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Alexander and Maria
An authentic story about love and life in all its messy, unpredictable, imperfect glory. A truly heart-warming read.’ Jane Lacey-Crane If you’re looking for a book that will keep you captive, between its pages, until you’ve reached the end, then this is it. A story about overcoming adversity in all its forms, it will have you rooting for the characters as they fight for real love. Sexy and passionate it’s written in a beautiful and sensitive prose. Trust is a big word, when life has always let you down. And everyone deserves love a second time around, don’t they? Alexander, locked in a loveless, cold marriage, has melted into the humdrum of life, hiding behind his cerebral palsy. Maria, a single mother, is still reeling from her husband’s gambling and abandonment from years before. They click with their first tweet
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2020
13 people want to read
About the author
Soulla Christodoulou
12 books42 followersBorn in London to Greek Cypriot parents Soulla Christodoulou spent much of her childhood living carefree days full of family, school and friends. She was the first in her family to go to university and studied BA Hotel & Catering Management at Portsmouth University. Years later, after having a family of her own she studied again at Middlesex University and has a PGCE in Business Studies and an MA in Education.
Soulla is a Fiction author and wrote her first novel Broken Pieces of Tomorrow over a few months while working full time in secondary education. She is a mother of three boys.
She is a compassionate and empathetic supporter of young people. Her passion for teaching continues through private tuition of English Language and Children’s Creative Writing Classes as well as proof reading and other writing services.
Her writing has also connected her with a charity in California which she is very much involved in as a contributor of handwritten letters every month to support and give hope to women diagnosed with breast cancer. One of her letters is featured in a book ‘Dear Friend’, released on Amazon in September 2017.
When asked, she will tell you she has always, somewhere on a subconscious level, wanted to write and her life’s experiences both personal and professional have played a huge part in bringing her to where she was always meant to be; writing books and drinking lots of cinnamon and clove tea!
She also has a poetry collection, Sunshine after Rain, published on Amazon and The Summer Will Come is her second novel. She is currently working on a third novel Trust is a Big Word about an on-line illicit relationship that develops between two people.
Soulla is a Fiction author and wrote her first novel Broken Pieces of Tomorrow over a few months while working full time in secondary education. She is a mother of three boys.
She is a compassionate and empathetic supporter of young people. Her passion for teaching continues through private tuition of English Language and Children’s Creative Writing Classes as well as proof reading and other writing services.
Her writing has also connected her with a charity in California which she is very much involved in as a contributor of handwritten letters every month to support and give hope to women diagnosed with breast cancer. One of her letters is featured in a book ‘Dear Friend’, released on Amazon in September 2017.
When asked, she will tell you she has always, somewhere on a subconscious level, wanted to write and her life’s experiences both personal and professional have played a huge part in bringing her to where she was always meant to be; writing books and drinking lots of cinnamon and clove tea!
She also has a poetry collection, Sunshine after Rain, published on Amazon and The Summer Will Come is her second novel. She is currently working on a third novel Trust is a Big Word about an on-line illicit relationship that develops between two people.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 9, 2021
Two people, two lives, which is false? which is reality? Alexander is caught in a life of total unhappiness within his marriage, reaches for Twitter and hits the jackpot with the gold being in the shape of Maria.
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Maria, a writer, looking for followers on Twitter, gets herself into a pickle of.... is this for real? Is this man a scammer? Well, it wouldn't hurt would it, if I play the game a little?
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My thoughts - all through this I was thinking ... this is going to end really badly. Soulla Christodoulou gives us a highly entertaining twisty tale of deceit, love, and heart break. We have not only a cheating husband Alexander to his wife Sandra, but Maria now single, has to deal with a daughter that has deep secrets. For those who are drawn to a more serious romantic side of books, this has it in some places, but it's done in a tasteful manner.
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A very gripping book that will have you leaning over your cellphone to put it on silent.
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A well earned 5 star read - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Recommended genre - Contemporary Fiction/Romance
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Maria, a writer, looking for followers on Twitter, gets herself into a pickle of.... is this for real? Is this man a scammer? Well, it wouldn't hurt would it, if I play the game a little?
.
My thoughts - all through this I was thinking ... this is going to end really badly. Soulla Christodoulou gives us a highly entertaining twisty tale of deceit, love, and heart break. We have not only a cheating husband Alexander to his wife Sandra, but Maria now single, has to deal with a daughter that has deep secrets. For those who are drawn to a more serious romantic side of books, this has it in some places, but it's done in a tasteful manner.
.
A very gripping book that will have you leaning over your cellphone to put it on silent.
.
A well earned 5 star read - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Recommended genre - Contemporary Fiction/Romance
January 9, 2021
This is another strong book by an author who has a talent for writing characters who leap off the page at you. Alexander and Maria are two very real, flawed individuals who develop an intense romantic relationship via social media. One lives in Inverness, the other in London, so for much of the book the relationship remains online, building the tension to find out whether they will ever meet and, if so, will they get on?
There are many hurdles along the way. Both are deeply frustrated by relationships past and present – Alexander by his wife, whose treatment of him verges on disdain, and Maria by her maltreatment by her ex-husband, who went off the rails when they had a daughter and became increasingly abusive.
In the hands of another author, Alexander’s deception might be unappealing but Soulla invests you in her characters and their passion for each other with emotional acuity and the strength of her writing. She describes in detail Alexander’s cerebral palsy and the online lovers’ fantasies for each other, which are quite graphic in places. This is a novel that explores new territory, gripping you from the start and not letting go.
There are many hurdles along the way. Both are deeply frustrated by relationships past and present – Alexander by his wife, whose treatment of him verges on disdain, and Maria by her maltreatment by her ex-husband, who went off the rails when they had a daughter and became increasingly abusive.
In the hands of another author, Alexander’s deception might be unappealing but Soulla invests you in her characters and their passion for each other with emotional acuity and the strength of her writing. She describes in detail Alexander’s cerebral palsy and the online lovers’ fantasies for each other, which are quite graphic in places. This is a novel that explores new territory, gripping you from the start and not letting go.
Read
December 18, 2023
'Your only limit is you.'
This is what I call a book that touches hearts.
The tale of Alexander and Maria is not your usual run-of-the-mill romance. It's a poignant, evocative and downright inspirational love story of the messy real kind, that could belong to each and every single one of us.
It is a story of two broken and lonely people who connect through social media in a time when both realise life may be slipping by if they don't finally act and change. After all..
'If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.'
But change takes courage and and not everyone has it. Especially when you have allowed yourself to conform to a way of life expected by others. And even more so, when you are seen as 'less' because you are disabled, like Alexander.
I could write a little novella mentioning all the things for which I'd like to tip my hat to the writer of this book, but I've been told no one wants to read long-assed reviews so I'll stick to the main points, for which Soulla Christodoulou has all my respect:
- Characters that may be your next door neighbours, living a life that could belong to each and everyone of us.
- A story that may not be fast paced and full of edge of the seat twists but still manages to grab your attention and keep you hooked till the very end. Because despite the lack of apparent tension, it has that little something that draws you in and keeps you turning pages wanting to know what comes next.
- And last, but by far not least, disability the way it should be written. You will feel for and with Alexander, but you will not once pity him. Because, while his disability affects him, it doesn't define him. And trust me when I say this - through him, you'll get to see life with Cerebral Palsy with all the good, bad and ugly.
Well written, beautifully layered and with a surprising depth, this book is one of those that might just make you reflect on your own life, reconsider your own goals and expectations, and maybe even realise that You. Only. Live. Once. So make it count. And it might just be the gentle nudge we all need once in a while, to find the courage to change.
Just read it will you!
It will be worth your time.
Happy reading everyone
and remember:
'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.'
This is what I call a book that touches hearts.
The tale of Alexander and Maria is not your usual run-of-the-mill romance. It's a poignant, evocative and downright inspirational love story of the messy real kind, that could belong to each and every single one of us.
It is a story of two broken and lonely people who connect through social media in a time when both realise life may be slipping by if they don't finally act and change. After all..
'If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.'
But change takes courage and and not everyone has it. Especially when you have allowed yourself to conform to a way of life expected by others. And even more so, when you are seen as 'less' because you are disabled, like Alexander.
I could write a little novella mentioning all the things for which I'd like to tip my hat to the writer of this book, but I've been told no one wants to read long-assed reviews so I'll stick to the main points, for which Soulla Christodoulou has all my respect:
- Characters that may be your next door neighbours, living a life that could belong to each and everyone of us.
- A story that may not be fast paced and full of edge of the seat twists but still manages to grab your attention and keep you hooked till the very end. Because despite the lack of apparent tension, it has that little something that draws you in and keeps you turning pages wanting to know what comes next.
- And last, but by far not least, disability the way it should be written. You will feel for and with Alexander, but you will not once pity him. Because, while his disability affects him, it doesn't define him. And trust me when I say this - through him, you'll get to see life with Cerebral Palsy with all the good, bad and ugly.
Well written, beautifully layered and with a surprising depth, this book is one of those that might just make you reflect on your own life, reconsider your own goals and expectations, and maybe even realise that You. Only. Live. Once. So make it count. And it might just be the gentle nudge we all need once in a while, to find the courage to change.
Just read it will you!
It will be worth your time.
Happy reading everyone
and remember:
'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.'
August 1, 2021
Maria after being abandoned from her ex husband finds herself alone, looking after her daughter and with a huge desire to publish her book.
Alexander trapped in a loveless marriage and having to live from an early age with CP is trying to meet new friends on Twitter.
I have to admit I had huge expectations on this book as from the blurb I thought it would have been an epic love story, however I wasn’t blown away.
The love story between Alexander and Maria starts online, after a few likes and messages exchanged. Maria initially is cold and detached for fear of disappointment, while Alec seems in love after her first tweet.
I wanted to feel the love and passion turning the pages, I really wanted to, but I felt nothing. I had almost the impression that it was mainly a sex orientated story, seen Alexander remarks and unsatisfactory shenanigans with his wife.
The plot goes back and forth the two main characters’ POV. I came to appreciate and like Maria when reading about her past and the hardship she had to face. I really felt for her and was happy when finally she decided to take a leap of faith and find her happy ending. Alexander instead annoyed me with every single page, I initially felt for him, as he looked trapped in an unhappy marriage and suffers from CP, but then I felt that all that there was to him was sexual frustration and nothing else. To then some big secret reveal and him shamelessly blaming his wife for everything, when he never had the courage to actually face her and actually talk about whatever was bothering him.
However I couldn’t stop reading the book as I really wanted to see where the story was going, and the fast paced plot made the job easy.
Alexander trapped in a loveless marriage and having to live from an early age with CP is trying to meet new friends on Twitter.
I have to admit I had huge expectations on this book as from the blurb I thought it would have been an epic love story, however I wasn’t blown away.
The love story between Alexander and Maria starts online, after a few likes and messages exchanged. Maria initially is cold and detached for fear of disappointment, while Alec seems in love after her first tweet.
I wanted to feel the love and passion turning the pages, I really wanted to, but I felt nothing. I had almost the impression that it was mainly a sex orientated story, seen Alexander remarks and unsatisfactory shenanigans with his wife.
The plot goes back and forth the two main characters’ POV. I came to appreciate and like Maria when reading about her past and the hardship she had to face. I really felt for her and was happy when finally she decided to take a leap of faith and find her happy ending. Alexander instead annoyed me with every single page, I initially felt for him, as he looked trapped in an unhappy marriage and suffers from CP, but then I felt that all that there was to him was sexual frustration and nothing else. To then some big secret reveal and him shamelessly blaming his wife for everything, when he never had the courage to actually face her and actually talk about whatever was bothering him.
However I couldn’t stop reading the book as I really wanted to see where the story was going, and the fast paced plot made the job easy.
February 3, 2021
This book was a romantic story that I wasn’t ready for!
Alexander and Maria are both flawed character that share almost forbidden love. Most of their relationship is virtual via social media. Soulla did a wonderful job of giving depth to the characters so the reader can get easily attached.
Throughout the book, the impact of living Cerebral Palsy is distinct. I have a family member with CP and Christodoulou did a great job of showing the reality of it.
Their journey was full of hurdles which made their bond even stronger. It was a very gripping story!
February 18, 2025
This was a cute concept book, however I did find some parts cringey with the messages on twitter. But so glad the ending was happy and i was in love
March 20, 2021
Beautiful and inspiring book!!
In Alexander & Maria Soulla Christodoulou has unwrapped the stigma of disability. Many writers would shy away from this subject, but she had taken it, and turned it on its head. It is a beautifully written account of a man with Cerebral Palsy, and she has managed to weave the struggles of his everyday life into something which allows the reader to see how he copes with the things that most of us take for granted.
Locked in a loveless marriage, he feels that he cannot, and should not ask for more, that is until he meets Maria on line. As their friendship grows, he begins to see the emptiness shallowness of his own life, as she opens up a world that he thought could never be possible for him, including such things as love, empathy and compassion. She sees beyond his disability in a way he has never before experienced, but it is only when they meet in London that he decides to ‘take charge’ of his life. Something he has never dared do before, never believed he had a right to. In the end though, it is his wife’s surprising revelation from the past that finally prompts him to action.
This is a beautifully written book by Soulla Christodoulou, which allows the reader to feel sympathy, but never pity for Alexander, because It is the way that she empowers him that makes this book so amazingly unique. This should be on everyone’s TBR list!!!
In Alexander & Maria Soulla Christodoulou has unwrapped the stigma of disability. Many writers would shy away from this subject, but she had taken it, and turned it on its head. It is a beautifully written account of a man with Cerebral Palsy, and she has managed to weave the struggles of his everyday life into something which allows the reader to see how he copes with the things that most of us take for granted.
Locked in a loveless marriage, he feels that he cannot, and should not ask for more, that is until he meets Maria on line. As their friendship grows, he begins to see the emptiness shallowness of his own life, as she opens up a world that he thought could never be possible for him, including such things as love, empathy and compassion. She sees beyond his disability in a way he has never before experienced, but it is only when they meet in London that he decides to ‘take charge’ of his life. Something he has never dared do before, never believed he had a right to. In the end though, it is his wife’s surprising revelation from the past that finally prompts him to action.
This is a beautifully written book by Soulla Christodoulou, which allows the reader to feel sympathy, but never pity for Alexander, because It is the way that she empowers him that makes this book so amazingly unique. This should be on everyone’s TBR list!!!
January 2, 2021
A story of love and triumph. The main characters Alexander and Maria, from London and Inverness respectively, embark on something truly special. There is a lot of depth to these characters, readers will respond to them based on their own views and experiences. Personally, I struggled to agree with Alexander's choices but by the end Christodoulou's writing had me rooting for him. The book highlights the impact of living with Cerebral Palsy, along side it's themes of deception, trust and love. Overall, a very gripping, beautifully written book that will leave readers wanting to find out what comes next.
June 23, 2022
Read full review on: mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com
Alexander lives in Scotland in a loveless marriage, and his son has long since left home. He also lives with a health condition cerebral palsy; which affects his daily life. Feeling lonely Alexander joins Twitter to reach out to the wider world and he comes across writer Maria.
Maria is a single mother to teenage daughter Natalie. Maria is are still picking up the peace's of their life after her gambling husband leaves her life upside down. Maria being an inquisitive writer joins Twitter to reach likeminded people like her.
Alexander and Maria strike up a mutual friendship through messaging and explore their love of literature. They are honest with each other and for the first time finding someone who accepts them for who they are. The attraction beings to grow for both of them, but will they both take the plunge and meet up? Is this friendship more than that? Will Alexander leave his loveless marriage?
What a beautiful read this book is. I really enjoyed following Alexander and Maria's journey together from start to finish. I have to say as someone who suffers from a chronic health condition myself I though Soulla has written in such a sensitive and careful way, which comes across really well. Soulla has highlighted the condition cerebral palsy of which I didn't really know much about until I read Alexander and Maria. For me this story is about friendship, acceptance, love and not being defined by a health condition. So not only have a read a great fiction story, I've learnt something too; which Soulla always manages to do. I just love her beautiful writing style!
Alexander lives in Scotland in a loveless marriage, and his son has long since left home. He also lives with a health condition cerebral palsy; which affects his daily life. Feeling lonely Alexander joins Twitter to reach out to the wider world and he comes across writer Maria.
Maria is a single mother to teenage daughter Natalie. Maria is are still picking up the peace's of their life after her gambling husband leaves her life upside down. Maria being an inquisitive writer joins Twitter to reach likeminded people like her.
Alexander and Maria strike up a mutual friendship through messaging and explore their love of literature. They are honest with each other and for the first time finding someone who accepts them for who they are. The attraction beings to grow for both of them, but will they both take the plunge and meet up? Is this friendship more than that? Will Alexander leave his loveless marriage?
What a beautiful read this book is. I really enjoyed following Alexander and Maria's journey together from start to finish. I have to say as someone who suffers from a chronic health condition myself I though Soulla has written in such a sensitive and careful way, which comes across really well. Soulla has highlighted the condition cerebral palsy of which I didn't really know much about until I read Alexander and Maria. For me this story is about friendship, acceptance, love and not being defined by a health condition. So not only have a read a great fiction story, I've learnt something too; which Soulla always manages to do. I just love her beautiful writing style!
May 16, 2021
Alexander and Maria is a heartfelt story about a chance meeting online that blooms into so much more. Alexander has CP and is stuck in middle age with a wife who treats him like a child because of his condition. Despite the fact that he’s a strong man, his marriage has crumbled into a mundane routine of boredom. Through social media he meets Maria and finds himself anticipating their interactions each day which revitalizes his emotions and desire to feel loved. Maria is a single mom doing her best to raise her daughter and push through the pain of abandonment while trying to build a life for herself alone. After meeting Alexander, she is unsure of what their interactions will bring and is apprehensive because of the unknowns that come from meeting someone online. This all builds into an affair that will change their lives. There are twists and turns that keep you wanting more until the very end. The eye opening aspects of cerebral palsy was of particular interest to me. Christodoulou does not hold back when describing how this condition affects a man and the details of daily life while living with CP. Her words are beautifully written, sensitive and poetic. She brings you into the story, swapping between perspectives so you’re fully involved with both characters. I highly recommend this book!!
September 14, 2021
As a romance reader, I found this book incredibly refreshing. As much as I adore the romance genre (and I really do), it sometimes can get a little repetative. As both an avid reader and a blogger, I'm always looking for books that step outside the lines a little; ones that do something different or take the issues a little deeper.
This book represented exactly what I wish I could be reading all the time -- not this literal story, but just the fact that it went in such a different direction and gave me such an unexpected story that left me with such a strong message.
I could picture every scene so clearly as I read. This is also such an incredibly relevant story for many people -- whether they've personally been through what happened to Maria or Alexander or they know of someone who has -- so I really do hope that one day this makes it to the big screen.
Soulla is an author who truly has a way with words. She killed this book. I’ve read and loved all of her books. Some of her earlier books are my all-time favorites. I’ve enjoyed all of her latest books, but this is by far the best book she’s ever written.
This book represented exactly what I wish I could be reading all the time -- not this literal story, but just the fact that it went in such a different direction and gave me such an unexpected story that left me with such a strong message.
I could picture every scene so clearly as I read. This is also such an incredibly relevant story for many people -- whether they've personally been through what happened to Maria or Alexander or they know of someone who has -- so I really do hope that one day this makes it to the big screen.
Soulla is an author who truly has a way with words. She killed this book. I’ve read and loved all of her books. Some of her earlier books are my all-time favorites. I’ve enjoyed all of her latest books, but this is by far the best book she’s ever written.
July 15, 2021
Alexander, a care worker in Inverness whose twenty-year marriage has gone sour, starts a relationship on Twitter with Maria, a divorcee in London who works in PR and writes so-far-unpublished novels. They both bring ‘baggage’ with them: Alexander suffers from cerebral palsy; Maria has a troubled-teen daughter. They share a love of poetry which elevates their tweets above the mundane and makes them feel they are made for each other. Texting escalates to ‘sexting’ and the two plan a rendezvous in London.
This is very much a love story for the times we live in. Aside from Alexander’s disability these are two very ordinary people whose online romance may or may not be the start of something bigger and better than they’ve experienced before. Soulla Christodoulou writes a well-paced story in a lean contemporary prose that brings her characters vividly and appealingly to life. There are scenes that teeter on the edge of Fifty Shades-style raunchiness, but the author stays – just – below the crossover line between erotica and porn. A fine and intense romance.
This is very much a love story for the times we live in. Aside from Alexander’s disability these are two very ordinary people whose online romance may or may not be the start of something bigger and better than they’ve experienced before. Soulla Christodoulou writes a well-paced story in a lean contemporary prose that brings her characters vividly and appealingly to life. There are scenes that teeter on the edge of Fifty Shades-style raunchiness, but the author stays – just – below the crossover line between erotica and porn. A fine and intense romance.
September 14, 2021
This is a completely spoiler-free review . I'm not even going to add the blurb or tell you what this book is about. But I really feel that you should just dive into this book without knowing anything about the plot. To be honest, I'm the usually the kind of reader who likes to know every little thing about what to expect in advance, but I've really learned to trust Soulla's writing and her storytelling so even I went into this book without knowing anything at all... and I was blown away by the story!
Of all the heroines I've ever read, Maria was most certainly one of the ones I admired the most. I knew loved her from the first few pages, but having finished the book, I truly couldn't be prouder of her.
There's an incredibly powerful message in this book that is very subtly woven in from the start. I was unable to put it down from the moment I started reading and I know that this is one of those profoundly beautiful and unforgettable stories that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it to everyone !
Of all the heroines I've ever read, Maria was most certainly one of the ones I admired the most. I knew loved her from the first few pages, but having finished the book, I truly couldn't be prouder of her.
There's an incredibly powerful message in this book that is very subtly woven in from the start. I was unable to put it down from the moment I started reading and I know that this is one of those profoundly beautiful and unforgettable stories that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it to everyone !
September 21, 2021
“Alexander and Maria” is a book about love and its imperfections. Told in alternating first-person perspectives by Alexander and Maria, two lonely people beaten down by disappointments, the story follows their lives as their online affair blossoms. The hard reality of the everyday led them to find solace in each other. Love became a hideaway where they could escape in poetry and sweet words. A place to discover a new sense of self. A place where they can—for brief moments at a time—feel valued, loved, and understood.
The book explores heavy issues like living with cerebral palsy, teen pregnancy, and a loveless marriage. The characters are complex with flaws and self doubt. But the author wrote them with such compassion that I couldn’t help but empathize and root for everyone. This is a well-written book rooted in contemporary relationships and the human condition. Highly recommend.
The book explores heavy issues like living with cerebral palsy, teen pregnancy, and a loveless marriage. The characters are complex with flaws and self doubt. But the author wrote them with such compassion that I couldn’t help but empathize and root for everyone. This is a well-written book rooted in contemporary relationships and the human condition. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
This is my second read by Soulla and I’m amazed how versatile a writer she is. Alexander and Maria is an older book of hers Re-released with an amazing new cover. A character driven second chance romance. Told from alternating point of views. I really enjoyed getting to know both Alexander and Maria. Both characters were so well developed, relatable and come with a lot of emotional baggage. I found it really interesting how Alex lived with CP and the impact on his life. Soulla did such a great job of exploring disability. I loved Maria’s interactions with her daughter well fabulous.
I liked the concept of two people connecting over social media and getting to know each other for who they are and not what they looked like. Conversely, I did like how it also explored whether reality lives up to fantasy in a relationship that developed like theirs did. I did at times struggle a bit with Alex cheating on his wife Sandra. Their relationship was clearly unhappy and she did have secrets of her own. I had mixed feeling about the affair because I could see why he did it but didn’t agree with his actions. I was happy with how it all wrapped up though. It definitely took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Thank you to @kingsleypublishing for the eARC
I liked the concept of two people connecting over social media and getting to know each other for who they are and not what they looked like. Conversely, I did like how it also explored whether reality lives up to fantasy in a relationship that developed like theirs did. I did at times struggle a bit with Alex cheating on his wife Sandra. Their relationship was clearly unhappy and she did have secrets of her own. I had mixed feeling about the affair because I could see why he did it but didn’t agree with his actions. I was happy with how it all wrapped up though. It definitely took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Thank you to @kingsleypublishing for the eARC
April 13, 2022
Intellectual and disabled Alexander is stifled and frustrated in his marriage to 'moany' Sandra, and when bubbly writer Maria starts chatting with him on Twitter, he finds a new lease of life. Books about infidelity can be depressing, but I found this one highly uplifting with its rich characterization, beautiful and at times understated writing, and its gentle exploration of the repercussions of our choices and what it means to live a fulfilling life. Christodoulla switches between the point of view of both main characters in an engaging way and there are some vividly memorable and humorous scenes which all help to shape the story and characters in a way that heads poignantly to the satisfying conclusion.
May 24, 2021
A Beautifully Written Story!
Alexander and Maria is a heartfelt story about a chance meeting online that blooms into so much more. Alexander has CP and is stuck in middle age with a wife who treats him like a child because of his condition. Despite the fact that he’s a strong man, his marriage has crumbled into a mundane routine of boredom. Through social media he meets Maria and finds himself anticipating their interactions each day which revitalizes his emotions and desire to feel loved. Maria is a single mom doing her best to raise her daughter and push through the pain of abandonment while trying to build a life for herself alone. After meeting Alexander, she is unsure of what their interactions will bring and is apprehensive because of the unknowns that come from meeting someone online. This all builds into an affair that will change their lives. There are twists and turns that keep you wanting more until the very end. The eye opening aspects of cerebral palsy was of particular interest to me. Christodoulou does not hold back when describing how this condition affects a man and the details of daily life while living with CP. Her words are beautifully written, sensitive and poetic. She brings you into the story, swapping between perspectives so you’re fully involved with both characters. I highly recommend this book!!
Alexander and Maria is a heartfelt story about a chance meeting online that blooms into so much more. Alexander has CP and is stuck in middle age with a wife who treats him like a child because of his condition. Despite the fact that he’s a strong man, his marriage has crumbled into a mundane routine of boredom. Through social media he meets Maria and finds himself anticipating their interactions each day which revitalizes his emotions and desire to feel loved. Maria is a single mom doing her best to raise her daughter and push through the pain of abandonment while trying to build a life for herself alone. After meeting Alexander, she is unsure of what their interactions will bring and is apprehensive because of the unknowns that come from meeting someone online. This all builds into an affair that will change their lives. There are twists and turns that keep you wanting more until the very end. The eye opening aspects of cerebral palsy was of particular interest to me. Christodoulou does not hold back when describing how this condition affects a man and the details of daily life while living with CP. Her words are beautifully written, sensitive and poetic. She brings you into the story, swapping between perspectives so you’re fully involved with both characters. I highly recommend this book!!
July 9, 2023
Divorce and change in general is very difficult. meeting online just throws it into the real world. the author pulls you into their lives full force. you want to know how it will work out and when. the characters are truly relatable and because of that the story keeps the reader enthralled. i truly enjoyed this story. I highly recommend this read.
December 9, 2022
This book is about a modern love story which started online. I fell in love with the characters and their May and December love affair. The story is beautifully written and will surely captivate your attention from beginning to end.
June 25, 2023
A very complicated book for me. Telling the story of Alex trapped in a loveless marriage as well as living with CP ...he connects with Maria over social media and a relationship builds..erotic in parts throughout the book. The last chapters went fast with both characters on their way to happiness
July 3, 2023
A story of love and life. We’ll written you want to keep reading to see what happens. Two characters, two life’s Is real or is it false the is what the story asks from you. The characters leap out of the page at you. First book I’ve read by this author but won’t be the last.
June 11, 2023
A thought-provoking, beautiful love story. Two people who have been dealt difficult, unfulfilled lives meet in an unusual way. Heartening, emotional , enjoyable read.
July 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, and the story to it. Such a lighthearted read. I highly recommend for ones that like warm hearted romance. This one fits the bill.
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