(Note to Not your typical contemporary romance. No naughty bits but a memoir style narrative of a deep life changing love.)
“I, Brad Carson, take you, Lily Cunningham, for eternity. My love for you is eternal and will always be.”
Two people, destined to be together, even as teenagers.
“I promise to give all of myself. I promise to commit to pursue our common goals and dreams together.”
Through the struggles of college, and then the Army, who needed him too.
“I promise to protect you, honor you, and be faithful, always, through sickness and in health.”
Then the unthinkable happens, and puts their love to the ultimate test.
“May our abounding love serve as an example to the world, that we are forever committed and forever bonded. I love you now, I love you always, and I will love you forever.”
But when you’re soulmates, love can withstand anything.
*I received a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review* Abounding Love is the true story of a man's love for his wife and the lifelong relationship they shared. Fiona has kept the book as close to her friend, Brad's true words as she possibly could, as such, it's unconventional. Entirely different to the romances that we are used to.. It's a beautiful, touching story about REAL true love and it made me hope that I might be able to find what they had one day, that perhaps a fairytale romance doesn't only exist in books.
This is now one of my favorite books of all time. The story of Brad and Lily is heart warming, heart breaking and truly inspiring. A story of abounding love, a love that goes beyond lifetimes and lasts for eternity. It stays with you long after the last page is turned. Inspired by real people, real life, it's a must read!
I got to read a rough version of Abounding Love, Ms. Fiona Tulle's debut offering to the book world. I gave it 4 stars already because I know that after a little TLC before she releases, this book will be one that you will read with your heart and fall in love with her characters.
Keep watching her for updates on the release of this book.
I read an advert for this book and decided that I just had to read the story. Right from the start I needed a tissue. The story is touching and heartbreaking, I couldn't put it down. If you have a spare hour this is a must read.
When the prologue of the story has you feeling all the feels and you’re getting choked up you know this is gonna be good. Grab the whole damned box of Kleenex ladies and gents and settle in for the most moving, beautiful, and pure contemporary romance you’ve had the heart pounding, heart breaking, ugly cry pleasure of reading. Fiona’s debut book is such a pleasure to read. The story of Lilly and Brad is like an epic romance. Fiona crafts their love in such a way that you feel you get to know them, and you cry with them, and laugh with them and feel all of their excitement and heartbreak with them. This story is told from Brad’s point of view and the details are just so right, not too much but you get that the important memories of their love are shared. If this were being read to you, you could close your eyes and visualize the first time Lily and Brad meet and it sounds like a trusted and valued friend is telling you a very important story about love and life.
Brad and Lilly's story is a beautiful one. Meeting as young teens and making through so many real life struggles isn't something that happens often. So many times people just give up. So I love Brad and Lilly, but I was equally as touch by Fiona and Brad. What a amazing friendship. I know Fiona intended this to be Brad and Lilly's story, and we definitely see that story clearly, but I was more moved by Brad and Fiona's friendship. They just got it each other and were there for each other without any other expectations, that's love. This is beautiful story of love, intimate love and the love of a best friend. I will most definitely read more from this author.
What a beautiful debut book to read from this author. I'm not usually one to read real life stories, but something about this book grabbed my attention when I first heard about it. I'm so glad that I took a chance and read Abounding Love. I was taken on an emotional journey that I didn't expect to feel, but Fiona did a wonderful job of connecting us with Brad and Lilly and their beautiful but tragic love. I laughed and I cried throughout the book, beginning with the prologue and continuing throughout the entire story. Because the story was told by Brad, there was definitely more of a connection with him but Fiona did an excellent job of showing the extent of Brad's love for Lilly, and it was deep. I loved it when Fiona herself came into the story and gave us a little glimpse into the author herself and her relationship with Brad. I only wish it could of been a little longer because I did feel it was a little rushed once Fiona met Brad and so began their story. The writing itself was excellent, it was steady and gave us insight into the mind and hearts of Brad and Lilly. Be warned that you will probably need kleenex for this one. If you love a book with all the feels, this one is for you.I look forward to reading more from this author.
Knowing this book is based on a true story made it more real and moving. The author wrote a book that will make you ugly cry and yet leave with a profound sense of hope and knowledge of what true love entails. A wonderful debut novel. Every time I see a No. 2 Ticoneroga pencil I'll think of Brad and Lily. Filled with humor, love and a profound sense of faith, the characters were real, imperfect yet perfect for each other.
What a beautiful love story. It made me laugh and cry. The love between Brad and Lily is right out of a fairy tale. Growing up together and facing life struggles as strong couple and building an even stronger bond is what true love is all about. They are both in the midst of building a secure future their lives are turned upside down when Lily is severely injured in a car accident. Making the toughest decision in his life Brad loses focus and quits caring about himself, pushing everybody around him away in his pain. Fiona enters his life when he was just getting his feet back under him. Reviving his hope, listening to his struggles and being there for him when times get tough their bond as friends is absolutely incredible. When yet another stone is thrown at Brad, Fiona is the one by his side helping him through the dark days and making him realize he is never alone...even in the end. Fiona Tulle wrote a true love story with this book and is honoring her beloved friend in a way that is remarkable. You will cry and smile throughout this book but will also get a new appreciation on life. I embraced this book and it will always be one of my top reads.
Abounding Love is a short story written in a memoir style. You’ll need tissues for this one as it’s a tearjerker that tugs on the heartstrings, and makes you appreciate life and love. I really enjoyed the writing in this novel because it’s different from my usual read, and it was filled with emotion. The people in the story are relatable, and their love story is grounded in reality (which is what makes it so sad). If you’re the kind of reader who likes to feel for the characters, then I highly recommend this read.
I can’t wait to read more from Fiona in the future!!
Abounding Love is proof that things don't always go as planned. As a debut, Fiona Tulle brings her A game. Thru sharing her own personal grief and the love of her real life friend - Fiona shows us the true meaning ove not just love, but unyielding friendship. I'll forever hold this story in my heart.
The tagline alone caught my attention for this book. I love you now, I love you always, and I will love you forever.
Beautiful words to match the title. The story doesn't stray from the theme of love. Love of a husband and wife. Love of true friendship. You know the kind. The kind which doesn't care whether you are male/female, old or young. It is as timeless as love.
Tulle took a big chance writing about a true story. I commend her for doing so. The love story of Brad and Lily is based on actual events as told to her by Brad. She is the true friend who looses not only her best friend, but by extension she lost Lily too. For while Brad lived so did Lily. Their love story is beautiful, admirable, tragic, but I could not connect with any of the characters even Lily.
Tulle brought me to the brink of the emotional connection, but just couldn't tip me over the edge. She had me near tears, but not to where I was responsively a part of the story. While I did enjoy the book, I found it to be more of the "This is what happened to Brad and Lily" over lunch type of memoir than a book I would want to read over and over again.
3.5 Feathers/Stars
I received a copy from the Author and Forever Valentine PR for an honest review.
It is an amazing testament to Love, Hope, Friendship and Life. I urge everyone to pick up a copy of this book and experience the heartfelt tribute . 5 stars.
I originally preordered Abounding Love because 1) it sounded good 2) a portion of the proceeds would go to VETSports. Fiona Tulle is a new to me author and I haven't "checked her out" yet, but she can certainly write and being that this is a true story, she had a lot to work with. It is a beautiful love story and is beautifully written. Some may feel it should be longer, but there's nothing left out. Abounding Love would make for an amazing movie. This is a book that proves descriptive sex scenes are not needed for a capitative story. AND I appreciated the sharing of faith, both by Brad and by the author. I loved how Fiona started telling the story and then stepped back with Brad doing the telling. Then for Fiona to finish it up. I feel so privileged to have had this story shared with me in this fashion. Beautiful! Thank you Author Fiona Tulle for sharing!
I feel that Fiona Tulle is a writer of the soul, not just romance. Abounding Love is based on actual events and has that real life feel. Brad and Lily were everything to each other. They were joined at the hip from a young age. There would be no one else for them. They were the definition of soulmates. Follow them through all their loves and losses, the good times and the bad. As a reminder, this is a love story about the emotional, not the physical side of love. It is heartwarming with all the feels of a clan destined romance but also all the tears that come with life.
I feel that Fiona Tulle is a writer of the soul, not just romance. Abounding Love is based on actual events and has that real life feel. Brad and Lily were everything to each other. They were joined at the hip from a young age. There would be no one else for them. They were the definition of soulmates. Follow them through all their loves and losses, the good times and the bad. As a reminder, this is a love story about the emotional, not the physical side of love. It is heartwarming with all the feels of a clan destined romance but also all the tears that come with life.
Amazing debut for Fiona! If you are looking for a story about true love, this is the book for you. It is actually based on a true love story and it's really heartwarming to read. Even true love has obstacles and challenges, but it's true love that gets them through even the hardest of times. Kleenex will be needed for this one!
What a beautiful Love story written by Fiona Tulle, I cried thru this hole book, I Don’t how you managed to write this book and stay on point without crying the whole time. You truly were blessed to have met Brad and be able to tell his and Lily’s Story, he I am sure would be incredible Proud to have had such a great caring friend that you were to him and write such a beautiful Story
A real life love story. It's short and sweet and heart breaking. Make sure you have tissues within reach before reading. I've never read anything like this. Fiona did a wonderful job keeping their love and memory going. It's a beautiful love story to share.
The story of Brad and Lily warmed my heart. They had a life and love that most people would love to have. I wishing could say the book had a happy ending , but in Brad's eyes he got a good ending as he was reunited with Lily.
Wow....this story...I felt it! I applaud this author and want to thank her for she has given the rest of us a piece and hope of true and profound love.
this would have to be one of the most beautiful stories I have read. I cried so much. The sheer beauty of Brad's story, it shows that a life well lived will touch many.