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Aloha Love
From the author of the Confetti Confidential series, Susan Murphy, comes a new women’s fiction novel about finding yourself through the toughest of experiences and learning how to not only love again but how to love yourself.
They say “true love comes but once,” but what if you missed it?
Jennifer Bell knows she missed her chance more than twenty years ago. Heartbroken and alone, she fell into the arms of a charming guy and his violent hold. Barely escaping with her life and scars that will likely never heal, she vowed never to let herself fall in love again.
Throwing herself into her work as a marriage celebrant, she spends her time helping others achieve their fairy tale ending. But what if the chance for love found its way back to her? While on a working holiday to Hawaii with her best friend Anna (who is having a major life crisis of her own), an encounter with the man she lost all those years ago could change everything.
Will Jen have the courage to fight for what she wants or return home to her life before Hawaii?
They say “true love comes but once,” but what if you missed it?
Jennifer Bell knows she missed her chance more than twenty years ago. Heartbroken and alone, she fell into the arms of a charming guy and his violent hold. Barely escaping with her life and scars that will likely never heal, she vowed never to let herself fall in love again.
Throwing herself into her work as a marriage celebrant, she spends her time helping others achieve their fairy tale ending. But what if the chance for love found its way back to her? While on a working holiday to Hawaii with her best friend Anna (who is having a major life crisis of her own), an encounter with the man she lost all those years ago could change everything.
Will Jen have the courage to fight for what she wants or return home to her life before Hawaii?
240 pages, ebook
Published June 20, 2018
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Susan Murphy
11 books38 followersAs a marriage and funeral celebrant from Adelaide, South Australia, Susan Murphy has some stories to tell.
Having conducted hundreds of weddings, funerals, naming days and many other more 'out there' celebrations, storytelling is a natural part of the process.
Her first book 'Confetti Confidential: They Do, I Don't' was first published with Harper Collins, (and re-published in 2022), with the follow-up, 'Annabel's Wedding' soon after. Her third, 'Aloha Love' is now available in paperback and ebook through Kindred Ink Press.
After a stint as the Writer in Residence at the SA Writers Centre, Susan is now working on a historical fiction project as well as a new women's fiction series.
www.susanmurphyauthor.com
Having conducted hundreds of weddings, funerals, naming days and many other more 'out there' celebrations, storytelling is a natural part of the process.
Her first book 'Confetti Confidential: They Do, I Don't' was first published with Harper Collins, (and re-published in 2022), with the follow-up, 'Annabel's Wedding' soon after. Her third, 'Aloha Love' is now available in paperback and ebook through Kindred Ink Press.
After a stint as the Writer in Residence at the SA Writers Centre, Susan is now working on a historical fiction project as well as a new women's fiction series.
www.susanmurphyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 21, 2018
Thank you so very much to Kindred Ink Press LLC & to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review!
Wow! Where to even start! First and foremost I'd like to point out that I was only just approved yesterday to read this book & I devoured it almost immediately! Something drew me to this book before the many others that sit patiently awaiting their review. What was it? I'm not sure I can even tell you ..but what I can say is that I am soooo happy that I jumped right into it!
I just added a new book to my "favorites" folder on goodreads! 5 stars all the way! I rarely read romance, and when I do it's not often that I am intrigued or impressed but this one pulled at my heartstrings! ❤️
Did you ever have a book that just spoke to you? This book was calling my name since page 1! Sipping Pina Coladas in Hawaii, ugh I'm so there! I wish!
Let me begin by saying that the main character " Jen" could NOT have been more relatable. She had such real emotions, she took time to appreciate her surroundings. I am always sneaking away to snap pictures so that I never forget how wonderful that moment was. I certainly have a story about " the one who got away" as I'm sure most of us do. Unfortunately I had the relationship where I was a victim as well and I know the horrors of thinking I see him everywhere. I'm 33 and while I'm in a wonderful relationship , I'm not married and I have no kids and often feel that my biological clock is ticking! This should have all been done by the age of thirty, no? I see myself in a Jen when she says " ...Jimmy Choos with a stiletto heel that would likely cripple me..." or " ...sure that some horrid swimming creature would decide to come over and say hello or bite my leg off." Cracks me up!
This book proves that you're never to old to chase that dream that you've been after for what seems like forever , you can overcome a devastating relationship and move on not unscathed but stronger, it validates that puppy love and high school sweethearts ARE a thing-- it does happen, it exists!
And.....let's not forget about our good friend Vinnie... who doesn't need Vinnie in their life? I'd take all of the free kisses and compliments that I can get from this goofy , charismatic man! Who cares if he talks in third person!?
I loved EVERYTHING about this story, so many lives coming together to equal one very well -thought out novel! Even some unexpected twists in the end both happy & sad !
I sure hope Susan Murphy sticks around for a long, long time because I could read books like " Aloha Love" every day and never get sick of them!
This book was released today! If you read it I promise that you won't be sorry!
Wow! Where to even start! First and foremost I'd like to point out that I was only just approved yesterday to read this book & I devoured it almost immediately! Something drew me to this book before the many others that sit patiently awaiting their review. What was it? I'm not sure I can even tell you ..but what I can say is that I am soooo happy that I jumped right into it!
I just added a new book to my "favorites" folder on goodreads! 5 stars all the way! I rarely read romance, and when I do it's not often that I am intrigued or impressed but this one pulled at my heartstrings! ❤️
Did you ever have a book that just spoke to you? This book was calling my name since page 1! Sipping Pina Coladas in Hawaii, ugh I'm so there! I wish!
Let me begin by saying that the main character " Jen" could NOT have been more relatable. She had such real emotions, she took time to appreciate her surroundings. I am always sneaking away to snap pictures so that I never forget how wonderful that moment was. I certainly have a story about " the one who got away" as I'm sure most of us do. Unfortunately I had the relationship where I was a victim as well and I know the horrors of thinking I see him everywhere. I'm 33 and while I'm in a wonderful relationship , I'm not married and I have no kids and often feel that my biological clock is ticking! This should have all been done by the age of thirty, no? I see myself in a Jen when she says " ...Jimmy Choos with a stiletto heel that would likely cripple me..." or " ...sure that some horrid swimming creature would decide to come over and say hello or bite my leg off." Cracks me up!
This book proves that you're never to old to chase that dream that you've been after for what seems like forever , you can overcome a devastating relationship and move on not unscathed but stronger, it validates that puppy love and high school sweethearts ARE a thing-- it does happen, it exists!
And.....let's not forget about our good friend Vinnie... who doesn't need Vinnie in their life? I'd take all of the free kisses and compliments that I can get from this goofy , charismatic man! Who cares if he talks in third person!?
I loved EVERYTHING about this story, so many lives coming together to equal one very well -thought out novel! Even some unexpected twists in the end both happy & sad !
I sure hope Susan Murphy sticks around for a long, long time because I could read books like " Aloha Love" every day and never get sick of them!
This book was released today! If you read it I promise that you won't be sorry!
June 17, 2018
I was not excited to start this book, because it was written in first person POV and it is totally not my thing. I read the beginning dropped my kids off at church, sent a message to my published and went back to it. Determined to read at least part of it. An hour later and three unanswered messages from my publisher later, I stopped because I had to get my kids. Somewhere along the lines, I got lost in the story.
I love romance books and chick lit and women's fiction aren't usually my thing because I want more than one POV. But this book was different and I am definitely glad I read it. Give it a chance, even if it is not your thing, because I think you will love it as much as I did.
Susan has an amazing writing style that is very clear and engaging. And the editing was spot on. I'm very glad I gave this book a chance. The characters and different story lines are weaved in wonderfully. The characters are easy to love and even the ones you weren't sure about, you'll love by the end.
I received this book for an honest review from the publisher.
I love romance books and chick lit and women's fiction aren't usually my thing because I want more than one POV. But this book was different and I am definitely glad I read it. Give it a chance, even if it is not your thing, because I think you will love it as much as I did.
Susan has an amazing writing style that is very clear and engaging. And the editing was spot on. I'm very glad I gave this book a chance. The characters and different story lines are weaved in wonderfully. The characters are easy to love and even the ones you weren't sure about, you'll love by the end.
I received this book for an honest review from the publisher.
July 28, 2018
Jen and Jake were high school sweethearts but their relationship was scuppered by Jake's father and Jen went on to marry, but to an abusive partner...... so Jake remained the live of her life! Jen has a career as a wedding celebrant and she gets talked into to going to Hawaii for a friends wedding.......... and who does she meet but Jake....... can first love be rekindled after all these years or has too much water passed under the bridge?
How can you not enjoy a book full of cocktails, romance and Hawaii....... and not dream of going there! As enjoyable light read perfect for the beach
How can you not enjoy a book full of cocktails, romance and Hawaii....... and not dream of going there! As enjoyable light read perfect for the beach
July 8, 2018
First I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. This was quick summer read it had a love story romance and mystery. I finished this book in a day and loved it. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book due to the POV but I did! If your looking for a quick read I would recommend this book!
June 24, 2018
This was a great quick summer beach read. It had a mix of fun, romance, second chance love and a bit of mystery. Good interesting characters and a storyline that held my attention.
March 17, 2020
La storia narra la vita dopo una rottura dovuta ad un argomento molto attuale. La violenza sulle donne. La scrittrice, attraverso la protagonista, spiega come ci si può riprendere la propria vita in mano e godersela al meglio. Riprendersi da qualcosa di così traumatico non deve essere facile e lo scopriamo con lei. Scopriamo le sue paure, i suoi dubbi e le sue voglie. Le sue speranze e i suoi rimorsi.
Jennifer é una donna che ha sofferto, con un marito violento e la perdita di un bambino ancora prima della sua nascita. Due argomenti che farebbero cadere tutti in un baratro, se non si avesse la forza e/o una persona con cui condividere tutto questo.
Jen ha la fortuna di avere accanto a se i suoi due migliori amici Anna e Vinnie. Loro hanno due vite che non son facili, e insieme a quella di Jen, piano piano ci confrontiamo anche con le loro.
Non si ha solo una storia, ma bensì tre in questo libro. Anna con suo marito che sfugge alla legge, e Vinnie con i suoi problemi famigliari.
Tutti e tre devono riprendersi. E per farlo organizzano questo viaggio alle Hawaii per il matrimonio di una parente. Ma un giorno il destino vuole che, una persona dal passato torni a far battere il cuore di Jen.
Jake. Il suo gande amore.
Le cose che capitano dopo sono romantiche, sexy, intriganti, un po' poliziesche, e comiche.
Un libro con una storia originale, che mi é piaciuta molto. L'ho letto tutto d'un fiato talmente é fluido e scritto bene! E Una cosa buona, che direi essere un plus... La protagonista non é una 25enne tutta figa con il belloccio di turno ricco e super macho bad boy, ma una donna che da una svolta alla sua vita e riscopre l'amore perduto con Jake, con pensieri superflui certo, ma soprattutto intensi e pieno di pathos.
Una seconda occasione sia di accettare se stessa che di riscoprire l'amore.
Jennifer é una donna che ha sofferto, con un marito violento e la perdita di un bambino ancora prima della sua nascita. Due argomenti che farebbero cadere tutti in un baratro, se non si avesse la forza e/o una persona con cui condividere tutto questo.
Jen ha la fortuna di avere accanto a se i suoi due migliori amici Anna e Vinnie. Loro hanno due vite che non son facili, e insieme a quella di Jen, piano piano ci confrontiamo anche con le loro.
Non si ha solo una storia, ma bensì tre in questo libro. Anna con suo marito che sfugge alla legge, e Vinnie con i suoi problemi famigliari.
Tutti e tre devono riprendersi. E per farlo organizzano questo viaggio alle Hawaii per il matrimonio di una parente. Ma un giorno il destino vuole che, una persona dal passato torni a far battere il cuore di Jen.
Jake. Il suo gande amore.
Le cose che capitano dopo sono romantiche, sexy, intriganti, un po' poliziesche, e comiche.
Un libro con una storia originale, che mi é piaciuta molto. L'ho letto tutto d'un fiato talmente é fluido e scritto bene! E Una cosa buona, che direi essere un plus... La protagonista non é una 25enne tutta figa con il belloccio di turno ricco e super macho bad boy, ma una donna che da una svolta alla sua vita e riscopre l'amore perduto con Jake, con pensieri superflui certo, ma soprattutto intensi e pieno di pathos.
Una seconda occasione sia di accettare se stessa che di riscoprire l'amore.
July 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I think this is what you’d call the perfect holiday “poolside” read, although I think it would be just as good if you read it beside any body of water, and even if you weren’t on holiday. This is a fun, fast-paced romance, with a bit of action and a bit of mystery and some great twists and turns. The characters all feel “real” and the main character, Jen, is a great person to tell this story, as she is hilarious. It had me hooked from start to finish, and this is an easy book to recommend.
July 4, 2018
I just loved this book, the perfect read poolside, especially with the main character being a celebrant- I'm a wedding and event planner and I just lOVED how who she is so entertained with the story. The three main characters were fun, thrilling and just a perfect trio, happy to have gotten to read this one thanks to Netgalley & Karan & Co. in exchange for a review, I'll be watching for more titles from the author!
August 14, 2018
My first time reading Susan Murphy but, it won’t be my last. This was a very well written book with well developed characters. I could actually feel Jen’s struggles between her past, her carrying for her family and wanting to become her own person. This book has a well developed plot with love, heartache and mystery. What a lovely beach read that has it all.
November 16, 2018
An entertaining and easy read perfect for the up-coming summer holidays. There were laughs and tears and who wouldn't want a friend like Vinnie? There's a lot to love about Aloha Love.
October 25, 2018
This was a good quick romance and is the first book I have read by Susan and it won't be the last. The writing and characters were good and while it took a little while to warm to Jen the more she opened up the more I felt for her this is a perfect read to curl up with for the afternoon I enjoyed it
July 15, 2018
Sometimes the past has such a hold on us, it is almost impossible to move forward. Jennifer has had one disastrous marriage which robbed her of all confidence. A trip to Hawaii may just change her life...especially when she re-connects with her first (and only) true love.
September 9, 2018
What a fun, quick read! I chose this book because it was set in Hawaii (my favorite) and it did not disappoint. Loved the characters, and the plot moved along well and kept me reading. Great summer weekend read!
August 7, 2018
This was an enjoyable story. I felt for Jen, but I didn't feel for her too deeply at first. She was just skimming the surface of her feelings, and while I sympathized for her, I didn't feel what she had gone through. Later in the story, when she tells Vinnie of her son and that situation, I finally felt all the feels. I understand not mentioning the situation with Nick too far in depth, but I needed more than just a synopsis. Unfortunately, that was the furthest we got into her back story. I love Vinnie's character and what he does for Jen. At first I thought Vinnie was a typical Jersey Shore-type man, big and tan and talking in the third person. As the story unravels, Vinnie turns out to be a huge sweetheart. With sexual fluidity that Jen wasn't aware of, he gives her back some of the confidence that Nick stole from her. There is one part that I was obsessed with was the surprise vow renewal - I will not give this away, but I had a bad feeling from the time Jen accessed their file. Overall this was a great story, and I loved all the characters. Everyone gets their happy ending, and I was happy about that. I do wish there was more detail into Jen's past and I would have then loved the story. I would definitely recommend to those who have lost loved ones and experienced hardships in their lives, as well as any hopeless romantics.
November 3, 2018
“They say it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have had the chance to love at all.”
If writing farewell letters and tossing it on the sea or hide it under the deepest hole you dug in the sand, would let go of your painful past easily, then I might have done it already – even had 1000+ letters to burn too just to let go of the painful past. But, that’s not just it. I wish it was that easy to let go of the things we want to forget and have time to heal, which the book used to finish Jen’s sufferings. And also, I wish that a kiss from a stranger was that easy to gain back one’s self-confidence – heck I’ll kiss every random stranger I meet. It wasn’t just realistic.
I like the ending though, after everything Jen went through, she deserves to be happy with someone who accepts her now and her past.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest book review.
If writing farewell letters and tossing it on the sea or hide it under the deepest hole you dug in the sand, would let go of your painful past easily, then I might have done it already – even had 1000+ letters to burn too just to let go of the painful past. But, that’s not just it. I wish it was that easy to let go of the things we want to forget and have time to heal, which the book used to finish Jen’s sufferings. And also, I wish that a kiss from a stranger was that easy to gain back one’s self-confidence – heck I’ll kiss every random stranger I meet. It wasn’t just realistic.
I like the ending though, after everything Jen went through, she deserves to be happy with someone who accepts her now and her past.
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August 1, 2018
I loved it, I loved it, I loved it! Can not recommend enough!
This is one of those romantic stories that makes your heart sigh and stomach flop when you think the destined pair just might not get together. I absolutely loved this story, and the main character Jen, was a very relatable and a well developed character. She's teetering after leaving a abusive relationship, still stuck on thoughts of a past love that didn't work out because of external circumstances. What happens when she thinks she starts seeing him everywhere? What happens when it is him, in fact, that she spots while on vacation with two friends? A bit of hilarity and suppressed emotions ensues creating a perfect, suspenseful love story.
The supporting cast of characters made me laugh quite a bit, I was a big fan of Vinnie even when his talking in the third person annoyed me as much as it annoyed Jen haha.
This is one of those romantic stories that makes your heart sigh and stomach flop when you think the destined pair just might not get together. I absolutely loved this story, and the main character Jen, was a very relatable and a well developed character. She's teetering after leaving a abusive relationship, still stuck on thoughts of a past love that didn't work out because of external circumstances. What happens when she thinks she starts seeing him everywhere? What happens when it is him, in fact, that she spots while on vacation with two friends? A bit of hilarity and suppressed emotions ensues creating a perfect, suspenseful love story.
The supporting cast of characters made me laugh quite a bit, I was a big fan of Vinnie even when his talking in the third person annoyed me as much as it annoyed Jen haha.
July 12, 2018
I read this book on the Mediterranean, yet I could very well have been in Hawaii.
Wedding celebrant Jen and her friends Anna and Vince fly to Hawaii for a wedding and vacation, each harbouring problems they secretly hope to resolve during their holiday. What follows is a tale of love, mystery and human atonement.
Susan Murphy writes rom-com about challenges and joys faced by many in our society. But what is different about 'Aloha Love' is that while it is an easy read, it is written with heart. Jen, Anna and Vince each have depth, which made them real and easy to engage with. Well-placed soliloquy enabled me to feel their pain and their delight. If you enjoy stories with pace and humour, a little mystery, pathos and triumph, you'll love Susan Murphy's 'Aloha Love.'
Wedding celebrant Jen and her friends Anna and Vince fly to Hawaii for a wedding and vacation, each harbouring problems they secretly hope to resolve during their holiday. What follows is a tale of love, mystery and human atonement.
Susan Murphy writes rom-com about challenges and joys faced by many in our society. But what is different about 'Aloha Love' is that while it is an easy read, it is written with heart. Jen, Anna and Vince each have depth, which made them real and easy to engage with. Well-placed soliloquy enabled me to feel their pain and their delight. If you enjoy stories with pace and humour, a little mystery, pathos and triumph, you'll love Susan Murphy's 'Aloha Love.'
November 29, 2019
Fast paced fun in this book. I couldn't put it down. Love picturing the beautiful setting of Hawaii in my mind. A bit of romance, a bit of mystery, lots of laughs. Very enjoyable. I'll have to go look up Susan's first couple of books.
January 9, 2021
It's fair to say this is not my usual read. When picking books off genre it can be difficult to gauge if you will genuinely enjoy the story. With Susan's Aloha Love, I certainly picked the right book. Great book, loved the ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews