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Fine Again
What would you do after losing the love of your life?For Mike, coming to terms with his loss seems impossible. In an effort to confront his pain, he starts a diary to tell his lost love how much he misses her—and what life is like without her—as he works though his grief.While inscribing his feelings, he reflects on a lifetime of personal and romantic relationships as he struggles to move on with his life, always retaining the hope that one day his life will truly be "Fine Again."This emotional and touching story will resonate with those who have struggled to come to terms with the loss of love, and provides a flicker of hope to anyone who wonders if the pain will ever fade away.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2018
About the author
Michael S. Vassel
13 books121 followersVoted Cleveland's Best Local Author/Writer for 2023, Michael has written several dark fantasy novels. These include his supernatural series “The Castle Chronicles,” the short story collection "Bits & Bites: Tales from a Twisted Mind," the psychological thriller "The Haunting of Matthew Keys," and the dystopian thriller "THE FALL"
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 4, 2018
I’d like to disclose that I know Michael Vassal and consider him a very good friend. However, my relationship to the author has no bearing on this review.
First, the parts that could use improvement: the dialogue is forced and simple. This could be improved in the second edition. However, for a first book, it’s quite good. Also, some parts seem unnecessary, such as the Lisa/Louise story.
Secondly, what made this novel beautiful: the diary entries. The raw emotion—the hurt, regret, and guilt—can only be written by one who has lived it. These entries screamed at me, as they would to anyone who has lost someone they loved, someone they believed was their soulmate (and not necessarily to death, as Mike lost Amy). These entries were so powerful that they triggered memories that I’d pushed away for years, but it was actually time for a good cathartic cry.
Were the rest of the novel written with the candor and feeling of the diary entries, especially the excerpts describing Mike’s time with Amy, it would’ve had award-winning potential. Regardless, I read this novel in two sittings (and it didn’t matter who the author was) because the story of Mike and Amy enthralled me!
First, the parts that could use improvement: the dialogue is forced and simple. This could be improved in the second edition. However, for a first book, it’s quite good. Also, some parts seem unnecessary, such as the Lisa/Louise story.
Secondly, what made this novel beautiful: the diary entries. The raw emotion—the hurt, regret, and guilt—can only be written by one who has lived it. These entries screamed at me, as they would to anyone who has lost someone they loved, someone they believed was their soulmate (and not necessarily to death, as Mike lost Amy). These entries were so powerful that they triggered memories that I’d pushed away for years, but it was actually time for a good cathartic cry.
Were the rest of the novel written with the candor and feeling of the diary entries, especially the excerpts describing Mike’s time with Amy, it would’ve had award-winning potential. Regardless, I read this novel in two sittings (and it didn’t matter who the author was) because the story of Mike and Amy enthralled me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2026
At first, I was skeptical and frustrated at how judgmental I was against the author. I do this with new authors all the time. There are about 10 grammatical errors but I think he’s self published and this is so tedious of me to mention, but I know other readers understand the game we play ha ha ha Don’t mark my words on the self publishing part. I’m so annoying.
Anyway- without giving the story away, I have to say. I am so surprised at the turnaround and how impressed I was overall with how everything tied together-it was the work of a genius on the rise. And I must point out that even when I was skeptical and picking him apart, I still could not put the book down. It’s definitely a worthy read. I read it in two sittings-both were done at the edge of my seat.;)
On the journey through his past relationships, he put us in the setting of teenage love and lust, and I felt like I was there. It reminded me of all those feelings and relationships where that was all that mattered in our world. The late nights of almost obsessing on the opposite sex And how this story doesn’t change, but the characters do. Hanging out and sneaking from parents. Competition and leaving your friends out when you have a significant other. And other significant others trumping one another.
It took me a while to believe the author really was a kind person as he portrayed. It’s always hard to believe the author tooting his own horn, but he wasn’t. He was just explaining things and how he felt but I just didn’t believe it until I was almost through the book. Maybe I’m jaded;/ Then I kind of caught onto his personality and gave him the benefit of the doubt. It started to piece together. I respected him because instead of pulling a Tucker Max move and try to be the big pig to sell books, he just kept it real And real did not have to be nasty instead, he had no shame in sharing his honest and heartfelt feelings, and he didn’t care that he may be portrayed as soft, but I respected his good heart and his bravery of not trying to be something he wasn’t. This made him anything but soft. More like a role model that I would like my son to turn out to be.
We need to honor authors like this who respect women and aren’t afraid to show that. I think he is an amazing and kind hearted man who is human with his faults, and makes for a better reading. Much respect and much love to this handsome and wonderful author who knows how to spin a cow. It’s really hard to shock me because I am well read but I must say that he did in multiple ways. It’s hard to say too much without telling the plot, but you can take my word for this. Immaculate writer. I look forward to more of his work
Anyway- without giving the story away, I have to say. I am so surprised at the turnaround and how impressed I was overall with how everything tied together-it was the work of a genius on the rise. And I must point out that even when I was skeptical and picking him apart, I still could not put the book down. It’s definitely a worthy read. I read it in two sittings-both were done at the edge of my seat.;)
On the journey through his past relationships, he put us in the setting of teenage love and lust, and I felt like I was there. It reminded me of all those feelings and relationships where that was all that mattered in our world. The late nights of almost obsessing on the opposite sex And how this story doesn’t change, but the characters do. Hanging out and sneaking from parents. Competition and leaving your friends out when you have a significant other. And other significant others trumping one another.
It took me a while to believe the author really was a kind person as he portrayed. It’s always hard to believe the author tooting his own horn, but he wasn’t. He was just explaining things and how he felt but I just didn’t believe it until I was almost through the book. Maybe I’m jaded;/ Then I kind of caught onto his personality and gave him the benefit of the doubt. It started to piece together. I respected him because instead of pulling a Tucker Max move and try to be the big pig to sell books, he just kept it real And real did not have to be nasty instead, he had no shame in sharing his honest and heartfelt feelings, and he didn’t care that he may be portrayed as soft, but I respected his good heart and his bravery of not trying to be something he wasn’t. This made him anything but soft. More like a role model that I would like my son to turn out to be.
We need to honor authors like this who respect women and aren’t afraid to show that. I think he is an amazing and kind hearted man who is human with his faults, and makes for a better reading. Much respect and much love to this handsome and wonderful author who knows how to spin a cow. It’s really hard to shock me because I am well read but I must say that he did in multiple ways. It’s hard to say too much without telling the plot, but you can take my word for this. Immaculate writer. I look forward to more of his work
May 24, 2026
Fine Again is a deeply emotional and reflective novel that explores grief, love, healing, and the difficult journey of learning how to move forward after devastating loss. Michael S. Vassel delivers a heartfelt story filled with honesty, vulnerability, and emotional realism that resonates long after the final chapter.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its raw emotional authenticity. The diary style narrative creates an intimate connection between the reader and Mike’s emotional world, allowing his grief, memories, regrets, and moments of hope to feel incredibly personal and sincere. The emotional struggles portrayed throughout the story are handled with sensitivity and realism, making the journey feel relatable and deeply human.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the way it reflects on relationships, both romantic and personal, while exploring how loss reshapes identity and perspective. The reflective tone gives the story emotional depth without ever feeling forced, and the gradual movement toward healing feels natural and meaningful.
Fine Again stands out because it does not simply focus on heartbreak, but also on resilience, memory, and the quiet possibility of emotional renewal. Thoughtful, moving, and emotionally sincere, this is a story that will connect strongly with readers who appreciate character driven fiction centered on love, grief, and hope.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its raw emotional authenticity. The diary style narrative creates an intimate connection between the reader and Mike’s emotional world, allowing his grief, memories, regrets, and moments of hope to feel incredibly personal and sincere. The emotional struggles portrayed throughout the story are handled with sensitivity and realism, making the journey feel relatable and deeply human.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the way it reflects on relationships, both romantic and personal, while exploring how loss reshapes identity and perspective. The reflective tone gives the story emotional depth without ever feeling forced, and the gradual movement toward healing feels natural and meaningful.
Fine Again stands out because it does not simply focus on heartbreak, but also on resilience, memory, and the quiet possibility of emotional renewal. Thoughtful, moving, and emotionally sincere, this is a story that will connect strongly with readers who appreciate character driven fiction centered on love, grief, and hope.
February 7, 2019
Great read
Great book. So many kinds of love. Maybe men and women can be just best friends. It took the book to make me realize that.
Great book. So many kinds of love. Maybe men and women can be just best friends. It took the book to make me realize that.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews