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Bright Lights #2
The Last Chapter
Emma Barton is drowning. A single mother of a son with a genius-level IQ and Autism, she’s given up on love to focus on the child who needs her. Her writing aspirations—the only dream she hasn't abandoned—withers as her latest novel bombs, and she’s dropped by her publisher.
Ethan Wise, a successful actor, longs to play a role other than a romantic comedy lead or a beefcake superhero. Discovering Emma’s novel happened by chance, but it could also be his opportunity to finally become an Oscar-winning actor.
When Ethan seeks Emma out to buy the movie rights to her novel, they fall so passionately in love their lives are turned upside down.
Emma wants to be with Ethan, but there’s her son to consider and the secrets she’s kept to protect him. She’ll do anything to keep her little boy’s world safe and happy.
She’d even give up the love of her life.
Ethan Wise, a successful actor, longs to play a role other than a romantic comedy lead or a beefcake superhero. Discovering Emma’s novel happened by chance, but it could also be his opportunity to finally become an Oscar-winning actor.
When Ethan seeks Emma out to buy the movie rights to her novel, they fall so passionately in love their lives are turned upside down.
Emma wants to be with Ethan, but there’s her son to consider and the secrets she’s kept to protect him. She’ll do anything to keep her little boy’s world safe and happy.
She’d even give up the love of her life.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2019
64 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 21, 2019
While everything eventually works out as it should in any good romance book, this book also shows the complex side of life with the main character dealing with challenging circumstances. I was able to enter Emma and Ethan's world and understand hope that can pervade the challenges of life. The love between mother and son is strong!
September 17, 2019
Being a single mom is hard, especially when your child has autism. Emma is struggling with caring for her young son and keeping a job that offers great medical insurance to care for her son.
Ethan is an actor that is not happy with the roles he’s been hired for. He decides to write a screenplay based on a book with the help and encouragement from his ailing grandmother.
Emma is the author of that book. Neither of them had any idea that this encounter would be more than a business deal. There are many things that can keep them apart but at the end of the day, love overcomes all.
This book was a quick read for me because I just couldn’t put it down. I had to see how it ends and was happy with the ending and would highly recommend this book.
Ethan is an actor that is not happy with the roles he’s been hired for. He decides to write a screenplay based on a book with the help and encouragement from his ailing grandmother.
Emma is the author of that book. Neither of them had any idea that this encounter would be more than a business deal. There are many things that can keep them apart but at the end of the day, love overcomes all.
This book was a quick read for me because I just couldn’t put it down. I had to see how it ends and was happy with the ending and would highly recommend this book.
October 1, 2019
I was drawn to the description of this book because Emma's son JD has autism. I spent 20 years in the classroom and had several children with autism. I also have several friends who have children with autism. So I already have a soft spot for this book before even beginning it.
The description of Emma's interactions with people at work and at JD's school rang quite true to life from what I have observed of my friends' interactions with people and some of the horror stories I remember from working in the schools. Too many people just do not understand what it is like to deal with someone with autism. So I applaud the author for bringing a lot of real to this story.
I had a hard time in the beginning with the timeline of the story. I understand doing flashbacks to reveal more about the person's past. But there was a lot of overlap even within the present time, which was rather confusing at times. For example. we would be in a chapter from Emma's point of view and she would have an interaction with Ethan. And then in the next chapter, we would go back several hours or days and read Ethan's story leading up to the point that had ended in the previous chapter. And then little bits of the storyline seemed outside the realm of realistic, even for fiction.
But then as Ethan and Emma started to get to know each other, were working on their story and screenplay, and the romance started to develop, I found myself lost in their story. I loved reading about the interactions between Emma and her son and really felt that special bond that only a mother can have with her son with autism. And then watching how Ethan was able to form a relationship with JD was also beautiful to read. That's something rare to find. I really wanted to see them succeed.
I also loved Ethan's grandmother. She is feisty and fun and the kind of person we all could use in our lives.
The only thing I really didn't like about this story was the sheer number of secrets that the two of them kept from each other, especially on Emma's side. It's too hard to have a solid foundation when you're not honest about some really big and important parts of your past. You just hope that they can literally survive as all of the truths come out.
This was a relatively easy read and kept me engrossed. It wasn't like I had to put it down and walk away from it. I applaud the author for baring her soul and putting so much of herself in the story. You can't write those kinds of interactions so authentically unless you have lived them. And while each autism story is a different one, I really felt a lot of truth in these interactions, especially due to my own interactions, as I said, as a teacher and as someone who has many friends whose children have autism. It was a different kind of romance, which was nice for a change.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The description of Emma's interactions with people at work and at JD's school rang quite true to life from what I have observed of my friends' interactions with people and some of the horror stories I remember from working in the schools. Too many people just do not understand what it is like to deal with someone with autism. So I applaud the author for bringing a lot of real to this story.
I had a hard time in the beginning with the timeline of the story. I understand doing flashbacks to reveal more about the person's past. But there was a lot of overlap even within the present time, which was rather confusing at times. For example. we would be in a chapter from Emma's point of view and she would have an interaction with Ethan. And then in the next chapter, we would go back several hours or days and read Ethan's story leading up to the point that had ended in the previous chapter. And then little bits of the storyline seemed outside the realm of realistic, even for fiction.
But then as Ethan and Emma started to get to know each other, were working on their story and screenplay, and the romance started to develop, I found myself lost in their story. I loved reading about the interactions between Emma and her son and really felt that special bond that only a mother can have with her son with autism. And then watching how Ethan was able to form a relationship with JD was also beautiful to read. That's something rare to find. I really wanted to see them succeed.
I also loved Ethan's grandmother. She is feisty and fun and the kind of person we all could use in our lives.
The only thing I really didn't like about this story was the sheer number of secrets that the two of them kept from each other, especially on Emma's side. It's too hard to have a solid foundation when you're not honest about some really big and important parts of your past. You just hope that they can literally survive as all of the truths come out.
This was a relatively easy read and kept me engrossed. It wasn't like I had to put it down and walk away from it. I applaud the author for baring her soul and putting so much of herself in the story. You can't write those kinds of interactions so authentically unless you have lived them. And while each autism story is a different one, I really felt a lot of truth in these interactions, especially due to my own interactions, as I said, as a teacher and as someone who has many friends whose children have autism. It was a different kind of romance, which was nice for a change.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2019
The opening is almost a bit much to take: Emma's son is suspended from school *and* she loses her job all in the span of an hour. It’s effective to show how down on her luck she is (and how much of a difference Ethan is going to make in her life), but the job scene in particular made her look spineless. Her patience with JD is amazing (I can’t even imagine) but I found it hard to understand why she’s shut herself off from *everyone* who may be able (and willing) to help. It made me feel like she was playing the martyr a bit too much. She doesn’t want to have to “be tough” all the time but it seems to me she did a lot of that to herself.
I liked the way Ethan and Emma were brought together (I like feisty old-lady characters like Nana), and I liked Ethan’s issues with his absentee father. Emma doesn’t let Ethan make his own decisions and breaks up with him but eventually, Ethan fights for the girl (always good in a romance novel). Both characters have a recurrent dream that is woven into the story line and especially comes into play at a compelling climax.
What I didn’t like: it was not always in chronological order. For example, Ethan shows up on Emma’s doorstep at the end of a chapter. At the beginning of the next, Ethan’s in his townhome having a conversation with his agent. I thought he’d been to Emma’s and been shot down (again) when in fact, that conversation with his agent was taking place before he showed up on her doorstep. I was left trying to figure out what had happened to Emma/Ethan's conversation (it was actually the *following* chapter). It was confusing and completely jolted me out of the story on more than one occasion.
I liked the way Ethan and Emma were brought together (I like feisty old-lady characters like Nana), and I liked Ethan’s issues with his absentee father. Emma doesn’t let Ethan make his own decisions and breaks up with him but eventually, Ethan fights for the girl (always good in a romance novel). Both characters have a recurrent dream that is woven into the story line and especially comes into play at a compelling climax.
What I didn’t like: it was not always in chronological order. For example, Ethan shows up on Emma’s doorstep at the end of a chapter. At the beginning of the next, Ethan’s in his townhome having a conversation with his agent. I thought he’d been to Emma’s and been shot down (again) when in fact, that conversation with his agent was taking place before he showed up on her doorstep. I was left trying to figure out what had happened to Emma/Ethan's conversation (it was actually the *following* chapter). It was confusing and completely jolted me out of the story on more than one occasion.
Read
September 11, 2019“I’ve been told for the last few years that I should share my story, but my journey has been too painful and destroyed too much of my health for me to rehash the past,” starts the foreword to the heartwarming, clean romance novel, The Last Chapter (Arthur House). “I never set out to be a single mother of a son with autism, sensory processing disorder and ADHD.”
As I read this, I wasn’t sure whether it was a note from the book’s author, Michelle Alstead; or the main character in her book, Emma Barton; or the main character in Emma Barton’s book.
It was written by Alstead, but truth be told: It could have been any of the three. That’s how connected they are.
She continues, “I couldn’t write my story, but I was able to write a story which has elements of what I’ve endured.”
Before you go off the deep end, this is an incredibly uplifting and inspiring read. Outside of one quasi bit player, there are really no bad guys. You find yourself sympathizing with and pulling for all the main characters. Sometimes you twist with frustration, practically willing Alstead to hash things out the way you want her to, but understanding all the while the challenges and obstacles of Emma’s plight.
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/09/lights-c...
As I read this, I wasn’t sure whether it was a note from the book’s author, Michelle Alstead; or the main character in her book, Emma Barton; or the main character in Emma Barton’s book.
It was written by Alstead, but truth be told: It could have been any of the three. That’s how connected they are.
She continues, “I couldn’t write my story, but I was able to write a story which has elements of what I’ve endured.”
Before you go off the deep end, this is an incredibly uplifting and inspiring read. Outside of one quasi bit player, there are really no bad guys. You find yourself sympathizing with and pulling for all the main characters. Sometimes you twist with frustration, practically willing Alstead to hash things out the way you want her to, but understanding all the while the challenges and obstacles of Emma’s plight.
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/09/lights-c...
September 3, 2019
I just love the way that Michelle Alstead writes!!! She puts in so much that you can not stay totally engrossed in the story - wanting to read until the end!!!
Ethan is an actor and comes from a family of writers. When his grandmother is on her deathbed, she begs Ethan to try writing a screenplay with her. Tells him to go to the library and pick a book for them to work from. Well, as luck has it for Emma (an author), Ethan picks one of her books that was just recently added to that library. Ethan's grandmother sends him to talk to Emma about writing a screenplay of the book. Ethan is visiting with Emma when JD has an autistic meltdown -- and the relationship grows from there. I will just say that you really need to read the book and see what happens!!!!
An amazing story - can's wait for Michelle's next book!!!
Ethan is an actor and comes from a family of writers. When his grandmother is on her deathbed, she begs Ethan to try writing a screenplay with her. Tells him to go to the library and pick a book for them to work from. Well, as luck has it for Emma (an author), Ethan picks one of her books that was just recently added to that library. Ethan's grandmother sends him to talk to Emma about writing a screenplay of the book. Ethan is visiting with Emma when JD has an autistic meltdown -- and the relationship grows from there. I will just say that you really need to read the book and see what happens!!!!
An amazing story - can's wait for Michelle's next book!!!
September 19, 2019
Emma Bartonis a single mom with a smart autistic son, Who was wrote books but they don't really sell. She takes up a job when her son starts school. Her first work day is not going well when school calls that her son is suspended and needs to be picked up right away, she looses in a few hours, her job, her publisher and her future.
Ethan is an actor, who wants to make it in the movie industry, he seeks out Emma to ask her for the film rights of her book. what either did not expected was how hard in love they would fall.
Emma would do anything for her son and he comes first always, will they end up together and all 3 live happily ever after, read for yourself!! Loved the book, although I did think Emma could have been more ferm in the beginning, she let the people walk over her. it was sad to read. Butt kudos to her fight for her son's happiness.
Ethan is an actor, who wants to make it in the movie industry, he seeks out Emma to ask her for the film rights of her book. what either did not expected was how hard in love they would fall.
Emma would do anything for her son and he comes first always, will they end up together and all 3 live happily ever after, read for yourself!! Loved the book, although I did think Emma could have been more ferm in the beginning, she let the people walk over her. it was sad to read. Butt kudos to her fight for her son's happiness.
September 26, 2019
A hard-on-luck author and an actor whose fame is dwindling end up having their lives inextricably woven together. It's quite heart-wrenching as we follow the life of Barton, our female protagonist in the story, who is struggling with her life, career, and motherhood. Right when she shuts herself off and gives up hope of ever making it big, is when life throws Wise in her path. The two traverse numerous obstacles including self-imposed restraints, bitterness, ego, and their inner fears, and take us along in the journey.
The characterization was done pretty well, to show how remarkably similar and yet so distance Barton and Wise are. I loved the way Alstead had used the concept of recurrent dreams as a mode of narration. I loved this smooth and uplifting read.
Many thanks to Promotional Book Tours, and the author Michelle Alstead, for gifting me a copy of this book for an honest review.
The characterization was done pretty well, to show how remarkably similar and yet so distance Barton and Wise are. I loved the way Alstead had used the concept of recurrent dreams as a mode of narration. I loved this smooth and uplifting read.
Many thanks to Promotional Book Tours, and the author Michelle Alstead, for gifting me a copy of this book for an honest review.
August 24, 2019
Emma is my hero
Finally! A female character who is relatable. I accept Emma’s struggle and empathize because I have seen it first hand. Michelle write about Emma’s struggle raising her autistic son with such heart and grit that I want to go over to her house and sit on the floor with her and JD and eat pizza during his meltdown just so I can give her a hug and tell her she is doing a great job. You want to be friends with this “Shero” because she is formidable AF.
Finally! A female character who is relatable. I accept Emma’s struggle and empathize because I have seen it first hand. Michelle write about Emma’s struggle raising her autistic son with such heart and grit that I want to go over to her house and sit on the floor with her and JD and eat pizza during his meltdown just so I can give her a hug and tell her she is doing a great job. You want to be friends with this “Shero” because she is formidable AF.
August 27, 2019
If Autism offends you, this isn't the novel for you. This is a very realistic portrayal of what it's like to parent a high functioning autistic child against the backdrop of a sweet love story. All the characters are good people (save the ex-husband of course) which is why I'm surprised by the low ratings some people have left. It also makes me think they don't understand what it means to have a child with special needs or maybe they just don't want the realism in their romance novel.
October 17, 2019
DNF.
I understand the son is autistic, but he comes off as a spoiled, abusive little jerk. I've known autistic children, and they aren't allowed to get away with the hitting, screaming, nasty mouthed things this child was. They are given some leeway, but not this...
He admits he knew better than to threaten to bomb the school, yet only the principal found it alarming.
I understand the son is autistic, but he comes off as a spoiled, abusive little jerk. I've known autistic children, and they aren't allowed to get away with the hitting, screaming, nasty mouthed things this child was. They are given some leeway, but not this...
He admits he knew better than to threaten to bomb the school, yet only the principal found it alarming.
August 29, 2019
Autism moms will appreciate this unfiltered, moving story about the challenges of raising an autistic child, chasing a dream, and opening one’s self up to love. An great read on the difficult choices we all face with a satisfying conclusion.
September 3, 2019
Although all relationships have their challenges, Ethan and Emma had more than their fare share. It's had managing an autistic child, and it's even worse when you're a single mom. Ethan comes across as a godsend. When JD has a meltdown, Ethan manages to calm him easily. Even though the story has the expected happy ending all love stories have. This couple had to overcome some unsurmountable obstacles.
I love how well the story flowed. There was a complete understanding of Asperger's Syndrome. Your heart broke for Emma and all that she's been through. I don't blame her for being leery when she first meets Ethan. I found this a beautiful love story that we all can connect with.
I love how well the story flowed. There was a complete understanding of Asperger's Syndrome. Your heart broke for Emma and all that she's been through. I don't blame her for being leery when she first meets Ethan. I found this a beautiful love story that we all can connect with.
September 1, 2021
Brilliant.
What an amazing book.
I felt this young woman pain, angst and love.
I was so deep into this story, that I felt I was living it through her words.
Brilliant
Thankyou for this amazing piece of work.
What an amazing book.
I felt this young woman pain, angst and love.
I was so deep into this story, that I felt I was living it through her words.
Brilliant
Thankyou for this amazing piece of work.
August 21, 2019
Appreciated the realism and fresh perspective. It tugged at my heart.
September 11, 2019
Great book!
Really enjoyed reading this book. I did not want to put the book down and was hoping for a sequel.
Really enjoyed reading this book. I did not want to put the book down and was hoping for a sequel.
September 23, 2019
(Bright Lights) 2. The Last Chapter
This was a round about way for the characters to have a long and loving relationship. I feel for the Emma for what she has had to endure.
This was a round about way for the characters to have a long and loving relationship. I feel for the Emma for what she has had to endure.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews