Learning to Bend

by Michelle M. Davis

Jenna Moore's flawlessly orchestrated life and engagement to Ben Kelly, “the perfect man,” vanish when she discovers a controlling side of her fiancé. Confused and unsure of who she is without Ben, Jenna decides to uproot from her safe, predictable life in Boston and move to Bend, Oregon, hoping to find her answers there. It’s when she meets Jackson, a former Navy SEAL who battles demons of his own, that acquires the courage to let go of being perfect and embrace uncomfortable risks, transforming her life through forgiveness, compassion, surrender, and acceptance. Yet the rewards from discovering her true self exceed Jenna’s expectations – not only does she find the greatest love of her life, but she also understands what’s kept her from learning to bend.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2020

About the author

Michelle Davis, whose career path includes banking, teaching, and college admissions consulting, began writing in her early fifties. Her debut novel, Learning to Bend, shares the story of Jenna Moore's journey from a safe and predictable life in Boston to Bend, Oregon, where she begins to discover her true self. In The Dog Walkers, readers witness Ali Doyle's recovery from a deep depression following a gut-wrenching breakup. Michelle's latest venture, The Awakening Series, delves into the world of spirituality and energetic healing. The first book in the series, The Invitation, tells the story of Marlee Ryan—her search for true friendships, introduction into holistic healing, and acceptance of her intuition—and how she and her friends solve a murder mystery in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. During The Retreat, these four women travel to Nueva Vida, a healing center in Costa Rica, where they meet Maggie Carr. In The Healers, the third and final book of the series, these women utilize their "gifts" to embrace life's challenges, helping themselves and each other transition into their "next phase." Michelle and her husband live in Bend, Oregon.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to Bend had me from page 1. The story about two characters who find their true selves through a series of events both separate and together kept me turning the pages and not wanting it to end. Still now I want to know more about Jackson and Jenna’s future. The author’s well-developed characters left me feeling connected to the story. Both characters go through a change process that felt similar to the personal growth many of my friends and I have experienced; however, the author weaves a wonderful story into this excellent articulation of finding ourselves that we all hope to achieve. Excellent debut novel!

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting journey. Jenna was made to look at her life and found that it was not to her liking. She struggled to find out who she really was and what she truly wanted in life. I loved her strength to move on with her life, to learn about herself, even when she was afraid of what might be. To top it off with finding the true "love of her life" in Jackson, the journey was a worthwhile one to take as these two worked through their problems and accepted life for what it was. I recommend this story.

I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Lauren Darr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to Bend is a wonderful story about the journey of becoming your true self. The story focuses on a couple's struggle to break away from long standing assumptions and limitations as they become the people that they are destined to be. The challenges of evolving from who you think you should be to the people you want to be comes through in a mixture of fiction with relatable spiritual growth. Jenna and Jackson are strongly developed characters who learn to grow together and be at peace with themselves and each other.

[Amy Impellizzeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply layered love story with the best kind of characters - complicated and real. When Jenna’s fiancé, Ben, makes some startling decisions (and statements) just before their wedding, Jenna finds herself re-evaluating all she thought she knew. And wanted. In a journey of self-exploration, Jenna finds herself in a new place, Bend, Oregon, re-connecting with an old friend, and making new friends. And maybe more. To find what she is looking for, Jenna will have to confront long buried secrets from her past, and help those she loves do the same. A beautiful debut!

[Trisha Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish. Learning to Bend was a wonderful story about how to face your fears, take risks and live your best life. I can honestly say I didn't want this story to end. And felt connected to Jenna and Jackson's journey through life.

[Susan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to Bend is a story of loss, resilience, hope, determination and love! Each character has their own story of strength, forgiveness, growth, and acceptance of themselves and their relationships. Truly a page turner and a great enjoyable read!

[Emma Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a recent college grad searching for my own sense of self and purpose, I loved following Jenna’s soul-searching quest—the trials, tribulations and risks she took that ultimately led her to fulfillment. Beautiful and engaging!

[Winifred]

This delightful read is a fun page turner with a clear message for how to live your best life. What a great combo!

[Cyndy Kuczala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bend, Oregon comes to life in this uplifting story of main character, Jenna. Loved following her story of courage, self reflection, and honesty. Great read!

[Katie Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I couldn't put it down once I started reading despite a busy schedule. Learning to Bend is fun and captivating, yet a short and easy read. Learning to Bend really brings you inside the lives of the main characters and has many very relatable themes, which brought me to think about my own life choices. Very fun and insightful read :) Highly recommend!

[Julia Herb · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing first book - loved the story line and great ending :)

[Jack Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about a young women's personal journey to finding her true self!