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Love by Numbers #6
Eight
I'm sorry for your loss.
Why do people say that?
When someone you love is taken from you, when a part of you dies along with them, you haven't lost them like you would your car keys or mobile phone. They aren't stuck down the side of the sofa or left in the ignition of your car for you to find later. You haven't absentmindedly put them somewhere and forgotten. You will never lose them because they live in you.
The soul crushing hurt that burns your lungs with every breath you take comes from knowing where they are and not being with them.
The ugly and real definition of grief is being left behind.
I'm sorry they left you.
I'm sorry you are alone.
I'm sorry it hurts to breathe.
Loss; it doesn't even compare.
She was my first love.
She is my last love.
I am an empty husk who pretends to be filled with enough love for those of us she left behind.
Our little girl and newborn son need me.
I am both mother and father now.
I am hollow and empty.
I am a shell.
So why does the girl with the face of an angel and eyes that mirror my emptiness, look at me like I'm her everything?
*Book #6 in the 'Love by Numbers' series. Can be read as a standalone.*
Why do people say that?
When someone you love is taken from you, when a part of you dies along with them, you haven't lost them like you would your car keys or mobile phone. They aren't stuck down the side of the sofa or left in the ignition of your car for you to find later. You haven't absentmindedly put them somewhere and forgotten. You will never lose them because they live in you.
The soul crushing hurt that burns your lungs with every breath you take comes from knowing where they are and not being with them.
The ugly and real definition of grief is being left behind.
I'm sorry they left you.
I'm sorry you are alone.
I'm sorry it hurts to breathe.
Loss; it doesn't even compare.
She was my first love.
She is my last love.
I am an empty husk who pretends to be filled with enough love for those of us she left behind.
Our little girl and newborn son need me.
I am both mother and father now.
I am hollow and empty.
I am a shell.
So why does the girl with the face of an angel and eyes that mirror my emptiness, look at me like I'm her everything?
*Book #6 in the 'Love by Numbers' series. Can be read as a standalone.*
ebook
First published June 8, 2017
164 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
E.S. Carter
30 books942 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, ES Carter, lives in Cardiff, South Wales. The home of castles, dragons and folklore.
Her family joke that she was born with a book in her hand, and the urge to write stories soon followed.
At eleven, she won her school's literary prize. At ages fourteen to sixteen - her poetry phase after falling in love with Dylan Thomas and e.e. cummings - she had a few poems published, but life, love and family overtook her dreams, and she was in her thirties when she began the scary journey of self-publishing.
Her debut and internationally best-selling series, 'Love by Numbers', are a set of interconnected stand alone romances, all with varying themes of love. From second-chance to romantic comedy and M/M romance. These stories do not need to be read in order, in fact, she is often guilty of advising readers to start at the last book and work their way back through.
Contemporary romance is not the only genre she writes, her second series, 'The Red Order', is as dark and twisted as you can get, but there is beauty there too if you can open your eyes and look.
With many more stories bursting to be set free, she hopes you stay along for the ride.
She loves to connect with readers, so please feel free to friend/follow her on Facebook, IG and Twitter or join her reader's group, E's Elite <3
Facebook - https://goo.gl/Ih65tm
Goodreads - https://goo.gl/2b0fDE
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July 30, 2019
Eight is book six in the Love by Numbers series by E.S. Carter. This can be read as a stand alone but as in most series, the characters do recur.
If you read the previous book, then you are already aware of what happened to Josh. That he lost the love of his life after the birth of their son. Josh and Laura had been sweethearts since they were fourteen years old. They have an adorable three year old daughter, Ivy and were beyond excited about the birth of their son, until Josh’s world was turned upside down and inside out. Now his children need him. He has a newborn son. But the woman that is his children’s other half, his other half, is gone.
“I was one-half of a whole. Now I’m one-half of nothing.”
Josh’s brother Isaac steps in to help but things aren’t getting better. Josh decides that he isn’t going to move forward while still living in the same house. It’s time to take his children away for a change of scenery and a new start.
When Josh first saw Halle Richards, he didn’t even know her name. All her knew was that he felt something for the first time in almost a year. And all that did was make him angry. He didn’t want to feel something for this woman. He already had the love of his life. There would never be another. But then he heard her sing, and it was like a magnetic pull between them. Like she was singing only for him.
“How is it this girl, this stranger with a flower in her hair, can sing songs written by my heart? Songs written for my soul.”
This is a story of a man deeply grieving, but slowly finding his way back. And of a woman with her own pain that seems to me anyway to be made specifically for him. They have a connection that can’t be ignored. And watching them both finally give in to it was a beautiful thing.
The next book in this series is book 7 called Two. It is a continuation of Isaac and Flynn’s story and I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
If you read the previous book, then you are already aware of what happened to Josh. That he lost the love of his life after the birth of their son. Josh and Laura had been sweethearts since they were fourteen years old. They have an adorable three year old daughter, Ivy and were beyond excited about the birth of their son, until Josh’s world was turned upside down and inside out. Now his children need him. He has a newborn son. But the woman that is his children’s other half, his other half, is gone.
“I was one-half of a whole. Now I’m one-half of nothing.”
Josh’s brother Isaac steps in to help but things aren’t getting better. Josh decides that he isn’t going to move forward while still living in the same house. It’s time to take his children away for a change of scenery and a new start.
When Josh first saw Halle Richards, he didn’t even know her name. All her knew was that he felt something for the first time in almost a year. And all that did was make him angry. He didn’t want to feel something for this woman. He already had the love of his life. There would never be another. But then he heard her sing, and it was like a magnetic pull between them. Like she was singing only for him.
“How is it this girl, this stranger with a flower in her hair, can sing songs written by my heart? Songs written for my soul.”
This is a story of a man deeply grieving, but slowly finding his way back. And of a woman with her own pain that seems to me anyway to be made specifically for him. They have a connection that can’t be ignored. And watching them both finally give in to it was a beautiful thing.
The next book in this series is book 7 called Two. It is a continuation of Isaac and Flynn’s story and I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
June 10, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone Book 6 from Love by Numbers series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Josh Fox-Williams met the love of his life when he was young. For a while, they were a happy family until he lost her and left him with two very young children. Grieving from his lost, he didn't want anyone else in his life until he met a woman who could see him through his soul.
Halle Richards knew what it's like to feel lost. Having started a new life, she was just focusing on surviving instead of truly living. Meeting a man with a baggage was not part of her plan, but he slowly infiltrated her life. And they must learn to move on before any possibility of a future.
I have a thing with seeing characters suffer. I love seeing how they cope and rise up from their predicament. From the previous book, I knew how much Josh was suffering, so I was looking forward to his story.
I was drawn to Josh before he even had his own book and I'm glad I ended up loving him now. He was lost when his wife died and went through the stages of grief in his own way. There were time when his actions/words were downright cruel, but I understand where he came from.
Halle might look like a woman living a normal life, but she had her own challenges in life. I like that while she was nice and compassionate, she had spunk and won't let people walk all over her.
This book was a slow burn and considering his situation, it's something I appreciate. I like that he took time to find himself again and I like that their relationship wasn't forced.
However, this book was more of his story than their story. Halle was more like a secondary character to me because I didn't know her enough. I felt her revelation at the end was a little too late and not fully elaborated. I'd like to feel more for her.
Eight is a story of finding peace and moving on. It would appeal to readers looking for realistically relatable stories.
Note 1:
I love Isaac and he was amazing in this book. He's still my favorite from what I've read in this series so far.
Note 2:
Ivy totally stole the show. And I also love Arty, and broccoli lol!
Books in the series:
💠 ❌ 💠 . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 💠 ❌ 💠
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone Book 6 from Love by Numbers series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Josh Fox-Williams met the love of his life when he was young. For a while, they were a happy family until he lost her and left him with two very young children. Grieving from his lost, he didn't want anyone else in his life until he met a woman who could see him through his soul.
Halle Richards knew what it's like to feel lost. Having started a new life, she was just focusing on surviving instead of truly living. Meeting a man with a baggage was not part of her plan, but he slowly infiltrated her life. And they must learn to move on before any possibility of a future.
I have a thing with seeing characters suffer. I love seeing how they cope and rise up from their predicament. From the previous book, I knew how much Josh was suffering, so I was looking forward to his story.
I’m not the Josh from before, and I won’t ever be him again because I was one-half of a whole. Now I’m one-half of nothing.
I was drawn to Josh before he even had his own book and I'm glad I ended up loving him now. He was lost when his wife died and went through the stages of grief in his own way. There were time when his actions/words were downright cruel, but I understand where he came from.
She’s not trying too hard to please anyone and fuck if that isn’t incredibly sexy.
Halle might look like a woman living a normal life, but she had her own challenges in life. I like that while she was nice and compassionate, she had spunk and won't let people walk all over her.
This book was a slow burn and considering his situation, it's something I appreciate. I like that he took time to find himself again and I like that their relationship wasn't forced.
I have a sudden pang of jealously towards his dead wife. What must it feel like to be loved like that?
However, this book was more of his story than their story. Halle was more like a secondary character to me because I didn't know her enough. I felt her revelation at the end was a little too late and not fully elaborated. I'd like to feel more for her.
We’re a car crash waiting to happen, and I’m fervently anticipating the whiplash and the bruises from our imminent and unstoppable impact.
Eight is a story of finding peace and moving on. It would appeal to readers looking for realistically relatable stories.
Note 1:
I love Isaac and he was amazing in this book. He's still my favorite from what I've read in this series so far.
Note 2:
Ivy totally stole the show. And I also love Arty, and broccoli lol!
Books in the series:
💠 ❌ 💠 . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 💠 ❌ 💠
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 18, 2017
My problem with this book wasn't because the hero moved on after 8 months of his wife's death or that he pretty much still hung up on her or that he called his wife his first love and his last love..
But because of the reason I listed bellow.
I lost all respect for the hero.
I might be cold hearted b*tch but I don't feel sorry for this person when he blames a poor defenseless baby for the reason that his lovely wife is not alive. I'm sorry but the baby didn't ask to be born.. nor the baby ask his mother not take her medicine, that was ALL his mother. Maybe you should blamed yourself when your wife asked you not to go to work the day she felt weak and sick the day that she died! See I'm a cold hearted b*tch..
Also for him to treat his family like crap, to snap at his mother after his family was there to help him with his kids to help him feed himself because he couldn't even do that and to snapped at his poor 3 year old daughter or to neglect your children and to be jealous because your 8 month baby boy is calling his uncle dada. That is all your fault!!
I did give it my best to like it but after that I couldn't.
I wanted to read Isaac's book but I found out his book is the book before this one and is M/M. Nothing wrong with that but is not my thing. But he was amazing in this book the way he took care of the kids, he took crap from this hero because he wanted to be there for his brother and his niece and nephew.
But because of the reason I listed bellow.
I lost all respect for the hero.
I might be cold hearted b*tch but I don't feel sorry for this person when he blames a poor defenseless baby for the reason that his lovely wife is not alive. I'm sorry but the baby didn't ask to be born.. nor the baby ask his mother not take her medicine, that was ALL his mother. Maybe you should blamed yourself when your wife asked you not to go to work the day she felt weak and sick the day that she died! See I'm a cold hearted b*tch..
Also for him to treat his family like crap, to snap at his mother after his family was there to help him with his kids to help him feed himself because he couldn't even do that and to snapped at his poor 3 year old daughter or to neglect your children and to be jealous because your 8 month baby boy is calling his uncle dada. That is all your fault!!
I did give it my best to like it but after that I couldn't.
I wanted to read Isaac's book but I found out his book is the book before this one and is M/M. Nothing wrong with that but is not my thing. But he was amazing in this book the way he took care of the kids, he took crap from this hero because he wanted to be there for his brother and his niece and nephew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2017
I’m not the Josh from before, and I won’t ever be him again because I was one-half of a whole. Now I’m one-half of nothing.
Let me start by saying this—I claimed Josh. I did it, it’s done, he is M-I-N-E. Just want to make sure that’s clear before we continue. And now, onto the review…
There is no getting around the fact that you simply cannot read this book without a box of tissues beside you. It’s impossible. It’s inconceivable.
It’s incredible.
This house is saturated with her.
She is everywhere, and yet, she is nowhere.
I sobbed—sobbed—from the very beginning, and I swear, my emotions were on notice for the entirety of this heart-breaking book. I wanted to write this review in a clever way, like maybe give you Eight Reasons Why You Should Drop Everything and Read Eight, but I can’t. I only have one reason…
IT. IS. ASTONISHING.
With thanks to the thesaurus, I have other adjectives for you, if you’d prefer them. Amazing. Wonderful. Marvelous. Fantastic. Perfect.
Eight is an up-close, detailed, raw look at grief, loss, longing and it damn near broke me. It’s about coming out the other side, and about the strength of family. It’s about loving yourself, and allowing others to love you.
It’s a book that didn’t just touch my heart—it crushed it. Smooshed it. Made it race. Pound. Ache.
But then... oh, and then, it mended it. Despite the downs, E.S. Carter made the ups so… up that I couldn’t help but feel the happiness. The joy. The hope. The love. That is why Eight is astonishing. It’s not just one thing—it’s all the things, and all of them are perfect.
And that is why I only need One Reason Why You Should Drop Everything and Read Eight.
“Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it’s also beautiful too.”
~ EIGHT Laura Smiles STARS ~
Disclaimer: Panda & Boodle will be hosting the Release Day Blitz & Review Tour for Eight. My opinions are my own, and separate from my role as tour host.
Let me start by saying this—I claimed Josh. I did it, it’s done, he is M-I-N-E. Just want to make sure that’s clear before we continue. And now, onto the review…
There is no getting around the fact that you simply cannot read this book without a box of tissues beside you. It’s impossible. It’s inconceivable.
It’s incredible.
This house is saturated with her.
She is everywhere, and yet, she is nowhere.
I sobbed—sobbed—from the very beginning, and I swear, my emotions were on notice for the entirety of this heart-breaking book. I wanted to write this review in a clever way, like maybe give you Eight Reasons Why You Should Drop Everything and Read Eight, but I can’t. I only have one reason…
IT. IS. ASTONISHING.
With thanks to the thesaurus, I have other adjectives for you, if you’d prefer them. Amazing. Wonderful. Marvelous. Fantastic. Perfect.
Eight is an up-close, detailed, raw look at grief, loss, longing and it damn near broke me. It’s about coming out the other side, and about the strength of family. It’s about loving yourself, and allowing others to love you.
It’s a book that didn’t just touch my heart—it crushed it. Smooshed it. Made it race. Pound. Ache.
But then... oh, and then, it mended it. Despite the downs, E.S. Carter made the ups so… up that I couldn’t help but feel the happiness. The joy. The hope. The love. That is why Eight is astonishing. It’s not just one thing—it’s all the things, and all of them are perfect.
And that is why I only need One Reason Why You Should Drop Everything and Read Eight.
“Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it’s also beautiful too.”
~ EIGHT Laura Smiles STARS ~
Disclaimer: Panda & Boodle will be hosting the Release Day Blitz & Review Tour for Eight. My opinions are my own, and separate from my role as tour host.
June 13, 2017
EIGHT IS LIVE ON ALL PLATFORMS!!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sw9IAm
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2siRLos
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/eight-8
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/eigh...
I hope you love Josh's story <3
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sw9IAm
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2siRLos
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/eight-8
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/eigh...
I hope you love Josh's story <3
June 5, 2017
Grief is a difficult. Often in romance, the reader usually is at the tail-end of the timeline. Eight does not address the topic but immersing us into one man's journey of loss. I will not spare you; it's realistically painful. You witness the collateral damage to everyone in and out of the family. But is this only what the story delivers? No, more. So much more.
ES Carter gives in Eight all the feels. We are on a journey of how one young single father comes out the other side of grief. What happens when he meets a woman who reflects the same pain he has back at him? Maybe they can find a way to a new happy. Josh and Halle are written so relatable and want to get to know them with every page turn. All my favorite LBN characters make an appearance -what is a LBN book without Mrs Fox? Amazingly, you not only get to know Josh and Halle as primary characters, but Ivy-bell steals the scenes every time she emerges. As always, Ms Carter balances her storytelling with just the right amount of humor in the right moments to allow you to catch your breath.
So break out the Kleenex readers, you are going to need them. There is no doubt based on the PM photos I'm getting from fellow readers. But in the end you will be graced with a beautiful story that makes you believe once and for all, everyone has the chance for a HEA if they see it. Although Eight can be read as a standalone, this reader HIGHLY recommends you read One, Love by Numbers #5, first to get into the backstory. However, if same sex storyline is not your 'thing', you can read this as a standalone. Definitely a top 2017 read for me. 5++ stars out of 5 stars.
ES Carter gives in Eight all the feels. We are on a journey of how one young single father comes out the other side of grief. What happens when he meets a woman who reflects the same pain he has back at him? Maybe they can find a way to a new happy. Josh and Halle are written so relatable and want to get to know them with every page turn. All my favorite LBN characters make an appearance -what is a LBN book without Mrs Fox? Amazingly, you not only get to know Josh and Halle as primary characters, but Ivy-bell steals the scenes every time she emerges. As always, Ms Carter balances her storytelling with just the right amount of humor in the right moments to allow you to catch your breath.
So break out the Kleenex readers, you are going to need them. There is no doubt based on the PM photos I'm getting from fellow readers. But in the end you will be graced with a beautiful story that makes you believe once and for all, everyone has the chance for a HEA if they see it. Although Eight can be read as a standalone, this reader HIGHLY recommends you read One, Love by Numbers #5, first to get into the backstory. However, if same sex storyline is not your 'thing', you can read this as a standalone. Definitely a top 2017 read for me. 5++ stars out of 5 stars.
June 13, 2017
This is a book that just took up residence in my heart and will stay with me forever. Eight is a beautiful, heartbreaking but ultimately life affirming story.
In one day, Josh is faced with the death of his wife and the birth of his son. He struggles with how to go on surviving and caring for his 2 small children without the woman who was his childhood sweetheart and first love. And Oh My Goodness I wanted to be understanding of Josh's grief, but I alternated between wanting to hug him and slap him!
"I feel like an interloper. Like someone has placed me inside the body of a man I once knew a long time ago, but they can’t see I’m not him. I’m a body snatcher and a fake. I’m not the Josh from before, and I won’t ever be him again because I was one-half of a whole. Now I’m one-half of nothing."
Halle was given a chance to start her life over. She was working hard, keeping her head down and focusing on leaving all of her skeletons locked safely in a closet. The last thing she wanted was to get mixed up with someone who had complications of his own.
"As his seed spills from my body, my shame falls from my eyes. Both soak my white cotton sheets and stain them with the evidence of my stupidity."
Josh's family are so amazing! They stood by him and didn't let him push them away. Their Mom is just so wise and strong!!! Ivy is the star of this book! Even the hardest heart would melt for her! I really loved how the family found a way to celebrate life on Arthur's birthday.
"My heart thuds painfully, my chest constricting with both love and sadness for my perfect little girl. She lost her mother forever, lost her father for a little while and is now afraid of losing anyone else, even if only for a few hours."
I loved every word of this amazing story! Eight is the 6th book in the Love by the Numbers series but can be read as a standalone.
“Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it’s also beautiful too.”
5+ Stars!
In one day, Josh is faced with the death of his wife and the birth of his son. He struggles with how to go on surviving and caring for his 2 small children without the woman who was his childhood sweetheart and first love. And Oh My Goodness I wanted to be understanding of Josh's grief, but I alternated between wanting to hug him and slap him!
"I feel like an interloper. Like someone has placed me inside the body of a man I once knew a long time ago, but they can’t see I’m not him. I’m a body snatcher and a fake. I’m not the Josh from before, and I won’t ever be him again because I was one-half of a whole. Now I’m one-half of nothing."
Halle was given a chance to start her life over. She was working hard, keeping her head down and focusing on leaving all of her skeletons locked safely in a closet. The last thing she wanted was to get mixed up with someone who had complications of his own.
"As his seed spills from my body, my shame falls from my eyes. Both soak my white cotton sheets and stain them with the evidence of my stupidity."
Josh's family are so amazing! They stood by him and didn't let him push them away. Their Mom is just so wise and strong!!! Ivy is the star of this book! Even the hardest heart would melt for her! I really loved how the family found a way to celebrate life on Arthur's birthday.
"My heart thuds painfully, my chest constricting with both love and sadness for my perfect little girl. She lost her mother forever, lost her father for a little while and is now afraid of losing anyone else, even if only for a few hours."
I loved every word of this amazing story! Eight is the 6th book in the Love by the Numbers series but can be read as a standalone.
“Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it’s also beautiful too.”
5+ Stars!
July 23, 2017
Despite giving this book 3 stars, I do it solely for the male mc and the reality of his grieving and suffering.
I confess the writing didn't pull on my heart strings (but honestly, almost nothing really does.. specially in books) and it was too mechanical as it was more a tell then showing. So I really didn't feel sad or anything. But what caught my attention was how he grieved and for how long. I think it was portrayed right. Imo, he went to all the stages until he could let himself feel something for another woman again.
I still don't recommend this because it was to repetitive what led to boredom. Too many unnecessary words, imho, to tell how devastating it was.
The female mc was bland and the usual: sad past, wronged by a "bad guy ", cliche bffs and I think I'd give this book 4 stars if it wasn't by chapters in her pov. Super annoying. She ended up doing everything her friends wanted. They never respect her "no". And her interactions were childish.
P. S. The deceased wife died ny her own fault She stopped taking her meds for her epilepsy in her 2nd pregnancy and didn't tell anyone, not even her doctor. Not very smart. She already had a daughter and took her meds in her 1st pregnancy. So I think she was stupid and disrespectful to her husband and daughter for making this decision without telling anyone. So I felt nothing for her what made it easy for me to see the male mc falling for another woman.
I confess the writing didn't pull on my heart strings (but honestly, almost nothing really does.. specially in books) and it was too mechanical as it was more a tell then showing. So I really didn't feel sad or anything. But what caught my attention was how he grieved and for how long. I think it was portrayed right. Imo, he went to all the stages until he could let himself feel something for another woman again.
I still don't recommend this because it was to repetitive what led to boredom. Too many unnecessary words, imho, to tell how devastating it was.
The female mc was bland and the usual: sad past, wronged by a "bad guy ", cliche bffs and I think I'd give this book 4 stars if it wasn't by chapters in her pov. Super annoying. She ended up doing everything her friends wanted. They never respect her "no". And her interactions were childish.
P. S. The deceased wife died ny her own fault She stopped taking her meds for her epilepsy in her 2nd pregnancy and didn't tell anyone, not even her doctor. Not very smart. She already had a daughter and took her meds in her 1st pregnancy. So I think she was stupid and disrespectful to her husband and daughter for making this decision without telling anyone. So I felt nothing for her what made it easy for me to see the male mc falling for another woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2017
4.5 stars http://amzn.to/2AuQMng
The emotions in EIGHT were so powerful and so raw that there were times due to having experienced grief in my own life that I did have to put the book down—it was layered with that much emotion.
My heart broke for Josh as he tried, well ok at first he did not try and that might have been the most real part; Josh was so lost in his grief. Josh coming to terms with his grief stole my breath away.
Ivy, Josh’s young daughter often stole the show—her purity, her openness, her desire to keep moving forward was so pure and spoke volumes to this author’s ability to write characters with depth.
I loved the role Josh’s brothers played in this one; each helping in their own way. Isaac was just WOW, his bond with Ivy was so amazing; his helping with Arthur was not only about love but again showing how it reflected back on Josh made for a truly eye opening moment that broke my heart yet again.
The happy found between Josh and Halle was so perfect.
I will say this book is laced with some of the strongest emotions I have read in some time—its look at the pain of grief is not for the faint of heart and it was pure talent.
I really don’t want to say more… please take this journey of pain and healing with Josh and his family.
The emotions in EIGHT were so powerful and so raw that there were times due to having experienced grief in my own life that I did have to put the book down—it was layered with that much emotion.
My heart broke for Josh as he tried, well ok at first he did not try and that might have been the most real part; Josh was so lost in his grief. Josh coming to terms with his grief stole my breath away.
Ivy, Josh’s young daughter often stole the show—her purity, her openness, her desire to keep moving forward was so pure and spoke volumes to this author’s ability to write characters with depth.
I loved the role Josh’s brothers played in this one; each helping in their own way. Isaac was just WOW, his bond with Ivy was so amazing; his helping with Arthur was not only about love but again showing how it reflected back on Josh made for a truly eye opening moment that broke my heart yet again.
The happy found between Josh and Halle was so perfect.
I will say this book is laced with some of the strongest emotions I have read in some time—its look at the pain of grief is not for the faint of heart and it was pure talent.
I really don’t want to say more… please take this journey of pain and healing with Josh and his family.
June 14, 2017
Eight was a good read.
I loved how E.S. Carter once again wrote an emotional story that will move you thanks to such an incredible writing and relatable characters.
Josh journey is about grieving and surviving and learning to live again for yourself and your dear ones.
Our Hero is drowning in his pain,it is so suffocating he can't even function enough to take care of his kids but thanks to a meddling family that will never leave him alone and a change of scenery he will finally find the strength to go on.
These characters will find a way to your heart, making you cry and smile throughout the book.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
June 13, 2017
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
3.75 stars
"You have my words. You have my heart. Take my eyes for they will never want to land on another person but you."
Eight is the first book I read in the Love by Numbers series. It started very emotional, and my heart broke for Josh and his children. I also wanted him to get out of his head and be there for his kids even though he was grieving. Fortunately, Josh had a very strong support system who helped him through his most difficult times. The author did a great job in portraying the love between Josh and his wife. I really felt the connection that was shown in just one chapter.
"Love comes at the ultimate cost. It's not free. It's the most expensive of all emotions because you pay its price with your heart and there are no refunds or returns."
To move on with his life and be a better father, he makes to decision to move out of the house that holds all the beautiful and painful memories. He moves to Ibiza and stays at his brother's villa there. The first day he meets Halle, and is super rude to her. I was intrigued by her and wanted to know more about her. It was clear that she didn't have any life, and these two broken characters were drawn to each other. They were very explosive together and Josh feels guilty for the way he feels.
"You deserve more. More than a broken man who is in love with a ghost."
It was very beautiful to see how Josh and Halle came together. However the pace of the story was very fast. In the last quarter of the book a lot happened, and I would've liked there to be more chapters to fully develop the relationship between these two, I wanted to see more of them as a couple. I think I would've enjoyed this book even more if I read the previous books in the series. Josh's kids were the best, I especially loved his five year old daughter Ivy. She was very caring and sassy. I just loved seeing him interacting with his children. I am looking forward to reading the previous books after meeting some of the characters in Eight.
3.75 stars
"You have my words. You have my heart. Take my eyes for they will never want to land on another person but you."
Eight is the first book I read in the Love by Numbers series. It started very emotional, and my heart broke for Josh and his children. I also wanted him to get out of his head and be there for his kids even though he was grieving. Fortunately, Josh had a very strong support system who helped him through his most difficult times. The author did a great job in portraying the love between Josh and his wife. I really felt the connection that was shown in just one chapter.
"Love comes at the ultimate cost. It's not free. It's the most expensive of all emotions because you pay its price with your heart and there are no refunds or returns."
To move on with his life and be a better father, he makes to decision to move out of the house that holds all the beautiful and painful memories. He moves to Ibiza and stays at his brother's villa there. The first day he meets Halle, and is super rude to her. I was intrigued by her and wanted to know more about her. It was clear that she didn't have any life, and these two broken characters were drawn to each other. They were very explosive together and Josh feels guilty for the way he feels.
"You deserve more. More than a broken man who is in love with a ghost."
It was very beautiful to see how Josh and Halle came together. However the pace of the story was very fast. In the last quarter of the book a lot happened, and I would've liked there to be more chapters to fully develop the relationship between these two, I wanted to see more of them as a couple. I think I would've enjoyed this book even more if I read the previous books in the series. Josh's kids were the best, I especially loved his five year old daughter Ivy. She was very caring and sassy. I just loved seeing him interacting with his children. I am looking forward to reading the previous books after meeting some of the characters in Eight.
June 13, 2017
E.S. Carter doesn't just write a storyline, she reaches into the depths of your soul and pulls every emotion she can from your very being.
Carter doesn't just give you a storyline or characters. She immerses you in her writing. It becomes a part of you, and you become a part of it.
Eight is one of those books that is so beautifully raw, and thought provoking, that it will stay will you always.
You will feel the depths of grief, the sense of loss and anger, of loneliness and sadness. But most of all, you will feel hope and endurance. You will be reminded it's okay to grieve, and it's okay to hurt. And above all ... it's okay to love.
I wish I had the words to describe all the emotions Eight will bring forth, but all I can say is read this book and know that you make an impact on this world. Because Eight reminds us all of our worth, whether it's in this life or the next.
Absolutely phenomenal! Carter has stolen my heart all over again.
#TalkRememberShareGrieveLove
"Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it's also beautiful too."
5 Huge Stars, because Laura Smiles
Carter doesn't just give you a storyline or characters. She immerses you in her writing. It becomes a part of you, and you become a part of it.
Eight is one of those books that is so beautifully raw, and thought provoking, that it will stay will you always.
You will feel the depths of grief, the sense of loss and anger, of loneliness and sadness. But most of all, you will feel hope and endurance. You will be reminded it's okay to grieve, and it's okay to hurt. And above all ... it's okay to love.
I wish I had the words to describe all the emotions Eight will bring forth, but all I can say is read this book and know that you make an impact on this world. Because Eight reminds us all of our worth, whether it's in this life or the next.
Absolutely phenomenal! Carter has stolen my heart all over again.
#TalkRememberShareGrieveLove
"Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it's also beautiful too."
5 Huge Stars, because Laura Smiles
June 16, 2017
4.5 emotional stars!
"You're not her."
"No, I'm not her."
There's something so special about the Love by Numbers series by E S Carter. Whilst each book focuses primarily on a specific character, it is the extraordinarily beautiful family dynamic, at its core, which also captivates us. This, and the clever way in in which she dangles that little carrot about a 'secondary' character in each book, teasing us into eagerly anticipating her next story as we follow each Fox-Williams man in his quest for love throughout Love by Numbers. We've followed Josh Fox-Williams through each book and after the unfolding events in One (Book #5), we knew Josh's story was going to crush our hearts and so we had tissues at the ready and we're glad we did, boy did we need them!
"We love you, Josh. We will take all your ugly and your pain and not judge you for any of it. We will not tell you your anger is unwarranted. We will not demand you to let it go. There is no cure for grief."
In One, we glimpsed the heartbreaking moment Josh's world came crumbling down around him, when Laura passed away, leaving behind a devastated husband, a bewildered sweet little girl, Ivy and a newborn baby boy, for Josh to nurture and tend to, whilst drowning in his own grief.
'This house is saturated with her. She is everywhere, and yet, she is nowhere. Every morning when I wake up, she dies again.'
Whilst the Fox-Williams boys were all sporty and liked to put it about in their youth, Josh was the level headed slightly nerdy primary school teacher who married his first and only love, his high school sweetheart, Laura Miles. Josh was a deliriously happy husband, father and son and in Eight, that all comes crashing down as the reality and depth of his loss hits home. Josh's grief was a tangible, living thing. It was bloody gut wrenching, leaving us a sobbing mess from the start. To witness this beautiful man grappling with his overwhelming grief and responsibilities was gut wrenching.
After shutting himself off emotionally, and allowing his brother Isaac to step up to the plate by taking on the responsibility of caring for Josh's adorable children, while he sank further and further into despair, Josh one day realises he needs to make changes to bring himself back from the brink and decides to move to Ibiza, escaping to Nate's (his brothers) villa with his children for a while to regroup.
“Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it’s also beautiful too.”
It is there he meets 25 year old Halle Richards, a soulful, sweet and beautiful woman who is dealing with her own issues and whom Josh is initially quite hostile towards, but is attracted to nonetheless. Their relationship begins with a burning passionate night, to purely satisfy their base needs, yet builds to an emotional relationship between the two.
E S Carter stripped Josh's emotions raw, revealing the anger, despair, conflict, turmoil, hate, sadness and confusion Josh was feeling. Every emotion was felt, every tear we could shed was shed. We felt Josh's loss and love for Laura with every beat of our heart and because of this, we did find the relationship between Halle and Josh played out a little fast once it came to fruition, and would have preferred it to have been a more slow build and in the moment, considering the issues they were both dealing with.
"You deserve more. More than a broken man who is in love with a ghost."
However, that being said, it did not detract at all from the intense emotional pull of this story, which was sweetly peppered with tender, funny moments courtesy of two absolutely gorgeously sweet children. If you adore books with children, you will fall head over heels in love with Eight. Little Ivy and baby Arthur (or Arrfffuur as Ivy calls him) are two of the sweetest, heart stealing little children you could imagine with E S Carter capturing their personalities beautifully. Passionate, poignant and real, Josh's story will break you and heal you, and make you believe in second chances and love. Another fabulous book in this wonderful series! E S Carter, you’ve done it again!
EIGHT is available to purchase below
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Series Details & Hearts Series Reviews
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June 13, 2017
Available NOW -> http://a.co/5HgXUXG
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone Book 6 from Love by Numbers series
POV: First Person – Dual
Josh Fox-Williams found his soul mate at a very young age. He grew up happy and with a beautiful family. The death of his wife, best friend, soul mate almost destroyed him. For almost all his life he had someone to share his hopes and dreams and two beautiful kids. However; he just didn't know how to deal on his own. His parents and brothers were amazing to him. They understood him and were there no matter what in the time of his loss. Josh thought he would never be whole again.
Halle Richards grew up with no family. Her mother had given her up when she was a baby and Halle didn't know how to be strong; she always felt like not worth it. Halle fell in love young; or at least she thought it was love. Instead she found herself lost and broken. After a horrible situation she found a new place and a new start. She was bound to never let anyone walk over her again.
Josh meets Halle and he finds himself attracted to her. He was confused and upset about the feelings he was having. The loss and memory of his wife would not let him move on to see what else was there. He was a total jerk to Halle; I seriously wanted to slaps him more times to count haha. However; I understood him and what he was going through. Halle let him push her around and that also made me mad at her for not stepping up for her.
I really enjoyed seeing Isaac again I think he is a character I will never forget. The children were adorable specially the little girl. I laughed so much at the silly things she would say; she was a total awesome character. Overall; this books was short and sexy. I feel it was needed; Josh deserved his second chance at love. Halle deserved a life where she could feel that she fit in. Her career dream came true and I think readers looking for a second change story will find this book appealing. I really encourage to read the books in order; you don't want to miss to know all the brothers.
Books in the series:
. . . This was a (F)BR With War. . .
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
4 ★★★★ Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone Book 6 from Love by Numbers series
POV: First Person – Dual
"Once you love someone, you will always love them. There is no on or off button."
Josh Fox-Williams found his soul mate at a very young age. He grew up happy and with a beautiful family. The death of his wife, best friend, soul mate almost destroyed him. For almost all his life he had someone to share his hopes and dreams and two beautiful kids. However; he just didn't know how to deal on his own. His parents and brothers were amazing to him. They understood him and were there no matter what in the time of his loss. Josh thought he would never be whole again.
"I’m not the Josh from before, and I won’t ever be him again because I was one-half of a whole. Now I’m one-half of nothing."
Halle Richards grew up with no family. Her mother had given her up when she was a baby and Halle didn't know how to be strong; she always felt like not worth it. Halle fell in love young; or at least she thought it was love. Instead she found herself lost and broken. After a horrible situation she found a new place and a new start. She was bound to never let anyone walk over her again.
Josh meets Halle and he finds himself attracted to her. He was confused and upset about the feelings he was having. The loss and memory of his wife would not let him move on to see what else was there. He was a total jerk to Halle; I seriously wanted to slaps him more times to count haha. However; I understood him and what he was going through. Halle let him push her around and that also made me mad at her for not stepping up for her.
I really enjoyed seeing Isaac again I think he is a character I will never forget. The children were adorable specially the little girl. I laughed so much at the silly things she would say; she was a total awesome character. Overall; this books was short and sexy. I feel it was needed; Josh deserved his second chance at love. Halle deserved a life where she could feel that she fit in. Her career dream came true and I think readers looking for a second change story will find this book appealing. I really encourage to read the books in order; you don't want to miss to know all the brothers.
"Love comes at the ultimate cost. It's not free. It's the most expensive of all emotions because you pay its price with your heart and there are no refunds or returns."
Books in the series:
. . . This was a (F)BR With War. . .
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 13, 2017
Eight is the sixth book in the ‘Love by Number Series’ by E.S. Carter, and tells the heartbreaking story of Josh. In the previous book of the series – One – he faced the impossible, and in Eight, we see the aftermath of that horrible event. Although there is a lot of sadness in Eight, I love Josh’s story.
Josh is living, but he’s not present. After the death of his beloved wife, he checks out; grief and anger have taken over him, consuming all of his time. He knows he needs to be a better father for his daughter and newborn son, but he just can’t do it. His family – and especially his brother Isaac – helps him in every way they can, but they can’t get through to him. Realizing he needs a new start, Josh moves to Ibiza with his children to be the dad they deserve.
Halle went through her own hell. Ibiza is the first place she feels home, and she finally gets into her own person. Josh isn’t looking for someone, but there’s something special about Halle he can’t overlook.
Josh and Halle don’t meet under the best of circumstances. Halle knows about Josh and his history because she works for his brother Nate, but she still thinks he’s a jerk. Josh is still grieving for his lost wife, but he knows he has to do better, for her and for their children. When he and Halle get to know each other, they can’t deny there is something between them. But Josh doesn’t want to move on, isn’t ready for anything else or anybody else. Since this is a romantic story you know Josh and Halle will end up together, but it isn’t an easy road.
I knew before starting Eight this would be an emotional book. The death of Lauren – Josh’s wife – in One wrecked me, you can imagine what Josh’s story would do to me. I feel so sorry for Josh, what he’s going through is horrible, and I fully understand his breakdown. I want to hug him, but there are also moments I want to smack him. (Josh, sweetie, I so get you’re grieving. But you are a DAD. Your kids NEED you!)
Although Eight is the story of Josh and Halle, it’s much more the story of Josh coming to terms with the loss of his wife, and making a new life for himself and his kids. At the end of the book he and Halle are in a good place relationship-wise, but I wanted more. Seeing more of them as a real couple, seeing more of Halle getting the happy she so much deserves.
I love Eight, I give Josh and Halle’s story 4.5 stars.
www.mariekesbooks.com
“I’m a body snatcher and a fake. I’m not the Josh from before, and I won’t ever be him again because I was one-half of a whole. Now I’m one-half of nothing.”
Josh is living, but he’s not present. After the death of his beloved wife, he checks out; grief and anger have taken over him, consuming all of his time. He knows he needs to be a better father for his daughter and newborn son, but he just can’t do it. His family – and especially his brother Isaac – helps him in every way they can, but they can’t get through to him. Realizing he needs a new start, Josh moves to Ibiza with his children to be the dad they deserve.
Halle went through her own hell. Ibiza is the first place she feels home, and she finally gets into her own person. Josh isn’t looking for someone, but there’s something special about Halle he can’t overlook.
“I’ve never been loved. I never will be loved. And I deserve everything that has ever happened to me.”
Josh and Halle don’t meet under the best of circumstances. Halle knows about Josh and his history because she works for his brother Nate, but she still thinks he’s a jerk. Josh is still grieving for his lost wife, but he knows he has to do better, for her and for their children. When he and Halle get to know each other, they can’t deny there is something between them. But Josh doesn’t want to move on, isn’t ready for anything else or anybody else. Since this is a romantic story you know Josh and Halle will end up together, but it isn’t an easy road.
I knew before starting Eight this would be an emotional book. The death of Lauren – Josh’s wife – in One wrecked me, you can imagine what Josh’s story would do to me. I feel so sorry for Josh, what he’s going through is horrible, and I fully understand his breakdown. I want to hug him, but there are also moments I want to smack him. (Josh, sweetie, I so get you’re grieving. But you are a DAD. Your kids NEED you!)
Although Eight is the story of Josh and Halle, it’s much more the story of Josh coming to terms with the loss of his wife, and making a new life for himself and his kids. At the end of the book he and Halle are in a good place relationship-wise, but I wanted more. Seeing more of them as a real couple, seeing more of Halle getting the happy she so much deserves.
“Where there is death, there will always be life. Where there is love, there will always be family, be that by blood or by choice. And where there is an end, you will find another beginning. It’s the circle of life. An imperfect infinity. A sideways figure eight.”
I love Eight, I give Josh and Halle’s story 4.5 stars.
www.mariekesbooks.com
June 7, 2017
5 brocolis!
We have known Josh from the past books (This might be read as standalone but I really recommend to read all the series), and reading of him and Laura I never imagined how his story could turn to this.
I was really afraid of reading this book, I don't read "tragic" but I had to do it, we are talking about Eli's work and this book, is easily fighting my #1 spot of this series (You need to read One to fall in Love with Isaac). And you will keep falling in Love in Iz through this one.
I love reading her books because we always get something about past characters (so, there were 2 mayor reasons, and I knew Eli will rock with this).
I can't imagine how is must be to lose someone you love, and we all react in a different way, the way Eli wrote Josh's grief was "hurtful" and amazing because you get all his feelings even when you don't agree with some but at some point you can understand, after all Laura was his first love and highschool sweetheart.
So, Josh needs to move for him and for his kids, that's how his journey to happiness begin and that's how we "meet" Halle, a girl with a past that still affects her "thoughts" of a future.
Both heal each other in a not-typical way, because at the beginning of something beautiful and worthy, we always have to fight a little and sometimes we find something ugly.
“But I’m not sorry for coming here today and kissing you again. I’m only sorry that I fucked everything up. You deserve more. More than a broken man who is in love with a ghost.”
Something else special about Josh is that he is not the typical Playboy-womanizer, he is really shy and know nothing about how to seduce a woman, he is all nerdy and sweet.
Special Mention: IVY
OMG! This girl was the star of the book, seriously, I couldn't love her anymore, she is a great daughter and is/will be a great big sis to Arty and will do a great h someday, she is so special, smart, funny, thoughtful, etc etc. I really would have loved read more scene between her and Uncle Iz, or Halle. More "fights" will lil bro <3
“Daddy, Arty’s chewed Freya’s head again, and her face is all squished!”
**I have a very hyperactive little girl who thinks she’s a teenager and a one-year-old boy with cannibalistic tendencies.**
Fox-Williams Clan: It amazes me how supportive they were toward Josh and his grief, helping him get through the ugly to become a better man, father and brother. The support they give him with the kids and supporting Josh's decision of moving away from them.
Notes:
- Can't wait for Nate's story. This is what I love about Eli, we know about past characters but also we know about what a future cam hold.
- I am planning a re read, because seriously, this is not enough!
- I need more Iz
- I need more Jake
- Did I mention I am dying for Nate's story?
We have known Josh from the past books (This might be read as standalone but I really recommend to read all the series), and reading of him and Laura I never imagined how his story could turn to this.
I was really afraid of reading this book, I don't read "tragic" but I had to do it, we are talking about Eli's work and this book, is easily fighting my #1 spot of this series (You need to read One to fall in Love with Isaac). And you will keep falling in Love in Iz through this one.
I love reading her books because we always get something about past characters (so, there were 2 mayor reasons, and I knew Eli will rock with this).
I can't imagine how is must be to lose someone you love, and we all react in a different way, the way Eli wrote Josh's grief was "hurtful" and amazing because you get all his feelings even when you don't agree with some but at some point you can understand, after all Laura was his first love and highschool sweetheart.
So, Josh needs to move for him and for his kids, that's how his journey to happiness begin and that's how we "meet" Halle, a girl with a past that still affects her "thoughts" of a future.
Both heal each other in a not-typical way, because at the beginning of something beautiful and worthy, we always have to fight a little and sometimes we find something ugly.
“But I’m not sorry for coming here today and kissing you again. I’m only sorry that I fucked everything up. You deserve more. More than a broken man who is in love with a ghost.”
Something else special about Josh is that he is not the typical Playboy-womanizer, he is really shy and know nothing about how to seduce a woman, he is all nerdy and sweet.
Special Mention: IVY
OMG! This girl was the star of the book, seriously, I couldn't love her anymore, she is a great daughter and is/will be a great big sis to Arty and will do a great h someday, she is so special, smart, funny, thoughtful, etc etc. I really would have loved read more scene between her and Uncle Iz, or Halle. More "fights" will lil bro <3
“Daddy, Arty’s chewed Freya’s head again, and her face is all squished!”
**I have a very hyperactive little girl who thinks she’s a teenager and a one-year-old boy with cannibalistic tendencies.**
Fox-Williams Clan: It amazes me how supportive they were toward Josh and his grief, helping him get through the ugly to become a better man, father and brother. The support they give him with the kids and supporting Josh's decision of moving away from them.
Notes:
- Can't wait for Nate's story. This is what I love about Eli, we know about past characters but also we know about what a future cam hold.
- I am planning a re read, because seriously, this is not enough!
- I need more Iz
- I need more Jake
- Did I mention I am dying for Nate's story?
June 10, 2017
Eight
Love By Numbers # 6
E.S Carter
Author review
5 tear dropping, heart breaking stars.
I have no words... Well I do, I just don’t know how to put into words how truly amazing this story was. It was breathtakingly, heart wrenching, ugly cry, amazingly beautiful. If that doesn’t suck you in, the very 1st chapter of Eight will draw every emotion from your body... Eli has once again created a story that I’m sure everyone in their lives will understand. With the lowest of lows, which seem to be getting deeper and deeper, to finding your way back to life – that is Josh’s story. Using numbers to tell his story, this is one you will never forget and one that will definitely be a reread for me.
Josh feels like he has lost everything, but what he cannot see if the wealth he still has. Grief over losing his wife has ingrained his days and nights. He cannot live without her and can’t even look at his children, especially newborn baby Arthur, the cause of his unmistakable pain. Thank goodness his family is by his side along with his absolutely gorgeous 3 year old daughter Ivy, that little bubble of sweetness should bring sunshine to anyone’s day but for now single dad, Josh nothing can make that sun shine. All of his light left the day he lost his Laura Miles (Smiles). Her words on the 1st day they met will always be with him, but he knows to move forward he must create a new life without Laura’s memory everywhere.
With the help of brother Nate, he moves eight hours away to Ibiza to start a new life. One that will revolve around finding that place between hate, grief, love and survival. Josh will go on a ride of epic proportions, without his family by his side he will work through the past to a future filled with love. Love for a gorgeous girl with amazing spark who is the spitting image of her mother, a little boy that bought that grief and a young woman who pulls Josh from the depths of hell to a word with flowers and brightness, something he has missed for so long.
Halle Richards has come from her own type of hell, and with a less then polite first meeting with Josh, it is fair to say they won’t get along, but sometimes the world’s forces works with or against us, Josh and Halle find themselves in that force field. With unknown and unwelcome feelings Josh takes Halle in the cruelest of ways, but her voice and her words will once again be the fibre attracting them to each other. Together they will lay all their secrets bare, out in the open with tears... Both have travelled the depths of hell, and will find heaven together. Josh must overcome the feelings that pull him back towards that darkness, and Halle must let another man in, taking the chance on love, not ever man is her ex.
With princess Ivy, baby Arthur, Josh’s family and Halle, you must take this roller coaster of emotion and despair in a story to won’t be able to put down...
Love By Numbers # 6
E.S Carter
Author review
5 tear dropping, heart breaking stars.
I have no words... Well I do, I just don’t know how to put into words how truly amazing this story was. It was breathtakingly, heart wrenching, ugly cry, amazingly beautiful. If that doesn’t suck you in, the very 1st chapter of Eight will draw every emotion from your body... Eli has once again created a story that I’m sure everyone in their lives will understand. With the lowest of lows, which seem to be getting deeper and deeper, to finding your way back to life – that is Josh’s story. Using numbers to tell his story, this is one you will never forget and one that will definitely be a reread for me.
Josh feels like he has lost everything, but what he cannot see if the wealth he still has. Grief over losing his wife has ingrained his days and nights. He cannot live without her and can’t even look at his children, especially newborn baby Arthur, the cause of his unmistakable pain. Thank goodness his family is by his side along with his absolutely gorgeous 3 year old daughter Ivy, that little bubble of sweetness should bring sunshine to anyone’s day but for now single dad, Josh nothing can make that sun shine. All of his light left the day he lost his Laura Miles (Smiles). Her words on the 1st day they met will always be with him, but he knows to move forward he must create a new life without Laura’s memory everywhere.
With the help of brother Nate, he moves eight hours away to Ibiza to start a new life. One that will revolve around finding that place between hate, grief, love and survival. Josh will go on a ride of epic proportions, without his family by his side he will work through the past to a future filled with love. Love for a gorgeous girl with amazing spark who is the spitting image of her mother, a little boy that bought that grief and a young woman who pulls Josh from the depths of hell to a word with flowers and brightness, something he has missed for so long.
Halle Richards has come from her own type of hell, and with a less then polite first meeting with Josh, it is fair to say they won’t get along, but sometimes the world’s forces works with or against us, Josh and Halle find themselves in that force field. With unknown and unwelcome feelings Josh takes Halle in the cruelest of ways, but her voice and her words will once again be the fibre attracting them to each other. Together they will lay all their secrets bare, out in the open with tears... Both have travelled the depths of hell, and will find heaven together. Josh must overcome the feelings that pull him back towards that darkness, and Halle must let another man in, taking the chance on love, not ever man is her ex.
With princess Ivy, baby Arthur, Josh’s family and Halle, you must take this roller coaster of emotion and despair in a story to won’t be able to put down...
June 13, 2017
Josh's story has been eagerly awaiting being told, and there is no way getting through it without emotionally breaking down. I knew this story would get me in a way that would be hard to read, but the way it was told was beautiful. I cried a lot in this book, as that was inevitable, because who doesn't love a book about a man so in love with a woman he is lost without her. Those stories turn me into mush, but this story was so worth it.
Halle is a woman who has the ability to bring Josh back into the living, but neither are sure how that would actually work. His pain is holding him back, and her pain has really never let her live. These two are made to help one another, but how does that work when Josh can not imagine a life without 'her'?
If you have read this series, you know what happened and what is going on in Josh's life, but if you haven't read about this family, then my explanations probably don't make too much sense. However, I cannot give you more than this, because I would be giving away too much, and spoilers are not my thing. I promise you this book is so so so worth it. I've been waiting for this story for a long time and it was definitely worth it. I voluntarily reviewed this book given to me by the author. If I could give more than 5***** stars I would. So worth it.
Halle is a woman who has the ability to bring Josh back into the living, but neither are sure how that would actually work. His pain is holding him back, and her pain has really never let her live. These two are made to help one another, but how does that work when Josh can not imagine a life without 'her'?
If you have read this series, you know what happened and what is going on in Josh's life, but if you haven't read about this family, then my explanations probably don't make too much sense. However, I cannot give you more than this, because I would be giving away too much, and spoilers are not my thing. I promise you this book is so so so worth it. I've been waiting for this story for a long time and it was definitely worth it. I voluntarily reviewed this book given to me by the author. If I could give more than 5***** stars I would. So worth it.
June 14, 2017
**This review will contain minor spoilers**
This book was one of my highest anticipated books of this year. I could not wait to get my hands on it! I even squealed when I saw that it had shown up on my Kindle queue. Now usually when you’re this excited for a book, it goes one of two ways. It doesn’t hold up to your expectations or it surpasses them. I’m happy to say, it was the latter.
This book was everything and more than what I could have hoped for. We knew going into this book it was going to be a tough pill to swallow. If you have read the prior books in the series, you know that the loss of Laura was hard on everyone, but especially the man she left behind. We finally get to see Josh’s perspective and the hurt and healing he goes through.
Loss is a human phenomenon that we all go through at some point in our lives. We can’t truly understand it, but it connects us all in a broken and beautifully ugly way. This book settled deep within my heart and my soul as I felt every strangled breath Josh took. I have never lost a spouse, but I have lost someone I was very close with, and with every page I turned, I felt like I was healing— even if only a little. That’s what books do. They can heal you when you didn’t realize you needed healing. That is what this book does.
Eight is the book you didn’t know you needed until you turn to the last page and think, “That was perfect.”
***NOW TO THE SPOILERS DON'T READ AHEAD IF YOU WANT TO GO IN BLINDLY!***
“Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it’s also beautiful too.”
What do you do when the love of your life is gone in the blink of an eye? And not gone to a place where you can chase after her and beg her to come back. Gone. The loss is immeasurable. The loss is the dull ache you feel with every breath. The loss is the constant reminder of what you both had.
Eight by E.S. Carter delves into the world of loss in book #6 of the ‘Love by Numbers’ series. Josh has lost the love of his life, Laura. On top of that, he is the dad of two beautiful children. One a blessing. One a curse. Ivy, the sweet child that is trying to understand why her mommy won’t be coming back, and Arthur, the sweet boy whose arrival to this world was the reason Laura left it. Josh not only has to find a new normal without his wife, but must do so while being the father to these two bundles of innocence and joy. Innocence and joy in a world where Josh seems to have forgotten those two things even exist.
Josh soon decides he needs to leave his hometown and start over somewhere new, even if for a moment. He ends up in Ibiza with his two little ones and his brother, Nate, waiting to help. Josh didn’t know what to expect. He didn’t really have a gameplan. He definitely didn’t expect what he found: an angel singing on the stage.
“How is it this girl, this stranger with a flower in her hair, can sing songs written by my heart? Songs written for my soul.”
Halle works for Josh’s brother Nate in his club, and after a little (okay, a lot) of pushing from her best friend, she finds herself being the entertainment for that club. She has a broken past, and would “rather be the girl that coasts than the girl that dreams.” When Halle is wrangled into helping Nate’s brother who has just arrived, she does so only to have the door slammed in her face. She understands being broken, but she won’t let a man treat her like that… again. So she vows to stay away, even if he’s handsome as heck.
But her music brings them together in a way neither would have imagined.
“Is this what’s between us? A connection that has no name only a melody.”
Will these two broken souls find solace with one another? Will they finally find peace in a hurtful and dark world?
“You’re still you, the man in love with a ghost, and I’m still me, the girl that has a closet full of them.”
E.S. Carter gets better and better with each book, and this one did not disappoint. Anyone who has dealt with loss will read this book and resonate with these characters. You will laugh and cry and love as these two broken people learn what is is to live again, and you won’t want to miss a single second.
“I want to embrace the mess, and if I come out a little messy too, at least I can say I lived and not just existed.”
This book was one of my highest anticipated books of this year. I could not wait to get my hands on it! I even squealed when I saw that it had shown up on my Kindle queue. Now usually when you’re this excited for a book, it goes one of two ways. It doesn’t hold up to your expectations or it surpasses them. I’m happy to say, it was the latter.
This book was everything and more than what I could have hoped for. We knew going into this book it was going to be a tough pill to swallow. If you have read the prior books in the series, you know that the loss of Laura was hard on everyone, but especially the man she left behind. We finally get to see Josh’s perspective and the hurt and healing he goes through.
Loss is a human phenomenon that we all go through at some point in our lives. We can’t truly understand it, but it connects us all in a broken and beautifully ugly way. This book settled deep within my heart and my soul as I felt every strangled breath Josh took. I have never lost a spouse, but I have lost someone I was very close with, and with every page I turned, I felt like I was healing— even if only a little. That’s what books do. They can heal you when you didn’t realize you needed healing. That is what this book does.
Eight is the book you didn’t know you needed until you turn to the last page and think, “That was perfect.”
***NOW TO THE SPOILERS DON'T READ AHEAD IF YOU WANT TO GO IN BLINDLY!***
“Life is complicated, ugly and often messy, but it’s also beautiful too.”
What do you do when the love of your life is gone in the blink of an eye? And not gone to a place where you can chase after her and beg her to come back. Gone. The loss is immeasurable. The loss is the dull ache you feel with every breath. The loss is the constant reminder of what you both had.
Eight by E.S. Carter delves into the world of loss in book #6 of the ‘Love by Numbers’ series. Josh has lost the love of his life, Laura. On top of that, he is the dad of two beautiful children. One a blessing. One a curse. Ivy, the sweet child that is trying to understand why her mommy won’t be coming back, and Arthur, the sweet boy whose arrival to this world was the reason Laura left it. Josh not only has to find a new normal without his wife, but must do so while being the father to these two bundles of innocence and joy. Innocence and joy in a world where Josh seems to have forgotten those two things even exist.
Josh soon decides he needs to leave his hometown and start over somewhere new, even if for a moment. He ends up in Ibiza with his two little ones and his brother, Nate, waiting to help. Josh didn’t know what to expect. He didn’t really have a gameplan. He definitely didn’t expect what he found: an angel singing on the stage.
“How is it this girl, this stranger with a flower in her hair, can sing songs written by my heart? Songs written for my soul.”
Halle works for Josh’s brother Nate in his club, and after a little (okay, a lot) of pushing from her best friend, she finds herself being the entertainment for that club. She has a broken past, and would “rather be the girl that coasts than the girl that dreams.” When Halle is wrangled into helping Nate’s brother who has just arrived, she does so only to have the door slammed in her face. She understands being broken, but she won’t let a man treat her like that… again. So she vows to stay away, even if he’s handsome as heck.
But her music brings them together in a way neither would have imagined.
“Is this what’s between us? A connection that has no name only a melody.”
Will these two broken souls find solace with one another? Will they finally find peace in a hurtful and dark world?
“You’re still you, the man in love with a ghost, and I’m still me, the girl that has a closet full of them.”
E.S. Carter gets better and better with each book, and this one did not disappoint. Anyone who has dealt with loss will read this book and resonate with these characters. You will laugh and cry and love as these two broken people learn what is is to live again, and you won’t want to miss a single second.
“I want to embrace the mess, and if I come out a little messy too, at least I can say I lived and not just existed.”
June 6, 2017
5 Star Review of Eight (Love By Numbers #6) by E.S.Carter
This was the first book I have read by E.S. Carter and what a book to start my journey on.
What an emotional roller-coaster of a ride she delivered; from the very start I knew this book was going to be something special.
I was totally blown away by this story. It was as though E.S.Carter tore into my soul. I will admit to ugly crying on several occassions as I read Eight. It was a powerful and emotionally gripping read that I couldn't put down.
My dad died when I was 9 and my mother when I was 13, so I could totally relate to this story and my heart broke for Josh and his family, particularly Ivy and Arthur. Perhaps that is why this story drew me in like no other has this year.
This is a story of devastating loss, the struggle to come back to the land of the living and to slowly re-enter life. It is a painful journey that was beautifully written, heartfelt and emotional.
However, Eight is also about learning to cope with the hand that life has dealt you and knowing that it is okay to take it one step at a time. In the end this story is not only about loss and the journey that it entails but slowly moving on with your life, irrevocably changed and being able to finally find a new future.
Please don't feel that this is a totally sad and depressing story, it is so much more and certainly there are moments of humour and happiness. Josh is on a journey to re-discover life and to make the best of it with his children when Halle enters their lives. Eight is a story of hope.
My emotions were all over the place and in writing this review, I find myself pulled right back in, such was the writing of Ms.Carter. It was gripping, intense and emotionally draining but also very uplifting. The power of hope and love is an amazing thing.
This was the first book I have read by E.S. Carter and what a book to start my journey on.
What an emotional roller-coaster of a ride she delivered; from the very start I knew this book was going to be something special.
I was totally blown away by this story. It was as though E.S.Carter tore into my soul. I will admit to ugly crying on several occassions as I read Eight. It was a powerful and emotionally gripping read that I couldn't put down.
My dad died when I was 9 and my mother when I was 13, so I could totally relate to this story and my heart broke for Josh and his family, particularly Ivy and Arthur. Perhaps that is why this story drew me in like no other has this year.
This is a story of devastating loss, the struggle to come back to the land of the living and to slowly re-enter life. It is a painful journey that was beautifully written, heartfelt and emotional.
However, Eight is also about learning to cope with the hand that life has dealt you and knowing that it is okay to take it one step at a time. In the end this story is not only about loss and the journey that it entails but slowly moving on with your life, irrevocably changed and being able to finally find a new future.
Please don't feel that this is a totally sad and depressing story, it is so much more and certainly there are moments of humour and happiness. Josh is on a journey to re-discover life and to make the best of it with his children when Halle enters their lives. Eight is a story of hope.
My emotions were all over the place and in writing this review, I find myself pulled right back in, such was the writing of Ms.Carter. It was gripping, intense and emotionally draining but also very uplifting. The power of hope and love is an amazing thing.
June 10, 2017
Eight is the sixth novel in the Love by Numbers series and focusses on the aftermath grief experienced by Josh after the tragic death of his wife Laura.
While he comes to terms with her death, he also struggles in the role of fatherhood as the grief overcomes him. His memories of Laura are kept at the surface, engaging us as an audience to feel the pain as “the inky emptiness of its bottomless depths consuming (him) whole.”
Jacob eventually realises what a terrible role as a father he is for his children and decides to move to Ibiza to get away from the endless memories, unwanted constant sympathy for any semblance of normality to help ease the ache.
Shortly after arrival he stumbles into Halle, a beautiful musician and bar tender from Iz’s club. Halle doesn’t see the man that his family loves, instead their first meeting leaves her thinking he’s the biggest idiot ever.
Yet, they find themselves drawn to each other leaving both their vulnerabilities to be exposed. Josh isn’t the only one broken.
For Halle, she gradually sees that Josh could be the answer to what she’s been missing. The guy who “fills me up and penetrates all my cracks.”
Can both their broken pasts lead to a complete future? You’ll have to read it to find out.
I loved Eight and felt drawn into Josh’s story from the very first pages. His grief is raw and real, and while he struggles to come to terms with his life without Laura, Carter has a way to engage her readers to hope that Josh’s broken heart can be mended. Her writing again, is flawless and evocative. I read this over two days and could not stop thinking about it.
While he comes to terms with her death, he also struggles in the role of fatherhood as the grief overcomes him. His memories of Laura are kept at the surface, engaging us as an audience to feel the pain as “the inky emptiness of its bottomless depths consuming (him) whole.”
Jacob eventually realises what a terrible role as a father he is for his children and decides to move to Ibiza to get away from the endless memories, unwanted constant sympathy for any semblance of normality to help ease the ache.
Shortly after arrival he stumbles into Halle, a beautiful musician and bar tender from Iz’s club. Halle doesn’t see the man that his family loves, instead their first meeting leaves her thinking he’s the biggest idiot ever.
Yet, they find themselves drawn to each other leaving both their vulnerabilities to be exposed. Josh isn’t the only one broken.
For Halle, she gradually sees that Josh could be the answer to what she’s been missing. The guy who “fills me up and penetrates all my cracks.”
Can both their broken pasts lead to a complete future? You’ll have to read it to find out.
I loved Eight and felt drawn into Josh’s story from the very first pages. His grief is raw and real, and while he struggles to come to terms with his life without Laura, Carter has a way to engage her readers to hope that Josh’s broken heart can be mended. Her writing again, is flawless and evocative. I read this over two days and could not stop thinking about it.
June 6, 2017
Oh my.......I've loved every one of the books in the Love by Numbers series, each one has made its mark on my heart. If the cover on book 6 doesn't hit a nerve then this isn't the book for you, because basically, if your heart doesn't go pitter patter right then and there you shouldn't even press that button, you won't appreciate it and quite honesty I don't think you deserve it. The story follows Josh who is struggling with the loss of his wife, and the fact that he can't let her go emotionally is just heartbreaking. When he ups and decides to start afresh in his brother's villa in Ibiza he's not expecting the reaction his heart and body have to Halle Richards, a woman who has her own personal issues to overcome. Lovely writing, and a beautiful story with some heart wrenching scenes from ES Carter in this wonderful story of love, loss and new beginnings. A full five star read for me.
June 9, 2017
this was a first read for my by this author and wow what a great, read.
I had So many feels while reading this book, I think I cried, laughed and swooned all within a few chapters.
Josh made my heart ache for him and hate him all at the sane time.
Halle was an amazingly well written character, both Josh and Halle had amazing chemistry, Ivy was the best little character.
I volunteered to read a copy of this book
I had So many feels while reading this book, I think I cried, laughed and swooned all within a few chapters.
Josh made my heart ache for him and hate him all at the sane time.
Halle was an amazingly well written character, both Josh and Halle had amazing chemistry, Ivy was the best little character.
I volunteered to read a copy of this book
February 26, 2019
4 - 4.5 stars.
Life throws things at you sometimes you feel you can't handle and it tests you but there you find the strength to keep on. It helps one live to be grateful of what you have. Josh's story started out so sweetly but then it hits you gut in the hard. My heart hurts for him, you truly feel his despair. His loss is one you wouldn't wish on anyone. The emotions are raw and watching him/ his family go through is not easy. It takes time to grieve and go through the stages also be dealt with properly which is addressed here.
Josh meets a kindred soul in Halle her lyrics and words speak to him so. Honestly, when she sings my I feel so the sorrow in her words, so raw that you feel her heart. Their immediate connection was something that they found by chance. It's rare you find someone who reflects so closely to your own self it scares you. Josh and his kids finding their family again was precious and heartfelt. To see him rise above, he is learning still he's great dad to have
Oh my heart hurts for Halle same time I want to cheer her on. She deserves more for sure for all she endure. Her passionate and resilient heart is full cause of this new found family. While they don't have an easy road ahead, they both have ghosts to deal with. It's easy to see the tenderness of their feelings that blossomed through it. I enjoyed the lighter moments with teasing and bonding with the kids. Balanced out the heavy.
To me this book is probably the most emotional and deeper of the series. The author writing really portrays all the sadness, hurt but also leaving a glimmer of hope that maybe after all the rain comes the sunshine. It certainly made shed a few tears. I got to know Josh through the books and saw his suffering now inner part of the story overcoming circumstances . I wish we got to know Halle more or them together more in the end though. We touched upon things I wanted know more. These two broken people finding solace and happiness in one another is a sight.
E.S. Carter creates a beautiful story about opportunity to start over, reviving one's heart and building something new. One full of poignant thoughts and things learned through experience. Josh and Halle dealt with a lot through their lives and found healing in their connection. The mention of the other brothers and how the family helped through is one of the lighter moments. If you're looking for a read that will tug on your emotions this is the one.
*** ARC kindly provided for an honest review ***
Life throws things at you sometimes you feel you can't handle and it tests you but there you find the strength to keep on. It helps one live to be grateful of what you have. Josh's story started out so sweetly but then it hits you gut in the hard. My heart hurts for him, you truly feel his despair. His loss is one you wouldn't wish on anyone. The emotions are raw and watching him/ his family go through is not easy. It takes time to grieve and go through the stages also be dealt with properly which is addressed here.
Josh meets a kindred soul in Halle her lyrics and words speak to him so. Honestly, when she sings my I feel so the sorrow in her words, so raw that you feel her heart. Their immediate connection was something that they found by chance. It's rare you find someone who reflects so closely to your own self it scares you. Josh and his kids finding their family again was precious and heartfelt. To see him rise above, he is learning still he's great dad to have
Oh my heart hurts for Halle same time I want to cheer her on. She deserves more for sure for all she endure. Her passionate and resilient heart is full cause of this new found family. While they don't have an easy road ahead, they both have ghosts to deal with. It's easy to see the tenderness of their feelings that blossomed through it. I enjoyed the lighter moments with teasing and bonding with the kids. Balanced out the heavy.
To me this book is probably the most emotional and deeper of the series. The author writing really portrays all the sadness, hurt but also leaving a glimmer of hope that maybe after all the rain comes the sunshine. It certainly made shed a few tears. I got to know Josh through the books and saw his suffering now inner part of the story overcoming circumstances . I wish we got to know Halle more or them together more in the end though. We touched upon things I wanted know more. These two broken people finding solace and happiness in one another is a sight.
E.S. Carter creates a beautiful story about opportunity to start over, reviving one's heart and building something new. One full of poignant thoughts and things learned through experience. Josh and Halle dealt with a lot through their lives and found healing in their connection. The mention of the other brothers and how the family helped through is one of the lighter moments. If you're looking for a read that will tug on your emotions this is the one.
*** ARC kindly provided for an honest review ***
June 15, 2017
Confession: I am still an emotional wreck after reading Eight last night. I need a whole new box of tissues. Seriously. I was sobbing at 6%, teary through much of the first half and so proud of how far Josh came through working through his grief by the end.
Josh and Laura are a big part of the book One, and Eight picks up with Josh’s story after Laura’s untimely death. Eight is raw. Heart-pounding, gut-wrenching raw. Grief is not for the weak, and ES Carter’s amazing words force the reader to work through Josh’s grief right by his side.
Crap, I’m getting teary just writing this review, as I remember different aspects of Josh’s story. But, trust me, it’s not all sad. Not all gut-wrenching. There’s true joy to be found in Eight too. As Josh works through his grief-stricken fog. As he realizes life does still go on—that his children and his family need him, he does find his way back to life and love. Love in seeing his wife in his children. Love in how his family supports him in every way.
And there’s hope too. Hope that Josh is enough for his children now that he’s both mom and dad. Hope that he makes the right decisions. Hope that life does go on. Hope that the woman he’s ready to open his heart to is ready to take on his baggage.
I implore you to read both Eight as well as One, well, the whole Love by Numbers series. I’m fully invested in the Fox brothers and their stories. Just have some tissues handy. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Josh and Laura are a big part of the book One, and Eight picks up with Josh’s story after Laura’s untimely death. Eight is raw. Heart-pounding, gut-wrenching raw. Grief is not for the weak, and ES Carter’s amazing words force the reader to work through Josh’s grief right by his side.
Crap, I’m getting teary just writing this review, as I remember different aspects of Josh’s story. But, trust me, it’s not all sad. Not all gut-wrenching. There’s true joy to be found in Eight too. As Josh works through his grief-stricken fog. As he realizes life does still go on—that his children and his family need him, he does find his way back to life and love. Love in seeing his wife in his children. Love in how his family supports him in every way.
And there’s hope too. Hope that Josh is enough for his children now that he’s both mom and dad. Hope that he makes the right decisions. Hope that life does go on. Hope that the woman he’s ready to open his heart to is ready to take on his baggage.
I implore you to read both Eight as well as One, well, the whole Love by Numbers series. I’m fully invested in the Fox brothers and their stories. Just have some tissues handy. ~ Missy, 5 stars
September 1, 2019
Review written soon...
June 10, 2017
Eight captivated me, it drew me in, it broke my heart and then it put me back together again. I finished it a few days ago but it's taken me a while to put pen to paper and I really hope I have the words to do this beautifully written story justice. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy or even a reading buddy like I had because you will ugly cry, this is a book that doesn't just talk about grief it throws you right into the middle of a man trying to get his life together after his wife dies having his son, how do you become the father to a baby that every time you look at him you see the woman you thought would be around forever and how do you look into your daughters eyes and give her the answers she so rightly deserves when all you want to do is curl up in the corner......
I fell in love with Josh when he was at his lowest and as he got his life together that love grew and what can I say about the adorable Princess Ivy apart from she is an little girl who will steal your heart with her matter of fact comments that only a four year old can say and make your face light up with a smile even when you think the sun will never shine again. Is this a sad book ? Yes but it's a love story that isn't just about two adults falling in love, it's about learning to live again, learning to be a father and becoming a family again. Throughout this book you see the words "Laura Smiles" but it's only at the end will you really understand what those two beautiful words mean.
I hope you pick up a copy of Eight because it's a must read. Eli Carter has given us a book that won't be forgotten it will be read and reread.
I fell in love with Josh when he was at his lowest and as he got his life together that love grew and what can I say about the adorable Princess Ivy apart from she is an little girl who will steal your heart with her matter of fact comments that only a four year old can say and make your face light up with a smile even when you think the sun will never shine again. Is this a sad book ? Yes but it's a love story that isn't just about two adults falling in love, it's about learning to live again, learning to be a father and becoming a family again. Throughout this book you see the words "Laura Smiles" but it's only at the end will you really understand what those two beautiful words mean.
I hope you pick up a copy of Eight because it's a must read. Eli Carter has given us a book that won't be forgotten it will be read and reread.
June 6, 2017
Oh my heart!
I can honestly say I had to hug myself whilst reading the majority of this book and its very raw, real and honest portrayal of a man suffering after the loss of his wife, the mother of his children and the overwhelming effect of that grief, both on him and those around him.
I felt every moment of this book in my very bones, the writing is so good its powerful. Mrs Carter holds nothing back, unafraid of dealing with the hard truths of life.
Halle has not had an easy ride either, she feels alone in the world and has been made to feel worthless by those she loved and trusted. The only people she has let close are her two flatmates - watch out for Zoey, she's sparky! I love that Halle makes no allowances for Josh's bad behaviour!
"Tragedy does not give anyone the right to be an arsehole because although you might be in pain, you've no idea what pain another must live with inside them."
Don't think that this book is all doom and gloom, there are moments of light and laughter. Ivy totally steals the show for me with her classic timing and childish honesty. As always with the Love by Numbers series the strength of the family bonds within the Fox-Williams clan are evident, and Mamma Fox is amazing as always.
This is a heart wrenching emotional ride through the process of losing yourelf, picking yourself up and moving forward one step at a time. Your heart will bleed, and break but in the end it will be uplifted.
I can honestly say I had to hug myself whilst reading the majority of this book and its very raw, real and honest portrayal of a man suffering after the loss of his wife, the mother of his children and the overwhelming effect of that grief, both on him and those around him.
I felt every moment of this book in my very bones, the writing is so good its powerful. Mrs Carter holds nothing back, unafraid of dealing with the hard truths of life.
Halle has not had an easy ride either, she feels alone in the world and has been made to feel worthless by those she loved and trusted. The only people she has let close are her two flatmates - watch out for Zoey, she's sparky! I love that Halle makes no allowances for Josh's bad behaviour!
"Tragedy does not give anyone the right to be an arsehole because although you might be in pain, you've no idea what pain another must live with inside them."
Don't think that this book is all doom and gloom, there are moments of light and laughter. Ivy totally steals the show for me with her classic timing and childish honesty. As always with the Love by Numbers series the strength of the family bonds within the Fox-Williams clan are evident, and Mamma Fox is amazing as always.
This is a heart wrenching emotional ride through the process of losing yourelf, picking yourself up and moving forward one step at a time. Your heart will bleed, and break but in the end it will be uplifted.
June 9, 2017
I can't look at broccoli now without smiling!
This is the 6th book in the Love By Numbers series and ES Carter continues to go from strength to strength with this book. I always get nervous when a series gets beyond book 4 but I should have known!! Every book in this series has developed in its character development and style. I know they can all be read as stand alone (apart from the first 2) but you really get a better reading experience if you read in order.
So.....if you've read the previous books you know what has happened to Josh. I'm not gonna lie, i cried. Silent tears that just ran down my cheeks before I even noticed!
Then there's Halle. Wow. That girl needed some love. I just wanted to hug and squeeze her really tight. No one should feel as lost as she did. Her words made me so sad but her inner strength made me cheer....literally!!
And the others...
Iz - I want my own Iz!
Zoey made me laugh- everyone needs a Zoey!
And Ivy and Arty! Just Scrummy!
All I can say is “Bwock-owwie,” and insist you read this book. Eli has created beautiful characters you will care about and who you will cheer for and cry for. They will break you but you will be whole again by the end, I promise.
And that epilogue ❤❤❤
I was generously provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This is the 6th book in the Love By Numbers series and ES Carter continues to go from strength to strength with this book. I always get nervous when a series gets beyond book 4 but I should have known!! Every book in this series has developed in its character development and style. I know they can all be read as stand alone (apart from the first 2) but you really get a better reading experience if you read in order.
So.....if you've read the previous books you know what has happened to Josh. I'm not gonna lie, i cried. Silent tears that just ran down my cheeks before I even noticed!
Then there's Halle. Wow. That girl needed some love. I just wanted to hug and squeeze her really tight. No one should feel as lost as she did. Her words made me so sad but her inner strength made me cheer....literally!!
And the others...
Iz - I want my own Iz!
Zoey made me laugh- everyone needs a Zoey!
And Ivy and Arty! Just Scrummy!
All I can say is “Bwock-owwie,” and insist you read this book. Eli has created beautiful characters you will care about and who you will cheer for and cry for. They will break you but you will be whole again by the end, I promise.
And that epilogue ❤❤❤
I was generously provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 11, 2017
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.
This is my first read from E.S. Carter and I will definitely be reading more. Just the cover on this book had me falling in love and reading the blurb sealed the deal. It's a beautiful and heartbreaking story going through stages of grief.
People fight their way through grief in different ways and this is Josh's story. After losing his wife on the same day she delivered their newborn son he finds it difficult to cope, he's angry and he needs someone to blame. Finally realising he needs to be there for his children he moves them to Ibiza to start a new life where he meets Hallie.
Hallie works for his brother she hasn't had the easiest of lives and carries around a lot of her own heartbreak.
Are Josh and Hallie just what they each need to move on with their lives and will Hallie finally get the loving family she craves?
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone although reading Eight has definitely made me want to go and read the rest of these books. Definitely I book I will be recommending!!
This is my first read from E.S. Carter and I will definitely be reading more. Just the cover on this book had me falling in love and reading the blurb sealed the deal. It's a beautiful and heartbreaking story going through stages of grief.
People fight their way through grief in different ways and this is Josh's story. After losing his wife on the same day she delivered their newborn son he finds it difficult to cope, he's angry and he needs someone to blame. Finally realising he needs to be there for his children he moves them to Ibiza to start a new life where he meets Hallie.
Hallie works for his brother she hasn't had the easiest of lives and carries around a lot of her own heartbreak.
Are Josh and Hallie just what they each need to move on with their lives and will Hallie finally get the loving family she craves?
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone although reading Eight has definitely made me want to go and read the rest of these books. Definitely I book I will be recommending!!
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