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My Life for Yours
No parent should ever have to lose a child.
No husband should ever have to lose a wife.
No one should ever have to choose.
Paige and Nick are happy. They have a beautiful home, a loving family and, most importantly, they would do anything for each other. Now, they are having a baby and it feels like all their dreams are coming true.
But joy turns to despair when they discover that Paige has a rare, life-threatening heart condition and they lose their longed-for child. Heartbroken, the couple must accept the reality that they may not become parents after all.
Just as they begin to come to terms with their loss, Paige unexpectedly falls pregnant again. Paige’s heart is still weak, and to carry the baby to term puts them both at risk. The couple now face an impossible Paige’s life or the life of their unborn child?
If Paige keeps the baby, she could lose her life and destroy the man she loves. If Nick tries to stop her, he may lose them both forever. It’s the most important decision they have ever had to make – and time is running out.
My Life for Yours is a heartbreaking, gripping and emotional story about love, loss and an impossible choice, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Kate Hewitt.
No husband should ever have to lose a wife.
No one should ever have to choose.
Paige and Nick are happy. They have a beautiful home, a loving family and, most importantly, they would do anything for each other. Now, they are having a baby and it feels like all their dreams are coming true.
But joy turns to despair when they discover that Paige has a rare, life-threatening heart condition and they lose their longed-for child. Heartbroken, the couple must accept the reality that they may not become parents after all.
Just as they begin to come to terms with their loss, Paige unexpectedly falls pregnant again. Paige’s heart is still weak, and to carry the baby to term puts them both at risk. The couple now face an impossible Paige’s life or the life of their unborn child?
If Paige keeps the baby, she could lose her life and destroy the man she loves. If Nick tries to stop her, he may lose them both forever. It’s the most important decision they have ever had to make – and time is running out.
My Life for Yours is a heartbreaking, gripping and emotional story about love, loss and an impossible choice, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Kate Hewitt.
- GenresContemporaryFiction
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2020
504 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Carnevale
8 books160 followersVanessa Carnevale is an Australian author of women's fiction. She is also the host of Your Beautiful Writing Life retreats held in Tuscany and Australia.
Vanessa loves to travel, and spent several years living in Florence, Italy, a place she considers her second home. She lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
Her previous novels, THE MEMORIES OF US and THE FLORENTINE BRIDGE are published by HarperCollins and have been translated into German and Slovenian. Vanessa's third novel, MY LIFE FOR YOURS will be published by Bookouture in August 2020.
You can connect with Vanessa on Instagram and Facebook or via her website: www.vanessacarnevale.com
Vanessa loves to travel, and spent several years living in Florence, Italy, a place she considers her second home. She lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
Her previous novels, THE MEMORIES OF US and THE FLORENTINE BRIDGE are published by HarperCollins and have been translated into German and Slovenian. Vanessa's third novel, MY LIFE FOR YOURS will be published by Bookouture in August 2020.
You can connect with Vanessa on Instagram and Facebook or via her website: www.vanessacarnevale.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
July 17, 2020
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Vanessa Carnevale has written an emotionally charged story that will have readers asking themselves what they would do in this life altering situation.
Paige has been advised not to fall pregnant until her health improves but when she accidentally falls pregnant it causes major family upheaval and a conflict that may cost her her marriage.
Told in the alternating points of view of both Paige and her husband Nick, we get a rounded view of the emotional upheaval the pregnancy has caused for both of them.
I don’t want to give too much away with the plot but the story is strongly focused on a mother’s love and how far you will go for your child.
Vanessa Carnevale made it very easy to put myself not only in Paige and Nick’s shoes but also Paige’s mother Evelyn’s. Each character had their differing ideas on what Paige should and shouldn’t do and I felt for each of them.
My Life For Yours is a compelling and heart-wrenching read. A story of lost dreams and hopes. Of a love that defies all reasoning. I had no clue as to how this story was going to pan out. And I loved that! It kept me eagerly reading.
My Life For Yours is a heartrending story told with compassion and candour. It had me reaching for the tissues a few times whilst reading.
*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley
Vanessa Carnevale has written an emotionally charged story that will have readers asking themselves what they would do in this life altering situation.
Paige has been advised not to fall pregnant until her health improves but when she accidentally falls pregnant it causes major family upheaval and a conflict that may cost her her marriage.
Told in the alternating points of view of both Paige and her husband Nick, we get a rounded view of the emotional upheaval the pregnancy has caused for both of them.
I don’t want to give too much away with the plot but the story is strongly focused on a mother’s love and how far you will go for your child.
Vanessa Carnevale made it very easy to put myself not only in Paige and Nick’s shoes but also Paige’s mother Evelyn’s. Each character had their differing ideas on what Paige should and shouldn’t do and I felt for each of them.
My Life For Yours is a compelling and heart-wrenching read. A story of lost dreams and hopes. Of a love that defies all reasoning. I had no clue as to how this story was going to pan out. And I loved that! It kept me eagerly reading.
My Life For Yours is a heartrending story told with compassion and candour. It had me reaching for the tissues a few times whilst reading.
*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley
August 8, 2020
Oh my gosh! What an emotional roller coaster ride! Paige and Nick’s first pregnancy, their longed-for baby boy was soon to be with them. But a few weeks before the due date, Paige discovered she had a rare heart condition that could come on toward the end of pregnancy. Although Paige’s life was saved, their baby boy didn’t make it. Devastated, Nick and Paige grieved, both wondering if they would never be blessed with children. Paige’s heart needed to repair before she could risk pregnancy again…
When Paige unexpectedly fell pregnant for the second time, emotions were in turmoil. What would they do? Paige’s heart was still weak – her life as well as her baby’s was at risk. The decision had to be made, but Nick and Paige couldn’t agree. With time running out, tempers flared, emotions overflowed – either way life would be different for Nick. How could anyone make the decision to choose either the life of his wife, or the life of his child?
My Life For Yours by Aussie author Vanessa Carnevale is an amazing, emotional, heartfelt and absolutely brilliant book. This is my third by Ms Carnevale and I’ve loved each one. But this one, I have to say, is her best yet! My Life For Yours brought me to tears a number of times; I can’t imagine what the characters of the book were going through! I can’t recommend this one highly enough - I still have goosebumps!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Paige unexpectedly fell pregnant for the second time, emotions were in turmoil. What would they do? Paige’s heart was still weak – her life as well as her baby’s was at risk. The decision had to be made, but Nick and Paige couldn’t agree. With time running out, tempers flared, emotions overflowed – either way life would be different for Nick. How could anyone make the decision to choose either the life of his wife, or the life of his child?
My Life For Yours by Aussie author Vanessa Carnevale is an amazing, emotional, heartfelt and absolutely brilliant book. This is my third by Ms Carnevale and I’ve loved each one. But this one, I have to say, is her best yet! My Life For Yours brought me to tears a number of times; I can’t imagine what the characters of the book were going through! I can’t recommend this one highly enough - I still have goosebumps!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2020
Paige and Nick are happy. They have a beautiful home, a loving family and, most importantly, they would do anything for each other. They are having a baby and it feels like all there dreams have come true. But you turns to despair when they discover that Paige has a life-threatening heart condition and they loose their longed for child. Just as they're coming to terms with their loss, Paige falls pregnant again. Page's heart is too weak to carry a baby to term. The couple have to make the impossible decision, Paige's life over the unborn baby.
What an awful situation to be in. How on earth do you decide? It's a beautifully written story with lots passion and feelings. Thecstpry is told in alternate chapters from Paige and Nick's perspectives. This is an emotional and heart breaking roller coaster ride. I was totally gripped by this story. There were a few parts I did not expect. It covers hopes, dreams, love, fears and heart break. Have plenty of tissues handy before you read this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Vanessa Carnevale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Paige and Nick are happy. They have a beautiful home, a loving family and, most importantly, they would do anything for each other. They are having a baby and it feels like all their dreams have come true. But joy turns to despair when they discover that Paige has a life-threatening heart condition and they loose their longed for child. Just as they're coming to terms with their loss, Paige falls pregnant again. Page's heart is too weak to carry a baby to term. The couple have to make the impossible decision, Paige's life or the unborn baby.
What an awful situation to be in. How on earth do you decide? It's a beautifully written story with lots passion and feelings. The story is told in alternating chapters from Paige and Nick's perspectives. This is an emotional and heart breaking roller coaster ride. I was totally gripped by this story. There were parts Ithat I did not expect. It covers hopes, dreams, love, fears and heart break. Have plenty of tissues handy before you read this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Vanessa Carnevale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What an awful situation to be in. How on earth do you decide? It's a beautifully written story with lots passion and feelings. Thecstpry is told in alternate chapters from Paige and Nick's perspectives. This is an emotional and heart breaking roller coaster ride. I was totally gripped by this story. There were a few parts I did not expect. It covers hopes, dreams, love, fears and heart break. Have plenty of tissues handy before you read this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Vanessa Carnevale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Paige and Nick are happy. They have a beautiful home, a loving family and, most importantly, they would do anything for each other. They are having a baby and it feels like all their dreams have come true. But joy turns to despair when they discover that Paige has a life-threatening heart condition and they loose their longed for child. Just as they're coming to terms with their loss, Paige falls pregnant again. Page's heart is too weak to carry a baby to term. The couple have to make the impossible decision, Paige's life or the unborn baby.
What an awful situation to be in. How on earth do you decide? It's a beautifully written story with lots passion and feelings. The story is told in alternating chapters from Paige and Nick's perspectives. This is an emotional and heart breaking roller coaster ride. I was totally gripped by this story. There were parts Ithat I did not expect. It covers hopes, dreams, love, fears and heart break. Have plenty of tissues handy before you read this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Vanessa Carnevale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2020
A difficult book to review where I had to scrutinize my inner emotions along with realities of life, but the story was all heart. Author Vanessa Carnevale knew how to put the characters in a life-defining dilemma and watch them take their decisions.
It was both heart breaking and heart warming. I tapped the screen of my kindle almost fervently, and only the last page of the book told me the absolute truth.
Paige was expecting, and her husband Nick was over the moon. In the last trimester, she became dizzy and breathless, and the baby stopped moving. A catastrophe had occurred. Paige was diagnosed to have heart failure, and future pregnancy was contraindicated until her heart strengthened. But she became pregnant. Most of her family including husband wanted her to terminate as it was a risk to her life. Would she?
There was no right or wrong decisions, just those that were taken by the heart. Nick wanted Paige to survive and not be a single dad. Paige just wanted her baby to live.
Skirmishes abounded, there were no right answers. Love was present between the two main characters in their every action, even when they were on opposite sides in their decisions.
The prose came with huge dollops of talent and love as each situation between them came alive. The story was identifiable as I can’t have kids due to my underlying cardiac condition. I kept putting myself in the situation that Paige was in. What would I have chosen?
This was a book which was fiction but a reality for me. Life presented so many twists, and many of them were invariable. The story was compelling to the point of addiction. I couldn’t rest until I knew what would happen. It almost tempted me to read the last chapter first.
Empathy for the characters and truths of life emboldened the story. Tears mingled with smiles, desperation with acceptance. It was everything I hoped for but nothing I was prepared to deal with. An emotional read.
It was both heart breaking and heart warming. I tapped the screen of my kindle almost fervently, and only the last page of the book told me the absolute truth.
Paige was expecting, and her husband Nick was over the moon. In the last trimester, she became dizzy and breathless, and the baby stopped moving. A catastrophe had occurred. Paige was diagnosed to have heart failure, and future pregnancy was contraindicated until her heart strengthened. But she became pregnant. Most of her family including husband wanted her to terminate as it was a risk to her life. Would she?
There was no right or wrong decisions, just those that were taken by the heart. Nick wanted Paige to survive and not be a single dad. Paige just wanted her baby to live.
Skirmishes abounded, there were no right answers. Love was present between the two main characters in their every action, even when they were on opposite sides in their decisions.
The prose came with huge dollops of talent and love as each situation between them came alive. The story was identifiable as I can’t have kids due to my underlying cardiac condition. I kept putting myself in the situation that Paige was in. What would I have chosen?
This was a book which was fiction but a reality for me. Life presented so many twists, and many of them were invariable. The story was compelling to the point of addiction. I couldn’t rest until I knew what would happen. It almost tempted me to read the last chapter first.
Empathy for the characters and truths of life emboldened the story. Tears mingled with smiles, desperation with acceptance. It was everything I hoped for but nothing I was prepared to deal with. An emotional read.
July 13, 2020
WOW!!! What can I say about this book???? Paige and Nick's story is full of emotion .. all the way till the end! This book grabbed me from page 1 and it kept me on the edge of my seat. So heartbreaking ... I can honestly say I have only cried a handful of times when I have read a book and this one got to me!! This was fantastic and I thank Netgalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published August 2020.
July 24, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had realized that I have spent most of the month reading and reviewing suspense/domestic thrillers and felt that I needed to explore some of my contemporary arcs. Because I enjoy torturing myself and creating swollen red eyes at the beach to match my sunburn, I decided to read My Life for Yours today. Australian author, Vanessa Carnevale's August contemporary will no doubt help many readers re-adjust the water levels of their town reservoirs.
Paige and Nick are a happily married couple living in the suburbs. She is a caregiver at a long term care facility and he is a successful pediatric surgeon. There are Sunday night dinners with Paige's immediate family and there are trips to Tasmania to spend time with his mother. They also have a really great circle of friends that are perfect support systems. Now the couple has decided to start their own family. But when Paige's pregnancy reveals a startling health condition, the couple is faced with great loss and also the warning that future pregnancies are to be avoided. But when Paige finds herself pregnant once again, she and Nick might not be the only people that won't survive the decisions they must make.
So this was one tough emotional battleground and I appreciate that Vanessa Carnevale really explores all sides of the ethical dilemma. In the beginning, I was thinking "wow, there are so many characters being introduced" but then as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that all those viewpoints- medical or emotional really have to be presented in order to give this novel a feeling of realism. Because those sides are all presented, I was constantly immersed in both Nick and Paige's viewpoints as well as that of the other characters. I LOVED this story even though it tore my heart out and also made me have an an entire ethical debatein my head.
Excellent storytelling of a very difficult topic to tackle.
#MyLifeforYours #NetGalley
Goodreads review published 21/07/20
Expected Publication 07/08/20
I had realized that I have spent most of the month reading and reviewing suspense/domestic thrillers and felt that I needed to explore some of my contemporary arcs. Because I enjoy torturing myself and creating swollen red eyes at the beach to match my sunburn, I decided to read My Life for Yours today. Australian author, Vanessa Carnevale's August contemporary will no doubt help many readers re-adjust the water levels of their town reservoirs.
Paige and Nick are a happily married couple living in the suburbs. She is a caregiver at a long term care facility and he is a successful pediatric surgeon. There are Sunday night dinners with Paige's immediate family and there are trips to Tasmania to spend time with his mother. They also have a really great circle of friends that are perfect support systems. Now the couple has decided to start their own family. But when Paige's pregnancy reveals a startling health condition, the couple is faced with great loss and also the warning that future pregnancies are to be avoided. But when Paige finds herself pregnant once again, she and Nick might not be the only people that won't survive the decisions they must make.
So this was one tough emotional battleground and I appreciate that Vanessa Carnevale really explores all sides of the ethical dilemma. In the beginning, I was thinking "wow, there are so many characters being introduced" but then as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that all those viewpoints- medical or emotional really have to be presented in order to give this novel a feeling of realism. Because those sides are all presented, I was constantly immersed in both Nick and Paige's viewpoints as well as that of the other characters. I LOVED this story even though it tore my heart out and also made me have an an entire ethical debatein my head.
Excellent storytelling of a very difficult topic to tackle.
#MyLifeforYours #NetGalley
Goodreads review published 21/07/20
Expected Publication 07/08/20
August 4, 2020
Paige and Nick are a happily married couple who want to start a family. Paige works in an aged care home and comes from a loving family. Nick is a doctor and has a demanding job as a pediatric surgeon which takes him away from the family home a lot.
Imagine their joy when Paige falls pregnant - all is ticking along nicely until she reaches 33 weeks and then is rushed to hospital where the unthinkable happens, they lose their baby boy, but more importantly Paige almost dies as well due to a previously undiagnosed heart condition which puts her life in jeopardy. They are absolutely devastated but time marches on until one day Paige discovers she is pregnant again - she knows the risks but wants to have this baby.
It opens up a whole moral dilemma - should she proceed, should they terminate and what are the risks either way. Their marriage is tested and the whole family dynamics are thrown into turmoil with Paige's family and their friends.
I cannot say much more but I can say - go and read this book, it is absolutely amazing and just reinforces what a wonderful writer Vanessa Carnevale is. For me who does not cry at many books, its now 2 out of her 3 that have left me in tears, that's the sign of a great writer!!
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for the copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Imagine their joy when Paige falls pregnant - all is ticking along nicely until she reaches 33 weeks and then is rushed to hospital where the unthinkable happens, they lose their baby boy, but more importantly Paige almost dies as well due to a previously undiagnosed heart condition which puts her life in jeopardy. They are absolutely devastated but time marches on until one day Paige discovers she is pregnant again - she knows the risks but wants to have this baby.
It opens up a whole moral dilemma - should she proceed, should they terminate and what are the risks either way. Their marriage is tested and the whole family dynamics are thrown into turmoil with Paige's family and their friends.
I cannot say much more but I can say - go and read this book, it is absolutely amazing and just reinforces what a wonderful writer Vanessa Carnevale is. For me who does not cry at many books, its now 2 out of her 3 that have left me in tears, that's the sign of a great writer!!
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for the copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 9, 2020
First, I want to thank Vanessa Carnevale, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
You will need a box of tissues handy for this must read book! I couldn’t stop tearing up while reading Vanessa Canevale’s latest book My Life For Yours! My heart ached so bad for Paige and Nick!
I knew by the cover that this would be a book to pull on my heart strings. A pair of baby shoes and the title My Life For Yours. So simple yet so powerful!
Vanessa brings awareness to peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) a very serious and emotional topic for women in this book. Sadly, Paige lost one of her babies this way and it was very heartbreaking. Vanessa did an incredible job bringing out all the emotions surrounding the loss, how other family members felt, and educated her readers on this disease. Not only that gave the statistics of what would happen if she tried to have another baby.
Due to the situation there was a lot of family drama intertwined in this story.
This is one ending that I thought was going to end one way but WOW totally shocked me!! I was so happy it didn’t end the way I thought it was going to!
My hope is this book can help someone going through this or that knows someone that went through this. It sounded very scary.
You will need a box of tissues handy for this must read book! I couldn’t stop tearing up while reading Vanessa Canevale’s latest book My Life For Yours! My heart ached so bad for Paige and Nick!
I knew by the cover that this would be a book to pull on my heart strings. A pair of baby shoes and the title My Life For Yours. So simple yet so powerful!
Vanessa brings awareness to peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) a very serious and emotional topic for women in this book. Sadly, Paige lost one of her babies this way and it was very heartbreaking. Vanessa did an incredible job bringing out all the emotions surrounding the loss, how other family members felt, and educated her readers on this disease. Not only that gave the statistics of what would happen if she tried to have another baby.
Due to the situation there was a lot of family drama intertwined in this story.
This is one ending that I thought was going to end one way but WOW totally shocked me!! I was so happy it didn’t end the way I thought it was going to!
My hope is this book can help someone going through this or that knows someone that went through this. It sounded very scary.
June 8, 2020
This is a such a beautiful and heart touching book that I don't know how to review it without any spoilers!!
It was so well written that I couldn't put it down until I finished it. All the characters in the book are so good. Its filled with emotion and the ending will remain with you long after your done with the book.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
Highly Recommended!!
It was so well written that I couldn't put it down until I finished it. All the characters in the book are so good. Its filled with emotion and the ending will remain with you long after your done with the book.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
Highly Recommended!!
May 27, 2020
All the feels. This book draws you right into the story. Heartfelt and just a wonderful read. Be sure to pick this one up.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an early release if this book.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an early release if this book.
August 28, 2020
There’s something to be said after you’ve read the final page of a heartbreaking emotional page turner and ended up with a pile of tissues at your feet, it’s raw, real and leaves you with the age old question “what would you do”.
Paige and Nick are the loving couple that everyone adores.
They have successful careers, a stunning home and great family and friends and now they are about to become parents.
But soon their happiness turns to misery when Paige discovers she has a life threatening disease and loses the baby.
Sorrow follows and they have to accept their may never have a child again.
As time passes and just as they start to heal from the sadness, Paige discovers she’s pregnant.
Carrying the baby to full term puts both their lives at risk and now it comes down to an inconceivable decision.
My Life For Yours is heart wrenching, compelling, thought provoking, captivating and one that will be on everyone’s lips and talked about for many years.
Days after closing this book, I’m still thinking about this poignant and compulsory read.
I found myself racing to the finish line because I had to know how this story was going to end and boy, did it pull the heart strings.
A complex topic and issue that will make you feel empathy towards the characters and Vanessa has the talent to make the reader feel exactly what the character’s emotions are feeling.
Beautifully written, heartbreakingly honest, truthfully confronting and intensely moving.
Enough said, I suggest you pick this gem up and discover for yourself.
May 22, 2020
Let me start by saying that I usually don’t read this sort of book. I am a big softie and books like this always render me an emotional wreck. That said I was thrilled when I was sent this as an ARC to review.
My Life For Yours is the story of Paige and Nick. When Paige is nearing the end of her pregnancy she suffers heart failure, she barely makes it out alive and baby Max is born asleep. Paige is subsequently diagnosed with a heart condition and warned that until her condition is under control she should not become pregnant again. However, fate intervenes and she becomes pregnant again.
My Life For Yours is the emotionally brilliant, heartbreaking story of love, loss and an impossible choice that no one should ever have to make.
I am a Mum, I have a son, and because of that this book hit me where it hurts. I couldn’t help but put myself in Paige’s shoes, both when they lost Max and when they conceived again. No one should ever have to decided between a chance at another baby and becoming a family, another baby but leaving your husband as a lone parent or leaving your husband without a wife or a baby.
That is the devastating position Paige and Nick are in and it wouldn’t be a spoiler to say they don’t agree on the decision, adding to an already heartbreaking story.
Needless to say this is a highly emotive subject which Vanessa Carnevale approaches with a perfect balance of emotion and hope.
This is certainly a story that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My Life For Yours is the story of Paige and Nick. When Paige is nearing the end of her pregnancy she suffers heart failure, she barely makes it out alive and baby Max is born asleep. Paige is subsequently diagnosed with a heart condition and warned that until her condition is under control she should not become pregnant again. However, fate intervenes and she becomes pregnant again.
My Life For Yours is the emotionally brilliant, heartbreaking story of love, loss and an impossible choice that no one should ever have to make.
I am a Mum, I have a son, and because of that this book hit me where it hurts. I couldn’t help but put myself in Paige’s shoes, both when they lost Max and when they conceived again. No one should ever have to decided between a chance at another baby and becoming a family, another baby but leaving your husband as a lone parent or leaving your husband without a wife or a baby.
That is the devastating position Paige and Nick are in and it wouldn’t be a spoiler to say they don’t agree on the decision, adding to an already heartbreaking story.
Needless to say this is a highly emotive subject which Vanessa Carnevale approaches with a perfect balance of emotion and hope.
This is certainly a story that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'My Life For Yours' by Vanessa Carnevale
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I am definitely looking forward to reading more!
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing title & blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 55 chapters and an epilogue which are a nice length so that you can read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written from the perspectives of Nick and Paige. I always enjoy reading books written from the perspective of more than one person as you get to know how each character is feeling and more of what's going on giving you the bigger picture.
This book is seperated into 3 parts:
Part one focuses on Paige and Nick's long await for Paige to become pregnant, the grief of losing Max and how they build up their strength and relationship again. It is extremely emotional to read especially as a mother myself. I believe how Paige was during the grieving process paints an accurate picture of how a mum who has lost her child may feel and behave. Thankfully I have never had to go through this myself.
Part two focuses on the fact that Paige becomes pregnant again and the effect it has on her relationship with Nick and the rest of her family. Again, Paige seems to paint a true picture of what a woman in this position would feel like. I believe that how Nick behaves is very much what my partner would feel like in the same position.
Part three I shall leave a secret for you to discover yourself. Don't want to spoil things for future readers now do I?
Wow!! What can I say!! Such an emotional roller-coaster!! As a mum to 3 boys this storyline definitely hit me hard and it felt like I was going through the turmoil of emotions with Nick and Paige. I was even in tears before the WOW (cannot say more as I don't want any spoilers) ending!! I cannot remember the last time I cried while reading a book and yep there was ugly crying!! Not a good look at all!! So thank you very much for that Vanessa!!!
The book itself was very well written although I did get confused at certain points due to the jumps in time with no prewarning but not enough for it to spoil the story. I was hooked from page one and it left me thinking about it a long time after also. It is always good when you find an unforgettable book and I think this was one of them. I love the fact that it promotes awareness of Peripartum cardiomyopathy and it is obvious that the author did alot of research on this subject.
The characters were all very strong and all with their different beliefs and reasons behind their opinions. I adored both Paige and Nick and it was good to see this plot particularly from the perspectives of both the mum and dad as it gave me alot of different things to think about especially as a parent myself. I also loved reading about the rest of the family members who were also very believable and how they felt about everything and what they were going through.
Overall an extremely emotional book, a true page turning tear jerker. I think fans of Jodi Picoult would enjoy reading this. I would normally give 4/5 rather than 5/5 for the time lapse confusion but 4/5 for me is 'I enjoyed it' but this book I loved so it gets a 5/5 from me!!
Genres covered include Literary fiction and Drama.
I would recommend this book to fans of anyone who enjoys an emotional read, a good book in general and fans of Jodi Picoult
349 pages.
This book is 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MyLifeForYours #VanessaCarnevale #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@VanessaCarnevale @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
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Review for 'My Life For Yours' by Vanessa Carnevale
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I am definitely looking forward to reading more!
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing title & blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 55 chapters and an epilogue which are a nice length so that you can read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written from the perspectives of Nick and Paige. I always enjoy reading books written from the perspective of more than one person as you get to know how each character is feeling and more of what's going on giving you the bigger picture.
This book is seperated into 3 parts:
Part one focuses on Paige and Nick's long await for Paige to become pregnant, the grief of losing Max and how they build up their strength and relationship again. It is extremely emotional to read especially as a mother myself. I believe how Paige was during the grieving process paints an accurate picture of how a mum who has lost her child may feel and behave. Thankfully I have never had to go through this myself.
Part two focuses on the fact that Paige becomes pregnant again and the effect it has on her relationship with Nick and the rest of her family. Again, Paige seems to paint a true picture of what a woman in this position would feel like. I believe that how Nick behaves is very much what my partner would feel like in the same position.
Part three I shall leave a secret for you to discover yourself. Don't want to spoil things for future readers now do I?
Wow!! What can I say!! Such an emotional roller-coaster!! As a mum to 3 boys this storyline definitely hit me hard and it felt like I was going through the turmoil of emotions with Nick and Paige. I was even in tears before the WOW (cannot say more as I don't want any spoilers) ending!! I cannot remember the last time I cried while reading a book and yep there was ugly crying!! Not a good look at all!! So thank you very much for that Vanessa!!!
The book itself was very well written although I did get confused at certain points due to the jumps in time with no prewarning but not enough for it to spoil the story. I was hooked from page one and it left me thinking about it a long time after also. It is always good when you find an unforgettable book and I think this was one of them. I love the fact that it promotes awareness of Peripartum cardiomyopathy and it is obvious that the author did alot of research on this subject.
The characters were all very strong and all with their different beliefs and reasons behind their opinions. I adored both Paige and Nick and it was good to see this plot particularly from the perspectives of both the mum and dad as it gave me alot of different things to think about especially as a parent myself. I also loved reading about the rest of the family members who were also very believable and how they felt about everything and what they were going through.
Overall an extremely emotional book, a true page turning tear jerker. I think fans of Jodi Picoult would enjoy reading this. I would normally give 4/5 rather than 5/5 for the time lapse confusion but 4/5 for me is 'I enjoyed it' but this book I loved so it gets a 5/5 from me!!
Genres covered include Literary fiction and Drama.
I would recommend this book to fans of anyone who enjoys an emotional read, a good book in general and fans of Jodi Picoult
349 pages.
This book is 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MyLifeForYours #VanessaCarnevale #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@VanessaCarnevale @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
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June 1, 2020
"Sometimes matters of the heart don't necessarily always lead to the best decisions."
Paige and Nick have always dreamt of being parents. They are ready to expand their family.
However, things unfortunately, do not always turn out as we wish.
When Paige almost loses her life, with her first pregnancy, a decision following that devastating, tragic time; is not welcome news and may not have been made wisely. Everyone is more than distressed at this choice and most especially Nick.
Paige is determined to have a child, no matter what is recommended!
I cried while reading this novel and easily felt as if I was a family member and debating what I would do in this scenario as the parent and siblings of Paige, all the while praying for the most perfect outcome!
Wonderful, touching, emotional story!
Paige and Nick have always dreamt of being parents. They are ready to expand their family.
However, things unfortunately, do not always turn out as we wish.
When Paige almost loses her life, with her first pregnancy, a decision following that devastating, tragic time; is not welcome news and may not have been made wisely. Everyone is more than distressed at this choice and most especially Nick.
Paige is determined to have a child, no matter what is recommended!
I cried while reading this novel and easily felt as if I was a family member and debating what I would do in this scenario as the parent and siblings of Paige, all the while praying for the most perfect outcome!
Wonderful, touching, emotional story!
June 13, 2020
Wow, what an emotional wreck this book has made me!!!!!! As a mother i just dont know how i could make the type of decision paige has to make! If you like a book wgich will make you cry this is the book for you!!! Absolutely loved it!!!!
June 4, 2020
What an amazing, heartbreaking story, I was utterly captivated by this book all the way through, it was simply amazing.
August 7, 2020
OMG! I had to take a break after finishing this book!! I often get emotional while reading a story. They more than once bring tears to my eyes, but only once in a while tears are really running down my cheeks. Well, this time I had two mini Niagara Falls flowing down my face.
What can I say. The story is beautiful, heartbreaking, heartwarming, scary, courageous, devastating. It made me smile, it made me cry.
I honestly cannot say what I would do when I would find myself in Paige’s shoes, but I think I would be too scared. She is one hell of a lady, that’s for sure.
One of the best books in this category that I have ever read. I already found ‘my’ queen of suspense. I think I have found ‘my’ queen of the waterworks. 5 stars, of course.
Thank you, Vanessa Carnevale and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
What can I say. The story is beautiful, heartbreaking, heartwarming, scary, courageous, devastating. It made me smile, it made me cry.
I honestly cannot say what I would do when I would find myself in Paige’s shoes, but I think I would be too scared. She is one hell of a lady, that’s for sure.
One of the best books in this category that I have ever read. I already found ‘my’ queen of suspense. I think I have found ‘my’ queen of the waterworks. 5 stars, of course.
Thank you, Vanessa Carnevale and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
August 23, 2020
5 stars
Emotionally charged, this book has all the feels and will have you completely immersed in the terrible decision Paige and Nick have to make..
another excellent read from Vanessa.. highly recommend this one
Emotionally charged, this book has all the feels and will have you completely immersed in the terrible decision Paige and Nick have to make..
another excellent read from Vanessa.. highly recommend this one
May 23, 2020
‘I’ve been thinking a lot about legacy. The things we keep, the things we let go of, the things we remember about those who’ve left us...’
Paige and Nick have a wonderful life together - they have a happy marriage, a beautiful home, and soon their family will be complete with the birth of their child. But when a devastating stillbirth leads to the discovery that Paige has a serious heart condition, it seems that their dreams of a happy family will never come true. Until Paige becomes pregnant again. But this time, everything is different - with her condition, carrying her child to term could kill her. Now, the couple face an impossible decision - should Paige give her life for her child’s?
Wow, what a book! I absolutely adore these kinds of books, ones that have a complex multi-faceted dilemma at the heart of them, and that really make you question your own ideas and assumptions about what you would do in that situation... So the question at the heart of the book is simple: should a mother give her life to save that of her unborn child? Now I will admit that I have very strong views on this (don't worry, I won't say which side my opinions falls on!) and so I went into reading this thinking that my perspective wouldn't change at all. However, that's what's great about the fact that you read chapters from the POV of both Nick and Paige - you get a real insight into both arguments, in a way that feels very authentic and considered. And getting this insight meant that I was forced to question my own perspective on this issue, which surprised me, and was something I found really interesting and thought-provoking.
Now, I'm not going to comment on the plot for fear of spoilers. What I will say is that yes, it is heart-breaking. Especially the early section when Paige and Nick lose their son - I somehow skipped that part of the synopsis before I requested the book, so it was completely out of the blue to me, which made it even more devastating! But seeing how they coped with it as a couple made for a really beautiful reading experience. I also loved getting the insight into what parents might need at a time like that - there's a section where Nick acknowledges that many people try and skip over their son's existence, rather than asking about him and respecting the fact that he lived. Definitely a lesson I have learned from and will take with me.
All in all, I thought this was a really great book, covering a complex topic in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner. A real strength of this book is the fact that the author didn't shy away from dealing with such a challenging subject, and instead wrote about it in a very respectful way. I absolutely loved Paige and Nick's relationship, and also really enjoyed how the author made Paige's family such a bit part of the book - this worked really well to show how a trauma doesn't just affect an individual, but also affects everyone around them. Yes, this is a book with moments of heartbreak, but it also has so many moments of happiness - definitely one to read if you enjoy a complex family drama with a challenging dilemma at its heart.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reading copy from NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
Paige and Nick have a wonderful life together - they have a happy marriage, a beautiful home, and soon their family will be complete with the birth of their child. But when a devastating stillbirth leads to the discovery that Paige has a serious heart condition, it seems that their dreams of a happy family will never come true. Until Paige becomes pregnant again. But this time, everything is different - with her condition, carrying her child to term could kill her. Now, the couple face an impossible decision - should Paige give her life for her child’s?
Wow, what a book! I absolutely adore these kinds of books, ones that have a complex multi-faceted dilemma at the heart of them, and that really make you question your own ideas and assumptions about what you would do in that situation... So the question at the heart of the book is simple: should a mother give her life to save that of her unborn child? Now I will admit that I have very strong views on this (don't worry, I won't say which side my opinions falls on!) and so I went into reading this thinking that my perspective wouldn't change at all. However, that's what's great about the fact that you read chapters from the POV of both Nick and Paige - you get a real insight into both arguments, in a way that feels very authentic and considered. And getting this insight meant that I was forced to question my own perspective on this issue, which surprised me, and was something I found really interesting and thought-provoking.
Now, I'm not going to comment on the plot for fear of spoilers. What I will say is that yes, it is heart-breaking. Especially the early section when Paige and Nick lose their son - I somehow skipped that part of the synopsis before I requested the book, so it was completely out of the blue to me, which made it even more devastating! But seeing how they coped with it as a couple made for a really beautiful reading experience. I also loved getting the insight into what parents might need at a time like that - there's a section where Nick acknowledges that many people try and skip over their son's existence, rather than asking about him and respecting the fact that he lived. Definitely a lesson I have learned from and will take with me.
All in all, I thought this was a really great book, covering a complex topic in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner. A real strength of this book is the fact that the author didn't shy away from dealing with such a challenging subject, and instead wrote about it in a very respectful way. I absolutely loved Paige and Nick's relationship, and also really enjoyed how the author made Paige's family such a bit part of the book - this worked really well to show how a trauma doesn't just affect an individual, but also affects everyone around them. Yes, this is a book with moments of heartbreak, but it also has so many moments of happiness - definitely one to read if you enjoy a complex family drama with a challenging dilemma at its heart.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reading copy from NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
May 31, 2020
Another heart-wrenching story by the delightful, Vanessa Carnevale. My Life for Yours tackles the difficult subject of motherhood and birth — and the decisions that must be faced when a woman’s health and ultimately, her life, is threatened by her pregnancy.
While the subject matter is highly emotive and may be difficult for some, the enjoyment of this novel is immense. It’s an easy read, free and clear in its address. Told in alternating chapters by the main characters, young couple Paige and Nick, it’s really a story about hope and faith, trust and honesty, love, family and forgiveness.
Beautifully refreshing in inimitable Carnevale style, main character, Paige is almost too sweet to be true. Dealing with a third trimester complication, Paige’s unusual congenital heart disease places restrictions on the loving couple and crushes their dream to be parents. But Paige is kind, loving and slightly kooky —she is desperate to be a mother like her perfect sister Caitlin.
It was refreshing to hear from the perspective of her husband Nick — who is just the type of sensitive paediatric surgeon you would want on your side and in charge of your child’s medical needs. As a couple they are gorgeous.
But they are faced with a harrowing experience that results in a medical issue for Paige and the death of their infant son. We mourn along with them and urge them to search for a way out of the depths of their grief.
Each deals with the tragedy differently. Nick faces death in his job, but we discover he takes the deaths of patents personally, and he retains part of this grief. It all rises to the surface when Paige’s medical condition brings on their much longed-for child’s early birth.
Paige grieves in a way that as a woman, I hope never to experience. The writing is raw, but honest, her thoughts and feelings visceral on the page. It is hard reading but Vanessa does it so well — she is truly an inspiration for bringing her characters to life. We find ourselves cheering on the couple as they drift apart, each coming to terms with the tragedy — and the fact that a pregnancy will be tantamount to a death sentence for Paige. They are both are desperate to be parents.
But all the way through this is a story of hope — not death. That’s what inspires you to push through to the finish. Snappy dialogue, great interactions between the characters; this is the masterful way that Vanessa proves throughout. It is beautiful reading.
Paige’s constant faith and plans for the future is a huge positive. She is a stand out character for me. But the cast of secondary characters are wonderful too – they retreat from the background to come alive through their interactions with Paige and Nick. Paige’s parents are terrific, her sister and brother-in-law, her friend Hope and Nick’s colleagues — even Miranda. This story is a celebration of sensitivity and love.
While the subject matter is highly emotive and may be difficult for some, the enjoyment of this novel is immense. It’s an easy read, free and clear in its address. Told in alternating chapters by the main characters, young couple Paige and Nick, it’s really a story about hope and faith, trust and honesty, love, family and forgiveness.
Beautifully refreshing in inimitable Carnevale style, main character, Paige is almost too sweet to be true. Dealing with a third trimester complication, Paige’s unusual congenital heart disease places restrictions on the loving couple and crushes their dream to be parents. But Paige is kind, loving and slightly kooky —she is desperate to be a mother like her perfect sister Caitlin.
It was refreshing to hear from the perspective of her husband Nick — who is just the type of sensitive paediatric surgeon you would want on your side and in charge of your child’s medical needs. As a couple they are gorgeous.
But they are faced with a harrowing experience that results in a medical issue for Paige and the death of their infant son. We mourn along with them and urge them to search for a way out of the depths of their grief.
Each deals with the tragedy differently. Nick faces death in his job, but we discover he takes the deaths of patents personally, and he retains part of this grief. It all rises to the surface when Paige’s medical condition brings on their much longed-for child’s early birth.
Paige grieves in a way that as a woman, I hope never to experience. The writing is raw, but honest, her thoughts and feelings visceral on the page. It is hard reading but Vanessa does it so well — she is truly an inspiration for bringing her characters to life. We find ourselves cheering on the couple as they drift apart, each coming to terms with the tragedy — and the fact that a pregnancy will be tantamount to a death sentence for Paige. They are both are desperate to be parents.
But all the way through this is a story of hope — not death. That’s what inspires you to push through to the finish. Snappy dialogue, great interactions between the characters; this is the masterful way that Vanessa proves throughout. It is beautiful reading.
Paige’s constant faith and plans for the future is a huge positive. She is a stand out character for me. But the cast of secondary characters are wonderful too – they retreat from the background to come alive through their interactions with Paige and Nick. Paige’s parents are terrific, her sister and brother-in-law, her friend Hope and Nick’s colleagues — even Miranda. This story is a celebration of sensitivity and love.
May 31, 2020
Paige Hutton and Nick Bellbrae can’t wait to welcome their baby into the world. They’ve been happily married for seven years and still so in love. But tragedy strikes when at 34 weeks, they learn Paige suffers a rare and life-threatening condition which ultimately claims their son’s life and nearly costs Paige hers too. . .
As Paige and Nick grieve the loss of their baby, their marriage is tested. Just when they’re beginning to come to terms with what’s happened and find each other again, a surprise pregnancy throws their lives into turmoil once more, forcing them to make a terrible choice. They must decide whether they can risk Paige’s life for the sake of their unborn child.
Vanessa takes us on heartbreaking roller-coaster ride, exploring love, grief and what it means to be a family, as Nick and Paige struggle with the terrible dilemma they face.
Meticulously researched, intelligent and gripping, this book had all the feels. Its climatic conclusion will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
To say that I enjoyed Vanessa Carnevale’s latest offering would be an understatement.
#MyLifeforYours. Definitely a five-star read!
A word of warning, though: keep the tissues handy!
Thanks to Bookouture and #Netgalley for my ARC.
Merged review:
Paige Hutton and Nick Bellbrae can’t wait to welcome their baby into the world. They’ve been happily married for seven years and still so in love. But tragedy strikes when at 34 weeks, they learn Paige suffers a rare and life-threatening condition which ultimately claims their son’s life and nearly costs Paige hers too. . .
As Paige and Nick grieve the loss of their baby, their marriage is tested. Just when they’re beginning to come to terms with what’s happened and find each other again, a surprise pregnancy throws their lives into turmoil once more, forcing them to make a terrible choice. They must decide whether they can risk Paige’s life for the sake of their unborn child.
Vanessa takes us on heartbreaking roller-coaster ride, exploring love, grief and what it means to be a family, as Nick and Paige struggle with the terrible dilemma they face.
Meticulously researched, intelligent and gripping, this book had all the feels. Its climatic conclusion will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
To say that I enjoyed Vanessa Carnevale’s latest offering would be an understatement.
Definitely a five-star read!
A word of warning, though: keep the tissues handy!
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC.
As Paige and Nick grieve the loss of their baby, their marriage is tested. Just when they’re beginning to come to terms with what’s happened and find each other again, a surprise pregnancy throws their lives into turmoil once more, forcing them to make a terrible choice. They must decide whether they can risk Paige’s life for the sake of their unborn child.
Vanessa takes us on heartbreaking roller-coaster ride, exploring love, grief and what it means to be a family, as Nick and Paige struggle with the terrible dilemma they face.
Meticulously researched, intelligent and gripping, this book had all the feels. Its climatic conclusion will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
To say that I enjoyed Vanessa Carnevale’s latest offering would be an understatement.
#MyLifeforYours. Definitely a five-star read!
A word of warning, though: keep the tissues handy!
Thanks to Bookouture and #Netgalley for my ARC.
Merged review:
Paige Hutton and Nick Bellbrae can’t wait to welcome their baby into the world. They’ve been happily married for seven years and still so in love. But tragedy strikes when at 34 weeks, they learn Paige suffers a rare and life-threatening condition which ultimately claims their son’s life and nearly costs Paige hers too. . .
As Paige and Nick grieve the loss of their baby, their marriage is tested. Just when they’re beginning to come to terms with what’s happened and find each other again, a surprise pregnancy throws their lives into turmoil once more, forcing them to make a terrible choice. They must decide whether they can risk Paige’s life for the sake of their unborn child.
Vanessa takes us on heartbreaking roller-coaster ride, exploring love, grief and what it means to be a family, as Nick and Paige struggle with the terrible dilemma they face.
Meticulously researched, intelligent and gripping, this book had all the feels. Its climatic conclusion will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
To say that I enjoyed Vanessa Carnevale’s latest offering would be an understatement.
Definitely a five-star read!
A word of warning, though: keep the tissues handy!
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC.
May 30, 2020
This was the first book I have read by Vanessa Carnevale and I will read her others. The storyline was a difficult one. A couple in love desperately wanting children having to make a difficult choice. Or was it? The story started as I expected took a nice unexpected turn during the first third of the book. It was difficult at times to follow who was saying what during heavy dialogue but it didn’t distract too much from the overall experience. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Vanessa Carnevale for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
This was the first book I have read by Vanessa Carnevale and I will read her others. The storyline was a difficult one. A couple in love desperately wanting children having to make a difficult choice. Or was it? The story started as I expected but took a nice unexpected turn during the first third of the book. It was difficult at times to follow who was saying what during heavy dialogue but it didn’t distract too much from the overall experience. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Vanessa Carnevale for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
This was the first book I have read by Vanessa Carnevale and I will read her others. The storyline was a difficult one. A couple in love desperately wanting children having to make a difficult choice. Or was it? The story started as I expected but took a nice unexpected turn during the first third of the book. It was difficult at times to follow who was saying what during heavy dialogue but it didn’t distract too much from the overall experience. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Vanessa Carnevale for the ARC in return for an honest review.
June 16, 2020
My Life for Yours by Vanessa Carnevale is a heartwrenching read about an impossible choice, and it will stay with you long after the final page has been turned. This is a story about the strength of a mother's devotion to her unborn child, and the selflessness of love.
Nick and Paige are ready to start a family and are thrilled when Paige becomes pregnant. But it is during the pregnancy that Paige's health begins to fail, and she is diagnosed with a condition that will threaten not only her own life, but the life of her unborn baby. The love between a husband and wife is put to the test as the couple are forced to make impossible decisions that no expectant parent should ever have to make.
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a read, and one that will be tugging on your heartstrings from the very first page.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Nick and Paige are ready to start a family and are thrilled when Paige becomes pregnant. But it is during the pregnancy that Paige's health begins to fail, and she is diagnosed with a condition that will threaten not only her own life, but the life of her unborn baby. The love between a husband and wife is put to the test as the couple are forced to make impossible decisions that no expectant parent should ever have to make.
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a read, and one that will be tugging on your heartstrings from the very first page.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
May 23, 2020
The love a mother has for her child is so deep and pure. What would you do to protect your child even before they are born? What if carrying and delivering the child risks your life? Nick and Paige are expecting a baby and Paige has health complications during the third trimester. How will Nick and Paige deal with this situation? This book is very hard to review without giving away the story. I will just say that the situation Nick and Paige found themselves in and the decisions they had to make are agonizing. The decisions that are made have far reaching consequences and affect every relationship that Paige has. A very emotional, but interesting topic and I couldn't wait to see what happens at the end. I would highly recommend this moving book.
November 26, 2020
I don’t think I have read a book by Vanessa that hasn’t made me cry yet – she has a way of grabbing on and not letting go. This book is full of emotion and hard decisions! Paige and Nick are a happily married all is ticking along nicely until she reaches 33 weeks and then is rushed to hospital where the unthinkable happens, they lose their baby boy, and Paige almost dies. And suffering through the grief, she falls pregnant again….which is where the decision is to be made. Keep bub or stay alive herself. A must read…..
August 6, 2020
You know when you finish a book and it renders you speechless? That's how I felt after finishing Vanessa Carnevale's third novel and best novel to date, 'My Life for Yours.'
I don't even know where to start with the review, because any words I write will pale in comparison to Vanessa's writing. It's hard to put into words how brilliant this book was.
From the very first page, I was engaged with the characters. Both Paige and Nick were instantly likable and from the onset I felt a connection with them and wanted things to work out for them.
But, Vanessa, being the brilliant writer she is, puts Paige and Nick in what seems like an impossible situation. As the tag line says; Your life or your unborn child's - how do you choose?
Not only are Paige and Nick affected by this moral dilemma, but also their family and friends as they experience being faced with an unanswerable question that will test their values, their relationships, and their marriage. And through every word in Vanessa's captivating writing style, the reader is drawn deeper and deeper into Nick and Paige's world, leaving you questioning what on earth you would do if faced with the same scenario.
I found myself swept away by the story and with the characters on an emotional rollercoaster that I didn't know how was going to end. With every word, every page, every twist and turn, emotion sat heavily on my chest right up until the very last chapter.
Undoubtedly one of my favourite books of 2020 so far, and a five star read in every sense.
I don't even know where to start with the review, because any words I write will pale in comparison to Vanessa's writing. It's hard to put into words how brilliant this book was.
From the very first page, I was engaged with the characters. Both Paige and Nick were instantly likable and from the onset I felt a connection with them and wanted things to work out for them.
But, Vanessa, being the brilliant writer she is, puts Paige and Nick in what seems like an impossible situation. As the tag line says; Your life or your unborn child's - how do you choose?
Not only are Paige and Nick affected by this moral dilemma, but also their family and friends as they experience being faced with an unanswerable question that will test their values, their relationships, and their marriage. And through every word in Vanessa's captivating writing style, the reader is drawn deeper and deeper into Nick and Paige's world, leaving you questioning what on earth you would do if faced with the same scenario.
I found myself swept away by the story and with the characters on an emotional rollercoaster that I didn't know how was going to end. With every word, every page, every twist and turn, emotion sat heavily on my chest right up until the very last chapter.
Undoubtedly one of my favourite books of 2020 so far, and a five star read in every sense.
August 21, 2020
I could not put this book down! The moment I started reading it I couldn't stop. I was absolutely gripped from the beginning and went to bed at 3am on a weekday! I LOVED Paige and Nick! Absolute page-turner. Thank you Vanessa for writing such an incredible book!
May 24, 2020
My Life for Yours, by Vanessa Carnevale, is an exceptionally moving story about love, loss, and the things we do for the people we love. I think readers would enjoy this book because it is a genuine portrayal of life, love, grief, heartache, joy, happiness, fears, dreams, and everything in between. It is a beautiful story, and Vanessa Carnevale was spot on with the way she wrote about the characters, their emotions, situations, actions and reactions, and family dynamics. Obviously when you read the cover information you know it will most likely be a tear jerker. It certainly is; however, every tear I cried and every tissue I used was worth it! I highly recommend this book! Where do you draw the line at what is an acceptable sacrifice compared to an unacceptable sacrifice, when no matter what choice you make, people are going to be shattered by your decision, and may never recover? Are there any limits to what a mother would sacrifice for her child?
Plot: It was an incredible journey into the lives of a man and woman (Nick and Paige) hoping to have a baby. Nick has worked hard to complete medical school and to finally get to a point where he feels secure in starting a family. His wife, Paige, is overjoyed, and starts imagining herself holding her newborn son or daughter nestled against her, rocking him or her in a rocking chair, and all the other dreams that are the blessings of motherhood. They are both eager and excited to move into this next chapter in their lives. Unbeknownst to them at the time, Paige giving birth would undoubtably pose catastrophic circumstances to her and the baby.. Their world is upended when Drs discover that the odds of Paige’s and the baby’s survival are staggeringly low, with highly probable tragic and fatal results. Initially Paige had gone to the hospital for an emergency situation, and left with the knowledge that having a baby could kill her, her baby, or both. Paige and Nick strongly disagree with how to handle the prospect of Paige having a baby, and they retreat into themselves and become distanced from one another. Their once solid marriage starts to crumble and neither of them seems to know how to get back to the place they once were. When someone you love feels compelled to make a decision that would emotionally shatter everyone else in their world, how do you survive and cope with that possibility? The turmoil Nick and Paige feel is also compounded by the deepest and most sincere feelings of those closest to them. Each character made an excellent point about what to do if they were in the Nick’s or Paige’s position, so even though you may have your own personal feelings about what you would do if it was you, the different points made in this book will tug at your heart strings and you’ll be able to see things the way others do.
Paige’s mother has one opinion as to what she should do, however her father disagrees. Her sister, Caitlin, has her own opinion, which Paige feels offended by considering she already has children of her own. Her brother travels a long distance to spend a few weeks with Paige so that he can say goodbye and spend time with her considering that her death is most likely inevitable. Hope, Paige’s best friend, is a solid sounding board for Paige to tell everything too, and she’s also an attorney. Are there any legal circumstances where a husband and wife can legally oppose one another due to extreme medical conditions? An extended family that was once so close is torn apart as tensions rise and their pain and conflicting opinions become more obvious. Every comment about how to move forward in an unstable and shaky future is a gut wrenching reminder of the unknown - where impending death is the most probable outcome. As desperately as Nick wants a baby, he knows there are other ways they can become parents. He loves his wife more than anything in the world. She is his heart and soulmate, and he cant imagine a single day without her. One by one they are all compelled to say their goodbyes because no one wants to leave anything left unsaid.
Imagine if your daughter was pregnant and wanted a baby, but you knew that the odds of her survival were minimal? What advice would you give her, and how would you feel about the situation? Same scenario if you were the father, brother, sister, best friend and your loved one was willing to sacrifice her life to have a baby. Would you support her if she chose to have a baby, knowing that the pregnancy and birth could kill her? Would you urge her to try surrogacy or adoption, even though she makes it clear how desperate she is to have a baby? There is a fine line between supporting a loved one and attempting to dissuade them from a personal choice, so how do you know when enough is enough? At that point, are you able to 100% support their wishes, even if they are life staking?
Thank you Vanessa Carnevale, Bookouture, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this copy for review. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion about the book.
Plot: It was an incredible journey into the lives of a man and woman (Nick and Paige) hoping to have a baby. Nick has worked hard to complete medical school and to finally get to a point where he feels secure in starting a family. His wife, Paige, is overjoyed, and starts imagining herself holding her newborn son or daughter nestled against her, rocking him or her in a rocking chair, and all the other dreams that are the blessings of motherhood. They are both eager and excited to move into this next chapter in their lives. Unbeknownst to them at the time, Paige giving birth would undoubtably pose catastrophic circumstances to her and the baby.. Their world is upended when Drs discover that the odds of Paige’s and the baby’s survival are staggeringly low, with highly probable tragic and fatal results. Initially Paige had gone to the hospital for an emergency situation, and left with the knowledge that having a baby could kill her, her baby, or both. Paige and Nick strongly disagree with how to handle the prospect of Paige having a baby, and they retreat into themselves and become distanced from one another. Their once solid marriage starts to crumble and neither of them seems to know how to get back to the place they once were. When someone you love feels compelled to make a decision that would emotionally shatter everyone else in their world, how do you survive and cope with that possibility? The turmoil Nick and Paige feel is also compounded by the deepest and most sincere feelings of those closest to them. Each character made an excellent point about what to do if they were in the Nick’s or Paige’s position, so even though you may have your own personal feelings about what you would do if it was you, the different points made in this book will tug at your heart strings and you’ll be able to see things the way others do.
Paige’s mother has one opinion as to what she should do, however her father disagrees. Her sister, Caitlin, has her own opinion, which Paige feels offended by considering she already has children of her own. Her brother travels a long distance to spend a few weeks with Paige so that he can say goodbye and spend time with her considering that her death is most likely inevitable. Hope, Paige’s best friend, is a solid sounding board for Paige to tell everything too, and she’s also an attorney. Are there any legal circumstances where a husband and wife can legally oppose one another due to extreme medical conditions? An extended family that was once so close is torn apart as tensions rise and their pain and conflicting opinions become more obvious. Every comment about how to move forward in an unstable and shaky future is a gut wrenching reminder of the unknown - where impending death is the most probable outcome. As desperately as Nick wants a baby, he knows there are other ways they can become parents. He loves his wife more than anything in the world. She is his heart and soulmate, and he cant imagine a single day without her. One by one they are all compelled to say their goodbyes because no one wants to leave anything left unsaid.
Imagine if your daughter was pregnant and wanted a baby, but you knew that the odds of her survival were minimal? What advice would you give her, and how would you feel about the situation? Same scenario if you were the father, brother, sister, best friend and your loved one was willing to sacrifice her life to have a baby. Would you support her if she chose to have a baby, knowing that the pregnancy and birth could kill her? Would you urge her to try surrogacy or adoption, even though she makes it clear how desperate she is to have a baby? There is a fine line between supporting a loved one and attempting to dissuade them from a personal choice, so how do you know when enough is enough? At that point, are you able to 100% support their wishes, even if they are life staking?
Thank you Vanessa Carnevale, Bookouture, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this copy for review. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion about the book.
September 22, 2020
Omg! Loved it. On the edge of my seat with the ending. I was in tears.
September 2, 2020
Vanessa’s best book yet. Omg I balled so many times!! I loved it!!
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