She’ll have to let go of the past in order to find a love that could last a lifetime.
When she first moved to Fairhope, Jenna Lewis had one goal. To disappear. To become a stranger to everyone who knew her before, including her parents. (Okay, especially her parents.) To tell the truth, she doesn’t want anyone in Fairhope to know about her past, either.
For years, she’s managed to keep the two things separated. Lately, though, things are starting to change. She’s making friends, putting down roots, doing well in school. Those big walls she put around her heart are starting to weaken. Which is exactly the worst time for her to start believing in fairytales.
And Preston Wright—the town’s most suddenly eligible billionaire? He’s exactly that. A fairytale. True love doesn’t exist for people like her, and the sooner she can convince him of that, the better off they’ll both be in the long run.
Only, fate keeps pulling them back together. And Preston isn’t at all the heartless rich guy she thought he was. Should she dare to dream of a better future? Or should she start running before her haunted past finally catches up?
Call me crazy, but when a guy cheats on the h of book one in the series and then knowingly breaks the heart of h in book 2.5 (she loved him and did everything she could to please him, but he just wanted sex), I don’t really want to read a book where he’s cast as a hero.
No rating, obviously, because I won’t be reading it.
I have a confession. I haven't read the other books in this series yet, so I went into this not knowing any kind of history of any of the characters...but since this could be read as a standalone, I wasn't worried that I'd be missing anything. At first when the story starts out, it does feel like there's things I don't know, but the further into the book I got the more I was able to pick up regarding background.
Jenna's character was good, though sometimes a bit frustrating with her mentality towards those who have money. She did feel like a strong character, though during her trip back home you could see her falter a bit. Preston on the other hand, he's one I really liked-regardless of hearing about his actions when he was younger. You can tell he's done a lot of growing up from when he was in high school, and he seems to have turned into a sensitive, caring and protective man-and one that I immediately added to my book boyfriend list.
The story flows along quite well and even with Jenna not quite going along the whole time, you can clearly see that she and Preston fit perfectly together, and you can't help but cheer them on. One thing I really enjoyed were the serious, deep conversations between the two of them-I thought they added a nice, dramatic touch to the story.
4 strong stars for this totally fated couple, I'd definitely recommend this book for those who like the new adult romance genre.
I am so connected to Preston, maybe I resemble him too much, I am not reach or something, but I do like to fix other people’s problems and tend to want to help even if not asked from me. Loved this book so much, I think Jenna’s arc was the biggest in the entire series, she had the hardest life and still pushed to become the best self possible, so motivating. I recommend this book to everyone!
This book wasn't has good as "The Moment We Began". I got bored reading this. I read the first 74 pages and then decided to skim read the ending of the book, where Penny and Mason have a baby. This story is about Penny's twin brother Preston and friend Jenna, and how they get together.
I can not tell you how much I loved this book, but I am sure going to try.
By now if you are browsing the reviews for this book you are most likely antiquated with the characters of Fairhope. I'm sure you are already hooked and that is wonderful. I related to Bailey the most, so far, but Jenna's story was so compelling, heartbreaking and real.
We met Jenna in the beginning kind of knowing her as a bad girl, or at least one that doesn't abide by most rules, but in this book she unfolds like a delicate origami design.
Jenna's has climbed her way from rags to riches, well sort of. She has made a life for herself in Fairhope. Putting herself through school. Making friends with people in a class outside her own. But what will she does and how will she react when love etches its way into her heart?
Pick up this book and find out.
This book will tug and pull on the emotions. It is a true delight to be swept along with Jenna and her journey.
It's been awhile since I've read the other books in this series, but I didn't like this one nearly as much. I didn't really like Preston in the other books, and he was way too try-hard in this one. Jenna was kind of frustrating. Why even get involved in the first place if you are adamant that it won't last? And this is one of those couples that I don't believe would stand the test of time.
I hated the epilogue. It pretty much negated everything that happened in the book. All through their relationship Jenna kept saying she didn't want Preston's money, didn't want him spending any on her, struggled with earning enough money...and then suddenly none of that mattered. She decides to go off and travel the world with Preston (on his dime), doesn't take a real job after struggling to make ends meet throughout college (selling crafts on Etsy is not a job). What was all that conflict for then?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was so good, deep even. I was touched it was more than a romance story. Preston was a really great guy so good for Jenna, I loved the story and the series.
This was the final book I picked up in Jamaica and once I'd read the first page I put it down thinking that Jenna seemed to full on.
Tuesday night I picked my Kindle back up and couldn't put it down, literally staying up to 2/3am to get a few more pages in before I fell to sleep.
So the moral of the story (not the books) is don't bloody give up after a page because you'll become addicted after.
Anyway, the book.
Jenna = Strong woman who's pulled herself out of a pit of a life and got herself through college and made something of herself.
Preston = Rich boy that has life handed on a plate.
Clearly they're opposites and yet they're attracted unbelievably to each other.
I like that there was the right amount of chasing in the book between these two. Sometimes there are times in other novels where you want to crawl in the pages and bang their heads together. In this though, it was nice and easy.
Unlike some books where the guy showers the girls with gifts to make her fall for him, Preston doesn't have to, in fact he's safer not doing. I like that Jenna isn't blindsided by it and accepting it with open arms. I like that their relationship is based on each other and not their backgrounds.
That's not to say that wealth or lack of doesn't play a part in anything. I can understand Jenna and her walls when it comes to money and being made less of a person for not having everything handed to her and admire her ability to survive in the big bad, real world.
Watching these two fall for each other is a complete and utter refreshment.
It had to come sooner or later though - the part where things start falling out their grasps and eyes get opened. The transition through this period also didn't take forever, dragging the plot along. When you're broken and you feel responsible because everyone else sees it that way in order to blame someone but themselves you can find yourself questioning everything and building the walls up to protect yourself from more hurt.
I'm glad Jenna stayed in the end too, realizing that running away doesn't solve a single thing in life. it just makes them worse.
This is actually book three in the series and I haven't read any other of the books and so it's nice that (except for the case) you're not wondering what the hell happened, however you get a brief and good idea of it. You just don't know the outline... if that makes sense.
I normally love everything Sarra Cannon but the Fairhope Series is not her strongest work. I have read the first in the series, the trouble with goodbye, and although the writing is fluent and in a good pace with good character building and everything, there are always some passages that just don't sit right with me. Here we have a girl, Jenna, coming from “white trash” and working hard to get out of there. She is admirable strong pulling herself out but as so often in reality when you persue a goal, there wasn't time or emotion to fall in love. And not even her best friends know about her history. This is one of the hard to take facts. Can you really be in a deep friendship without spilling your secrets? Thinking of her friends as family but without knowing they would accept her for who she is now? This is finally happening with Preston, she confesses in him and he still loves her. So there is Preston's character. He turns out to be a very nice guy, not so shallow as maybe expected from his history (cheating). And yet, I think it is a bit overdone with him being such a leader personality. The most annoying thing in the book was continuity. Once, Jenna just had 5 dollar left till her next shift, but then she wasn't bothers when she couldn't work after the storm. Also, I was a bit confused about the timeline. I would have to go back to re-read but I had the impression that once Jenna said she hadn't seen Preston for days, just sent texts but then I read they met yesterday.... Personally, I think Jenna is right with all her doubts about their future. Will they be a couple forever? Or will there always be her insecurity when he is nice and spends money? What will her father and brother do once they realise there might be money to get from Preston? Will Preston falter and think she doesn't fit into his society? Conclusion: A nice romantic story, well written, but not a heavy or profound read.
Best series . I can't wait to finish reading the last two books in the series. Then I will be more. Sarra Cannon is a brilliant writer. Wish I would have found her books sooner!
Jenna and Preston- theirs was a very different story from the others in the series so far. I really enjoyed Jenna's character as she came from a totally different background. I really enjoyed this novel as I felt both characters complemented each other well.
I like how you can read them as a standalone or in series but I like reading my books in a series if it in a series I'm reading. Love how you put all your characters together in the series. Your an awesome writer.
4.5 stars ✨ Wow!! I read 4 books of this series and it's really good.... the series has a couple per book but all books connect so it's best read together!!! Awesome 👏
This was not my favorite book in the series but it was still good. I liked Preston and Jenna and I liked that all the characters from the past books were in it.
It was great diving back into this town with all these characters. So excited to finally get Jenna's story. Heartbreaking with it ending with healing love . Great story.
The Fear of Letting Go by Sarra Cannon Book #4: The Fairhope Series Source: Author My Rating: 4/5 stars My Review:
Jenna Lewis has spent the past three and half plus years doing everything she possibly can to get by. She works full time, she is finishing her college degree and, when she is able, she spends time with her friends. Since she left her hometown and family behind, Jenna has done everything within her power to forget her wretched past and move forward with her life. It will be a cold day in Hell before Jenna gets sucked back into her family’s drama and Hell will have actually frozen over before Jenna becomes like her mother.
Preston Wright is spoiled rotten and he knows it. He also hates it. As a member of the ultra-wealthy Wright family, Preston has never wanted for anything in his life. He has money, he has a built-in, waiting for him to get out of college job at the family firm and, he can have any woman he sets his sights on. Preston also has a mother who is consumed with her son marrying the right sort of girl, a father who is convinced only his son can follow in his footsteps and, he has a bevy of beauties lined up and wanting Preston for his money and the prestige his name will bring them. It will be a cold day in Hell before Preston marries a woman chosen by his mother and Hell will have actually frozen over before Preston gives up on the hope of having Jenna Lewis.
Jenna is always keenly aware of her economic status in relation to her friends. Though her friends couldn’t care less about Jenna’s bank account, everyone knows Jenna is barely scraping by. Her stubbornness and fierce determination to make her own way makes it hard for Jenna to be comfortable around men or comfortable making herself available to any man for more than a night or two. Heaven help the man who tries to “take care” of Jenna or buy her gift. Charity is a no-go since the larger the gift, the closer Jenna comes to becoming her mother.
Preston’s laser-focus on Jenna is not just uncomfortable but unsettling. For months he has slowly worked to get to know Jenna better even though she has given very little indication of her own interest in him. If only Preston knew . . . .Jenna certainly has an interest in Preston but her own stubbornness and intense desire to remain independent keeps her from acting on her own feelings. Jenna really doesn’t give a crap about Preston’s name and money; in fact, Jenna wants very much to get close to Preston without him spending lavish amounts on her. With a no-strings-attached deal in place, Jenna and Preston enjoy one another’s company both publically and privately but neither are prepared for the depth of their emotions. When push comes to shove and Jenna’s past comes crashing into her present, the fallout from her decisions leaves everyone reeling and her future looking very dark indeed.
The Bottom Line: I very much enjoyed The Fear of Letting Go in large part because of the strong characters and themes woven throughout the read. Jenna and Preston are both incredibly strong individuals who are both rebelling against what is expected of them. Jenna is desperate to make her own way and avoid any hint of her mother’s behavior and Preston is almost stupidly determined to avoid doing what is his parents expect from him. Surprisingly, these two incredibly strong people come together rather than clash and when the end rolls around, they discover their strength is not just something they have as individuals but something that is enhanced through their partnership. Aside from love, The Fear of Letting Go also touches on the themes of friendship and selflessness. This tight-knit group of friends don’t just like one another, they genuinely care about each other. There is such a strong bond between each of the characters and as the story progresses we see how each and every member of the group does whatever is necessary to support each other. In all, Sarra Cannon has produced another strong, emotional and, simply good read. It can certainly be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the other books in the series in order to enrich your reading of this title.
I really enjoyed this book! This was such a great book with a beautiful love story that took time and was never rushed. I loved the slow build up between Jenna and Preston until it was explosive. This book flowed well and was beautifully written.
This is Jenna and Preston's story. Jenna is trying to escape her past and build on her future. She works full times, takes college classes, and just tries to get by. With that, she has closed her heart off to love and making sure she does for herself even if she is just getting by... barely. Preston comes from wealth and precision. Wanting has never been an issue. Preston wants Jenna but Jenna pushes him away. Oh but let me tell you, Jenna wants him but she will never admit it to him, much less herself. Preston knows he has to take it slow with Jenna. As these try to have a "relationship" without emotions and feelings, lines become blurred. When Jenna's past comes back and crashes with her present, it sends her life in a spiral. Will Preston be able to break down her walls? Will they be able to face the obstacles that lie ahead? Do these two have a chance at a happy ending?
I loved these two together. Jenna.....! I wanted to shake her a few times and tell her to quit being so freaking stubborn and to chill on the money issue she had. I get the whole meager beginnings, rough childhood, and wanting to do it on your own but she had to learn it is ok to lean on someone else every once in a while. And Preston! I really liked him. I loved how he took it slow with Jenna and showed her he was there for her. Their relationship felt real (if that makes sense) so it was easy to connect with both of them right from the beginning. They both had their own strengths and ways to help each other. But together, they were perfect together.
I will have to say this is the fourth book in a series though it can be read as a standalone. This is my first book by this author but I will be going back to read the prior books in this series.
This book is Jenna and Preston's story. It is part of the Fairhope series but can be read as a standalone.
Jenna and Preston couldn't be more different: he comes from a rich family, always had his needs fulfilled and has his future guaranteed while Jenna comes from a poor family, had to fight for what she has and doesn't know what the future will bring. They feel an attraction for each other and while Preston tries his best to show Jenna that he wants her, she pushes him away. After a tragedy hits Fairhope, they decide to try to have a relationship: they will be together and will have fun together until graduation day. But what they didn't expect was falling in love for each other. Will the demons of Jenna's past stop her from trying to have a real relationship with Preston? Will Preston's family accept his relationship with Jenna?
This is a great story. Loved Preston and Jenna's relationship: how they tried to keep their friendship, even though they knew they both wanted more, and how they tried to find where their relatioship stood.
Preston always had what he wanted and now he wanted Jenna. He took things slow with her because he knew that was what she needed. He is a very sweet guy. It was good to see how Jenna opened his eyes to how people who had no money lived and how she made him evaluate his future and the choices he had. Jenna grew up in a troubled family and left as soon as she could. She went to Fairhope to go to college and found her new family there: friends that she never thought she could find. She realizes that what she always thought about Preston wasn't true. Her fear of letting what happened to her and her family, especially her mother, in the past makes her afraid of trying to have a future with Preston. When she needs them most, her friends are there for her and she realizes that she can't leave them behind and that she has to let her past go.
This book is very well written and flows very well. This is the first book written by Sarra Cannon that I read and I love her writting. Can't wait to read more of her work!
To preface what I have to say, I want to mention that I have not read any other books in this series. I read The Fear of Letting Go as a standalone novel. I didn't love Jenna right off the bat. She seemed to be pretentious and snobby from the start (yep, even though she's not the one with money...weird, huh?). I guess that was the whole point. I think my dislike for her helped me really like Preston right from the get go. That being said, their initial impressions are just that--over the course of the book, you can really relate to both characters and grow to like them both for what they are. Jenna and Preston both grow with each other through the story and I think that's why they work so well with each other. They bring out the best in each other in a way that will make you feel like they just work. The book was good. I wouldn't say that it was the best I've ever read but it was definitely easy to get through and there was enough chemistry to keep things interesting!
4.5 stars. This is my favorite in the series, which shocks me because I wasn't sure how the author would make preston an admirable hero. In the prior books, he was a genuinely nice, but spoiled and self-centered rich boy. In this book, he learns not to tale his wealth for granted and to be considerate of others. The author does whitewash him a bit - in the first book, he was a serial cheater on LeightAnne. But in this book, it is implied that he only cheated once, with Bailey. Too bad - I would have appreciated more his redemption if it had remained true to the first book.
But I enjoy how Preston and Jenna relationship develops. And the scenes with the prior couples. And how the fallout from book 1 plays out in this book.
what is the meaning of "pRob", "tRob", "gRob" or "arRob"? I can't find it on Google and it drives me crazy! it is used in nearly every other sentence...
first I thought it was a word I didn't know, but now I think this book is full of mistakes.
The storyline was okay. Preston was really cute and loyal. But Jenna? What an insecure bi***. I was super annoyed by her, I couldn't stand her. The worst thing were all the spelling mistakes.
This book needs a good editor! (Or maybe use your spell-check on Word).
All in all I think this book deserves no more than 1.5 stars.
I think Preston & Jenna's story was the most heart wrenching. For two people who couldn't come from more different backgrounds, they shared so many of the same fears, dreams and insecurities. I feel like Jenna's character is one of the most multi layered of all group of friends and her past and how much she overcame was really wonderful. I'm sad to be done with this series (for now) but I hear there is another book on the way and I cannot wait!
I love all of the Fairhope books, but this one is by far my favorite. So touching and emotional, i cried the last couple of chapters. Jenna's struggles and insecurities, her humor and truimphs are inspirational and touching. Everyone can relate to some of the struggles and insecurities that are faced in this book. Sarra Cannon has become one of my favorite Indie authors. I can't wait for the next book in both of her series. (Peachville demons and Fairhope).
I am so happy for Preston it's to see that he gets a happily ever after I can't believe the story the jenney went through in her life I'm glad that they finally find happiness together I'm glad Pennys baby was finally born and she got married to Mason I hope that it. I hope there's another book with more of their story and also Jo's story
Enjoyed the story. Opposites do attract. Jenna frustrated me a, little, but then I remembered the title of the book. I'm glad Preston never gave up. I loved and could picture the trip to Jolenes, loved Preston at the water tower..and giggled at the poor rabbit being used as a means of self defence!