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The Girl in Seat 24B
One red eye flight and ten years of marriage later, Carly Bishop had what she considered a practically perfect life. Her journalist husband and her two adorable children were everything to her. But soon she would find out that her dream life didn't fall in line with her husband's expectations.
Left alone to sort out the pieces of her crumbling life, Carly finds strength in her children and her growing relationship with her in-laws. Most importantly, she finds her greatest strength as she builds a friendship with herself.
This is a beautiful story of one woman's strength and determination as she finds the will to move forward and be happy while the life she had grown to love crumbles around her. It is a story of a man who has lost his way and may lose it all if he can't find his way back. The Girl in Seat 24B is a story of love and forgiveness.
Left alone to sort out the pieces of her crumbling life, Carly finds strength in her children and her growing relationship with her in-laws. Most importantly, she finds her greatest strength as she builds a friendship with herself.
This is a beautiful story of one woman's strength and determination as she finds the will to move forward and be happy while the life she had grown to love crumbles around her. It is a story of a man who has lost his way and may lose it all if he can't find his way back. The Girl in Seat 24B is a story of love and forgiveness.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2014
687 people are currently reading
1665 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
64 books1,400 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
May 10, 2017
3.5 stars. It's Kindle freebie romance time again, and I've gotta say, this was a different type of romance. It's more of a "Can This Marriage Be Saved" type of story (my mom used to get the Ladies Home Journal, and as a teen back in the day I would avidly read that column each month).
We begin with a brief blog entry by Michael Bishop about how he meets Carly on a redeye flight one night and almost instantly falls for her. Fast forward 10 years, where we change to Carly's POV. Michael's been more and more distant in their marriage in the last several months, and as she urges him, one night in bed, to tell her what's wrong, he springs on her the last news she expected: he wants a separation. He's unhappy with his life, wants to do more with his journalist career, and feels like he's being held back. (I'm not sure if the words "midlife crisis" were actually used, but that's pretty clearly what Michael is going through.)
Carly is stunned, and over the next several chapters she does whatever she can to try to save her marriage. Michael moves into a separate apartment, they deal with telling their two young children, Michael says he doesn't want a divorce, at least not yet, but doesn't really know what he wants at this point. He's not a great communicator and is spending most of his time traveling on assignments. Carly spends an awful lot of time weeping, at least at first, but she gets more and more frustrated with him and finally is ready to move on with her life.
**some spoilers follow** This being Romancelandia, about the time Carly's had it and decides to file for divorce, Michael starts to -- dimly at first and then more urgently as he realizes they're reaching the point of no return -- communicate better and then try to win Carly back again. But Carly doesn't think she can ever really trust Michael again.
It was a compelling story and really sucked me in, I'll give it that. It was only after I finished it that it occurred to me, gee, it's nice that Carly had a great photography career that she was able to jump back into after 10 years away, and also, BTW, a hefty trust fund from her dead parents, so she could tell Michael she doesn't need any of his money, so there! And then I started thinking harder about the whole set-up. Carly also has:
(1) charm and beauty ... even being (oops) pregnant from before the split,
(2) other guys hitting on her even though she's visibly pregnant,
(3) supportive in-laws, and
(4) a husband who realizes his idiocy and starts begging for another chance.
In other words, for a person whose marriage is breaking up, Carly has it awfully good in pretty much all other ways. It's sort of like a divorce fairy tale, not very realistic. Also, there's a little too much repetition and telling rather than showing in this novel. But still, it's a fun read in its own way. If you're looking for a "he done her wrong and now he's gotta grovel" kind of a book, you can't beat Jennifer Peel.
We begin with a brief blog entry by Michael Bishop about how he meets Carly on a redeye flight one night and almost instantly falls for her. Fast forward 10 years, where we change to Carly's POV. Michael's been more and more distant in their marriage in the last several months, and as she urges him, one night in bed, to tell her what's wrong, he springs on her the last news she expected: he wants a separation. He's unhappy with his life, wants to do more with his journalist career, and feels like he's being held back. (I'm not sure if the words "midlife crisis" were actually used, but that's pretty clearly what Michael is going through.)
Carly is stunned, and over the next several chapters she does whatever she can to try to save her marriage. Michael moves into a separate apartment, they deal with telling their two young children, Michael says he doesn't want a divorce, at least not yet, but doesn't really know what he wants at this point. He's not a great communicator and is spending most of his time traveling on assignments. Carly spends an awful lot of time weeping, at least at first, but she gets more and more frustrated with him and finally is ready to move on with her life.
**some spoilers follow** This being Romancelandia, about the time Carly's had it and decides to file for divorce, Michael starts to -- dimly at first and then more urgently as he realizes they're reaching the point of no return -- communicate better and then try to win Carly back again. But Carly doesn't think she can ever really trust Michael again.
It was a compelling story and really sucked me in, I'll give it that. It was only after I finished it that it occurred to me, gee, it's nice that Carly had a great photography career that she was able to jump back into after 10 years away, and also, BTW, a hefty trust fund from her dead parents, so she could tell Michael she doesn't need any of his money, so there! And then I started thinking harder about the whole set-up. Carly also has:
(1) charm and beauty ... even being (oops) pregnant from before the split,
(2) other guys hitting on her even though she's visibly pregnant,
(3) supportive in-laws, and
(4) a husband who realizes his idiocy and starts begging for another chance.
In other words, for a person whose marriage is breaking up, Carly has it awfully good in pretty much all other ways. It's sort of like a divorce fairy tale, not very realistic. Also, there's a little too much repetition and telling rather than showing in this novel. But still, it's a fun read in its own way. If you're looking for a "he done her wrong and now he's gotta grovel" kind of a book, you can't beat Jennifer Peel.
February 18, 2021
This one baffled me. The husband, no H here, just announces he’s not happy. He vehemently denies having an affair despite a secret bank account and dyeing he’s greying hair darker. He doesn’t just leave his wife either, he sidelines his kids with little care as to how they feel sometimes letting months go by without seeing them.
It’s not until the heroine says, that’s it and I want a divorce that he decides he wants back in.
It’s a well done marriage in peril story, but his I want my cake and yours too attitude prevents me from giving it more than 2 stars. Even his dad wants to kick his rear. The heroine isn’t an idiot, but truly loves the schmuck because of the previous ten years of wonderfulness despite her current disgust and frustration. She is obviously a better person than I am because if it were me I would be living a country music song.
Fist City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgylO...
D-I-V-O-R-C-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRis1...
It’s not until the heroine says, that’s it and I want a divorce that he decides he wants back in.
It’s a well done marriage in peril story, but his I want my cake and yours too attitude prevents me from giving it more than 2 stars. Even his dad wants to kick his rear. The heroine isn’t an idiot, but truly loves the schmuck because of the previous ten years of wonderfulness despite her current disgust and frustration. She is obviously a better person than I am because if it were me I would be living a country music song.
Fist City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgylO...
D-I-V-O-R-C-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRis1...
January 7, 2016
"No one deserves a husband like me, especially my wife."
Carly feels her husband slowly pulling away from her, keeping his distance from her, until one day he drops the bomb that he wants to seperate. Michael has already a new apartment and booked new assignments with his job as a journalist that demand him traveling. He doesn't even say goodbye to his two kids, Ashton (7) and Mia (4). She suspects that he has an affair, but he denies that and at the same time he won't answer about what is his deal and why he's truly doing this.
"I wanted to make it all better. I wanted an extra- large Band- Aid to fix our family, but I was pretty sure they didn't make one that size."
Carly tries to save her marriage but it seems hard since her husband seems indifferent and not in the least interested to bother with his family anymore. He asks for time, but he also becomes cold and harsh with Carly. She doesn't know how much longer she can hope for him coming back. Her children seem torn and the situation gets even harder with an unexpected surprise.
"I prayed for strength and courage. Courage to do what, I wasn't sure. Should it be to stay or to walk away?"
Carly will face the greatest struggle in her life, all because her husband has turned out to be, suddenly, an unemotional, selfish prick. But watching her children struggle with the current unknown situation will bring her to her limits and she will have to take drastic measures.
I truly enjoyed this book and even though it was more depressing than I expected, I loved how realistic it was. Truth sometimes is hard to shallow and therefore a damaged marriage with kids wasn't an easy read. However, I think it was an interesting story and I know it will hit too close to some people. The hero was so annoying at the biggest part of the book that i was fuming! I wanted to know what his deal was and what happened that made him give up on his family.
Realistically raw and yet so well written ! Give this a chance and you won't regret it! Also if you need to know
February 15, 2021
If you're in the mood for hero-does-her-wrong angst, then this is for you.
H/h have been married for ten years. They met on a red-eye flight (hence the title), talked all night, and ended up falling in love. Heroine is a photographer and hero is a journalist. The prologue is from the hero's point of view and is supposed to be an excerpt from the blog he wrote for many years. It's about how they met and fell in love and it is very sweet.
Turn the page - chapter one - ten years and two kids later - and he's telling the heroine he's moving out and that he doesn't love her anymore.
Heroine is shocked, hurt, desperate to protect her children (age 5 and 7), and desperate to have her marriage back.
The angst is very well done as the heroine realizes she is pregnant with their third child and doesn't know what to do. She holds off telling the hero until she has to be hospitalized for a kidney infection. Hero doesn't answer his phone, she has to turn to her in-laws who have never really liked her.
That marks a turning point as hero's parents become supportive of the heroine (her parent's died in a bombing the first year they were married).
During the long summer, hero blows hot and cold with the heroine, his parents and his own children. It's not just the heroine he is hurting.
The angst goes on and on and the story could have used some trimming. I kept waiting to understand just what drove the hero to act like this - it wasn't another woman, it wasn't a huge difference in opinion. Hero turned 40 while the H/h were estranged, but I don't see how turning away from *all* of your loved ones is a mid-life crisis.
Anyway - it all works out eventually. I won't give it all away. The heroine is too saintly to be believed and hero never made it up to her, as far as I'm concerned.
Hero seems to realize he has the power to hurt the heroine at the end and her promises not to hurt her again. But I think he always knew he had that power.
What's (maybe?) implied at the end is that hero feels vulnerable loving his family. I guess? I don't know. If that is why he ran - well, welcome to the human race, buddy. You don't have children/spouses/parents without understanding how fragile everyone is.
For angst junkies only.
For those who need to know:
No religious reasons for forgiving.
No cheating
Heroine does not fall back into bed with him
Third baby is okay
H/h have been married for ten years. They met on a red-eye flight (hence the title), talked all night, and ended up falling in love. Heroine is a photographer and hero is a journalist. The prologue is from the hero's point of view and is supposed to be an excerpt from the blog he wrote for many years. It's about how they met and fell in love and it is very sweet.
Turn the page - chapter one - ten years and two kids later - and he's telling the heroine he's moving out and that he doesn't love her anymore.
Heroine is shocked, hurt, desperate to protect her children (age 5 and 7), and desperate to have her marriage back.
The angst is very well done as the heroine realizes she is pregnant with their third child and doesn't know what to do. She holds off telling the hero until she has to be hospitalized for a kidney infection. Hero doesn't answer his phone, she has to turn to her in-laws who have never really liked her.
That marks a turning point as hero's parents become supportive of the heroine (her parent's died in a bombing the first year they were married).
During the long summer, hero blows hot and cold with the heroine, his parents and his own children. It's not just the heroine he is hurting.
The angst goes on and on and the story could have used some trimming. I kept waiting to understand just what drove the hero to act like this - it wasn't another woman, it wasn't a huge difference in opinion. Hero turned 40 while the H/h were estranged, but I don't see how turning away from *all* of your loved ones is a mid-life crisis.
Anyway - it all works out eventually. I won't give it all away. The heroine is too saintly to be believed and hero never made it up to her, as far as I'm concerned.
Hero seems to realize he has the power to hurt the heroine at the end and her promises not to hurt her again. But I think he always knew he had that power.
What's (maybe?) implied at the end is that hero feels vulnerable loving his family. I guess? I don't know. If that is why he ran - well, welcome to the human race, buddy. You don't have children/spouses/parents without understanding how fragile everyone is.
For angst junkies only.
For those who need to know:
No religious reasons for forgiving.
No cheating
Heroine does not fall back into bed with him
Third baby is okay
December 13, 2023
Re-read 12-12-2023
I enjoyed the angsty/turmoil feels of this story all over again. Man, I wish there were more stories out there that give that kick to the gut feels this one elicited. What a heartbreak read this is. And just like my friends on here have described, Bishop was absolutely a selfish POS, only caring about himself through most of this story, and he definitely didn't grovel nearly as much as he need to after putting his lovely wife and children through the bullshit he did. And Carly was such a sweetheart. TOO much of a sweetheart. She put up with everything and let her husband get away with all of his bullshit without even yelling, screaming or kicking his ass like he needed. She did come off as very much a doormat. I don't care though. I adored all of the feels of this story, and I have no doubt I'll read this angsty goodness all over again in the future as well.
***FIVE STARS***
I really enjoyed this story of a woman trying to hold the pieces of her family together, after her husband, going through a mid life crisis, suddenly walks out on her and her two children.
Bishop was a Grade A Asshole through most of the story. He was such a jerk that even someone as sweet as Mr. Rogers couldn't stand him. What was your first though after meeting Bishop, Mr. Rogers?
Carly was such a sweetheart through the entire story, and she tried to be patient and positive for her two children , all the while not understanding why her husband didn't want her anymore or why he even left in the first place. Carly's pain was very believable and my heart broke for her through her entire devastating experience.
A great deal of this story was Carly trying her hardest to be patient with Bishop until he (hopefully) pulls his head out of his ass and decides to come home. After months of Bishop only giving a shit about himself, avoiding his wife and children, missing out on special occasions, and being pretty much distant and cold to Carly, she finally starts to acknowledge that their marriage is over, and she starts to see her future as a single mother, and in self preservation she finally starts her plans to make that future a reality.
Bishop finally gets a wake up call when Carly demands her divorce from him, so she and her children can finally move forward and start to heal from this painful year. Like the old saying goes, you never want what you have until it's gone, and that's when he decides he wants to fight for their marriage.
There was a fair amount of groveling by Bishop towards the end of this story, especially the last chapter. My eyes teared up during this story several times, because the Carly's devastating pain and the hit she took to her self esteem cut like a knife. I enjoyed every bit of the angst in this awesome story.
***FIVE STARS***
I really enjoyed this story of a woman trying to hold the pieces of her family together, after her husband, going through a mid life crisis, suddenly walks out on her and her two children.
Bishop was a Grade A Asshole through most of the story. He was such a jerk that even someone as sweet as Mr. Rogers couldn't stand him. What was your first though after meeting Bishop, Mr. Rogers?
Carly was such a sweetheart through the entire story, and she tried to be patient and positive for her two children , all the while not understanding why her husband didn't want her anymore or why he even left in the first place. Carly's pain was very believable and my heart broke for her through her entire devastating experience.
A great deal of this story was Carly trying her hardest to be patient with Bishop until he (hopefully) pulls his head out of his ass and decides to come home. After months of Bishop only giving a shit about himself, avoiding his wife and children, missing out on special occasions, and being pretty much distant and cold to Carly, she finally starts to acknowledge that their marriage is over, and she starts to see her future as a single mother, and in self preservation she finally starts her plans to make that future a reality.
Bishop finally gets a wake up call when Carly demands her divorce from him, so she and her children can finally move forward and start to heal from this painful year. Like the old saying goes, you never want what you have until it's gone, and that's when he decides he wants to fight for their marriage.
There was a fair amount of groveling by Bishop towards the end of this story, especially the last chapter. My eyes teared up during this story several times, because the Carly's devastating pain and the hit she took to her self esteem cut like a knife. I enjoyed every bit of the angst in this awesome story.
December 2, 2014
The first 77% of this book gets 4 stars. The rest gets 1.5.
I couldn't believe how good this book was, at first. I couldn't put it down. It was so realistic and heartbreaking, but at 78% it turned into something totally different. Something cheesy. I didn't get to see the hero's character develop/change, instead, he did a 180 all of a sudden. I was so disappointed, also because the heroine was no doormat, which is really rare.
I couldn't believe how good this book was, at first. I couldn't put it down. It was so realistic and heartbreaking, but at 78% it turned into something totally different. Something cheesy. I didn't get to see the hero's character develop/change, instead, he did a 180 all of a sudden. I was so disappointed, also because the heroine was no doormat, which is really rare.
December 7, 2023
Holy shit, the angst was high in this one. I'm a sucker for marriage-in-trouble stories.
✔️ The angst factor gets 5 Stars from me. This was the most satisfying aspect of the book. I ate it up.
✔️ It's well-written, even though I strongly believe it desperately needed the MMC's point of view.
Regarding Bishop, the MMC:
The short version? Bishop behaved like a selfish, insensitive asshole.
The long version...
🫤 I didn't fully understand his abhorrent, inexcusable behavior towards his family, his children—my god! Too many holes in his story because the author left us in the dark about his thought process, his feelings, his motivations. Whatever was revealed, was minimal. It wasn't even close to being enough, not after all the turmoil it caused the heroine (and the reader). He continually hurt his family for a year. I'm unsure about the length of time but it was for TOO LONG.
🫤 He pulled a 180. It's like the dude had a brain transplant. He had a sudden change of heart and the reader is just suppose to buy it, with little explanation.
🫤 Did he grovel? Yes, and I'd say it was decent, but it was insufficient. Three reasons for that: One, his regret is mostly told, not actually shown. Oh, I was made to feel the FMC's angst—deeply—for almost the entirety of the book, but from the MMC...just a few apologies. I don't know why authors tend to skimp on this in second chance romance. I guess they find it easier to make their female characters suffer but not so much their male ones. It's enough to push some readers to drink in the middle of the day.
It's me. I'm some readers.
Two, he didn't actually redeem himself. Just because you say you're sorry and promise not to fuck up so spectacularly again, doesn't mean you're suddenly redeemed. Three, he was forgiven too easily; it didn't take much and didn't take long, which to me, only undermined the grovel. Am I surprised? No, but it sure never fails to disappoint.
Regarding Carly, the FMC:
The short version? Carly was a weakling.
The long version...
JFC, what's with all these Mary Sue's in second chance romance? And why do I keep reading this damn trope? Honestly, because when done right, it's romance GOLD for me. No doubt, it's like searching for a unicorn, but they are out there.
🫤 Sure, at some point she finally grew a spine but she was never really sure of herself. She even started believing she bore some of the blame for his unhappiness. Fuck, is this eye-rolling. He played her like fiddle, strung her along, and she passively accepted his bullshit.
🫤 I was disappointed that she didn't take up the opportunity to make the MMC jealous by cozying up with that dude she met at the beach. A little competition would have been satisfying to see. He would have deserved it. But no, she needed to stay in her lane and play the Mary Sue role to perfection.
Regarding the HEA:
They got one, including a short epilogue (only a few months in the future).
It wasn't wholly satisfying for me. I wasn't convinced he deserved a second chance. I'm not entirely sure he wouldn't run from his family again in the future. The dude was not trustworthy. The epilogue should have shown them 10 years later, to prove he stayed true to his promise.
Would I read I this again? *clears throat and coughs* Probably (replies the masochist).
✔️ The angst factor gets 5 Stars from me. This was the most satisfying aspect of the book. I ate it up.
✔️ It's well-written, even though I strongly believe it desperately needed the MMC's point of view.
Regarding Bishop, the MMC:
The short version? Bishop behaved like a selfish, insensitive asshole.
The long version...
🫤 I didn't fully understand his abhorrent, inexcusable behavior towards his family, his children—my god! Too many holes in his story because the author left us in the dark about his thought process, his feelings, his motivations. Whatever was revealed, was minimal. It wasn't even close to being enough, not after all the turmoil it caused the heroine (and the reader). He continually hurt his family for a year. I'm unsure about the length of time but it was for TOO LONG.
🫤 He pulled a 180. It's like the dude had a brain transplant. He had a sudden change of heart and the reader is just suppose to buy it, with little explanation.
🫤 Did he grovel? Yes, and I'd say it was decent, but it was insufficient. Three reasons for that: One, his regret is mostly told, not actually shown. Oh, I was made to feel the FMC's angst—deeply—for almost the entirety of the book, but from the MMC...just a few apologies. I don't know why authors tend to skimp on this in second chance romance. I guess they find it easier to make their female characters suffer but not so much their male ones. It's enough to push some readers to drink in the middle of the day.
It's me. I'm some readers.
Two, he didn't actually redeem himself. Just because you say you're sorry and promise not to fuck up so spectacularly again, doesn't mean you're suddenly redeemed. Three, he was forgiven too easily; it didn't take much and didn't take long, which to me, only undermined the grovel. Am I surprised? No, but it sure never fails to disappoint.
Regarding Carly, the FMC:
The short version? Carly was a weakling.
The long version...
JFC, what's with all these Mary Sue's in second chance romance? And why do I keep reading this damn trope? Honestly, because when done right, it's romance GOLD for me. No doubt, it's like searching for a unicorn, but they are out there.
🫤 Sure, at some point she finally grew a spine but she was never really sure of herself. She even started believing she bore some of the blame for his unhappiness. Fuck, is this eye-rolling. He played her like fiddle, strung her along, and she passively accepted his bullshit.
🫤 I was disappointed that she didn't take up the opportunity to make the MMC jealous by cozying up with that dude she met at the beach. A little competition would have been satisfying to see. He would have deserved it. But no, she needed to stay in her lane and play the Mary Sue role to perfection.
Regarding the HEA:
They got one, including a short epilogue (only a few months in the future).
It wasn't wholly satisfying for me. I wasn't convinced he deserved a second chance. I'm not entirely sure he wouldn't run from his family again in the future. The dude was not trustworthy. The epilogue should have shown them 10 years later, to prove he stayed true to his promise.
Would I read I this again? *clears throat and coughs* Probably (replies the masochist).
October 27, 2016
Heartbreaking.
This my friends was a hard read. The H was a horrible horrible horrible (is that enough horribles?) human being. What he did to his family was cruel and I just can't believe his turnabout at 75% into the book.
I know he said he was faithful but I don't believe it. He dyed his hair so there was no grey. He kept a secret checking account! He rented an apartment. He disappeared on trips and didn't answer his phone. He didn't call till late at night or not at all. He wasn't around for his kids. He was most certainly acting like he was cheating. But no it turns out he lost sight of himself and had to find it again. Oh how sad. Poor baby. Come on man!!! I say shoot him straight through the heart he told you didn't love you anymore. That was the cruelest cut of all. What a selfish pig. Did I tell you he did this while she was pregnant too and sick and taking care of his two young children? Even after his about face I wasn't buying it. He was way too unforgivable. I mean this man was just horrible.
I loved the h. I thought she was incredible. She was strong and she fought for her marriage until she knew it was hopeless. And once she said I surrender, you win, he starts changing. And then presto chango, he's back!!!! My head is still trying to understand what happened. I agree with other readers saying that they wished they had his perspective too but that was what was great about this book. We were as clueless as the h was as to what he was thinking. We were experiencing what she was. The horror, the pain, the unknowing. That is why i loved this book. The author made me feel her pain confusion and angst. I can't say enough about that.
And her reaction to him suddenly being 'Bishop' the man she loved again was real and true. She was afraid but she still loved him under all the pain he caused. I don't think she will ever completely trust him again. But he did grovel I guess. He tried to make it up to her but I just didn't buy it. Again he acted like a cheater would when he was done with his fling and filled with remorse. But he says not. I have to believe the author. Kind of.
And the little boy Ashton and his reaction was just heartbreaking. He was just so hurt. It was very sad. That slayed me, those scenes. And the H was just like I have to do this. Just despicable the way he left them with her so he could get the good jobs. He was tired of playing house. I still say shoot him.
But he got her back and loved her again and got famous etc. Back to Bishop he says. But what if Micheal comes back?? He did in Halloween.
And did I tell you that the H is just a horrible, horrible man??? Because he was. Very horrible.
This my friends was a hard read. The H was a horrible horrible horrible (is that enough horribles?) human being. What he did to his family was cruel and I just can't believe his turnabout at 75% into the book.
I know he said he was faithful but I don't believe it. He dyed his hair so there was no grey. He kept a secret checking account! He rented an apartment. He disappeared on trips and didn't answer his phone. He didn't call till late at night or not at all. He wasn't around for his kids. He was most certainly acting like he was cheating. But no it turns out he lost sight of himself and had to find it again. Oh how sad. Poor baby. Come on man!!! I say shoot him straight through the heart he told you didn't love you anymore. That was the cruelest cut of all. What a selfish pig. Did I tell you he did this while she was pregnant too and sick and taking care of his two young children? Even after his about face I wasn't buying it. He was way too unforgivable. I mean this man was just horrible.
I loved the h. I thought she was incredible. She was strong and she fought for her marriage until she knew it was hopeless. And once she said I surrender, you win, he starts changing. And then presto chango, he's back!!!! My head is still trying to understand what happened. I agree with other readers saying that they wished they had his perspective too but that was what was great about this book. We were as clueless as the h was as to what he was thinking. We were experiencing what she was. The horror, the pain, the unknowing. That is why i loved this book. The author made me feel her pain confusion and angst. I can't say enough about that.
And her reaction to him suddenly being 'Bishop' the man she loved again was real and true. She was afraid but she still loved him under all the pain he caused. I don't think she will ever completely trust him again. But he did grovel I guess. He tried to make it up to her but I just didn't buy it. Again he acted like a cheater would when he was done with his fling and filled with remorse. But he says not. I have to believe the author. Kind of.
And the little boy Ashton and his reaction was just heartbreaking. He was just so hurt. It was very sad. That slayed me, those scenes. And the H was just like I have to do this. Just despicable the way he left them with her so he could get the good jobs. He was tired of playing house. I still say shoot him.
But he got her back and loved her again and got famous etc. Back to Bishop he says. But what if Micheal comes back?? He did in Halloween.
And did I tell you that the H is just a horrible, horrible man??? Because he was. Very horrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2021
“I’ll always love you, Carly. But I’m not in love with you anymore.”
The Girl in Seat 24B tells the story of Michael and Carly Bishop’s struggles after 10+ years together. The troubled marriage trope is not for everyone; you really need to have a hankering for drama and angst, and although cheating is not the reason for the break…you still have to be open to redemption for a selfish male, so if that's not your jam...I'd skip it. I don’t want to give spoilers, but will clarify that this book has ZERO OW/OM drama. Michael’s “unhappiness” IMO stems from an early mid-life crisis as his issues are mostly unhappiness with his career that he projects onto his family.
Other than the first and last chapters, this is all driven from Carly’s POV. Michael pretty much abandons them for work opportunities, so he’s not around for much of the book. Most of the “feels” come from Carly struggling to juggle her confused children with a new pregnancy, and her own heartbreak. Basically, rather than two struggling to save a marriage, the focus is more on one woman finding her strength.
My only real gripe is that (for me at least) it’s really hard to fully immerse in the “feels” with only half of the story. I also needed to know what was going through Michael’s head, since this was missing (IMO) there were holes left in the story. I never really understood why he acted the way he did, or more importantly what really changed his mind. He says “he’s loves her, but is not in love with her” (chapter 1 so shouldn’t be much of a spoiler) but we never really revisit this. It’s all kinda brushed away with a “it was me, you’re perfect” thing, but I wanted details. Did you not really feel that way? Did you say it and not believe it? Why did you stop having sex? Because as it stands, it doesn’t make a ton of sense that he suddenly loves her after 8-ish months of avoiding her. Maybe absence does make the heart grow fonder, but I personally can’t create love without interaction.
Bottom Line- Pretty solid, one-sided troubled marriage read that’s on KU. Again, no cheating, safe from all OW/OM drama. The conflict happens within the first chapter, and takes until about 70% for things to come to a head. Carly is a very strong, likeable h. Michael isn’t around much, he doesn’t do a ton of groveling, but does try to kiss ass for the last 20%, and says sorry quite a few times. If you did enjoy this, you might try Written in the Scars another marriage in trouble minus the cheating.
The Girl in Seat 24B tells the story of Michael and Carly Bishop’s struggles after 10+ years together. The troubled marriage trope is not for everyone; you really need to have a hankering for drama and angst, and although cheating is not the reason for the break…you still have to be open to redemption for a selfish male, so if that's not your jam...I'd skip it. I don’t want to give spoilers, but will clarify that this book has ZERO OW/OM drama. Michael’s “unhappiness” IMO stems from an early mid-life crisis as his issues are mostly unhappiness with his career that he projects onto his family.
Other than the first and last chapters, this is all driven from Carly’s POV. Michael pretty much abandons them for work opportunities, so he’s not around for much of the book. Most of the “feels” come from Carly struggling to juggle her confused children with a new pregnancy, and her own heartbreak. Basically, rather than two struggling to save a marriage, the focus is more on one woman finding her strength.
My only real gripe is that (for me at least) it’s really hard to fully immerse in the “feels” with only half of the story. I also needed to know what was going through Michael’s head, since this was missing (IMO) there were holes left in the story. I never really understood why he acted the way he did, or more importantly what really changed his mind. He says “he’s loves her, but is not in love with her” (chapter 1 so shouldn’t be much of a spoiler) but we never really revisit this. It’s all kinda brushed away with a “it was me, you’re perfect” thing, but I wanted details. Did you not really feel that way? Did you say it and not believe it? Why did you stop having sex? Because as it stands, it doesn’t make a ton of sense that he suddenly loves her after 8-ish months of avoiding her. Maybe absence does make the heart grow fonder, but I personally can’t create love without interaction.
Bottom Line- Pretty solid, one-sided troubled marriage read that’s on KU. Again, no cheating, safe from all OW/OM drama. The conflict happens within the first chapter, and takes until about 70% for things to come to a head. Carly is a very strong, likeable h. Michael isn’t around much, he doesn’t do a ton of groveling, but does try to kiss ass for the last 20%, and says sorry quite a few times. If you did enjoy this, you might try Written in the Scars another marriage in trouble minus the cheating.
February 15, 2021
I saw this book on my feed and since my KU is about to expire, I decided to skim through it. Well, it sucked me in and I stayed up, much later than I should have, reading.
Basically, this book is about a man-child who decides that the opinion of his peers and his own selfish interests should take precedence in his life. He wants to go back to being an independent bachelor, traveling the world, without all of the messy responsibilities of his married life. He tells his wife he's unhappy, that he doesn't love her anymore, that he needs time to figure things out so he is moving out into the apartment that he already signed a lease on. His wife is devastated, discovers she is newly pregnant, and can't understand what went wrong?
3 stars because it was a compelling read with a great h who was not a doormat.
Safety:
Basically, this book is about a man-child who decides that the opinion of his peers and his own selfish interests should take precedence in his life. He wants to go back to being an independent bachelor, traveling the world, without all of the messy responsibilities of his married life. He tells his wife he's unhappy, that he doesn't love her anymore, that he needs time to figure things out so he is moving out into the apartment that he already signed a lease on. His wife is devastated, discovers she is newly pregnant, and can't understand what went wrong?
3 stars because it was a compelling read with a great h who was not a doormat.
Safety:
July 19, 2018
2.5 stars
This was a tough read because H was absent through most of the story.
H/h are married for 10 years when H has a midlife crisis and moves out of the house into a bachelor pad so that he can pursue his journalist career with more commitment than he did while he was married. H cruelly tells h that he doesn't love her anymore and he needs time to himself to figure out what he wants in life (it was a career thing. No cheating and no OW).
H/h have two young children and it is soon revealed that h is pregnant with the third.
The story is very much h's journey during her third pregnancy, essentially as a single mom. Michael comes in and out of their lives when its convenient for him but otherwise makes no effort to help her with the children (except for financially providing for them).
What I really liked about the book was h's journey as she realizes she's alone. She is still in love with her husband and has reached rock bottom. She still makes attempts to include him in their lives but she has to learn how to depend on herself. When h was alone, I was rooting for her and loved watching her become independent, despite her painful circumstances.
What I didn't like was that the h became a spineless doormat every time H threw scraps her way. He ignores her and the kids for weeks at a time only to call once in a while. When he shows up to spend a few hours with the family, she is ready to give him another chance even though he tells her he doesn't want it (until the very end).
SPOILERS AHEAD
After finding out during a dinner with the politician that H has been reporting for that H accepted a job that will keep him away from h for last two months of pregnancy (h finds out from said politician and not her husband), she tells him that she is done with him (after the dinner so she wouldn't make a public scene and embarrass her husband). She tells him that she's filing for divorce, gives him her wedding rings and tells him that she's setting him free like he clearly wants to be.
The H still takes the job but has now decided that he doesn't want to be set free. For two months he calls and texts constantly and sends the kids daily postcards. h is determined to go through with divorce because she no longer trusts him. That part was great. I was glad that she stood her ground during the phone calls.
Then, H shows up right on time for her early delivery and basically, h forgives him. Yeah she makes him grovel a bit (and by a bit, I mean a bit. He never breaks down or anything close to that. He jokes around with her as if they were on the best of terms and just keeps telling her that he doesn't want the divorce).
It drove me crazy because he was gone throughout almost her entire pregnancy, and it was a tough pregnancy to boot. He ignored her and the kids (which is even worse) and only threw scraps of his time with them. He got a bit more involved one weekend when he heard that she was becoming friends with a single dad. So when his position as her husband is 'threatened' (only in his mind), he shows up. Otherwise, he ignores his family entirely.
Then she stands up for herself and demands a divorce and the d*ckhead wants to win her back even but without any sacrifice on his part. He doesn't leave his position as reporter for politician which keeps him away from wife during final months of pregnancy. Then she delivers early and he convinces her to go to the politician's beach house for last few days leading up to the election so that he can physically be there when it goes down.
He did nothing to win her back other than show up for the birth of the baby and tell her that he does love her after all. Lucky her. She forgave him far too easily.
For me, it was too little too late and I really couldn't root for him. I wanted h to be set free because she was really starting to blossom on her own.
This was a tough read because H was absent through most of the story.
H/h are married for 10 years when H has a midlife crisis and moves out of the house into a bachelor pad so that he can pursue his journalist career with more commitment than he did while he was married. H cruelly tells h that he doesn't love her anymore and he needs time to himself to figure out what he wants in life (it was a career thing. No cheating and no OW).
H/h have two young children and it is soon revealed that h is pregnant with the third.
The story is very much h's journey during her third pregnancy, essentially as a single mom. Michael comes in and out of their lives when its convenient for him but otherwise makes no effort to help her with the children (except for financially providing for them).
What I really liked about the book was h's journey as she realizes she's alone. She is still in love with her husband and has reached rock bottom. She still makes attempts to include him in their lives but she has to learn how to depend on herself. When h was alone, I was rooting for her and loved watching her become independent, despite her painful circumstances.
What I didn't like was that the h became a spineless doormat every time H threw scraps her way. He ignores her and the kids for weeks at a time only to call once in a while. When he shows up to spend a few hours with the family, she is ready to give him another chance even though he tells her he doesn't want it (until the very end).
SPOILERS AHEAD
After finding out during a dinner with the politician that H has been reporting for that H accepted a job that will keep him away from h for last two months of pregnancy (h finds out from said politician and not her husband), she tells him that she is done with him (after the dinner so she wouldn't make a public scene and embarrass her husband). She tells him that she's filing for divorce, gives him her wedding rings and tells him that she's setting him free like he clearly wants to be.
The H still takes the job but has now decided that he doesn't want to be set free. For two months he calls and texts constantly and sends the kids daily postcards. h is determined to go through with divorce because she no longer trusts him. That part was great. I was glad that she stood her ground during the phone calls.
Then, H shows up right on time for her early delivery and basically, h forgives him. Yeah she makes him grovel a bit (and by a bit, I mean a bit. He never breaks down or anything close to that. He jokes around with her as if they were on the best of terms and just keeps telling her that he doesn't want the divorce).
It drove me crazy because he was gone throughout almost her entire pregnancy, and it was a tough pregnancy to boot. He ignored her and the kids (which is even worse) and only threw scraps of his time with them. He got a bit more involved one weekend when he heard that she was becoming friends with a single dad. So when his position as her husband is 'threatened' (only in his mind), he shows up. Otherwise, he ignores his family entirely.
Then she stands up for herself and demands a divorce and the d*ckhead wants to win her back even but without any sacrifice on his part. He doesn't leave his position as reporter for politician which keeps him away from wife during final months of pregnancy. Then she delivers early and he convinces her to go to the politician's beach house for last few days leading up to the election so that he can physically be there when it goes down.
He did nothing to win her back other than show up for the birth of the baby and tell her that he does love her after all. Lucky her. She forgave him far too easily.
For me, it was too little too late and I really couldn't root for him. I wanted h to be set free because she was really starting to blossom on her own.
December 7, 2022
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK, or decent reads
=======================
This Zero deserves a kick in the ass and a no-negotiation divorce filing. Zero mentally abused Zeroine and abandoned her pregnant and their children.
It was painful to read. Zero didn't deserve forgiveness from his family.
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This Zero deserves a kick in the ass and a no-negotiation divorce filing. Zero mentally abused Zeroine and abandoned her pregnant and their children.
It was painful to read. Zero didn't deserve forgiveness from his family.
May 28, 2019
No grovelling was sufficient for this selfish douche bags actions. When his parents basically say you should divorce him, that’s when you know it’s just beyond redemption!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2015
I have now officially read every book by Jennifer Peel. This was the last book to check off my list. Something I love about Jennifer Peel is her ability to make me feel like each of her books are something new and different. This book isn't anything like her other books, it's a bit tragic and sad but not without hope. It has a completely different feel to it than her newest book, Trouble in Loveland. (which I loved, by the way!)
I was, from beginning to end, pulled into the dynamics of this book. It felt so real and emotional. I really had a hard time pulling myself away from this story and these characters. Consequently, I read through this book in a day. (yeah, not much else got done...)
Carly is an incredibly patient and kind woman. A much better woman than I am. No doubt I would have reacted in a much less stellar way if I was in her position. I really liked Carly though. She is strong, resourceful and did I mention patient? Man. So patient. Like, she might be a saint, patient. Jennifer Peel wrote this in such a way that it really felt personal to me- like my friend telling me a heartbreaking story. I really, really liked it.
One thing that I still just do not understand completely is Michael and his complete about face. I mean, he was wishy washy for most of the book and I got that, but then he completely went the other way with such gusto and I'm not sure I completely bought into how that came about. Especially after so long. It was a small thing really, and one probably more based on my personal experiences and personality than anything else.
Bottom line: I loved it. I was emotionally invested and that, to me, is really the beginning and end of it all. If you can make me feel something and make me care, you have done a good job. So, good job, Jennifer! Thank you for allowing me to read and review for you. I love your books, and I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
I was, from beginning to end, pulled into the dynamics of this book. It felt so real and emotional. I really had a hard time pulling myself away from this story and these characters. Consequently, I read through this book in a day. (yeah, not much else got done...)
Carly is an incredibly patient and kind woman. A much better woman than I am. No doubt I would have reacted in a much less stellar way if I was in her position. I really liked Carly though. She is strong, resourceful and did I mention patient? Man. So patient. Like, she might be a saint, patient. Jennifer Peel wrote this in such a way that it really felt personal to me- like my friend telling me a heartbreaking story. I really, really liked it.
One thing that I still just do not understand completely is Michael and his complete about face. I mean, he was wishy washy for most of the book and I got that, but then he completely went the other way with such gusto and I'm not sure I completely bought into how that came about. Especially after so long. It was a small thing really, and one probably more based on my personal experiences and personality than anything else.
Bottom line: I loved it. I was emotionally invested and that, to me, is really the beginning and end of it all. If you can make me feel something and make me care, you have done a good job. So, good job, Jennifer! Thank you for allowing me to read and review for you. I love your books, and I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
July 3, 2016
Carly Bishop is a saint! Or at least very close to one. I really came to love her character and was rooting for her and admired her strength. This story is mainly about her and everything she is going through with the separation from her husband and becoming a single mother.
I wish I could say I liked Michael or grew to like him, but I really didn't. Not that he doesn't have some nice moments, he does. But he also did a lot of things that really ticked me off! I would have loved to have his POV along the way to really get inside his head and see why he was doing the things he was doing. I thought his change at the end was a little rushed and would have liked to see what made him wake up. I kind of made assumptions about his motivations and how things would happen, but again he really ticked me off so having his POV would have been really interesting.
Overall, I was sucked into the story and had a hard time putting this one down. I wanted to see what would happen and how things would work out. I thought Carly was a great character and I enjoyed being along for her journey. Oh, and I loved how close she became to her in-laws and how they were really there for her.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None (that I remember)
Violence: None
Religious: None-mild
I wish I could say I liked Michael or grew to like him, but I really didn't. Not that he doesn't have some nice moments, he does. But he also did a lot of things that really ticked me off! I would have loved to have his POV along the way to really get inside his head and see why he was doing the things he was doing. I thought his change at the end was a little rushed and would have liked to see what made him wake up. I kind of made assumptions about his motivations and how things would happen, but again he really ticked me off so having his POV would have been really interesting.
Overall, I was sucked into the story and had a hard time putting this one down. I wanted to see what would happen and how things would work out. I thought Carly was a great character and I enjoyed being along for her journey. Oh, and I loved how close she became to her in-laws and how they were really there for her.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None (that I remember)
Violence: None
Religious: None-mild
November 21, 2022
3.5*
A good book, well written - but with such a loser H.
This is a marriage in trouble/ mid-life crisis story without actual cheating but no less painful for it.
The H is an a-hole who allows others' opinions and his own inadequacies destroy his marriage and hurt his loving, amazing wife and beautiful kids.
The h is too good for him. No one deserves this kind of bewildering hurt and betrayal!
The worst is that he doesn't even tell/ explain her why he's taking a 'break' from her and the marriage. The poor woman goes half crazy asking, begging, speculating.
Also, she's pregnant again and he's not there to help/ support her.
Not until he gets his head outta that shady place.
And then suddenly - he's over it, and wants in again. As if there weren't real people, really hurt by his really unforgivable actions. People he proclaims to love.
I don't think he groveled enough to deserve them back.
Also, wasn't his about-face more due to - again - how people perceived his wife?
His new co-workers at the campaign and the presidential candidate himself, her father's old friend?
A good book, well written - but with such a loser H.
This is a marriage in trouble/ mid-life crisis story without actual cheating but no less painful for it.
The H is an a-hole who allows others' opinions and his own inadequacies destroy his marriage and hurt his loving, amazing wife and beautiful kids.
The h is too good for him. No one deserves this kind of bewildering hurt and betrayal!
The worst is that he doesn't even tell/ explain her why he's taking a 'break' from her and the marriage. The poor woman goes half crazy asking, begging, speculating.
Also, she's pregnant again and he's not there to help/ support her.
Not until he gets his head outta that shady place.
And then suddenly - he's over it, and wants in again. As if there weren't real people, really hurt by his really unforgivable actions. People he proclaims to love.
I don't think he groveled enough to deserve them back.
Also, wasn't his about-face more due to - again - how people perceived his wife?
His new co-workers at the campaign and the presidential candidate himself, her father's old friend?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
I come to the conclusion that there's two types of heroes in marriage in trouble trope ,
men who are as sweet as candy and total husband material and men that deserve to die slowly, this hero is my thirteen reason why I hate men sometimes except my book boyfriends
men who are as sweet as candy and total husband material and men that deserve to die slowly, this hero is my thirteen reason why I hate men sometimes except my book boyfriends
May 11, 2025
I HATED THE ENDING!!!
I gave this book four stars because the entire book was well written and had a FMC with strength and heart. I was sucked in and couldn’t put it down. BUT then chapter 22 came and it was basically over for me. This chapter and the rest that followed ruined the whole book for me. The FMC caved like a house of cards from a whisper of breath! Let me break this down why I hated the ending.
The book opens on the cranky MMC not wanting the attention of the FMC but somehow ending up in instalove with her in the prologue. This is one of only two chapters where we get his POV. The first chapter is this same man doing a complete 180 and dumping the FMC for apparently no real reason other than he no longer loves her. Per the FMC’s POV she states that he had started to distance himself from her for the last year and she felt like she was forcing him to be intimate with her on their last few occasions which had been becoming few and far between over that same year.
The story from chapter one all the way to chapter 14’ish is all about how the MMC not only abandoned the FMC, the marriage, the children, the family, even his parents! He hid money and got an apartment in the year before his official leaving of the FMC. He chose jobs that would take him out of town for long periods of time. He only reached out because he needed something or because the FMC reminded him that his kids needed him in their lives. He originally didn’t want to talk to the FMC about what was going on, about his choices, about where they stood or were going. The two times the FMC blew up at him he had the nerve to get mad and opened up on how he was trapped into a life he never wanted. He blamed the FMC for his declining career. He resented her and the children and he wanted his freedom.
The FMC was stunned because the idiot never once mentioned he was having issues with his work and HE had been the one to make these choices that he now had issues with and he was treating her like she made him. The FMC was also going through the emotional roller coaster of his abandonment and his revelations that basically destroyed her image of what their family for the last ten years had been. The FMC was also pregnant and didn’t want to tell the MMC because it would be more reasons for him to resent her and feel trapped. On top of taking care of the two children they already had and her being afraid he would take away her sole financial support if he decided that was too much for him all of a sudden too. Due to this the FMC started her own business and the MMC had the NERVE to berate her for not trusting that he would always support his family. Lmbo!! The MMC continued through the rest of the book up until chapter 22 to insist that the FMC not work and close her business and to not utilize her inheritance to gain her financial independence because again he would always support his family. Smdh.
There were a few instances that the FMC needed the MMC to be there for his kids if not for her and he never answered his phone or simply refused to choose them over his career options. When she was in the hospital he finally showed up a day or two later and I feel it was ONLY because his father had also left him messages telling him it was important. Because he was off camping, NOT working, and his service was spotty. That just means he ignored her messages until his parents started harassing him too, and he could only ignore them so much.
Anyway, at the 14,15’ish chapter the MMC returns “home” early, supposedly to surprise everyone. It was his birthday. And his behavior all translated to his wanting birthday nooky and attention. He later reveals he has a job with a presidential candidate who knew the FMC’s parents and he wanted to meet the FMC so the MMC is more communicative with the FMC from this point on but nearly always about his work or the kids. He is friendlier but he keeps her dangling on a hook of “after the baby is born” will he discuss their future. I absolutely loathed this character by this point.
The MMC convinces the FMC to attend a campaign dinner and during this evening it is revealed he never told the candidate that he was separated and that the FMC was expecting. The candidate reveals that the MMC had taken a six month job that would keep him away until after the baby was born. Again, the MMC again chooses his career over his family. Up to this point in the book he had shown ZERO interest in the new baby, had only attended one appt, had expressed that he wasn’t happy with having another one as well. So the FMC was done.
They finally had the showdown I was dying for and she demanded a divorce. She started the paperwork and they argued every time that he called asking for his details and stating she wanted it fast and over with as she had already stressed enough and basically he was stalling and refusing to consider her wants, desires or needs as it wasn’t what he wanted. I was so into the end of their relationship because the FMC had been everything in grace and strength and I was rooting for her divorce like a fiend!!
But what does the author do? The author screwed me over is what she did!!!
The MMC gets the divorce officially delayed and so the FMC continues on being gracious with him as no matter what they will always be tied together because of the kids and she was showing them an example of it all. But then she goes into early labor and MIRACULOUSLY the MMC instinctively knew it was going to happen and he shows up in time to take her to the hospital and be there for the birth and tell her all his sweet nothings about how he always loved her and he was never leaving her again and all I could do was read this sh!t with my jaw on the floor like “is this dude crazy!?!” The rest of the story is all bulldookie! The MMC reverts to the man he was before the book opens up and what the FMC had in the ten years before the last two of their marriage. He was attentive to her, the children, the new baby. ALL while still maintaining his new higher career. And he basically gets his family back with no real effort at redemption. It was one apology and his being there every day after the babies birth and BAM(!), he is forgiven.
I LOVED this book up until chapter 22. The epilogue is two chapters later and in this chapter the MMC has his last POV where he is writing his blog about his wife again and stating how she was everything graceful and kind. He downplayed his errors and praises her for her beauty and pure love.
I wanted to vomit!
The last two chapters do not negate everything that came before. If the author had written a weak ass FMC then I could have understood them getting back together but she didn’t and so it doesn’t make sense for them to end up back together so easily. It was an absurd ending. This could only have realistically happened if there was like another hundred pages showing his efforts at redemption, remorse, with time and true sincerity. But all I got from this is the MMC is bipolar and could turn his feelings on and off like a switch, and that the FMC was too desperate to let go of her husband and actually make him worry and work to potentially get them back, just like he did to her. If he was lucky that is. I also got from this that he now has everything the way he wanted it. The career he earned on her back and connections and from her influence. He got to come and go as he pleased from their relationship and family with little to no real lasting consequences. He didn’t even get a slap on the wrist for his faux pas’s. He was just rolled back into his position with all of them without the MMC having to earn it back at all. There was no explanation of all the changes the FMC had made in the house and finances and what they would change back as they were now together again. All we got was a lame story about the bank account being about a new ring once upon a time. As this guy had been anything but romantic on page in this book other than in the FMC’s memories, this seemed more like a throwaway excuse to easy the reader into believing this unbelievable and unearned HEA.
I absolutely HATE when the MMC’s end up with exactly what they wanted from the beginning. Just like Christine Michelle’s book “His Bittersweet Regret”, the MMC blew up his life with full disclosure to the FMC that he needed to experience OW with the intention that he would come back after he did that for six months. By the end of that shitastic story that is exactly what happened. He f’ked up everyone’s lives to have those experiences but in the end he was able to pick up his relationship with the FMC while she had been through hell. How is that fair, right or acceptable?? Smdh. From everything that this book’s MMC did, he could have done all that while in his marriage had he communicated this to the FMC. I honestly don’t think this MMC would have come back if it wasn’t because of the baby. But more importantly, the last job he got with the presidential candidate who influenced him about the importance of family and because it gave him a certain imagine of true success if he had a successful career AND a beautiful equally successful and talented wife and family supporting it. So his return was only self serving and NOT true love, which is what I want to read romance for.
I can’t express enough how great I think this author’s writing is because it is. Having said that, while I did give this book four stars, it really should've been three or less because the ending did not follow the whole tone of the rest of the story. I was generous in my rating because I truly love strong FMC’s who do it with dignity and elegance. But the ending ruined this book for me. I probably will never read it again becauce of how false it felt to me. This is only the second book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely read more by her. Good luck.
I gave this book four stars because the entire book was well written and had a FMC with strength and heart. I was sucked in and couldn’t put it down. BUT then chapter 22 came and it was basically over for me. This chapter and the rest that followed ruined the whole book for me. The FMC caved like a house of cards from a whisper of breath! Let me break this down why I hated the ending.
The book opens on the cranky MMC not wanting the attention of the FMC but somehow ending up in instalove with her in the prologue. This is one of only two chapters where we get his POV. The first chapter is this same man doing a complete 180 and dumping the FMC for apparently no real reason other than he no longer loves her. Per the FMC’s POV she states that he had started to distance himself from her for the last year and she felt like she was forcing him to be intimate with her on their last few occasions which had been becoming few and far between over that same year.
The story from chapter one all the way to chapter 14’ish is all about how the MMC not only abandoned the FMC, the marriage, the children, the family, even his parents! He hid money and got an apartment in the year before his official leaving of the FMC. He chose jobs that would take him out of town for long periods of time. He only reached out because he needed something or because the FMC reminded him that his kids needed him in their lives. He originally didn’t want to talk to the FMC about what was going on, about his choices, about where they stood or were going. The two times the FMC blew up at him he had the nerve to get mad and opened up on how he was trapped into a life he never wanted. He blamed the FMC for his declining career. He resented her and the children and he wanted his freedom.
The FMC was stunned because the idiot never once mentioned he was having issues with his work and HE had been the one to make these choices that he now had issues with and he was treating her like she made him. The FMC was also going through the emotional roller coaster of his abandonment and his revelations that basically destroyed her image of what their family for the last ten years had been. The FMC was also pregnant and didn’t want to tell the MMC because it would be more reasons for him to resent her and feel trapped. On top of taking care of the two children they already had and her being afraid he would take away her sole financial support if he decided that was too much for him all of a sudden too. Due to this the FMC started her own business and the MMC had the NERVE to berate her for not trusting that he would always support his family. Lmbo!! The MMC continued through the rest of the book up until chapter 22 to insist that the FMC not work and close her business and to not utilize her inheritance to gain her financial independence because again he would always support his family. Smdh.
There were a few instances that the FMC needed the MMC to be there for his kids if not for her and he never answered his phone or simply refused to choose them over his career options. When she was in the hospital he finally showed up a day or two later and I feel it was ONLY because his father had also left him messages telling him it was important. Because he was off camping, NOT working, and his service was spotty. That just means he ignored her messages until his parents started harassing him too, and he could only ignore them so much.
Anyway, at the 14,15’ish chapter the MMC returns “home” early, supposedly to surprise everyone. It was his birthday. And his behavior all translated to his wanting birthday nooky and attention. He later reveals he has a job with a presidential candidate who knew the FMC’s parents and he wanted to meet the FMC so the MMC is more communicative with the FMC from this point on but nearly always about his work or the kids. He is friendlier but he keeps her dangling on a hook of “after the baby is born” will he discuss their future. I absolutely loathed this character by this point.
The MMC convinces the FMC to attend a campaign dinner and during this evening it is revealed he never told the candidate that he was separated and that the FMC was expecting. The candidate reveals that the MMC had taken a six month job that would keep him away until after the baby was born. Again, the MMC again chooses his career over his family. Up to this point in the book he had shown ZERO interest in the new baby, had only attended one appt, had expressed that he wasn’t happy with having another one as well. So the FMC was done.
They finally had the showdown I was dying for and she demanded a divorce. She started the paperwork and they argued every time that he called asking for his details and stating she wanted it fast and over with as she had already stressed enough and basically he was stalling and refusing to consider her wants, desires or needs as it wasn’t what he wanted. I was so into the end of their relationship because the FMC had been everything in grace and strength and I was rooting for her divorce like a fiend!!
But what does the author do? The author screwed me over is what she did!!!
The MMC gets the divorce officially delayed and so the FMC continues on being gracious with him as no matter what they will always be tied together because of the kids and she was showing them an example of it all. But then she goes into early labor and MIRACULOUSLY the MMC instinctively knew it was going to happen and he shows up in time to take her to the hospital and be there for the birth and tell her all his sweet nothings about how he always loved her and he was never leaving her again and all I could do was read this sh!t with my jaw on the floor like “is this dude crazy!?!” The rest of the story is all bulldookie! The MMC reverts to the man he was before the book opens up and what the FMC had in the ten years before the last two of their marriage. He was attentive to her, the children, the new baby. ALL while still maintaining his new higher career. And he basically gets his family back with no real effort at redemption. It was one apology and his being there every day after the babies birth and BAM(!), he is forgiven.
I LOVED this book up until chapter 22. The epilogue is two chapters later and in this chapter the MMC has his last POV where he is writing his blog about his wife again and stating how she was everything graceful and kind. He downplayed his errors and praises her for her beauty and pure love.
I wanted to vomit!
The last two chapters do not negate everything that came before. If the author had written a weak ass FMC then I could have understood them getting back together but she didn’t and so it doesn’t make sense for them to end up back together so easily. It was an absurd ending. This could only have realistically happened if there was like another hundred pages showing his efforts at redemption, remorse, with time and true sincerity. But all I got from this is the MMC is bipolar and could turn his feelings on and off like a switch, and that the FMC was too desperate to let go of her husband and actually make him worry and work to potentially get them back, just like he did to her. If he was lucky that is. I also got from this that he now has everything the way he wanted it. The career he earned on her back and connections and from her influence. He got to come and go as he pleased from their relationship and family with little to no real lasting consequences. He didn’t even get a slap on the wrist for his faux pas’s. He was just rolled back into his position with all of them without the MMC having to earn it back at all. There was no explanation of all the changes the FMC had made in the house and finances and what they would change back as they were now together again. All we got was a lame story about the bank account being about a new ring once upon a time. As this guy had been anything but romantic on page in this book other than in the FMC’s memories, this seemed more like a throwaway excuse to easy the reader into believing this unbelievable and unearned HEA.
I absolutely HATE when the MMC’s end up with exactly what they wanted from the beginning. Just like Christine Michelle’s book “His Bittersweet Regret”, the MMC blew up his life with full disclosure to the FMC that he needed to experience OW with the intention that he would come back after he did that for six months. By the end of that shitastic story that is exactly what happened. He f’ked up everyone’s lives to have those experiences but in the end he was able to pick up his relationship with the FMC while she had been through hell. How is that fair, right or acceptable?? Smdh. From everything that this book’s MMC did, he could have done all that while in his marriage had he communicated this to the FMC. I honestly don’t think this MMC would have come back if it wasn’t because of the baby. But more importantly, the last job he got with the presidential candidate who influenced him about the importance of family and because it gave him a certain imagine of true success if he had a successful career AND a beautiful equally successful and talented wife and family supporting it. So his return was only self serving and NOT true love, which is what I want to read romance for.
I can’t express enough how great I think this author’s writing is because it is. Having said that, while I did give this book four stars, it really should've been three or less because the ending did not follow the whole tone of the rest of the story. I was generous in my rating because I truly love strong FMC’s who do it with dignity and elegance. But the ending ruined this book for me. I probably will never read it again becauce of how false it felt to me. This is only the second book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely read more by her. Good luck.
January 21, 2016
First book I’ve read by this author. The title intrigued me. And the fact that it isn’t your usual NA romance made it all the more tempting.
This couple has been married for ten years when the bottom falls out and the husband, Michael unexpectedly tells her that marriage isn’t for him any longer and he abruptly leaves his wife and children. Michael’s so-called reasons for his departure were selfish and without solid merit, and I felt there should have been more development. It was in this area that I felt the story lacking depth-wise. The wife, Carly Bishop, was amazingly admirable, strong and creative and well, you get my drift. She loved her husband and was devastated when he packed up and left. But she pulls herself together and struggles to make a different life with her children. What happens? You’ll have to read the book because I’m a spoiler-free reviewer. I will tell you this: there is no cheating.
The story was well written with characters that came across as realistically portrayed and draw on your emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other. My attention never wavered and I found myself caught up in the emotions of whether or not this was a marriage worth saving. For the most part, this was a substantive read and I recommend it to any reader that is looking for a story filled with real life moments.
This couple has been married for ten years when the bottom falls out and the husband, Michael unexpectedly tells her that marriage isn’t for him any longer and he abruptly leaves his wife and children. Michael’s so-called reasons for his departure were selfish and without solid merit, and I felt there should have been more development. It was in this area that I felt the story lacking depth-wise. The wife, Carly Bishop, was amazingly admirable, strong and creative and well, you get my drift. She loved her husband and was devastated when he packed up and left. But she pulls herself together and struggles to make a different life with her children. What happens? You’ll have to read the book because I’m a spoiler-free reviewer. I will tell you this: there is no cheating.
The story was well written with characters that came across as realistically portrayed and draw on your emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other. My attention never wavered and I found myself caught up in the emotions of whether or not this was a marriage worth saving. For the most part, this was a substantive read and I recommend it to any reader that is looking for a story filled with real life moments.
February 4, 2015
Wow! Loved! review to come
clean
clean
May 20, 2017
May 2017:
I can't believe I didn't mention this in my below review... but holy hannah! I totally want to Gibbs slap Michael! Haha. Now that I have that off my chest I just have to say... I still absolutely LOVE this book! Yes.. it's an emotional roller coaster... and yes... I totally cried but... *dreamy sigh* This book is AMAZING! <3
October 2015:
Carly's life is pretty close to perfect. She's married to the man of her dreams and has 2 very adorable children. But over the last several months Michael has been drifting away from her. When he drops the bomb on her that he wants a separation, Carly's world is turned upside down. She doesn't know why everything is happening but she refuses to let go of her marriage without a fight.
And boy does she fight! She tries everything she can think of to get Michael to open up to her and just talk about how they got to the point of separation and how they can fix it. However, the bonehead Michael, doesn't want to talk. He goes about his life as if he were a single man. He's taking more assignments and travelling as much as he can with little thought to his wife and children.
After several months Carly gets to the point that she's just tired.. tired of fighting.. tired of caring.. tired of being the only person in their marriage who is trying to fix it. She doesn't think Michael will ever change and so she goes about doing everything she can to make her life and her children's life the best that it can be without Michael in it. She decides several changes need to be made and if she is ever going to be happy again, she needs to make those changes. About this time is when Michael decides to open his eyes to what has been right in front of him the whole entire time. Now HE is the one that will be fighting to keep their marriage and their family together.
And can I just tell you... the epilogue is absolutely PERFECT! <3 *dreamy sigh*
While this was an emotional read and not a typical Jennifer Peel book, it was still beautiful! I loved watching Carly's journey. She is not only one of the most amazing heroines I have read about but also one of the most selfless ones as well. She became a better mother, a better friend and a better person through all the trials she faced during this hard time in her life. One of the lines in the book really stood out to me and totally sums up Carly's journey... "It's not our circumstances that define us, but how we choose to deal with them." This will be something that gets added to my favorite quotes and one that I will be turning to on a regular basis.
Jennifer Peel has quickly climbed to the top of my favorite authors list! She has a way of sucking me in and not letting me go until I have finished the book! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! There is no doubt in my mind that it's going to be just as amazing as all her other books!
And of course there is no way I can forget my casting! These two fit perfectly for Michael and Carly in my opinion... ;) Hehe.
I can't believe I didn't mention this in my below review... but holy hannah! I totally want to Gibbs slap Michael! Haha. Now that I have that off my chest I just have to say... I still absolutely LOVE this book! Yes.. it's an emotional roller coaster... and yes... I totally cried but... *dreamy sigh* This book is AMAZING! <3
October 2015:
Carly's life is pretty close to perfect. She's married to the man of her dreams and has 2 very adorable children. But over the last several months Michael has been drifting away from her. When he drops the bomb on her that he wants a separation, Carly's world is turned upside down. She doesn't know why everything is happening but she refuses to let go of her marriage without a fight.
And boy does she fight! She tries everything she can think of to get Michael to open up to her and just talk about how they got to the point of separation and how they can fix it. However, the bonehead Michael, doesn't want to talk. He goes about his life as if he were a single man. He's taking more assignments and travelling as much as he can with little thought to his wife and children.
After several months Carly gets to the point that she's just tired.. tired of fighting.. tired of caring.. tired of being the only person in their marriage who is trying to fix it. She doesn't think Michael will ever change and so she goes about doing everything she can to make her life and her children's life the best that it can be without Michael in it. She decides several changes need to be made and if she is ever going to be happy again, she needs to make those changes. About this time is when Michael decides to open his eyes to what has been right in front of him the whole entire time. Now HE is the one that will be fighting to keep their marriage and their family together.
And can I just tell you... the epilogue is absolutely PERFECT! <3 *dreamy sigh*
While this was an emotional read and not a typical Jennifer Peel book, it was still beautiful! I loved watching Carly's journey. She is not only one of the most amazing heroines I have read about but also one of the most selfless ones as well. She became a better mother, a better friend and a better person through all the trials she faced during this hard time in her life. One of the lines in the book really stood out to me and totally sums up Carly's journey... "It's not our circumstances that define us, but how we choose to deal with them." This will be something that gets added to my favorite quotes and one that I will be turning to on a regular basis.
Jennifer Peel has quickly climbed to the top of my favorite authors list! She has a way of sucking me in and not letting me go until I have finished the book! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! There is no doubt in my mind that it's going to be just as amazing as all her other books!
And of course there is no way I can forget my casting! These two fit perfectly for Michael and Carly in my opinion... ;) Hehe.
December 14, 2023
Huff,Sigh,what the actual....??
Essentially it boils down to a self serving ego trip!This incited by an upcoming milestone birthday and self esteem issues tripped by people who should matter little.The dude felt it preferable to decimate his beloved, his marriage and his children based on mocking twitterings of the fellow journalistic community belittling him for willingness to prioritize his family over former globe trotting glory days! To make matters worse he plays the blame game,its all her fault for stealing his dream... when he failed to clue her in! He never indicated to her any problems existed, whispered not one iota of his thoughts,fears,concerns but rather let his rage,confusion sense of loss and minimized self esteem fester only to finally detonate converting him into an unrecognizable, irrational, irresponsible Narcissistic fiend whose egotistical agenda took flight at the expense of his innocent,oblivious family.
Might make more sense if this was.Christian themed as he appears to subscribe to Matthew5:29 "If your right eye offends,pluck it out" Translation if it be a hindrance to your too happiness cut it off and cast it from you. Hell ,no wonder I escaped my Catholic roots,but at least something was retained ,lols I suppose this would give him the courage to say the most awful things to his wife such as "He will always love her but he is not in love with her anymore". (Also notable,his claim that she is responsible for the loss of his dream career,because he was forced to play house with her!.But alas,he does not even have such excuse. I suppose the level of cruelty was.validated as long as.it was effective.He.really seemed to.have an uncanny Zombie switch to turn on and off,block it all out remain.safe behind the mask while his wife literally writhed in agony,like a Vampire left out come dawn.
The redemption was fast tracked,unearned and wholly unbelievable IMO.
I enjoyed the earlier portions of the book,their meet cute and early relationship,the strong heroine,the relationship she built with her distant in laws and her resilient children .Her disgraceful husband? Not so much.Forgiveness for this type of Betrayal is hard earned.He never came close Imo.
Yeah, I 'm pretty exhausted and morbid. Perhaps I will be back when rested ,more even😂 And then add a rating!
Decided on 3.5/stars
If I could split the book,first half would be 5 stars for angst.
Essentially it boils down to a self serving ego trip!This incited by an upcoming milestone birthday and self esteem issues tripped by people who should matter little.The dude felt it preferable to decimate his beloved, his marriage and his children based on mocking twitterings of the fellow journalistic community belittling him for willingness to prioritize his family over former globe trotting glory days! To make matters worse he plays the blame game,its all her fault for stealing his dream... when he failed to clue her in! He never indicated to her any problems existed, whispered not one iota of his thoughts,fears,concerns but rather let his rage,confusion sense of loss and minimized self esteem fester only to finally detonate converting him into an unrecognizable, irrational, irresponsible Narcissistic fiend whose egotistical agenda took flight at the expense of his innocent,oblivious family.
Might make more sense if this was.Christian themed as he appears to subscribe to Matthew5:29 "If your right eye offends,pluck it out" Translation if it be a hindrance to your too happiness cut it off and cast it from you. Hell ,no wonder I escaped my Catholic roots,but at least something was retained ,lols I suppose this would give him the courage to say the most awful things to his wife such as "He will always love her but he is not in love with her anymore". (Also notable,his claim that she is responsible for the loss of his dream career,because he was forced to play house with her!.But alas,he does not even have such excuse. I suppose the level of cruelty was.validated as long as.it was effective.He.really seemed to.have an uncanny Zombie switch to turn on and off,block it all out remain.safe behind the mask while his wife literally writhed in agony,like a Vampire left out come dawn.
The redemption was fast tracked,unearned and wholly unbelievable IMO.
I enjoyed the earlier portions of the book,their meet cute and early relationship,the strong heroine,the relationship she built with her distant in laws and her resilient children .Her disgraceful husband? Not so much.Forgiveness for this type of Betrayal is hard earned.He never came close Imo.
Yeah, I 'm pretty exhausted and morbid. Perhaps I will be back when rested ,more even😂 And then add a rating!
Decided on 3.5/stars
If I could split the book,first half would be 5 stars for angst.
April 11, 2015
Really good - probably 4.5 stars - still thinking about it. If I re-read, I will rate 4.5 to 5 stars.
January 21, 2026
Jennifer Peel has never let me down when I either need to laugh with her hilarious rom-coms or when I crave some tear jerking angst. Sometimes her books have both. There's usually no spice or they are closed door. This one brings on the angst.
The fmc has been married about decade to her husband and they have w children. Thry met on a plane ( hence the title of the book) and it was love at first site for him ( the prolonged is from a blog where he writes about how they met). The rest of the book is in the fmcs pov. Then one day he tells her he no longer is in love with her but loves her and needs to seperate from her to live his life differently. He even rented an apartment and had a secret bank account.
I know what you are thinking..he's got a girlfriend on the side. Thats what I was thinking too but he swears theres no one else. Rather its about him being free to pursue a more glamorous career where he's embedded with a presidential candidate for a year in their campaign. He still financially supports the family..he just is not physically there. His actions are selfish as he feels that having his family has held him back from his dreams.
Does the fmc take the mmcs selfish desires laying down like a doormat? Absolutely not..she's pregnant and she decides that she can spread her wings and move on with or without her husband.
I absolutely 💯 encourage you to pick up this book from KU.
Does
The fmc has been married about decade to her husband and they have w children. Thry met on a plane ( hence the title of the book) and it was love at first site for him ( the prolonged is from a blog where he writes about how they met). The rest of the book is in the fmcs pov. Then one day he tells her he no longer is in love with her but loves her and needs to seperate from her to live his life differently. He even rented an apartment and had a secret bank account.
I know what you are thinking..he's got a girlfriend on the side. Thats what I was thinking too but he swears theres no one else. Rather its about him being free to pursue a more glamorous career where he's embedded with a presidential candidate for a year in their campaign. He still financially supports the family..he just is not physically there. His actions are selfish as he feels that having his family has held him back from his dreams.
Does the fmc take the mmcs selfish desires laying down like a doormat? Absolutely not..she's pregnant and she decides that she can spread her wings and move on with or without her husband.
I absolutely 💯 encourage you to pick up this book from KU.
Does
February 17, 2024
3 stars for the poor heroine who is really a martyr.
They’ve been married for 12 years and have two children. He wakes up one day and tells her he isn’t in love with her anymore and has already leased a condo.
He leaves her and their children and shows no more interest for them than he shows for her. He basically ghosts her and his own children because he says he’s not happy. The poor heroine has to take care of the children’s confusion and hurt, and in all this she also finds out she’s pregnant. She basically spends all her pregnancy alone and thank god with the help of her in-laws who are always there for her. The hero is awful, he tells her he was tired to play house with her and their children and that he needs to be free to have the career of his dreams. But I don’t think this was the reason. He was actually tired of the heroine and his family, he wanted to be free to do as he pleases and he’s an awfully selfish and egotistical person. It was always him before his children, his wife. I think he resented his wife because he felt trapped and did not want to be responsible for anyone but himself.
This book is similar to the Divorce, that I loved more because the hero actually grovels and grovels and the heroine moves on emotionally with another man. Here the heroine tries to win her husband back for months and when she decides enough is enough and asks for a divorce the idiot tries to win her back and in a couple of minutes everything is ok. Wtf? This was not believable and anything but realistic.
He broke her trust, he behaved abominably with his own children too, he had no reason to act as he did. He claims he felt trapped and unhappy but I didn’t see depression here, only a selfish narcissist who doesn’t have a thought for his own children’s feelings. He rejected them and his own son was shattered. I hated the man more than it hr cheated with another woman. Here there is no other woman but I would not have taken him back.
The reasons for his actions, that lasted more than 8 months are really never cleared, it looks like he wasn’t happy with his job but this does not mean he had to throw away his family for it. The heroine suffered a lot and his lame apologies are not enough.
To me it’s not enough. The angst was great, hers and her children’s, but the heroine accepted too much from him, not even for her children it was worth taking him back and basically begging him to come back. I wasn’t satisfied by the way his issues were dealt with.
They’ve been married for 12 years and have two children. He wakes up one day and tells her he isn’t in love with her anymore and has already leased a condo.
He leaves her and their children and shows no more interest for them than he shows for her. He basically ghosts her and his own children because he says he’s not happy. The poor heroine has to take care of the children’s confusion and hurt, and in all this she also finds out she’s pregnant. She basically spends all her pregnancy alone and thank god with the help of her in-laws who are always there for her. The hero is awful, he tells her he was tired to play house with her and their children and that he needs to be free to have the career of his dreams. But I don’t think this was the reason. He was actually tired of the heroine and his family, he wanted to be free to do as he pleases and he’s an awfully selfish and egotistical person. It was always him before his children, his wife. I think he resented his wife because he felt trapped and did not want to be responsible for anyone but himself.
This book is similar to the Divorce, that I loved more because the hero actually grovels and grovels and the heroine moves on emotionally with another man. Here the heroine tries to win her husband back for months and when she decides enough is enough and asks for a divorce the idiot tries to win her back and in a couple of minutes everything is ok. Wtf? This was not believable and anything but realistic.
He broke her trust, he behaved abominably with his own children too, he had no reason to act as he did. He claims he felt trapped and unhappy but I didn’t see depression here, only a selfish narcissist who doesn’t have a thought for his own children’s feelings. He rejected them and his own son was shattered. I hated the man more than it hr cheated with another woman. Here there is no other woman but I would not have taken him back.
The reasons for his actions, that lasted more than 8 months are really never cleared, it looks like he wasn’t happy with his job but this does not mean he had to throw away his family for it. The heroine suffered a lot and his lame apologies are not enough.
To me it’s not enough. The angst was great, hers and her children’s, but the heroine accepted too much from him, not even for her children it was worth taking him back and basically begging him to come back. I wasn’t satisfied by the way his issues were dealt with.
April 2, 2024
I really liked this marriage in trouble book and it would've been a 5 star read BUT for the lack of Michael's POV and an epilogue much further into the future. Whilst I ate up the angst and pain Carly felt, the story felt lacking at times because Michael's explanations (such as they were) were rather weak and I still don't get why he treated not only his wife, but his children with the apathy and neglect he did. Yes, he tried to make up for it in the last few chapters, I needed to be in his head to see he really did love his wife and kids and was going to commit to them 110%
Harking back to me wanting the extended epilogue - this is because of his lack of POV, at the end of the book I still didn't believe he wouldn't act out like a toddler again because he wasn't "feeling fulfilled in his career". An epilogue 20 years into the future would've helped settle my doubts.
Harking back to me wanting the extended epilogue - this is because of his lack of POV, at the end of the book I still didn't believe he wouldn't act out like a toddler again because he wasn't "feeling fulfilled in his career". An epilogue 20 years into the future would've helped settle my doubts.
Read
January 28, 2020So here is the deal- the author has a wonderful voice and I will seek out more by her. I also appreciated the realness of the story and the themes of grace and forgiveness. That being said, this is fiction. And while I would never wish this circumstance on anyone in real life I can safely say here: this guy was trash. So trash. Like I literally hate the hero in this.
February 3, 2015
What a cute read, I loved this and because it is so true to life I could relate to it all. You could see what was happening and try to understand and it was great to see a couple fight for a marriage rather than just give up. I loved it. (full review to come)
March 22, 2025
she should’ve left him.
June 22, 2024
✔️angst, angst, angst
✔️marriage in trouble
✔️doormat h
✔️no infidelity
✔️he doesn’t love her anymore
✔️ grovel, but I wasn’t satisfied (refer to my highlights)
✔️marriage in trouble
✔️doormat h
✔️no infidelity
✔️he doesn’t love her anymore
✔️ grovel, but I wasn’t satisfied (refer to my highlights)
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