Settling for More

by Desiree Douglas

Nothing ever seems to change for 29-year-old Abby, finding herself in a rut after failed attempts at business and still living in her parents' basement. A surprise New Year's Eve brush with an old flame ignites her resolve to do something about her stagnant life and sets off ripple effects that touch the lives of friends and family in ways she never dreamed. But not everyone is thrilled with her new, empowered lifestyle. As she focuses on self-improvement, the most selfless decision she makes could actually prove deadly. Will she get her second chance for a happily-ever-after, or was the decision to change her life a fatal one?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2020

Reviews

[Coffeebreakwhatever · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I dreaded the "second chance" theme. Usually, I don't care for that theme, however, this one was written much differently and I was pleasantly surprised! Abby is just a working-class girl, 30 years old and still living at home with her parents and often working 2 jobs just to make ends meet. She finally wakes up one day and decides to change her life and "settle for more" than what she has. She gets a new job, finds a new place to live on her own and even starts helping another woman to do the same and they eventually start a new business together. Her best(married) friends help her with the move and relocation and support her and she begins a journey for them in return. Meanwhile, Mark Parker comes back to town. They split in college - he went, she didn't - and then he got married and divorced and now he wants to get back with Abby. But instead of Abby falling into his arms for her "second chance", she keeps him at arms length and does things for and by herself and makes something of herself, by herself. Do they get together in the end? Read it and see. Also, includes an issue with her parents that pops up out of the blue and is totally unexpected and kind of a story in itself as well as some interesting drama from Mark's ex-wife! I was happy to read a book where the woman does stand up for herself and take charge of her own life for herself instead of always just falling in the arms of the guy that left her years ago. I could even imagine myself in Abby's shoes several times! A very good and enjoyable read!

[Sondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life I s full of changes if you are brave

It was a good book and easy to fall into the story line and kept entertained. It was motivating as Abby decided to make big changes in her life and worked hard to make them happen. Abby is also a wonderful friend who gave the most precious gift to her friend Susan. The book is filled with great friends, parents that meddle and have problems to overcome, sister love, women encouraging each other and crazy ex-girlfriend danger. Full novel, no cliffhanger and several HEAs.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale of bravery, determination and taking control of your life. Poor Abby struggles with doubt brought on by people who betray her trust and domineer over her. Parents, employers and friends that she thought she knew. Her life is filled with new beginnings and accomplishments. She shows a lot of love to her best friends and in the end reaps what she deserves. Along the way there is much heartache and suffering, and complications with her family. But Abby seems to know what to do when the time comes. This is a great story of inspiration and emancipation.

[Geraldine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the characters, even the crazies! Our heroine decides one day that she wants to be more, do more, and her life takes a dramatic turn from there and not all of it is good.

[Phyllis Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

4 stars for Settling for More. Abby has been drifting through life feeling alone and depressed and fast approaching 30. After seeing her old boyfriend on New Years Eve she decides to make changes in her life.

[PAULINE WEBER · Rating 4 out of 5]

In not good at reviews.

It was a good read. Easy. My friends that like romance would love it. Happy Endings! Numerous back stories too.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting the one lady was crazy.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun lighthearted read. Good book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it for the most part.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most enjoyable read with warm characters and a little bit of suspense. A small town with close friends helping each other and the community.

[Jami M Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Book Club Pick

Loved it! I have read several amazing books by Desiree Douglas and she didn’t disappoint. This book was a fantastic read and impossible to put down. I love the unique and relatable characters. I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters as they dealt with the surprises life threw at them. This book is my pick for this month’s book club meeting and I can’t wait to discuss it!!