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What We Do For Love
"If Lorelai Gilmore of Gilmore Girls was dropped into a thriller, it might resemble this appealing novel." --Kirkus Reviews
Winner of Chick Lit category-- 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Thirty-eight-year-old Nicole Adams has given up on finding love. The single mother focuses instead on a few things that she cherishes--her sixteen-year-old son Justin, her friends, and her art.
When she convinces a major museum to show a piece of her work, and she thinks her career has finally turned a corner, her son brings home a girl, Daniela, to spend the night. Daniela's parents have thrown her out of the house: she is pregnant with Justin's child. Shattered, Nicole feels she has no choice but to take the girl in.
She finds herself falling in love with Daniela, but increasingly troubled by the behavior of the girl’s icy, tormented mom and hard-drinking, hard-fisted dad.
Nicole struggles as fear and deceit enter her formerly peaceful life. Forced to deal with people she doesn't trust or like, fearful for the future of both her son and the grandchild they're expecting, Nicole wonders if she can do what she tells Justin to do: always have faith in yourself and do the right thing.
What We Do for Love is a standalone story written by award-winning author Anne Pfeffer.
Winner of Chick Lit category-- 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Thirty-eight-year-old Nicole Adams has given up on finding love. The single mother focuses instead on a few things that she cherishes--her sixteen-year-old son Justin, her friends, and her art.
When she convinces a major museum to show a piece of her work, and she thinks her career has finally turned a corner, her son brings home a girl, Daniela, to spend the night. Daniela's parents have thrown her out of the house: she is pregnant with Justin's child. Shattered, Nicole feels she has no choice but to take the girl in.
She finds herself falling in love with Daniela, but increasingly troubled by the behavior of the girl’s icy, tormented mom and hard-drinking, hard-fisted dad.
Nicole struggles as fear and deceit enter her formerly peaceful life. Forced to deal with people she doesn't trust or like, fearful for the future of both her son and the grandchild they're expecting, Nicole wonders if she can do what she tells Justin to do: always have faith in yourself and do the right thing.
What We Do for Love is a standalone story written by award-winning author Anne Pfeffer.
- GenresFictionAdultContemporary
Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2019
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About the author
Anne Pfeffer
6 books355 followersAward-winning novelist Anne Pfeffer grew up in Phoenix, Arizona reading prodigiously, riding horses, and avoiding rattlesnakes and scorpions. After living in Chicago and New York, she escaped back to the land of sunshine in Los Angeles. She has worked in banking and as a pro bono attorney, representing abandoned children in adoption and guardianship proceedings. Anne has a daughter living in New York and is the author of four books in the YA/New Adult genres.
Learn more at AnnePfefferBooks.com.
Learn more at AnnePfefferBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 22, 2019
"For our children, we will say or do anything. We will tell lies, play tricks, if it is necessary to keep them safe."
📖 What We Do For Love 📖
🖋Anne Pfeffer
Read as an eARC.
Available starting May 21st in Amazon.
📚 Series: No.
📚 Genre: General Fiction with a little Romance.
📚 POV: First person.
📚 Cliffhanger: No.
⚠ Content Warnings: Alcoholism. Violence. Domestic Abuse. Child Abuse. Stalking.
What We Do For Love is my first read from a new-to-me author Anne Pfeffer. Based on the cover and what little of the blurb I read, I was expecting something dark and a bit dangerous in a domestic setting. But a few pages in, it felt different-- lighter, and I mean that in a good way.
“You always say that, Mom.”Justin grinned down at me, and it warmed my heart to finally see him smile.“A tsunami could be coming at us full force, and you’d be saying, ‘We’re okay!’”Nicole (who has the name as me and felt weird reading) is a ceramics artist and is solely raising her son, Justin, an honor roll senior student. A dash of bad things came their way, her son Justin got a classmate, Daniela, pregnant. Her sister is taking a break from her husband and wants to stay with her for a while. And even the girl his son got pregnant needs a temporary home, too.
Their story shows how problems affect the dynamic of a family. Nicole's family of two is suddenly claustrophobic and her future plans are suddenly a bit blurry. Nicole is being a grandmother soon while she is also given an opportunity to showcase her art and further improve her business. Then the story is filled with danger when Daniela's family gets involved.
I have to say, this book is very realistic. The characters are likeable, especially Nicole. She is a smart mom and caring and helpful and dependable and staying strong even though she is feeling troubled and faced with challenges. The other characters were written as realistically, with their own imperfections and problems.
The story flow in its entirety is very tight knit. Nothing felt off and it actually felt like I was watching a movie. The suspense and thriller part was not as morbid or violent as some books and that made it feel more true. Even the romance bit was written beautifully. The resolution to ending was really perfect and well thought.
I really enjoyed reading this and I am looking forward for more of Anne Pfeffer's works.
Much thanks to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours and Bold Print Press for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own.
“Things fall apart and come back together. Everything can be completely broken around you, and then life starts—very slowly— to reassert itself.”☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Suspense/Thrill :⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT : 3.81/5 ☁️
May 6, 2019
**I received a copy of this book from the editor in exchange for an honest review***
DNF at 70%
Summary from Goodreads
Thirty-eight-year-old Nicole has given up on finding love. Instead, the single mother focuses on the few things she cherishes--her sixteen-year-old son Justin, her friends, and her art.
Just as she convinces a famed museum to show a large piece of her work, and she thinks her life has finally turned a corner, her son brings home a girl, Daniela, to spend the night. Daniela's parents have thrown her out of the house: she is pregnant with Justin's child. Shattered, Nicole feels she has no choice but to take the girl in. She finds herself drawn into the inner circle of Daniela's family— a frightening world of violence and deceit.
Nicole struggles to keep life going as normal. Forced to deal with people she doesn't trust or like, fearful for the future of both her son and the grandchild they're expecting, Nicole wonders if she can do what she tells Justin to do: always have faith in yourself and do the right thing.
What We Do for Love is a standalone story written by award-winning author Anne Pfeffer.
My thoughts
What we do for Love is a women's fiction novel. This is my first women's fiction novel and I have to say I'm not impressed. At first this book seemed very interesting but, when I started reading it I found that it didn't captivate me.
I usually read middle grade or young adult fiction where we follow characters from ages 13 to 18/19. Reading a book that follows the 38 year old mother of a teenager is just not for me. I may have enjoyed this book more if it was in Danielle or Justin's point of view. I found the characters lacked personality and that the story was boring.
Overall
This book just wasn't for me. 2 stars.
This book comes out May 21
***I couldn't find a preorder link anywhere but if you are interested out can keep an eye out for this book.***
Thank you for providing me with a copy of this book to review.
DNF at 70%
Summary from Goodreads
Thirty-eight-year-old Nicole has given up on finding love. Instead, the single mother focuses on the few things she cherishes--her sixteen-year-old son Justin, her friends, and her art.
Just as she convinces a famed museum to show a large piece of her work, and she thinks her life has finally turned a corner, her son brings home a girl, Daniela, to spend the night. Daniela's parents have thrown her out of the house: she is pregnant with Justin's child. Shattered, Nicole feels she has no choice but to take the girl in. She finds herself drawn into the inner circle of Daniela's family— a frightening world of violence and deceit.
Nicole struggles to keep life going as normal. Forced to deal with people she doesn't trust or like, fearful for the future of both her son and the grandchild they're expecting, Nicole wonders if she can do what she tells Justin to do: always have faith in yourself and do the right thing.
What We Do for Love is a standalone story written by award-winning author Anne Pfeffer.
My thoughts
What we do for Love is a women's fiction novel. This is my first women's fiction novel and I have to say I'm not impressed. At first this book seemed very interesting but, when I started reading it I found that it didn't captivate me.
I usually read middle grade or young adult fiction where we follow characters from ages 13 to 18/19. Reading a book that follows the 38 year old mother of a teenager is just not for me. I may have enjoyed this book more if it was in Danielle or Justin's point of view. I found the characters lacked personality and that the story was boring.
Overall
This book just wasn't for me. 2 stars.
This book comes out May 21
***I couldn't find a preorder link anywhere but if you are interested out can keep an eye out for this book.***
Thank you for providing me with a copy of this book to review.
May 21, 2019
This novel shows how two crises can totally upend a family. Living in such a small house already, Pfeffer brings alive the sense of literal and metaphorical claustrophobia as Nicole, the protagonist, has to cope with a massive shift in her reality. Uncertain of the future, she has the world pressing down on her, leaving readers wondering how she will emerge from the crises.
I immediately warmed to all of the characters and found them all believable and realistic. Living in a small house, struggling to make ends meet, single parent Nicole is doing everything she can to ensure that she saves enough money to be able to fund her son’s further education. However, one day this all dramatically shifts when she learns that not only is she going to be producing a massive commission for a local business, (a ceramic display, absolutely huge, her first shot at producing something as a local artist,) but she is going to be a grandmother. Suddenly her celebratory news about her ceramic business is put on the back-burner as Nicole needs to support her son and his girlfriend with the unexpected pregnancy. The small house becomes tiny as Daniela moves in, swiftly followed by Nicole’s sister, due to her failing marriage. The pressures the Nicole experiences, both artistically and financially were successfully captured by the writer and I found I could really believe and understand what Nicole was feeling.
Pfeffer introduces a more sinister tone to the story with the involvement of Daniela’s family. At first, readers understand that her mother and father have disowned her because of the pregnancy. However, when readers learn that there is more to the situation than Daniela has already explained, Nicole, her family and friends are suddenly fearing for their safety. Now, the small house on the secluded hilltops is no longer safe; feeling vulnerable and distrustful, it is like they are awaiting the eventual climax to the story.
The relationship between Nicole and Mike is an interesting one. He is definitely the attractive protector and friend of Nicole – just the man required when things start to get hairy with Daniela’s father. As a reader, I was desperate for Nicole and Mike to rekindle their relationship and to move out of their long-established “friend-zone”. However, it is more complicated for Nicole as she is still haunted by her ex-husband’s demeaning comments and fears rejection. Pfeffer keeps the reader hanging for most of the story as to whether the two will be able to realise their true feelings for one another.
I did not expect the final plot twists and this definitely added to my enjoyment of the novel. Making the plot seem more fresh, I found this an easy read to immerse myself into. Maybe one could argue that the plot was a little obvious, but this is not a criticism and sometimes exactly what a reader is looking for when discovering a new book. I enjoyed that this was a stand-alone and not the start of the series as at times, I feel there are too many series’ on the go and never enough opportunities to complete them.
This was a satisfying, uncomplicated read that I really enjoyed. It gave a sense of escapism and I enjoyed the unusual plot twists towards the end.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I immediately warmed to all of the characters and found them all believable and realistic. Living in a small house, struggling to make ends meet, single parent Nicole is doing everything she can to ensure that she saves enough money to be able to fund her son’s further education. However, one day this all dramatically shifts when she learns that not only is she going to be producing a massive commission for a local business, (a ceramic display, absolutely huge, her first shot at producing something as a local artist,) but she is going to be a grandmother. Suddenly her celebratory news about her ceramic business is put on the back-burner as Nicole needs to support her son and his girlfriend with the unexpected pregnancy. The small house becomes tiny as Daniela moves in, swiftly followed by Nicole’s sister, due to her failing marriage. The pressures the Nicole experiences, both artistically and financially were successfully captured by the writer and I found I could really believe and understand what Nicole was feeling.
Pfeffer introduces a more sinister tone to the story with the involvement of Daniela’s family. At first, readers understand that her mother and father have disowned her because of the pregnancy. However, when readers learn that there is more to the situation than Daniela has already explained, Nicole, her family and friends are suddenly fearing for their safety. Now, the small house on the secluded hilltops is no longer safe; feeling vulnerable and distrustful, it is like they are awaiting the eventual climax to the story.
The relationship between Nicole and Mike is an interesting one. He is definitely the attractive protector and friend of Nicole – just the man required when things start to get hairy with Daniela’s father. As a reader, I was desperate for Nicole and Mike to rekindle their relationship and to move out of their long-established “friend-zone”. However, it is more complicated for Nicole as she is still haunted by her ex-husband’s demeaning comments and fears rejection. Pfeffer keeps the reader hanging for most of the story as to whether the two will be able to realise their true feelings for one another.
I did not expect the final plot twists and this definitely added to my enjoyment of the novel. Making the plot seem more fresh, I found this an easy read to immerse myself into. Maybe one could argue that the plot was a little obvious, but this is not a criticism and sometimes exactly what a reader is looking for when discovering a new book. I enjoyed that this was a stand-alone and not the start of the series as at times, I feel there are too many series’ on the go and never enough opportunities to complete them.
This was a satisfying, uncomplicated read that I really enjoyed. It gave a sense of escapism and I enjoyed the unusual plot twists towards the end.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2019
I do most of my reading when I go to bed at night. When I began reading this book, I figured I’d read a couple of chapters and go to sleep. That wasn’t the case. I was quickly swept up with the characters and the complications they faced and read it straight through. Not so good for when I had to get up in the morning, but I didn’t regret it. The writing just grabbed hold of me.
The author’s character’s were so genuine. Their hopes, fears, frustrations. I felt like I was included in their lives. It was such a difficult situation to be caught up in and I wish I could say I’d be as generous as Nicole was, but who knows. Your teenage sons comes home with a girl you had no clue about and they drop a bomb on you. Every parent’s fear hits you like a ton of bricks. And the more you learn, the worse it gets. The old ripple effect.
If you enjoy character driven books with complicated family situations, this would be a good one for you. It’s a fast read, the characters are easy to distinguish and I found their actions appropriate and believable. I hope to read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
June 13, 2019
New to me author Anne Pfeffer paints a picture of a single mother, Nicole, who finds herself at a crossroads when her teenage son, Justin, brings home his high school girl "friend" that it appears is pregnant by him. Furthermore, Nicole is compelled to invite said friend, Daniela to stay in a household already stretched thin. And it gets worse. Nicole's psyche is fraying with the pressure to complete an art mural after being chosen by a museum, and the realization that she's still in love with her best friend, Mike. Wow, that's a lot going in this domestic, family drama.
While the narrative is focused and told through Nicole's POV, there's a lot of focus on what everyone else in her life is going through and feeling. Into the fray comes her sister Caroline, announcing a separation from her husband, and her responsibilities seem greater. Pfeffer does a wonderful job keeping all the plot pieces on point and manages to create some suspense when Daniela's family insinuate themselves into every aspect of her families life, and not in a good way.
I liked the story as a domestic drama and an in-depth portrayal of a woman protecting herself, but more importantly her son's future. There's quite a bit of fretting and heavy contemplation in what Justin faces, at how the turn of events impacts everyone in her life, but most importantly her son:
"Justin leaned forward, fidgeting, his elbows on his knees, one hand loosely holding the bottle. He expelled a deep sigh. My eyes met Mike’s in a look of mutual helplessness. Justin was going to be a father, and there was nothing we could do about it. So many near misses in life, so many times when we sidestep the consequences of our mistakes through sheer dumb luck. But this time, the arrow of misfortune had hit its mark."
But more importantly is what Nicole learns about taking care of herself, taking chances to achieve greatness, feeding her soul. It's well written, a little heavier than I expected ( I thought it might be more domestic thriller), but I enjoyed the message, the importance of family and friendship.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
While the narrative is focused and told through Nicole's POV, there's a lot of focus on what everyone else in her life is going through and feeling. Into the fray comes her sister Caroline, announcing a separation from her husband, and her responsibilities seem greater. Pfeffer does a wonderful job keeping all the plot pieces on point and manages to create some suspense when Daniela's family insinuate themselves into every aspect of her families life, and not in a good way.
I liked the story as a domestic drama and an in-depth portrayal of a woman protecting herself, but more importantly her son's future. There's quite a bit of fretting and heavy contemplation in what Justin faces, at how the turn of events impacts everyone in her life, but most importantly her son:
"Justin leaned forward, fidgeting, his elbows on his knees, one hand loosely holding the bottle. He expelled a deep sigh. My eyes met Mike’s in a look of mutual helplessness. Justin was going to be a father, and there was nothing we could do about it. So many near misses in life, so many times when we sidestep the consequences of our mistakes through sheer dumb luck. But this time, the arrow of misfortune had hit its mark."
But more importantly is what Nicole learns about taking care of herself, taking chances to achieve greatness, feeding her soul. It's well written, a little heavier than I expected ( I thought it might be more domestic thriller), but I enjoyed the message, the importance of family and friendship.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
May 18, 2019
The author's thanks to the San Francisco Book Review, who gave permission for me to post their review of my book.
Please stop me if I start gushing, but this book deserves more than the five stars I am allowed to give it. This book had everything going for it. Lovable, likable characters with morals. A fantastic setting. A realistic storyline. With an even more realistic ending. I mean really, there were no flaws at all in this book and my eyeballs were glued to it the whole time. Nicole is a single mom to Justin. Her relationship with his father Brady went downhill when Brady showed his true colors and left Nicole and Justin when Justin was still a baby. Nicole is an artist who specializes in ceramics and is well known for her beautiful glazes. One day, Nicole comes home to find 16-year-old Justin in the kitchen with a classmate of his. A girl. The girl’s name is Daniela. Nicole realizes that something is up with the two teenagers after Justin asks if Daniela can stay the night. She can sleep in his room and he will sleep on the couch. Nicole is very skeptical of this, and rightfully so. For Justin and Daniela have a secret. A secret that will create a “U-turn”, as Nicole describes it, in Nicole’s life. I liked the fact that the author wrote Nicole’s character as a smart Mom who had some very real issues to deal with. She is balancing a working career as an artist with a big piece due with being a Mom to a teenager as well as running a household. On top of this, Nicole’s sister, Caroline, comes to live with her and with Daniela staying at the house as well, Nicole is running out of beds for people. She is resourceful and they create a makeshift bedroom on the covered porch. The whole story was very believable and the characters were not written as sugarcoated, perfect-all-the-time people. I also really liked the complicated but not-so-complicated relationship between Nicole and Mike. Their friendship had endured so much yet they were always there for one another. Mike was like a stepdad to Justin and their relationship was very special as well. My favorite relationship, however, was that between Nicole and Justin. So many things could have gone wrong here. So often, the moms in books are overbearing or clueless or a bit of both. Nicole is smart and is able to read her son so well. They have such a great connection. This could very easily be a true story or made into a movie. The writing kept me interested to the very end. Five shining stars with a cherry on top to What We Do For Love.
Reviewed by Kristi Elizabeth
San Francisco Book Review
Please stop me if I start gushing, but this book deserves more than the five stars I am allowed to give it. This book had everything going for it. Lovable, likable characters with morals. A fantastic setting. A realistic storyline. With an even more realistic ending. I mean really, there were no flaws at all in this book and my eyeballs were glued to it the whole time. Nicole is a single mom to Justin. Her relationship with his father Brady went downhill when Brady showed his true colors and left Nicole and Justin when Justin was still a baby. Nicole is an artist who specializes in ceramics and is well known for her beautiful glazes. One day, Nicole comes home to find 16-year-old Justin in the kitchen with a classmate of his. A girl. The girl’s name is Daniela. Nicole realizes that something is up with the two teenagers after Justin asks if Daniela can stay the night. She can sleep in his room and he will sleep on the couch. Nicole is very skeptical of this, and rightfully so. For Justin and Daniela have a secret. A secret that will create a “U-turn”, as Nicole describes it, in Nicole’s life. I liked the fact that the author wrote Nicole’s character as a smart Mom who had some very real issues to deal with. She is balancing a working career as an artist with a big piece due with being a Mom to a teenager as well as running a household. On top of this, Nicole’s sister, Caroline, comes to live with her and with Daniela staying at the house as well, Nicole is running out of beds for people. She is resourceful and they create a makeshift bedroom on the covered porch. The whole story was very believable and the characters were not written as sugarcoated, perfect-all-the-time people. I also really liked the complicated but not-so-complicated relationship between Nicole and Mike. Their friendship had endured so much yet they were always there for one another. Mike was like a stepdad to Justin and their relationship was very special as well. My favorite relationship, however, was that between Nicole and Justin. So many things could have gone wrong here. So often, the moms in books are overbearing or clueless or a bit of both. Nicole is smart and is able to read her son so well. They have such a great connection. This could very easily be a true story or made into a movie. The writing kept me interested to the very end. Five shining stars with a cherry on top to What We Do For Love.
Reviewed by Kristi Elizabeth
San Francisco Book Review
April 30, 2019
What would you do if you're a mother and you have to save your child's life from a dreadful situation? What would you do if you're a single mother and you see your child's career going into ruins? If you want to know the answers to these troubling questions, then you need to grab this book for yourself now.
The story is about the struggle of a single mother, Nicole trying to save her boy's career which could be finished if he turns out to be a father in his teenage. But on the other side is a mother, Viviana who has an abusive husband and her daughter is in a constant threat from him. What will both the mothers do to save their children is what the story is all about. In between, you will see family bondings and sisters love. Also, Nicole struggles through her feelings for his affectionate and trusted friend, Mike who has been with her for a long long time and was the one standing by her side whenever she needed. But she is not sure whether he too loved her? You will keep on moving ahead with the story in search of these answers.
I liked the book because it was very flowy and smooth to read. The story was well connected and every chapter of the book was tied in. Nowhere I felt lost and the story was capable of arousing interest in every next chapter. I kept on turning pages to know the ultimate thing that would happen in the end. I enjoyed the book and loved the story. PRE-ORDER NOW:: https://amzn.to/2Dxau4n
You need this book if::
• you're in search of simple, plain reading with not so complex yet beautiful story❤
• you too are in some dilemmas and don't know how to handle your relations, you need to take some inspiration from Nicole then.
• you need a story full of suspense, thrill, romance, little of tragedy, a pinch of humour. This book has little of everything.
The story is about the struggle of a single mother, Nicole trying to save her boy's career which could be finished if he turns out to be a father in his teenage. But on the other side is a mother, Viviana who has an abusive husband and her daughter is in a constant threat from him. What will both the mothers do to save their children is what the story is all about. In between, you will see family bondings and sisters love. Also, Nicole struggles through her feelings for his affectionate and trusted friend, Mike who has been with her for a long long time and was the one standing by her side whenever she needed. But she is not sure whether he too loved her? You will keep on moving ahead with the story in search of these answers.
I liked the book because it was very flowy and smooth to read. The story was well connected and every chapter of the book was tied in. Nowhere I felt lost and the story was capable of arousing interest in every next chapter. I kept on turning pages to know the ultimate thing that would happen in the end. I enjoyed the book and loved the story. PRE-ORDER NOW:: https://amzn.to/2Dxau4n
You need this book if::
• you're in search of simple, plain reading with not so complex yet beautiful story❤
• you too are in some dilemmas and don't know how to handle your relations, you need to take some inspiration from Nicole then.
• you need a story full of suspense, thrill, romance, little of tragedy, a pinch of humour. This book has little of everything.
May 5, 2019
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. Receing the book did not influence my opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nicole is shocked to find her son, Justin, in her kitchen one day with a girl she's never seen before named Daniella. She learns that Daniella is pregnant, that her parents have thrown her out, and that she has nowhere to go. Nicole, being the good person she is, steps up and allows Daniella to stay with her.
At the same time, Nicole's sister is going through a rough patch in her marriage and moves in with Nicole and Justin as well. It's one full house!
This story follows Nicole as she (understandably) stresses out over finances, her son's future, and having a new baby she knows she'll be partly responsible for.
In my opinion, Nicole handles everything with an incredible amount of grace. You don't see her getting upset too often. She handles everything so much better than I think I would in the same situation! Her love for her son, her sister, and even for Daniella is apparent. Family means everything to her.
The story is really heartwarming. I loved this book. It's one that I didn't want to put down. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes heartwarming, family-oriented stories.
Nicole is shocked to find her son, Justin, in her kitchen one day with a girl she's never seen before named Daniella. She learns that Daniella is pregnant, that her parents have thrown her out, and that she has nowhere to go. Nicole, being the good person she is, steps up and allows Daniella to stay with her.
At the same time, Nicole's sister is going through a rough patch in her marriage and moves in with Nicole and Justin as well. It's one full house!
This story follows Nicole as she (understandably) stresses out over finances, her son's future, and having a new baby she knows she'll be partly responsible for.
In my opinion, Nicole handles everything with an incredible amount of grace. You don't see her getting upset too often. She handles everything so much better than I think I would in the same situation! Her love for her son, her sister, and even for Daniella is apparent. Family means everything to her.
The story is really heartwarming. I loved this book. It's one that I didn't want to put down. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes heartwarming, family-oriented stories.
June 15, 2019
Once again, I indulged my love for gorgeous front covers when I chose to read What We Do for Love by Anne Pfeffer! I did find, however, that as soon as I started reading this contemporary romance, I was totally and completely hooked.
The author worked miracles with this fascinating plot-line. I was totally absorbed with the story and (nearly) all of the characters.
I really felt Justin’s pain and confusion and it was interesting to read about his feelings and thoughts regarding the situation in which he had got himself.
For me, Anne Pfeffer’s writing skills were admirable as she managed to pack so much into a relatively short book, without ever feeling that the pace was rushed.
I loved the main protagonist, Nicole, and I completely understood many of her misgivings about love. For a woman who was, for most of the time, so level-headed, fair and caring, she also made me want to scream and I did so on several occasions!
I couldn’t possibly finish this without mentioning the ending. It was very fulfilling even though I had partly guessed the outcome.
I highly recommend What We Do For Love and it is a very well deserved five stars from me!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The author worked miracles with this fascinating plot-line. I was totally absorbed with the story and (nearly) all of the characters.
I really felt Justin’s pain and confusion and it was interesting to read about his feelings and thoughts regarding the situation in which he had got himself.
For me, Anne Pfeffer’s writing skills were admirable as she managed to pack so much into a relatively short book, without ever feeling that the pace was rushed.
I loved the main protagonist, Nicole, and I completely understood many of her misgivings about love. For a woman who was, for most of the time, so level-headed, fair and caring, she also made me want to scream and I did so on several occasions!
I couldn’t possibly finish this without mentioning the ending. It was very fulfilling even though I had partly guessed the outcome.
I highly recommend What We Do For Love and it is a very well deserved five stars from me!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 28, 2019
It's been awhile since I read a good contemporary women's fiction novel and this one was a treat. This book drew me in from the first page and just got better as I got deeper into the book. Nicole is a single mom with a 16-year-old son. She creates beautiful pieces of pottery for a living and has just received an opportunity to display her artwork in a museum, but her life takes on a sharp curve when her son brings home a girl named Daniela who is pregnant with his child.
I liked Nicole right from the get-go and I could relate to her on so many levels, the first as a mom of a teenage boy (I have a 15-year-old son); the second as an entrepreneur (I also run my own business); and thirdly she was the type of person who took it upon herself to help others, she holds the fort together, so to speak. Well, being the eldest in my family, I pretty much do that in my family. So I truly felt like I understood Nicole's fears, disappointments, hopes, and joys.
This was a quick fun read that I enjoyed immensely. Pfeffer understands what it's like to raise a teen son, to make sacrifices for love and to take care of your family. I also loved the setting of Hollywood, California with Nicole's house on top of the hill looking out over the valley.
I'm a new fan of Anne Pfeffer and will look for her other books to read. If you love contemporary women's fiction and a good family drama, this one is a perfect summer read.
I liked Nicole right from the get-go and I could relate to her on so many levels, the first as a mom of a teenage boy (I have a 15-year-old son); the second as an entrepreneur (I also run my own business); and thirdly she was the type of person who took it upon herself to help others, she holds the fort together, so to speak. Well, being the eldest in my family, I pretty much do that in my family. So I truly felt like I understood Nicole's fears, disappointments, hopes, and joys.
This was a quick fun read that I enjoyed immensely. Pfeffer understands what it's like to raise a teen son, to make sacrifices for love and to take care of your family. I also loved the setting of Hollywood, California with Nicole's house on top of the hill looking out over the valley.
I'm a new fan of Anne Pfeffer and will look for her other books to read. If you love contemporary women's fiction and a good family drama, this one is a perfect summer read.
May 25, 2019
This is a fast, light story about what mothers are willing to do for their children. From the blurb I expected a darker, suspenseful read but this is more like a Hallmark movie - a little dangerous with romance thrown in. It's not what I usually read but I found myself drawn into the characters' lives. I took some time to warm up to Nicole in the beginning as she kept comparing her son to her ex-husband (how handsome he is, etc) which I found to be slightly weird. But soon I started to see her personality and her desire to keep her family, even to the extent of taking a stranger into her home. Things escalate from there and I thought the writing clearly shows how trapped Nicole feels in her situation. The relationship between Nicole and her family is warm and loving, a highlight of the book.
The romance is largely in the background until the end, and I wish we get more conversation about that after the long will-they-won't-they act. There is a sort of deux ex machina at the end that ties up everything neatly and I wish the book had dared to be messier. I might not be the target audience for this book but it's good and I think many readers will enjoy it.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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The romance is largely in the background until the end, and I wish we get more conversation about that after the long will-they-won't-they act. There is a sort of deux ex machina at the end that ties up everything neatly and I wish the book had dared to be messier. I might not be the target audience for this book but it's good and I think many readers will enjoy it.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
book blog | twitter | instagram
May 21, 2019
Back in 2015 I read ‘Just Pru’ by Anne Pfeffer and I really loved that back. So when I was invited to read ‘What We Do For Love’ I couldn’t say no. After reading a lot of Contemporary Romance novels, which I love, I was excited to read something a little different. And that cover is very pretty too if you ask me.
In ‘What We Do For Love’ we meet single mom Nicole Adams. Nicole has a sixteen year old son Justin who she loves more than anything. Being a single mom can definitely be a little tricky. Especially when Justin comes home with a girl who tells Nicole she is pregnant with her grandchild. Being an artist, money isn’t coming in as much as she would have liked. And now Nicole doesn’t only have her son to take care of, but also a strange girl and her unborn baby. Before Nicole can really think about it, she is taking care of more people than she ever planned. But then the girl’s strange and unkind mother appears and life gets even more interesting.
‘What We Do For Love’ is an interesting read. From the moment I started reading I kept wondering which direction this book would take. There was a lot going on in this book, and I definitely enjoyed getting to know Nicole, and finding out more about her journey as a mother and an artist. The characters where easy to like and I found myself wanting to keep on reading just so I would know what would happen next.
There is romance in this book, but also a lot of moments were a lot of thrilling stuff is happening. And this definitely made for a fun read. But it was also a little confusing at times and in the end I still don’t really know what genre fits this book or what was really the message of this book. It was also a little predictable, but still fun.
But since this book still kept me interested and I find the author’s writing style very entertaining this book is still a 3.5 star read for me.
In ‘What We Do For Love’ we meet single mom Nicole Adams. Nicole has a sixteen year old son Justin who she loves more than anything. Being a single mom can definitely be a little tricky. Especially when Justin comes home with a girl who tells Nicole she is pregnant with her grandchild. Being an artist, money isn’t coming in as much as she would have liked. And now Nicole doesn’t only have her son to take care of, but also a strange girl and her unborn baby. Before Nicole can really think about it, she is taking care of more people than she ever planned. But then the girl’s strange and unkind mother appears and life gets even more interesting.
‘What We Do For Love’ is an interesting read. From the moment I started reading I kept wondering which direction this book would take. There was a lot going on in this book, and I definitely enjoyed getting to know Nicole, and finding out more about her journey as a mother and an artist. The characters where easy to like and I found myself wanting to keep on reading just so I would know what would happen next.
There is romance in this book, but also a lot of moments were a lot of thrilling stuff is happening. And this definitely made for a fun read. But it was also a little confusing at times and in the end I still don’t really know what genre fits this book or what was really the message of this book. It was also a little predictable, but still fun.
But since this book still kept me interested and I find the author’s writing style very entertaining this book is still a 3.5 star read for me.
July 28, 2019
I felt as if things played out as they should in the topic of pregnancy - though at a stage the topic did take a bit of a back seat. One thing I'm glad about is that the romance wasn't prominent feature in the book, since a lot of it felt a bit mediocre.
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2019
What We Do For Love is a story of a mother's fight for her family.
Nicole is the single mother of a 16 year old son that brings a girl home out of the blue and announces she's carrying his child...her grandchild. Now she finds herself suddenly trying to navigate a new world completely unsure of which direction to go that leads to the best possible place for everyone.
Along the way we watch as she realizes the love she has for her best friend isn't just platonic.
I didn't love this story, I tried to I just couldn't. The thing that turned me off repeatedly was talk of bringing the knocked up teen to Planned Parenthood for guidance and prenatal care. HA! What a load of crap!? We all know what they do there, so trying to enjoy a book that promotes aborting a new life killed any desire I had to even finish the story. I did however, finish the story. Overall, the plot was okay, a nice change from your typical romance where the focus really is on the heroine's personal struggles and her love life played just a small role.
Nicole is the single mother of a 16 year old son that brings a girl home out of the blue and announces she's carrying his child...her grandchild. Now she finds herself suddenly trying to navigate a new world completely unsure of which direction to go that leads to the best possible place for everyone.
Along the way we watch as she realizes the love she has for her best friend isn't just platonic.
I didn't love this story, I tried to I just couldn't. The thing that turned me off repeatedly was talk of bringing the knocked up teen to Planned Parenthood for guidance and prenatal care. HA! What a load of crap!? We all know what they do there, so trying to enjoy a book that promotes aborting a new life killed any desire I had to even finish the story. I did however, finish the story. Overall, the plot was okay, a nice change from your typical romance where the focus really is on the heroine's personal struggles and her love life played just a small role.
April 28, 2019
I liked this book. For what starts out as kind of a sad story does end with a happy ending. Nicole is truly the voice of the story. It is her story. I like that she never really complained about being a single mother. She unlike Daniela's parents did not judge Daniela. This is because she could relate to Daniela and her situation as a young mother.
The book alternates from the present to the past. Each time the past revealed more of Nicole's live as a young mother. Yes, this story had a bit of a somber tone but it also had a happy one filled with new chances, friends, relationships, and love.
Speaking of love; Nicole did find someone. I liked Mike. He and Nicole were good together. Also, Nicole and Daniela were good together as well. They bounded off each other. While, I did like this book; there was something that held me back from fully embracing all of the characters. Still this was a enjoyable read.
The book alternates from the present to the past. Each time the past revealed more of Nicole's live as a young mother. Yes, this story had a bit of a somber tone but it also had a happy one filled with new chances, friends, relationships, and love.
Speaking of love; Nicole did find someone. I liked Mike. He and Nicole were good together. Also, Nicole and Daniela were good together as well. They bounded off each other. While, I did like this book; there was something that held me back from fully embracing all of the characters. Still this was a enjoyable read.
June 13, 2019
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
This is my first book by this author and the blurb made me really look forward to start this one. This book is a complete standalone and can be read without knowing any other works of this author.
The book started easy enough: The main character had just gotten career changing news and was riding a high till her son comes back home with a friend of his. So far, so good. The author then managed to tell a complicated tale about abuse, hope, trust and deception that had me turning page after page after page to see how all the problems would be solved in the end. Unfortunately I was not really happy with how all the problems were solved.
The characters were difficult to grasp for me. While I thought I understood most of the forces that made them thrive, in the end, some of them were just giving out these negative vibes that I found myself barely liking any of the characters in the end. The only person I liked from start to end was Justin. The rest made me really angry, because their actions were not grown-up or motherly or mature. Most of the characters seemed like spoiled children to me who wanted “the best” while not giving anything. Also I could absolutely NOT understand Daniela’s mother. I hated that woman from the start and my initial pity soon turned into hate and anger over her actions.
All in all this book was women’s fiction, which differs more than I thought from my usual romance. I liked the idea and the plot of the book and even some of the solutions, but in the end, I disliked the characters which spoiled the book for me. I expected characters in women’s fiction to be more mature and a little less impulsive in their actions, but no, it was as if I was reading a light romance novel without the sex scenes. I liked the writing style, though, It was easy to read and made it easy to see the characters in my head.
I give this book three stars because of the writing style, the plot idea and Justin, but I really did not klick with the book as much as I wished.
This is my first book by this author and the blurb made me really look forward to start this one. This book is a complete standalone and can be read without knowing any other works of this author.
The book started easy enough: The main character had just gotten career changing news and was riding a high till her son comes back home with a friend of his. So far, so good. The author then managed to tell a complicated tale about abuse, hope, trust and deception that had me turning page after page after page to see how all the problems would be solved in the end. Unfortunately I was not really happy with how all the problems were solved.
The characters were difficult to grasp for me. While I thought I understood most of the forces that made them thrive, in the end, some of them were just giving out these negative vibes that I found myself barely liking any of the characters in the end. The only person I liked from start to end was Justin. The rest made me really angry, because their actions were not grown-up or motherly or mature. Most of the characters seemed like spoiled children to me who wanted “the best” while not giving anything. Also I could absolutely NOT understand Daniela’s mother. I hated that woman from the start and my initial pity soon turned into hate and anger over her actions.
All in all this book was women’s fiction, which differs more than I thought from my usual romance. I liked the idea and the plot of the book and even some of the solutions, but in the end, I disliked the characters which spoiled the book for me. I expected characters in women’s fiction to be more mature and a little less impulsive in their actions, but no, it was as if I was reading a light romance novel without the sex scenes. I liked the writing style, though, It was easy to read and made it easy to see the characters in my head.
I give this book three stars because of the writing style, the plot idea and Justin, but I really did not klick with the book as much as I wished.
May 31, 2019
What We Do For Love packs a life story into a quick read. The author's writing style creates an easy to follow, quickly read novel that holds quite a full story for readers. I read the book from start to finish in one evening while I waited for my daughters to finish practices and lessons after school. The author draws reader interest in the first few pages and keeps the book moving along smoothly as she shares the main character's life (past and present) to create the storyline.
The main character in What We Do for Love is easy to cheer on. I loved Nicole--and wished for a happy ending for her and her family and friends. The author created a stable, loving, hopeful character who endured a great deal--but, never lost sight of who she was nor of what was important to her and her life. While Nicole was the backbone of her little world--the people in her life were vital to her story.
What We Do For Love Combined a Realistic Plot with its Fiction. The author did not give her characters unreasonable characteristics or drop them into ridiculous relationships or interactions. The story seemed real enough that readers could feel Nicole's mounting pressures and feel the emotions as she tried to remain strong for all of those who needed her support.
Would I recommend What We Do for Love by Anne Pfeffer? I am not a huge chick-lit reader--and I haven't watched a Lifetime movie in nearly 20 years--but, I loved this book. I loved the main character--and I loved watching the emotional storyline realistically find hope and resolution. It is a quick, easy read making it the perfect book to pack along on vacation. It is excellent for readers who enjoy women's fiction and light romance--but, I think women who enjoy coming of age stories and life stories with some twists would love it as well.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
The main character in What We Do for Love is easy to cheer on. I loved Nicole--and wished for a happy ending for her and her family and friends. The author created a stable, loving, hopeful character who endured a great deal--but, never lost sight of who she was nor of what was important to her and her life. While Nicole was the backbone of her little world--the people in her life were vital to her story.
What We Do For Love Combined a Realistic Plot with its Fiction. The author did not give her characters unreasonable characteristics or drop them into ridiculous relationships or interactions. The story seemed real enough that readers could feel Nicole's mounting pressures and feel the emotions as she tried to remain strong for all of those who needed her support.
Would I recommend What We Do for Love by Anne Pfeffer? I am not a huge chick-lit reader--and I haven't watched a Lifetime movie in nearly 20 years--but, I loved this book. I loved the main character--and I loved watching the emotional storyline realistically find hope and resolution. It is a quick, easy read making it the perfect book to pack along on vacation. It is excellent for readers who enjoy women's fiction and light romance--but, I think women who enjoy coming of age stories and life stories with some twists would love it as well.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
June 17, 2019
4 Cranky stars
The lengths we will go to for our children are extraordinary and this book tells such a tale.
Nicole lived with her son Justin who she loved more than anything in the world. They had a very good mother and son relationship. Life on the whole was happy, she made just enough money making her pottery to keep there heads above water.
Then one day everything changed. First she was asked by a local gallery to do an art piece for them that would be at the entrance to the event and the first piece that anyone saw as they walked in. She was over the moon at last she may be recognised for her art and not just for making tea sets etc. She couldn't wait for Justin to come home from school to tell him, he would be so excited for her.
At last he returned with a girl in tow, their faces said everything. Nicole asked what the problem was to be told that the girl Daniela, was pregnant by him. There was more, she had been kicked out by her parents who apparently did not want to know. The devastation was obvious and didn't get better as time went on. Justin did not love this girl.
This is the start of a very tangled web of feelings, although a very enjoyable book I did find it a little slow going for the first part. The second part truly made up for this with the presence of Daniela's mother and her best friend for years, Mike. Emotions such as jealousy sadness, anger, love and betrayal all running rife.
Do things all work out in the end? Who knows what is right for one person may not be right for another!
I recommend this book and if you feel like me it is going a bit slow persevere as the second half is an exceptional read.
The lengths we will go to for our children are extraordinary and this book tells such a tale.
Nicole lived with her son Justin who she loved more than anything in the world. They had a very good mother and son relationship. Life on the whole was happy, she made just enough money making her pottery to keep there heads above water.
Then one day everything changed. First she was asked by a local gallery to do an art piece for them that would be at the entrance to the event and the first piece that anyone saw as they walked in. She was over the moon at last she may be recognised for her art and not just for making tea sets etc. She couldn't wait for Justin to come home from school to tell him, he would be so excited for her.
At last he returned with a girl in tow, their faces said everything. Nicole asked what the problem was to be told that the girl Daniela, was pregnant by him. There was more, she had been kicked out by her parents who apparently did not want to know. The devastation was obvious and didn't get better as time went on. Justin did not love this girl.
This is the start of a very tangled web of feelings, although a very enjoyable book I did find it a little slow going for the first part. The second part truly made up for this with the presence of Daniela's mother and her best friend for years, Mike. Emotions such as jealousy sadness, anger, love and betrayal all running rife.
Do things all work out in the end? Who knows what is right for one person may not be right for another!
I recommend this book and if you feel like me it is going a bit slow persevere as the second half is an exceptional read.
June 1, 2019
This is real life.
Anne Pfeffer’s latest contemporary women’s fiction, What We Do For Love, is an anxiety-ridden nail biter of a novel that has readers rapidly page-turning to find out what the consequences will be of how each character shows — and proves — love of every kind.
The main character, Nicole Adams, is a single mother struggling to make ends meet, when all at once, her world gets turned upside down. First, an amazing thing happens: she receives some great personal career news. But just before she can share with her teenage son, he brings home his first girlfriend…. and announces that she’s pregnant. To make matters worse, the girl’s parents have basically abandoned her, although her abusive Father may show up at Nicole’s home to violently chastise her in a drunken rage at any time.
Nicole finds herself putting her own dreams aside to figure out how to manage — and pay for — these new life challenges. Her son’s future is shattered, though he valiantly (and fearfully) accepts his responsibility. Relatives and neighbors have their own love angles to address, but it’s the girl’s mother that puts the theme in perspective:
"For our children, we will say or do anything. We will tell lies, play tricks, if it is necessary to keep them safe,” she says.
Pfeffer presents a devastatingly real story, and tells it in a way that makes it just alarming enough to excruciate as well as entertain. Her characters, and the life altering decisions that they make, are all too authentic, as is their honest struggle.
Each of the characters is trying to show love in the best way they know how. But between alcoholism, domestic violence, and abuse, these are more than sticky situations. Just how far will they have to go to keep their loved ones from harm?
Sure, the plot wraps up a little too conveniently in the end, but the reader wouldn’t have it any other way. Everyone makes some sacrifices, and our hero, Nicole, finds that others have made sacrifices to love her as well.
Anne Pfeffer’s latest contemporary women’s fiction, What We Do For Love, is an anxiety-ridden nail biter of a novel that has readers rapidly page-turning to find out what the consequences will be of how each character shows — and proves — love of every kind.
The main character, Nicole Adams, is a single mother struggling to make ends meet, when all at once, her world gets turned upside down. First, an amazing thing happens: she receives some great personal career news. But just before she can share with her teenage son, he brings home his first girlfriend…. and announces that she’s pregnant. To make matters worse, the girl’s parents have basically abandoned her, although her abusive Father may show up at Nicole’s home to violently chastise her in a drunken rage at any time.
Nicole finds herself putting her own dreams aside to figure out how to manage — and pay for — these new life challenges. Her son’s future is shattered, though he valiantly (and fearfully) accepts his responsibility. Relatives and neighbors have their own love angles to address, but it’s the girl’s mother that puts the theme in perspective:
"For our children, we will say or do anything. We will tell lies, play tricks, if it is necessary to keep them safe,” she says.
Pfeffer presents a devastatingly real story, and tells it in a way that makes it just alarming enough to excruciate as well as entertain. Her characters, and the life altering decisions that they make, are all too authentic, as is their honest struggle.
Each of the characters is trying to show love in the best way they know how. But between alcoholism, domestic violence, and abuse, these are more than sticky situations. Just how far will they have to go to keep their loved ones from harm?
Sure, the plot wraps up a little too conveniently in the end, but the reader wouldn’t have it any other way. Everyone makes some sacrifices, and our hero, Nicole, finds that others have made sacrifices to love her as well.
June 7, 2019
What an enjoyable read this was...a welcome break from my usual diet of psychological thrillers.
The author's style is easy going, with lots of dialogue and an interesting assortment of relatable characters: the dedicated mom who narrates the story, her well-brought up teenaged son whom mom didn't realize was "doing the deed"...surprise, surprise mom you're going to be a grandma and you didn't even know he knew about condoms...not to mention the sweet, pregnant girlfriend who suddenly needs a place to stay as her strange parents have kicked her out, and mom's first love, Mike, whom she never married but who has always been a huge part of her life, especially since she's been a single mom since her husband left after 4 years of marriage!
When mom's life is suddenly turned upside down by her son's announcement and she's spending more time setting up beds for an onslaught of unexpected house guests, all the while trying to get ready for an exhibition of her clay work in a mural for the local museum, she desperately tries to help everyone out and starts running herself ragged with worry. That worry suddenly turns dangerous for everyone parking in mom's house with the entry of the pregnant teens' alcoholic, abusive father. What on earth will happen now?
Like I said, this was a most enjoyable read, with lots of humour and real human emotions leading to an almost fairy-tale like ending. The author did such a great job bringing her characters to life I felt like I actually knew them. It took only 2 days to read this one. All books should be so easy to read and so enjoyable. Well done!
©Viga Boland, author and book reviewer
http://www.vigaboland.com
The author's style is easy going, with lots of dialogue and an interesting assortment of relatable characters: the dedicated mom who narrates the story, her well-brought up teenaged son whom mom didn't realize was "doing the deed"...surprise, surprise mom you're going to be a grandma and you didn't even know he knew about condoms...not to mention the sweet, pregnant girlfriend who suddenly needs a place to stay as her strange parents have kicked her out, and mom's first love, Mike, whom she never married but who has always been a huge part of her life, especially since she's been a single mom since her husband left after 4 years of marriage!
When mom's life is suddenly turned upside down by her son's announcement and she's spending more time setting up beds for an onslaught of unexpected house guests, all the while trying to get ready for an exhibition of her clay work in a mural for the local museum, she desperately tries to help everyone out and starts running herself ragged with worry. That worry suddenly turns dangerous for everyone parking in mom's house with the entry of the pregnant teens' alcoholic, abusive father. What on earth will happen now?
Like I said, this was a most enjoyable read, with lots of humour and real human emotions leading to an almost fairy-tale like ending. The author did such a great job bringing her characters to life I felt like I actually knew them. It took only 2 days to read this one. All books should be so easy to read and so enjoyable. Well done!
©Viga Boland, author and book reviewer
http://www.vigaboland.com
June 5, 2019
The title of this book could not be any more fitting because it portrays Nicole, a single mom, and the lengths she goes to for her family even when those lengths could be dangerous! But isn’t just Nicole that I think this title fits, but also Viviana, Mike, and even her sister.
This book was a fast read for me and I enjoyed the story and some of the twists and turns that came about as more of the personal stories were revealed. Nicole is a single mother and I can’t even imagine what it is like to raise a child by yourself. But Nicole has done a good job and her son Justin is smart and on his way to bigger and better things. Until the day he brings home his friend Daniela and she is pregnant with his child. What a bombshell to drop on Nicole but after the initial shock, she starts to adjust to the information and starts to look forward to a grandchild. But things aren’t always as they seem and what is revealed in the end will be quite a surprise, or at least it was to me.
There were some times where I wondered why Nicole was trying to take everything on herself and not ask for help from those around her. Was it because she was used to doing most everything herself? Was it a pride thing? Whatever her reason, she grows in this book and learns that accepting a helping hand is not the downfall of her independence or anything else.
There is a little bit of suspense in this book, but it really is minor compared to everything else. There is also romance and a happily ever after ending.
This book is an enjoyable read and we give it 4 paws up.
This book was a fast read for me and I enjoyed the story and some of the twists and turns that came about as more of the personal stories were revealed. Nicole is a single mother and I can’t even imagine what it is like to raise a child by yourself. But Nicole has done a good job and her son Justin is smart and on his way to bigger and better things. Until the day he brings home his friend Daniela and she is pregnant with his child. What a bombshell to drop on Nicole but after the initial shock, she starts to adjust to the information and starts to look forward to a grandchild. But things aren’t always as they seem and what is revealed in the end will be quite a surprise, or at least it was to me.
There were some times where I wondered why Nicole was trying to take everything on herself and not ask for help from those around her. Was it because she was used to doing most everything herself? Was it a pride thing? Whatever her reason, she grows in this book and learns that accepting a helping hand is not the downfall of her independence or anything else.
There is a little bit of suspense in this book, but it really is minor compared to everything else. There is also romance and a happily ever after ending.
This book is an enjoyable read and we give it 4 paws up.
June 11, 2019
An engaging novel, What We Do for Love sucked me in with its real characters and intriguing plot. Although I don’t have children yet, much less a teenager, I found slipping into Nicole’s shoes effortless. I felt her joy in her art, her frustration in her work, and her worry over her son (Justin) and sister, but I did see the love interest coming a mile away as she remained clueless.
Although parts of this book seemed a bit cliché and predictable, the details added a bit of uniqueness, especially the well fleshed-out characters. Justin is refreshingly realistic, given his own personality rather than that of a “typical teenager,” and I love the mother-son relationship in this book. Even Daniela, his girlfriend, is well written, and many of the other side characters have their own backstories or side plots.
I balked at first at the seemingly overwhelming amounts of detail, but as I settled into the rhythm of Anne Pfeffer’s writing style, I began to realize that this detail allowed me to visualize the setting more clearly than I can with most books. From Nicole’s beloved gardens to the interior of her cozy but cramped house and messy studio, I rarely had to think twice about where a scene was occurring.
Aside from one brief overly-sensual scene toward the end, this book is clean and blush-free. And even though it has some elements of a thriller, the tone remained light, and I felt more curiosity than stress.
Although parts of this book seemed a bit cliché and predictable, the details added a bit of uniqueness, especially the well fleshed-out characters. Justin is refreshingly realistic, given his own personality rather than that of a “typical teenager,” and I love the mother-son relationship in this book. Even Daniela, his girlfriend, is well written, and many of the other side characters have their own backstories or side plots.
I balked at first at the seemingly overwhelming amounts of detail, but as I settled into the rhythm of Anne Pfeffer’s writing style, I began to realize that this detail allowed me to visualize the setting more clearly than I can with most books. From Nicole’s beloved gardens to the interior of her cozy but cramped house and messy studio, I rarely had to think twice about where a scene was occurring.
Aside from one brief overly-sensual scene toward the end, this book is clean and blush-free. And even though it has some elements of a thriller, the tone remained light, and I felt more curiosity than stress.
June 14, 2019
Nicole Adams is riding a high at the moment. Her story starts off with everything seeming normal and then she shows how quickly life can change. Her son seems the typical teenager. He gives her a surprise that she never saw coming. Her feelings seem so realistic and how any mother would feel.
The author certainly caught my attention with how realistic everything seemed to be. Nicole could be one of my neighbors. You may say hi to someone but not really know what happens once they go inside their home. Not knowing a single parent, I can’t say I know about the struggles they must have but our author gives us a fictional peek into what that life may be like. There comes a scene toward the end where Nicole voices a feeling that I’m sure a lot of women have voiced at one time or another.
Our author also puts in twists and turns that seem so realistic and show that anything could be possible in the life of a mother and her son. The only thing about the ending was that after everything that happened to get to that point, the happiness seemed to be rushed. I can’t really call it a romance but a peek into the life of a woman who is at a point in her life where she wants certain things. The secondary characters help to make this story – just like in a movie. On the whole it was an enjoyable read.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The author certainly caught my attention with how realistic everything seemed to be. Nicole could be one of my neighbors. You may say hi to someone but not really know what happens once they go inside their home. Not knowing a single parent, I can’t say I know about the struggles they must have but our author gives us a fictional peek into what that life may be like. There comes a scene toward the end where Nicole voices a feeling that I’m sure a lot of women have voiced at one time or another.
Our author also puts in twists and turns that seem so realistic and show that anything could be possible in the life of a mother and her son. The only thing about the ending was that after everything that happened to get to that point, the happiness seemed to be rushed. I can’t really call it a romance but a peek into the life of a woman who is at a point in her life where she wants certain things. The secondary characters help to make this story – just like in a movie. On the whole it was an enjoyable read.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 24, 2019
I fell in love with this book immediately – I felt so connected to Nicole and her struggles as she raises her sixteen year old son on her own. She is such a strong, giving, kind person who faces the same struggles so many of us do. Your heart just warms to her and you want to reach out and hold her at times to give her comfort.
True to how life is, just when Nicole thinks she can move forward in life and lift her family of two up, life throws that curve ball. This time in the form of her son’s girlfriend who is pregnant. Nicole is terrified for the two, as she herself was a young mom and knows the struggles. She has to come to terms with a lot but she is always there to support the young couple. She is the type of mother that people could only dream of having. Although I do feel for her as she does sacrifice a lot of herself in order to be there for others. When you throw in her sister’s crisis, you sit there and wonder how is she going to make it through everything?
The ending through me right off and was not what I was expecting but definitely added a fantastic twist to the plot.
This is an excellent read from start to finish and I have already re-read the book twice, it only gets better. You will love the characters and their honestly and connect with how their very real struggles and pain. A definite must read!
True to how life is, just when Nicole thinks she can move forward in life and lift her family of two up, life throws that curve ball. This time in the form of her son’s girlfriend who is pregnant. Nicole is terrified for the two, as she herself was a young mom and knows the struggles. She has to come to terms with a lot but she is always there to support the young couple. She is the type of mother that people could only dream of having. Although I do feel for her as she does sacrifice a lot of herself in order to be there for others. When you throw in her sister’s crisis, you sit there and wonder how is she going to make it through everything?
The ending through me right off and was not what I was expecting but definitely added a fantastic twist to the plot.
This is an excellent read from start to finish and I have already re-read the book twice, it only gets better. You will love the characters and their honestly and connect with how their very real struggles and pain. A definite must read!
June 12, 2019
A Most Enjoyable Read!
What an enjoyable read this was...a welcome break from my usual diet of psychological thrillers.
The author's style is easy going, with lots of dialogue and an interesting assortment of relatable characters: the dedicated mom who narrates the story, her well-brought up teenaged son whom mom didn't realize was "doing the deed"...surprise, surprise mom you're going to be a grandma and you didn't even know he knew about condoms...not to mention the sweet, pregnant girlfriend who suddenly needs a place to stay as her strange parents have kicked her out, and mom's first love, Mike, whom she never married but who has always been a huge part of her life, especially since she's been a single mom since her husband left after 4 years of marriage!
When mom's life is suddenly turned upside down by her son's announcement and she's spending more time setting up beds for an onslaught of unexpected house guests, all the while trying to get ready for an exhibition of her clay work in a mural for the local museum, she desperately tries to help everyone out and starts running herself ragged with worry. That worry suddenly turns dangerous for everyone parking in mom's house with the entry of the pregnant teens' alcoholic, abusive father. What on earth will happen now?
Like I said, this was a most enjoyable read, with lots of humour and real human emotions leading to an almost fairy-tale like ending. The author did such a great job bringing her characters to life I felt like I actually knew them. It took only 2 days to read this one. All books should be so easy to read and so enjoyable. Well done!
What an enjoyable read this was...a welcome break from my usual diet of psychological thrillers.
The author's style is easy going, with lots of dialogue and an interesting assortment of relatable characters: the dedicated mom who narrates the story, her well-brought up teenaged son whom mom didn't realize was "doing the deed"...surprise, surprise mom you're going to be a grandma and you didn't even know he knew about condoms...not to mention the sweet, pregnant girlfriend who suddenly needs a place to stay as her strange parents have kicked her out, and mom's first love, Mike, whom she never married but who has always been a huge part of her life, especially since she's been a single mom since her husband left after 4 years of marriage!
When mom's life is suddenly turned upside down by her son's announcement and she's spending more time setting up beds for an onslaught of unexpected house guests, all the while trying to get ready for an exhibition of her clay work in a mural for the local museum, she desperately tries to help everyone out and starts running herself ragged with worry. That worry suddenly turns dangerous for everyone parking in mom's house with the entry of the pregnant teens' alcoholic, abusive father. What on earth will happen now?
Like I said, this was a most enjoyable read, with lots of humour and real human emotions leading to an almost fairy-tale like ending. The author did such a great job bringing her characters to life I felt like I actually knew them. It took only 2 days to read this one. All books should be so easy to read and so enjoyable. Well done!
June 15, 2019
Nicole is used to compartmentalizing her life, putting things into boxes in her mind, to be dealt with at an appropriate time. But real life isn’t always that tidy; in fact, it has a way of being extremely messy. Just when she finally gets her opportunity to prove herself as an artist, her son’s girlfriend moves in with them. Then, her sister needs a place to live. So, a household of two suddenly becomes a household of four, and then it grows some more. Will they be able to make it work?
Nicole’s account of her present-day life is interspersed with memories of her own teenage years with her sister, her sister’s boyfriend, and her own brief romance with the man who is now her best friend. The story is a combination of romance, family drama, suspense, and psychological thriller. It highlights the lengths parents will go to for the love of their children, but it also shows what love will make us do for our husband or wife, our friends, our neighbors, and even our pets.
Some heavy moments but, don’t despair, there’s a happily-ever-after.
Warnings: sexual references, alcoholism, domestic violence, teen pregnancy, sex scene.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (15 June): https://www.booksdirectonline.com/201...
Nicole’s account of her present-day life is interspersed with memories of her own teenage years with her sister, her sister’s boyfriend, and her own brief romance with the man who is now her best friend. The story is a combination of romance, family drama, suspense, and psychological thriller. It highlights the lengths parents will go to for the love of their children, but it also shows what love will make us do for our husband or wife, our friends, our neighbors, and even our pets.
Some heavy moments but, don’t despair, there’s a happily-ever-after.
Warnings: sexual references, alcoholism, domestic violence, teen pregnancy, sex scene.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (15 June): https://www.booksdirectonline.com/201...
June 11, 2019
This story gave me a lot of feelings. There is a lot to unpack emotionally and I think mostly it just felt real. The writing style and flow of the story felt very much like having a chat with a girlfiend over coffee. It was as if I was just hearing a story from a friend, if that makes sense.
Let us start with Nicole, oh Nicole. Since the story is told from her perspective we definitely get to know her the best. Her insecurities, her worries, and her fierce love for the people in her life. Not only is this a heartfelt story about a mother's love for her son but also the love she extends to someone who needs it more than anyone realizes at the time. My heart was with Nicole through the whole story, rooting for her and hoping everything worked out for the best.
My other favorite character was definitely Daniela. She is a thoughtful, lost teenager looking to find her way through a difficult time. Her fierce determination and helpful nature came through in every facet of her story.
There are some surprises along the way so don't you worry, I won't be spoiling those for you. This story is about love in many forms and it will certainly grab at your heartstrings. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in and enjoy.
Let us start with Nicole, oh Nicole. Since the story is told from her perspective we definitely get to know her the best. Her insecurities, her worries, and her fierce love for the people in her life. Not only is this a heartfelt story about a mother's love for her son but also the love she extends to someone who needs it more than anyone realizes at the time. My heart was with Nicole through the whole story, rooting for her and hoping everything worked out for the best.
My other favorite character was definitely Daniela. She is a thoughtful, lost teenager looking to find her way through a difficult time. Her fierce determination and helpful nature came through in every facet of her story.
There are some surprises along the way so don't you worry, I won't be spoiling those for you. This story is about love in many forms and it will certainly grab at your heartstrings. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in and enjoy.
May 24, 2019
When I started this novel I honestly did not think I was going to like it. I was absolutely wrong! It was so good. It did remind me of a Lifetime movie but in a good way. It read like it could be anyone’s life with a day that it all changed. I found myself almost instantly bounding and sympathizing with Nicole. Her life got two major twist pretty quickly and she had to adapt. When I read the synopsis I thought that I was stepping into a thriller but it was not that deep. It also informs you in the synopsis that Daniela is pregnant with Justin’s baby. With the reader knowing that it made the first four chapters really slow. You spend that time waiting for them to tell Nicole what is going on. It has a dysfunctional family and a found family as well. I Love a story with a found family and a friends to lovers. This book had everything I wanted in a novel. It was a wonderful ride. I would definitely love to read something else that this author has written. If you like books with any of the elements, I highly suggest that you pick up this novel and give it a try.
June 5, 2019
What We Do for Love is difficult to put down! It is a fantastic read! Pfeffer paints an authentic picture of a quintessential neighbor you'd find in Hollywood Hills. Nicole and Justin, the mother and son duo, flanked with highly memorable supporting characters, live nothing short of both an average life and extraordinary events! Pfeffer allows us to watch Nicole and Justin's ordinary lives start to clash with teenage pregnancy, a rapidly changing relationship between mother and son, a crumbling marriage and an abusive lunatic lurking and about to invade all of their lives for good. What ultimately captures your heart is the potential of Nicole's undeniable sweet love with Mike that begins decades earlier. Will this love last for Nicole or vanish forever?
June 5, 2019
"What We Do For Love" follows the life of a wannabe artist, Nicole, and her quirky circle of family and friends. It is a captivating story about how life can throw you curve-balls, but thanks to support from loved ones, the broken pieces can come back together. I enjoyed how the author throws you into the life-changing moments from the beginning, but gradually revels the past that has lead the characters there. The well-developed characters really build up the story line and wonderfully convey the common struggles that many families must face. I would highly recommend this tale to anyone who enjoys a book that realistically conveys the strains, passions, and eccentric moments of life.
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