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Second Chance Romance #1
When Time Stands Still
When Stars Collide, the follow-up sequel to When Time Stands Still, will be available on April 25. When Stars Collide is a full-length romcom with a HEA.
It’s been nearly a decade since Elle Sloan last saw Luke Hutchins. Close to ten years since she broke up with him over a single phone call, providing him with little explanation. Since the end of their relationship, Elle has done everything she could do to move on, marrying, proceeding forward with her life, almost allowing herself to completely forget about Luke.
Almost.
Out of nowhere, Elle receives a phone call from Luke’s mother. Luke has been in a horrific car accident and, a month later, has just awoken from a coma. However, instead of celebrating, his family is stunned to learn that Luke is suffering from amnesia and only remembers his life as it was before his breakup with Elle. Not wanting to tell Luke that he and Elle aren’t together anymore for fear it may compromise his recovery, Elle is asked by Luke’s family to come to the hospital to see him. Their hope is that she will slowly be able to jog his memory and cushion the blow.
Guilt-ridden over how their relationship ended, Elle readily agrees, finding herself transported back in time with Luke to the life they once shared and the future they could have had together.
It’s been nearly a decade since Elle Sloan last saw Luke Hutchins. Close to ten years since she broke up with him over a single phone call, providing him with little explanation. Since the end of their relationship, Elle has done everything she could do to move on, marrying, proceeding forward with her life, almost allowing herself to completely forget about Luke.
Almost.
Out of nowhere, Elle receives a phone call from Luke’s mother. Luke has been in a horrific car accident and, a month later, has just awoken from a coma. However, instead of celebrating, his family is stunned to learn that Luke is suffering from amnesia and only remembers his life as it was before his breakup with Elle. Not wanting to tell Luke that he and Elle aren’t together anymore for fear it may compromise his recovery, Elle is asked by Luke’s family to come to the hospital to see him. Their hope is that she will slowly be able to jog his memory and cushion the blow.
Guilt-ridden over how their relationship ended, Elle readily agrees, finding herself transported back in time with Luke to the life they once shared and the future they could have had together.
262 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2018
117 people are currently reading
1386 people want to read
About the author
Sara Furlong Burr
13 books544 followersSara Furlong Burr is an award-winning author of romcoms filled with angst, heartbreak, and a sprinkle of laughs. She was born and raised in Michigan and currently still lives there with her husband, two daughters, a lively corgi that closely resembles a sack of potatoes, three judgmental cats, and a hedgehog named Juniper who's almost as antisocial as she is. When she's not writing, Sara enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with her family, using her treadmill as a clothes hanger, and mindlessly scrolling through TikTok and Instagram. She's also an advocate for melanoma awareness, having been diagnosed with stage 1b melanoma in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 20, 2018
3.5 stars!
I was really intrigued by the blurb for this book, and love the idea for it. A dramatic, heartfelt, sort-of-second-chance romance, as a woman revisits her past, forcing her to reflect on her life and the choices she has made.
The book begins with Elle travelling back to the town where she attended college, to visit her ex-boyfriend. Her first love, Luke, has been in a major car accident and after being in a coma for a month, he is suffering from retrograde amnesia. He thinks it is ten years earlier than it truly is, and has no memory of the intervening years, believing that he and Elle are still in college and blissfully happy in a committed relationship. When in reality, they broke up a few months after the time that he believes it to be, with Elle leaving him broken-hearted, and she has now been married to somebody else for three years. Rather than shock Luke with the truth right away, the hope is that seeing Elle again will provide some peace and calm for him, as he has been asking to see his girl, and that her presence may even trigger his recovery.
That’s all the information that we are given as we dive in to this story, and my head was immediately full of questions – How did they break up? What is the state of Elle’s marriage? Has Luke moved on and just can’t remember? What will happen when they see each other again? Will he get his memory back? What will happen when he does? Will they rekindle their past love? Will they even want to? It was with a sense of great anticipation that I madly flipped pages waiting to get to the juicy stuff, and I was glued to my kindle as it all unfolded.
The story of Elle and Luke’s past unfolds in flashback chapters throughout the book. We get to see them meeting, falling in love and their heartbreaking separation, while in the present, Elle is struggling to deal with her feelings as she reconnects with the amazing man that she left behind all those years ago. More than just wanting to help Luke, she wants to make amends for how she left things with him, but she soon finds herself in the complicated situation of wondering what her life could have been if she’d just chosen differently.
This is a really sweet read. It was well written, and the story was really intriguing and kept me captivated. I liked Elle, and I really loved Luke, and the scenes with them together – both past and present – were great. I wasn’t feeling it as much as I was hoping to though. I’m actually not sure why that is, maybe the idea of people believably pulling off looking ten years younger than they actually are like no time has passed at all? I don’t know. But I definitely enjoyed it!
As for the issue that will probably have a lot of readers wondering whether to give this one a try - is there any cheating? Warning MASSIVE spoiler…
I liked that this was more than just a romance. Elle really reflects on her life, making positive changes that are right for her, and I really admire that. I loved the inclusion of the side characters – Elle and Luke’s best friends, and his parents, all play an important role, and bring a lot to the story. And yes, the love story is really sweet, and the story ends in a great place.
I really enjoyed this heartfelt read. 3.5 stars.
A Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was really intrigued by the blurb for this book, and love the idea for it. A dramatic, heartfelt, sort-of-second-chance romance, as a woman revisits her past, forcing her to reflect on her life and the choices she has made.
The book begins with Elle travelling back to the town where she attended college, to visit her ex-boyfriend. Her first love, Luke, has been in a major car accident and after being in a coma for a month, he is suffering from retrograde amnesia. He thinks it is ten years earlier than it truly is, and has no memory of the intervening years, believing that he and Elle are still in college and blissfully happy in a committed relationship. When in reality, they broke up a few months after the time that he believes it to be, with Elle leaving him broken-hearted, and she has now been married to somebody else for three years. Rather than shock Luke with the truth right away, the hope is that seeing Elle again will provide some peace and calm for him, as he has been asking to see his girl, and that her presence may even trigger his recovery.
That’s all the information that we are given as we dive in to this story, and my head was immediately full of questions – How did they break up? What is the state of Elle’s marriage? Has Luke moved on and just can’t remember? What will happen when they see each other again? Will he get his memory back? What will happen when he does? Will they rekindle their past love? Will they even want to? It was with a sense of great anticipation that I madly flipped pages waiting to get to the juicy stuff, and I was glued to my kindle as it all unfolded.
I was transported back in time, recalling the chemistry Luke and I had shared as though it were yesterday. The memories that were fresh in his mind came flooding back into mine, so real, so vivid that I was almost able to forget the present and live in the past with him.
Almost.
The story of Elle and Luke’s past unfolds in flashback chapters throughout the book. We get to see them meeting, falling in love and their heartbreaking separation, while in the present, Elle is struggling to deal with her feelings as she reconnects with the amazing man that she left behind all those years ago. More than just wanting to help Luke, she wants to make amends for how she left things with him, but she soon finds herself in the complicated situation of wondering what her life could have been if she’d just chosen differently.
This is a really sweet read. It was well written, and the story was really intriguing and kept me captivated. I liked Elle, and I really loved Luke, and the scenes with them together – both past and present – were great. I wasn’t feeling it as much as I was hoping to though. I’m actually not sure why that is, maybe the idea of people believably pulling off looking ten years younger than they actually are like no time has passed at all? I don’t know. But I definitely enjoyed it!
As for the issue that will probably have a lot of readers wondering whether to give this one a try - is there any cheating? Warning MASSIVE spoiler…
I liked that this was more than just a romance. Elle really reflects on her life, making positive changes that are right for her, and I really admire that. I loved the inclusion of the side characters – Elle and Luke’s best friends, and his parents, all play an important role, and bring a lot to the story. And yes, the love story is really sweet, and the story ends in a great place.
I really enjoyed this heartfelt read. 3.5 stars.
A Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2018
The Goodreads group Shut Up & Read (Read It & Reap) provided a copy of the ePub in exchange for an honest review.
Sara Furlong Burr’s contemporary romance When Time Stands Still is a touching love story. Everything changes for Elle when she receives a phone call from her college boyfriends mother. She has not seen or heard from Luke in ten years when she broke off their relationship. His mother informs Elle that Luke has been in an accident and is suffering from amnesia. Luke thinks that they are still a happy couple and it is 2008. It is 2018 and Elle is married. She agrees to go back in time to help her first love. The story moves back and forth between 2008 and the present day. As the many layers are revealed Elle begins to question her decision. Can she have a do-over?
The author cleverly shares Elle’s inner thoughts with the reader. The honesty of her private voice gives insight into this reflective character. She beats herself up and is her own worst enemy at times. The secondary characters add unconditional support and depth to this read as well. This page-turner does not disappoint.
Sara Furlong Burr’s contemporary romance When Time Stands Still is a touching love story. Everything changes for Elle when she receives a phone call from her college boyfriends mother. She has not seen or heard from Luke in ten years when she broke off their relationship. His mother informs Elle that Luke has been in an accident and is suffering from amnesia. Luke thinks that they are still a happy couple and it is 2008. It is 2018 and Elle is married. She agrees to go back in time to help her first love. The story moves back and forth between 2008 and the present day. As the many layers are revealed Elle begins to question her decision. Can she have a do-over?
The author cleverly shares Elle’s inner thoughts with the reader. The honesty of her private voice gives insight into this reflective character. She beats herself up and is her own worst enemy at times. The secondary characters add unconditional support and depth to this read as well. This page-turner does not disappoint.
December 24, 2020
I loved this book!!
Review to come
Review to come
January 2, 2021
I don’t think I’ve ever turned the pages of a contemporary romance novel so fast in my life. This wasn’t just your typical romance story, it was a touching, real-life situation, go through the motions type of love story. I could not get enough of Luke Hutchins and Elle Sloane’s love story. I literally wanted to jump into the storyline and be a part of it.
When Elle gets a call from her college (ex) boyfriend’s mother, her life turns upside down. She tells Elle that he was in a terrible car accident and has just woken from his coma.... not remembering the last 10 years of his life because of amnesia. Elle has not spoken to him or seen him in over 10 years, when she ended their relationship over the phone on her way out of town for good - which broke Luke in pieces. Luke’s mother asks her to come to the hospital to see him and perhaps trigger his memory. Elle agrees to go ...even though she is now married.
The story jumps back and forth between 2008 and 2018 and we find Elle caught in the crosshairs of what she presently has and what she had with Luke ...and if what she had was always hers to begin with...
This story is more than just a story, it tugged at my heart strings and put me in a real life scenario. The author’s writing was so well done and it just made all the difference. I’m definitely ready for book #2!
When Elle gets a call from her college (ex) boyfriend’s mother, her life turns upside down. She tells Elle that he was in a terrible car accident and has just woken from his coma.... not remembering the last 10 years of his life because of amnesia. Elle has not spoken to him or seen him in over 10 years, when she ended their relationship over the phone on her way out of town for good - which broke Luke in pieces. Luke’s mother asks her to come to the hospital to see him and perhaps trigger his memory. Elle agrees to go ...even though she is now married.
The story jumps back and forth between 2008 and 2018 and we find Elle caught in the crosshairs of what she presently has and what she had with Luke ...and if what she had was always hers to begin with...
This story is more than just a story, it tugged at my heart strings and put me in a real life scenario. The author’s writing was so well done and it just made all the difference. I’m definitely ready for book #2!
August 16, 2018
Sometimes, it's impossible to know how to begin to describe a book that touches your heart. All I know is I read something beautiful and real and heartbreaking at once. Maybe because I'm of an age with the main characters and related so much to their stories, their lives. Or maybe because it reminded me of a piece of myself I'd forgotten. Either way, Burr has given us a gift with "When Time Stands Still."
Before you start thinking me too dramatic, let me argue my case. This is much more than your typical "second chances" trope. It's a lot less about sex and romance than it's about what happens when we stop believing in ourselves. When we choose to give in to the doubts in our heads that we don't deserve happiness, and forget how to fight for ourselves. Elle has given up and doesn't know it until she's called back to the only place that felt like home. Forced to pretend the last decade doesn't exist, thrown together with the family she didn't know she missed, causes her to second-guess herself. To second-guess her life. Nothing prepares her for seeing Luke again. Somewhere between memories of their epic love and pretending to live in the past with him fuses together the pieces of her heart she lost. And the result is beautiful.
I have to hand it to the author because there were several times I couldn't guess the ending. Normally that wouldn't be a question with a contemporary romance, especially "second chance" romance. But there was just enough tragedy and enough realism, I wondered if we would find happy-ever-after or not. I don't want to spoil the ending for you, but I can say I wish there had been more. While this was a quick and easy read, I felt lost at the end and wanted more time with these characters. This is the sort of story you want to fall into, which considering its modern setting is saying a lot. But it was a bittersweet nostalgia trip for me, personally. Like Elle, I wondered what would happen if I was forced to confront my own past. Here is the brilliance of Burr's writing. I should stop talking now before I really spoil you for this book. Don't take my word for it. Read it and love it. I know you will.
Before you start thinking me too dramatic, let me argue my case. This is much more than your typical "second chances" trope. It's a lot less about sex and romance than it's about what happens when we stop believing in ourselves. When we choose to give in to the doubts in our heads that we don't deserve happiness, and forget how to fight for ourselves. Elle has given up and doesn't know it until she's called back to the only place that felt like home. Forced to pretend the last decade doesn't exist, thrown together with the family she didn't know she missed, causes her to second-guess herself. To second-guess her life. Nothing prepares her for seeing Luke again. Somewhere between memories of their epic love and pretending to live in the past with him fuses together the pieces of her heart she lost. And the result is beautiful.
I have to hand it to the author because there were several times I couldn't guess the ending. Normally that wouldn't be a question with a contemporary romance, especially "second chance" romance. But there was just enough tragedy and enough realism, I wondered if we would find happy-ever-after or not. I don't want to spoil the ending for you, but I can say I wish there had been more. While this was a quick and easy read, I felt lost at the end and wanted more time with these characters. This is the sort of story you want to fall into, which considering its modern setting is saying a lot. But it was a bittersweet nostalgia trip for me, personally. Like Elle, I wondered what would happen if I was forced to confront my own past. Here is the brilliance of Burr's writing. I should stop talking now before I really spoil you for this book. Don't take my word for it. Read it and love it. I know you will.
August 13, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
This is an inventive second chance romance with a difference. To receive a phone call ten years after the end of a relationship, and to drop everything and to come running proves the feelings are still there.
Poor Luke woke up after being in a coma, with retrograde amnesia taking him back ten years to when he was happy and in love with Elle. Elle finds the feeling are still there, but it was her fault they broke up.
This is a story where love does finally conquer all, both Elle and Luke are still in love and were meant to be. Even with the obstacles standing in their way. This is a loving romance that perhaps Elle didn’t think she deserved Luke, especially with her upbringing and her mother’s manipulations.
Now ten years later and wiser, love is as strong as ever. So sometimes love does conquers all.
This is an inventive second chance romance with a difference. To receive a phone call ten years after the end of a relationship, and to drop everything and to come running proves the feelings are still there.
Poor Luke woke up after being in a coma, with retrograde amnesia taking him back ten years to when he was happy and in love with Elle. Elle finds the feeling are still there, but it was her fault they broke up.
This is a story where love does finally conquer all, both Elle and Luke are still in love and were meant to be. Even with the obstacles standing in their way. This is a loving romance that perhaps Elle didn’t think she deserved Luke, especially with her upbringing and her mother’s manipulations.
Now ten years later and wiser, love is as strong as ever. So sometimes love does conquers all.
April 23, 2022
I don't tend to read too many romances (although they've been growing on me a little lately). Generally, I think that they all follow the same sort of storyline (couple meet, fall in love, have an argument and break up, only to make up and end with a happily ever after). So this was a bit of a different read for me.
Elle Sloan had finally managed to move on from Luke Hutchins. She was married, had a house of her own, and a stable job. It had been ten years since she ended the relationship, ten years since she last had contact with him. So when she gets a phone call saying that he has had an accident, has amnesia, and can't remember the last ten years, she agrees to travel to see the boy she loved, to try and help him remember. The only trouble is that his limited access to his memories means that he still thinks he and Elle are together.
This novel is a dual timeline story, which surprisingly didn't pull me away from each storyline as much as I thought it might. One timeline is that of 2007, when Elle and Luke meet, when their relationship forms. The other is 2018, when Luke cannot remember anything much past this period. The timelines meant that while each story is that of the same people, you get a wonderful rounded sense of the relationship Elle and Luke formed, of the bond that tied them together. In a sense, you can almost imagine that you are getting the story of the life Elle is living, in 2018, and the one Luke thinks he is living, in 2007.
While both Elle and Luke are pivotal characters, this story follows Elle. She clearly has some issues, for she had a distant mother growing up and an abusive relationship in the past. When she meets Luke, she is not looking to date, she is looking to find herself. Elle was an interesting character to read about, because she craves love, but she doesn't see herself as worthy of it. She doesn't want to pull anyone down, to be the cause of them not reaching their potential, so she pushes people away, no matter how much it may hurt her to do so. Reading about Elle's past, and how her upbringing has led to the formation of such characteristics, was saddening, and I found myself feeling sorry for her and hoping she could see herself as worth just as much as she thinks others are worth.
I read a majority of this book sat outside in the sun, which was extremely pleasant and was the reason for the freckles on my nose to start appearing (they only come out when I have a tan). I read the end of this book in the bath. Now, I will point out once again, I was reading this book on my eReader. I am clumsy as it is with paperbacks in the bath, but I like a bit of risk every now and again and my eReader is broken enough – a little water couldn't do any more damage... right?! Luckily I did not drop it, or get any water on it, so no harm done!
Elle Sloan had finally managed to move on from Luke Hutchins. She was married, had a house of her own, and a stable job. It had been ten years since she ended the relationship, ten years since she last had contact with him. So when she gets a phone call saying that he has had an accident, has amnesia, and can't remember the last ten years, she agrees to travel to see the boy she loved, to try and help him remember. The only trouble is that his limited access to his memories means that he still thinks he and Elle are together.
This novel is a dual timeline story, which surprisingly didn't pull me away from each storyline as much as I thought it might. One timeline is that of 2007, when Elle and Luke meet, when their relationship forms. The other is 2018, when Luke cannot remember anything much past this period. The timelines meant that while each story is that of the same people, you get a wonderful rounded sense of the relationship Elle and Luke formed, of the bond that tied them together. In a sense, you can almost imagine that you are getting the story of the life Elle is living, in 2018, and the one Luke thinks he is living, in 2007.
While both Elle and Luke are pivotal characters, this story follows Elle. She clearly has some issues, for she had a distant mother growing up and an abusive relationship in the past. When she meets Luke, she is not looking to date, she is looking to find herself. Elle was an interesting character to read about, because she craves love, but she doesn't see herself as worthy of it. She doesn't want to pull anyone down, to be the cause of them not reaching their potential, so she pushes people away, no matter how much it may hurt her to do so. Reading about Elle's past, and how her upbringing has led to the formation of such characteristics, was saddening, and I found myself feeling sorry for her and hoping she could see herself as worth just as much as she thinks others are worth.
I read a majority of this book sat outside in the sun, which was extremely pleasant and was the reason for the freckles on my nose to start appearing (they only come out when I have a tan). I read the end of this book in the bath. Now, I will point out once again, I was reading this book on my eReader. I am clumsy as it is with paperbacks in the bath, but I like a bit of risk every now and again and my eReader is broken enough – a little water couldn't do any more damage... right?! Luckily I did not drop it, or get any water on it, so no harm done!
June 12, 2018
The book begins in the present, when Elle receives a call from Luke’s mom informing her that Luke is suffering from amnesia after a bad car accident. He has lost almost 10 years of his memories and believes they are still a couple, stuck in time before she left him with no explanation. She has moved on and married in the time since, but she can’t refuse Candy’s request to see Luke and try to make amends for her previous absence. The story then goes back and forth between the past and present, so that the reader can experience the love and loss as their story progresses.
“And it was here in Roanoke where he was awaiting my arrival, completely unaware that his heart was destined to be broken by me once again.”
I’m a sucker for second chance romances, especially when there is angst involved. I LOVE ANGST! There is nothing like the rip-your-heart-out-and-stomp-on-it theme, as long as the story doesn’t end that way. (Um, about the Enigma Black series…) I can’t explain even begin to explain the depth of emotion contained in the story, though this passage especially struck me:
“For practically a decade, I’d kept his memory buried inside of a box in a remote corner of my brain…It was its own Pandora’s Box, once opened, it had been destined to rain havoc down on my life.”
Did I mention how much I love angst? And yes reader, I cried! Actually, several times during the story I found myself tearing up, including a certain section with the only character we are supposed to dislike. That’s because even the secondary characters are written with heart and humor in some cases, and even loathing for a couple, though one was tempered with understanding. I was especially enthralled with Mena (Elle’s roommate and best friend) as she has the best lines:
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Actually, retract that, please do. You need to get laid.”
I’m really hoping that Mena will get a book of her own, maybe? I’d love to read more about her and her eventual HEA…I wasn’t surprised by that glimpse, though! 🙂
In summary, I give this story my highest recommendation because it is just that good. For those of you that take reviews based on complimentary ARCs with a grain of salt, let me put it to you this way. I enjoyed it so much I preordered it so that I can have a finalized copy also-THAT is the mark of a great book! (And BTW-if you haven’t read the Enigma Black trilogy, you need to read that one too but make sure you still have some Kleenex on hand!)
“And it was here in Roanoke where he was awaiting my arrival, completely unaware that his heart was destined to be broken by me once again.”
I’m a sucker for second chance romances, especially when there is angst involved. I LOVE ANGST! There is nothing like the rip-your-heart-out-and-stomp-on-it theme, as long as the story doesn’t end that way. (Um, about the Enigma Black series…) I can’t explain even begin to explain the depth of emotion contained in the story, though this passage especially struck me:
“For practically a decade, I’d kept his memory buried inside of a box in a remote corner of my brain…It was its own Pandora’s Box, once opened, it had been destined to rain havoc down on my life.”
Did I mention how much I love angst? And yes reader, I cried! Actually, several times during the story I found myself tearing up, including a certain section with the only character we are supposed to dislike. That’s because even the secondary characters are written with heart and humor in some cases, and even loathing for a couple, though one was tempered with understanding. I was especially enthralled with Mena (Elle’s roommate and best friend) as she has the best lines:
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Actually, retract that, please do. You need to get laid.”
I’m really hoping that Mena will get a book of her own, maybe? I’d love to read more about her and her eventual HEA…I wasn’t surprised by that glimpse, though! 🙂
In summary, I give this story my highest recommendation because it is just that good. For those of you that take reviews based on complimentary ARCs with a grain of salt, let me put it to you this way. I enjoyed it so much I preordered it so that I can have a finalized copy also-THAT is the mark of a great book! (And BTW-if you haven’t read the Enigma Black trilogy, you need to read that one too but make sure you still have some Kleenex on hand!)
September 27, 2018
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This sounded like an interesting concept - ex-boyfriend ends up with amnesia and thinks you're still together and that it's 2008 - but in reality, their relationship ended badly and they haven't seen each other since 2008.
Elle has moved on with her life - married to a man she is clearly not happy with, going through the motions, doing a job that is never really explained. She gets a call that Luke, her first love, had been in a terrible accident and kept asking where Elle is - and in their desperation, his family reaches out to Elle and asks for her help. Elle doesn't hesitate to help Luke. She feels guilty about how things ended with him and feels she owes it to him to help with his recovery.
Luke Hutchins - my new book boyfriend. Man, did I love this guy. He was amazing. He was so sweet to Elle, loving, caring, always boosting her up. Elle came from a rough childhood and had some issues, issues that Luke didn't care about. He loved her, no matter what. Too bad Elle couldn't see that.
Once Elle goes back to Roanoke to be with Luke, she quickly realizes how much she misses his family, most especially his parents, Candy and Tom. Luke's best friend Peter is part of the mix, and he's not real happy to Elle, because of how she ended things with Luke.
Elle does help with Luke's progress, though they have to watch what they say and what they do and not give away the real year. I liked the progression of the story, though it was a little long. The book jumps back and forth between the past and present, and we get to see Elle and Luke's relationship develop.
My one criticism is the end of the story. There is a shocker that comes out of nowhere and isn't really explained well, but it didn't really take away from the story.
The story was missing an epilogue, which was badly needed. I needed closure, which I didn't get. I liked the ending, but needed a glimpse down the road.
Overall, this book was good, held my attention and kept me interested. I would recommend it.
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This sounded like an interesting concept - ex-boyfriend ends up with amnesia and thinks you're still together and that it's 2008 - but in reality, their relationship ended badly and they haven't seen each other since 2008.
Elle has moved on with her life - married to a man she is clearly not happy with, going through the motions, doing a job that is never really explained. She gets a call that Luke, her first love, had been in a terrible accident and kept asking where Elle is - and in their desperation, his family reaches out to Elle and asks for her help. Elle doesn't hesitate to help Luke. She feels guilty about how things ended with him and feels she owes it to him to help with his recovery.
Luke Hutchins - my new book boyfriend. Man, did I love this guy. He was amazing. He was so sweet to Elle, loving, caring, always boosting her up. Elle came from a rough childhood and had some issues, issues that Luke didn't care about. He loved her, no matter what. Too bad Elle couldn't see that.
Once Elle goes back to Roanoke to be with Luke, she quickly realizes how much she misses his family, most especially his parents, Candy and Tom. Luke's best friend Peter is part of the mix, and he's not real happy to Elle, because of how she ended things with Luke.
Elle does help with Luke's progress, though they have to watch what they say and what they do and not give away the real year. I liked the progression of the story, though it was a little long. The book jumps back and forth between the past and present, and we get to see Elle and Luke's relationship develop.
My one criticism is the end of the story. There is a shocker that comes out of nowhere and isn't really explained well, but it didn't really take away from the story.
The story was missing an epilogue, which was badly needed. I needed closure, which I didn't get. I liked the ending, but needed a glimpse down the road.
Overall, this book was good, held my attention and kept me interested. I would recommend it.
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April 13, 2020
Oh my goodness!! I loved reading When Time Stands Still by Sara Furlong Burr because it pulled at my heartstrings. Elle and Luke used to date back in college and were truly in love. Luke knew what he wanted to do and that was be a nurse and Elle was an excellent writer, but her mom never believed in her. So she broke up with Luke, quit college and moved back home to care for her dying mom. Fast forward to a decade later, Elle is married and gets a phone call from Luke's mom saying something has happened to him. He was in a horrible car accident and has retrograde amnesia and can't remember anything about his and Elle's breakup. So she goes to visit him hoping to jar his memories about what happened to them. The story goes back and forth to the past to give a glimpse of what happened while they were dating and it was so emotional. I received an ARC of this story in exchange for a honest review. I loved it and highly recommend reading it. The only thing is that I wished it had an epilogue. I was so sad when I finished reading it because I wanted more as to what happened. But it was a fantastic book!!!
August 26, 2024
Heartfelt, Romantic. Elle and Luke had the perfect love story until the didn't and it ended. Years later, Luke gets into a car accident and has amnesia and thinks he and Elle are still dating. This could be a problem as Elle is now married and they are no longer together. Candy, Luke's mom, reaches out to Elle to see if she will come to see Luke in the hospital to help him jog his memory. Elle has to debate whether she should go along with lying to Luke and whether that will hurt him or help him in the long run. The characters in this story were really brought to life for me and they all had their unique personalities. I did not see the book ending the way that it did and there were some twists and turns at the end that made the ending interesting. If you like romance novels, you need to add this to your TBR.
January 4, 2021
This book is WONDERFUL. I was gifted with an audio review copy and was so pleased with it. The story takes you back in time and back to the present seamlessly and you never feel lost in the story.
Elle was a character that I could relate to through many personal life experiences. The emotions of the characters tugged at my heart strings as it pulled me into their lives, their loves, and their losses. The ending was not what I was expecting, but it absolutely thrilled me. Here’s to second chances!
Elle was a character that I could relate to through many personal life experiences. The emotions of the characters tugged at my heart strings as it pulled me into their lives, their loves, and their losses. The ending was not what I was expecting, but it absolutely thrilled me. Here’s to second chances!
August 31, 2018
This is a second-chance romance. The book goes back and forth between 2008 and 2018. It's been close to ten years since Elle broke with Luke during a phone call. She is surprised when she receives a call from his mother. Luke has been in an accident. He still thinks it's 2008 and Elle is still his girlfriend. Elle is persuaded to return to his side and pretend to be his girlfriend. Elle learns a lot about herself during this trip. She begins to realize her self-worth. Did this knowledge come too late?
I enjoyed the book. Mena and Monroe added some dimension to the story.
I enjoyed the book. Mena and Monroe added some dimension to the story.
August 14, 2020
Fantastic!!!
This is a completely fabulous story! Luke and Elle are a wonderfully sweet couple who truly love one another. So Luke is completely blindsided when Elle suddenly breaks up with him over the phone. Ten years later he gets in a terrible car accident and has lost all memory of the past decade, thinking he and Elle are still together. However, Elle has since gotten married and tried to move on with her life after Luke.
I really enjoyed how the story alternated between past and present very fluidly. This book was very emotional to me and I was rooting for Luke and Elle so hard it almost hurt. I also adored Elle’s friend Mena and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, which is her story.
This is a completely fabulous story! Luke and Elle are a wonderfully sweet couple who truly love one another. So Luke is completely blindsided when Elle suddenly breaks up with him over the phone. Ten years later he gets in a terrible car accident and has lost all memory of the past decade, thinking he and Elle are still together. However, Elle has since gotten married and tried to move on with her life after Luke.
I really enjoyed how the story alternated between past and present very fluidly. This book was very emotional to me and I was rooting for Luke and Elle so hard it almost hurt. I also adored Elle’s friend Mena and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, which is her story.
June 23, 2018
So much potential for something greater but it didn't get there.
I really didn't believe the reason why the heroine Elle gave up on Luke.
The plot was far fetched. Luke was a good character.
I really didn't believe the reason why the heroine Elle gave up on Luke.
The plot was far fetched. Luke was a good character.
February 23, 2021
This read is poignant and has a great supporting cast. There are special moments between Elle's friendship with Mena that make me want to call and bother my best friends. Right out the gate, I needed a HEA for Elle.
Elle has a pretty rotten childhood and meets the too-good-to-be-true Luke in college. She can't help but feel undeserving of his attention. Fast forward and they aren't together anymore. She's married and hasn't heard or seen him since their breakup. He suffers an injury and subsequent amnesia so Elle unexpectedly finds herself back in his life.
I'm not going to talk about how amazing the hero, Luke, of the story is (he is!) or how much I adore the way Sara used the dual timeline to push the story forward (which, of course, it's great!) because you should just pick it up and read it for yourself!
Elle has a pretty rotten childhood and meets the too-good-to-be-true Luke in college. She can't help but feel undeserving of his attention. Fast forward and they aren't together anymore. She's married and hasn't heard or seen him since their breakup. He suffers an injury and subsequent amnesia so Elle unexpectedly finds herself back in his life.
I'm not going to talk about how amazing the hero, Luke, of the story is (he is!) or how much I adore the way Sara used the dual timeline to push the story forward (which, of course, it's great!) because you should just pick it up and read it for yourself!
December 4, 2022
If there was one book I wish I could forget and be able to read all over again, it would be this one!! This was a great read!
August 13, 2018
Elle Sloan hasn't seen Luke Hutchins in over a decade since she broke up with him over the phone. His mother calls her because Luke was in a bad car accident and can't remember anything since the time he and Elle were together in college. She agrees to go see him, hoping to help recover. There are just a few complications: Elle is married, Luke's family and friends still blame her for the breakup, and Elle has her own issues from her background to cope with.
I love second-chance stories, and Ms. Burr does a nice job on this one. The book goes back and forth from the current time to the ten years earlier when Elle and Luke met. It builds the story quite nicely and the pacing is good. Elle and Luke are a good pair though I did think that Elle might have displayed more angst over her background - her mother's alcoholism and the bad boyfriend - than she did; it would have made her eventual reason for the breakup to be more believable.
The secondary characters are fun. Both Mena and Malone deserve their own book as Mena's dialogue is hilarious.
The writing is okay. There's a bit too much passive voice, tense changes, and some YA tropes and over-writing such as: "I know I look like a hot mess - one that has been stomped on by an elephant, run over by a train, and then shit on by life." The story is so good I wish some of this had been addressed, but I didn't find it too distracting.
Anyway, this was a good story, and I enjoyed the read very much. Readers who like second-chance romances will like this one.
I love second-chance stories, and Ms. Burr does a nice job on this one. The book goes back and forth from the current time to the ten years earlier when Elle and Luke met. It builds the story quite nicely and the pacing is good. Elle and Luke are a good pair though I did think that Elle might have displayed more angst over her background - her mother's alcoholism and the bad boyfriend - than she did; it would have made her eventual reason for the breakup to be more believable.
The secondary characters are fun. Both Mena and Malone deserve their own book as Mena's dialogue is hilarious.
The writing is okay. There's a bit too much passive voice, tense changes, and some YA tropes and over-writing such as: "I know I look like a hot mess - one that has been stomped on by an elephant, run over by a train, and then shit on by life." The story is so good I wish some of this had been addressed, but I didn't find it too distracting.
Anyway, this was a good story, and I enjoyed the read very much. Readers who like second-chance romances will like this one.
August 22, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This was my first book by this author and definitely will not be my last.
Luke has been in a horrible car accident wear he received severe head trama resulting in loss of memory. He believes it's 2007 and he's with the love of his life Elle.
Elle receives a call from Luke's mom asking for her help. Only she has to pretend to still be in a relationship with Luke. She agrees because she feels Luke deserves all the answers. Even the true ones that broke them apart.
I loved this amazing read and I would definitely recommend it to others.
Luke has been in a horrible car accident wear he received severe head trama resulting in loss of memory. He believes it's 2007 and he's with the love of his life Elle.
Elle receives a call from Luke's mom asking for her help. Only she has to pretend to still be in a relationship with Luke. She agrees because she feels Luke deserves all the answers. Even the true ones that broke them apart.
I loved this amazing read and I would definitely recommend it to others.
August 14, 2018
The blurb for this book hooked me, but the story itself wrecked me. With chapters split between the past and the present, we see how Luke and Elle fell in love, and how the falling apart of their relationship affected them both.
When Luke wakes up from a coma, he has no memory of the past 10 years --- and thinks he and Elle are still together. Except that Elle has moved on and married someone else. As the story goes back and forth, we learn how and why Elle felt like she had to leave Luke behind. I hate when a character thinks the other is better off without them, but I guess that's the whole basis for a second-chance romance! But why does Elle's husband seem to be so okay with her running off to tend to her ex-boyfriend?
This story was so sweet and romantic. And true love does stand the test of time, because Elle and Luke are still just as much in love with one another a decade later as they were when she left him all those years ago.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
When Luke wakes up from a coma, he has no memory of the past 10 years --- and thinks he and Elle are still together. Except that Elle has moved on and married someone else. As the story goes back and forth, we learn how and why Elle felt like she had to leave Luke behind. I hate when a character thinks the other is better off without them, but I guess that's the whole basis for a second-chance romance! But why does Elle's husband seem to be so okay with her running off to tend to her ex-boyfriend?
This story was so sweet and romantic. And true love does stand the test of time, because Elle and Luke are still just as much in love with one another a decade later as they were when she left him all those years ago.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
August 13, 2018
Oh how I loved this story! It was incredibly beautiful in its simplicity. No flowery language that makes you want to skip pages, yet so romantic that my heart hurt.
The characters were phenomenal - Luke, having suffered a traumatic brain injury, and as a result has no recollection of the last 10 years of his life. Elle, Luke’s ex-girlfriend walked out on him with only a phone call, afraid she will never be worthy of him. Now, they are brought back together in the hopes that she can help him recover his lost memories, only he doesn’t remember the break-up or anything since.
The story takes us along on Luke’s journey through recovery, while flashing back to their time together. It is heart-wrenching and refreshing at the same time. I don’t normally prefer books that jump back and forth between periods of time; however, this was so well-written that the transitions were natural.
Again, this was a beautifully romantic read and fans of a HEA will love it!
The characters were phenomenal - Luke, having suffered a traumatic brain injury, and as a result has no recollection of the last 10 years of his life. Elle, Luke’s ex-girlfriend walked out on him with only a phone call, afraid she will never be worthy of him. Now, they are brought back together in the hopes that she can help him recover his lost memories, only he doesn’t remember the break-up or anything since.
The story takes us along on Luke’s journey through recovery, while flashing back to their time together. It is heart-wrenching and refreshing at the same time. I don’t normally prefer books that jump back and forth between periods of time; however, this was so well-written that the transitions were natural.
Again, this was a beautifully romantic read and fans of a HEA will love it!
August 10, 2018
A Second Chance At A Forever Love
This is my first time reading a book by Sara Furlong Burr and I’m so happy I did.
Elle and Luke were the perfect couple until Elle’s mother cast doubts that she was good enough for Luke. Sara showed in Elle’s character that when you grow up with insecurities it is hard to see beyond them. Her leaving Luke was hard but she felt it was better for him even though it devastated her. Pretending to be together was her way of redeeming her past mistakes. Elle had such strength to leave Luke but unfortunately not enough strength to see the good in herself.
There are some great supporting characters including Mena and some surprises that I didn’t see coming. All of those plus romance with plenty of angst made this an incredible read. My only wish was that it was longer.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is my first time reading a book by Sara Furlong Burr and I’m so happy I did.
Elle and Luke were the perfect couple until Elle’s mother cast doubts that she was good enough for Luke. Sara showed in Elle’s character that when you grow up with insecurities it is hard to see beyond them. Her leaving Luke was hard but she felt it was better for him even though it devastated her. Pretending to be together was her way of redeeming her past mistakes. Elle had such strength to leave Luke but unfortunately not enough strength to see the good in herself.
There are some great supporting characters including Mena and some surprises that I didn’t see coming. All of those plus romance with plenty of angst made this an incredible read. My only wish was that it was longer.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 21, 2018
A unique and very well written plot! What makes the storyline in "When Time Stands Still" matter to me is actually the banter, both past and present, between main characters Luke and Elle, the rich dimension it adds to the story and importantly what it reveals about their relationship. It is the clever conversation between Luke and Elle that tells the story of how they met, their intelligence, their education, their history, the depth of their connection to each other, the deep things they share in common . . and (despite Elle's rather tragic upbringing) . . . it's funny as heck! It makes it feel as if their first conversation is when life really began for both of them! They are and, in real life, would be a very fun couple to hang out with. It reveals the deeply caring nature they have about life in general and certainly for each other. I always look for good banter in romantic stories and, all too often, it is missing. Where there is love, there is always humor and fun. Also, great conversation between characters gives you, as reader, a good sense of presence, of really being there.
Even Elle's best friend Mena's dialogue adds quite a bit of color and even some off-color.
And yes, there is angst, but the story would certainly lack dimension and believability without it. Elle's heartbreaking childhood living with her alcoholic mother is something that is, unfortunately, all too realistic. But the struggle is something that she must overcome or it will bring ruin to her and everyone around her.
Excellent title, great characters, plenty of intrigue and a unique plot, not easy to find these days.
Even Elle's best friend Mena's dialogue adds quite a bit of color and even some off-color.
And yes, there is angst, but the story would certainly lack dimension and believability without it. Elle's heartbreaking childhood living with her alcoholic mother is something that is, unfortunately, all too realistic. But the struggle is something that she must overcome or it will bring ruin to her and everyone around her.
Excellent title, great characters, plenty of intrigue and a unique plot, not easy to find these days.
July 2, 2018
When I read the synopsis of this book I was very intrigued - thought it sounded like a good book. And I was right! it took me about 2 chapters to really get into this one, but once I was in, I was sucked ALL the way in. I liked that we kept going to the past to get the full story. Not only did we get the chance to fall in love with Luke and Elle now, we got to fall in love with them in the past when they were fully in love.
Luke has been in an accident and his mother calls Elle to come see him to help calm him. He has woke from a month long coma and only remembers up to about 10 years ago- when they were still a couple. Elle easily agrees to go for a short time. (Her husband don't seem to care.)
If that doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what will.
I loved the happy ending. I do wish this story had an epilogue. I feel like I still need some closure. Maybe I will get it if Mena and Monroe get there own book.
Luke has been in an accident and his mother calls Elle to come see him to help calm him. He has woke from a month long coma and only remembers up to about 10 years ago- when they were still a couple. Elle easily agrees to go for a short time. (Her husband don't seem to care.)
If that doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what will.
I loved the happy ending. I do wish this story had an epilogue. I feel like I still need some closure. Maybe I will get it if Mena and Monroe get there own book.
October 25, 2020
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. This book was truly a breath-taking five-star read. Isn't it just so great when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat for every nail-biting moment of it? This is one of those books for me. It’s a wonderful story full of healing, forgiveness, and grace. I LOVED everything about this book; the banter that literally had my LOL’ing while reading, the sweet swoon-worthy moments and the heartbreak that made me cry for them. I highly recommend reading this book!
June 25, 2018
I love the premise of this book! Reunited with your first love under dramatic circumstances? Second chances? And that beautiful cover? Sign me up!
I first heard of this book on NetGalley (a free copy was supplied to me in exchange for an honest review), and I knew I had to have it.
Here's the blurb:
"It’s been nearly a decade since Elle Sloan last saw Luke Hutchins. Close to ten years since she broke up with him over a single phone call, providing him with little explanation. Since the end of their relationship, Elle has done everything she could do to move on, marrying, proceeding forward with her life, almost allowing herself to completely forget about Luke.
Almost.
Out of nowhere, Elle receives a phone call from Luke’s mother. Luke has been in a horrific car accident and, a month later, has just awoken from a coma. However, instead of celebrating, his family is stunned to learn that Luke is suffering from amnesia and only remembers his life as it was before his breakup with Elle. Not wanting to tell Luke that he and Elle aren’t together anymore for fear it may compromise his recovery, Elle is asked by Luke’s family to come to the hospital to see him. Their hope is that she will slowly be able to jog his memory and cushion the blow.
Guilt-ridden over how their relationship ended, Elle readily agrees, finding herself transported back in time with Luke to the life they once shared and the future they could have had together."
Sounds awesome, right?
The book alternated between now and ten years ago, which the author does well. We are with Luke and Elle as they meet, fall in love, and unfortunately, fall apart. We also see where they ended up, and how, if possible, they could find their way back to each other.
I really feel like this novel has potential, and could be amazing with a strong edit.
Things I loved:
The premise, the M/F main characters, the pacing, some of the banter between the characters. Luke (he was pretty swoon-worthy).
**SPOILERS a comin'! **
Things that (I think) could use a tune up:
The cliches (drunken-trailer trash mama, a virgin, spunky roommate, abusive ex, rape, a heroic intervention, "you're too good for me," -- ALL of the tropes seen in New Adult novels in one book!), and the WAY over the top use of simile/figurative language. Some of the descriptions were just...over the top:
"Her trepidation, so raw and apparent, had inherently transferred itself into me the moment I heard her voice on the end of the line, forcing me to soak up every tear she must have shed over the last few weeks like a sponge."
And, although I love the idea of it, the premise itself needs a little cleaning up too... I didn't feel that Luke's friends and family were in the right, and I doubt very much that any real families would do what they did. I'm willing to suspend belief for a good book, but this was a bit much at times.
And the surprise from Maggie at the end was kind of out of left field. Seemed like a last ditch attempt at drama. Oh, and there is an attempted rape by a serial rapist/murderer (NOT the rape mentioned above. Another rape!) that was kind of forgotten right after. It was kind of like the book went in a different direction for a minute, then veered back on course.
And the cover doesn't match the plot in any way, other than it features a human.
Like I said, a strong edit could make this book great.
I'd give it 2.5 stars (rounded to 3 on goodreads).
When Time Stands Still is available on Kindle Unlimited, just FYI.
I first heard of this book on NetGalley (a free copy was supplied to me in exchange for an honest review), and I knew I had to have it.
Here's the blurb:
"It’s been nearly a decade since Elle Sloan last saw Luke Hutchins. Close to ten years since she broke up with him over a single phone call, providing him with little explanation. Since the end of their relationship, Elle has done everything she could do to move on, marrying, proceeding forward with her life, almost allowing herself to completely forget about Luke.
Almost.
Out of nowhere, Elle receives a phone call from Luke’s mother. Luke has been in a horrific car accident and, a month later, has just awoken from a coma. However, instead of celebrating, his family is stunned to learn that Luke is suffering from amnesia and only remembers his life as it was before his breakup with Elle. Not wanting to tell Luke that he and Elle aren’t together anymore for fear it may compromise his recovery, Elle is asked by Luke’s family to come to the hospital to see him. Their hope is that she will slowly be able to jog his memory and cushion the blow.
Guilt-ridden over how their relationship ended, Elle readily agrees, finding herself transported back in time with Luke to the life they once shared and the future they could have had together."
Sounds awesome, right?
The book alternated between now and ten years ago, which the author does well. We are with Luke and Elle as they meet, fall in love, and unfortunately, fall apart. We also see where they ended up, and how, if possible, they could find their way back to each other.
I really feel like this novel has potential, and could be amazing with a strong edit.
Things I loved:
The premise, the M/F main characters, the pacing, some of the banter between the characters. Luke (he was pretty swoon-worthy).
**SPOILERS a comin'! **
Things that (I think) could use a tune up:
The cliches (drunken-trailer trash mama, a virgin, spunky roommate, abusive ex, rape, a heroic intervention, "you're too good for me," -- ALL of the tropes seen in New Adult novels in one book!), and the WAY over the top use of simile/figurative language. Some of the descriptions were just...over the top:
"Her trepidation, so raw and apparent, had inherently transferred itself into me the moment I heard her voice on the end of the line, forcing me to soak up every tear she must have shed over the last few weeks like a sponge."
And, although I love the idea of it, the premise itself needs a little cleaning up too... I didn't feel that Luke's friends and family were in the right, and I doubt very much that any real families would do what they did. I'm willing to suspend belief for a good book, but this was a bit much at times.
And the surprise from Maggie at the end was kind of out of left field. Seemed like a last ditch attempt at drama. Oh, and there is an attempted rape by a serial rapist/murderer (NOT the rape mentioned above. Another rape!) that was kind of forgotten right after. It was kind of like the book went in a different direction for a minute, then veered back on course.
And the cover doesn't match the plot in any way, other than it features a human.
Like I said, a strong edit could make this book great.
I'd give it 2.5 stars (rounded to 3 on goodreads).
When Time Stands Still is available on Kindle Unlimited, just FYI.
October 9, 2018
An amazing love story covering over ten years to fulfill. There is heartbreak, anguish, self-loathing, manipulation, acceptance, first love and romance. Elle/Ellen Rae Sloan grew up with a functioning alcoholic mother. She did not know who her father was. She lived constantly in fear of her mother's bitter condescending tongue. Elle grew up thinking she was not good enough for anything or anybody. Elle had grown up better than her circumstances. She was kind, thoughtful and loving. She was also insecure, afraid and full of bottled up anger. She excelled in school and received a full scholarship to college. Her roommate and best friend is Mena. Mena did not beat around the bush. She was a straight shooter. She did not filter anything she had to say. It did not matter to her if what she said hurt people's feelings. She told the truth no matter how ugly it was. Despite all this, Mena did love Elle and always wanted what was best for her. It was Mena who introduced Elle to Luke Hutchins. Luke attended a nearby college. His best friend from childhood was Peter Monroe. Monroe as he was called, was always there for Luke. He was Luke's roommate. He had a caustic sense of humor. If you did not get to know him, one might think he was not agreeable, unpleasant and sometimes thoughtless. But deep down he was a good man. Elle and Luke dated and one date lead to another and before you knew it they were boyfriend and girlfriend. However, Luke faced a challenge that Elle no longer had. After two years, Elle broke up with Luke for all the wrong reasons. Her mother was dying and did not want to die alone. Elle gave up college and her dreams to be with her unappreciative selfish mother. Her mother had convinced her that Luke was too good for her. That she was not woman enough to keep him. Elle believed her. Luke knew that Elle still loved him. So, he did not buy her excuse. But Elle never told him about her insecurities. Luke was devastated and eventually gave up trying to get in touch with Elle. Ten years later Elle was married to Eric, an attorney when Luke's mother Candy called her. Candy told her that Luke had been in a serious car accident and was severely injured. Also, he had amnesia and lost the last ten years of his life. Luke still thought he was still involved with Elle and he had been asking for her nonstop. Candy asked her to consider coming to them and try to help Luke. She immediately agreed. When she told her husband about it, she expected him to be jealous and object to her going. But the opposite happened. He was agreed that she should go and help her ex. This surprised Elle as she expected him to be angry. So, Elle traveled eight hours to get to Luke. It was awkward for her and Luke's parents. But they got into a rhythm. It was nerve wracking for Elle to see Luke after all this time in the condition he was in. She managed to hold off her tears. Luke was so happy to see her. Candy and Luke's Doctor agreed it was time to tell Luke the truth about his condition. Before any of them were able to all heck broke loose. Lies were uncovered, bitterness was expressed and truths were faced. Luke was confused and angry. His anger had a focus and it was at Elle. She left drove home and caught her husband with another woman in her bed. She put an end to her marriage, she moved and went back to school. She started working on her self-worth and self-image. One day she met up with Mena for a visit. All of a sudden Monroe shows up and then Luke shows up. Elle did not know what was going on. This story was about soulmates meeting, breaking up and reuniting under difficult circumstances, rejection and moving on with life. It is a very good read. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2018
Here's an excerpt from my review of When Time Stands Still on my blog. You can read the entire Book Tour post here: https://happymomblogger.wordpress.com...
My personal review of When Time Stands Still:
In When Time Stands Still, you get the immediate sense that Elle has self doubt and loss of self worth. In a marriage that isn't quite perfect nor ideal, Elle receives a call about a past boyfriend who desperately needs her help. Does she leave her husband and job for a few days to help out this old boyfriend? She does indeed, and we sort of wonder why she would if she is supposedly happily married and has a good life.
But everything on the surface isn't always reflected beneath. Elle doesn't have a husband who is madly in love with her and we get insights of their imperfect marriage. In fact, her husband seems to be quite a jerk. As Elle confronts the ghosts of her past, so does she reflect on her current life with her husband. Not that Elle does anything to jeopardize her marriage or anything, but as the chapters go back and forth between the past and the present, we see how wonderful Luke is and how truly great he is to her and with her. For me, Elle and Luke seemed like the sweet, young couple that every relationship should feel. A love so clean and pure that you can't help but fall in love with the main characters as well.
Elle's reflection of her past is truly sad. She had some traumatic events happen upon her - one whom Luke was able to save her from, the other she still had scars hidden deep within her soul and psyche. But the greatest defeat of Elle was her mom. Her mom, who should have helped her rise from the ashes instead constantly pushed her down, belittled her, and made fun of her choice of major in college. It was in college where Elle met Luke, and that saying about love at first sight was described so sweetly between the two. Luke's steadfast friendship and support helped Elle believe in herself but as with any tragic love story goes, there is always someone or something getting in the way.
In the story, both Elle and Luke have two great best friends. Snarky, funny, but loyal to a fault, Mena and Monroe are their backbones and "devil on the shoulder" if you may. They are big supporters of Elle and Luke's relationship and only a most dire situation pulls Elle out of all of their lives for good. Thus began the mystery between Elle and Luke's breakup.
As Elle helps Luke return to his normal life after the near death accident, she realizes that her heart had never let Luke go. She was still unequivocally in love with him and had only lived a half life after their breakup. We find out that Luke never moved on either and the details about Luke's amnesiac love for Elle and Elle's struggle to help him without guilt was beautiful to read. While at parts I would have liked to shake Elle awake to make her see that she was truly deserving of Luke and his love, Elle alas, had to discover it on her own. Was it too late for her and Luke? Or will Elle return to the mediocre life she was currently living in? You'll have to read the story to find out.
My personal review of When Time Stands Still:
In When Time Stands Still, you get the immediate sense that Elle has self doubt and loss of self worth. In a marriage that isn't quite perfect nor ideal, Elle receives a call about a past boyfriend who desperately needs her help. Does she leave her husband and job for a few days to help out this old boyfriend? She does indeed, and we sort of wonder why she would if she is supposedly happily married and has a good life.
But everything on the surface isn't always reflected beneath. Elle doesn't have a husband who is madly in love with her and we get insights of their imperfect marriage. In fact, her husband seems to be quite a jerk. As Elle confronts the ghosts of her past, so does she reflect on her current life with her husband. Not that Elle does anything to jeopardize her marriage or anything, but as the chapters go back and forth between the past and the present, we see how wonderful Luke is and how truly great he is to her and with her. For me, Elle and Luke seemed like the sweet, young couple that every relationship should feel. A love so clean and pure that you can't help but fall in love with the main characters as well.
Elle's reflection of her past is truly sad. She had some traumatic events happen upon her - one whom Luke was able to save her from, the other she still had scars hidden deep within her soul and psyche. But the greatest defeat of Elle was her mom. Her mom, who should have helped her rise from the ashes instead constantly pushed her down, belittled her, and made fun of her choice of major in college. It was in college where Elle met Luke, and that saying about love at first sight was described so sweetly between the two. Luke's steadfast friendship and support helped Elle believe in herself but as with any tragic love story goes, there is always someone or something getting in the way.
In the story, both Elle and Luke have two great best friends. Snarky, funny, but loyal to a fault, Mena and Monroe are their backbones and "devil on the shoulder" if you may. They are big supporters of Elle and Luke's relationship and only a most dire situation pulls Elle out of all of their lives for good. Thus began the mystery between Elle and Luke's breakup.
As Elle helps Luke return to his normal life after the near death accident, she realizes that her heart had never let Luke go. She was still unequivocally in love with him and had only lived a half life after their breakup. We find out that Luke never moved on either and the details about Luke's amnesiac love for Elle and Elle's struggle to help him without guilt was beautiful to read. While at parts I would have liked to shake Elle awake to make her see that she was truly deserving of Luke and his love, Elle alas, had to discover it on her own. Was it too late for her and Luke? Or will Elle return to the mediocre life she was currently living in? You'll have to read the story to find out.
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