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Nine Years
An emotional, captivating tale about the complexity of relationships, self-discovery and long-lost love. Perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kristin Hannah and Jane Green.
You would think Sienna Henderson had the perfect life. She has a successful career, a loving family and is engaged to be married. From the outside she appears to have it all together, yet on the inside she is coming undone.
Caught inside a dysfunctional relationship and with her work environment intolerable, she finds herself slipping further from the life she has envisioned.
After reuniting with a man from her past, Sienna's life is turned upside down in a way that has her questioning everything she has ever known.
You would think Sienna Henderson had the perfect life. She has a successful career, a loving family and is engaged to be married. From the outside she appears to have it all together, yet on the inside she is coming undone.
Caught inside a dysfunctional relationship and with her work environment intolerable, she finds herself slipping further from the life she has envisioned.
After reuniting with a man from her past, Sienna's life is turned upside down in a way that has her questioning everything she has ever known.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2019
84 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Leed
3 books42 followersJessica Leed hails from Victoria, Australia, and has called the United States home since 2021. An elementary teacher, former dancer, and fitness professional, she now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two beloved cats. Jessica finds joy in books, coffee, long walks, the beauty of autumn, and cooking hearty breakfasts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 4, 2020
Jessica Leed's debut novel is a well written account of Sienna, a woman caught up in an emotionally abusive relationship with her fiance Patrick. Sienna's job as a primary school teacher has also been stressful with a heavy work load and worry about a small boy called Nolan. He is shy and awkward at school and has a mother who doesn't seem to care about his problems. Sienna has been engaged to Patrick for several years, but whenever she tries to pin him down to find a good date for their wedding he is evasive and puts her off. Early in their engagement Patrick had started drinking after a close friend was killed and his moodiness and emotional abuse began to affect their relationship and distanced her from her family, but Sienna is still hoping the old Patrick will re-emerge one day. However, when an old friend re-appears in her life she starts to re-evauate her life.
I did feel frustrated that Sienna kept allowing Patrick to treat her badly and couldn't accept that Patrick wasn't going to change and it was time for her to let him go. It was also a little disappointing to find out that as this is part one of this story, we have to read the next book to find out what happens next to Sienna, Patrick and Nolan. Hopefully the next book will be published soon so we don't have to wait to long to have all our questions answered! 3.5★
With thanks to Jessica Leed for a copy of the book to read
I did feel frustrated that Sienna kept allowing Patrick to treat her badly and couldn't accept that Patrick wasn't going to change and it was time for her to let him go. It was also a little disappointing to find out that as this is part one of this story, we have to read the next book to find out what happens next to Sienna, Patrick and Nolan. Hopefully the next book will be published soon so we don't have to wait to long to have all our questions answered! 3.5★
With thanks to Jessica Leed for a copy of the book to read
December 15, 2019
This was about a woman trying to find her center, caught in a difficult relationship with a hint of a long past relationship. She just had to do what she needed to find peace.... I liked it....but she had to many males wearing her down! Her boy friend was a real piece of work/shit!
February 19, 2020
Enjoyed this book
Not quite the rosey story I expected but we'll written and engaging. So many times we sabotage ourselves in very destructive ways. If we are lucky we learn to cha be our ways.
Not quite the rosey story I expected but we'll written and engaging. So many times we sabotage ourselves in very destructive ways. If we are lucky we learn to cha be our ways.
March 14, 2020
This story was gifted to me as apart of a Goodreads giveaway! Here are my thoughts:
Sienna Henderson is the midst of a 5 year long engagement with her emotional manipulative partner, Patrick. From here she deals with missed opportunities from her past and juggling her feelings when she reconnects with her old friend Ethan. The story is a good read, I enjoyed the narration switching to the past at several times similar to reading a journal like Sienna often does. The story felt realistic in regards to relationships both professional and family wise. At some moments the lines did feel cliche. However, I enjoyed the character development of Sienna and enjoyed seeing how she navigates the difficulties in her life while learning to stand on her own and becoming a strong, sure woman.
Despite winning this book, I’m so invested in the characters that I plan on purchasing the sequel to see the rest of her journey!
Sienna Henderson is the midst of a 5 year long engagement with her emotional manipulative partner, Patrick. From here she deals with missed opportunities from her past and juggling her feelings when she reconnects with her old friend Ethan. The story is a good read, I enjoyed the narration switching to the past at several times similar to reading a journal like Sienna often does. The story felt realistic in regards to relationships both professional and family wise. At some moments the lines did feel cliche. However, I enjoyed the character development of Sienna and enjoyed seeing how she navigates the difficulties in her life while learning to stand on her own and becoming a strong, sure woman.
Despite winning this book, I’m so invested in the characters that I plan on purchasing the sequel to see the rest of her journey!
November 30, 2019
Must have sequel
Wasn't prepared for its ending. Really hope sequel is out or coming out soon. I want more of the Ethan backstory!
Wasn't prepared for its ending. Really hope sequel is out or coming out soon. I want more of the Ethan backstory!
March 8, 2020
The book was a great read!
Great book. Held my attention, but ended too soon. Can't wait for the next book. Hope it's soon. Always need a good book!
Great book. Held my attention, but ended too soon. Can't wait for the next book. Hope it's soon. Always need a good book!
Want to Read
November 14, 2019 🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/14/2019)! 🎁
December 28, 2019
Congratulations on a fabulous FIRST novel! You kept me wanting more right through the story! Looking forward to the sequel! Well done, Jess!!
October 16, 2020
Wonderful, relatable read about the goods and the bads of becoming an adult. Would have been a 5 star if the ending wasn't so abrupt. Going to purchase the 2nd book right now to see how Sienna's story ends!
February 13, 2020
Parallel to what a lot of us are going through
I enjoyed reading this book. The story was captivating. It made me to look into the lives of those women who choose to be in dysfunctional relationships. Jessica describes so well, getting into even the tiniest detail, allowing us to get back into history then come to the present to see where this thing it's coming from. The ending wasn't what I was expecting but it was real enough. I'm getting the next book so I figure out what happened to Sienna .
I enjoyed reading this book. The story was captivating. It made me to look into the lives of those women who choose to be in dysfunctional relationships. Jessica describes so well, getting into even the tiniest detail, allowing us to get back into history then come to the present to see where this thing it's coming from. The ending wasn't what I was expecting but it was real enough. I'm getting the next book so I figure out what happened to Sienna .
November 23, 2019
The Review
An emotional, well plotted and character driven narrative, Nine Years hits every emotional beat that a good drama/romance genre novel should. Highlighting the struggle that comes from trying to make a strained relationship work, the author does an amazing job of showcasing how those types of relationships and how a life that has gone down a road not thought possible can impact a person mentally and emotionally.
Sienna is a relatable, honest and heartbreaking character that readers will instantly connect with. Like many people before her, Sienna finds herself fighting to keep a relationship alive despite a complete lack of effort from the other half of that relationship. Showcasing the struggles she undertakes with that effort and highlighting how the protagonist is affected in her career, her personal life and her romantic life after an old friend with deep emotional roots in her heart comes back into her life suddenly, this novel produces a narrative many people are familiar with, but yet still remains relevant and engaging with readers everywhere.
The Verdict
This is a a must read novel for anyone who enjoys a good romance/drama book. The author does an excellent job of creating an ending that can easily lead into further books along the way, and showcases how often life is more complex than the fairytale romances other novels often portray. Those novels are an escape from reality, giving life to the hopes we all have in our hearts, yet the author creates a realistic and personal story that many can relate to, and a protagonist fans can not only root for but can identify with easily, making for an engaging read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “Nine Years” by Jessica Leed today!
An emotional, well plotted and character driven narrative, Nine Years hits every emotional beat that a good drama/romance genre novel should. Highlighting the struggle that comes from trying to make a strained relationship work, the author does an amazing job of showcasing how those types of relationships and how a life that has gone down a road not thought possible can impact a person mentally and emotionally.
Sienna is a relatable, honest and heartbreaking character that readers will instantly connect with. Like many people before her, Sienna finds herself fighting to keep a relationship alive despite a complete lack of effort from the other half of that relationship. Showcasing the struggles she undertakes with that effort and highlighting how the protagonist is affected in her career, her personal life and her romantic life after an old friend with deep emotional roots in her heart comes back into her life suddenly, this novel produces a narrative many people are familiar with, but yet still remains relevant and engaging with readers everywhere.
The Verdict
This is a a must read novel for anyone who enjoys a good romance/drama book. The author does an excellent job of creating an ending that can easily lead into further books along the way, and showcases how often life is more complex than the fairytale romances other novels often portray. Those novels are an escape from reality, giving life to the hopes we all have in our hearts, yet the author creates a realistic and personal story that many can relate to, and a protagonist fans can not only root for but can identify with easily, making for an engaging read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “Nine Years” by Jessica Leed today!
November 18, 2019
Nine Years had me hooked and was read very quickly, as the author engages the reader from the first page, and the first character. The author's writing style is fluid and extremely easy to read. Clear and concise description made one read every word with enthusiastic ease. I gave it to a friend as soon as I had finished and she couldn't put it down either!
The only negative is that it left me hanging and the next book hasn't been written yet! Get writing Jess, I need to know what happens next.
Such an amazing accomploished for a young author and her first published novel. Definitely worth a read, you won't be disappointed!
The only negative is that it left me hanging and the next book hasn't been written yet! Get writing Jess, I need to know what happens next.
Such an amazing accomploished for a young author and her first published novel. Definitely worth a read, you won't be disappointed!
May 12, 2020
I received Nine Years as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Sienna is flailing. Her fiancé has a drinking problem that has emotionally crippled him, she faces challenges at her teaching job, she is still deeply mourning the loss of her dance career almost a decade earlier, and she lives some distance from any family support. By chance, she runs into her childhood friend (and unrequited love) Ethan, who begins to break down the walls and troubles that have arisen around her. Will this reconnection give Sienna the courage she needs to reconsider her personal and professional lives?
I guess I'm on quite a bad run here, because almost all of the books I've read recently have been two-part novels masquerading as a single one. Again, I wish I could have gotten some closure, or simply, that the book had ended where it did, on a sort of ambiguous note, without the promise of a second part. I thought Sienna's fiancé Patrick was on the borderline of cartoonishly evil and was at a bit of a loss why she stayed with him as long as she did. Additionally, I wish she and Ethan had had more scenes together, as I felt like she was more in love with the memory of him than the man he'd become. Then again, I assume that relationship will continue to develop in the second volume. Like I said, this format is unsatisfying because it doesn't develop the characters enough for you to have buy-in, but also lacks the courage to just end things on an imperfect note where all the ends aren't neatly tied up. It's just not my style and I hope this isn't indicative of a larger trend.
Sienna is flailing. Her fiancé has a drinking problem that has emotionally crippled him, she faces challenges at her teaching job, she is still deeply mourning the loss of her dance career almost a decade earlier, and she lives some distance from any family support. By chance, she runs into her childhood friend (and unrequited love) Ethan, who begins to break down the walls and troubles that have arisen around her. Will this reconnection give Sienna the courage she needs to reconsider her personal and professional lives?
I guess I'm on quite a bad run here, because almost all of the books I've read recently have been two-part novels masquerading as a single one. Again, I wish I could have gotten some closure, or simply, that the book had ended where it did, on a sort of ambiguous note, without the promise of a second part. I thought Sienna's fiancé Patrick was on the borderline of cartoonishly evil and was at a bit of a loss why she stayed with him as long as she did. Additionally, I wish she and Ethan had had more scenes together, as I felt like she was more in love with the memory of him than the man he'd become. Then again, I assume that relationship will continue to develop in the second volume. Like I said, this format is unsatisfying because it doesn't develop the characters enough for you to have buy-in, but also lacks the courage to just end things on an imperfect note where all the ends aren't neatly tied up. It's just not my style and I hope this isn't indicative of a larger trend.
January 25, 2020
Nine Years was truly captivating and Jessica is a very talented writer. I particular found the journey of Sienna trying to survive an abusive relationship really resonated and it encapsulates the trauma that she experiences. For a first book I am so impressed with the fluidity of her writing and it was an enthralling read that found me not wanting to book down. Looking forward to reading the next book!
May 12, 2020
Yep...its one of them !!! - those books you just cant put down and are itching to see the continuum of... even demand it!Certainly captivating! The author is game to express raw emotion and vulnerability in a story which Iv read through interview touches on true events. You can hear depth through the words.... its a very wholehearted story with some interesting twists that make you wonder, does 'art imitate life or does life imitate art', I say this in the sense that peoples stories really are amazing. Its quite incredible the things people go through... some may call it coincidence, serendipity, random ...whatever... though it seems clear through this story, that there is a purposeful tail unfolding of a journey. Reflecting on one's life/battles / highs and lows are relatable and we can all reminisce on, in light of our own existence to find some sort of meaning to madness. This book is a journey... and shows that real life really is an adventure -surprising and not for the faint hearted! Those brave to tell a tail teach us.
November 11, 2019
An incredible first book by Jess Lees! I knew it would be really good, her emotive language is so stunning and draws you in to each character. I couldn’t put the book down and am already looking forward to the sequel! I would definitely recommend.
November 13, 2019
A truly captivating story with multiple layers that create a very dynamic and evocative experience. Every character adds so many elements to the story that by the time you finish one chapter to get an update on one of them you want to read the next one because you wonder what the others are up to. I devoured this book and didn't want it to end. Now I have to wait for the next book in the series which I hope to be out soon!
A great work by a young Australian author!
A great work by a young Australian author!
April 22, 2020
I found this to be such an engaging and beautifully written novel! I love the raw nature of how the author delivers the story, it gives realistic insight into the emotional turmoil of being in an emotionally abusive relationship, and the ups and downs of being being human. I found myself invested in each character and eager to keep reading. Can’t wait for the sequel to find out more!
March 19, 2020
Enjoyed reading a book by an Australian author and could relate easily to the protagonist Sienna as a teacher as well. At times got frustrated with the behaviours she tolerated in both Damian and Patrick. Looking forward to the sequel.
May 15, 2020
A passionate captivating story filled with love, heartache and wonder that will take you on a relatable journey enriched with twists and turns that will keep you guessing and asking for more.
I can not wait to read the sequel.
I can not wait to read the sequel.
November 14, 2019
This was such a captivating read. Loved it and couldn't put it down until I reached the end of the book. Highly recommended.
November 23, 2019
The reason I am giving this book a 3* is because I couldn't stand that she was so wimpy to him.
December 7, 2019
I loved all the twists toward the end! It was really captivating. Looking forward to the sequel!
May 29, 2020
I loved this book
I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Though I would have liked to have seen her and Ethan get together.
I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Though I would have liked to have seen her and Ethan get together.
December 15, 2019
I like to think I'm a contemporary romance 'connoisseur' of sorts, having read many books in this genre. I started reading "Nine Years", not quite sure what to expect, but Jessica Leed knocked her debut novel out of the park.
A beautiful tale of romance, self-discovery and growth, "Nine Years" follows Sienna Henderson and her plight as she struggles to right the wrongs in her long-term but dysfunctional relationship while trying not to lose more of herself in the process. Things get even more complicated when a past she had let go of resurfaces, only to have her confronting parts of herself she had forgotten were still there.
I think what struck me the most about this novel is how relatable it is. Not all of us have been through the exact same struggles that Sienna faces in the novel but we can all relate, on some level, to the pain of holding onto something so dear to you, even when it starts to destroy you as an individual.
That being said, it is incredibly challenging to write a story of this nature and create people that the reader can emotionally connect to but the author does a wonderful job of crafting a well-rounded set of characters.
There is no concrete villain. There is no good or bad, right or wrong. Although we explore the story through Sienna's eyes, all the characters are well thought-out and portrayed in a multi-dimensional way, making them more human.
I do feel the pacing of the novel could have been a little faster. Although I am not willing to comment on the necessity of certain plot points (given they might be set up to tie in with the sequel), the novel could have been a little shorter in length to increase the impact and have the story resonate even more with the reader.
All in all, a beautiful story and written in an equally evocative manner, I highly recommend "Nine Years" to fans of the contemporary romance genre. The downside? You'll have to put in some waiting time for the sequel.
Jessica Leed does a wonderful job delivering with this book.
Relationships are challenging and through Sienna, we explore the many complexities and obstacles that can crop up in one. The question the novel poses is: how far are you willing to go to try and save your relationship? At what point do you stop and save yourself?
A beautiful tale of romance, self-discovery and growth, "Nine Years" follows Sienna Henderson and her plight as she struggles to right the wrongs in her long-term but dysfunctional relationship while trying not to lose more of herself in the process. Things get even more complicated when a past she had let go of resurfaces, only to have her confronting parts of herself she had forgotten were still there.
I think what struck me the most about this novel is how relatable it is. Not all of us have been through the exact same struggles that Sienna faces in the novel but we can all relate, on some level, to the pain of holding onto something so dear to you, even when it starts to destroy you as an individual.
That being said, it is incredibly challenging to write a story of this nature and create people that the reader can emotionally connect to but the author does a wonderful job of crafting a well-rounded set of characters.
There is no concrete villain. There is no good or bad, right or wrong. Although we explore the story through Sienna's eyes, all the characters are well thought-out and portrayed in a multi-dimensional way, making them more human.
I do feel the pacing of the novel could have been a little faster. Although I am not willing to comment on the necessity of certain plot points (given they might be set up to tie in with the sequel), the novel could have been a little shorter in length to increase the impact and have the story resonate even more with the reader.
All in all, a beautiful story and written in an equally evocative manner, I highly recommend "Nine Years" to fans of the contemporary romance genre. The downside? You'll have to put in some waiting time for the sequel.
Jessica Leed does a wonderful job delivering with this book.
Relationships are challenging and through Sienna, we explore the many complexities and obstacles that can crop up in one. The question the novel poses is: how far are you willing to go to try and save your relationship? At what point do you stop and save yourself?
July 19, 2023
"Nine Years" is a captivating and poignant novel that delves deep into the intricacies of an emotionally abusive relationship and the unexpected resurgence of feelings for an old high school flame.
What sets "Nine Years" apart is the author's ability to create well-rounded and relatable characters and her excellent writing style. The depiction of the emotionally abusive relationship hit home to me as she shed light on the devastating effects of manipulation, control, and the feelings of complete betrayal you go through when someone you love is unfaithful. While readers may be frustrated that she stays with Patrick for so long, I totally understood from my own past how someone would keep trying to save a relationship, feeling as though if they end it, they would be "wasting" all the years they had invested - so they keep fighting for it even though deep down, they know it's over.
While the story revolves around the complexities of an emotionally abusive relationship, it also highlights the importance of personal growth and self-discovery, providing valuable insights for readers who may find themselves in similar situations. It serves as a reminder that emotional abuse can leave lasting scars, but it also holds the promise of healing and reclaiming one's own identity. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling story that explores the complexities of love, trauma, and personal growth.
While the ending is a cliffhanger, I can't wait to read the 2nd book by this author.
What sets "Nine Years" apart is the author's ability to create well-rounded and relatable characters and her excellent writing style. The depiction of the emotionally abusive relationship hit home to me as she shed light on the devastating effects of manipulation, control, and the feelings of complete betrayal you go through when someone you love is unfaithful. While readers may be frustrated that she stays with Patrick for so long, I totally understood from my own past how someone would keep trying to save a relationship, feeling as though if they end it, they would be "wasting" all the years they had invested - so they keep fighting for it even though deep down, they know it's over.
While the story revolves around the complexities of an emotionally abusive relationship, it also highlights the importance of personal growth and self-discovery, providing valuable insights for readers who may find themselves in similar situations. It serves as a reminder that emotional abuse can leave lasting scars, but it also holds the promise of healing and reclaiming one's own identity. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling story that explores the complexities of love, trauma, and personal growth.
While the ending is a cliffhanger, I can't wait to read the 2nd book by this author.
March 27, 2020
Finish something. Anything.
I enjoyed this book, but was disappointed to find it to be a cliffhanger. The main character is in a dysfunctional relationship, a job that she doesn't enjoy, in a city that she doesn't like. Hmmm...
My favorite part is when she finds a little boy who is living in a dysfunctional family and tries to help him. Wish we could have seen how that part of the story wraps up.
At least finish up something. Just one thing. That would have made it a four star book for me.
I enjoyed this book, but was disappointed to find it to be a cliffhanger. The main character is in a dysfunctional relationship, a job that she doesn't enjoy, in a city that she doesn't like. Hmmm...
My favorite part is when she finds a little boy who is living in a dysfunctional family and tries to help him. Wish we could have seen how that part of the story wraps up.
At least finish up something. Just one thing. That would have made it a four star book for me.
December 31, 2019
A good base story....
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think the idea behind the story was good, but I kept hoping the main character would just get on with it already. The abusive relationship was given way more time a attention than it needed. Eventually, I lost interest in what was happening. The whole thing could've benefited from another proofreading.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think the idea behind the story was good, but I kept hoping the main character would just get on with it already. The abusive relationship was given way more time a attention than it needed. Eventually, I lost interest in what was happening. The whole thing could've benefited from another proofreading.
October 18, 2020
Disappointed. I liked the story but the ending never answered many things...does she go back to see about Nolan, the little boy in her class and find out if he is being abused?
Does she end things for good with Patrick?
What happens with Ethan, does he marry his new girlfriend?
Foes she take the new job offered to her?
Lots of strings left untied🤨
Does she end things for good with Patrick?
What happens with Ethan, does he marry his new girlfriend?
Foes she take the new job offered to her?
Lots of strings left untied🤨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
Painful read
This book was painful to read. I kept wanting Sarina to get out of the abusive arrangement she was in. She allowed the abuse to go on too long. Story was too long and some of the characters were not relevant.
This book was painful to read. I kept wanting Sarina to get out of the abusive arrangement she was in. She allowed the abuse to go on too long. Story was too long and some of the characters were not relevant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews