What do you think?
Rate this book
A Life Without #3
A Life Without Regrets
She could not look into the future until she let go of the past.
Since losing her husband, Tobias, in a tragic accident, Carol Denman has been on a journey of self-growth. She’s taken steps to finally grieve her daughter’s death, forgive her first husband, and mend her broken relationship with her mother. The one heartbreak she can’t seem to come to terms with is losing her husband.
As Carol continues her travels, family, old friends, and new confidants want to help her heal. However, this is a path Carol must travel alone. She knows her husband would want her to be happy again. She just has to figure out how to move forward.
Carol must dig deep to find a way back to the peace and happiness she once had in her life with Tobias. Coming to terms with being a widow isn’t going to be easy, but with the support from her loved ones and a few strangers, Carol embarks on her most poignant journey yet—finding a life without regrets.
Since losing her husband, Tobias, in a tragic accident, Carol Denman has been on a journey of self-growth. She’s taken steps to finally grieve her daughter’s death, forgive her first husband, and mend her broken relationship with her mother. The one heartbreak she can’t seem to come to terms with is losing her husband.
As Carol continues her travels, family, old friends, and new confidants want to help her heal. However, this is a path Carol must travel alone. She knows her husband would want her to be happy again. She just has to figure out how to move forward.
Carol must dig deep to find a way back to the peace and happiness she once had in her life with Tobias. Coming to terms with being a widow isn’t going to be easy, but with the support from her loved ones and a few strangers, Carol embarks on her most poignant journey yet—finding a life without regrets.
Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2020
770 people are currently reading
3695 people want to read
About the author
Marci Bolden
35 books1,295 followersAs a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading women's fiction and romance novels.
Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of willpower, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”
Marci also writes as Marci Wilson.
Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of willpower, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”
Marci also writes as Marci Wilson.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
December 18, 2021
EXCERPT: Judith couldn't quite understand why her daughter chose to sell almost everything she owned to live full-time in an RV. Sometimes, Carol secretly wondered why too, but she couldn't bring herself to fully admit that she'd started to doubt the decisions she'd made in the last six months. In all honesty, Carol was starting to question every decision she'd made over the past year since she'd been widowed.
She missed her house. Up until she'd sold it, she could pretend that Tobias wasn't gone. She could, somewhere in the back of her mind, tell herself he was on a trip or working late. She could act like her life hadn't been upended. She could sit at the little table in his garden, sipping her wine and reliving the many times she'd watched him tend his flowers.
The downside of that was the heart-stopping recollection she'd have when reality set in and she'd remember Tobias was dead. Not on a trip. Not working late. He was gone, and he'd never come home. He'd never tend his flowers again.
ABOUT 'A LIFE WITHOUT REGRETS': Since losing her husband, Tobias, in a tragic accident, Carol Denman has been on a journey of self-growth. She’s taken steps to finally grieve her daughter’s death, forgive her first husband, and mend her broken relationship with her mother. The one heartbreak she can’t seem to come to terms with is losing her husband.
As Carol continues her travels, family, old friends, and new confidants want to help her heal. However, this is a path Carol must travel alone. She knows her husband would want her to be happy again. She just has to figure out how to move forward.
Carol must dig deep to find a way back to the peace and happiness she once had in her life with Tobias. Coming to terms with being a widow isn’t going to be easy, but with the support from her loved ones and a few strangers, Carol embarks on her most poignant journey yet—finding a life without regrets.
MY THOUGHTS: The end of the series. *sigh* I am going to miss Carol Denman. I have enjoyed my jaunts with her around the tourist spots of the USA.
The story is told from Carol's point of view in the present time and with flashbacks to different periods of her life. These flashbacks give us a deeper understanding of the traumas she has endured.
Carol has lost everything: she's lost her daughter; she's lost her husband; she's lost her way; she's lost confidence in her ability to cope. She's lost. And everyone else thinks they have the perfect map for Carol to find her way back to a fulfilling life . . .
I have become very fond of Carol over the three books in this series. She is, in her own way, a very strong person. Misguided, but strong. Not that she recognizes her strengths.
There are some wonderful characters in this book. Some we meet only briefly, like Harold who is also on the road, and widowed from his wife of fifty years. Carol's sister-in-law, Lara, who loves Carol like a sister, and her mother-in-law, and Mary, who just has to be the most wonderful mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law ever!
This is another emotional read, and the last in the series, which leads to my only disappointment - I really and honestly believe there was another book there, but try as I might I just can't come up with a title for it!
Thank you Marci Bolden for sharing Carol's amazing and heartbreaking journey with us. I am sure the tissue manufacturing companies also thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#ALifeWithoutRegrets #NetGalley
I: #marciboldenauthor #pinksandpress
T: @BoldenMarci #PinkSandPress
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #romance #sliceoflife #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: As a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading women's fiction and romance novels.
Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband, two teenaged kiddos, and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of will power, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Pink Sand Press via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of A Life Without Regrets by Marci Bolden for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She missed her house. Up until she'd sold it, she could pretend that Tobias wasn't gone. She could, somewhere in the back of her mind, tell herself he was on a trip or working late. She could act like her life hadn't been upended. She could sit at the little table in his garden, sipping her wine and reliving the many times she'd watched him tend his flowers.
The downside of that was the heart-stopping recollection she'd have when reality set in and she'd remember Tobias was dead. Not on a trip. Not working late. He was gone, and he'd never come home. He'd never tend his flowers again.
ABOUT 'A LIFE WITHOUT REGRETS': Since losing her husband, Tobias, in a tragic accident, Carol Denman has been on a journey of self-growth. She’s taken steps to finally grieve her daughter’s death, forgive her first husband, and mend her broken relationship with her mother. The one heartbreak she can’t seem to come to terms with is losing her husband.
As Carol continues her travels, family, old friends, and new confidants want to help her heal. However, this is a path Carol must travel alone. She knows her husband would want her to be happy again. She just has to figure out how to move forward.
Carol must dig deep to find a way back to the peace and happiness she once had in her life with Tobias. Coming to terms with being a widow isn’t going to be easy, but with the support from her loved ones and a few strangers, Carol embarks on her most poignant journey yet—finding a life without regrets.
MY THOUGHTS: The end of the series. *sigh* I am going to miss Carol Denman. I have enjoyed my jaunts with her around the tourist spots of the USA.
The story is told from Carol's point of view in the present time and with flashbacks to different periods of her life. These flashbacks give us a deeper understanding of the traumas she has endured.
Carol has lost everything: she's lost her daughter; she's lost her husband; she's lost her way; she's lost confidence in her ability to cope. She's lost. And everyone else thinks they have the perfect map for Carol to find her way back to a fulfilling life . . .
I have become very fond of Carol over the three books in this series. She is, in her own way, a very strong person. Misguided, but strong. Not that she recognizes her strengths.
There are some wonderful characters in this book. Some we meet only briefly, like Harold who is also on the road, and widowed from his wife of fifty years. Carol's sister-in-law, Lara, who loves Carol like a sister, and her mother-in-law, and Mary, who just has to be the most wonderful mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law ever!
This is another emotional read, and the last in the series, which leads to my only disappointment - I really and honestly believe there was another book there, but try as I might I just can't come up with a title for it!
Thank you Marci Bolden for sharing Carol's amazing and heartbreaking journey with us. I am sure the tissue manufacturing companies also thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#ALifeWithoutRegrets #NetGalley
I: #marciboldenauthor #pinksandpress
T: @BoldenMarci #PinkSandPress
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #romance #sliceoflife #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: As a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading women's fiction and romance novels.
Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband, two teenaged kiddos, and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of will power, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Pink Sand Press via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of A Life Without Regrets by Marci Bolden for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 12, 2020
A Life Without Regrets by Marci Bolden is an emotional story about a woman grieving her husband and figuring out how to live her life.
I loved A Loved A Life Without Regrets. I’ve loved these characters from the beginning of A Life Without Water. Carol is struggling but doing the best she can. It is hard for Carol to ask people for help and talk about her emotions. Carol has grown so much in this series. Carol has great people in her life and she knows it. The story was really good and kept my attention throughout the book.
Thank you Marci Bolden, Pink Sand Press and NetGalley for A Life Without Regrets.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
I loved A Loved A Life Without Regrets. I’ve loved these characters from the beginning of A Life Without Water. Carol is struggling but doing the best she can. It is hard for Carol to ask people for help and talk about her emotions. Carol has grown so much in this series. Carol has great people in her life and she knows it. The story was really good and kept my attention throughout the book.
Thank you Marci Bolden, Pink Sand Press and NetGalley for A Life Without Regrets.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
November 21, 2020
I want to make it clear that I had read the previous two books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed both, gave high 5-star reviews and was so looking forward to this one. They had love, loss, humor, lots of heart and so much going for them and I knew it would be hard to keep the momentum, unfortunately, the momentum slowed to a crawl in this one. It was all I could do to finish.
Carol, the main character, previously had been headstrong, determined and I loved the banter between her ex husband and her mother. There was no banter here. This is the second series I’ve read lately where the 3rd installment basically fell flat, at least for me.
If you haven’t read the previous two, take your time, enjoy. And even though this wasn’t my cup of tea I’m sure others will see it differently.
I want to thank Pink Sand Press and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest unbiased opinion. This is a 3-star review.
Carol, the main character, previously had been headstrong, determined and I loved the banter between her ex husband and her mother. There was no banter here. This is the second series I’ve read lately where the 3rd installment basically fell flat, at least for me.
If you haven’t read the previous two, take your time, enjoy. And even though this wasn’t my cup of tea I’m sure others will see it differently.
I want to thank Pink Sand Press and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest unbiased opinion. This is a 3-star review.
January 28, 2021
This is the third book in the series and I have to say I have never felt so emotionally affected by a book or series before.
We catch up with Carol who is grieving the loss of her husband Tobias. Family and friends mean well but she is trying to cope the best she can.
As Carol continues her travels family and friends will her to heal and move on, but this has to be done at her own pace.
This is such a beautifully written book, although it delves painfully into grief it also encompasses survival and hope.
This series will stay in my heart long after reading it!!
A must read. Have the tissues nearby.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
We catch up with Carol who is grieving the loss of her husband Tobias. Family and friends mean well but she is trying to cope the best she can.
As Carol continues her travels family and friends will her to heal and move on, but this has to be done at her own pace.
This is such a beautifully written book, although it delves painfully into grief it also encompasses survival and hope.
This series will stay in my heart long after reading it!!
A must read. Have the tissues nearby.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
December 14, 2020
I thought I over analyzed everything until reading this book. Good heavens, Caroline (Carol) drove me mad! Katie, Tobias, John. Over and over and over. Not nearly as good as book 1, 2.
November 18, 2021
As I hoped, Carol gets a happy, peaceful ending to her journey. I appreciate the way this story rounded out! She has been through so much in her life, she deserved the ending the epilogue of A Life Without Regrets gave to her.
I really enjoyed how much adventuring Carol did in this book. It felt night and day from the second book in the series where I felt it was stagnant in the beginning. A Life Without Regrets has Carol on the road from the beginning, meeting fellow travelers along the way on her path to peace and healing. She moves from that onto the holidays with her in-laws and her own family. We get to incorporate a lot of characters and I greatly enjoyed that aspect of this book.
The other highlights were the flashbacks, once again, the improved sincerity in dialogue between Carol and her mom, and of course the Denman family. They always shine bright!
There was that aspect of repetition in this book that was there throughout the series. While it is realistic for someone trying to process things (people often rehash things in their minds over and over) it still could make me as the reader feel bogged down.
This series was sometimes overwhelming to get through with how much grief Carol carries on her back. But this final installation of the Life Without series did justice to the character's arc. Some heavy topics with a happy, satisfying outcome that sparks a few tears is a win!
I really enjoyed how much adventuring Carol did in this book. It felt night and day from the second book in the series where I felt it was stagnant in the beginning. A Life Without Regrets has Carol on the road from the beginning, meeting fellow travelers along the way on her path to peace and healing. She moves from that onto the holidays with her in-laws and her own family. We get to incorporate a lot of characters and I greatly enjoyed that aspect of this book.
The other highlights were the flashbacks, once again, the improved sincerity in dialogue between Carol and her mom, and of course the Denman family. They always shine bright!
There was that aspect of repetition in this book that was there throughout the series. While it is realistic for someone trying to process things (people often rehash things in their minds over and over) it still could make me as the reader feel bogged down.
This series was sometimes overwhelming to get through with how much grief Carol carries on her back. But this final installation of the Life Without series did justice to the character's arc. Some heavy topics with a happy, satisfying outcome that sparks a few tears is a win!
January 9, 2021
I don't write many reviews, but I do have to say this series was amazing! I rarely give books five stars, but I gave five stars for ALL three books, my first three book reads of the year! Very-well written!
November 30, 2020
When I read the description for this book I thought I was about to read an emotion packed book where I would feel mounds of compassion for the main character but this was not the case. This book was a very slow and boring read and I found myself skimming the pages. Carol came across as a self centred woman. The character just seemed like a completely different character then the one in the first book. I thank Pink Sand Press for the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley but I can’t give it a good review. Others seem to like the book but for me it was a disappointment.
November 22, 2020
Once upon a time there was a woman who lived in complete darkness and found a light and a trail of scented flowers to carry her back to the sun. She lost her daughter, had an alcoholic husband, and never thought she would heal. These last 3 books, A Life Without Water, A Life Without Flowers, and A Life Without Regrets, are the most emotionally captivating and character riveting books I have ever read. From all of the emotions I have felt while joining Carol Denman on her journey almost required me to seek counseling alongside her. There is so much heart-wrenching sadness and soul-healing love spread across all of the pages of this series to make any person grab another glass of wine and a box of Kleenex for all the happy AND sad tears. I love Carol and all of the characters in this book. A Life Without Regrets is the perfect ending to a perfect series. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to complete Carol’s journey. Between her ever growing relationship with her mom, her complete and utter grief from losing the love of her life Tobias, her unending emotional scarring from losing her daughter, to the rekindled relationship between her and the perfect Simon, I can’t choose which is a favorite or who would be a better character. I’ll always feel sorrow for John, think of Tobias when I walk past a garden, hear Katy’s voice when looking at a monument, and smile warmly when I see a strong woman like Carol staring into a sunset. Thank you Marci Bolden for your extraordinary writing and for this emotional journey. My life will never be the same after reading your books and for that I am forever grateful for the experience.
December 9, 2020
Bolden hits this one out of the ballpark!! The third book in the series, A Life Without Regrets is a beautifully written novel dealing with Carol’s journey to deal with the tragic cards she was dealt! She is dealing with occurrences that do not happen to everyone!!! From decades of toxic relationships, loss, grief, anger, pain and sorrow to also joy happiness and acceptance! With the first Holiday Season upon her since the unexpected death of the love of her life she is forced to have to deal with everything to move on with her life!!! Her adventure crosses paths with family, friends, old loves, strangers and new acquaintances!! Take this final journey with Carol and follow her to an emotional ending that will bring tears to your eyes!!!!
I highly recommend you read this one and the other two in the series. You will not regret it!!!!
I highly recommend you read this one and the other two in the series. You will not regret it!!!!
February 2, 2021
Too predictable. The first was very good, the second book was good, the third was drudgery.
March 5, 2021
My review is for the series. I became emotionally attached to the characters from the start of the first book. As a recent widow I could relate to many of the feelings Carol experienced throughout the series. Although she had much more trauma than I It was still a cleansing journey for me. This series is not recommended for anyone who has experienced a recent loss of a husband or child, but I recommend for someone who is traveling the grief journey and is ready to have some serious “conversations” with yourself about where you are and how you are healing. Thank you @Marcie Bolton for tackling difficult subject matter with care and compassion.
January 28, 2023
I loved this final book in the trilogy so much that I went back and read some of chapters twice.
December 8, 2020
All I can say is it's very hard to read when your eyes are watering so bad. When tears are streaming down your face. This book.. It's good but so sad. I was afraid of this. Hubby looks around and says what wrong. I tell him and he has the nerve to suggest I stop reading said book... I can't. It may be very emotional. It might make me weep bit heavy tears... But it's still good. It's about feelings. About the heart. About learning. It's about reading.
This is the third and final book in this trilogy. Carol/Caroline is on a quest to find closure. From so many losses. She's had way to many for any one person to live with. From the first book you get to know her life with her daughter, Katie, and her husband, John. That book will leave you in sobbing heartbreaking tears from the start to the finish. Then you read the second and get to know more. More about Carol's second husband, Tobias. He's such a likable person and losing him is beyond comprehension too.
This book takes you on Carol's journey to find out how to move on after losing so much. How to come to terms with the idea that she deserves to be happy. She deserves to have a full life again. Loss can floor the best of us. Take us down a dark highway and make it almost impossible to find the light again. But it can be done. Carol goes to on such a journey and comes out the other end a mush stronger person. She finally finds peace in her life. She gets in touch with herself. She understand that she is not to blame for any of the losses.
This series deals with so many topics. Loss, alcoholism, anger, understanding, moving on again, forgiving and a diagnosis of PTSD. Forgiving not only others but also yourself. I was happy to find out that Carol/Caroline will be ok. She can move beyond such sadness. She can find happiness again.
All the characters from the first two books are brought back here. I love them all. I even like Judith, Carol's mom. She had to grow on me but she finally did. I actually started liking her in the second book but more in this one. The characters feel so real and like family. All the places Carol goes make you feel right at home.
Marci Bolden has created a wonderful series here. A very emotional one, but still, very good. Makes you stop and appreciate life better. Don't take anything for granted.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #MarciBolden, #PinkSandsPress for this arc. This is my own heartfelt thoughts.
5/5 stars and the highest recommendation. Be sure and read A LIFE WITHOUT WATER & A LIFE WITHOUT FLOWERS first.
This is the third and final book in this trilogy. Carol/Caroline is on a quest to find closure. From so many losses. She's had way to many for any one person to live with. From the first book you get to know her life with her daughter, Katie, and her husband, John. That book will leave you in sobbing heartbreaking tears from the start to the finish. Then you read the second and get to know more. More about Carol's second husband, Tobias. He's such a likable person and losing him is beyond comprehension too.
This book takes you on Carol's journey to find out how to move on after losing so much. How to come to terms with the idea that she deserves to be happy. She deserves to have a full life again. Loss can floor the best of us. Take us down a dark highway and make it almost impossible to find the light again. But it can be done. Carol goes to on such a journey and comes out the other end a mush stronger person. She finally finds peace in her life. She gets in touch with herself. She understand that she is not to blame for any of the losses.
This series deals with so many topics. Loss, alcoholism, anger, understanding, moving on again, forgiving and a diagnosis of PTSD. Forgiving not only others but also yourself. I was happy to find out that Carol/Caroline will be ok. She can move beyond such sadness. She can find happiness again.
All the characters from the first two books are brought back here. I love them all. I even like Judith, Carol's mom. She had to grow on me but she finally did. I actually started liking her in the second book but more in this one. The characters feel so real and like family. All the places Carol goes make you feel right at home.
Marci Bolden has created a wonderful series here. A very emotional one, but still, very good. Makes you stop and appreciate life better. Don't take anything for granted.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #MarciBolden, #PinkSandsPress for this arc. This is my own heartfelt thoughts.
5/5 stars and the highest recommendation. Be sure and read A LIFE WITHOUT WATER & A LIFE WITHOUT FLOWERS first.
January 25, 2021
I enjoyed this book and in fact the whole series. Makes me want to check out the rest of Marci Bolden's books now. The first two books I feel were about forgiving others in Carol's life who had caused her pain. This book was more about forgiving herself. One of the complaints I've read in reviews is that Carol isn't likable or she only thinks about herself. I have to fully disagree. She is likable but she has gone through a great deal of loss in her life. She is a bit prickly at times but I love her because she is real.
December 8, 2020
Life without Regrets
A well written Book.
The Perfect Ending to To a wonderful, journey Carol Denman
Has done what she knows Tobias would want her to do...
But First she just had try.
White water Rafting... something for Tobias...
Of course it was something she couldn't do. this Triggered
memories of her daughter's loss through water.
But Traveling in Her R.V
Dealing with her, Losses and love moving on.. With her life..is one of the hardest things.. Finding the next step in her life is her journey. She still has her mom her aunt and to Tobias family in her life...
This is a Wonderful Book....
I definitely recommend this book to others it's really that good. I definitely recommend this book to others it's really that good If you haven't checked out life without water. And life without flowers I definitely recommend those...
A well written Book.
The Perfect Ending to To a wonderful, journey Carol Denman
Has done what she knows Tobias would want her to do...
But First she just had try.
White water Rafting... something for Tobias...
Of course it was something she couldn't do. this Triggered
memories of her daughter's loss through water.
But Traveling in Her R.V
Dealing with her, Losses and love moving on.. With her life..is one of the hardest things.. Finding the next step in her life is her journey. She still has her mom her aunt and to Tobias family in her life...
This is a Wonderful Book....
I definitely recommend this book to others it's really that good. I definitely recommend this book to others it's really that good If you haven't checked out life without water. And life without flowers I definitely recommend those...
May 2, 2021
Last book of the series and the worst one. The main character spends all bit the last few pages wallowing in her misery. Carol’s constant reflections on her past pain and her push/pull emotions do not a plot make.
Simon sound too good to be true and we just know she is going to end up with him!
A disappointment all the way around.
Simon sound too good to be true and we just know she is going to end up with him!
A disappointment all the way around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2021
This would probably been good but after reading the first 2 I was getting tired of her constant rehashing of loosing 2 husbands and her daughter. She never seemed to be able to get on with her life even after making peace with her mother. Sorry, in my opinion this could of been written in 2 books. Never finished reading it. I agree with another review who said it fell flat.
November 28, 2020
Carol Denman, has sold her home, and after renewing her relationship with her mother has embarked on a journey to honor her late husband, Tobias. Carol's idea of honoring her husband is to partake in what she felt would've been Tobias' bucket list.
Her first attempt is far from a slam dunk, and as she sits with regret, her savior comes in the form of Harold Chu. An elderly widow, who has his RV parked in the spot next to hers. Harold convinces her to give it a go some other day.
Harold shares about his late wife, and how she collected stones. Before Harold leaves to his next stop, he gives Carol one of his wife's stones, a rose quartz with 'No Regrets' etched in it, because he felt Carol needed it. Harold reminds Carol that, yes, twenty years of marriage went fast, but so can the next twenty years and you don't want to look back with regrets.
Carol is still grieving the loss of Tobias, despite finding forgiveness for her first husband, reconnecting with her mother, carrying on without Tobias is a heavy burden that she doesn't know how to let go of. Carol is very practiced at hiding and bottling her emotions. It's something she's done since she was a little girl.
Everyone, from Tobias' family, Carol's mom, Judith, and her Aunt Ellen are deeply worried about Carol and convey what they think is the best way for Carol to heal. Carol knows that no matter how much everyone may want to help, they can't, that she's got to find her own way.
Another person concerned about Carol is Simon Miller, an old flame who saved her once. It's clear that Simon wants more than friendship, although, he'll accept friendship, but Carol knows she hurt him the first time, and doesn't want to mislead him and hurt him again. Their paths seem to cross at inopportune times.
In her quest to find herself and how to move forward without Tobais, Carol makes an appointment with a therapist, Dr. Baxter. The therapist, is good at calling Carol out on her bad habits, forcing Carol to take note and try to correct them. The therapist puts a name to what Carol is experiencing, which brings a sense of peace. A name means a plan to work on overcoming. Along with the therapists help, Carol breaks down and agrees to have lunch with Simon; it is during the lunch, that Simon makes Carol realize what she misses most and what she can have again.
Another beautifully written story that ties up ends with Carol's story. I, absolutely adored the ending where Carol had come full circle in her journey from the first book of forgiveness, to the second book of understanding, to now, hope of something better.
I requested a complimentary ARC from NetGalley by Pink Sand Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Her first attempt is far from a slam dunk, and as she sits with regret, her savior comes in the form of Harold Chu. An elderly widow, who has his RV parked in the spot next to hers. Harold convinces her to give it a go some other day.
Harold shares about his late wife, and how she collected stones. Before Harold leaves to his next stop, he gives Carol one of his wife's stones, a rose quartz with 'No Regrets' etched in it, because he felt Carol needed it. Harold reminds Carol that, yes, twenty years of marriage went fast, but so can the next twenty years and you don't want to look back with regrets.
Carol is still grieving the loss of Tobias, despite finding forgiveness for her first husband, reconnecting with her mother, carrying on without Tobias is a heavy burden that she doesn't know how to let go of. Carol is very practiced at hiding and bottling her emotions. It's something she's done since she was a little girl.
Everyone, from Tobias' family, Carol's mom, Judith, and her Aunt Ellen are deeply worried about Carol and convey what they think is the best way for Carol to heal. Carol knows that no matter how much everyone may want to help, they can't, that she's got to find her own way.
Another person concerned about Carol is Simon Miller, an old flame who saved her once. It's clear that Simon wants more than friendship, although, he'll accept friendship, but Carol knows she hurt him the first time, and doesn't want to mislead him and hurt him again. Their paths seem to cross at inopportune times.
In her quest to find herself and how to move forward without Tobais, Carol makes an appointment with a therapist, Dr. Baxter. The therapist, is good at calling Carol out on her bad habits, forcing Carol to take note and try to correct them. The therapist puts a name to what Carol is experiencing, which brings a sense of peace. A name means a plan to work on overcoming. Along with the therapists help, Carol breaks down and agrees to have lunch with Simon; it is during the lunch, that Simon makes Carol realize what she misses most and what she can have again.
Another beautifully written story that ties up ends with Carol's story. I, absolutely adored the ending where Carol had come full circle in her journey from the first book of forgiveness, to the second book of understanding, to now, hope of something better.
I requested a complimentary ARC from NetGalley by Pink Sand Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
April 7, 2021
This book was an emtional roller coaster of emotions, Carol has always struggled with the death of her daughter now she is also dealing with the death of her husband. What follows is a soul searching journey to come to terms, and be able to move forward with her life. This is such a raw, emotional read that I believe most people can see themself in the main characters place. I would certainly recommend this book to others.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and all opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and all opinions expressed here are my own.
March 1, 2021
This Life Series is Awesome
I highly recommend this whole series. Hard to put the book down. Could not wait until I started the next one. Marci Bolden has become one of my favorites
I highly recommend this whole series. Hard to put the book down. Could not wait until I started the next one. Marci Bolden has become one of my favorites
February 21, 2025
The best ending to a story of love, loss, tragedy and the realization that family and friends are there to help along the way with the best possible outcome.
February 26, 2021
A Life Without Regrets
This was a good series. It definitely pulls at the heart and gives you all of the feels that it needs to help you embrace the story. Will she recommending it to my friends. I appreciate how much the author put into these novels to bring her characters to life.
This was a good series. It definitely pulls at the heart and gives you all of the feels that it needs to help you embrace the story. Will she recommending it to my friends. I appreciate how much the author put into these novels to bring her characters to life.
February 26, 2021
Wonderful, gripping read.
Easy crossover from earlier stories. Excellent character development and continuation. Just sorry there is not another novel in this series.
Easy crossover from earlier stories. Excellent character development and continuation. Just sorry there is not another novel in this series.
August 3, 2021
Wow, what a finish!
This has easily become one of my favorite series of books. Carol's journey has been so heartfelt and real. I found myself tearing up as she overcame her grief in this book. I always enjoy books where I can visualize it if it were a movie, and this was how this entire series was. I knew how it would end but enjoyed the journey Marci Bolden took me on as a reader. You are missing out if you don't binge read this series!
This has easily become one of my favorite series of books. Carol's journey has been so heartfelt and real. I found myself tearing up as she overcame her grief in this book. I always enjoy books where I can visualize it if it were a movie, and this was how this entire series was. I knew how it would end but enjoyed the journey Marci Bolden took me on as a reader. You are missing out if you don't binge read this series!
August 4, 2021
Worth Reading. If will leave you with ...its better to face life head on with not looking back on the past!
Great Series! Grab your tissue,drink of choice, and find a quiet place to go on the life altering journey with Carol. You can become her beacon of hope.
Great Series! Grab your tissue,drink of choice, and find a quiet place to go on the life altering journey with Carol. You can become her beacon of hope.
August 16, 2021
I loved all 3 books, they were well written and what I like to call a page turner. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 22, 2021
Beautiful Series to Read
These three books follow Caroline thru her journey of life. It’s full of tragedy, hope, forgiveness and love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these.
These three books follow Caroline thru her journey of life. It’s full of tragedy, hope, forgiveness and love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these.
December 1, 2020
It has taken me 3 days to write this review. What do you say after finishing a book and finally letting your breath out. I had already read Bolden's A LIFE WITHOUT WATER and A LIFE WITHOUT FLOWERS and am so happy I got an ARC of this one.
I dont know where to start but one sentence from the book sticks with me....NOW IS GOOD. And that is what I have been thinking about for the past 3 days. Now is all we have and reading about Carol Denman's thoughts about her past, her losses (and they were many) and how she must deal with it made we realize how thankful we must be for the NOW and cherish every moment.
All of Bolden's books make you think. Something I rarely do after reading a book...its a story and then onto another book. But the story wasnt only about Carol losing her husband, her daughter, or her relationship with her mother (I related to that one!) but also her thoughts and her ability to deal with it. Why do we deny ourselves happiness? or peace? Losing a loved one is not easy and I often thought about what I would do if I lost my husband of 46 years ... would I be able to move forward?
I feel this is a book I will think about for a long time. If you havent read Bolden's other two books, then you are missing out on a great story. This book will be out on December 8, 2020 and I thank Marci Bolden for an ARC. #fivestars #ARC #MarciBolden
I dont know where to start but one sentence from the book sticks with me....NOW IS GOOD. And that is what I have been thinking about for the past 3 days. Now is all we have and reading about Carol Denman's thoughts about her past, her losses (and they were many) and how she must deal with it made we realize how thankful we must be for the NOW and cherish every moment.
All of Bolden's books make you think. Something I rarely do after reading a book...its a story and then onto another book. But the story wasnt only about Carol losing her husband, her daughter, or her relationship with her mother (I related to that one!) but also her thoughts and her ability to deal with it. Why do we deny ourselves happiness? or peace? Losing a loved one is not easy and I often thought about what I would do if I lost my husband of 46 years ... would I be able to move forward?
I feel this is a book I will think about for a long time. If you havent read Bolden's other two books, then you are missing out on a great story. This book will be out on December 8, 2020 and I thank Marci Bolden for an ARC. #fivestars #ARC #MarciBolden
February 4, 2021
I see so many good reviews of this book but quote frankly I couldn't finish it. I enjoyed the first 2 but there really did not need to be a third. It dragged and was very repetitive of the first 2 books. Yes we heard more of each story with John, Katie and he dear husband and more stories of her parents but really did we need them? Probably not. I learned a lot from the first 2 books learned about accepting people where they are and leaning to look for the good in everyone and acceptances. But by this book I wanted to smack Carol because she was beginning to seem very self centered to me I had less than 30% left of this book but had just had enough of Carol.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews