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A Way Back Into Love
Nothing is perfect. Life is messy. Relationships are complex. Outcomes, uncertain. People, irrational. But love…well, that makes everything complicated. And when you are caught in a tangled web of secrets, lies, and complex affairs, someone is bound to get burned.
Emily Stevens is a spunky, spirited college girl whose life gets turned upside-down when she realizes she's in love with her best friend of fifteen years, Derek Thorpe. As Emily prepares to confess her feelings to Derek, something happens one night which changes her life forever. Five years later, Emily finds herself in Boston, alone and heartbroken. Will she ever be able to forget the past? And what will she find when she returns home...to the man she left behind?
Emily Stevens is a spunky, spirited college girl whose life gets turned upside-down when she realizes she's in love with her best friend of fifteen years, Derek Thorpe. As Emily prepares to confess her feelings to Derek, something happens one night which changes her life forever. Five years later, Emily finds herself in Boston, alone and heartbroken. Will she ever be able to forget the past? And what will she find when she returns home...to the man she left behind?
372 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2017
3 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Thatcher
1 book83 followersVeronica Thatcher is an exciting new contemporary romance author. Ever since she was very young, she dreamed of becoming a doctor when she grew up. But, while facing a quarter-life crisis, she unwittingly stumbled upon a new dream—becoming a published author. Some may call her an introvert or a wallflower, but she has always found she could express herself better in written, rather than spoken words. However, never in her wildest dreams had she envisioned she would pursue writing as a prospective career, not just a hobby. Her love for writing goes hand-in-hand with her love for a good romance novel—whether it be a feel-good, sweet romance or a dark, suspenseful one.
When she’s not studying, reading, or writing, she is usually found blasting her favourite songs, sometimes singing and dancing along to them. She dabbles in a number of activities, including painting, karate, singing and dancing. She is a huge chocoholic – probably the biggest – and she is an ice-cream junkie too. She considers herself technologically handicapped forever and has no shame in admitting that. She also deems chocolates her boyfriend, Patrick Dempsey the love of her life, and Friends her life!
Her first book, A Way Back Into Love, released in February 2017, and she hopes readers will enjoy it as much as she enjoyed writing it. You can find Veronica on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Wattpad and Gmail.
Join Veronica's mailing list to stay up-to-date on all her latest news!
http://eepurl.com/cxkchb
Connect with her on her website – http://veronicathatcher.com/
When she’s not studying, reading, or writing, she is usually found blasting her favourite songs, sometimes singing and dancing along to them. She dabbles in a number of activities, including painting, karate, singing and dancing. She is a huge chocoholic – probably the biggest – and she is an ice-cream junkie too. She considers herself technologically handicapped forever and has no shame in admitting that. She also deems chocolates her boyfriend, Patrick Dempsey the love of her life, and Friends her life!
Her first book, A Way Back Into Love, released in February 2017, and she hopes readers will enjoy it as much as she enjoyed writing it. You can find Veronica on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Wattpad and Gmail.
Join Veronica's mailing list to stay up-to-date on all her latest news!
http://eepurl.com/cxkchb
Connect with her on her website – http://veronicathatcher.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 20, 2017
Book – A Way Back Into Love
Author – Veronica Thatcher
Series – Love #1
Publication Date – February 15, 2017
Genre –Contemporary Romance
Type – Part of Series
Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
God….friends to lovers gets me every time!
Emily and Derek are right up there as probably one of the best couples I find myself rooting for! Ms. Thatcher did a superb job of tuning into my “feels” and hitting me with them over the head a few times!
Wow…what a premise to be in for Emily with Derek and her sister…UGH – I don’t know how she did it but as my favorite saying in life….”What comes around, goes around”
I can’t wait to keep reading this series!
Now – there are a few things that did annoy me while reading but for this being Ms. Thatcher’s debut novel – I think she did a fantastic job.
Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who love second chances and friends to lovers!
Author – Veronica Thatcher
Series – Love #1
Publication Date – February 15, 2017
Genre –Contemporary Romance
Type – Part of Series
Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
God….friends to lovers gets me every time!
Emily and Derek are right up there as probably one of the best couples I find myself rooting for! Ms. Thatcher did a superb job of tuning into my “feels” and hitting me with them over the head a few times!
Wow…what a premise to be in for Emily with Derek and her sister…UGH – I don’t know how she did it but as my favorite saying in life….”What comes around, goes around”
I can’t wait to keep reading this series!
Now – there are a few things that did annoy me while reading but for this being Ms. Thatcher’s debut novel – I think she did a fantastic job.
Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who love second chances and friends to lovers!
February 28, 2017
Emily Stevens & Derek Thorpe have been best friends since they first met when they were six years old on their first day of kindergarten. They had been inseparable for fifteen years after that first meeting being everything platonic to one another until a drunken encounter in the back of Emily’s car. Once Emily believed that Derek’s feeling for her were not mutual she fled from Fresno to Boston to finish her college education & to be as far away from Derek as possible. Now college & med-school were done & it was time to return home & face everything she had run away from. Five years had passed but she still loved Derek even though he was now engaged to her sister Emma. It was going to be an awkward home coming to say the least. Somehow Emily & Derek fall back into their comfortable friendship after a few uneasy missteps. Emily senses that not all was well between Derek & her sister. And the more time Emily & Derek spent together the stronger their friendship became. Stronger than it ever was when they were growing up together. But not everyone is happy that Emily & Derek have grown so close again. There is plenty of wreckage remembered by those who were there to pick up all the broken pieces five years ago. Finally Emily is at her snapping point & tells Derek he needs to decide what he wants, Derek summons the courage to ask Emily why she left five years ago. When all the secrets that they each have been keeping are allowed to be freed, both Emily & Derek are left to see how each of them had played a part in how everything fell apart. What will Derek decide what to do? How will Emily deal with the truth? What does the future hold for Emily & Derek?
This is a truly a coming of age young friends become lovers’ romance. Though the flashback style of writing was somewhat funky to follow at times, this was a very sweet love story about two young people struggle to be honest with their true feelings for one another. When they both finally have the courage to tell the other how they have felt for a long time they begin to see that they were always meant to be together. They also learn that life & being together isn’t always easy but working at a positive relationship is rewarding & gives life a beautiful meaning.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
This is a truly a coming of age young friends become lovers’ romance. Though the flashback style of writing was somewhat funky to follow at times, this was a very sweet love story about two young people struggle to be honest with their true feelings for one another. When they both finally have the courage to tell the other how they have felt for a long time they begin to see that they were always meant to be together. They also learn that life & being together isn’t always easy but working at a positive relationship is rewarding & gives life a beautiful meaning.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
June 21, 2017
A way back into love by Veronica Thatcher a fab four star read. This is the first book by this author I have read, and the first book in the Love series. This is a story about love and friendship and is so full of drama and compassion you are taken on a roller coaster ride of feels. Veronica Thatcher writes a great story, and I can’t wait to read what she gives us next.
Emily Stevens is a woman who many will identify with, she a spunky woman who knows life isn’t always rainbows and glitter farts, she knows that relationships aren’t always easy and they do need work, she is also painfully aware that sometimes people get hurt, especially when you aren’t truthful about everything, and usually the ones who get hurt are the ones who don’t deserve it. Emily has known Derek Thorpe since they were small children, and she has been in love with him for almost as long, they have been inseparable before Emily made a decision that mean she left for five years. Will five years make a difference to her feelings?
When Emily and Derek’s friendship grows and develops, there is always the worry that things will fall apart and the friendship will be lost. When there is confusion abound and feelings are mixed with worry, will they ever make it past the friend’s zone? You need to read the book to find out. Emily and Derek are worth taking the chance on.
Emily Stevens is a woman who many will identify with, she a spunky woman who knows life isn’t always rainbows and glitter farts, she knows that relationships aren’t always easy and they do need work, she is also painfully aware that sometimes people get hurt, especially when you aren’t truthful about everything, and usually the ones who get hurt are the ones who don’t deserve it. Emily has known Derek Thorpe since they were small children, and she has been in love with him for almost as long, they have been inseparable before Emily made a decision that mean she left for five years. Will five years make a difference to her feelings?
When Emily and Derek’s friendship grows and develops, there is always the worry that things will fall apart and the friendship will be lost. When there is confusion abound and feelings are mixed with worry, will they ever make it past the friend’s zone? You need to read the book to find out. Emily and Derek are worth taking the chance on.
February 10, 2017
I soooo much wanted to love this book! Best friends to lovers is my trope. They hook me every single time. With Veronica Thatcher’s promise of two childhood friends possibly becoming more, I was signing up and ready to read. Only, with A Way Back to Love, I was kind of disappointed.
Now, story wise, I was feeling the interaction between Emily and Derek. Their tiptoeing between friendship and more was definitely interesting. It was some other things about this story that made me go hmmm…. Now, let it be noted, this book is written in third person. Now, to many this may be your thing, but to me I’m not the biggest fan. Especially when it contains a few other distractions. I never could quite place where this story was set. It says Boston, Thatcher mentions Fresno, but it’s written with what I am guessing is an English accent. So I never could quite come to grips as to how to picture the characters or dive into the book. It just seemed like some of the verbiage used didn’t really match up with American college kids. Maybe it was just me.
I really wanted to be a big fan. I wanted to fall desperately in love especially since this was book one in a series. But, my hopes ran dry. If you are okay with third person and maybe have a more imaginative spirit than me, then A Way Back to Love may be just your story, but for me it just wasn’t.
Now, story wise, I was feeling the interaction between Emily and Derek. Their tiptoeing between friendship and more was definitely interesting. It was some other things about this story that made me go hmmm…. Now, let it be noted, this book is written in third person. Now, to many this may be your thing, but to me I’m not the biggest fan. Especially when it contains a few other distractions. I never could quite place where this story was set. It says Boston, Thatcher mentions Fresno, but it’s written with what I am guessing is an English accent. So I never could quite come to grips as to how to picture the characters or dive into the book. It just seemed like some of the verbiage used didn’t really match up with American college kids. Maybe it was just me.
I really wanted to be a big fan. I wanted to fall desperately in love especially since this was book one in a series. But, my hopes ran dry. If you are okay with third person and maybe have a more imaginative spirit than me, then A Way Back to Love may be just your story, but for me it just wasn’t.
July 2, 2017
4 Stars
A Way Back into Love is a contemporary romance/ second chance at love story by Veronica Thatcher.
Emily Stevens and Derek Thorpe have been friends ever since they were children, and Emily realises that she has loved him for a long time. She can’t imagine her life without him, but worries that if she reveals how she feels and he doesn’t feel the same, it will damage their friendship. But, she decides that she really has to confess her feelings for him. Unfortunately circumstances happen that waylay her plan. Emily ends up leaving for college and med school, forever changed.
Skip forward five years and Emily has returned to do her surgical internship at the local hospital. What happened five years ago? What happened in the time she was away? What happened with Derek? Will the past continue to taunt her? What happens when she sees Derek again after all this time? Will they reconnect, or is it too late?
This is a great story. It really tugged at my heart-strings from the beginning till the end. I was so caught up in their story, rooting for them the whole way. That’s not to say that I didn’t get quite a few urges to shake them and tell them to get their acts together…. Communication guys!!! Communicate!!! Be honest about your feelings!!!
I liked Emily and Derek, they were great characters- but I hated Emma, she was so very hateful, a very self-centred Cow!
The back story is told in the form of flashbacks and there are quite a few transitions from the past to the present and back again- the author has done a good job in making the transitions go as smoothly as possible. The pace of the story was a little slow, but overall the story is well written and very enjoyable.
I loved the funny moments and the witty, funny banter. The story is very sweet and I loved how Ms. Thatcher ended the story.
Thank you Ms. Thatcher!
A Way Back into Love is a contemporary romance/ second chance at love story by Veronica Thatcher.
Emily Stevens and Derek Thorpe have been friends ever since they were children, and Emily realises that she has loved him for a long time. She can’t imagine her life without him, but worries that if she reveals how she feels and he doesn’t feel the same, it will damage their friendship. But, she decides that she really has to confess her feelings for him. Unfortunately circumstances happen that waylay her plan. Emily ends up leaving for college and med school, forever changed.
Skip forward five years and Emily has returned to do her surgical internship at the local hospital. What happened five years ago? What happened in the time she was away? What happened with Derek? Will the past continue to taunt her? What happens when she sees Derek again after all this time? Will they reconnect, or is it too late?
This is a great story. It really tugged at my heart-strings from the beginning till the end. I was so caught up in their story, rooting for them the whole way. That’s not to say that I didn’t get quite a few urges to shake them and tell them to get their acts together…. Communication guys!!! Communicate!!! Be honest about your feelings!!!
I liked Emily and Derek, they were great characters- but I hated Emma, she was so very hateful, a very self-centred Cow!
The back story is told in the form of flashbacks and there are quite a few transitions from the past to the present and back again- the author has done a good job in making the transitions go as smoothly as possible. The pace of the story was a little slow, but overall the story is well written and very enjoyable.
I loved the funny moments and the witty, funny banter. The story is very sweet and I loved how Ms. Thatcher ended the story.
Thank you Ms. Thatcher!
June 25, 2017
A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher is a contemporary romance that has a second chance love trope. We meet Derek and Emily. These 2 have been the best of friends since they were 6 years old. There was a huge situation that occurred while they were in college that drove Emily to the opposite side of the country. Emily has been in love with Derek since she can remember. Derek has also loved Emily forever. They never acted on their attraction because they did not want to ruin their friendship. Five years go by before Emily returns to start her internship at the hospital. Can you guess who she runs into on her first day of her internship, yup you guessed it Derek. While she was gone he moved on or at least tried to move on. He is currently engaged to Emily's sister. Needless to say it's not an easy situation. Seeing each other again they rekindle their friendship. But those feeling they once had start coming back. On top of all this Emily harbors feelings of abandonment from her father leaving and her mother never really supporting her. Can they get over the past to see if they can make a go of it? Will Emily's sister be upset? Can trust really be rebuilt after the problems from the past? I give this book a 5 star review. Will be adding this author to my to be read pile.
July 2, 2017
A way back into love- Veronica Thatcher- 4 star read
Emily Stevens has been through the ringer in life and she is only just in the peak of her twenties. She has survived leaving home and everyone she knows to go to medical school and most importantly has survived shoving the feelings she has for her best friend of 15 years back into it’s deep dark place.
Derek Thorpe has been a staple in her and her families life since Emily can remember, but an event makes Emily pack her bags and her shattered heart to Boston without even giving it a second chance. However, when medical school is done and she finds herself having to pick a hospital to start her rounds at, she finds herself drawn back home to Fresno to the same hospital that her parents work at and also the same hospital where her now former best friend, Derek, is also a resident at.
Emily has a very strange family dynamic where she has her mother, a stepfather and a stepsister, one that she always tried to treat her as blood but the feelings were never returned. She has a very close and healthy relationship with her stepfather, but things between her Mom and her stepsister Emma could use a lot of work. One major wrench in her “sister” dynamic with Emma is the fact that while she was away and falling out of touch with Derek, Emma swooped in and took him away- and oh yeah, are now engaged. From what Emily can sense, things aren’t all rainbows and butterflies with their relationship though and finds herself worrying about Derek and his wellbeing Emily tries to break down all the walls she has built up for the past 5 years protecting her heart and finally gets the courage to let Derek know the real reasons why she actually left so quickly to Boston.
With everything aired out and their hearts truly showing what they want, will Emily and Derek find themselves in each other’s lives like they deserve. Or, will Derek and Emily by stopped by their loyalty to family and destroy any possibility of love that there could be?
This sweet story has a little bit of everything for us romantics. Has some heartbreak, some angst, some family drama and most importantly the underlying theme of true love. Emily and Derek’s character were a fantastic dynamic and you can see throughout the entire story that no matter what they still love each other. I did have some issues with the way the story was told. I found the flashbacks to current to past scene settings a bit confusing and also the character intros were very hard for me to keep track of since they were kind of all plopped at the beginning. Lastly, I am not a fan of authors dropping “fancy” words throughout a book just because. It is like a word of the day calendar and I find myself drawing away from that writing style. Overall, enjoyable story that grips you from beginning to end with a very sweet ending.
Emily Stevens has been through the ringer in life and she is only just in the peak of her twenties. She has survived leaving home and everyone she knows to go to medical school and most importantly has survived shoving the feelings she has for her best friend of 15 years back into it’s deep dark place.
Derek Thorpe has been a staple in her and her families life since Emily can remember, but an event makes Emily pack her bags and her shattered heart to Boston without even giving it a second chance. However, when medical school is done and she finds herself having to pick a hospital to start her rounds at, she finds herself drawn back home to Fresno to the same hospital that her parents work at and also the same hospital where her now former best friend, Derek, is also a resident at.
Emily has a very strange family dynamic where she has her mother, a stepfather and a stepsister, one that she always tried to treat her as blood but the feelings were never returned. She has a very close and healthy relationship with her stepfather, but things between her Mom and her stepsister Emma could use a lot of work. One major wrench in her “sister” dynamic with Emma is the fact that while she was away and falling out of touch with Derek, Emma swooped in and took him away- and oh yeah, are now engaged. From what Emily can sense, things aren’t all rainbows and butterflies with their relationship though and finds herself worrying about Derek and his wellbeing Emily tries to break down all the walls she has built up for the past 5 years protecting her heart and finally gets the courage to let Derek know the real reasons why she actually left so quickly to Boston.
With everything aired out and their hearts truly showing what they want, will Emily and Derek find themselves in each other’s lives like they deserve. Or, will Derek and Emily by stopped by their loyalty to family and destroy any possibility of love that there could be?
This sweet story has a little bit of everything for us romantics. Has some heartbreak, some angst, some family drama and most importantly the underlying theme of true love. Emily and Derek’s character were a fantastic dynamic and you can see throughout the entire story that no matter what they still love each other. I did have some issues with the way the story was told. I found the flashbacks to current to past scene settings a bit confusing and also the character intros were very hard for me to keep track of since they were kind of all plopped at the beginning. Lastly, I am not a fan of authors dropping “fancy” words throughout a book just because. It is like a word of the day calendar and I find myself drawing away from that writing style. Overall, enjoyable story that grips you from beginning to end with a very sweet ending.
March 18, 2017
Emily and Derek have been best friends since their school days. They both clearly feel an attraction towards each other but are scared to open up in case it jeopardizes their friendship. On an unfortunate night, Emily and Derek’s relationship takes a new turn and Emily leaves town to pursue her higher education. When she returns after five long years, her feelings for Derek are still there. Does she stand a chance or have things between them broken far beyond repair.
As a person who does not believe in love at first sight and not a fan of modern day insta-love, this book feeds to my belief system quite a bit. I really believe that you need to really know a person in order to be able to love them truly and deeply. And who knows you better than your long term best friend? Emily and Derek share a bond that has been built of trust and friendship over the years and as such it is easy to believe in their love and in them. There were certain points in the story when I literally wanted to nudge them to drop their inhibitions and come clear. The author has put quite an effort into building the characters to their full strengths and weaknesses.
The plot is pretty predictable but it the author attention to narrating her story that keeps a reader hooked to the pages. The different relationships in the book also manage to keep your interest. What I would have loved to see more of in the book is depth to some of the side characters. The support system that the protagonists have can often help a reader to connect to the protagonists even more and that was lacking in the book. Overall, as a debut novel, this is a job well done. I hope to see the author, her characters and depth of the plots only grow with her books.
As a person who does not believe in love at first sight and not a fan of modern day insta-love, this book feeds to my belief system quite a bit. I really believe that you need to really know a person in order to be able to love them truly and deeply. And who knows you better than your long term best friend? Emily and Derek share a bond that has been built of trust and friendship over the years and as such it is easy to believe in their love and in them. There were certain points in the story when I literally wanted to nudge them to drop their inhibitions and come clear. The author has put quite an effort into building the characters to their full strengths and weaknesses.
The plot is pretty predictable but it the author attention to narrating her story that keeps a reader hooked to the pages. The different relationships in the book also manage to keep your interest. What I would have loved to see more of in the book is depth to some of the side characters. The support system that the protagonists have can often help a reader to connect to the protagonists even more and that was lacking in the book. Overall, as a debut novel, this is a job well done. I hope to see the author, her characters and depth of the plots only grow with her books.
February 7, 2017
Emily has been in love with her best friend Derek and doesn't know how to tell him. One day things happen between them and Emily leaves for 5 years comes home and Derek is engaged to her sister Emma who is a awful, stuck up snob. Things get heated up between everyone makes mistakes lots of drama and in the end it ends up the way it should have all along. I liked this story but it was hard to follow with it being in third person. I felt like something was missing or it would have been more amazing in two point of view Emily's and Derek's only. 4/5 stars *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book ***
December 29, 2017
"A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher was a best friends to lovers story. When Emily realizes that she is in love with her best friend Derek, things start to spiral out of control for both of them. They realize several years later the mistakes they both made and also allowing outside forces to interfere caused them to not be together the past years.
It was a well written story. It was a bit slow paced but it did keep my attention."
It was a well written story. It was a bit slow paced but it did keep my attention."
February 15, 2017
Not to bad for a new author. Loved how the plot and characters worked well together!
March 27, 2017
I wrote this review while reading A Way Back Into Love so please bare with my jumpiness!
Reading A Way Back Into Love reminded me of all those years ago when I was in high school. I had a Derek. He was my best friend and the guy I wanted to be with and spend the rest of my life with. But we drifted apart. I’m happy with my life now but on occasion my mind always wanders to the past and the days of high school and I think ‘What might have been?’
The pain of losing a best friend the way Emily lost Derek is one of the worst. It feels like your heart being ripped from your chest each time you see him with your sister or supposed best girl friend.
In A Way Back Into Love you can feel the emotions that the characters are feeling no matter what they are. Especially, the pain and heartache our main male and female characters feel.
Emma has always been a bitch but damn she is a monstrous bitch, especially towards her sister Emily.
Wow! I was waiting for that kiss to happen! Glad it did but sad it happened when it did!
I love the banter between Derek and Emily; they’re hilarious but cute!
Emily can be such a baby! Who doesn’t love fishing?!
A jealous Derek is a hilarious Derek!!!!
Emma is a conniving witch with a capital B! She did something so heinous to Derek but kept it a secret until he broke off their engagement, who does that crap!!! She accused him of cheating on her with Emily when he didn’t but she did something way worse! Dumb bitch!
I knew that would happen, they were meant to be!
What a lovely ending to a wonderful book!!! But I didn’t want it to end!!! I want more dammit!
Veronica Thatcher is a lovely author who moves you with her words! Go check A Way Back Into Love, you won’t regret it!!!
Reading A Way Back Into Love reminded me of all those years ago when I was in high school. I had a Derek. He was my best friend and the guy I wanted to be with and spend the rest of my life with. But we drifted apart. I’m happy with my life now but on occasion my mind always wanders to the past and the days of high school and I think ‘What might have been?’
The pain of losing a best friend the way Emily lost Derek is one of the worst. It feels like your heart being ripped from your chest each time you see him with your sister or supposed best girl friend.
In A Way Back Into Love you can feel the emotions that the characters are feeling no matter what they are. Especially, the pain and heartache our main male and female characters feel.
Emma has always been a bitch but damn she is a monstrous bitch, especially towards her sister Emily.
Wow! I was waiting for that kiss to happen! Glad it did but sad it happened when it did!
I love the banter between Derek and Emily; they’re hilarious but cute!
Emily can be such a baby! Who doesn’t love fishing?!
A jealous Derek is a hilarious Derek!!!!
Emma is a conniving witch with a capital B! She did something so heinous to Derek but kept it a secret until he broke off their engagement, who does that crap!!! She accused him of cheating on her with Emily when he didn’t but she did something way worse! Dumb bitch!
I knew that would happen, they were meant to be!
What a lovely ending to a wonderful book!!! But I didn’t want it to end!!! I want more dammit!
Veronica Thatcher is a lovely author who moves you with her words! Go check A Way Back Into Love, you won’t regret it!!!
February 22, 2017
I picked this book up since I wanted to read something very light and breezy. This book was definitely that. The story revolves around Emily Stevens and Derek Thrope who are best friends since the first day of school. With time their bond blossoms and so does their feelings for each other. But they dread to confess their feelings for each other in order to preserve their friendship. With one drunken night and lots of misunderstandings Emily moves out of town and Derek ends up with Emily’s mean half sister, Emma. But this is all in the past. Emily is back in Frenso for her surgical internship and she has to face Derek again.
The story is quite predictable but is still fun to read it. The plot was based in present with constant flashbacks from the past. A lot of incidences in the hospital reminded me of the series Grey’s Anatomy. But maybe it’s just me.
The narration is from a third person’s perspective throughout the book. I felt that the narration from both Emily’s and Derek’s POV would have added a flavor, making it easy for the reader to sympathize with the duo. For me the highlight was the relationship that Emily and Derek shared. I loved how they rebounded immediately after Emily’s return inspite of so much hurt and history.
This is a love story that clearly states that confessions at the right time are very important and life may not offer second chances to everybody. This is the first book in the series and I will recommend this book to whoever is looking to read a light, quick love story.
The story is quite predictable but is still fun to read it. The plot was based in present with constant flashbacks from the past. A lot of incidences in the hospital reminded me of the series Grey’s Anatomy. But maybe it’s just me.
The narration is from a third person’s perspective throughout the book. I felt that the narration from both Emily’s and Derek’s POV would have added a flavor, making it easy for the reader to sympathize with the duo. For me the highlight was the relationship that Emily and Derek shared. I loved how they rebounded immediately after Emily’s return inspite of so much hurt and history.
This is a love story that clearly states that confessions at the right time are very important and life may not offer second chances to everybody. This is the first book in the series and I will recommend this book to whoever is looking to read a light, quick love story.
February 18, 2017
I have never had a character that I have not been able to stand as much as I couldn't stand Emily. This woman worked my last nerve from the time she came back home and met up with Derek again. Don't get me wrong, Derek was right there with her in my feelings for these characters, but Emily almost made me want to quit reading this book. But I didn't! Why? Because this story was so captivating that I had to keep reading to see what the big secret was. What was Derek's secret, what was Emily's secret? My problem with the characters, well Emily mostly was that for two people who had finished med school and were now surgical interns they were, she was so damn immature at times that it would infuriate me. Her childish name calling became almost too much at one point, and yes I get that they have been best friends since they were 6 years old, but I think some of that should have been grown out of, or at least traded in for more mature teasing/name calling. Derek, well he was a little soft to me. But then, maybe he was just built that way. (This is not a critique of the author's writing, it's a critique of the characters personalities). My opinion of course.
My other concern was the dialect. I was a little confused my some of the conversations and had to read them a couple of times and at times I thought maybe it was a typo until I would see that the other character would repeat the same line the exact say way. I know she flew to Boston to go to medical school, but where did these people live to speak the way that they did? Just a little confusing for me. Not a deal breaker though.
However, besides my dislike of these characters, they were very well written and disfunctionally well developed in their own way. I think that I finally started liking them right at the end of the book.
It is a gripping story that will grab you and drag you through the two characters lives and you will not want to let go, because you have to know what happened to them. Excellent storyline even though the characters were a bit immature, in my opinion.
My other concern was the dialect. I was a little confused my some of the conversations and had to read them a couple of times and at times I thought maybe it was a typo until I would see that the other character would repeat the same line the exact say way. I know she flew to Boston to go to medical school, but where did these people live to speak the way that they did? Just a little confusing for me. Not a deal breaker though.
However, besides my dislike of these characters, they were very well written and disfunctionally well developed in their own way. I think that I finally started liking them right at the end of the book.
It is a gripping story that will grab you and drag you through the two characters lives and you will not want to let go, because you have to know what happened to them. Excellent storyline even though the characters were a bit immature, in my opinion.
February 13, 2017
This is a classic love story with Emily loving Derek who ended up marrying Emma, Emily’s sister. Five years later Emily and Derek meet again and they reconnect.
I was a bit confused here and there with both sisters being “Em” and the back and forth between cities and times could have been a bit smoother. Overall, it’s a solid effort for a first novel and a light fun read overall. If you like classic romance, like Mills and Boon, you’ll enjoy this.
3.5 out of 5, so 3 for GR and 4 for Amazon, once it's up.
On my blog, my review is longer:
This is a classic love story with Emily loving Derek who ended up marrying Emma, Emily’s sister. Five years later Emily and Derek meet again and they reconnect.
First: I loved the cover. I'm hopeless at cover art and this one was so pretty! Second, the premise was a good one, and I was also looking forward to reading something plain and romantic after reading so much dark romance recently.
This is a first novel, and it's okay but I think it needed another round of beta reading and editing.
I was a bit confused here and there with both sisters being “Em”. Really, one sister should have been renamed to Grace or whatever, because the similar names was a bit much. Also, the back and forth between cities and times could have been a bit smoother. I did like the way that the past was italicised, but with the changing third person perspectives, I wasn't sure something who was doing the talking.
What really didn't help was that the ARC had formatting issues. Some paragraphs came in huge clumps of text, and others were indented and very short. It was readable, but I did wonder if it contributed to some of the confusion. Anyway, ARCs are always plagued by little issues and I'm sure that the final copy is perfect. But for me, the lesson is to send nicely formatted ARCs to my own reviewers.
Overall, it’s a solid effort for a first novel and a light fun read overall. If you like classic romance, like Mills and Boon, you’ll enjoy this.
I was a bit confused here and there with both sisters being “Em” and the back and forth between cities and times could have been a bit smoother. Overall, it’s a solid effort for a first novel and a light fun read overall. If you like classic romance, like Mills and Boon, you’ll enjoy this.
3.5 out of 5, so 3 for GR and 4 for Amazon, once it's up.
On my blog, my review is longer:
This is a classic love story with Emily loving Derek who ended up marrying Emma, Emily’s sister. Five years later Emily and Derek meet again and they reconnect.
First: I loved the cover. I'm hopeless at cover art and this one was so pretty! Second, the premise was a good one, and I was also looking forward to reading something plain and romantic after reading so much dark romance recently.
This is a first novel, and it's okay but I think it needed another round of beta reading and editing.
I was a bit confused here and there with both sisters being “Em”. Really, one sister should have been renamed to Grace or whatever, because the similar names was a bit much. Also, the back and forth between cities and times could have been a bit smoother. I did like the way that the past was italicised, but with the changing third person perspectives, I wasn't sure something who was doing the talking.
What really didn't help was that the ARC had formatting issues. Some paragraphs came in huge clumps of text, and others were indented and very short. It was readable, but I did wonder if it contributed to some of the confusion. Anyway, ARCs are always plagued by little issues and I'm sure that the final copy is perfect. But for me, the lesson is to send nicely formatted ARCs to my own reviewers.
Overall, it’s a solid effort for a first novel and a light fun read overall. If you like classic romance, like Mills and Boon, you’ll enjoy this.
February 16, 2017
Reviewed for My Timeout Book Blog
For me five stars just wasn't enough to but it was the most I had to give this novel. I feel in love with it from Chapter one. The story of a young woman who fell in love with her guy best friend. Only to have her heart broken. Come on how many of us have been there. I know I have. I was able to relate to how Emily felt.
Emily returns home after graduation med school to begin her internship and her career as a doctor. She is excited to finally be returning home after a long five years. But returning home means she has to gave him. Him, being her best friend since they we six, Derek. She must over come her heartache now to work with him.
There are a few twist that I have to say I wasn't expecting. One being that not only is this a romance about two best friends finding their way back to each other, it is also the story of Emily's family.
You will find that there are a lot of memories in this book. It jumps from the present to the past frequently. I have to say though I was able to follow it quite easily. You could always tell what was now and what was a character thinking of the past.
While I adored the story, this is way I gave it five starts, I did find a few things that threw me off a little. This being an arc copy I tried to move past some of them. One thing I did notice was the lay out of some of the pages were a little off. The sentance did not always reach to the end of the page and cut off words. Another was the at the start of chapters capital letters would be in the middle of words and some times the whole first sentence was in caps. And one final thing was it was a little confusing at times when both Emily and her sister Emma were called Em. I had to go back a few times she see who the person would be talking to.
This was a great story of two best friends and their journey not only back to each other but into love.
For me five stars just wasn't enough to but it was the most I had to give this novel. I feel in love with it from Chapter one. The story of a young woman who fell in love with her guy best friend. Only to have her heart broken. Come on how many of us have been there. I know I have. I was able to relate to how Emily felt.
Emily returns home after graduation med school to begin her internship and her career as a doctor. She is excited to finally be returning home after a long five years. But returning home means she has to gave him. Him, being her best friend since they we six, Derek. She must over come her heartache now to work with him.
There are a few twist that I have to say I wasn't expecting. One being that not only is this a romance about two best friends finding their way back to each other, it is also the story of Emily's family.
You will find that there are a lot of memories in this book. It jumps from the present to the past frequently. I have to say though I was able to follow it quite easily. You could always tell what was now and what was a character thinking of the past.
While I adored the story, this is way I gave it five starts, I did find a few things that threw me off a little. This being an arc copy I tried to move past some of them. One thing I did notice was the lay out of some of the pages were a little off. The sentance did not always reach to the end of the page and cut off words. Another was the at the start of chapters capital letters would be in the middle of words and some times the whole first sentence was in caps. And one final thing was it was a little confusing at times when both Emily and her sister Emma were called Em. I had to go back a few times she see who the person would be talking to.
This was a great story of two best friends and their journey not only back to each other but into love.
March 18, 2017
I don't have any particularly strong feelings on plagiarism. I'm from India. Some of our most famous songs and movies have been directly "inspired" from the works of others, to the extent that we just change the names of the characters and the setting to something that is "Indian" and release it. While it is true that it is insanely difficult to be truly original when it comes to artistic endeavours, creators should be aware of the thin line that divides an homage from a rip-off. Sadly, Ms Thatcher, a debut author, and an evident Grey's Anatomy superfan, was unable to do so in her book, A Way Back Into Love.
Emily Stevens and Derek Thorpe (yes, Derek) have been best friends since childhood and it is blindingly obvious to the reader that they are both madly in love with each other. Of course, neither is sure of the other's feelings even though they have no trouble in understanding every other innermost desire of their friend. After a drunken night and a busload of misunderstandings, Emily leaves California for Boston, heartbroken. Five years later, she returns to do her internship at the hospital where her parents are big-shots, carve an identity of her own and face Derek again. Derek, in the meantime, is engaged to Emily's bitchy half-sister, Emma, and there seems to be no love lost between them. The big question is: Will Emily and Derek find their way back into love with each other?
To clarify, I don't think it's wrong at all to want the characters you create to resemble the characters you love. Hell, if I ever publish a book, I will strive to ensure that my hero is a mixture of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rhett Butler, Chuck Bass and any Nora Roberts male protagonist. But when the similarities also extend to the family structure (Derek grew up in all-female household), the backstory (Emily's mother is an accomplished surgeon but a cold mother), the secondary characters (Renee resembling Cristina and the nerdy guy contracting syphilis from a nurse) and an instance where Derek's womanizing best friend, Carter, is accidentally referred to as Mark, it all becomes a bit too much. In addition, I found the banter between the protagonists very juvenile considering the fact they are surgical interns. The shifting POVs in the midst of the plot and the unconventional story structure that seemed to go on and on after what I thought should have been the Happily Ever After made this a very difficult read for me to like.
I would like to end my post by saying that I don't hate the book. Despite its many shortcomings, I saw some potential in Ms Thatcher's writing, especially in the moments when Derek and Emily are finding their way back to each other. I wish her all the best for her future.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed are personal and not meant to be derogatory in any respect.
Emily Stevens and Derek Thorpe (yes, Derek) have been best friends since childhood and it is blindingly obvious to the reader that they are both madly in love with each other. Of course, neither is sure of the other's feelings even though they have no trouble in understanding every other innermost desire of their friend. After a drunken night and a busload of misunderstandings, Emily leaves California for Boston, heartbroken. Five years later, she returns to do her internship at the hospital where her parents are big-shots, carve an identity of her own and face Derek again. Derek, in the meantime, is engaged to Emily's bitchy half-sister, Emma, and there seems to be no love lost between them. The big question is: Will Emily and Derek find their way back into love with each other?
To clarify, I don't think it's wrong at all to want the characters you create to resemble the characters you love. Hell, if I ever publish a book, I will strive to ensure that my hero is a mixture of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rhett Butler, Chuck Bass and any Nora Roberts male protagonist. But when the similarities also extend to the family structure (Derek grew up in all-female household), the backstory (Emily's mother is an accomplished surgeon but a cold mother), the secondary characters (Renee resembling Cristina and the nerdy guy contracting syphilis from a nurse) and an instance where Derek's womanizing best friend, Carter, is accidentally referred to as Mark, it all becomes a bit too much. In addition, I found the banter between the protagonists very juvenile considering the fact they are surgical interns. The shifting POVs in the midst of the plot and the unconventional story structure that seemed to go on and on after what I thought should have been the Happily Ever After made this a very difficult read for me to like.
I would like to end my post by saying that I don't hate the book. Despite its many shortcomings, I saw some potential in Ms Thatcher's writing, especially in the moments when Derek and Emily are finding their way back to each other. I wish her all the best for her future.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed are personal and not meant to be derogatory in any respect.
February 20, 2017
If your a sucker for best friends to lover kind of books like I am then this is for sure a book you will enjoy. Veronica gives us not only only friendship and love but also secrets, lies, and suspense. Emily has been in love with her best friend Derek for a while and has no clue on how to tell him. One day things happen between them causing Emily to leave for 5 years. Now after coming back home Derek is engaged to non other than her sister. The drama between everyone is kicked up.
Don't get me wrong I enjoyed this story but there was something about the 3rd person P.O.V that threw me and made it hard at times to follow the story. Both sisters Emily and Emma are referred to as Em and that makes it even a bit more confusing. But all in all the plot and story line kept me interested from page to page.
Don't get me wrong I enjoyed this story but there was something about the 3rd person P.O.V that threw me and made it hard at times to follow the story. Both sisters Emily and Emma are referred to as Em and that makes it even a bit more confusing. But all in all the plot and story line kept me interested from page to page.
February 10, 2017
If you love BF to lovers with an added twist (OK maybe a few) than this book is for you. The secrets, lies, connection between Emily/Derek and the suspense on what happened that one night (well we had an idea, but never expected the outcome) that led to Emily being gone for five years will keep you reading to the very end. Emma the sister of Emily and fiance to Derek (yes, you read this right) wow, stuck up isn't even a word to describe you. Your interactions to Emily your whole life and then Derek. You may have resurrected yourself a bit, but your wake up will come down the road. Holy head spin, but it was good!
This story is told from a multiple third POV and takes place between Boston and Fresno and will contain flashbacks for you to get the background on how it led up to this current situation. From the beginning it should have always been Emily and Derek, but life doesn't go as planned so they must either find a way back or continue on as BF with Derek marrying Emma.
My only thought was, does he say, "Oh Em!" to them both since their name is similar to each other. Don't know why, but it stuck with me as I was reading this. haha. This is the first book in this series by this author and I can't wait to see where the next book in this series leads.
This story is told from a multiple third POV and takes place between Boston and Fresno and will contain flashbacks for you to get the background on how it led up to this current situation. From the beginning it should have always been Emily and Derek, but life doesn't go as planned so they must either find a way back or continue on as BF with Derek marrying Emma.
My only thought was, does he say, "Oh Em!" to them both since their name is similar to each other. Don't know why, but it stuck with me as I was reading this. haha. This is the first book in this series by this author and I can't wait to see where the next book in this series leads.
March 13, 2017
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I have to admit that I had a few problems with this story. Firstly, it didn't flow particularly well, it was almost as though someone has gone through the book with a thesaurus and swapped a quite a few words for more complex ones. I've noticed a few of the reviews on here that suggest it might be because the author isn't from the US. Here profile says that she's from the UK, as a fellow Brit, I can assure you that no one speaks like that there either. It makes for un-natural speech and at time the words used don't even make sense in the context.
If that were my only issue, I might have scored this a bit higher. I wanted to keep reading and see what would happen. The problem is though, that I don't particularly like either of the main characters. Then Emily's sister, (who has almost the same name) is described as being unreasonable and not particularly likable. But we're supposed to accept that Derek is in a relationship with her. Why? I have no idea. Ultimately though, you can't help but feel sorry for the way she is treated.
This one really wasn't for me.
I have to admit that I had a few problems with this story. Firstly, it didn't flow particularly well, it was almost as though someone has gone through the book with a thesaurus and swapped a quite a few words for more complex ones. I've noticed a few of the reviews on here that suggest it might be because the author isn't from the US. Here profile says that she's from the UK, as a fellow Brit, I can assure you that no one speaks like that there either. It makes for un-natural speech and at time the words used don't even make sense in the context.
If that were my only issue, I might have scored this a bit higher. I wanted to keep reading and see what would happen. The problem is though, that I don't particularly like either of the main characters. Then Emily's sister, (who has almost the same name) is described as being unreasonable and not particularly likable. But we're supposed to accept that Derek is in a relationship with her. Why? I have no idea. Ultimately though, you can't help but feel sorry for the way she is treated.
This one really wasn't for me.
February 11, 2017
It was a good read. Could have flowed a little better but I enjoyed the story line. Kinda reminded me of Grey's anatomy and I love Grey's!!
Each character has a few flaws and when you discover what really happened that night, I was crying with them.
Each character has a few flaws and when you discover what really happened that night, I was crying with them.
June 2, 2017
A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher is a story about friendship and finding love. This story is full of romance, drama, compassion and you will even find some twists and turns.. One of the things I love about this author is her ability to create characters that are true to life. They just pop right off the page and into your heart. Her ability to write with detail that leaves no room for questions. This story will pull you in from the first word and keep you engaged until the end. These characters will take you on a roller coaster ride of variety of emotions that you will not want to miss. Find out what happens to these characters as their relationship takes a turn that neither one of them will see coming.
Emily Stevens is a spunky, spirited college woman who comes to realize that she has fallen for her best friend of fifteen years. When she is convinced that she is ready to confess to him her feelings, something happens that will change her life forever. Now, we at five years later and she finds herself alone and heartbroken. What will happen when she returns home? When she comes face to face with her past, will she run? Will she ever heal from her past?
Derek Thorpe has known her since they first met in kindergarten. They have been inseparable until that one night when she runs away. Five years later she is back. What will happen when she finds out who she is engaged to? Will he be able to fall back into their friendship? Does he even know what he wants?
Emily and Derek's relationship is one that has started out a friendship and grows into something more. They both have secrets but will happen when they finally start confessing to each other? Coming back, she has no idea what she is walking into but when she reaches a boiling point, what will happen to them? Their friendship grows stronger then ever but will their bond be broken? They are both strong characters that have been hurt in some type of way. She is broken and in need of just letting herself heal but can she do that without the truth? He hot, sexy but confused on what he is suppose to do. When it comes time to decide will he be able to make a choice? Secrets are meant to be set free but is anyone ready for the consciences? These characters are really well developed and make the story flow together. The secondary characters add just enough to the story to make it feel more real. They are all sweet together and they really do grow together throughout the story. Find out what happens to these characters as they go on a journey in seek of honesty and being true to themselves.
This is my first story by Veronica Thatcher and I can't wait to see what she has coming for us next. Veronica has always found that she can express herself better in written words then spoken ones. She loves reading just as much as she loves writing. When she is not studying, reading or writing you can find her singing and dancing to her favorite music. You will fall in love with the characters in this book. It is a fast paced story that will keep you reading until the end. I had a hard time putting it down. This story will keep you engaged until the end, you will just need to see what happens at the end. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see what happens when best friends become more, will they find their HEA?
Emily Stevens is a spunky, spirited college woman who comes to realize that she has fallen for her best friend of fifteen years. When she is convinced that she is ready to confess to him her feelings, something happens that will change her life forever. Now, we at five years later and she finds herself alone and heartbroken. What will happen when she returns home? When she comes face to face with her past, will she run? Will she ever heal from her past?
Derek Thorpe has known her since they first met in kindergarten. They have been inseparable until that one night when she runs away. Five years later she is back. What will happen when she finds out who she is engaged to? Will he be able to fall back into their friendship? Does he even know what he wants?
Emily and Derek's relationship is one that has started out a friendship and grows into something more. They both have secrets but will happen when they finally start confessing to each other? Coming back, she has no idea what she is walking into but when she reaches a boiling point, what will happen to them? Their friendship grows stronger then ever but will their bond be broken? They are both strong characters that have been hurt in some type of way. She is broken and in need of just letting herself heal but can she do that without the truth? He hot, sexy but confused on what he is suppose to do. When it comes time to decide will he be able to make a choice? Secrets are meant to be set free but is anyone ready for the consciences? These characters are really well developed and make the story flow together. The secondary characters add just enough to the story to make it feel more real. They are all sweet together and they really do grow together throughout the story. Find out what happens to these characters as they go on a journey in seek of honesty and being true to themselves.
This is my first story by Veronica Thatcher and I can't wait to see what she has coming for us next. Veronica has always found that she can express herself better in written words then spoken ones. She loves reading just as much as she loves writing. When she is not studying, reading or writing you can find her singing and dancing to her favorite music. You will fall in love with the characters in this book. It is a fast paced story that will keep you reading until the end. I had a hard time putting it down. This story will keep you engaged until the end, you will just need to see what happens at the end. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see what happens when best friends become more, will they find their HEA?
June 30, 2017
A Way Back into Love is a contemporary romance / love story with mild sex scenes. It tells the story of Emily Stevens and Derek Thorpe who have been best friends since they met on their first day of school aged six. There would seem to be nothing and no-one that could prise them apart and separate them. Until that is, rumours, half-heard conversations and secrets take their toll on things and events run away with them.
Emily Stevens is a strong spirited girl who takes it upon herself to look out for others: she likes to make sure people treat others kindly. That’s what binds her and Derek together at the age of six when she rescues Derek from a tricky situation. Derek becomes especially important to Emily as her relationship with her mother is strained, her half-sister doesn’t really like her and only her step-father takes any notice of her, teaching her things and spending quality time with her. Emily is therefore wary of letting her true feelings out and when the going gets tough? Emily runs.
In her teens Emily begins to realise her feelings for Derek are turning to more than friendship. Should she confess and risk losing his friendship forever? What would happen if she told him she loves him in a romantic way? Things spiral out of control for Emily and Derek before she makes a decision. She becomes so desperate that she runs away to finish her studies in Boston. Will she ever get over her feelings for Derek? Five years later Emily makes the decision to return partly because her half-sister Emma is getting married. Can she face Derek? Can she forget the past and bury the hurt?
Emily was the one person outside of his family (mother and sisters) he could always rely on, talk to and relax with. He needed her. When she left and transferred college he was confused, angry and upset. Why did she suddenly leave? He didn’t understand and begged her to not go. During Emily’s five year absence during which she dropped all contact; refusing his texts and phone calls, he has made decisions he is not thoroughly happy with. When he learns Emily is coming back after graduating from Medical School he begins to realise he needs to ask questions and face the consequences of making bad decisions. Will he get his answers and understand why she left so abruptly?
A Way Back into Love is the first book by Veronica Thatcher. Her writing style is easy to read (although I did have to double back in the beginning pages due to the sisters having similar names – Emily and Emma), ideas and events are realistic and followed through carefully and thoughtfully. I liked the way she used flashbacks to fill the reader in on important events / arguments to explain issues between Emily and Derek. Emily and Derek are very loveable, believable characters and as you get caught up in their story you experience a range of emotions, wanting always the best for them. It is a story of hope and a warning to never pay attention to half-heard conversations / rumours, question things you don’t understand and never, ever give up on love. If you want it do everything you can to get it. I will look out for other books by Veronica Thatcher as I enjoyed this one.
Emily Stevens is a strong spirited girl who takes it upon herself to look out for others: she likes to make sure people treat others kindly. That’s what binds her and Derek together at the age of six when she rescues Derek from a tricky situation. Derek becomes especially important to Emily as her relationship with her mother is strained, her half-sister doesn’t really like her and only her step-father takes any notice of her, teaching her things and spending quality time with her. Emily is therefore wary of letting her true feelings out and when the going gets tough? Emily runs.
In her teens Emily begins to realise her feelings for Derek are turning to more than friendship. Should she confess and risk losing his friendship forever? What would happen if she told him she loves him in a romantic way? Things spiral out of control for Emily and Derek before she makes a decision. She becomes so desperate that she runs away to finish her studies in Boston. Will she ever get over her feelings for Derek? Five years later Emily makes the decision to return partly because her half-sister Emma is getting married. Can she face Derek? Can she forget the past and bury the hurt?
Emily was the one person outside of his family (mother and sisters) he could always rely on, talk to and relax with. He needed her. When she left and transferred college he was confused, angry and upset. Why did she suddenly leave? He didn’t understand and begged her to not go. During Emily’s five year absence during which she dropped all contact; refusing his texts and phone calls, he has made decisions he is not thoroughly happy with. When he learns Emily is coming back after graduating from Medical School he begins to realise he needs to ask questions and face the consequences of making bad decisions. Will he get his answers and understand why she left so abruptly?
A Way Back into Love is the first book by Veronica Thatcher. Her writing style is easy to read (although I did have to double back in the beginning pages due to the sisters having similar names – Emily and Emma), ideas and events are realistic and followed through carefully and thoughtfully. I liked the way she used flashbacks to fill the reader in on important events / arguments to explain issues between Emily and Derek. Emily and Derek are very loveable, believable characters and as you get caught up in their story you experience a range of emotions, wanting always the best for them. It is a story of hope and a warning to never pay attention to half-heard conversations / rumours, question things you don’t understand and never, ever give up on love. If you want it do everything you can to get it. I will look out for other books by Veronica Thatcher as I enjoyed this one.
March 12, 2017
A Way Back Into Love is a plethora of firsts for me:
1. It’s the first Advanced Reading Copy book I received for free in exchange for a review.
2. And it’s the first book I read from start to finish on my phone (I actually don’t own a Kindle or other E-Reader; some people find that shocking since I’m so tech-savvy. Nope, that’s probably the only area I’m old fashioned about–I like to be able to feel and smell a book.)
3. It’s the first straight “Romance” book I’ve read from start to finish – I love Romance as a subplot (as it usually is in many books), but Romance as the primary plot is not my preferred genre.
4. And it’s the first self published book I’ve read, with the exception of Still Alice (and that hardly counts I think, considering its popularity).
5. Oh yeah, it’s the first book I’ve read by someone I call a friend–I met Veronica online through social media and have corresponded with her for over a year.
Overall, I think the author and I will agree that additional editing would have improved the book’s quality. While set in America, the vast majority of the story is written in British English, which was definitely distracting. Additionally, there are countless spacing and formatting errors, generally after quotation marks.
Editing aside, here are my thoughts:
CHARACTERIZATION
Emma and Emily are sisters – well, technically, half-sisters – who have a little “love triangle,” going on with a guy named Derek Thorpe. Well, it’s not really a love triangle, because it’s pretty clear from the beginning who’s going to end up with Derek. That said, I found the relationship between Emma and Emily relatable, as it’s paralleled my relationship with my own sister, although to say my sister would ever behave as bratty as Emma is an insult to my sister. Emily irritated me at times, too, because she played off sort of Mary Sue-ish. Looking back, I have a hard time counting her flaws, other than being over dramatic most of the time, which she was. I cringed every time she called Derek an asshole.
THE STORYLINE
Being in love with your best friend is a subject I know well. Unfortunately for me, my storyline didn’t turn out quite like the book’s. There’s a scene where the main character is stating all the reasons she can’t tell Derek how she feels, and those were all the reasons I also considered when I was in the same situation. For me, Emily’s worst fears became a reality. I guess that’s the difference between reality and fiction, right? I think it’s a topic many can relate to, and every so often it’s nice to see one’s desired reality play out in a fantasy in the form of a story. That’s why fiction exists, right?
PACING
There was something about the pacing that felt . . . off. I can’t quite name it. Sometimes POV was confusing – there are sections where the story flips from one to another without a clear break, but it’s clearer in the second half of the book. I’ve read other reviews stating that it should have been in first person, which I strongly disagree with. I actually think third person worked nicely for this story, but some of the breaks in POV could have been clearer.
THE FLASHBACKS
Flashbacks and their use are something I’ve been considering for my own WIP. Some writers’ groups I’ve joined insist they shouldn’t be used at all, which is how I felt about their relevance in A Way Back Into Love. Whenever there was a flashback, I skimmed over it because it pulled me out of the story. Most of them failed to move the story forward. Also, I was distracted when the text directly stated that a scene was a “Flashback”. I’ve always felt if a flashback is actually necessary in a story, it shouldn’t require a heading to tell readers it’s a flashback. The “Flashback” headlines were removed in some of the later flashbacks.
CONCLUSION
A Way Back Into Love is a sweet, fluffy romance story about two best friends who finally muster the courage to tell each other how they feel about each other before it’s too late. It’s a story we’ve all heard before at some point. It’s OK for a first release, and I’m curious to see where Veronica’s career will lead!
1. It’s the first Advanced Reading Copy book I received for free in exchange for a review.
2. And it’s the first book I read from start to finish on my phone (I actually don’t own a Kindle or other E-Reader; some people find that shocking since I’m so tech-savvy. Nope, that’s probably the only area I’m old fashioned about–I like to be able to feel and smell a book.)
3. It’s the first straight “Romance” book I’ve read from start to finish – I love Romance as a subplot (as it usually is in many books), but Romance as the primary plot is not my preferred genre.
4. And it’s the first self published book I’ve read, with the exception of Still Alice (and that hardly counts I think, considering its popularity).
5. Oh yeah, it’s the first book I’ve read by someone I call a friend–I met Veronica online through social media and have corresponded with her for over a year.
Overall, I think the author and I will agree that additional editing would have improved the book’s quality. While set in America, the vast majority of the story is written in British English, which was definitely distracting. Additionally, there are countless spacing and formatting errors, generally after quotation marks.
Editing aside, here are my thoughts:
CHARACTERIZATION
Emma and Emily are sisters – well, technically, half-sisters – who have a little “love triangle,” going on with a guy named Derek Thorpe. Well, it’s not really a love triangle, because it’s pretty clear from the beginning who’s going to end up with Derek. That said, I found the relationship between Emma and Emily relatable, as it’s paralleled my relationship with my own sister, although to say my sister would ever behave as bratty as Emma is an insult to my sister. Emily irritated me at times, too, because she played off sort of Mary Sue-ish. Looking back, I have a hard time counting her flaws, other than being over dramatic most of the time, which she was. I cringed every time she called Derek an asshole.
THE STORYLINE
Being in love with your best friend is a subject I know well. Unfortunately for me, my storyline didn’t turn out quite like the book’s. There’s a scene where the main character is stating all the reasons she can’t tell Derek how she feels, and those were all the reasons I also considered when I was in the same situation. For me, Emily’s worst fears became a reality. I guess that’s the difference between reality and fiction, right? I think it’s a topic many can relate to, and every so often it’s nice to see one’s desired reality play out in a fantasy in the form of a story. That’s why fiction exists, right?
PACING
There was something about the pacing that felt . . . off. I can’t quite name it. Sometimes POV was confusing – there are sections where the story flips from one to another without a clear break, but it’s clearer in the second half of the book. I’ve read other reviews stating that it should have been in first person, which I strongly disagree with. I actually think third person worked nicely for this story, but some of the breaks in POV could have been clearer.
THE FLASHBACKS
Flashbacks and their use are something I’ve been considering for my own WIP. Some writers’ groups I’ve joined insist they shouldn’t be used at all, which is how I felt about their relevance in A Way Back Into Love. Whenever there was a flashback, I skimmed over it because it pulled me out of the story. Most of them failed to move the story forward. Also, I was distracted when the text directly stated that a scene was a “Flashback”. I’ve always felt if a flashback is actually necessary in a story, it shouldn’t require a heading to tell readers it’s a flashback. The “Flashback” headlines were removed in some of the later flashbacks.
CONCLUSION
A Way Back Into Love is a sweet, fluffy romance story about two best friends who finally muster the courage to tell each other how they feel about each other before it’s too late. It’s a story we’ve all heard before at some point. It’s OK for a first release, and I’m curious to see where Veronica’s career will lead!
June 11, 2017
***3 stars***
A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher
A Way Back Into Love is a contemporary romance story by Veronica Thatcher. I give this book 3 stars. The book follows Emily Stevens as she returns to her hometown for her surgical residency at the same hospital that both of her physician parents work. Emily has been away for 5 years, after leaving to run away from heartbreak after falling in love with her best friend and it not turning out how she had hoped. Derek Thorne, who was Emily’s best friend since the age of 6, is now engaged to marry Emily’s sister Emma, and also coincidentally is beginning his surgical residency at the same hospital. Five years prior, through some misunderstandings, Derek also felt heartbroken because he had felt more than friendship for Emily, only to have her take off and distance herself from him. This story follows the two of them as they are faced with each other daily at the hospital, still neither knowing the real truth behind what led to Emily running off to Boston.
I adore stories about two people reconnecting after time apart and rekindling after misunderstandings. However this story was just not all I had hoped for. There was a distinct resemblance to a television show that I loved and watched for years, but that wasn't what really bothered me about this book. In most stories I find myself highlighting sentences that stand out to me, and in this book I found myself highlighting annoying words. The authors use of overly “sophisticated” words interrupted the natural flow of conversation and it seemed as if someone was going through an essay for college and using a thesaurus to make basic language more “flowery” to impress the professor. It unfortunately was something that I found very troubling. I'm sure the author may use those words in normal conversation, but it didn't seem to fit in this particular storyline.
The author used flashbacks to tell more of the backstory and show where the characters were coming from. The flashbacks were in italics to make them easily identifiable. The concept of the story was nice, and the author showed the sweetness of best friends and romantic and thoughtful gifts and experiences Emily and Derek shared. I could easily imagine Emily’s apartment, with the swings and the view of the Japanese trees. The minor characters were described in a way that you were able to form strong opinions of them and feel as if they were real people. Overall, the book just didn't flow as smoothly as I had hoped. The author has potential and I look forward to seeing how her writing develops in her career.
A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher
A Way Back Into Love is a contemporary romance story by Veronica Thatcher. I give this book 3 stars. The book follows Emily Stevens as she returns to her hometown for her surgical residency at the same hospital that both of her physician parents work. Emily has been away for 5 years, after leaving to run away from heartbreak after falling in love with her best friend and it not turning out how she had hoped. Derek Thorne, who was Emily’s best friend since the age of 6, is now engaged to marry Emily’s sister Emma, and also coincidentally is beginning his surgical residency at the same hospital. Five years prior, through some misunderstandings, Derek also felt heartbroken because he had felt more than friendship for Emily, only to have her take off and distance herself from him. This story follows the two of them as they are faced with each other daily at the hospital, still neither knowing the real truth behind what led to Emily running off to Boston.
I adore stories about two people reconnecting after time apart and rekindling after misunderstandings. However this story was just not all I had hoped for. There was a distinct resemblance to a television show that I loved and watched for years, but that wasn't what really bothered me about this book. In most stories I find myself highlighting sentences that stand out to me, and in this book I found myself highlighting annoying words. The authors use of overly “sophisticated” words interrupted the natural flow of conversation and it seemed as if someone was going through an essay for college and using a thesaurus to make basic language more “flowery” to impress the professor. It unfortunately was something that I found very troubling. I'm sure the author may use those words in normal conversation, but it didn't seem to fit in this particular storyline.
The author used flashbacks to tell more of the backstory and show where the characters were coming from. The flashbacks were in italics to make them easily identifiable. The concept of the story was nice, and the author showed the sweetness of best friends and romantic and thoughtful gifts and experiences Emily and Derek shared. I could easily imagine Emily’s apartment, with the swings and the view of the Japanese trees. The minor characters were described in a way that you were able to form strong opinions of them and feel as if they were real people. Overall, the book just didn't flow as smoothly as I had hoped. The author has potential and I look forward to seeing how her writing develops in her career.
June 2, 2017
A Way Back Into Love
By: Veronica Thatcher
5 out of 5 stars
The story A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher is a contemporary romance book. This is a beautiful love story that had my emotions going up and down just like a rollercoaster. I found myself lost in the story and not wanting to put it down until I finished. It is the first book by the author and I can’t wait for her to write more. The storyline is first rate and I liked the way she switched from the present day to flashbacks to explain events. The characters are amazing and well written. This is the story of Emily Stevens and Derek Thorpe. They have been best friends since they were little and they have always been there for each other. There doesn’t seem to be anything that would keep these two apart, until there was. Feelings unspoken, secrets that are kept, and not communicating cause a rift that leads to actions that hurt both of them. Now Emily has returned to her hometown. What will she find?
I really loved the character of Emily. She is someone who even though she was in pain pushed through and graduated college. She has a promising career ahead of her. With that being said she also has so many unresolved feelings that still cause her pain. These feelings only seem larger when she returns home to start her internship. She doesn’t have a very good relationship with her mother and her half-sister and that causes division in her family and disagreements happen quite often. Emily is careful about making waves however this causes more problems for her as her true feelings don’t come out. I found myself relating to Emily. As the story progresses, you can tell that Emily is fighting her feelings for Derek. It is frustrating to read and I wondered if she would ever admit to her feelings or if she would run as she did before. Will Emily finally admit to Derek her true feelings for him? What would Derek’s reaction be?
Derek is also someone who has been through a lot of pain in his life and Emily was the one he could always depend on. Then she left. She didn’t tell him why and he always has that question in the back of his mind. With Emily now back will Derek finally get an answer? Derek doesn’t seem to be happy with his life. He has made decisions that I found quite confusing. You can tell by his actions that Derek is still madly in love with Emily and an uneasy silence sometimes comes between them. What does the future hold for both Derek and Emily? Read this book to find out. This book does include adult situations which would make this a story for a mature reader.
By: Veronica Thatcher
5 out of 5 stars
The story A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher is a contemporary romance book. This is a beautiful love story that had my emotions going up and down just like a rollercoaster. I found myself lost in the story and not wanting to put it down until I finished. It is the first book by the author and I can’t wait for her to write more. The storyline is first rate and I liked the way she switched from the present day to flashbacks to explain events. The characters are amazing and well written. This is the story of Emily Stevens and Derek Thorpe. They have been best friends since they were little and they have always been there for each other. There doesn’t seem to be anything that would keep these two apart, until there was. Feelings unspoken, secrets that are kept, and not communicating cause a rift that leads to actions that hurt both of them. Now Emily has returned to her hometown. What will she find?
I really loved the character of Emily. She is someone who even though she was in pain pushed through and graduated college. She has a promising career ahead of her. With that being said she also has so many unresolved feelings that still cause her pain. These feelings only seem larger when she returns home to start her internship. She doesn’t have a very good relationship with her mother and her half-sister and that causes division in her family and disagreements happen quite often. Emily is careful about making waves however this causes more problems for her as her true feelings don’t come out. I found myself relating to Emily. As the story progresses, you can tell that Emily is fighting her feelings for Derek. It is frustrating to read and I wondered if she would ever admit to her feelings or if she would run as she did before. Will Emily finally admit to Derek her true feelings for him? What would Derek’s reaction be?
Derek is also someone who has been through a lot of pain in his life and Emily was the one he could always depend on. Then she left. She didn’t tell him why and he always has that question in the back of his mind. With Emily now back will Derek finally get an answer? Derek doesn’t seem to be happy with his life. He has made decisions that I found quite confusing. You can tell by his actions that Derek is still madly in love with Emily and an uneasy silence sometimes comes between them. What does the future hold for both Derek and Emily? Read this book to find out. This book does include adult situations which would make this a story for a mature reader.
June 2, 2017
A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher
4 Stars
Emily Stevens was the daughter of not one but two famous surgeons, she had chosen to also go pre med and was attending classes in Fresno. She has a half sister Emma who she tried to be close to but those feelings were never really returned. She has two best friends Renee and Derek. Derek has been her best friend since she was 6 years old and they did everything together, and only Renee knew that she was secretly in love with Derek but couldn't tell him as she was afraid he didn't return her feelings.
Derek Thorpe, also pre-med, best friends with Emily and has an amazing supportive Mom and sisters that he is very close to.
One night in a bar and too many drinks change both of their lives forever. Not being able to face the truth Emily runs off to Boston to finish school and try to forget about Derek and what happened. Five years later she is still heartbroken but feels as if she can deal with it all a lot better, her schooling is finished so she returns home to Fresno to start her internship at the same hospital her parents practice at, and also the same hospital that Derek has chosen for his internship. Since being gone Derek has become engaged to her half sister Emma and she has to find a way to live with this being back home. It doesn't take long for Derek and Emily's friendship to get back on track, but they both have secrets, and both have a lot of questions that they keep to themselves. What happens when they are both forced to face reality and their feelings? What happens when all the secrets are revealed? Can their friendship stay strong or will it destroy them and their families in the end?
I liked this story, there were times though it felt rushed or that these characters were immature for their ages, but the story flowed nicely and my vocabulary grew a bit while reading this book. I found myself looking up a few words I've never heard of. The author built these characters well and you were able to feel what they were feeling. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a second chance story.
4 Stars
Emily Stevens was the daughter of not one but two famous surgeons, she had chosen to also go pre med and was attending classes in Fresno. She has a half sister Emma who she tried to be close to but those feelings were never really returned. She has two best friends Renee and Derek. Derek has been her best friend since she was 6 years old and they did everything together, and only Renee knew that she was secretly in love with Derek but couldn't tell him as she was afraid he didn't return her feelings.
Derek Thorpe, also pre-med, best friends with Emily and has an amazing supportive Mom and sisters that he is very close to.
One night in a bar and too many drinks change both of their lives forever. Not being able to face the truth Emily runs off to Boston to finish school and try to forget about Derek and what happened. Five years later she is still heartbroken but feels as if she can deal with it all a lot better, her schooling is finished so she returns home to Fresno to start her internship at the same hospital her parents practice at, and also the same hospital that Derek has chosen for his internship. Since being gone Derek has become engaged to her half sister Emma and she has to find a way to live with this being back home. It doesn't take long for Derek and Emily's friendship to get back on track, but they both have secrets, and both have a lot of questions that they keep to themselves. What happens when they are both forced to face reality and their feelings? What happens when all the secrets are revealed? Can their friendship stay strong or will it destroy them and their families in the end?
I liked this story, there were times though it felt rushed or that these characters were immature for their ages, but the story flowed nicely and my vocabulary grew a bit while reading this book. I found myself looking up a few words I've never heard of. The author built these characters well and you were able to feel what they were feeling. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a second chance story.
July 1, 2017
A Way Back Into Love by Veronica Thatcher is a light and enjoyable read that makes you believe that true love really does always find a way.
“Not many people have the strength to let go of the past, to let go of the object of their affection and move on.”
Emily is returning home for the first time in five years. And while she is looking forward to seeing her family again, she is dreading seeing him. Her ex best friend. The person she loved with all her heart. The person that had her running in the first place. But she is determined that he will not be the one to stop her from taking her dream job and becoming the doctor she knows she can.
“If it’s meant to be, then it’s worth it all.”
Derek knows he needs to stay away from Emily – he is engaged to her sister after all! But from the moment he sets eyes on her again he is drawn to her, just like he was all those years ago. With his wedding only three months away Derek knows that he needs to focus on Emma, his fiancé. But with secrets and old grievances still festering between them he isn’t sure how he is going to manage.
“‘You broke me… You broke me, but I am all glued up together now. And I make no apologies for how I chose to repair what you broke.’”
Despite both of their best intentions both Emily and Derek struggle to do what they know is right, what they must do for the sake of their family. But what happens when secrets are spilled and truths emerged. Will it be enough to give them the chance they are so desperately hoping for?
At first I struggled with the writing of the book. The words were too complex, even for someone as adept at reading as me. The first couple of chapters did nothing but confuse the storyline. But I stuck with it, determined to give the book a decent chance and I’m glad I did. As what emerged was a story that I found so interesting that I just had to find out what happened in it. It was a story meant to show you as long as you kept faith, and kept fighting, then love would always find a way to make things right. A great book that I would thoroughly recommend.
“Not many people have the strength to let go of the past, to let go of the object of their affection and move on.”
Emily is returning home for the first time in five years. And while she is looking forward to seeing her family again, she is dreading seeing him. Her ex best friend. The person she loved with all her heart. The person that had her running in the first place. But she is determined that he will not be the one to stop her from taking her dream job and becoming the doctor she knows she can.
“If it’s meant to be, then it’s worth it all.”
Derek knows he needs to stay away from Emily – he is engaged to her sister after all! But from the moment he sets eyes on her again he is drawn to her, just like he was all those years ago. With his wedding only three months away Derek knows that he needs to focus on Emma, his fiancé. But with secrets and old grievances still festering between them he isn’t sure how he is going to manage.
“‘You broke me… You broke me, but I am all glued up together now. And I make no apologies for how I chose to repair what you broke.’”
Despite both of their best intentions both Emily and Derek struggle to do what they know is right, what they must do for the sake of their family. But what happens when secrets are spilled and truths emerged. Will it be enough to give them the chance they are so desperately hoping for?
At first I struggled with the writing of the book. The words were too complex, even for someone as adept at reading as me. The first couple of chapters did nothing but confuse the storyline. But I stuck with it, determined to give the book a decent chance and I’m glad I did. As what emerged was a story that I found so interesting that I just had to find out what happened in it. It was a story meant to show you as long as you kept faith, and kept fighting, then love would always find a way to make things right. A great book that I would thoroughly recommend.
February 16, 2017
Reviewed for My Timeout Book Blog by Melissa
For me five stars just wasn't enough to but it was the most I had to give this novel. I feel in love with it from Chapter one. The story of a young woman who fell in love with her guy best friend. Only to have her heart broken. Come on how many of us have been there. I know I have. I was able to relate to how Emily felt.
Emily returns home after graduation med school to begin her internship and her career as a doctor. She is excited to finally be returning home after a long five years. But returning home means she has to gave him. Him, being her best friend since they we six, Derek. She must over come her heartache now to work with him.
There are a few twist that I have to say I wasn't expecting. One being that not only is this a romance about two best friends finding their way back to each other, it is also the story of Emily's family.
You will find that there are a lot of memories in this book. It jumps from the present to the past frequently. I have to say though I was able to follow it quite easily. You could always tell what was now and what was a character thinking of the past.
While I adored the story, this is way I gave it five starts, I did find a few things that threw me off a little. This being an arc copy I tried to move past some of them. One thing I did notice was the lay out of some of the pages were a little off. The sentance did not always reach to the end of the page and cut off words. Another was the at the start of chapters capital letters would be in the middle of words and some times the whole first sentence was in caps. And one final thing was it was a little confusing at times when both Emily and her sister Emma were called Em. I had to go back a few times she see who the person would be talking to.
This was a great story of two best friends and their journey not only back to each other but into love.
For me five stars just wasn't enough to but it was the most I had to give this novel. I feel in love with it from Chapter one. The story of a young woman who fell in love with her guy best friend. Only to have her heart broken. Come on how many of us have been there. I know I have. I was able to relate to how Emily felt.
Emily returns home after graduation med school to begin her internship and her career as a doctor. She is excited to finally be returning home after a long five years. But returning home means she has to gave him. Him, being her best friend since they we six, Derek. She must over come her heartache now to work with him.
There are a few twist that I have to say I wasn't expecting. One being that not only is this a romance about two best friends finding their way back to each other, it is also the story of Emily's family.
You will find that there are a lot of memories in this book. It jumps from the present to the past frequently. I have to say though I was able to follow it quite easily. You could always tell what was now and what was a character thinking of the past.
While I adored the story, this is way I gave it five starts, I did find a few things that threw me off a little. This being an arc copy I tried to move past some of them. One thing I did notice was the lay out of some of the pages were a little off. The sentance did not always reach to the end of the page and cut off words. Another was the at the start of chapters capital letters would be in the middle of words and some times the whole first sentence was in caps. And one final thing was it was a little confusing at times when both Emily and her sister Emma were called Em. I had to go back a few times she see who the person would be talking to.
This was a great story of two best friends and their journey not only back to each other but into love.
June 28, 2017
A way back into Love by Veronica Thatcher is a contemporary romance book. I liked the book because it was real. It didnt just show the fun, romantic, sexy parts of a relationship, but rather the nity gritty. It shows the day to day activities as well as the hard times and fights and irritations. However, there were parts that I hated the characters and the decisions they were making. The writing style however, I liked. It was narrated so it wasnt told from either perspective, but rather told the overall story, as well as their feelings and thoughts. There were flashbacks throughout the book, indicated by italic font, and often by the author indicating Flashback and End of Flashback, which I thought was unnecessary. The characters were well developed, with a solid history. There arent many supporting characters, except the main characters immediate family. I liked this, because it gave a good feel of their life dynamic, without having so many characters it gets overwhelming. It was my first book by this author, but I will read her books in the future. I give the book a 4 our of 5 star.
Emily Stevens has just finished medical school, and is about to start her surgical rotation internship. Five years ago she fled from her hometown, and forced herself to start over across the country. She realized she was in love with Derek, her best friend since the age of six. She finally worked up the courage to confess her feelings to him, when a turn of events changed her life forever. It caused her to move from Fresno to Boston, as she couldnt stand seeing Derek every day, and being reminded of all the events of their past. Now, she is ready to face the music, and has moved back home for her internship. However, Derek has also taken a position in the same hospital, and they will see each other every day again. Will seeing him bring back all the good memories, and rekindle their friendship, or will it be a nightmare of awkwardness and resentment?
Emily Stevens has just finished medical school, and is about to start her surgical rotation internship. Five years ago she fled from her hometown, and forced herself to start over across the country. She realized she was in love with Derek, her best friend since the age of six. She finally worked up the courage to confess her feelings to him, when a turn of events changed her life forever. It caused her to move from Fresno to Boston, as she couldnt stand seeing Derek every day, and being reminded of all the events of their past. Now, she is ready to face the music, and has moved back home for her internship. However, Derek has also taken a position in the same hospital, and they will see each other every day again. Will seeing him bring back all the good memories, and rekindle their friendship, or will it be a nightmare of awkwardness and resentment?
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