In Other Words

by Pamela Q. Fernandes

In this small town romance, Trish Holt is a pianist, living in picturesque Boothbay Harbor, Maine. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of her boyfriend of three years has left her. Her bitterness compounded by the fact that Trish has made bad choices when it comes to relationships. Much of it stemming from her own issues as an adopted child. When she moves, she encounters Michael Quentin, her neighbor and local chef. He helps her get over the betrayal. As Michael and Trish fall in love, childhood issues resurface. Can Trish stop herself from loving Michael whose own family's dark past is holding him back? Can she ignore his love for tradition and roots?

Genres: Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2019

About the author

Pamela Q. Fernandes is an author, doctor and medical writer. Born and raised in Kuwait, Pamela writes sweet romances, romantic suspense & women's fiction.
For listeners of her "Christian Circle" podcast, she's penned "Ten Reminder" series.
She loves to bake, jive, and play the keyboard!
https://www.pamelaqfernandes.com/

To know what Pamela will be publishing next: Join her mailing list:
https://goo.gl/sWS95Q

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa! Talk about two people who let their pasts threaten any chance they may have for a bright future! Pamela Q. Fernandes’s IN OTHER WORDS is a high angst, highly tumultuous foray into looking for love or possibly avoiding any chance of it growing, all because two people do nothing to repair what bothers them about their pasts.

Trish was adopted, grew into a highly acclaimed international pianist. After a rather destructive relationship that ended in a brutal betrayal, she has the opportunity to heal and grow when she moves into another place. She wasn’t prepared for Michael Quentin, a love ‘em and leave ‘em, one and done kind of guy. Trish knows better than to fall for another man, after all, it is her self-destructive pattern all over again.

Michael has no room for love, he saw what it did to his family growing up and he wears the scars like a shield and uses his bed as his playground. Yet, there is something about Trish that attracts him.

Trish is in search of her identity, not as an adopted Korean girl, she needs answers to her true roots, a place to feel as if she belongs, yet, she does nothing about discovering her heritage, she runs to any man that shows her the attention she craves. Together, Michael and Trish make up one of the most messed up couples I have ever met! Could they, as a couple, be exactly what they each need to leave the past behind or will they further destroy the perilous threads they each hold on to?

Pamela Q. Fernandes certainly can tell a tale! I was in knots. To be honest, I really didn’t care for Trish’s woe is me attitude one minute and ice queen façade the next. Even after finishing this book, I’m not sure if she is mentally healthy enough to know what a real relationship should be, then again, there is the mystery around her birth family, she never tried to find the information. Michael’s damage seemed more believable, over-the-top, but believable. No man is an island and his way to address the issues of his childhood certainly couldn’t’ be called healthy.

That said, I do love Ms. Fernandes’s writing style, she doesn’t ask people to love her characters, nor does she hide their flaws or warts. She has a bold writing style that draws readers in and holds them by the throat to the very end!

I received a complimentary copy from Pamela Q. Fernandes! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Boothbay Harbor - Book 1
Publication Date: November 29, 2019
Publisher: Pamela Q. Fernandes
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 357 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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[Shyames · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about lots of trauma and pushing through it! Both main characters have had their fair share of misfortune and have been hurt more times than they should have been, but somehow they end up better off by the end.

Trish was adopted from Korea by her Irish-American family, but shortly after, her younger brother was born, so she was a bit sidelined. Fast forward to now, and the acclaimed pianist suddenly faces her boyfriend of three years leaving her for her manager. No surprise that Trish has trust issues and a fear of rejection (duh!).

Michael, on the other hand, had a happy family growing up—until he didn't. He has a lot of loving memories of his parents until his youngest sibling was born. Everything changed then and was never the same again. Now, as the eldest, he feels responsible and helps his siblings while adhering to one rule in life: don't do relationships, no commitments, and no love.

Everything changes when Trish moves next door and both of them are forced out of their comfort zones to re-evaluate how they see the world and what they actually want from life. This was a good and, at times, difficult journey through the minds of the main characters, seeing how their families influenced their views and how they worked through their darkest fears. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary copy.

[Moriah Venable · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Order Words is the first novel in the Boothbay Harbor series by Pamela Q. Fernandes. This is my first novel by this author.

Trish is a pianist who has been betrayed by her boyfriend of three years.

The woman he is with now is also her manager.
Trish has her own personal issues to come to terms with including her own bitterness from bad relationship choices and her being adopted from Korea.

When she moves into a new home, can she find love again when she meets her neighbor and chef Micheal Quentin.

This novel really made me feel for Trish and her overcoming her own issues. I wanted her to find herself and feel love again.

I don’t want to give too much away.

I suggest reading this for someone looking for something different to read.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow is what I have to say frist and foremost this is well written book. Thris has had a harsh child that have left deep wounds mentally which is affecting her later life can anyone help her with this then comes along Michael. Micheal is just what she needs he's sweet and compassion and a well rounded person. It's a lovely idlic story which makes you feel immersed with the characters. You feel for Thris and everything she's going through. You don't want to miss this story.

[oohlalabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story! We’ve all been in love and have had heartaches so this makes Trish very relatable, it’s like having drinks with your girlfriend. You chat about the ex, family drama, and the new guy. This is a new author to me and I’m glad it’s a series. Can’t wait for book #2. I received this Goodreads giveaway from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Anantha Rusum · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Other words, is a sweet romance book by Pamela Fernandez. Trish Holt, a pianist is dealing with the demons of her past. Being from a Korean origin and adopted by Irish parents, she was subject to neglect and partial treatment since childhood. Her recent breakup from her three-year-old relationship puts her self-esteem to all time low. She feels unwanted and neglected by everyone around her. Her only solace is her music and singing to the tunes on her piano. When she moves to a new home in a quaint picturesque town of Maine, she finds herself falling in love with her neighbor, Michael Quentin, who is the local chef and a successful businessman. Michael also has had a wounded childhood and struggles with his own issues. The two try to find comfort with each other, but the blockages from the past keep surfacing between them repeatedly, making their relationship rocky and uncertain.

If and how they overcome these blockages form the crux of this sweet story. The plot by itself is a typical romance story, but I loved the way the author brought about the tender emotions of her main leads, right from their childhood. The effect of a bad childhood on a person and the impact it has in shaping his/her life is very subtly brought out. When parents either adopt or give birth to a child, they need to take care of the tender emotions of the little one on whom they have staked their claim upon. Any rash decision made by a parent impacts the child heavily, and that is something most adults do not understand. The story brilliantly portrays the struggle which both Trish and Michael go through, it makes them more conscious of their choices and they become responsible adults. They both have successful careers and appear to be well rounded individuals. But somewhere deep within, they are so insecure and unsure about themselves, that it sabotages them within, the closest bonds which they value and treasure are put through peril.

Very nicely written, the book is a fast paced breezy read. I sure will pick up more from this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes
5 of 5 Stars
Pianist Trish Holt, lives in Maine in picturesque Boothbay Harbor. Trish was adopted from Korea as a child and still suffers with abandonment issues and finds it stressful trying to fit into the 'All American' stereotype. Following the betrayal of both her long term partner and her manger, who she discovers are having an affair, Trish’s old issues surface and she blames her self for not being the perfect 'All American' girlfriend. Moving to a new house still feeling bitter but wanting to move on Trish meets new neighbour and potential love interest Michael Quentin, a local chef who’s restaurant she plays a gig at. Although Michael ‘romances’ Trish he has his own childhood issues and a dark family past which his holding him back. Michael is also helping his widowed sister to bring up his niece Hannah and is not particularly looking for a long term relationship where else Trish is looking for love and commitment.
This was a really emotional read and a romance which was a case of opposites attract. The author transports you into the lives of her characters and by giving them such a detailed backstory you really feel as though you know them personally. Trish and Michael are both interesting characters and very relatable and realistic, both with good points and bad. As I was reading I felt I was invested in their story and couldn’t stop turning the pages until I found out their future.
This is the first in a new series of books by Pamela Q Fernandes and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Other Words (A boothbay Harbor series book 1) by Pamela Q Fernandez is a 4 star read.
Trish Holt was adopted from Korea by a white American family and suffered bullying over the differences between her and her parents, her parents had a biological son when she was 6 and she saw that she was treated differently by her parents too, a neighbour taught her to play the piano when she was young and she grew to do it for living. When her boyfriend of three years suddenly tells her he’s ending the relationship as he was having an affair with her manager, Trish is devastated all she’s ever wanted was to be loved and have a family and she now sees that slipping through her fingers.
Michael Quentin is the oldest of 5 siblings and spent his youth taking care of them when his father killed himself and his mother drowned her sorrows in alcohol, training to be a chef he moves back to Boothbay harbor and opens a restaurant and is working on a B&B, he doesn’t do relationships and blames this on his own parents marriage, when his sister’s husband dies he steps in to care for his sister and niece.
Can two people with less than perfect childhoods come together and be happy?
I enjoyed this story, the two main characters were complete opposites but you could see how well they would fit together.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every bit of reading this book cover to cover. The story is compelling to read and a joy to observe. I’m a sucker for a love story that develops in the way that this one does. In this story, we meet pianist Trish Holt who resides in Maine on Boothbay Harbor. Stunned and blindsided by a cold kind of betrayal, her boyfriend of 3 years left. Ex’s new beau is her manager. Trish reflects that she’s had a bitterness which has stemmed a pattern of bitterness in past relationships.
From being adopted as a child from Korea, she’s becoming responsible for the breakdown of her relationships as she tries to fit into American culture with false stereotypes of the “picture perfect girlfriend.”
Upon moving into a new home for a fresh start, she meets Michael Quentin, local chef and neighbor, who romances and heals her. Michael and Trish fall in love but heal childhood wounds. This is the type of love story you root for from the very beginning. Trish attempts to return Michael’s generosity by helping him heal his family’s dark past. The two fall in love in a traditional and deep-rooted morals to coexist in a new modern love story.

[Karyn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Other Words is the first book in the Boothbay Harbor Series by Pamela Q Fernandes. I had previously read Bowled by this author and loved it so was happy to read this book also. I have to say that I really loved this book. It’s very different from Bowled but both are excellent reads.
Trish Holt is a pianist who has serious abandonment issues. She was adopted at a young age and was treated badly by her adoptive parents, more so when they had a biological child of her own. All Trish wants is to be loved. She has recently been dumped by her boyfriend of 3 years who has been having a relationship with her manager.
Michael Quentin is a top class chef. His sister is recently widowed and he is helping bring up his niece Hannah. He loves women but is a once and done kinda guy, certainly not relationship material. So when he lets Trish move into his sister’s house and gives her a gig at his restaurant playing piano, why can’t he get her out of his head.
Trish and Michael couldn’t be any more opposite if they tried. She’s desperate for someone to love her for the rest of her life. Michael doesn’t believe in love.
This is an amazing story depicting the conflict going through Michael’s head and the desperation faced by Trish. The interactions between the 2 of them are amazing to read, the sexual chemistry is off the chart and their sexual encounters are particularly steamy.
Will Michael realise that Trish is the best thing to happen to him or will he push her away? This book is definitely well worth a read.

[Candida Furbush · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Book 1) 

by Pamela Q. Fernandes   


This was a very emotional read. Trish, who is looking for love and to be loved can't seem to find it no matter how hard she tries. She is adopted and certain things she experienced growing up has shaped her need to belong. As a child she spent time with a neighbor who taught her to play the piano and she became a very good pianist and that became her chosen profession.  Michael who has his own issues from his childhood and that's the reason he says he will never fall in love and do the family thing. He is passionate about his career as a chef and building his b&b. These two become unlikely friends, but they say opposites attract. Will these two be able to get past their issues and find love? This is a must read if you want to find out. I look forward to what the next book in this series will bring. I recommend this book. 

[Gail Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Series Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes - Review by Gail Guerrero

Four Stars

Being a person with no instrumental talents I love listening to people pay what’s in their heart. Passion is a great motivator. It gives that person a fire inside to keep going and never backing down. Trish is trying to heal after her boyfriend cheats. Some people don’t think you should dwell on the pain. But it’s so much better for you in the long run to face it now. Get all the ugly cries out so that the next time that person name is said you feel nothing. I really like Michael. His character was almost perfect. Which is perfect no girl what’s a perfect guy. Just a guy that’s perfect for her. The author gave the characters a great start and the story progressed without a problem. There are many parts of this book that will make you wish you were a millionaire so that you could really do some good. This is definitely a book meant to pull on your heartstrings.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

In Other Words, by Pamela Fernandes, is the story of pianist Trish Holt. After finding out her boyfriend is cheating on her, she moves into her own place and is instantly intrigued by the handsome but evasive landlord. The story follows Trish and Michael, who have each sworn off relationships, as they try to navigate their new "friendship." I found both characters a little inconsistent and frustrating, but they also found each other to be the same so I guess that was the point. I particularly liked Trish's two nun friends. They added both wisdom and humor to the story. The writing flowed well and I felt the story moved at a good pace. I look forward to reading more about these two and the other characters from Boothbay Harbor in the future.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes is a relatable, emotional, love story.
From the first chapter, main character, Trish, is dealing with real, often not spoken of, issues relating to being an adopted child. The background of Trish is detailed in a way to lead you to understanding her in the future and to break your heart for what she went through. The story line proceeds at a pace that feels natural and unrushed. The love story between Michael and Trish starts in a way that can be found in today’s world. It was refreshing to read a book based in actual reality, rather than the romance and love scenarios that only happen in books or movies. This was my first book by Pamela Q. Fernandes and I cannot wait to further explore Boothbay Harbor!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

In Other Words is the first book in the Boothbay Harbor Series by Pamela Q Fernandes. It is a story of overcoming betrayal, looking for where you belong, self discovery, looking for love, facing your issues, family, romance, and more.
Trish Holt may be a talented pianist, but she has some serious abandonment issues. Being adopted when she was young, she has struggled with who she is, and ‘fitting’ in. She’s looking for love, but so far has been unlucky in love. What happens when she meets Michael, a talented chef, who has his own issues? It’s a case of opposites attract- but will these two get out of their own way long enough to let love grow? You really should read the story and discover for yourself how everything plays out….

Thank you, Pamela Q. Fernandes!

[Erica Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Other Words is the first book in the Boothbay Harbor Series by Pamela Fernandes. Fernandes has a great eye when it comes to details in her stories. I could imagine where she has the setting for her book. She also paints a beautiful picture of her characters. I have to say that this story was a roller coaster ride of emotions for me.Trish has been betrayed by her boyfriend that is now dating her book. It is not like Trish did not already have issues from her childhood being adopted from Korea. She has made some bad decisions with her love life. Will Trish get over her ex-boyfriend? Can Trish move on with her new neighbor who is the local chef on the island? Only time will tell.

[Heather Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Book 1) By Pamela Q. Fernandes

What a great book, Pamela Fernandes has really captured how to draw someone into a book. This book had my emotions everywhere and had me turning the pages to see what was next. This book sheds light on adopted children and how they feel after a biological child has been born, sadly it also talks about how Trish was bullied because her adoptive parents were White and she was Korean. Great writing style and easy to read the story that tugs at your heartstrings. I look forward to reading more by Pamela Fernandes

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Series, #1)
By Pamela Q Fernandes
4 stars

I love reading books by this author, I think that she has a lovely writing style and I am always transported to the places she is describing and into the lives of the characters who she is writing about. In Other Words was a story that had me turning the pages super-fast just so I could see what was going to happen next. It was full of angst and the characters had some complexities to their lives that made the story great to read. I couldn’t decide whether I wanted this couple to be together or not, I think that Michael was everything Trish didn’t need in her life considering her past relationship. The author really delved into the lives of these characters with an emotional tale and one that I really enjoyed reading – I felt like I was really involved in what was going on in the story!
As always I look forward to reading more from this author again and I highly recommend In Other Words to other readers!

[Raylene Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Trish's story of adoption. Its full of growth, angst, and hurt. A renowned pianist, she looks for love and tries to find herself in the wrong men. And then you meet Michael---who has plenty of baggage and no room for love.
Such a powerdul and realistic book! Real! Beautiful! Definitely worth the read!!

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Other Words is the opening act of Pamela Q. Fernandes’ new Boothbay Harbor series. I had read couple of her books before and as I liked the way she presented the world and the issues we encounter, she was someone I kept my eye out for and here she comes with her new series! She is touching on some very sensitive matters and I admire the care and understanding she has while addressing them.
In Other Words gives us the story of Trish Hold, an adopted child from Korea and internationally acclaimed pianist who is searching for her identity. She needs to find her true roots and she has that inherent need to belong that so many adopted children have … while she has that need, she is not doing much about it in real sense … she has the need to be loved so she falls for anyone who shows her affection and most of us know what it means … it doesn’t last so the men leave her and it feeds the feeling of being unlovable … Enters Michael that has his own baggage, coming from the family that does not share a lot of love … and then you have the clash of expectations and needs and struggle and you will keep your fingers crossed to the last page, hoping …
I am curious to see what happens next in Boothbay Harbor and I am sure the writer will not disappoint us!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become familiar with Fernandes writing over the last year or so and so when I saw this one I was intrigued by the difference of storyline from her other novels. I loved how this book brought on the angsty and very real reality that is life and making love work around it. These main characters will try your patience and ask you to look inward as you read. Often I found myself really having disdain for them each, especially Trish, but they have a realistic life that causes ripples and affects the way they approach love.

Trish is an adopted young woman that has the passion and talent of playing piano. She hasn’t had an easy past when it comes to love both with family and with the opposite sex. She can be a tad bit negative though and that is where I struggled with her. Michael has no desire for long term anything. He is a one night stand type of guy and these two may look like absolutely the opposite of what they actually need. However, we see by the end how they could easily be the glue to mend their broken hearts. I enjoyed how raw and realistic this book came across and I look forward to seeing what else is to come from Ms. Fernandes!

[Jonell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you have a love story when the main characters are wholly committed to not falling for anybody, anytime. In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes is a book that shows us just how that happens. This is just such a sweet story. I felt like it was a window into the way many of us behave. We don’t say what we think or feel. Sometimes we do it out of fear, or courtesy, and then sometimes we don’t say it because we love. And because we love we are not going to cross the line that we think may or may not be there. Sometimes we lose. We lose opportunities, adventures, and sometimes we lose a love that legends are made of. Will Trish and Michael find that legend? Romance is not a genre that I read a lot but this one was well worth the read.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Rachel Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading In Other Words by Pamela Q. Fernandes! I especially loved the love of piano playing in the novel, it seems like there are so few novels with instruments like that written as a main aspect anymore. Loved the writing, Fernandes did an incredible making the words flow freely with tons of emotions throughout the pages. I was immediately captured by them. I loved the romance, and how well described Trish's heartache was written. Not many authors can accomplish that it seems like. I loved the storyline, and I can't wait to read the other books in the Boothbay Harbor series!

[Kerry Chalmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Other Words. Pamela Q. Fernandes really sets the scene, her attention to detail is amazing. I was drawn to Trish and her struggles in life, I felt her pain, especially young Trish, it was truly heartbreaking reading through her first 11 years of life. When Trish grows up and meets Micheal I think he was exactly what she needed to start to build herself esteem. Without giving away to much away, I will say this is a must read. The characters are brilliantly written and will draw you in from the start. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This is a well written book about two people with pasts that haunt them, affecting their ability to connect with others romantically. How they overcome these hurts from the past form this sweet story. I found the story a little long with too much angst for me.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Other Words by Pamela Q. Fernandes is the first book in the Boothbay Harbor series. This is a well written book that is a strong start to a new series.
Having read a few books by this author I knew to expect a great book, which is exactly what I got. The book was highly emotional from start to finish. It felt like you were taken on the journey with Trish.
The book had an even pace about, not rushed or intense but a slow build of the story. It worked well for this type of book and the emotional rollercoaster it takes you on.
I very much enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to book 2.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Series Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes. I love Pamela Fernandes so I grab anything I can that she writes. This book was no different. Its the story of Trish Holt who is a pianist who lives in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. She has had a boyfriend for 3 years and the rug is pulled out from her feet when she learns he is having an affair with of all people her manager! Trish has always made risky choices involving relationships and she thinks it goes back to her being adopted from Korea. When Trish moves into a new home she meets Michael Quentin who is her new neighbor. He is a local chef on the island and he is determined to help her get over this betrayal. Dealing with Michael's own family's past and Trish's issues from being adopted will they be able to make it. As they fall in love and deal with her feelings of being unlovable and his rule of not having a relationship will their hearts win out? Read In Other Words to find out!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star
In Other Words (Boothbay Harbor Series Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes
In Other Words is the first book in The Boothbay Harbor series. I loved this book .There were parts my emotions were all over the place and some parts I was just shaking my head . Trish is a pianist and has just been betrayed by her boyfriend of three years. The worst part is it’s with her manager. Michael is a local chef and he loves to cook. Both of them have some issues that go back to their childhoods. Can these two have a future together? Find out what happens next in this must read. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Kindle Copy Win

It is about two people with bitter past that still haunts them. Can they move forward as they fall in love but will the memories still rip them apart? Issues will need to be resolved for them to have a chance at forever.

A moving read of heartache and love.