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9 Months Later #3
Expectations
A reader-favorite contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak.With her son, Ryan, Jenna's moved back to Mendocino, where she's living and working at the Victoriana Bed and Breakfast. It's owned by the elderly Durhams - whose grandson, Adam, was her first love. And, in some ways, her last…But that was 15 years ago, before Adam abandoned her and his family for the bright lights and big city. For a successful career and a fast-track life.When Adam and Jenna rediscover each other, he wants her back. But much as Jenna knows she could love him again, she also knows there are too many obstacles between them. Too much history. Too many expectations. And now…her baby."Brenda Novak's seamless plotting, emotional intensity, and true-to-life characters…make her books completely satisfying."—New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan Originally published in 2000.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2000
121 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,982 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 17, 2016
2 ½ stars. I was angry at all the stupid reasons Jenna gave for not following her heart.
I liked the overall idea, the characters, and the setting. But I did not like the illogical and contrived reasons for keeping them apart.
In high school Jenna and Adam were in-love and a couple. After high school Adam broke up with Jenna because he wanted to leave town, go to college, and make his mark in the world. Jenna married local boy Dennis who became an alcoholic wife beater. She divorced him and moved in with the Durhams to help them run a Bed and Breakfast. She has an 8-year-old son Ryan. The Durhams just happen to be Adam’s grandparents.
The story begins when Adam visits his grandparents and sees Jenna for the first time in 15 years. Adam realizes he still loves Jenna and wants a second chance. She won’t give it to him. Through most of the book she is refusing to be romantic with Adam because of the following reason. She tells herself that she won’t move to San Francisco to be with him and he won’t leave his job to move to Mendecino to be with her. (That’s stupid.) Her reason is that she promised her son Ryan they wouldn’t move again. But Ryan loves Adam. If she asked her son I’m sure he would say yes lets move to San Francisco. But she doesn’t have that conversation. She just tells herself things like “Adam won’t want us in the future, we would only get in the way” and “He’ll leave me again.”
Adam loves her but he won’t tell her that he loves her because “he’s waiting for an indication that she might return his feelings.” What???
It’s mostly Jenna thinking too many stupid things about why she must not follow her heart and be with Adam. I was angry - not how I like to feel when reading a romance story.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 304 pages. Swearing language: mild plus the s*** word rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 1 plus 1 referred to. Setting: current day Mendocino and San Francisco, California. Copyright: 2000. Genre: contemporary romance.
I liked the overall idea, the characters, and the setting. But I did not like the illogical and contrived reasons for keeping them apart.
In high school Jenna and Adam were in-love and a couple. After high school Adam broke up with Jenna because he wanted to leave town, go to college, and make his mark in the world. Jenna married local boy Dennis who became an alcoholic wife beater. She divorced him and moved in with the Durhams to help them run a Bed and Breakfast. She has an 8-year-old son Ryan. The Durhams just happen to be Adam’s grandparents.
The story begins when Adam visits his grandparents and sees Jenna for the first time in 15 years. Adam realizes he still loves Jenna and wants a second chance. She won’t give it to him. Through most of the book she is refusing to be romantic with Adam because of the following reason. She tells herself that she won’t move to San Francisco to be with him and he won’t leave his job to move to Mendecino to be with her. (That’s stupid.) Her reason is that she promised her son Ryan they wouldn’t move again. But Ryan loves Adam. If she asked her son I’m sure he would say yes lets move to San Francisco. But she doesn’t have that conversation. She just tells herself things like “Adam won’t want us in the future, we would only get in the way” and “He’ll leave me again.”
Adam loves her but he won’t tell her that he loves her because “he’s waiting for an indication that she might return his feelings.” What???
It’s mostly Jenna thinking too many stupid things about why she must not follow her heart and be with Adam. I was angry - not how I like to feel when reading a romance story.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 304 pages. Swearing language: mild plus the s*** word rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 1 plus 1 referred to. Setting: current day Mendocino and San Francisco, California. Copyright: 2000. Genre: contemporary romance.
September 29, 2024
This was one of Brenda Novak’s early books and it was easy to see how she has become such an accomplished writer. I thought the push and pull between Adam and Jenna balanced well with their past.
September 30, 2011
Brenda Novak's first SuperR novel, as good then as it is now. I couldn't believe all the horrible stuff that happened to Jenna after she split with Ryan years ago. Just when you think the things that are happening to her are bad enough and it looks like a change for the better, events only begin to get much worse. I know I wouldn't have survived. Do people really live in situations like that?
I was v.v.glad for the happy ending and the words she wrote to her father at the end are so apropo. I was happy that Ryan stood by her and Jenna's future turned to gold. She deserved it.
I was v.v.glad for the happy ending and the words she wrote to her father at the end are so apropo. I was happy that Ryan stood by her and Jenna's future turned to gold. She deserved it.
April 18, 2012
What an amazing novel this was! The heroine was in love with the hero but he left hr after high school. So the heroine married the heroes best friend and had a baby with him. When her husband started abusing her, she stays at first, then gathers the courage to leave him and go back to her home town to find a job. That's when her and her son encounter the hero once again. Maybe this time the hero will stick around for a while.
February 11, 2018
Once again Brenda Novak has managed to create characters that feel like friends or family. It is so easy to get caught up in the struggle of the main characters. Do you trust the one person who completely shattered your heart after high school? Or allow the wall you've erected around your heart to stay and protect you? But dang he's fine and causes inner butterflies just by looking at you! This is a beautiful intricately written story that includes the aftermath of domestic abuse, drug abuse, alcoholism, divorce, second chances but also love that crosses generations and also family doesn't always share DNA. Well done!
April 28, 2019
Jenna and Adam are star-crossed lovers, destined to be apart until Adam returns to Mendocino to visit his grandparents and finds Jenna and her young son living there. Jenna had married Adam’s friend Dennis and is now divorced and seeking her own way in life. The action was predictable except for several chapters in which Ryan’s life was in danger, but it was a good and light read. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good romance story with a few twists and turns.
Disclaimer
I own a copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review.
Disclaimer
I own a copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review.
December 28, 2018
Brenda Novak kept me entertained from beginning to end, once again! Jenna and Adam were High School sweethearts, and destined to be a couple for life... until Adam abandons Jenna for the lights and city life of San Francisco. Feeling bereft, Jenna lets Adam's buddy, Dennis, sweep her off her feet. Will Adam ever forgive himself? Better yet, will Jenna? A poignant love story, with a few twists and turns along the route. A little predictable in spots, but entertaining, none the less. Enjoy!
July 20, 2018
Wonderfully written second chance romance! One of the best I’ve read by Brenda so far. I loved so much about this story but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone so ill not go into details. The characters were very well written and developed as was the story line. If you’re a fan of hallmark movies, that’s what comes to mind when I think of this book. It’s worth the read for sure!
May 15, 2017
I didn't like how h handled her ex, the H and anything else lol also I don't really appreciate dialogues like - "Fighting the tears that threatened to make him sob like a girl..." all in all not my cup of tea!
August 10, 2018
I love these characters. This book drew me in from the beginning and didn't let go. I didn't want to put it down. I love second change books and this is one of the best ones.
It brings you on the journy with them. Can't help but get emotionally involed.
It brings you on the journy with them. Can't help but get emotionally involed.
January 14, 2019
Loved this book
Another awesome book by Ms Novak. Mom divorced from her abusive husband trying to care for her son. Ex-husband that just won't leave her alone, threats, etc. Romance and suspense, nothing better than that. One you don't want to put down!
Another awesome book by Ms Novak. Mom divorced from her abusive husband trying to care for her son. Ex-husband that just won't leave her alone, threats, etc. Romance and suspense, nothing better than that. One you don't want to put down!
August 9, 2019
Truly sweet
I really thought this was a nice and sweet novel. I am going to try and find the rest of the 9 Months Later series to read. Brenda writes the nicest contemporary romance
I really thought this was a nice and sweet novel. I am going to try and find the rest of the 9 Months Later series to read. Brenda writes the nicest contemporary romance
May 19, 2020
A great story that will take you on an adventure
Sorrow, heartbreak, love, courage, fear. This book will take you through them and all more. A beautiful story about a mother's love and finding her place in life again.
Sorrow, heartbreak, love, courage, fear. This book will take you through them and all more. A beautiful story about a mother's love and finding her place in life again.
February 24, 2021
What a great feel good story!!
I love how Brenda Novak can take tragedy and turn it into happiness. When abuse is your every day norm, happiness and trust are such an untenable situation. But Brenda can make a tragedy become a real happy love story!
I love how Brenda Novak can take tragedy and turn it into happiness. When abuse is your every day norm, happiness and trust are such an untenable situation. But Brenda can make a tragedy become a real happy love story!
November 17, 2024
I just finished it. I really enjoyed the story.
It has a few vividly explained sections I fastforwarded... but I expected that. I really enjoy Brenda's writing and am willing to skip ahead to enjoy the story.
It has a few vividly explained sections I fastforwarded... but I expected that. I really enjoy Brenda's writing and am willing to skip ahead to enjoy the story.
October 20, 2025
It’s always difficult for me to read about women who find themselves in an abusive relationship, which is part of this story. But along with the suspense is some heart warming moments and it was a good read.
October 30, 2017
Another great book from Brenda Novak. I read it in one day and enjoyed it as I do all her books.
January 26, 2018
Great book. Brenda knows how to write great stories.
March 18, 2018
Loved Jenna and Adam. Great book. Great story.
April 9, 2018
Amazing
I absolutely loved this book. Full of romance but also a lot of other less happy aspects that kept me flipping the pages until I had finished.
I absolutely loved this book. Full of romance but also a lot of other less happy aspects that kept me flipping the pages until I had finished.
July 4, 2018
Really Good Read
This one held my interest from the very first word to the last.Suspense,thrills and a very strong romantic relationship.Looking forward to her next book.
This one held my interest from the very first word to the last.Suspense,thrills and a very strong romantic relationship.Looking forward to her next book.
September 26, 2018
What a sweet story. I love Brenda's work. and cant wait to read many more of her books.
October 31, 2018
Review
An wonderful book to be recommended for all to read.
Could not put the book down until I finished reading it.
An wonderful book to be recommended for all to read.
Could not put the book down until I finished reading it.
February 24, 2019
Another great story by Brenda
I loved Adam and Jenna 's story. They went through a lot but was able to find their way back to each other.
I loved Adam and Jenna 's story. They went through a lot but was able to find their way back to each other.
October 5, 2019
True to life, how alcohol and abuse can effect a family, making poor choices when your young, and how love triumphs over all!
May 31, 2020
Great book, it touched me deep down. I'm living with 2 aspects of this book and it's really hard
July 12, 2020
Light, fluffy and way to much conflict. At the end it was Hard to even like Jenna.
October 10, 2020
Great read!
December 26, 2020
3 stars
March 23, 2021
Rivioting. Had some ups and downs. Still waiting for the rest of the story as always
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews