may be a tad overprotective of her, but they do it out of love. They each have their own story going on and I wouldn't mind seeing this becoming a series. Each of these characters is interesting and can hold their own plotlines.
The most impressive part of this story is that Ellie transforms from an insecure woman into someone when the opportunity presents itself-chooses what is best for her. Not her kids or the man in her life or what everyone else thinks is best for her. That shows such growth and strength and you can't help but admire this woman. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough; I loved this book!
The day I accepted that I am enough, was a day that will be burned into my mind until the day I die. I don't need anyone else to tell me I'm enough. I just know I am.
March 1, 2016
Let me tell you about a little gem that flew across my newsfeed Yesterday!
The first thing that caught my eye was the cover of this book!
Then that freaking blurb!
I knew in that minute I would have to read this book.
Ellie’s world crumbles when the man who promised to love her forever walks away after 21 years of marriage.
So I'm sitting there, dude can you actually survive this? I mean it's going to be tough. You see I'm reading this one day before my 19 year wedding anniversary. Should I. Yeah I'm going to do this you know why. I'm a bad ass!
"Ell, there really is no easy way to say this," he chokes out, eyes filling with tears. Oh God. "You are my best friend, and I love you and our boys," he pauses and looks up at me as the tears spill over, "but I'm not in love with you anymore."
So at this point my hands are holding my iPad so hard my knuckles are white. I'm also in the process of sending so many emails to the author I'm sure her mailbox is jumping and jamming.
"please, Ellie. Please don't hate me. You and the boys are the most important thing in the world to me. I just feel like I need a life change, and I think this is it. I've been unhappy for a while and I just don't know what else to do," he sobs into my hair.
Ok so I'm sitting here and I'm thinking is this piece of scum actually making this about him. Is he actually leaving his wife of 21 years. A wife that dropped her life to make sure she raised their children and he's unhappy. Oh. My. God. The amount of words that I could think of to describe this guy.
At this point I wanted to jump into the book and kick his balls so hard they combust.
So after 21 years and three children she has to dust herself off and start over. She can do this right? She is almost to the point where she has accepted it when Douche Bag, who I'm pretty sure is President of the Douche Bag City, show up with his pregnant side vagina/new girlfriend/baby mama/barbie doll.
My heart broke for her. It was the one time I would have went into a book and help bury a body. Any body would do at this point!
Determined to make a new life on her own, Ellie sets out on new adventures to find herself and rediscover her happiness.
So she's moving on. Finally putting herself as the number one person for once. Her kids are all away at College, it's time. It's her time.
While she tries to move on, tries to make a clean break her ex is constantly making his presence known. You see this selfish man wants to have his cake and eat it also. Making his just a big fat fucking pig!
In case you didnt get it. I HATE HIM...
Enter her next door neighbour. Not only is he a man, he's hot, he's single and he's totally checking her out. I loved him. But it's couldn't be that easy could it. Nope..
Cord is a man broken by unthinkable loss and heartache. After vowing to make a life for himself that does not include opening his heart again, he is thrown into a tailspin when the beautiful Ellie, and her protective sons, crash into his life.
Imagine both their surprises when he becomes her boss. When they find out they live right next door to each other. Imagine her surprise when the flirting starts and she finally starts to see herself as the woman that everyone else sees. Beautiful!
The thing though is that they are both keeping their hearts guarded. Still not sure how to tread in these waters. Still not ok with moving on or really if they can move one.
Both have healing to do.
Both have demons to face.
Push comes to shove and she finally has enough. She finally pulls up her big girl panties and sets off on her journey to heal. To see that she can do it. She can survive with just herself.
The road is bumpy, its winding, its up, its down, its freaking heartbreaking, its surviving, its living, its healing, and most of all in the end its loving. Yourself.
This book has touched place inside my heart. The characters were so easy to fall in love with, minus Justin, making me wanting more from this family.
So if you are looking for a book that will make you scream, will make you hate, will make you sit back and ponder this is the book for you. Trust me!
One Click this bad Boy http://amzn.to/1QQ7EKt
Can they fix themselves before they destroy each other?
The first thing that caught my eye was the cover of this book!
Then that freaking blurb!
I knew in that minute I would have to read this book.
Ellie’s world crumbles when the man who promised to love her forever walks away after 21 years of marriage.
So I'm sitting there, dude can you actually survive this? I mean it's going to be tough. You see I'm reading this one day before my 19 year wedding anniversary. Should I. Yeah I'm going to do this you know why. I'm a bad ass!
"Ell, there really is no easy way to say this," he chokes out, eyes filling with tears. Oh God. "You are my best friend, and I love you and our boys," he pauses and looks up at me as the tears spill over, "but I'm not in love with you anymore."
So at this point my hands are holding my iPad so hard my knuckles are white. I'm also in the process of sending so many emails to the author I'm sure her mailbox is jumping and jamming.
"please, Ellie. Please don't hate me. You and the boys are the most important thing in the world to me. I just feel like I need a life change, and I think this is it. I've been unhappy for a while and I just don't know what else to do," he sobs into my hair.
Ok so I'm sitting here and I'm thinking is this piece of scum actually making this about him. Is he actually leaving his wife of 21 years. A wife that dropped her life to make sure she raised their children and he's unhappy. Oh. My. God. The amount of words that I could think of to describe this guy.
At this point I wanted to jump into the book and kick his balls so hard they combust.
So after 21 years and three children she has to dust herself off and start over. She can do this right? She is almost to the point where she has accepted it when Douche Bag, who I'm pretty sure is President of the Douche Bag City, show up with his pregnant side vagina/new girlfriend/baby mama/barbie doll.
My heart broke for her. It was the one time I would have went into a book and help bury a body. Any body would do at this point!
Determined to make a new life on her own, Ellie sets out on new adventures to find herself and rediscover her happiness.
So she's moving on. Finally putting herself as the number one person for once. Her kids are all away at College, it's time. It's her time.
While she tries to move on, tries to make a clean break her ex is constantly making his presence known. You see this selfish man wants to have his cake and eat it also. Making his just a big fat fucking pig!
In case you didnt get it. I HATE HIM...
Enter her next door neighbour. Not only is he a man, he's hot, he's single and he's totally checking her out. I loved him. But it's couldn't be that easy could it. Nope..
Cord is a man broken by unthinkable loss and heartache. After vowing to make a life for himself that does not include opening his heart again, he is thrown into a tailspin when the beautiful Ellie, and her protective sons, crash into his life.
Imagine both their surprises when he becomes her boss. When they find out they live right next door to each other. Imagine her surprise when the flirting starts and she finally starts to see herself as the woman that everyone else sees. Beautiful!
The thing though is that they are both keeping their hearts guarded. Still not sure how to tread in these waters. Still not ok with moving on or really if they can move one.
Both have healing to do.
Both have demons to face.
Push comes to shove and she finally has enough. She finally pulls up her big girl panties and sets off on her journey to heal. To see that she can do it. She can survive with just herself.
The road is bumpy, its winding, its up, its down, its freaking heartbreaking, its surviving, its living, its healing, and most of all in the end its loving. Yourself.
This book has touched place inside my heart. The characters were so easy to fall in love with, minus Justin, making me wanting more from this family.
So if you are looking for a book that will make you scream, will make you hate, will make you sit back and ponder this is the book for you. Trust me!
One Click this bad Boy http://amzn.to/1QQ7EKt
Can they fix themselves before they destroy each other?
March 10, 2016
I loved this book.
Saint Cordero...sigh.
Ellie Harper, what can I say? I related to her a lot. Her journey of finding herself after her world imploded was truly one that I could connect with.
From page one I was drawn to this story and had to know what was happening to these characters. And I'll admit that I may had shed a few tears along the way.
This was my first Andee Michelle book but it won't be my last.
Saint Cordero...sigh.
Ellie Harper, what can I say? I related to her a lot. Her journey of finding herself after her world imploded was truly one that I could connect with.
From page one I was drawn to this story and had to know what was happening to these characters. And I'll admit that I may had shed a few tears along the way.
This was my first Andee Michelle book but it won't be my last.
January 6, 2016
**arc received from author in exchange for an honest review from us tipsy book hooks at http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls **
THANK YOU!!
Have you ever read a book and just couldn't shake it? The feelings, characters, experiences..all of it? This is one of those books. Days later I am still smiling thinking about it, or my stomach will go into knots because of "that part", a scowl will take over my face because of a douche bag moment of douchery...all of it! This author has the ability to write a story that flows like a movie, real life moments playing out right in front of your eyes. Self discovery, love, a life you had thought was lived, and the actuality of it all is...everything.
This book is not only a top read for me for the year, but a favorite book ever! I loved this story, it resonated on level that not many books have for me. I was SO connected to Ellie that I felt everything she went through. The way she is with her boys, her life, hardships it all affected me as if I was experiencing it along with her. This story has one of my biggest fears, my whole life being different than I had perceived it and the indifference that others can feel when you learn the truth. This isn't a slam..bam..thank you ma'am read..it is the journey of a strong woman that picks herself up..dusts off and finds herself along the way. Oh and there is this hot ass neighbor that just might help the journey of self discovery that much more fun. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!!
Have you ever read a book and just couldn't shake it? The feelings, characters, experiences..all of it? This is one of those books. Days later I am still smiling thinking about it, or my stomach will go into knots because of "that part", a scowl will take over my face because of a douche bag moment of douchery...all of it! This author has the ability to write a story that flows like a movie, real life moments playing out right in front of your eyes. Self discovery, love, a life you had thought was lived, and the actuality of it all is...everything.
This book is not only a top read for me for the year, but a favorite book ever! I loved this story, it resonated on level that not many books have for me. I was SO connected to Ellie that I felt everything she went through. The way she is with her boys, her life, hardships it all affected me as if I was experiencing it along with her. This story has one of my biggest fears, my whole life being different than I had perceived it and the indifference that others can feel when you learn the truth. This isn't a slam..bam..thank you ma'am read..it is the journey of a strong woman that picks herself up..dusts off and finds herself along the way. Oh and there is this hot ass neighbor that just might help the journey of self discovery that much more fun. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!
June 24, 2020
This is a solid 4⭐️ for 75% of the book, then we get forced conflict and immature behavior.
Ellie is forced to move on after her 21 year marriage melts down. Hubby is a cheating asshat—who won’t leave her alone. But, move on she does. Her 3 sons are amazing—loving and protective. Cord is a successful restaurant owner and chef with a tragic backstory.
The story moves along quite nicely, apparently too nicely as the author needs some sort of conflict, this is where the story falls apart. The cease to act like mature adults. She goes off to find herself. Blah, blah, blah everything gets fixed and they live HEA.
Ellie is forced to move on after her 21 year marriage melts down. Hubby is a cheating asshat—who won’t leave her alone. But, move on she does. Her 3 sons are amazing—loving and protective. Cord is a successful restaurant owner and chef with a tragic backstory.
The story moves along quite nicely, apparently too nicely as the author needs some sort of conflict, this is where the story falls apart. The cease to act like mature adults. She goes off to find herself. Blah, blah, blah everything gets fixed and they live HEA.
April 12, 2022
Two nice people with lots of hangups. He was more of a moody baby, whereas she was in denial about her past marriage.
August 24, 2017
Too many problems to fully enjoy = 2*
This book started off strong. Ellie finding out her husband is leaving her after 21 years of marriage was so strongly written I vibrated with anger towards Justin. It sucked me right into the story of this mother of three. And as a whole the story was decent enough with a 39 year old main character so I was happy with that.
One thing that made me not happy was repetition of facts. I may forget a lot of what I read but that usually happens after I read the book. Sadly the author must think we will forget what just happenned to her character by the time we turn the page. In one instance Ellie has X occur and then 3 paragraphs later is saying I had X happen to me. Very annoying. Then there was some sprinkling of seeds for other books. That is fine if it is fully integrated into the present book. Unfortunately Ms. Michelle was pretty clumsy with this aspect of writing. Another thing I found mildly irritating was the way Elie dealt with the money aspect of her divorce. After 21 years of being a stay at home mother she should not need to be convinced to take half the money from the sale of the house. And she sure as shit should not be thanking her ex for putting the money in her account. Half the house is less than she deserved. Even if she did not want alimony while she got herself into the workforce at the very least there would be investments and pension items that she fully deserved half of. So making it seem like the moral thing to do was to take nothing because Justin was the one earning the money frosted me.
But the thing that really made me rate this 2 stars was the ridiculous manufactured drama. It made no sense and did not fit with the characters.
Still if those sorts of thing don't bother you then go ahead. It is nice to have a mature couple that are fairly normal people. The kids are great and possibly their books will be better.
This book started off strong. Ellie finding out her husband is leaving her after 21 years of marriage was so strongly written I vibrated with anger towards Justin. It sucked me right into the story of this mother of three. And as a whole the story was decent enough with a 39 year old main character so I was happy with that.
One thing that made me not happy was repetition of facts. I may forget a lot of what I read but that usually happens after I read the book. Sadly the author must think we will forget what just happenned to her character by the time we turn the page. In one instance Ellie has X occur and then 3 paragraphs later is saying I had X happen to me. Very annoying. Then there was some sprinkling of seeds for other books. That is fine if it is fully integrated into the present book. Unfortunately Ms. Michelle was pretty clumsy with this aspect of writing. Another thing I found mildly irritating was the way Elie dealt with the money aspect of her divorce. After 21 years of being a stay at home mother she should not need to be convinced to take half the money from the sale of the house. And she sure as shit should not be thanking her ex for putting the money in her account. Half the house is less than she deserved. Even if she did not want alimony while she got herself into the workforce at the very least there would be investments and pension items that she fully deserved half of. So making it seem like the moral thing to do was to take nothing because Justin was the one earning the money frosted me.
But the thing that really made me rate this 2 stars was the ridiculous manufactured drama. It made no sense and did not fit with the characters.
Still if those sorts of thing don't bother you then go ahead. It is nice to have a mature couple that are fairly normal people. The kids are great and possibly their books will be better.
July 13, 2016
I am a little mix on my review of Defining Moments. I enjoyed the storyline itself. I liked that the characters were older but I also found myself losing interest towards the half way mark in the book. I was more interested in Ellie & Justin's marriage and him cheating on her & divorcing then I was about Ellie and her new man Cord. Which wasn't what the book was really about. I didn't really care for Cord's character. He seemed a bit silly to me over all. Over all I did enjoy a lot of things about the book this one just didn't do it for me.
I give Defining moments 2.5 stars.
I give Defining moments 2.5 stars.
July 3, 2016
This book was not at all what I was expecting. The beginning totally hit me emotionally. I could completely connect with Ellie. The rest was so much more than just a romance. It was a journey of self discovery. Then there's Saints story...yet again an emotional one there. It was a story so many have to live with. Defining Moments, if you will. I think there are a lot of aspects of this lot of this book that a lot of people can connect with.
January 16, 2016
Wow! This book was amazing! Captivated from the start until I finished. I connected with Ellie so much! I believe many woman can connect with this book. Sometimes we lose ourselves and need to learn to love ourselves again. This book was fantastic. I am glad Andee decided to give a couple characters we grew to love their own story in the future instead of rushing it within this one. Absolutely LOVED! Read it!
January 24, 2016
The book is incredible! On my short list of books I could read over and over. A beautifully told story. I read it in one sitting. (Which I never do) This story is compelling and beautiful. The characters are engaging and real. I LOVED it! A story that stays with you long after you've closed the book. Can't wait to read it again!!
January 11, 2016
Amazing
I really enjoyed this book, it was hard to put it down. The storyline is great. I love Saint, he won me over. My only problem was the ending , I loved the way it ended but I felt it was a bit rushed. Amazing book, and I would definitely recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book, it was hard to put it down. The storyline is great. I love Saint, he won me over. My only problem was the ending , I loved the way it ended but I felt it was a bit rushed. Amazing book, and I would definitely recommend it.
February 26, 2016
This book has made me an immediate Andee Michelle fan! I LOVED this book. A must read book for every wife/mother. Ellie is my hero and she will be yours too! Of course having a Saint in your life always helps.
September 2, 2021
This book is a new favorite for me. I can relate to Ellie on such a personal level.
I love the characters, I love the meaning behind the words. I love the relationships. I love it all.
It truly made me feel the need to reevaluate my own life.
I love the characters, I love the meaning behind the words. I love the relationships. I love it all.
It truly made me feel the need to reevaluate my own life.
March 2, 2016
So extremely well written and the story is just beautiful. Hard to take at some times because you just want to beat the crap out of a certain someone...but so so good.
September 25, 2024
Defining Moments has its strong defining moments but it does go from intense to insipid in the blink of an eye. It started out so well but after the accident the whole tone changed. Why this much drama for a breakup? How can two sane, matured people become juveniles? It felt like they broke up just for the sake of all that added drama.
And what, a few months apart and suddenly he values her and loves her more than he did Mal? She somehow feels second best to me after what he says to her in his sleep. We don't get his POV so it's really hard to make a connection with him, he still remains a huge enigma.
4 stars for the beginning.
Overall, a good book if you can somehow overlook that ending.
And what, a few months apart and suddenly he values her and loves her more than he did Mal? She somehow feels second best to me after what he says to her in his sleep. We don't get his POV so it's really hard to make a connection with him, he still remains a huge enigma.
4 stars for the beginning.
Overall, a good book if you can somehow overlook that ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2017
If you're looking for a book that gives you strength and hope, look no further. "Defining Moments" is a story of triumph, and a second chance at love and happily-ever-after. Settling is for the birds, heartbreak happens to us all, but there is always a better tomorrow. Andee's writing instantly makes you feel for her main character Ellie, root for her, cry with her, and be angry with her. And then you fall in love with a charming man with her. Andee takes you on a journey of finding love after heartbreak in "Defining Moments", and shows that there's much more to life than a single moment when you think that's the end of everything you know.
November 27, 2017
After being blindsided by her husband of 20+years Ellie finds herself on her own self journey. The bond with her sons is inspiring and the love she finds in herself and a new man brings hope to those who have had a hard divorce.
December 22, 2020
This book is a new favorite for me. I can relate to Ellie on such a personal level.
I love the characters, I love the meaning behind the words. I love the relationships. I love it all.
It truly made me feel the need to reevaluate my own life.
I love the characters, I love the meaning behind the words. I love the relationships. I love it all.
It truly made me feel the need to reevaluate my own life.
June 16, 2017
I know this is against popular opinion, but this ended too kumbayaish (I know that's not a word) with everyone holding hands n sh!t, for me.
August 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book
December 13, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Some niggles, but not enough to detract from the LOL moments. The book isn't full of humour and angst, but there is enough in there to keep it well balanced.
May 3, 2023
4.5⭐️
September 7, 2016
***4.5 STARS***
Disclaimer - I was given this book in order to provide an honest review.
First off, the book started off to be every married woman's nightmare. The protagonist, Ellie has spent her life being a mother and wife when her world is turned upside down after her husband decides that she is "not enough" for him. Seriously, I think every woman worries about this. At first I wanted to smack Ellie and tell her to give her husband Justin HELL! He deserves it but she handles it with grace (for the most part). The rest of the story is a beautiful one about how Ellie finds herself and re-claims the woman she wants to be outside of being a mother and wife. It was a quick read that I could not put down! Her 3 boys are overprotective of her and I love that, I also like that Andee Michelle left a few of their stories open ended so hopefully they will be written about in the next book, Finding Our Forever. It was not a cliff hanger ending but still left a few questions and enough to make me want to pick up book 2 ASAP.
P.S. I love the names of Saint's family; i.e. Bishop, Deacon, and Angelica! Great theme there. I am glad to have discovered this author.
Great beach/summer read
Disclaimer - I was given this book in order to provide an honest review.
First off, the book started off to be every married woman's nightmare. The protagonist, Ellie has spent her life being a mother and wife when her world is turned upside down after her husband decides that she is "not enough" for him. Seriously, I think every woman worries about this. At first I wanted to smack Ellie and tell her to give her husband Justin HELL! He deserves it but she handles it with grace (for the most part). The rest of the story is a beautiful one about how Ellie finds herself and re-claims the woman she wants to be outside of being a mother and wife. It was a quick read that I could not put down! Her 3 boys are overprotective of her and I love that, I also like that Andee Michelle left a few of their stories open ended so hopefully they will be written about in the next book, Finding Our Forever. It was not a cliff hanger ending but still left a few questions and enough to make me want to pick up book 2 ASAP.
P.S. I love the names of Saint's family; i.e. Bishop, Deacon, and Angelica! Great theme there. I am glad to have discovered this author.
Great beach/summer read
August 23, 2016
This was my first book form Andee Michelle and it definitely won't be my last!
This book gave me such a book hangover!
The storyline was gripping and intriguing and had me wanting more!
It's like I was standing inside the book watching it all play out.
After Ellie's husband walks away from their marriage after 20+ years, Ellie is left to pick up the pieces and move on.
As she sets out on her new journey, she meets Saint, a gorgeous, yet broken man who lives in her apartment complex.
The chemistry between them is smoldering! I loved their encounters and was totally rooting for them to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship Ellie had with her 3 boys (again so relatable).
Andee Michelle's writing was excellent in character building and helping the reader bond with the characters.
The book definitely had all the feels! I laughed, cried, cheered and cried some more! but in all it left me with a huge smile and a giant book handover for days!! I think I need a re-read now!! LOVED THIS BOOK! Highly recommend you check it out!
This book gave me such a book hangover!
The storyline was gripping and intriguing and had me wanting more!
It's like I was standing inside the book watching it all play out.
After Ellie's husband walks away from their marriage after 20+ years, Ellie is left to pick up the pieces and move on.
As she sets out on her new journey, she meets Saint, a gorgeous, yet broken man who lives in her apartment complex.
The chemistry between them is smoldering! I loved their encounters and was totally rooting for them to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship Ellie had with her 3 boys (again so relatable).
Andee Michelle's writing was excellent in character building and helping the reader bond with the characters.
The book definitely had all the feels! I laughed, cried, cheered and cried some more! but in all it left me with a huge smile and a giant book handover for days!! I think I need a re-read now!! LOVED THIS BOOK! Highly recommend you check it out!
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