Made for Me is the first of a three-book series focused on the journey of Danielle Grant, a talented and successful gold trader who lost her mother in college and since graduate school has done little more than work, take care of her ailing father and go on periodic dates with divorced, older men who are as uninterested in a relationship as she is. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she takes a job in Zurich and meets Lars Egle, a striking, intense and single professional in her new company. He reiterates key sections of the multi-page contract Danielle has signed regarding restrictions against becoming involved with clients. Confident she can maintain a high, thick barrier against romantic distractions, Danielle agrees to go out dancing with her friends and the young owner of a yacht company, Andre Mettler. His reserved personality intrigues her more than any older man ever had, giving her months of site-seeing excursions and late night passion. Her new world of romance in a foreign country is disrupted when she learns Andre presents conflicts with her employment. Only then does she realize her feelings for him run much deeper than she ever thought-or expected. Torn between the terms of her employment contract and fulfilling her commitment, Danielle walks away from the arms of one man, unknowingly into the arms of another who loves her just as deeply. Just when she is prepared to take the ultimate step in her new relationship, her life is upended in a circumstance so unexpected, full of both loss but new life, that she is forced to be grateful she gave up the short, safer path of immediate gratification for the harder road that provides long-term happiness and fulfillment.
My readers know that the works I create are based on the people I meet, the experiences I’ve enjoyed and the places I’ve traveled. Therein lies the essence of the Traveling Author, for that’s what I am. Where some sit and write book after book, my lifestyle is one where I take a break, traveling to rejuvenate my mind, body and soul, absorbing all that I’ve encountered, then I return to my home and produce a novel.
Travel with me as I search for inspiration. You can virtually tag along, or show up with a book in hand. My itineraries are posted on my website under Destinations.
Made for Me by Sarah Gerdes is a beautiful romance novel of the ages.
I have to admit, this book didn't sit well with me. The reason isn't because of the quality of this book, it's literally because I was not in a good romantic place in my life. My romance department was cynical and thus reading this book was NOT a good time. Bad timing, my friends, will kill your vibe. It disappoints me that I did this to myself, but it is what it is. I tried re-reading it, but it just gave me memories of the time I initially read it.... c'est la vie.
This book is a lovely, heart-warming romance that will absolutely knock your socks off. It's totally worth your time if you love romance books (especially "indie" books - this book is not getting much hype!). Danielle is a business woman at heart, trading gold and working hard, but manages to fall for a man that she really shouldn't be falling for. To keep her job, she should not love this man... but will she do the right thing? Will it all work out in the end? This series is three books, so this story will surely be continued.
The morals in this book is what stood out for me. What would you do for love? That question is littered throughout this book and made me really think. If I would have been in a better mood, the romance would have sung to my heart! Sarah writes beautifully and made this book hard to put down. To top it off, seeing a strong, independent woman who is a total bada*s was AWESOME. I needed a book like this in my life.
So, despite my bad timing, this book is a 100% must read for romance lovers who want to see a strong, female lead. Sarah Gerdes should be on your TBR ASAP.
Three out of five stars.
(In all honesty, the rating should be much higher but my opinion of the book was due to my awful couple of days during the reading. Most readers will probably have it as a 4 or a 5, but I want to be authentic and honest.)
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This was such a "smart" romance/women's fiction novel! Danielle is a gold and currency trader who takes a job in Zurich with a large trading company. She leaves her terminally ill father in Oregon at his insistence. He wanted her to live her life and find love. She met up with friends living in Zurich and through their restaurant meets a man she will love. There is so much to this intelligent woman. Her life is full with work and friends and the restaurant. She is such an ethical, moral woman; she makes difficult and life-altering decisions based on those morals even though her life is seemingly more difficult because of those decisions.
I can't wait to see what happens next with Danielle Grant!
And, to Sarah Gerdes, the Idaho chocolate was much enjoyed by this Michigan family!
I loved this book. Takes place in Switzerland, for the most part, and has a love triangle. The ending was the way I wanted. I don't read a lot of romance anymore, but this one grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. It has a lot of adventures in it. I enjoyed that.
I actually read the second book in this series first and decided to go back to the beginning of the story. This strong ambitious woman is now a favorite of mine- she always does what is right, as her father taught her, but it comes at a price. I have to find the third installment!
Set in Zurich, Gerdes‘s three-book series is a resonant portrayal of a successful, independent woman who finds true love in unexpected circumstances.
In the first installment (Made for Me) readers see Danielle Grant moves to Zurich to take a high-profile job, but finds herself forced to choose between love and career after becoming romantically involved with the very charming Andre Mettler, who presents a conflict of interest for Danielle’s employment. With her strong work ethic and high morals, Danielle opts to honor her work commitment, walking away from Andre. Soon she falls for another man who loves her equally, but the fate has another plan and Danielle who always does the right thing, has no intention to do things differently this time.
In the second installment (Destined for You), things are looking great when a tragedy strikes, leaving Danielle fumbling to get her life together. Turning to Lars seems natural in time of crisis. Soon they rekindle their romance, but Danielle’s fear of losing Lars to his passion (high-risk sport) puts distance between the couple.
Determined to find a new and independent life without relying upon a man, Danielle begins her journey of self-reflection and realizes the preciousness of true love in the third book (Meant to be).
Gerdes’s writing is authoritative, assured, and full of meaning, and she tackles complex themes and draws multifaceted characters with ease and authority: for independent, willful, and highly assertive Danielle, there is never a middle ground when it comes to taking significant decisions of her life. Gerdes’ portrayal of credibly flawed Danielle confronting weakness in her own nature as she comes to terms with the condition of her life is both realistic and authentic; Lars is a thorough darling; Andre doesn’t get much space in the story but leaves his mark nonetheless.
Gerdes excels when it comes to the rendering of the two love stories that mark Danielle’s life. She portrays the passionate and yet fragile period of Danielle’s relationship with the two men with grace and poignance. The depiction of Danielle’s enduring relationship with Lars and the way it survives despite all odds is deeply realistic and wholly convincing.
Gerdes’s prose is first-rate; her narrative flows with ease; and her portrayal of enduring relationships is credible.
Lovers of women’s fiction and literary romance can pick the series without a second thought.
This was a perfect trilogy for me as I recovered from an illness. It is frothy and fun with a larger than life protagonist! She works all day and then occasionally waitresses at night. It is set in one of my favorite places on planet Earth, Switzerland! Good fun!