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Butterfly Dreams: Le livre phénomène de la romance sicklit
Corin a vingt-cinq ans, une boutique qui marche bien et… une peur panique de mourir jeune. Chaque semaine lui apporte son nouveau lot de symptômes plus inquiétants les uns que les autres, jusqu’au jour où, persuadée d’avoir un problème cardiaque, elle intègre un groupe de soutien. C’est là qu’elle rencontre Beckett.
Beckett dont le cœur s’est arrêté un beau matin. Trois minutes. Trois minuscules minutes qui ont changé sa vie à jamais. Finis le saut à l’élastique, les matchs de foot endiablés et les voyages au bout du monde. Désormais, il est malade.
Mais, quand le destin projette ces deux âmes blessées l’une contre l’autre, c’est peut-être leur chance de réapprendre à vivre… et à aimer ?
Une bouleversante histoire d’amour et d’espoir.
"Cette romance a tout pour faire vibrer et émouvoir : un humour mordant, des personnages complexes et touchants, et un message fort et positif à délivrer. Vivez pleinement !" Espace Culturel Gouesnou
“Meredith Walters est l’auteure vers laquelle je me tourne quand je veux un livre qui m’aspire dans une histoire magnifique avec un coup de poing émotionnel,”—Sawyer Bennett, auteur
Beckett dont le cœur s’est arrêté un beau matin. Trois minutes. Trois minuscules minutes qui ont changé sa vie à jamais. Finis le saut à l’élastique, les matchs de foot endiablés et les voyages au bout du monde. Désormais, il est malade.
Mais, quand le destin projette ces deux âmes blessées l’une contre l’autre, c’est peut-être leur chance de réapprendre à vivre… et à aimer ?
Une bouleversante histoire d’amour et d’espoir.
"Cette romance a tout pour faire vibrer et émouvoir : un humour mordant, des personnages complexes et touchants, et un message fort et positif à délivrer. Vivez pleinement !" Espace Culturel Gouesnou
“Meredith Walters est l’auteure vers laquelle je me tourne quand je veux un livre qui m’aspire dans une histoire magnifique avec un coup de poing émotionnel,”—Sawyer Bennett, auteur
405 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 24, 2015
51 people are currently reading
2546 people want to read
About the author
A. Meredith Walters
37 books4,270 followersThe New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and New Adult romances including the Bad Rep, Find You in the Dark, Reclaiming the Sand, and Twisted Love series.
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December 9, 2015
4 Stars!!
“Butterfly Dreams” was such a wonderful, emotional story. It’s a story about learning to live and love again, finding yourself, learning that life is all about being positive and hopeful. With a powerful message I love to find in my books – enjoy life to the fullest, this book simply warmed my heart. I love when a book makes me feel and this one did plenty.
Corin had experienced an extraordinary loss when she lost her parents due to a terrible illnesses. She is obsessed with her own death. She’s sure she will die very soon. She is scared, she is alone and spends her time looking for some illness she’s sure she has. She’s also visiting all kinds of therapy groups instead of living her life. Lately Corin is more and more convinced she has a heart problem, so she decides to visit a support group 'Mended Hearts'. Here she meets Beckett.
Beckett used to have it all, until one day when his heart stopped. He was diagnosed with a genetic heart defect called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and since then his life changed irrevocably. He used to be a sports addict kind of guy, so he had a hard time adjusting to his new life, but he wants to live, so he’s willing to do anything to have a normal life. There was a time when he was angry and depressed, but eventually he accepted his new life trying to live the moment.
Corin and Beckett are drawn to each other from the moment they met. Corin can identify with Beckett and Beckett feels like Corin understands him like no other. From the beginning he tries to figure her out, he tries to know her better and he’s protective towards her even if he doesn’t know why he feels that way since they don't know each other very well.
What starts like a lovely friendship soon becomes more. Corin is reluctant to get involved with someone who had issues, possible life ending issues, but is hard to stay away when Becket gives what she craves the most, hope.
I really enjoyed this sweet and quirky read! It made me smile and swoon and hope and I fell in love with these two entertaining characters. Both Corin and Beckett were endearing characters, well developed and I loved them together. They were so good for each other and I felt this from the very first moment I 'saw' them together. Mrs. Walters delivered a perfect mix of romance and humor with this read and I enjoyed all the sweet and funny moments between these two characters.
Corin was not exactly my kind of heroine for the obvious reasons - her obsession. I felt for her, but honestly she annoyed me a little. At times she was blunt and at times rude, but overall she was a likeable character. I loved her wicked sense of humor, her internal ramblings and how caring she was with Beckett or how she made him smile. Beckett was simply wonderful. He was a fighter and I totally loved his positiveness. I also loved his personality and the way he was with Corin. Sweet and attentive he won me from the beginning. He really made me swoon.
I really enjoyed how everything between these two progressed and I loved their strong connection. Everything between them felt so real and their interactions were so honest, fun and so entertaining. I loved how gradually Beckett changed Corin. He gave her not only the courage to live again, he also gave her a reason to live and also love again.
Overall, a beautiful, touching read that will make you feel, think and hope!
“Butterfly Dreams” was such a wonderful, emotional story. It’s a story about learning to live and love again, finding yourself, learning that life is all about being positive and hopeful. With a powerful message I love to find in my books – enjoy life to the fullest, this book simply warmed my heart. I love when a book makes me feel and this one did plenty.
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
Corin had experienced an extraordinary loss when she lost her parents due to a terrible illnesses. She is obsessed with her own death. She’s sure she will die very soon. She is scared, she is alone and spends her time looking for some illness she’s sure she has. She’s also visiting all kinds of therapy groups instead of living her life. Lately Corin is more and more convinced she has a heart problem, so she decides to visit a support group 'Mended Hearts'. Here she meets Beckett.
“I was alive. I still had a life ahead of me. It was time to take this heart thing by the balls and deal with it.”
Beckett used to have it all, until one day when his heart stopped. He was diagnosed with a genetic heart defect called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and since then his life changed irrevocably. He used to be a sports addict kind of guy, so he had a hard time adjusting to his new life, but he wants to live, so he’s willing to do anything to have a normal life. There was a time when he was angry and depressed, but eventually he accepted his new life trying to live the moment.
Corin and Beckett are drawn to each other from the moment they met. Corin can identify with Beckett and Beckett feels like Corin understands him like no other. From the beginning he tries to figure her out, he tries to know her better and he’s protective towards her even if he doesn’t know why he feels that way since they don't know each other very well.
“…for the first time in my life, I felt something good. Something real. Something that was all mine.”
What starts like a lovely friendship soon becomes more. Corin is reluctant to get involved with someone who had issues, possible life ending issues, but is hard to stay away when Becket gives what she craves the most, hope.
I really enjoyed this sweet and quirky read! It made me smile and swoon and hope and I fell in love with these two entertaining characters. Both Corin and Beckett were endearing characters, well developed and I loved them together. They were so good for each other and I felt this from the very first moment I 'saw' them together. Mrs. Walters delivered a perfect mix of romance and humor with this read and I enjoyed all the sweet and funny moments between these two characters.
Corin was not exactly my kind of heroine for the obvious reasons - her obsession. I felt for her, but honestly she annoyed me a little. At times she was blunt and at times rude, but overall she was a likeable character. I loved her wicked sense of humor, her internal ramblings and how caring she was with Beckett or how she made him smile. Beckett was simply wonderful. He was a fighter and I totally loved his positiveness. I also loved his personality and the way he was with Corin. Sweet and attentive he won me from the beginning. He really made me swoon.
“I need someone who can ride the wave with me. No matter what happens.”
I really enjoyed how everything between these two progressed and I loved their strong connection. Everything between them felt so real and their interactions were so honest, fun and so entertaining. I loved how gradually Beckett changed Corin. He gave her not only the courage to live again, he also gave her a reason to live and also love again.
Overall, a beautiful, touching read that will make you feel, think and hope!
”Being scared is never an excuse to hide. You should wake up every morning thankful you have another day to enjoy.”
November 24, 2015
IT'S LIVE! AMAZON
4.5 'Sure' stars
Corin is obsessed with sickness and death. She's convinced that there's something wrong with her and visits her doctor often, trying to understand what is possibly wrong with her. While her symptoms show her that this could be a heart issue, she decides to attend the group 'Mended Haerts' that's about people with heart problems. There she meets Beckett.
Beckett was a man that had it all. A good life with money in his pockets, a gorgeous girlfriend and friends who would join him in his sport activities, until one day he suffers from heart attack. Now he's forced to change his lifestyle and slowly his life is taking another shape. Devastated by the fact that he's no longer able to have the life he used to have before his heart failed him, he attends the group and there he meets Corin, a really interesting and unique girl, unlike any other he has ever met.
Together they will try to deal with their issues, their fears and try to make peace with what they're both dealing with.
First reaction when I finished the book:
I needed some time to process after I was done with it, put my feelings and thoughts into words. Not always an easy task when you've experienced Meredith's work. She can make me an emotional wreck with her splendid writing style and that alone says a lot.
This book hit really close to home for me. I'm dealing with some issues similar to the hero of this book, so watching my life's struggle printed from his point of view, was something that I hadn't yet experienced in my reading experience. I felt like finally someone could understand and watching the whole group that was discussing their issues and a member having the same problem with me, I was like
Also, I wasn't aware of the heroine's condition . Sure, I had heard of this a lot, but I always thought it was a joke, I didn't really take it seriously,so it was nice to learn more about that issue as well. I do have to admit that she could piss me off at moments by making a big deal out of nothing and causing problems when there weren't any, but I also loved how funny, quirky and unique she really was.
This is a book that you shouldn't miss. It was beautifully written, sweet, funny and emotional. I cried so hard at the last part of the book, I'm a softie and I'm not ashamed to admit that.
OH! And something last, Beckett is officially added in my list of book boyfriends. One word to describe him? PERFECT. If you want to find out about his awesomeness, read this book as soon as it comes out on Nov 24th!
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 'Sure' stars
Corin is obsessed with sickness and death. She's convinced that there's something wrong with her and visits her doctor often, trying to understand what is possibly wrong with her. While her symptoms show her that this could be a heart issue, she decides to attend the group 'Mended Haerts' that's about people with heart problems. There she meets Beckett.
Beckett was a man that had it all. A good life with money in his pockets, a gorgeous girlfriend and friends who would join him in his sport activities, until one day he suffers from heart attack. Now he's forced to change his lifestyle and slowly his life is taking another shape. Devastated by the fact that he's no longer able to have the life he used to have before his heart failed him, he attends the group and there he meets Corin, a really interesting and unique girl, unlike any other he has ever met.
Together they will try to deal with their issues, their fears and try to make peace with what they're both dealing with.
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
First reaction when I finished the book:
I needed some time to process after I was done with it, put my feelings and thoughts into words. Not always an easy task when you've experienced Meredith's work. She can make me an emotional wreck with her splendid writing style and that alone says a lot.
"I've lost so many people, Beck. You scare me. You scared me. I don't look at you as the guy who could die. I look at you as the guy who could devastate me."
This book hit really close to home for me. I'm dealing with some issues similar to the hero of this book, so watching my life's struggle printed from his point of view, was something that I hadn't yet experienced in my reading experience. I felt like finally someone could understand and watching the whole group that was discussing their issues and a member having the same problem with me, I was like
Also, I wasn't aware of the heroine's condition . Sure, I had heard of this a lot, but I always thought it was a joke, I didn't really take it seriously,so it was nice to learn more about that issue as well. I do have to admit that she could piss me off at moments by making a big deal out of nothing and causing problems when there weren't any, but I also loved how funny, quirky and unique she really was.
I knew going into this thing with Corin that it wouldn't be easy. She was neurotic. Skittish. Scared and terrified.
But she was also loving and caring. She listened and she understood how I was feeling without my having to say a word.
This is a book that you shouldn't miss. It was beautifully written, sweet, funny and emotional. I cried so hard at the last part of the book, I'm a softie and I'm not ashamed to admit that.
OH! And something last, Beckett is officially added in my list of book boyfriends. One word to describe him? PERFECT. If you want to find out about his awesomeness, read this book as soon as it comes out on Nov 24th!
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2016
Buddyread with my beautiful big sister, Rachel. You can check out her review by clicking her name.^^
Yep. Goodreads isn’t messing with your eyes. Five stars for a New Adult novel!
Honestly, I was on the fence about reading this one because the cover and title seem to reek of the classic NA formula consisting of drama, tragedy and more than necessary pages dedicated on inside-the-sheets action or more eloquently, “hanky-panky”^^ I find this happening a lot lately but I have to say, it feels really great to be wrong about my expectations and now I can’t hold it back anymore. I need to let it go! (yep, Frozen reference)
GAAAH! *SWOONS + FANGIRLS + TWIRLS + SQUEALS* and then *clears throat and fixes clothes*
The blurb might be a turnoff as it bombards you with words like death and fear threatening of an imminent major sob fest (which wasn’t actually a threat, it was a major sob fest down the near end of the road which I’m still recovering from), but fear not, my dear friends! You’ll be surprised at the surprising almost endless comic element of the novel which you don’t often find in NA novels that look as serious as this one.
Told by the alternating voices of Corin and Beckett (yeah, the guy’s name is pretty cheesy but he’s adorable so let’s move on), it’s a touching, beautiful and inspirational story (of a girl who lives in constant fear and is conditioned to believe the worst and how she’s able to make a redo of her life when she met a man who has lost his life once or maybe twice^^) crept its way into the center of my weak heart (pun intended). It’s honest to goodness downright hilarious especially with Corin’s lack of social filter or lack of normal social behavior altogether. Her mood swings are fascinating and her ability to crack up jokes despite her endless anxiety is a gift. Just a preview:
Beckett: “I really like waking up with you.”
Corin: “Ditto!”
LMAO! Isn’t she a sweetheart? I know I may sound overreacting here but the story especially the character, Corin, just hit really close to home. I could relate with her character so much, it was a bit scary.
Some of the many similarities between Corin and yours truly:
1. Name. (The second of my complete first name is CORRINE- I know you put the stress on the first syllable of Corin while mine is on the second but still.^^)
2. Socially awkward (Socialization is one of my greatest fears, truthfully. )
3. Beckett called her Grasshopper! (Grasshopper is my alias to some of my GR friends!)
4. 25 years old when we both met the love of our lives and were practically single the entire years before that because yes, like Corin, dating stressed the heck out of me! Lol!
5. Paranoia except mine isn’t as serious as that of Corin’s. Lol.
Okay, so I’ll stop now, just got really carried away and wrote a longer review than the usual but before I end, let me just thank three of my lovely friends whose beautiful reviews pushed me to read this book. Beatrice and Feifei who are celebrating their birthdays TODAY and (Ate) Claire, whose birthday is also soon (Feb.9). HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, lovelies! May you be the happiest on your special day because you deserve it. Wishing you all the best! <3 (You can click their names for the beautiful reviews)
Yep. Goodreads isn’t messing with your eyes. Five stars for a New Adult novel!
Honestly, I was on the fence about reading this one because the cover and title seem to reek of the classic NA formula consisting of drama, tragedy and more than necessary pages dedicated on inside-the-sheets action or more eloquently, “hanky-panky”^^ I find this happening a lot lately but I have to say, it feels really great to be wrong about my expectations and now I can’t hold it back anymore. I need to let it go! (yep, Frozen reference)
GAAAH! *SWOONS + FANGIRLS + TWIRLS + SQUEALS* and then *clears throat and fixes clothes*
The blurb might be a turnoff as it bombards you with words like death and fear threatening of an imminent major sob fest (which wasn’t actually a threat, it was a major sob fest down the near end of the road which I’m still recovering from), but fear not, my dear friends! You’ll be surprised at the surprising almost endless comic element of the novel which you don’t often find in NA novels that look as serious as this one.
Told by the alternating voices of Corin and Beckett (yeah, the guy’s name is pretty cheesy but he’s adorable so let’s move on), it’s a touching, beautiful and inspirational story (of a girl who lives in constant fear and is conditioned to believe the worst and how she’s able to make a redo of her life when she met a man who has lost his life once or maybe twice^^) crept its way into the center of my weak heart (pun intended). It’s honest to goodness downright hilarious especially with Corin’s lack of social filter or lack of normal social behavior altogether. Her mood swings are fascinating and her ability to crack up jokes despite her endless anxiety is a gift. Just a preview:
Beckett: “I really like waking up with you.”
Corin: “Ditto!”
LMAO! Isn’t she a sweetheart? I know I may sound overreacting here but the story especially the character, Corin, just hit really close to home. I could relate with her character so much, it was a bit scary.
Some of the many similarities between Corin and yours truly:
1. Name. (The second of my complete first name is CORRINE- I know you put the stress on the first syllable of Corin while mine is on the second but still.^^)
2. Socially awkward (Socialization is one of my greatest fears, truthfully. )
3. Beckett called her Grasshopper! (Grasshopper is my alias to some of my GR friends!)
4. 25 years old when we both met the love of our lives and were practically single the entire years before that because yes, like Corin, dating stressed the heck out of me! Lol!
5. Paranoia except mine isn’t as serious as that of Corin’s. Lol.
Okay, so I’ll stop now, just got really carried away and wrote a longer review than the usual but before I end, let me just thank three of my lovely friends whose beautiful reviews pushed me to read this book. Beatrice and Feifei who are celebrating their birthdays TODAY and (Ate) Claire, whose birthday is also soon (Feb.9). HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, lovelies! May you be the happiest on your special day because you deserve it. Wishing you all the best! <3 (You can click their names for the beautiful reviews)
October 24, 2015
4.5 Stars
"Sure"
A. Meredith Walters is one of my favorite authors, the creator of some of my all time favorite stories and characters. I love that she steps outside of the box, she doesn't follow the typical formula. Instead I can always count on her to create unique story lines with authentic, relatable characters - characters that always manage to worm their way into my heart. Butterfly Dreams is one of those stories. It made me feel, it made me laugh, and it made me cry. I loved every minute.
Corin spends everyday waiting for the other shoe to drop. Having experienced unexpected loss more than once, she is obsessed with her own with mortality. She knows she will die young, so any ache or pain sends her into a tailspin. Her current concern is her heart, which leads her to the Mended Hearts support group, where she befriends Beckett, who helps her see things in a whole new light.
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
Beckett had it all - he was a handsome, athletic, adrenaline junkie with a super hot girlfriend, until one day his heart stopped. A heart attack reveals an unknown heart condition, that changes everything for Beckett.
I was alive. I still had a life ahead of me. It was time to take this heart thing by the balls and deal with it.
Corin and Beckett were simply fantastic together. Sarcasm and humor, blended perfectly with lots of heart, Butterfly Dreams was a beautiful, quirky love story, one I won't forget anytime soon.
*ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley for honest review.
"Sure"
A. Meredith Walters is one of my favorite authors, the creator of some of my all time favorite stories and characters. I love that she steps outside of the box, she doesn't follow the typical formula. Instead I can always count on her to create unique story lines with authentic, relatable characters - characters that always manage to worm their way into my heart. Butterfly Dreams is one of those stories. It made me feel, it made me laugh, and it made me cry. I loved every minute.
Corin spends everyday waiting for the other shoe to drop. Having experienced unexpected loss more than once, she is obsessed with her own with mortality. She knows she will die young, so any ache or pain sends her into a tailspin. Her current concern is her heart, which leads her to the Mended Hearts support group, where she befriends Beckett, who helps her see things in a whole new light.
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
Beckett had it all - he was a handsome, athletic, adrenaline junkie with a super hot girlfriend, until one day his heart stopped. A heart attack reveals an unknown heart condition, that changes everything for Beckett.
I was alive. I still had a life ahead of me. It was time to take this heart thing by the balls and deal with it.
Corin and Beckett were simply fantastic together. Sarcasm and humor, blended perfectly with lots of heart, Butterfly Dreams was a beautiful, quirky love story, one I won't forget anytime soon.
*ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley for honest review.
November 3, 2015
4 Sure STARS
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A. Meredith Walters addresses some not too commonly written about issues in her books. She always delivers unique characters and handles their issues with respect and tact. Butterfly Dreams is no exception, her heroine suffers from Psychosomatic ailments and constant anxiety, while our hero has recently suffered a heart attack.
Corin and Beckett meet at The Mended Hearts group. Beckett is drawn to her and quite intrigued.
”Corin made me want to read between the lines. I found myself watching her. Noticing her. Trying to figure her out. She was intriguing without meaning to be. I felt triumphant when I thought I could understand her.”
The progression of their relationship was well paced, witty and endearing as they both take a chance on love.
”You’re not crazy was so much better than you’re pretty.”
Beckett is looking for a chance with Corin as he tries to embrace his new life style due to his heart issues. Their fall into love although scary is a ride Corin can't miss.
”I need someone who can ride the wave with me. No matter what happens.”
Overall, this was a good read that has wit, depth and heart. To be honest, I found it a tad slow at times and the events at the end a bit predictable. Still, the two main characters were a perfect fit for one another.
”Being scared is never an excuse to hide. You should wake up every morning thankful you have another day to enjoy.”
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
[image error]
A. Meredith Walters addresses some not too commonly written about issues in her books. She always delivers unique characters and handles their issues with respect and tact. Butterfly Dreams is no exception, her heroine suffers from Psychosomatic ailments and constant anxiety, while our hero has recently suffered a heart attack.
Corin and Beckett meet at The Mended Hearts group. Beckett is drawn to her and quite intrigued.
”Corin made me want to read between the lines. I found myself watching her. Noticing her. Trying to figure her out. She was intriguing without meaning to be. I felt triumphant when I thought I could understand her.”
The progression of their relationship was well paced, witty and endearing as they both take a chance on love.
”You’re not crazy was so much better than you’re pretty.”
Beckett is looking for a chance with Corin as he tries to embrace his new life style due to his heart issues. Their fall into love although scary is a ride Corin can't miss.
”I need someone who can ride the wave with me. No matter what happens.”
Overall, this was a good read that has wit, depth and heart. To be honest, I found it a tad slow at times and the events at the end a bit predictable. Still, the two main characters were a perfect fit for one another.
”Being scared is never an excuse to hide. You should wake up every morning thankful you have another day to enjoy.”
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 29, 2015
****4.5 ~Smile With Me~ Stars*****
(ARC provided by Netgalley)
Another beautiful and heartfelt story by Author A. Meredith Walters. Butterfly Dreams will pull on your heartstrings and also put a big smile on your face.
Corin Thompson is obsessed with death and illness. After losing both her parents due to terrible illnesses and almost one right after the other, she believes, she too will die soon. Every silly cough, every pain, every sneeze has her convinced she's very sick and constantly visiting the doctor's office. No matter how many tests come back normal, she thinks the doctors are wrong, increasing her anxiety and her fears.
Her latest symptoms have Corin convinced that she has a heart condition, so she starts attending a support group for people with heart problems. There she meets Beckett Kingsley, a young guy who after suffering a heart attack has found himself adjusting to a new life but he's surprisingly very optimistic about it.
Beckett used to be a carefree, sports addict, adrenaline junkie kind of guy. After having the stroke, he was completely lost. He can't do any of the things he used to love. His condition has forced him to change everything about his former self. At first he was furious, depressed, mad at his heart, pretty much mad at the whole world for what happened to him. His friends and family love him but they look at him as if he's going to break at any moment. After feeling depressed for a long time, Beckett has decided to give this new life a try and find a whole new set of possibilities, and in his new future he wants Corin to be a part of it.
Beckett is completely taken by Corin. For the first time in a long time he feels like someone sees him for who he really is and also understands and shares his pain and fears. The problem is, while Beckett is desperate to live, Corin is pretty much waiting to die. These two broken hearts will find a way to mend each other in a beautiful yet very delicate journey that will make you laugh, cry and love, hard...
Butterfly Dreams delivers a beautiful and powerful message; embrace life's every moment. Don't take anything for granted and if you have love in your heart let it show while you can.
This author is one of my favorites, simply because she always creates the most lovable and relatable characters ever. Her stories always make me feel with such intensity and no matter the theme of the book she always gives me hope. Do yourself a favor and read this beautiful book and remember to enjoy life to the fullest. <3
My Butterfly Dreams music playlist:
*Because I Told You So by Jonatha Brooke
*Shine by Benjamin Francis Leftwich
*If It Kills Me by Jason Mraz
*A Beautiful Mess by Jason Mraz
(ARC provided by Netgalley)
Another beautiful and heartfelt story by Author A. Meredith Walters. Butterfly Dreams will pull on your heartstrings and also put a big smile on your face.
Corin Thompson is obsessed with death and illness. After losing both her parents due to terrible illnesses and almost one right after the other, she believes, she too will die soon. Every silly cough, every pain, every sneeze has her convinced she's very sick and constantly visiting the doctor's office. No matter how many tests come back normal, she thinks the doctors are wrong, increasing her anxiety and her fears.
Her latest symptoms have Corin convinced that she has a heart condition, so she starts attending a support group for people with heart problems. There she meets Beckett Kingsley, a young guy who after suffering a heart attack has found himself adjusting to a new life but he's surprisingly very optimistic about it.
Beckett used to be a carefree, sports addict, adrenaline junkie kind of guy. After having the stroke, he was completely lost. He can't do any of the things he used to love. His condition has forced him to change everything about his former self. At first he was furious, depressed, mad at his heart, pretty much mad at the whole world for what happened to him. His friends and family love him but they look at him as if he's going to break at any moment. After feeling depressed for a long time, Beckett has decided to give this new life a try and find a whole new set of possibilities, and in his new future he wants Corin to be a part of it.
Beckett is completely taken by Corin. For the first time in a long time he feels like someone sees him for who he really is and also understands and shares his pain and fears. The problem is, while Beckett is desperate to live, Corin is pretty much waiting to die. These two broken hearts will find a way to mend each other in a beautiful yet very delicate journey that will make you laugh, cry and love, hard...
Butterfly Dreams delivers a beautiful and powerful message; embrace life's every moment. Don't take anything for granted and if you have love in your heart let it show while you can.
This author is one of my favorites, simply because she always creates the most lovable and relatable characters ever. Her stories always make me feel with such intensity and no matter the theme of the book she always gives me hope. Do yourself a favor and read this beautiful book and remember to enjoy life to the fullest. <3
My Butterfly Dreams music playlist:
*Because I Told You So by Jonatha Brooke
*Shine by Benjamin Francis Leftwich
*If It Kills Me by Jason Mraz
*A Beautiful Mess by Jason Mraz
November 22, 2015
4.5 "Sure" STARS
This was an emotional read. Ms. Walters knows how to hit you where it counts and drive home a real,poignant message loud and clear!
“Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don’t look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now.”
This is a tale of two broken hearts. One literally and the other figuratively but both as life threatening. Corin Thompson is stuck. Marred in grief and fear and resisting to live her life. Beckett Kingsley is a young, vibrant, active man with a sudden and life altering heart condition.
Fate, kismet or whatever it was, brings these two together at just the right moment. These two just naturally clicked and were so right for each other. Their connection was natural and a slow build but so real.
“I need someone who can ride the wave with me. No matter what happens.”
Ms. Walters has this natural knack for creating flawed yet lovely and endearing characters. Corin made me laugh out loud and also sob. I too could feel the suffocating butterflies. Yet when Beck was around - this light, this force - like Corin, I too could feel those fluttering and giddy butterflies!
If you're looking for a special read that explores the fragility of life, power of love and the wonder of hope - this is worth the read!
**ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
This was an emotional read. Ms. Walters knows how to hit you where it counts and drive home a real,poignant message loud and clear!
“Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don’t look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now.”
This is a tale of two broken hearts. One literally and the other figuratively but both as life threatening. Corin Thompson is stuck. Marred in grief and fear and resisting to live her life. Beckett Kingsley is a young, vibrant, active man with a sudden and life altering heart condition.
Fate, kismet or whatever it was, brings these two together at just the right moment. These two just naturally clicked and were so right for each other. Their connection was natural and a slow build but so real.
“I need someone who can ride the wave with me. No matter what happens.”
Ms. Walters has this natural knack for creating flawed yet lovely and endearing characters. Corin made me laugh out loud and also sob. I too could feel the suffocating butterflies. Yet when Beck was around - this light, this force - like Corin, I too could feel those fluttering and giddy butterflies!
If you're looking for a special read that explores the fragility of life, power of love and the wonder of hope - this is worth the read!
**ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
December 26, 2015
4 stars!
Every time I read an A. Meredith Walters book, I know to expect an emotional storyline, extremely flawed and broken characters, and an intense, angsty romance that'll squeeze my heart and give me stomach butterflies. Though this book didn't stir any powerful emotions from me like Reclaiming the Sand did or get me flipping the pages in a frenzy like a crazy addict like Find You in the Dark did, Butterfly Dreams is still a wonderfully written story about two damaged souls taking a chance on each other and finding love in the process. For a book centered around illness, depression, and death, I was pleasantly surprised by how optimistic and uplifting the story was, and I really loved the positive messages the author conveyed through her characters as it's a good reminder to all of us to take the life we have and seize and cherish it.
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
As always the author's writing is evocative and smooth: both longtime fans and newbie readers of hers will find no trouble delving into the story. I will say that because all her books revolve around somber topics, it's best to wait until you're in the mood for gloom and doom before diving in. There were some plot twists I found predictable and cheesy which is why this book ended up being just good and not outstanding, but overall it's a solid NA romance I'd recommend!
ARC provided by Random House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Every time I read an A. Meredith Walters book, I know to expect an emotional storyline, extremely flawed and broken characters, and an intense, angsty romance that'll squeeze my heart and give me stomach butterflies. Though this book didn't stir any powerful emotions from me like Reclaiming the Sand did or get me flipping the pages in a frenzy like a crazy addict like Find You in the Dark did, Butterfly Dreams is still a wonderfully written story about two damaged souls taking a chance on each other and finding love in the process. For a book centered around illness, depression, and death, I was pleasantly surprised by how optimistic and uplifting the story was, and I really loved the positive messages the author conveyed through her characters as it's a good reminder to all of us to take the life we have and seize and cherish it.
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
As always the author's writing is evocative and smooth: both longtime fans and newbie readers of hers will find no trouble delving into the story. I will say that because all her books revolve around somber topics, it's best to wait until you're in the mood for gloom and doom before diving in. There were some plot twists I found predictable and cheesy which is why this book ended up being just good and not outstanding, but overall it's a solid NA romance I'd recommend!
ARC provided by Random House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
99cents 10 day sale starting 2/28/2016 http://amzn.to/1LnVEO7
A beautifully touching and heartfelt book about surviving loss courageously, living life completely and embracing love absolutely.
“We had always been a pair of battling forces. Beckett wanting only to live and me… well I had been simply waiting to die.”
Corin Thomson has her days numbered or so she believes. After losing her parents in quick succession at a young age, she has existed the last eight years of her life dominated by her fear of dying. Petrified that any small ache or pain will lead to a life threatening illness. But after a man with a soothing voice and firsthand knowledge of death helps her through a panic attack on an icy sidewalk her life starts to take on a new perspective with whole a lot of hope.
“We’ve made it official, you know. You can’t get rid of me now. We’ve graduated to cutesy nicknames.”
After his brush with death from coronary arrest, Beckett Kingsley’s life will never be the same. But he won’t let his anger at the unfairness of having a defective heart stop him from taking advantage of the life he has.
“I was scared shitless of dying. So I did the only thing I could do. Learn how to live all over again.”
Adjusting to his new circumstances includes trying to make the prickly Corin laugh even when it seems she’s incapable of it. Can he help her get over her fears before their time is up?
“I’ve lost so many people, Beck. You scare me. I don’t look at you as the guy who could die. I look at you as the guy who could devastate me.”
This story is laden with feelings that gave me heart palpitations in every page from start to finish. The overall poignancy is laced with charming and snarky humor between Corin and Beck that made me laugh, and swoon worthy moments that made me wish their story would never end.
“Slowly, ever so slowly, I felt it. His mouth on mine. It was warm and dry and everything it should be. Perfect. Beckett let out a sigh. Straight from his heart to mine, and my entire body went liquid as I opened my lips to let him in. Letting him inside where he belonged. Where he would stay.”
There were also the times where I felt the oppressive fear from Corin’s panic attacks and the depression that threatened to take over Beck’s positive outlook on life, which he constantly tamped down.
“Being scared is never an excuse to hide. You should wake up every morning thankful you have another day to enjoy.”
Corin's almost complete lack of social skills, her internal ramblings, her abrasiveness and snark caused me many smiles and laugh out loud moments. I loved how much she made Beck smile, and like him, I was charmed by her total lack of filter.
“I wasn’t thinking about my body that had failed me. I wasn’t thinking about how I couldn’t play soccer or go jogging. I was laughing my ass off because of a girl who made me forget about all the bad stuff. She made living easy.”
“And you said there wouldn’t be any dirty Ghost stuff. You lied, Corin!”
At another point in Beck’s life, I don’t know if I would have fallen so hard for him just like he probably wouldn’t have noticed Corin before. But his heart attack didn’t just change his lifestyle, it completely changed his perspective and I just adored how sweet, caring, patient, positive and encouraging he was.
“There’s nothing scary in realizing who you want to be with. It’s exciting. Exhilarating… That’s what you make me feel, Corin. Exhilarated.”
Corin and Beck’s banter was fun, their connection deep and the romance was lovely. I couldn't stop highlighting while melting into puddles of goo. And then the ending came and I just couldn’t stop the tears from falling.
“Stop thinking about what could happen later and focus on what’s happening here. Now. With me.”
I ran my thumbs along the curves of her cheeks. “Laugh with me.” I kissed the side of her neck. “Dance with me... Smile with me.... Love with me.”
I ran my hands down her arms and laced my fingers through hers… I gripped her hands tightly, holding her. I wanted her to hear me. To listen. And I swallowed her tears. One at a time. “Live with me.”
I just loved this beautifully written story. Butterfly Dreams is a gripping, uplifting standalone contemporary romance novel told from both points of view that I recommend to all romance enthusiasts that enjoy character driven stories full of emotional depth and authenticiy.
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/1YmZeKA
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
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December 3, 2015
***4,5 "Sure" stars from deep inside my heart***
"They had come for me again.
The butterflies.
My once bevelont protectors now my sadistic torturers...
The butterflies were always there. Threatening to drown me.
And i could never escape."
This story was heartbreaking but so hopefull at the same time!!!
I'm not gonna lie!!! I still have tears in my eyes!!!
The last twenty pages were heart wrecking!!!
Becket and Corin's story broke my heart and made me sad in many phases, but at the same time they will manage to make me smiling all the time!!!
It was a difficult story to witness, but it teached me a lesson.
You have to appreciate your life and to live it to the fullest. Do not let anything get you down on your knees...
Embrace your life. Laugh. Live. Love.
This story was about Corin and Becket.
Corin was an isolated person by choice. She had to deal the death of both her parents in an early age and that left her in an unexpected contition.
Corin is afraid to die... She is so sure that the death is after her.
She is spending her life to the doctors as she is trying to find what is wrong with her and she is visiting all kinds of therapy groups.
She is afraid to live because she is so sure that she is going to die.
Becket was a man full of life but suddenly one day he had a heart attacked and he almost die.
Now, he has to live his life carefully and to stop enjoying all the things that he used to bring him joy in his life.
He is drowing but he is optimist by nature and he won't quit it!!!
"I was scared shitless of dying.
So i did the only thing i could do.
Learn how to live all over again."
Those two came together by a twist of fate and they met each other again in the group for mending hearts.
Becket was pushing Corin and Corin usually was running away from Becket.
But he was a very insisted bastard and they started to come very close to each other.
Becket was determined to made Corin laugh again and Corin wasn't sure if she could invest to a person like Becket!
Could she go through the loss of a beloved one for once again??? And what about her own fears???
"I've lost so many people, Beck. You scare me. You scared me. I don't look at you as the guy who could die. I look at you as the guy who could devastate me."
From the first moment, i felt so much sadness about Corin.
She had heavy baggages upon her shoulders and she was letting her life to bypass her.
She was so afraid of everything and that was breaking my heart.
Becket showed her how beautiful is to embrace the life and to live to the fullest.
I liked very much the fact that she was having no filter at all. She was saying whatever the hell she was thinking at the moment and that was so entertaining!!!
"He made me happy.
He made me feel loved.
He made me forget about death and dying and illness and disease.
I could only focus on one thing...
Him."
Becket's condition was very hard and difficult but he had so strong character that i didn't pitty him, not once...
He was loving life and he was missing his life before but he never let that fact to get him down on his knees.
He couldn't live as he used to live but he found a new purpose in his life.
He found Corin and he was determined to made her see the things as he liked to see them!!!
Yep, he broke my heart in some point but it wasn't his fault.
He was a fighter and i really admired the way he was seeing the world...
"She made me laugh.
She made me want to scream.
She made me so incredible happy.
And so damn sad.
She made me embrace life and live it.
And i wanted to do the same for her."
Corin and Becket together was such sweethearts. They were bickering all the time and they were having so much fun that i couldn't hold back my laugh.
They were so right for each other.
They give to each other a purpose to live and that was the most amazing thing!!!
I really loved that story. It went straight to my heart and made her beat so fast!!!
This book was a lesson of life and i think that it will stay with me for a long time!!!
Great job, Mrs Walters!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
"They had come for me again.
The butterflies.
My once bevelont protectors now my sadistic torturers...
The butterflies were always there. Threatening to drown me.
And i could never escape."
This story was heartbreaking but so hopefull at the same time!!!
I'm not gonna lie!!! I still have tears in my eyes!!!
The last twenty pages were heart wrecking!!!
Becket and Corin's story broke my heart and made me sad in many phases, but at the same time they will manage to make me smiling all the time!!!
It was a difficult story to witness, but it teached me a lesson.
You have to appreciate your life and to live it to the fullest. Do not let anything get you down on your knees...
Embrace your life. Laugh. Live. Love.
This story was about Corin and Becket.
Corin was an isolated person by choice. She had to deal the death of both her parents in an early age and that left her in an unexpected contition.
Corin is afraid to die... She is so sure that the death is after her.
She is spending her life to the doctors as she is trying to find what is wrong with her and she is visiting all kinds of therapy groups.
She is afraid to live because she is so sure that she is going to die.
Becket was a man full of life but suddenly one day he had a heart attacked and he almost die.
Now, he has to live his life carefully and to stop enjoying all the things that he used to bring him joy in his life.
He is drowing but he is optimist by nature and he won't quit it!!!
"I was scared shitless of dying.
So i did the only thing i could do.
Learn how to live all over again."
Those two came together by a twist of fate and they met each other again in the group for mending hearts.
Becket was pushing Corin and Corin usually was running away from Becket.
But he was a very insisted bastard and they started to come very close to each other.
Becket was determined to made Corin laugh again and Corin wasn't sure if she could invest to a person like Becket!
Could she go through the loss of a beloved one for once again??? And what about her own fears???
"I've lost so many people, Beck. You scare me. You scared me. I don't look at you as the guy who could die. I look at you as the guy who could devastate me."
From the first moment, i felt so much sadness about Corin.
She had heavy baggages upon her shoulders and she was letting her life to bypass her.
She was so afraid of everything and that was breaking my heart.
Becket showed her how beautiful is to embrace the life and to live to the fullest.
I liked very much the fact that she was having no filter at all. She was saying whatever the hell she was thinking at the moment and that was so entertaining!!!
"He made me happy.
He made me feel loved.
He made me forget about death and dying and illness and disease.
I could only focus on one thing...
Him."
Becket's condition was very hard and difficult but he had so strong character that i didn't pitty him, not once...
He was loving life and he was missing his life before but he never let that fact to get him down on his knees.
He couldn't live as he used to live but he found a new purpose in his life.
He found Corin and he was determined to made her see the things as he liked to see them!!!
Yep, he broke my heart in some point but it wasn't his fault.
He was a fighter and i really admired the way he was seeing the world...
"She made me laugh.
She made me want to scream.
She made me so incredible happy.
And so damn sad.
She made me embrace life and live it.
And i wanted to do the same for her."
Corin and Becket together was such sweethearts. They were bickering all the time and they were having so much fun that i couldn't hold back my laugh.
They were so right for each other.
They give to each other a purpose to live and that was the most amazing thing!!!
I really loved that story. It went straight to my heart and made her beat so fast!!!
This book was a lesson of life and i think that it will stay with me for a long time!!!
Great job, Mrs Walters!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
February 9, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Corin Thompson had a hard time after losing both of her parents to illness. She developed fear of mortality that has been preventing her from living her life to the fullest. But an encounter with a man who had faced death head on opened her up to possibilities.
Beckett Kingsley was an exuberant man with a whole life in front of him. That was until he had an unexpected heart attack that took away everything that he valued in his life. But he didn’t use that as an excuse to feel sorry for himself. Instead, he continued to be cheerful while he reevaluated his life and chose to have a meaningful one. However their relationship was at knife’s edge when death became constant threat.
I had books on my TBR by the author for a long time and I finally decided it was time to finally do this. I am happy that this book met my emotional needs even though it wasn’t as heartbreaking as I hoped it would be.
Beckett was a very lovable hero. He was broken both literally and figuratively, yet he always search for the silver lining. His charm never failed to make people comfortable even though deep down inside he had his own demons.
I love Corin from the beginning. Her neuroticism was very endearing and amusing. It considerably lightened up what could potentially be morbid.
I like how their relationship was slow burn. Even though the underlying theme was death, the story itself was very uplifting. There were a lot of funny moments throughout the books that added layers to the characters.
Butterfly Dreams is a story of two broken people taking chances for a happy life even with an unknown future because some risks are definitely worth taking.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Corin Thompson had a hard time after losing both of her parents to illness. She developed fear of mortality that has been preventing her from living her life to the fullest. But an encounter with a man who had faced death head on opened her up to possibilities.
Beckett Kingsley was an exuberant man with a whole life in front of him. That was until he had an unexpected heart attack that took away everything that he valued in his life. But he didn’t use that as an excuse to feel sorry for himself. Instead, he continued to be cheerful while he reevaluated his life and chose to have a meaningful one. However their relationship was at knife’s edge when death became constant threat.
I had books on my TBR by the author for a long time and I finally decided it was time to finally do this. I am happy that this book met my emotional needs even though it wasn’t as heartbreaking as I hoped it would be.
“Laugh with me.
Dance with me.
Smile with me.
Love with me.
Live with me.”
Beckett was a very lovable hero. He was broken both literally and figuratively, yet he always search for the silver lining. His charm never failed to make people comfortable even though deep down inside he had his own demons.
I love Corin from the beginning. Her neuroticism was very endearing and amusing. It considerably lightened up what could potentially be morbid.
I knew how Beckett was feeling. I recognized the look on his face because I had seen it so many times when I looked in the mirror.
I like how their relationship was slow burn. Even though the underlying theme was death, the story itself was very uplifting. There were a lot of funny moments throughout the books that added layers to the characters.
Butterfly Dreams is a story of two broken people taking chances for a happy life even with an unknown future because some risks are definitely worth taking.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
January 21, 2016
I was about to pick what book to read next,when my sister said that one of our common friends here will celebrate her birthday on the 21st of this month(today). So,my sister Aj suggested to me that we should buddy read this book,to pay tribute to BEATRICE's birthday(HAPPY,HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear BEA!) And boy,am I so happy to buddy read this with my sister,'cause I've just read BEA's wonderful review on this,(what a perfect timing!)that made me even more excited to read this.
My Review:
This is a story of a two broken hearted people,who in perfect timing met in an akward instance and place..One,was broken because of her parents death,and the other was because of the illness he's got to battle with.
Corin Thompson,a 25 year old neurotic girl is the female MC here who can't get over with her grief over her parents death that she had faced all by herself when she's got a sister who was supposed to be there by her side.Her parents died when she was a teenager,and it made a great impact on her head that causes her major panic attacks whenever she gets nervous or tensed.
Beckett Kingsley,a 28 year old,energetic,sort of an athlete and a real gorgeous man is the male MC here,who is also dealing with his grief over his activity limitations,especially on the things he loves to do like running and football playing because he's got a heart ailment.
So when Corin and Beck met once again at the Mended Hearts Support group,that was the day their lives really had just started. And I can't help falling inlove with them as their world collided because they were breath taking! I loved how they weren't aware that in their simple ways,they were dealing and helping each other with their issues.
I loved Corin's wittiness and her quirky sense of humor,but there are times that I just want to smother her because of her restlessness!haha! And I especially loved Beck the most because he's so sweet,so caring,and he's always there for Corin even when he's in his worst heart condition.
This is my first novel of A.Meredith Walters,and as I've started reading a few pages,I instantly got hooked until the last page..I was totally smitten! This book will make you feel all kinds of feels! The love,the pain,the worries,the panic and the fear! Not to mention the many times I've laughed and cried..oh,how I really cried here! And of course, I'd definitely read more of this author's novels!
Can't wait to read my sister Aj's review on this one!^^ Thanks for your "buddy reading clever idea!"^^
Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you BEATRICE! Wishing you all the best in this world! May all what you've wished for your birthday come true! We love you!^^
My Review:
This is a story of a two broken hearted people,who in perfect timing met in an akward instance and place..One,was broken because of her parents death,and the other was because of the illness he's got to battle with.
Corin Thompson,a 25 year old neurotic girl is the female MC here who can't get over with her grief over her parents death that she had faced all by herself when she's got a sister who was supposed to be there by her side.Her parents died when she was a teenager,and it made a great impact on her head that causes her major panic attacks whenever she gets nervous or tensed.
Beckett Kingsley,a 28 year old,energetic,sort of an athlete and a real gorgeous man is the male MC here,who is also dealing with his grief over his activity limitations,especially on the things he loves to do like running and football playing because he's got a heart ailment.
So when Corin and Beck met once again at the Mended Hearts Support group,that was the day their lives really had just started. And I can't help falling inlove with them as their world collided because they were breath taking! I loved how they weren't aware that in their simple ways,they were dealing and helping each other with their issues.
I loved Corin's wittiness and her quirky sense of humor,but there are times that I just want to smother her because of her restlessness!haha! And I especially loved Beck the most because he's so sweet,so caring,and he's always there for Corin even when he's in his worst heart condition.
This is my first novel of A.Meredith Walters,and as I've started reading a few pages,I instantly got hooked until the last page..I was totally smitten! This book will make you feel all kinds of feels! The love,the pain,the worries,the panic and the fear! Not to mention the many times I've laughed and cried..oh,how I really cried here! And of course, I'd definitely read more of this author's novels!
Can't wait to read my sister Aj's review on this one!^^ Thanks for your "buddy reading clever idea!"^^
Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you BEATRICE! Wishing you all the best in this world! May all what you've wished for your birthday come true! We love you!^^
November 1, 2015
4.5 STARS!!! ★★★★☆
“Take it from a man who almost lost everything, you can’t focus on the end. You have to concentrate on what’s right in front of you”
Oh. My. God. I cannot remember the last time I cried so hard over a read but this book completely wrecked me inside out. I mean, I was full-fledged sobbing into my pillow during the last 10% and I didn't know if I could even finish the read for crying out loud.
A. Meredith Walters has once again succeeded in punching me right in the feels (multiple times may I add) with this heartbreakingly beautiful read. There's just so much raw honesty in her words and so much truth in how we cope with the thought of life and death. This story had absolutely consumed me right from the start and I almost wished it never end.
This book had everything I loved in a read. I laughed as much as I cried. The heavy moments were balanced out by the light moments. The pain from the heartache equally compensated by the joy in finding love. I felt like I was truly a part of Corin & Beckett's journey and I wanted to live alongside them. Forever.
Also I never thought I'd get to say this ever but there is finally, FINALLY someone who can match up to Augustus Waters. If you don't know who that is (shame on you!), he's my ultimate book boyfriend from my all time favorite soul-crushing beautiful read The Fault in Our Stars. I'm not even going to tell you how many times I cried reading this book or watching the movie. So yes, Beckett Kingsley, YOU DEFINITELY GAVE ME THE BUTTERFLIES FEELS.
This is a definite must-read for all you romance lovers who thrives on the great emotional punch in their reads.
If anyone wondering if there is a HEA, the answer is
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
“Take it from a man who almost lost everything, you can’t focus on the end. You have to concentrate on what’s right in front of you”
Oh. My. God. I cannot remember the last time I cried so hard over a read but this book completely wrecked me inside out. I mean, I was full-fledged sobbing into my pillow during the last 10% and I didn't know if I could even finish the read for crying out loud.
A. Meredith Walters has once again succeeded in punching me right in the feels (multiple times may I add) with this heartbreakingly beautiful read. There's just so much raw honesty in her words and so much truth in how we cope with the thought of life and death. This story had absolutely consumed me right from the start and I almost wished it never end.
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
This book had everything I loved in a read. I laughed as much as I cried. The heavy moments were balanced out by the light moments. The pain from the heartache equally compensated by the joy in finding love. I felt like I was truly a part of Corin & Beckett's journey and I wanted to live alongside them. Forever.
Also I never thought I'd get to say this ever but there is finally, FINALLY someone who can match up to Augustus Waters. If you don't know who that is (shame on you!), he's my ultimate book boyfriend from my all time favorite soul-crushing beautiful read The Fault in Our Stars. I'm not even going to tell you how many times I cried reading this book or watching the movie. So yes, Beckett Kingsley, YOU DEFINITELY GAVE ME THE BUTTERFLIES FEELS.
This is a definite must-read for all you romance lovers who thrives on the great emotional punch in their reads.
If anyone wondering if there is a HEA, the answer is
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Want to read
August 25, 2015I'm so in love with this cover... I can't even... Just wow!!
Butterfly Dreams- Coming November 24th, 2015!
*This is a standalone contemporary romance**
In a powerful romance, New York Times bestselling author A. Meredith Walters tells the story of a troubled young woman and the unforgettable guy who teaches her to live—and love—to the fullest.
She’s waiting to die. . . . Corin Thompson is paralyzed by her obsession with mortality. Having lost both of her parents, she is terrified by the idea that she too will die young, and she loses control at any sign of illness. But when Corin connects with someone who has survived a very real brush with death, she begins to see the world in a whole new way.
He’s learning to live. . . . As Corin struggles under the weight of her neuroses, Beckett Kingsley is attempting to rebuild a life that feels all too temporary. With the ever-present threat of heart failure never far from his mind, he just wants to make the most of whatever time he has left. And that means pursuing the girl he never expected to find.
Together, Corin and Beckett finally learn to let go of their fears and take solace in everyday pleasures. Who knows what the future holds? After all, nothing lasts forever—the only promise they have is right now.
Butterfly Dreams- Coming November 24th, 2015!
*This is a standalone contemporary romance**
In a powerful romance, New York Times bestselling author A. Meredith Walters tells the story of a troubled young woman and the unforgettable guy who teaches her to live—and love—to the fullest.
She’s waiting to die. . . . Corin Thompson is paralyzed by her obsession with mortality. Having lost both of her parents, she is terrified by the idea that she too will die young, and she loses control at any sign of illness. But when Corin connects with someone who has survived a very real brush with death, she begins to see the world in a whole new way.
He’s learning to live. . . . As Corin struggles under the weight of her neuroses, Beckett Kingsley is attempting to rebuild a life that feels all too temporary. With the ever-present threat of heart failure never far from his mind, he just wants to make the most of whatever time he has left. And that means pursuing the girl he never expected to find.
Together, Corin and Beckett finally learn to let go of their fears and take solace in everyday pleasures. Who knows what the future holds? After all, nothing lasts forever—the only promise they have is right now.
October 27, 2015
❝He was my anesthetic. He numbed me. Before he also set me on fire.❞
What makes a good story? Is it in the details? Is it a cohesive plot? Is it beautifully crafted characters? Is it a story that makes you feel down to your soul and leaves you thinking about it long after the story is over? Well, for me, I can answer yes to all of those. I found 'Butterfly Dreams' simply beautiful. It was beautiful in its simplicity. It was a stunning story about living with fears and devastating loss, and learning to love. Another winner for A. Meredith Walters.
One reason I am such a huge fan of A. Meredith Walters, is that her writing never feels forced, instead it feels organic. Her stories ebb and flow seamlessly, as does the switch in POV. Her ability to pull emotions (whether happiness, heart-wrenching sadness or anger) from me with each book is truly brilliant.
As the blurb reveals, Corin suffers from hypochondria which is brought on by the devastating loss of both her parents. She lives daily with the fear that she is dying. She is so focused on this fear that she isn't living! Her neurosis has kept people at arms length and she is okay with that because she doesn't have the headspace left for relationships. She is quirky and in the beginning I had a difficult time connecting with her character. But that was because I didn't truly know her yet. As the story progressed and her layers were revealed, I realized she was just flawed like the rest of us. Her defense mechanisms may have been different from yours or mine, but we all have them. How we cope with tragedy, how we deal with hurt, fears may be different, but we all develop a coping mechanism.
Beckett is just trying to live. He doesn't know when the next day will be his last, so he is determined to put on his "happy face", suck it up and LIVE. He tries to ignore the things he can no longer do and relish in the fact that he is alive, today. That isn't always easy because a once active man, he has now become restricted. His identity has changed.
One day while in the middle of a panic attack, Corin is "saved" by Beckett. They didn't know each other, but seeing her struggling to breathe and watching her in pain, Beckett knew he had to help.
Once again a chance meeting brings them together and a relationship based upon friendship, and kindred souls develops. Slowly they heal one another. Slowly, they fall in love.
What I loved so much about this book was that Beckett could have easily succumbed to the "victim" role. Because life had dealt him a crapy hand. But he found strength from within and kept on going. And it was his strength that he lent to Corin. He helped her see she had a life worth living. And she gave him something to live for. He was truly an amazing character.
❝For the first time since my heart attack I felt like someone understood me.❞
They shared laughter, sadness and passion. Together they found happiness and they found a way to live.
Ms. Walters creates stories and characters with depth. Her characters may start as flawed, but by the end of the story, you will experience their growth. Her books deal with real life issues and don't need over-the-top drama to make them good. With 'Butterfly Dreams', I laughed and I cried ugly tears too. The love story was gorgeous and one that I will be thinking about for a while.
ARC graciously provided from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept and Netgalley for an honest review
March 8, 2016
"They had come for me again.
The butterflies.
My once bevelont protectors now my sadistic torturers...
The butterflies were always there. Threatening to drown me.
And i could never escape."
A. Meredith Walters is one of my favorite authors,so it wasn't at all surprising that I ended up loving this beautiful book by her. I love the author for her dark and emotional stories,also with somewhat twisted characters.But there's one thing common in her books: emotions.No matter how much funny and hilarious the scenes might be in the beginning,there's always some heavy emotional stuff waiting for you at some point. I love this book.It's beautiful,funny,heartbreaking,and perfect.
“Laugh with me.
Dance with me.
Smile with me.
Love with me.
Live with me.”
It's a story of Corin and Beckett,who are completely opposite of each other.While Corin,after losing her parents,always believes that something bad would happen to her too and keeps thinking about death and illness,Beckett is total fun and doesn't worry about anything because after almost dying once,he tries to find happiness in everything now. Although there's a lot of emotional drama in this book,it is still a light read until the last part.
I love Corin's character,especially how she always blurt out the most embarrassing things whenever she is nervous,those scenes were hilarious! Beckett's character was great too,and I loved how he changed Coring's life completely.That sounds a bit cheesy,but that's exactly what happened because Corin's character developed a lot and that was just because of Beckett. I really enjoyed reading alternative POV of Corin and Beckett,it made me connect to them even more.
Although the blurb seems very depressing,the story's not as dark and is very inspiring.I loved this book and would definitely recommended it!
November 5, 2015
~ Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review. ~
In a powerful romance for fans of The Fault in Our Stars and If I Stay, New York Times bestselling author A. Meredith Walters tells the story of a troubled young woman and the unforgettable guy who teaches her to live—and love—to the fullest.
Just what I need! Be good, please!
AFTER READING:
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
2.5 stars
For me, if you compare yourself to The Fault in Our Stars, you have to be able to fill in the big shoes, because that's one of my favorite books ever. I don't mean to sound cheesy, but that's one of those books that leave a mark on your soul, at least in my case. That is why I was both eager and afraid to read this story which "dared" to compare itself to TFiOS. Another reason that gave me hope this might be my new favorite read is the fact that Walters is not an unfamiliar author to me. I read her Find You in the Dark (FYitD, #1) book before and loved it. Unfortunately, I can't say the same this time.
~ The main reasons "why":
1. Plot
The story was pretty slow-paced in the beginning. It was too ordinary for my liking and it simply failed to engage me. The first half of the story was overall okay, but I was mostly bored in the second half with the exception of the epilogue which was the best part for me. It took me a week to read a 240 pages long book- that says it all.
2. Romance
The romance was quite instantish and therefore I just wasn't feeling any chemistry or connection between the MCs since the very beginning which left me indifferent to their story in the end.
To be clear, my rating of this book is based on my personal reading preferances, meaning on the impression it left on me which can be summed by one word ~ forgettable. It is a well-written book with an inspiring and powerful message, but other than that it didn't leave the desired effect. All I can say is: read it and decide for yourself!
In a powerful romance for fans of The Fault in Our Stars and If I Stay, New York Times bestselling author A. Meredith Walters tells the story of a troubled young woman and the unforgettable guy who teaches her to live—and love—to the fullest.
Just what I need! Be good, please!
AFTER READING:
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
2.5 stars
For me, if you compare yourself to The Fault in Our Stars, you have to be able to fill in the big shoes, because that's one of my favorite books ever. I don't mean to sound cheesy, but that's one of those books that leave a mark on your soul, at least in my case. That is why I was both eager and afraid to read this story which "dared" to compare itself to TFiOS. Another reason that gave me hope this might be my new favorite read is the fact that Walters is not an unfamiliar author to me. I read her Find You in the Dark (FYitD, #1) book before and loved it. Unfortunately, I can't say the same this time.
~ The main reasons "why":
1. Plot
The story was pretty slow-paced in the beginning. It was too ordinary for my liking and it simply failed to engage me. The first half of the story was overall okay, but I was mostly bored in the second half with the exception of the epilogue which was the best part for me. It took me a week to read a 240 pages long book- that says it all.
2. Romance
The romance was quite instantish and therefore I just wasn't feeling any chemistry or connection between the MCs since the very beginning which left me indifferent to their story in the end.
To be clear, my rating of this book is based on my personal reading preferances, meaning on the impression it left on me which can be summed by one word ~ forgettable. It is a well-written book with an inspiring and powerful message, but other than that it didn't leave the desired effect. All I can say is: read it and decide for yourself!
February 16, 2016
Thank you NetGalley & LoveSwept for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My first A. Meredith Walters book turned out to be an emotional one. Butterfly Dreams is a beautiful story with an unusual pair. The pacing of the story is REALLY slow. It builds up my anticipation and as I keep going, the progress of the story starts to get better. I'm carried away with its words and they'll just emotionally hit you
Seeing her parents' death in succession left Corin Thompson traumatizing at such a young age. With such experience, she became obsessed with death & illness. She believes there is something physically wrong with her and constantly goes on check-ups/undergo lab tests to prove it. (Apparently, they're normal) By fate, she met this man who helped her when she had a panic attack on a support group for people with heart conditions.
How come Beckett Kingsley remained optimistic even if at any time death will call to him and be gone? Despite of that, there is sadness in him. After his cardiac arrest, his usual activites have been altered. He couldn't do the things he loved. He may be physically living but a part of him just died.
I love the slow burn romance in this book. These characters took their time getting to know and trust each other. They give their relationship a chance despite of the worst case scenarios. They taught themselves to live and find hope. It's nice to see their character developments throughout the story and they grew on me. I seriously love Corin and Beck as a couple and individually.
This book is filled with beautiful lines. I highlighted a lot of them. They made me laugh, cry and giddy at the same time. Overall, this is worth reading. Grab some tissues because you might shed tears on it.
My first A. Meredith Walters book turned out to be an emotional one. Butterfly Dreams is a beautiful story with an unusual pair. The pacing of the story is REALLY slow. It builds up my anticipation and as I keep going, the progress of the story starts to get better. I'm carried away with its words and they'll just emotionally hit you
"I became an adult and real life set, in my butterfly dreams weren't so benevolent. They became dark, twisted things suffocating and paralyzing me."
Seeing her parents' death in succession left Corin Thompson traumatizing at such a young age. With such experience, she became obsessed with death & illness. She believes there is something physically wrong with her and constantly goes on check-ups/undergo lab tests to prove it. (Apparently, they're normal) By fate, she met this man who helped her when she had a panic attack on a support group for people with heart conditions.
How come Beckett Kingsley remained optimistic even if at any time death will call to him and be gone? Despite of that, there is sadness in him. After his cardiac arrest, his usual activites have been altered. He couldn't do the things he loved. He may be physically living but a part of him just died.
"Stop thinking about what could happen later and focus on what's happening here. Now.With Me.... Laugh with me.... Dance with me... Smile with me... Love with me....Live with me."
I love the slow burn romance in this book. These characters took their time getting to know and trust each other. They give their relationship a chance despite of the worst case scenarios. They taught themselves to live and find hope. It's nice to see their character developments throughout the story and they grew on me. I seriously love Corin and Beck as a couple and individually.
This book is filled with beautiful lines. I highlighted a lot of them. They made me laugh, cry and giddy at the same time. Overall, this is worth reading. Grab some tissues because you might shed tears on it.
August 15, 2017
4.5 stars...
This was such a beautiful novel! Everything about it pulled me in and I absolutely devoured it!! The writing was lyrical and flowed easily, making it an incredibly enjoyable read. It had me crying, laughing, swooning, cheering, screaming, and everything in between.
-Corin-
I loved her!! It should probably concern me that I related so much to character who was so obsessively neurotic, but oh well... I did. She was hilarious.
"Well, it sounds like she sucked. And you shouldn’t waste time on sucky people."Corin is a withdrawn and lonely person, obsessed with her own mortality. I've never read a book where the MC suffered from Münchausen syndrome. I thought it was a very unique twist, and while I don't have personal experience with it, I thought the author did an amazing job with the portrayal. It takes awhile for Corin to open up and there are a few speed bumps, but I thought there was a really nice balance of angst and acceptance. She's one of those characters who I wished were real so I could be friends with her. I love my fellow weirdos ;)
-Beckett-
My last book boyfriend was the epitome of dreamy... so this one had a lot to live up to. But Beckett definitely delivered!! I loved how he balanced his optimism with his sadness. He didn't let his heart attack bring him down, but he also took moments to mourn the things he loved about his old life. And once he was done mourning, he was able to appreciate the positives of the heart attack...
"And you, Corin Thompson, make everything worth it."He also had no problem being mushy. Beck was completely captivated by Corin, and he had zero problem admitting it...
"I feel special," Corin remarked.And when he finds out about Corin's neuroses, he doesn't waver.
"You are." I couldn’t help being a total sap with her. It made my teeth hurt but the cheesy romantic lines just sort of slipped out. I was never like this with Sierra.
As far as plot goes, the synopsis does a very fair job of describing what you'll get. I did find the story to be a little bit predictable, but between how much I loved the characters (even the side ones were great!) and how great the writing was, I didn't really care. The story focused more on the emotions and character growth, rather than a gripping, what-will-happen-next plot. So just be sure you're in the right frame of mind! ;)
But if this book interests you at all--and you don't mind a little predictability--I'd definitely recommend giving it a shot! :) Especially because it's only $0.99!
Safety:
November 27, 2015
4.5 wonderful stars
“Laugh with me.” I kissed the side of her neck.
“Dance with me.” I pulled her shirt aside and kissed her shoulder.
“Smile with me.” I kissed her temple
“”Love with me.” I ran my hands down her arms and laced my fingers through hers.
“Live with me.” I pleaded
In Butterfly Dreams, A Meredith Walters brought to life a beautifully crafted and moving story, handled with sensitivity and carried a powerful message telling us to seize and embrace every moment. It is a story of self-discovery that reminds us to laugh, love and live with abandon; that every day is precious and not be taken for granted. It’s a story of healing and finding happiness and it’s one we devoured, loved and embraced every beautiful moment. And yes….there were most certainly some tears!
Life for Beckett Kingsley takes a drastic turn when he suffers a heart attack. Left with the scars of his healing, Beckett is forced to re-evaluate his life and live according to his physical well-being which is a far cry from the athletic chaotic life he led before. Sure, he has his fears and regrets but he’s happy to be alive and makes the changes necessary to live his life to the fullest and boy didn’t we LOVE this guy!
“I was scared shitless of dying. So I did the only thing I could do. Learn how to live all over again.”
Corin Thompson has experienced grief and tragedy in her young life losing both her parents to separate illnesses. Having nursed her father through his last months of life, Corin bears the emotional scars witnessing such events brings and is left continually questioning her own mortality believing she too will die prematurely, convinced every ache and pain to be a life threatening illness. Are these symptoms real or psychosomatic?
“Take it from a man who almost lost everything, you can’t focus on the end. You have to concentrate on what’s right in front of you”
Beckett and Corin are opposites in that Beckett is a glass half optimist, happy to be alive, whilst Corin is the glass half empty pessimist questioning her own mortality and believing fate has only cruel intentions for her. Can Beckett chip away at her walls to show her life is worth grabbing by the scruff of the neck and living not to be spent wallowing in the ‘what could be’ instead embracing the ‘what is‘.
“I’ve lost so many people, Beck. You scare me…….I don’t look at you as the guy who could die. I look at you as the guy who could devastate me.”
To begin with, Corin’s cold exterior was so at odds with the warmth of Beckett that we found her a little difficult to connect with however as the story progressed and she began to soften we understood her blunt, frank and prickly personality was her way of shielding the insecurities and pain she felt inside. This lady didn’t hold back expressing her thoughts, but sharing her fears was a whole other story.
The friendship between Beckett and Corin developed steadily and beautifully setting the foundation for the deeper feelings that grew between them. Their relationship never felt hurried, always felt honest and therefore enabled us to connect and experience the growth of their relationship throughout the story.
‘She made me laugh. She made me want to scream. She made me so incredibly happy. And so damn sad. She made me embrace life and live it. And I wanted to do the same for her.’
This book could be incredibly sad and morose at times and considering the theme of the story that is to be expected, however the author so perfectly peppered her story with some light-hearted banter, a bit of snarky and witty inner monologue, heart-warming and exceptionally romantic moments and a sincere and beautiful character in Beckett that all went into making this story a real winner for us!
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November 24, 2015
IT'S LIVE!!!!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MWYh3p
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Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1gt0iMD
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Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MWYh3p
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1NDkPqz
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1gt0iMD
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November 24, 2015
Butterfly Dreams is the first book I have read by A. Meredith Walters. I know she is a favorite of many readers, so I was thrilled to have the chance to read this book. I adored this story! It is a witty, fast-paced and yes, very emotional story about coming to terms with your life and facing your own mortality.
The author has created two very lively and memorable characters in Corin and Beckett. Corin is obsessed with her physical health, convinced that she has a multitude of undiagnosed ailments. She does suffer from panic attacks, but she is sure she is going to die at any minute from a heart attack.
She finds her way to a support group for heart patients where she meets Beckett, who has actually suffered a nbear-fatal heart attack and has had his regular day-to-day activities sharply curtailed. He is in the prime of his life but because of his brush with death, now sees everything differently.
Corin is morbid and morose while Beckett is warm and funny and outgoing. She looks back on her life while he looks forward:
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
This story is very funny and balances the serious subjects perfectly with witty banter and sexy times between the two main characters. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it for all fans of New Adult romance. While the conclusion is a bit predictable, the wit, sarcasm and solid writing make Butterfly Dreams a very enjoyable read.
(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
The author has created two very lively and memorable characters in Corin and Beckett. Corin is obsessed with her physical health, convinced that she has a multitude of undiagnosed ailments. She does suffer from panic attacks, but she is sure she is going to die at any minute from a heart attack.
She finds her way to a support group for heart patients where she meets Beckett, who has actually suffered a nbear-fatal heart attack and has had his regular day-to-day activities sharply curtailed. He is in the prime of his life but because of his brush with death, now sees everything differently.
Corin is morbid and morose while Beckett is warm and funny and outgoing. She looks back on her life while he looks forward:
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have. Don't look constantly toward the end. Enjoy the right now."
This story is very funny and balances the serious subjects perfectly with witty banter and sexy times between the two main characters. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it for all fans of New Adult romance. While the conclusion is a bit predictable, the wit, sarcasm and solid writing make Butterfly Dreams a very enjoyable read.
(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
November 24, 2015
Butterfly Dreams is only my second book by A. Meredith Walters, but from what I've read in those novels, and what I've gathered about some of her other works, I've come to the conclusion she's an author who doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, and making her characters go through a lot of suffering over the course of a few hundred pages. Unfortunately for Corin and Beckett, the stars of Butterfly Dreams, they weren't spared the heartache, and not the emotional kind.
Beckett had suffered a heart attack, and diagnosed with genetic heart defect. Corin's heart problems, on the other hand, were in her head. Ever since losing both of her parents when she was a teenager, she'd become obsessed with her own mortality. She was convinced there was something seriously wrong with her even if all her test results kept coming back normal. Her latest source of anxiety was her heart. So certain she was she had some kind of heart disease, she joined a support group for people with heart issues. That was how she and Beckett met.
I have to admit, their story sounds more appealing to me in theory. What I actually read about them, well, I wasn't overly impressed. I did like Beckett from the start, but I wasn't so lucky with Corin. That girl, she would not be winning Miss Congeniality any time soon, that's for sure, but I don't think it was just her prickly personality that made me unable to care for her as I did for Beckett. I'm no stranger to anxiety, so Corin's troubles should've made her more relatable, but I failed to connect with her. Instead of understanding her actions, I was more annoyed by them than anything. To be honest, I didn't get Beckett's fascination with her, or why he was so determined to become a part of her life. Come to think of it, their transition from friends to boyfriend-girlfriend didn't feel as a natural progression of their relationship. It just sort of happened. I knew it was coming, but I didn't care for the way it happened.
What I did like was what came next. Beckett, ever the optimist trying to make the most of every day, was an excellent influence on the always focused on death Corin. This was the point where I finally grew to like her, and every step she made be it in being a better girlfriend, friend, sister, or learning to enjoy life, living in the now, letting go of the past, or making progress in controlling her anxiety, it was great. Most of all, I liked the epilogue. The story got sad towards the end, and that epilogue was everything. I loved how it was done.
Butterfly Dreams will be joining the books I read and wished they were written differently to give me more feels, but even so my heartstrings were tugged at, and that was all I wanted. I'm not an expert on A. Meredith Walters' books, therefore I'm not sure whether this would be the right first book by her to read or not, but to those who are already her fans, this could be another book to their liking.
***ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
March 15, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review and boy am I happy I requested it. I loved this book. I found it very hard to put down. Beckett is my new book boyfriend. I think it was a powerful story about grief and the impact it can have on your life. Corin was hard to deal with at times but I think that's because she was so well written and honestly portrayed that it makes sense to me that it was difficult to like her in some moments. I really felt what the characters were feeling and I just don't think I can say enough positive things about this book.
November 28, 2015
4.5 wonderful stars
“Laugh with me.” I kissed the side of her neck.
“Dance with me.” I pulled her shirt aside and kissed her shoulder.
“Smile with me.” I kissed her temple
“”Love with me.” I ran my hands down her arms and laced my fingers through hers.
“Live with me.” I pleaded
In Butterfly Dreams, A Meredith Walters brought to life a beautifully crafted and moving story, handled with sensitivity and carried a powerful message telling us to seize and embrace every moment. It is a story of self-discovery that reminds us to laugh, love and live with abandon; that every day is precious and not be taken for granted. It’s a story of healing and finding happiness and it’s one we devoured, loved and embraced every beautiful moment. And yes….there were most certainly some tears!
Life for Beckett Kingsley takes a drastic turn when he suffers a heart attack. Left with the scars of his healing, Beckett is forced to re-evaluate his life and live according to his physical well-being which is a far cry from the athletic chaotic life he led before. Sure, he has his fears and regrets but he’s happy to be alive and makes the changes necessary to live his life to the fullest and boy didn’t we LOVE this guy!
“I was scared shitless of dying. So I did the only thing I could do. Learn how to live all over again.”
Corin Thompson has experienced grief and tragedy in her young life losing both her parents to separate illnesses. Having nursed her father through his last months of life, Corin bears the emotional scars witnessing such events brings and is left continually questioning her own mortality believing she too will die prematurely, convinced every ache and pain to be a life threatening illness. Are these symptoms real or psychosomatic?
“Take it from a man who almost lost everything, you can’t focus on the end. You have to concentrate on what’s right in front of you”
Beckett and Corin are opposites in that Beckett is a glass half optimist, happy to be alive, whilst Corin is the glass half empty pessimist questioning her own mortality and believing fate has only cruel intentions for her. Can Beckett chip away at her walls to show her life is worth grabbing by the scruff of the neck and living not to be spent wallowing in the ‘what could be’ instead embracing the ‘what is‘.
“I’ve lost so many people, Beck. You scare me…….I don’t look at you as the guy who could die. I look at you as the guy who could devastate me.”
To begin with, Corin’s cold exterior was so at odds with the warmth of Beckett that we found her a little difficult to connect with however as the story progressed and she began to soften we understood her blunt, frank and prickly personality was her way of shielding the insecurities and pain she felt inside. This lady didn’t hold back expressing her thoughts, but sharing her fears was a whole other story.
The friendship between Beckett and Corin developed steadily and beautifully setting the foundation for the deeper feelings that grew between them. Their relationship never felt hurried, always felt honest and therefore enabled us to connect and experience the growth of their relationship throughout the story.
‘She made me laugh. She made me want to scream. She made me so incredibly happy. And so damn sad. She made me embrace life and live it. And I wanted to do the same for her.’
This book could be incredibly sad and morose at times and considering the theme of the story that is to be expected, however the author so perfectly peppered her story with some light-hearted banter, a bit of snarky and witty inner monologue, heart-warming and exceptionally romantic moments and a sincere and beautiful character in Beckett that all went into making this story a real winner for us!
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October 19, 2015
Review: Surj
The rating is not a reflection of the quality of this story or the author's penmanship skills which are exemplary as always but more a reflection of the publisher who spoiled it completely for me... GUTTED
A Meredith Walters is an automatic one click author for me. Her story telling abilities are second to none, her writing flawless and the characters she gives us not only different and pretty unique but equally memorable. "Butterfly Dreams" fit this mould perfectly. In fact it really did ticked all the boxes when it came to things I love in a great read and so I couldn't wait to get my its on this upcoming release... the teasers and the synopsis really pulling me in from the off. So what went wrong? Why the ❤️❤️❤️ ??? Well this has nothing to do with this lovely author but more to do with the publisher who decided that when they put the book up on Goodreads and Amazon, they would add their own little blurb above the synopsis. Yup, the decided to compare it to a couple of books that everyone will know. They said this was for fans of "book x and book y." Trust me, if you don't already know which books I'm talking about, DON'T LOOK NOW because the very mention of each of these books spoiled my whole reading experience of Corin and Beckett's story. Suddenly unpredictable became predictable and I spent the whole book waiting for certain events to take place. It was inevitable and I was 100% gutted. Hands down, this would have been a ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ for me.
Corin and Beckett were so brilliant together. They were perfect for each other and despite appearing to be complete opposites, they had more in common than I had initially thought. There were moments their awkwardness put a smile on my face, where the quirkiness of their whole journey filled me with happiness, where the Mended Hearts club and the banter between the couple had me in fits of giggles. But unfortunately, all of it was marred by the spoiler (courtesy of the Publisher). Fingers crossed this will be removed asap because honestly, this would have been a fantastic read for me. If you haven't read the synopsis, don't but please please please do pick up this book and prepare to become a member of the Mended Hearts club (but not before your heart is smashed into millions of pieces and done so perfectly by this author).
I rated "Butterfly Dreams" ❤️❤️❤️ (which is no reflection on this book or the author whatsoever!!!).
The rating is not a reflection of the quality of this story or the author's penmanship skills which are exemplary as always but more a reflection of the publisher who spoiled it completely for me... GUTTED
A Meredith Walters is an automatic one click author for me. Her story telling abilities are second to none, her writing flawless and the characters she gives us not only different and pretty unique but equally memorable. "Butterfly Dreams" fit this mould perfectly. In fact it really did ticked all the boxes when it came to things I love in a great read and so I couldn't wait to get my its on this upcoming release... the teasers and the synopsis really pulling me in from the off. So what went wrong? Why the ❤️❤️❤️ ??? Well this has nothing to do with this lovely author but more to do with the publisher who decided that when they put the book up on Goodreads and Amazon, they would add their own little blurb above the synopsis. Yup, the decided to compare it to a couple of books that everyone will know. They said this was for fans of "book x and book y." Trust me, if you don't already know which books I'm talking about, DON'T LOOK NOW because the very mention of each of these books spoiled my whole reading experience of Corin and Beckett's story. Suddenly unpredictable became predictable and I spent the whole book waiting for certain events to take place. It was inevitable and I was 100% gutted. Hands down, this would have been a ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ for me.
Corin and Beckett were so brilliant together. They were perfect for each other and despite appearing to be complete opposites, they had more in common than I had initially thought. There were moments their awkwardness put a smile on my face, where the quirkiness of their whole journey filled me with happiness, where the Mended Hearts club and the banter between the couple had me in fits of giggles. But unfortunately, all of it was marred by the spoiler (courtesy of the Publisher). Fingers crossed this will be removed asap because honestly, this would have been a fantastic read for me. If you haven't read the synopsis, don't but please please please do pick up this book and prepare to become a member of the Mended Hearts club (but not before your heart is smashed into millions of pieces and done so perfectly by this author).
I rated "Butterfly Dreams" ❤️❤️❤️ (which is no reflection on this book or the author whatsoever!!!).
Want to read
September 12, 2016Arc provided via netgalley for an honest review
September 6, 2015
I kindly received this ARC from Random House Publishing Group- Loveswept Via NG in return for an honest review.
It's not often that i find a book perfect, but to me, in terms of contemporary romances...this one wins.
Dang it Meredith Walters, how do you keep thinking of plots that i usually read and think its not meant to work and then make me eat my words again and again! The first book I read from this author, converted me to a fan was the book Reclaiming the sand dear God, that book tore at my soul and made me almost cry at the beauty and honesty of it. This one was no different. Well done Walters, well done.
"I've always dream in butterflies. Wild. Free. Colourful butterflies. To me they were a real, breathing thing. As real as you or me...And then one day, my once happy butterflies found their way into my waking world. But they weren't there to protect me...I started to hate my butterflies. They terrified me."
Ohhh man, this book!!!
This author is magic. Her books are so addictive and lyrical, I swear! This book is so real and heart-breakingly honest, so disparaging yet full of hope and fear. I don't know how else to talk about this book!
It totally shouldn't work! I usually hate characters like Corin but darn it, she was so funny and likable, I couldn't even muster a semblance of hate.
And Beckett...
I love the man so much! There should be more men like Beckett.
He was such a real character with honest feelings. Not like some other books would have the characters nearly be sainted but Beckett was angry, raging mad because of what's happening to him but he knows that being mad and angry at the world will do nothing for him. So he chose to be happy, to bring Joy to other people, he chose to care and he decided to live the remains of his life and make it worth it.
I love his character so much. I know i keep repeating that but I really do.
Now this book I would say is appropriate for New Adults, it has some sexual situations but never descriptive to the point of making me gag, no it has sexual situation but its a 'you-know-they-do-it-just-not-what-and-how.' type deal. the best type.
Honestly, I'm usually not a contemporary romance Gal but I will read whatever Meredith Walters writes from now on, heck give me her grocery list if need be! I will certainly be backtracking and read her earlier novels for sure!
"...(you're)like my own own personal knight."
I bumped her shoulder with mine. "I have a thing for damsels in distress."
"But who saves you, Beckett?" She asked softly, and my smile slipped.
I love this book (sorry, last time I'll say that.)
Stay awesome my lovelies!
-The book Herald
tweet me @thebookherald
It's not often that i find a book perfect, but to me, in terms of contemporary romances...this one wins.
Dang it Meredith Walters, how do you keep thinking of plots that i usually read and think its not meant to work and then make me eat my words again and again! The first book I read from this author, converted me to a fan was the book Reclaiming the sand dear God, that book tore at my soul and made me almost cry at the beauty and honesty of it. This one was no different. Well done Walters, well done.
"I've always dream in butterflies. Wild. Free. Colourful butterflies. To me they were a real, breathing thing. As real as you or me...And then one day, my once happy butterflies found their way into my waking world. But they weren't there to protect me...I started to hate my butterflies. They terrified me."
Corin Thompson is a 25 year old Hypochondriac,
She has watched those she loves die, one after another and she is horrified and deathly afraid of her own mortality.
A headache could mean a tumor.
A heart pain could mean a heart attack.
A sore throat could mean throat cancer.
Corin keeps her head down and the world out, that is until Beckett Kinsley stumbles his way into her life.
Glorious.
Happy.
And woefully sick.
Beckett is the type of man who she could not only love, but he's the type of man that could devastate her in ways she'd never recover.
A devastating hope.
A breaking heart.
A love to rival ages.
Beckett is sick...really sick, but while he's alive, he will make sure Corin knows how to live.
Ohhh man, this book!!!
This author is magic. Her books are so addictive and lyrical, I swear! This book is so real and heart-breakingly honest, so disparaging yet full of hope and fear. I don't know how else to talk about this book!
It totally shouldn't work! I usually hate characters like Corin but darn it, she was so funny and likable, I couldn't even muster a semblance of hate.
And Beckett...
I love the man so much! There should be more men like Beckett.
He was such a real character with honest feelings. Not like some other books would have the characters nearly be sainted but Beckett was angry, raging mad because of what's happening to him but he knows that being mad and angry at the world will do nothing for him. So he chose to be happy, to bring Joy to other people, he chose to care and he decided to live the remains of his life and make it worth it.
I love his character so much. I know i keep repeating that but I really do.
Now this book I would say is appropriate for New Adults, it has some sexual situations but never descriptive to the point of making me gag, no it has sexual situation but its a 'you-know-they-do-it-just-not-what-and-how.' type deal. the best type.
Honestly, I'm usually not a contemporary romance Gal but I will read whatever Meredith Walters writes from now on, heck give me her grocery list if need be! I will certainly be backtracking and read her earlier novels for sure!
"...(you're)like my own own personal knight."
I bumped her shoulder with mine. "I have a thing for damsels in distress."
"But who saves you, Beckett?" She asked softly, and my smile slipped.
I love this book (sorry, last time I'll say that.)
Stay awesome my lovelies!
-The book Herald
tweet me @thebookherald
September 8, 2016
"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days. Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have."Let's start with the cover because, you know I'm a sucker for the pretty ones. I love the blue and purple (my fave colors!), and that gorgeous font. The cover has a kind of hazy, dream-like feel to it that I find reflects the story well. I really, really enjoyed this book! Butterfly Dreams left me wanting to run outside to soak in the sun—happy to just be. It's inspiring and heart-warming. I wasn't the biggest fan of Corin but man, oh man, did I fall head over heels for Beckett.
Corin is a hypochondriac. She's constantly concerned with her health after having to watch both her parents pass away from different illnesses. It's probably because of how unfamiliar this anxiety disorder was to me that I felt disconnected from her character. Corin had a sense of humor though which I liked. And it's very admirable how despite the sadness she experienced, she became the owner of a pottery studio and very independent.
Beckett is my favorite kind of book boyfriend. He's sweet, caring, witty and loves his family. They're the reason he snapped out of his sorry state and started living again. He couldn't drink coffee anymore, or play soccer with the guys, or do any activity he loved, but he kept his head up and looked for the bright side of things. Basically, Beckett Kingsley is mine and I love him. ;)
Butterfly Dreams was more about Corin's character growth than Beckett's. I felt like Beckett had reached that point where he could accept his circumstances and be happy with what he had. Corin was stuck in a bad spot and couldn't get out. She kept running away from her problems. The more Corin was around Beckett, the more she let go and faced her fears which was when I started to like her.
There was a point in the book where I got very anxious and really wanted to throw my phone at the wall. Like, HOW DARE YOU, MS. WALTERS. I was a mess finishing this book, let me tell you—tears streaming and snot-nosed kind of mess. Just know, I'm waving my caution sign at you if you haven't read this one yet. It does have a slow start but the build was sweet.
I'm a fan of any book that encourages people to live life to the fullest. It's not enough to simply exist, and Butterfly Dreams gets this message across beautifully. This certainly won't be my last book by A. Meredith Walters.
**ARC was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review (thank you!)
October 23, 2015
There are some books that you just know are going to be good. When I picked this one up, that's exactly the feeling I had, and I was not disappointed.
While I was expecting some sort of love story, I was surprised to find that this story is more about Corin's mental illness. It wasn't a bad surprise at all, because her character development is absolutely insane. She goes from an unstable character in denial to an amazing woman who's been through many things and is now much stronger. It was great seeing her change so much while staying true to herself. Also, I loved discovering more about hyponcondriac people, because I don't know much about this illness. My mother's cousin has it, but I haven't seen her for a couple of years now and her mental state was just confusing to me then. Now, I feel like I understand a lot more about how she must have felt, because part of the story is told in Corin's perspective and she has to go through this every day.
That being said, I still really enjoyed reading about her and Beck's love story. They're the cutest together and I loved reading what Beck thought of her, because he's the only one who can see her for who she really is, which I found amazing. They never give up on each other and I wish there were more stories like that, where the characters are always there for each other and they become strong as a whole. Beck's past (and present, to be honest) is very sad, especially since he was such an active person and he had to give up on anything close to exercice. I may not be like him, but with the way his feelings were explained, I really felt like I understood precisely how hard it was for him. I'm glad he gets better with Corin, because it shows how being together fights back their issues.
Overall, this story is really great. I loved every page of it and I'm glad I got to read such an awesome book.
(Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
While I was expecting some sort of love story, I was surprised to find that this story is more about Corin's mental illness. It wasn't a bad surprise at all, because her character development is absolutely insane. She goes from an unstable character in denial to an amazing woman who's been through many things and is now much stronger. It was great seeing her change so much while staying true to herself. Also, I loved discovering more about hyponcondriac people, because I don't know much about this illness. My mother's cousin has it, but I haven't seen her for a couple of years now and her mental state was just confusing to me then. Now, I feel like I understand a lot more about how she must have felt, because part of the story is told in Corin's perspective and she has to go through this every day.
That being said, I still really enjoyed reading about her and Beck's love story. They're the cutest together and I loved reading what Beck thought of her, because he's the only one who can see her for who she really is, which I found amazing. They never give up on each other and I wish there were more stories like that, where the characters are always there for each other and they become strong as a whole. Beck's past (and present, to be honest) is very sad, especially since he was such an active person and he had to give up on anything close to exercice. I may not be like him, but with the way his feelings were explained, I really felt like I understood precisely how hard it was for him. I'm glad he gets better with Corin, because it shows how being together fights back their issues.
Overall, this story is really great. I loved every page of it and I'm glad I got to read such an awesome book.
(Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
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