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The Choice I Made
One day you will understand that the heart is only as fragile as the choices we make. I tell you this now – we all make surprising decisions for love. Ones that can tear our heart out and leave us begging for answers. The most painful choice I’ve ever made, my dearest, was to say goodbye to you.
When Julie’s mother falls ill, she has no choice but to return to her parents’ Wisconsin resort, Wood Violet, for the summer. Away from the pressures of their corporate jobs in the city, Julie hopes she and husband Tristan can start to heal after another failed pregnancy.
But, on arriving home, Julie discovers resort life is anything but peaceful. She has to focus more on saving the business than her marriage, and the appearance of childhood sweetheart Chase throws her into disarray.
Then Julie stumbles upon an eighteen-year-old girl hiding out in an abandoned cabin. The girl, Margaret, seems lost in the world, and Julie takes her under her wing. But Margaret has her own reasons for coming to Wood Violet, which threaten to expose a long-buried secret that could tear Julie’s family apart.
As the summer draws to the close, Julie must make a choice: will she return to Chicago with the man she married, or stay and fight for her family with the man she once loved?
Lose yourself in a life-affirming tale about love, betrayal and finding your true home, from the bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper. Fans of Mary Ellen Taylor, Barbara O’Neal and This is Not How it Ends will adore Cynthia Ellingsen’s captivating novel.
When Julie’s mother falls ill, she has no choice but to return to her parents’ Wisconsin resort, Wood Violet, for the summer. Away from the pressures of their corporate jobs in the city, Julie hopes she and husband Tristan can start to heal after another failed pregnancy.
But, on arriving home, Julie discovers resort life is anything but peaceful. She has to focus more on saving the business than her marriage, and the appearance of childhood sweetheart Chase throws her into disarray.
Then Julie stumbles upon an eighteen-year-old girl hiding out in an abandoned cabin. The girl, Margaret, seems lost in the world, and Julie takes her under her wing. But Margaret has her own reasons for coming to Wood Violet, which threaten to expose a long-buried secret that could tear Julie’s family apart.
As the summer draws to the close, Julie must make a choice: will she return to Chicago with the man she married, or stay and fight for her family with the man she once loved?
Lose yourself in a life-affirming tale about love, betrayal and finding your true home, from the bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper. Fans of Mary Ellen Taylor, Barbara O’Neal and This is Not How it Ends will adore Cynthia Ellingsen’s captivating novel.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2021
623 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 13, 2021
3.5 stars
When Julie goes home to help her mother, she never knew her life would change in so many ways. When she returns to Wood Violet, her parents Wisconsin resort, Julie has two goals - to help her mother and to heal her marriage after yet another miscarriage. Although Tristan, her husband is with her, his actions speak louder than words. He wants to go back to Chicago where his career is on the rise.
Julie wants to focus on helping at the resort, helping her Mother and becoming reacquainted with old friends, namely Chase her childhood sweetheart. She also becomes acquainted with Margaret, an eighteen-year-old hiding in an old cabin. Margaret has her own reasons for being at the resort. She has a secret which could change things for Julie and her family.
Family is the name of the game here - family secrets, being a family, and helping family are BIG here. So is the emphasis on finding what you want in life, going home, finding a home, and making tough choices. The book also touches on romantic love, friendship, jealousy, betrayal, secrets, ultimatums, caring, hope and starting over.
An enjoyable book from an author I look forward to reading more of in the future. Beautifully written, with just the right amount drama to keep the reader engaged. The characters are likeable, and I was invested in what happened to them. This was a captivating family drama with a couple of twists, turns and revelations.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
When Julie goes home to help her mother, she never knew her life would change in so many ways. When she returns to Wood Violet, her parents Wisconsin resort, Julie has two goals - to help her mother and to heal her marriage after yet another miscarriage. Although Tristan, her husband is with her, his actions speak louder than words. He wants to go back to Chicago where his career is on the rise.
Julie wants to focus on helping at the resort, helping her Mother and becoming reacquainted with old friends, namely Chase her childhood sweetheart. She also becomes acquainted with Margaret, an eighteen-year-old hiding in an old cabin. Margaret has her own reasons for being at the resort. She has a secret which could change things for Julie and her family.
Family is the name of the game here - family secrets, being a family, and helping family are BIG here. So is the emphasis on finding what you want in life, going home, finding a home, and making tough choices. The book also touches on romantic love, friendship, jealousy, betrayal, secrets, ultimatums, caring, hope and starting over.
An enjoyable book from an author I look forward to reading more of in the future. Beautifully written, with just the right amount drama to keep the reader engaged. The characters are likeable, and I was invested in what happened to them. This was a captivating family drama with a couple of twists, turns and revelations.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 13, 2021
3.5 stars
At times it just so happens that a family binds itself together when a deep dark secret is revealed.
Julie, the main protagonist in the book The Choice I Made, does have the light shone upon her as she struggles to reconcile the love of her family home and business and the marriage to her husband. Wood Violet is not only a home Julie has treasured, it is also the business, the exclusive resort her parents own, bequeathed to them by their parents. Her grandfather is still alive, but loves to travel so he is away a lot and Julie's mom and dad are the proprietors.
Tragedy comes in the form of a stroke suffered by Julie's mom. As Julie rushes home to help, she finds her link to her husband becomes more and more tenuous. He wants her back in Chicago by his side and frowns upon her losing her lawyer job to care for her mom. She is torn between her duty to her husband and her love and care for her mother. It's a hard road to travel, but Julie knows where her heart and head lie. Added to that is the fact that Wood Violet is in financial trouble and she feels she needs to do something to assist the place she loves.
Julie becomes involved in the goings on of the business, and one day discovers a runaway living in one of the old dilapidated cabins. The girl, Margaret, is on a mission, that of finding her birth mother, who has a tie to Wood Violet. Some of the present guests of Willow Violet are old friends of Julie's, one of whom was a boyfriend of the past. The attraction is still there between them, but Julie feels duty bound to her husband, even though she realizes that they no longer have what they once did.
Things heat up when Julie finds a number of clues that point to the fact that Margaret does indeed have some sort of connection and as the family pulls together, they find themselves discovering a huge secret that effects the lives of the whole family.
This was a nice family drama and as I started to think about the story, I realized that all families have secrets. It's how they handle those secrets that is the base of family love, comraderie, and the ability to carry on as a unit. Recommended to those who like the interactions of family.
Thank you to Cynthia Ellingsen, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out on March 10, 2021
At times it just so happens that a family binds itself together when a deep dark secret is revealed.
Julie, the main protagonist in the book The Choice I Made, does have the light shone upon her as she struggles to reconcile the love of her family home and business and the marriage to her husband. Wood Violet is not only a home Julie has treasured, it is also the business, the exclusive resort her parents own, bequeathed to them by their parents. Her grandfather is still alive, but loves to travel so he is away a lot and Julie's mom and dad are the proprietors.
Tragedy comes in the form of a stroke suffered by Julie's mom. As Julie rushes home to help, she finds her link to her husband becomes more and more tenuous. He wants her back in Chicago by his side and frowns upon her losing her lawyer job to care for her mom. She is torn between her duty to her husband and her love and care for her mother. It's a hard road to travel, but Julie knows where her heart and head lie. Added to that is the fact that Wood Violet is in financial trouble and she feels she needs to do something to assist the place she loves.
Julie becomes involved in the goings on of the business, and one day discovers a runaway living in one of the old dilapidated cabins. The girl, Margaret, is on a mission, that of finding her birth mother, who has a tie to Wood Violet. Some of the present guests of Willow Violet are old friends of Julie's, one of whom was a boyfriend of the past. The attraction is still there between them, but Julie feels duty bound to her husband, even though she realizes that they no longer have what they once did.
Things heat up when Julie finds a number of clues that point to the fact that Margaret does indeed have some sort of connection and as the family pulls together, they find themselves discovering a huge secret that effects the lives of the whole family.
This was a nice family drama and as I started to think about the story, I realized that all families have secrets. It's how they handle those secrets that is the base of family love, comraderie, and the ability to carry on as a unit. Recommended to those who like the interactions of family.
Thank you to Cynthia Ellingsen, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out on March 10, 2021
March 17, 2021
A compelling family drama with a gorgeous setting and a boat full of secrets. Julie returns home to Wood Violet (a resort in Wisconsin), after her mother has a stroke. Julie and husband Tristan are only planning on being there for four days, they both have high power jobs back in Chicago. Julie feels so rejuvenated being home in the Wisconsin fresh air, she also realizes that her family needs her more than they’ve lead on. Her husband Tristan is not pleased with this decision, but Julie needs to do this for her family and herself. Julie’s summer is filled with family secrets, old friends, reconnections, and second chances.
This was such a beautiful and emotional story. The setting was stunning and peaceful. The characters were engaging and real. I just really loved the journey that the story took me on. It completely captured my heart and my sense of adventure. I wanted to be out in the fresh air of Wisconsin with these characters canoeing, sitting by the campfire, hiking, and even dancing. A lovely feel good story with a couple twist and turns.
This book in emojis 🛶 🎸 ✉️ 🧬 🔥 🐿
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was such a beautiful and emotional story. The setting was stunning and peaceful. The characters were engaging and real. I just really loved the journey that the story took me on. It completely captured my heart and my sense of adventure. I wanted to be out in the fresh air of Wisconsin with these characters canoeing, sitting by the campfire, hiking, and even dancing. A lovely feel good story with a couple twist and turns.
This book in emojis 🛶 🎸 ✉️ 🧬 🔥 🐿
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
March 8, 2021
Julie’s mother has had a stroke, and for weeks her father has said she is doing fine, but when Julie arrives for a weekend at their family’s Wisconsin resort, Wood Violet, she finds that her mother is not doing well and is not mobile. Despite the objections of her husband Tristan, Julie decides to stay and help out with her mother and the business for the summer. When she meets teenage Margaret, who is staying in an abandoned cabin and searching for her biological mother, Julie develops a connection with her. She also reconnects with her old friends, including her ex-boyfriend Chase. But secrets and lies come to the surface. Will it break them all apart?
This is was nice family story about supporting each other in the hard times and what happens when you don’t. Margaret’s search for her mother with Julie’s help is interesting. Julie’s connection to the woods, the cabins, and the area are heartfelt and believable, as is her strong desire to protect her family. However, the character Tristan is quite over the top. There were surprises that were not all that hard to figure out, but all in all this was an enjoyable family story with a touch of mystery and romance. Three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
I received a free copy of this book from Bookouture via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
This is was nice family story about supporting each other in the hard times and what happens when you don’t. Margaret’s search for her mother with Julie’s help is interesting. Julie’s connection to the woods, the cabins, and the area are heartfelt and believable, as is her strong desire to protect her family. However, the character Tristan is quite over the top. There were surprises that were not all that hard to figure out, but all in all this was an enjoyable family story with a touch of mystery and romance. Three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
I received a free copy of this book from Bookouture via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
March 10, 2021
The Choice I Made is a captivating domestic drama about the sacrifices we make for those we love, the consequences of the decisions we make and the secrets that can echo down through the generations. Thirtysomething Julie Scott and her husband, Tristan, have been married for three years, live and work in Chicago, Illinois and both have stressful high-powered jobs — she is a corporate lawyer representing famous and wealthy clientele — that barely give them a moment to themselves, but when Julie suffers several miscarriages their marriage becomes strained. They decide to try to reconcile and come to terms with the tragedy of losing the babies by spending a much-needed four-day long weekend together at her family’s exclusive 140-acre Wisconsin resort — Wood Violet — built fifty years ago by her grandfather and bequeathed to her parents who are now the proprietors. The cabin in which they are staying has stunning views overlooking Lake Florentine and is the perfect getaway, but Tristan isn't exactly best pleased to be there and seems jealous of the luxury in which Julie grew up. Julie is concerned as she knows her mother had had a stroke but before she's allowed to see her, her father asks to meet up at The But to talk, the only place with real privacy on the estate. He had told her over the phone that her mum was doing fine but they hadn't wanted to worry her. It turns out that she is paralysed and immobile and this deeply upsets Julie as she would've been there to help sooner had she known. She appears depressed and their normally tidy home is a mess as her father spends all of his time almost single-handedly running and keeping the resort afloat.
Much to Tristan’s chagrin, Julie decides to stay to help out her parents at least until the end of the summer and he travels back to the city alone seething with anger that she has put her parents before their marriage. It's a tough decision for her to make but she feels she's needed more by them at home, and with the resort in some financial trouble, she wants to ensure she can assist in saving the place she adores. In an attempt to reacquaint herself with the place she heads out to the dilapidated cabins on the edge of the property and discovers eighteen-year-old runaway Margaret hiding in one of the abandoned ones. She is looking for her biological mother and her investigation had led her to Wood Violet. Julie reconnects with old friends as well as her childhood sweetheart, Chase, and is having problems determining whether to stay where she loves with her family or move back to Chicago to be with an unsupportive, snarky husband who she is now having second thoughts about. When shocking, life-altering secrets and lies are revealed what will Julie decide to do? This is a compulsive, captivating and multilayered domestic drama packed full of emotion, twists, revelations, betrayal, jealousy, lies, mystery, difficult decisions and long-held secrets that rock the family to their core. At its heart, though, this is a story about finding your true home — that one place where you feel you truly belong and the importance of holding onto happiness whenever and wherever it arises. It's beautifully written with a cast easy to become invested in and an engaging and absorbing plot all set against an exquisite rural backdrop. Highly recommended.
Much to Tristan’s chagrin, Julie decides to stay to help out her parents at least until the end of the summer and he travels back to the city alone seething with anger that she has put her parents before their marriage. It's a tough decision for her to make but she feels she's needed more by them at home, and with the resort in some financial trouble, she wants to ensure she can assist in saving the place she adores. In an attempt to reacquaint herself with the place she heads out to the dilapidated cabins on the edge of the property and discovers eighteen-year-old runaway Margaret hiding in one of the abandoned ones. She is looking for her biological mother and her investigation had led her to Wood Violet. Julie reconnects with old friends as well as her childhood sweetheart, Chase, and is having problems determining whether to stay where she loves with her family or move back to Chicago to be with an unsupportive, snarky husband who she is now having second thoughts about. When shocking, life-altering secrets and lies are revealed what will Julie decide to do? This is a compulsive, captivating and multilayered domestic drama packed full of emotion, twists, revelations, betrayal, jealousy, lies, mystery, difficult decisions and long-held secrets that rock the family to their core. At its heart, though, this is a story about finding your true home — that one place where you feel you truly belong and the importance of holding onto happiness whenever and wherever it arises. It's beautifully written with a cast easy to become invested in and an engaging and absorbing plot all set against an exquisite rural backdrop. Highly recommended.
February 10, 2021
Exhaused from trying to be the wife her husband wants her to be and from the demands of her legal career, Julie heads home to look after her mother who has suffered a stroke. Julie isn’t really in a position to help; she’s suffered two miscarriages, recently started with a new law firm and beginning to have second thoughts about her choice for a husband. Tristan isn’t as supportive as she’d like him to be and can’t understand the importance of family nor the pull of responsibility. Julie’s family owns Wood Violet, a 140-acre Wisconsin resort lovingly started and nurtured by her grandparents. Every thread of Julie’s existence is tied to memories made at Wood Violet; it’s not something she can put on the back burner any longer. Her family needs her. Begrudgingly, Tristan makes a brief appearance at the resort before high-tailing it back to Chicago full of empty promises to return the following weekend. When Julie starts to dig into the financials of the resort, she discovers that her father hasn’t been telling her the truth. Not only that, she discovers that her mother’s recovery is slower than her father reported. In an attempt to familiarize herself with the property, Julie heads out to the cottages at the edge of the property. She is shocked to find an 18 year old run away living in one of the abandoned cabins. The discovery rocks her world. Who is this teen? Why is she here?
Cynthia Ellingsen, a new author for me, is phenomenal! Her writing immediately pulled me into the story and I couldn’t set the book down until I’d finished. I love how she writes offering little pieces of cheese to keep readers interested. Her characters are so authentic and her descriptive setting so vivid, it allows you to feel like you are a guest at the resort. It’s more than a story about a marriage on the rocks, it’s a story about the importance of family and connection. I’ve been thankful for the opportunity of family time and reinforcing the ties that bind during this pandemic. When the chips are down, so does Julie. Family first. I loved reading about a character that dug deep and realized the necessity of being true to herself, and once she’d found her true home, she helped others find theirs as well. It’s also a story about recovery after a stroke and how it affects the victim as well as the caregivers. I hope to be as loving and patient if I ever have to deal with the situation. As I turned over the last page, I was sad to say goodbye to the friends I’d made at Wood Violet. I wasn’t ready to let them go. This will be one of those books that I reach for time and again. Ellingsen is currently writing about two estranged sisters who are brought back together. I’m positive it will be just as engaging a read and can’t wait for more news.
This compelling and emotional read needs to be on your radar come March 10,2021.
Thank you to Cynthia Ellingsen, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a phenomenal advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cynthia Ellingsen, a new author for me, is phenomenal! Her writing immediately pulled me into the story and I couldn’t set the book down until I’d finished. I love how she writes offering little pieces of cheese to keep readers interested. Her characters are so authentic and her descriptive setting so vivid, it allows you to feel like you are a guest at the resort. It’s more than a story about a marriage on the rocks, it’s a story about the importance of family and connection. I’ve been thankful for the opportunity of family time and reinforcing the ties that bind during this pandemic. When the chips are down, so does Julie. Family first. I loved reading about a character that dug deep and realized the necessity of being true to herself, and once she’d found her true home, she helped others find theirs as well. It’s also a story about recovery after a stroke and how it affects the victim as well as the caregivers. I hope to be as loving and patient if I ever have to deal with the situation. As I turned over the last page, I was sad to say goodbye to the friends I’d made at Wood Violet. I wasn’t ready to let them go. This will be one of those books that I reach for time and again. Ellingsen is currently writing about two estranged sisters who are brought back together. I’m positive it will be just as engaging a read and can’t wait for more news.
This compelling and emotional read needs to be on your radar come March 10,2021.
Thank you to Cynthia Ellingsen, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a phenomenal advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2021
This is the first Cynthia Ellingsen book that I’ve read and have now added her to my list of authors to read more.
The book was well written. I enjoyed the storyline as it progressed and the development of the characters. Human emotion was shown as it really exists. Showing both the good and bad sides of people, although not really bad. Just real. Descriptions of the resort and the city were also well done. It was easy to see and hear the scene and in many cases, wish I was there!
Occasionally I would read a sentence that would make me stop and think....
“It also made me wonder how many women gave up their power in the name of love. Tilly had wanted her husband to be happy, so she’d gone along with his vision for their future. I’d done the same with Tristan, for much too long.”... I reread it few times before I carried on. I think this was a turning point for the main character, Julie.
Or this one....
“The darkness of the night surrounded the porch on all sides. I held my mother as tight as I could, leaning into her shoulder and breathing in the strength of her love. I wondered what I had been doing, what I had been thinking, trying to carry this burden on my own. My mother had always been there, waiting for me, to find the way back home.”.... just so good!
A few times in the first half of the book, I jumped paragraphs because of the repetition of details. The story seemed to have stalled for a couple of chapters but maybe it was just me? Maybe I just really wanted to know what happened next. The second half moved along well and kept leaving little bits to make me want to keep reading to find out more.
I was happy with the Julie’s choice of where she wanted to be. Its the choice I hoped she would make. I would’ve like to have seen more about her relationship with Chase developed instead of a paragraph in the epilogue. And what about Chase’s memory box?!? Where is it?!
Overall, it’s a great story about family, emotion, a bit of mystery and how the choices we make shape our lives and that of others.
Much thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity and introducing me to another great author!
My review is also posted at: https://genuinewordz.blogspot.com and https://www.instagram.com/genuinewordz/
The book was well written. I enjoyed the storyline as it progressed and the development of the characters. Human emotion was shown as it really exists. Showing both the good and bad sides of people, although not really bad. Just real. Descriptions of the resort and the city were also well done. It was easy to see and hear the scene and in many cases, wish I was there!
Occasionally I would read a sentence that would make me stop and think....
“It also made me wonder how many women gave up their power in the name of love. Tilly had wanted her husband to be happy, so she’d gone along with his vision for their future. I’d done the same with Tristan, for much too long.”... I reread it few times before I carried on. I think this was a turning point for the main character, Julie.
Or this one....
“The darkness of the night surrounded the porch on all sides. I held my mother as tight as I could, leaning into her shoulder and breathing in the strength of her love. I wondered what I had been doing, what I had been thinking, trying to carry this burden on my own. My mother had always been there, waiting for me, to find the way back home.”.... just so good!
A few times in the first half of the book, I jumped paragraphs because of the repetition of details. The story seemed to have stalled for a couple of chapters but maybe it was just me? Maybe I just really wanted to know what happened next. The second half moved along well and kept leaving little bits to make me want to keep reading to find out more.
I was happy with the Julie’s choice of where she wanted to be. Its the choice I hoped she would make. I would’ve like to have seen more about her relationship with Chase developed instead of a paragraph in the epilogue. And what about Chase’s memory box?!? Where is it?!
Overall, it’s a great story about family, emotion, a bit of mystery and how the choices we make shape our lives and that of others.
Much thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity and introducing me to another great author!
My review is also posted at: https://genuinewordz.blogspot.com and https://www.instagram.com/genuinewordz/
March 26, 2021
4.2 Stars
The Choice I Made is the story of Julie, who has to make more than one decision in a relatively short time. The book also deals with the choices another person was forced to make and how that changed the current events.
Told from Julie’s perspective, the book highlights the importance of family, support, and having a loving partner. Most of the characters are well-etched though the two crucial ones didn’t get enough space.
It is easy to invest in the characters and feel for them. The author has us hooked from the first page, and we keep rooting for the ones we love. Julie is confused, frustrated, and even terrified at times. But she doesn’t ramble or act like a nitwit. Not once did she come across as stupid. In fact, no character is a caricature, even the unlikable Tristan, Julie’s husband. He has many faults, but he is not a villain or a disgusting two-dimensional man.
I found myself wanting to read faster and know what happens next. The writing holds the readers’ interest, and that, for me is a huge plus.
Overall, this is a bittersweet book with a happy ending about life, choices, and love.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.
******
Read the full review here.
The Choice I Made is the story of Julie, who has to make more than one decision in a relatively short time. The book also deals with the choices another person was forced to make and how that changed the current events.
Told from Julie’s perspective, the book highlights the importance of family, support, and having a loving partner. Most of the characters are well-etched though the two crucial ones didn’t get enough space.
It is easy to invest in the characters and feel for them. The author has us hooked from the first page, and we keep rooting for the ones we love. Julie is confused, frustrated, and even terrified at times. But she doesn’t ramble or act like a nitwit. Not once did she come across as stupid. In fact, no character is a caricature, even the unlikable Tristan, Julie’s husband. He has many faults, but he is not a villain or a disgusting two-dimensional man.
I found myself wanting to read faster and know what happens next. The writing holds the readers’ interest, and that, for me is a huge plus.
Overall, this is a bittersweet book with a happy ending about life, choices, and love.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.
******
Read the full review here.
March 5, 2021
This was a story of so many things. It will transport you to your childhood and the family holidays of which when you are at an age that I am, there wasn't all the mod cons and family time was just that, family time. I loved that Wood Violet still held onto those traditions and it gave me food for thought.
Julie is torn as her life with her husband is in the city but being back home brings back so many fond memories as well a questioning what she really wants in life. Along with questions of her personal life, Wood Violet appears to be holding secrets of its own.
There are quite a few interesting characters and I so enjoyed getting to know them better. I particularly loved Julie's values and she was someone I connected with instantly. Over the course of the story, I was intrigued in how things would not only turn out for Julie but for a couple of the other characters also. What entails made for some engrossing and emotional reading.
The Choice I Made is the first book I have read by the author and definitely look forward to reading more. Her writing transported me to the Wisconsin resort and I lost myself into the pages and the lives of the characters. It's a story very much about staying true to who you are and the bonds that tie us. Loved it!
Julie is torn as her life with her husband is in the city but being back home brings back so many fond memories as well a questioning what she really wants in life. Along with questions of her personal life, Wood Violet appears to be holding secrets of its own.
There are quite a few interesting characters and I so enjoyed getting to know them better. I particularly loved Julie's values and she was someone I connected with instantly. Over the course of the story, I was intrigued in how things would not only turn out for Julie but for a couple of the other characters also. What entails made for some engrossing and emotional reading.
The Choice I Made is the first book I have read by the author and definitely look forward to reading more. Her writing transported me to the Wisconsin resort and I lost myself into the pages and the lives of the characters. It's a story very much about staying true to who you are and the bonds that tie us. Loved it!
February 25, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me me an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book enabled me to escape; I felt like I was spending a summer vacation in a wooden cabin by the lake. I love when I find a little gem such as this book that ends up surprising me. I could very well picture a movie made out of this story.
It is simple and tells the story of a family going through business challenges and the female protagonist reevaluating her life and marriage. There is love, there is friendship and mystery. Most of all, you get to witness childhood memories.
The author succeeded in setting the location so that it warms your heart and truly makes you escape.
Cute story. Very unexpected!
This book enabled me to escape; I felt like I was spending a summer vacation in a wooden cabin by the lake. I love when I find a little gem such as this book that ends up surprising me. I could very well picture a movie made out of this story.
It is simple and tells the story of a family going through business challenges and the female protagonist reevaluating her life and marriage. There is love, there is friendship and mystery. Most of all, you get to witness childhood memories.
The author succeeded in setting the location so that it warms your heart and truly makes you escape.
Cute story. Very unexpected!
February 20, 2021
Julie and her husband Tristan live in Chicago and both spend all of time working at their careers so that they can save for the future but they rarely take time to enjoy life. Julie finally gets home Wood Violet, a 140-acre Wisconsin resort lovingly built by her grandparents and now owned and managed by her parents. Julie and her husband planned to spend the long weekend together to ease the issues they have been having with each other after her miscarriages. When Julie gets to Wood Violet she feels like she is truly home but when she sees her parents, she is very concerned. Her mother had a stroke that her father told her was not serious but when Julie sees her mother, she's very upset. She has some paralysis and seems to have given up on life. Their house is a mess and her father is working constantly to try to get everything taken care of at the resort. At the end of the long weekend, she decides that it's more important to stay with her parents and help than it is to go back to her high pressure job in the city. Tristan leaves angry with her for putting her parents ahead of their marriage. Julie finds out that some of her old friends are staying at the resort and they immediately connect with each other. When they find a young girl living in an abandoned cabin at the resort, they are all concerned. After doing some investigation, Julie finds that Margaret is looking for her birth mother and some of her information pointed to the resort. Julie tries to help her while she is working at the resort trying to help with the financial situation as well as her mother's heath. When she finds some hidden letters, things start to make sense but she knows that bringing it to light will totally change her family dynamics. At the end of the summer, she has to decide whether to go back to Chicago and try to repair her marriage or whether she should stay at Wood Violet where she feels that she can make a difference and do what is important for her life.
This is a well written family story about finding your true home and happiness in what you accomplish in life. The characters feel like old friends. There's love for family, friends and husbands along with a bit of mystery and a beautiful setting. This my first book by this author and I definitely plan to read some of her earlier books.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
This is a well written family story about finding your true home and happiness in what you accomplish in life. The characters feel like old friends. There's love for family, friends and husbands along with a bit of mystery and a beautiful setting. This my first book by this author and I definitely plan to read some of her earlier books.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2021
I just loved this book.
March 28, 2021
Easy read
Good book with many stories with the story. Kept my attention and the ending brought good closure to all of the woven stories.
Good book with many stories with the story. Kept my attention and the ending brought good closure to all of the woven stories.
May 31, 2021
Getting the news of her mother’s illness, Julie came back home to Wood Violet, an exclusive resort and her family home. There were problems in her married life, and the resort too was going through financial crunches. Added to that was an eighteen-year old runaway who brought the mystery of her past.
My first book by author Cynthia Ellingsen, the core of the book was all about family and being there for them. Relationships held special meaning to all of them. It took me time to warm up to Julie, but once the story unfurled, I found myself relaxing into learning more about her.
The secret which the runaway, Margaret presented added a zingy spice to the story as there were multi generation involved in it. The story was detailed well enough to keep me engrossed. With a variety of characters, there was enough fires to douse and hidden secrets to add to the family drama.
Overall, a book and an author I would gladly read on a lazy afternoon. A lovely break from my thrillers.
My first book by author Cynthia Ellingsen, the core of the book was all about family and being there for them. Relationships held special meaning to all of them. It took me time to warm up to Julie, but once the story unfurled, I found myself relaxing into learning more about her.
The secret which the runaway, Margaret presented added a zingy spice to the story as there were multi generation involved in it. The story was detailed well enough to keep me engrossed. With a variety of characters, there was enough fires to douse and hidden secrets to add to the family drama.
Overall, a book and an author I would gladly read on a lazy afternoon. A lovely break from my thrillers.
May 11, 2021
This was a wonderful read. I loved the setting and the various characters and the mystery intertwined in the story. Great writing and even though overly wordy as opposed to dialog at times, the book moves along and gives the reader incentive to keep reading.
February 4, 2021
Like always, I'm a little biased, but I'm a fan.
November 17, 2023
Really enjoyed this book!
March 14, 2021
This is a perfect book for those that like Hallmark movies. And, once in a while I do enjoy a Hallmark movie.
It was a fast and easy read. It's a family drama. Entertaining. Somewhat predictable but that’s not always a bad thing. It’s interesting to see how it all develops and works out.
Julie is a lawyer working in a high-pressure office in Chicago. Tristan, her husband is a financial guy whose life is all about appearances and making money. Julie's parents run a back-to-nature resort in Wisconsin. Julie returns to the resort when her mother falls ill. Naturally, an old boyfriend is in the picture. And a mysterious runaway. And, the possibility of a scandal from the past, coming back to haunt the present.
There are a lot of emotional ups and downs in the story. It took me a while to warm up to Julie, the central character. In the beginning, she did not show any strength but as the story evolved, so did her character evolve. In fact, I ended up liking all the characters in the story.
I loved the setting of Wood Violet, the resort which was the location of almost the whole book. The author did a great job describing the location and resort itself. It sounds like a place I would love to spend time at.
The conclusion of the story did have an elemental of surprise, which was very welcome. I was very happy with the way everything wrapped up.
There was a letter from the author to the readers at the end. She explained that she spent 2020 writing this book and that it was a great escape from the pandemic. Here it is, 2O21, and now reading this book was a pleasant escape from the still ongoing pandemic for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. The views expressed in this review are strictly my own.
It was a fast and easy read. It's a family drama. Entertaining. Somewhat predictable but that’s not always a bad thing. It’s interesting to see how it all develops and works out.
Julie is a lawyer working in a high-pressure office in Chicago. Tristan, her husband is a financial guy whose life is all about appearances and making money. Julie's parents run a back-to-nature resort in Wisconsin. Julie returns to the resort when her mother falls ill. Naturally, an old boyfriend is in the picture. And a mysterious runaway. And, the possibility of a scandal from the past, coming back to haunt the present.
There are a lot of emotional ups and downs in the story. It took me a while to warm up to Julie, the central character. In the beginning, she did not show any strength but as the story evolved, so did her character evolve. In fact, I ended up liking all the characters in the story.
I loved the setting of Wood Violet, the resort which was the location of almost the whole book. The author did a great job describing the location and resort itself. It sounds like a place I would love to spend time at.
The conclusion of the story did have an elemental of surprise, which was very welcome. I was very happy with the way everything wrapped up.
There was a letter from the author to the readers at the end. She explained that she spent 2020 writing this book and that it was a great escape from the pandemic. Here it is, 2O21, and now reading this book was a pleasant escape from the still ongoing pandemic for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. The views expressed in this review are strictly my own.
March 28, 2021
Julie returns to her family's resort following her mother's stroke but discovers the business is also in danger. Her husband Tristan is thoroughly unsupportive but she meets up with her first love Chase. Meanwhile other family secrets come to light as a runaway teen searches for her birth mother at the resort...
The Choice I Made is a novel about family drama that deals with some pretty big issues including adoption and miscarriage. The author explores the intricacies of relationships in depth as marriages are put under pressure.
Her parents sent Julie out to forge a career even though she wanted to join the family business. She feels that her career as a lawyer is not fulfilling or honourable and yearns to be back at the resort. Her husband is adamant they should have a child but has refused to support Julie through two mscarriages so she cannot consider another pregnancy.
When she learns the truth about the debilitating stroke her mother has suffered, Julie returns home but Tristan makes it clear she has to choose between her family and him. The past rushes up to greet her as she meets first love Chase again, but her head and her hearts are at odds with each other. She is a wonderfully flawed character, struggling to deal with everything that life keeps throwing at her.
The subplot about the runaway teen gives the author a chance to explore Julie's ethics and gives a greater nuance to her character. The right thing is not always clear cut and definitely not easy. There is an important message about the sacrifices women are expected to make for love and this is very thought provoking yet handled delicately.
The Choice I Made is an enjoyable family drama with an engaging lead charcaters and interesting plot developments.
The Choice I Made is a novel about family drama that deals with some pretty big issues including adoption and miscarriage. The author explores the intricacies of relationships in depth as marriages are put under pressure.
Her parents sent Julie out to forge a career even though she wanted to join the family business. She feels that her career as a lawyer is not fulfilling or honourable and yearns to be back at the resort. Her husband is adamant they should have a child but has refused to support Julie through two mscarriages so she cannot consider another pregnancy.
When she learns the truth about the debilitating stroke her mother has suffered, Julie returns home but Tristan makes it clear she has to choose between her family and him. The past rushes up to greet her as she meets first love Chase again, but her head and her hearts are at odds with each other. She is a wonderfully flawed character, struggling to deal with everything that life keeps throwing at her.
The subplot about the runaway teen gives the author a chance to explore Julie's ethics and gives a greater nuance to her character. The right thing is not always clear cut and definitely not easy. There is an important message about the sacrifices women are expected to make for love and this is very thought provoking yet handled delicately.
The Choice I Made is an enjoyable family drama with an engaging lead charcaters and interesting plot developments.
March 12, 2021
Cynthia Ellingsen deftly writes a beautiful story about a woman at a crossroads and at the verge of a life changing decision making to continue the what is, or to make a change possiblevat a second chance and re-explore a new possibility for the future.
Julie's mother falls ill suffering a stroke, so she returns to Wisconsin to help with their family's resort, Wood Violet and help care for her mother, despite her husband Tristan's objections and who is anxious for them to go back to their busy lives in Chicago. Julie decides that she must stay given the condition of her mother and the failing resort. While there she reconnects with her old friend Chase and discovers a young teen Margaret living in one of the abandoned cabin who is in search of her biological mother.
I loved the story and I immediately became invested with the family drama, the characters and the situation our protagonist finds herself in.
As a stroke nurse myself, I thought that how the family experienced a life-changing diagnosis was so well written by Ellingson. She captured how the family dynamics change after a life changing event, especially something like a stroke. I thought it was very well done.
Overall I really enjoyed Cynthia Ellingson's writing. As a new author for me, she is someone I will definitely keep an eye out on for her future novels. In this novel, she really captured very well on the themes of family, love, second chances, and how sometimes finding yourself is through giving yourself to the service of others.
Julie's mother falls ill suffering a stroke, so she returns to Wisconsin to help with their family's resort, Wood Violet and help care for her mother, despite her husband Tristan's objections and who is anxious for them to go back to their busy lives in Chicago. Julie decides that she must stay given the condition of her mother and the failing resort. While there she reconnects with her old friend Chase and discovers a young teen Margaret living in one of the abandoned cabin who is in search of her biological mother.
I loved the story and I immediately became invested with the family drama, the characters and the situation our protagonist finds herself in.
As a stroke nurse myself, I thought that how the family experienced a life-changing diagnosis was so well written by Ellingson. She captured how the family dynamics change after a life changing event, especially something like a stroke. I thought it was very well done.
Overall I really enjoyed Cynthia Ellingson's writing. As a new author for me, she is someone I will definitely keep an eye out on for her future novels. In this novel, she really captured very well on the themes of family, love, second chances, and how sometimes finding yourself is through giving yourself to the service of others.
March 20, 2021
This book reflects the effects of many interwoven choices (and multigenerational secrets) in the constellation of characters. I found the book both engaging and thought-provoking.
Julie and her husband, Tristan, have high-powered careers based in Chicago. When Julie returns home to Wood Violet, the family’s beloved Wisconsin resort, she finds that her mother’s recovery from a stroke is much slower than her father had led her to believe and the resort itself is on a shaky financial footing. This is all compounded by the discovery of an enigmatic eighteen year old runaway in one of the abandoned cabins on the property. As the summer unfolds, Julie becomes more and more conflicted in her values – does she stay committed to her marriage to someone who at best can be described as both ambitious and selfish and her increasingly unsatisfactory profession as an lawyer or does she stay at the resort among family and friends to support her parents, solve the mystery of the young runaway, and help turn the financial tide of the business she loves?
I enjoyed the storyline and liked the character development. Julie is both admirable as well as frustrating as she struggles with telling the truth and protecting those she loves. Tristan, while a bit of a cliché, is portrayed as an emotionally volatile spouse who expects absolute fealty to his life goals. He is not really evil, but he epitomizes someone out to prove his value, even at the expense of his wife’s feelings and well-being. I appreciated the author’s honesty in dealing with one character’s reprehensible behavior; there was no sugar-coating a decision from the past that dramatically impacted many lives and left the family in shock.
Overall, this is an entertaining story that addresses issues of love, grief, betrayal, truth and honoring oneself.
My thanks to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
Julie and her husband, Tristan, have high-powered careers based in Chicago. When Julie returns home to Wood Violet, the family’s beloved Wisconsin resort, she finds that her mother’s recovery from a stroke is much slower than her father had led her to believe and the resort itself is on a shaky financial footing. This is all compounded by the discovery of an enigmatic eighteen year old runaway in one of the abandoned cabins on the property. As the summer unfolds, Julie becomes more and more conflicted in her values – does she stay committed to her marriage to someone who at best can be described as both ambitious and selfish and her increasingly unsatisfactory profession as an lawyer or does she stay at the resort among family and friends to support her parents, solve the mystery of the young runaway, and help turn the financial tide of the business she loves?
I enjoyed the storyline and liked the character development. Julie is both admirable as well as frustrating as she struggles with telling the truth and protecting those she loves. Tristan, while a bit of a cliché, is portrayed as an emotionally volatile spouse who expects absolute fealty to his life goals. He is not really evil, but he epitomizes someone out to prove his value, even at the expense of his wife’s feelings and well-being. I appreciated the author’s honesty in dealing with one character’s reprehensible behavior; there was no sugar-coating a decision from the past that dramatically impacted many lives and left the family in shock.
Overall, this is an entertaining story that addresses issues of love, grief, betrayal, truth and honoring oneself.
My thanks to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
March 10, 2021
This is the first book I’d read by Cynthia Ellingsen and it certainly won’t be the last!
Julie’s mother falls ill and has to return to her parents’ Wisconsin resort, Wood Violet, for the summer. Away from the pressures of their corporate jobs in the city, Julie hopes she and husband Tristan can start to heal after another failed pregnancy.
However, after arriving home, Julie discovers resort life is anything but peaceful. She has to focus more on saving the business than her marriage, and the appearance of childhood sweetheart Chase throws her into disarray.
Julie stumbles upon an eighteen-year-old girl hiding out in an abandoned cabin. The girl, Margaret, seems lost in the world, and Julie takes her under her wing. But Margaret has her own reasons for coming to Wood Violet, which threaten to expose a long-buried secret that could tear Julie’s family apart.
As the summer draws to the close, Julie must make a choice: will she return to Chicago with the man she married, or stay and fight for her family with the man she once loved?
This is a very well written book about love, family, friendships and the true meaning of happiness.
Thank you to the publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Julie’s mother falls ill and has to return to her parents’ Wisconsin resort, Wood Violet, for the summer. Away from the pressures of their corporate jobs in the city, Julie hopes she and husband Tristan can start to heal after another failed pregnancy.
However, after arriving home, Julie discovers resort life is anything but peaceful. She has to focus more on saving the business than her marriage, and the appearance of childhood sweetheart Chase throws her into disarray.
Julie stumbles upon an eighteen-year-old girl hiding out in an abandoned cabin. The girl, Margaret, seems lost in the world, and Julie takes her under her wing. But Margaret has her own reasons for coming to Wood Violet, which threaten to expose a long-buried secret that could tear Julie’s family apart.
As the summer draws to the close, Julie must make a choice: will she return to Chicago with the man she married, or stay and fight for her family with the man she once loved?
This is a very well written book about love, family, friendships and the true meaning of happiness.
Thank you to the publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
February 25, 2021
Choices Are Rarely Clear Cut. Ellingsen does a remarkable job here of showing the tensions between competing choices so many of us face. Spouse vs genetic family. City vs rural. What I wanted to be vs what society made me into. Finding myself vs keeping what I have. And so many more. All within a solid tale ostensibly about a childless married woman trying to help save her family's Dirty Dancing-style wilderness resort... and stumbling across a secret that could bring it all tumbling down. Excellent work layering so many issues into a readable and average ish length (circa 300 page) story. Very much recommended.
July 4, 2021
The Choice I Made is a compelling story with such relatable twists that it will have you reading late into the night. The setting is so real that I could hear the sounds, smell the scents, and feel the emotions of all of the characters. Readers will find themselves hoping it ends well. Cynthia Ellingsen once again has created characters and settings so real readers will be transported to the time of a young woman's happy memories and her time as a young adult facing life altering circumstances. I highly recommend The Choice I Made. Another great book by Cynthia Ellingsen.
March 14, 2021
Excellent, fast read
There wasn't a dull moment in the book! Look forward to reading this author again. My first of Cynthia Ellingsen's books but won't be the last!!! Patricia
There wasn't a dull moment in the book! Look forward to reading this author again. My first of Cynthia Ellingsen's books but won't be the last!!! Patricia
April 1, 2021
Not a Bad Choice
The story wasn’t compelling or an emotional page turner as described. Still, It was a breath of fresh air. I imagine like the air at Wood Violet.
The Choice I Made wasn’t far fetched when it came to life situations. I was able to connect with most of the story because I had lived through some of those very same life experiences.
Julie is a likable character. A little dim at times in the common sense area. To be a lawyer she really doesn’t know how to read people and situations sometimes. I found that to be a bit frustrating. Many times I wanted her to hurry up and make the freaking choice and stop over thinking.
Overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend it. Especially if you are looking for a light read.
The story wasn’t compelling or an emotional page turner as described. Still, It was a breath of fresh air. I imagine like the air at Wood Violet.
The Choice I Made wasn’t far fetched when it came to life situations. I was able to connect with most of the story because I had lived through some of those very same life experiences.
Julie is a likable character. A little dim at times in the common sense area. To be a lawyer she really doesn’t know how to read people and situations sometimes. I found that to be a bit frustrating. Many times I wanted her to hurry up and make the freaking choice and stop over thinking.
Overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend it. Especially if you are looking for a light read.
March 13, 2021
I have read and loved all of Cynthia Ellingsen's books--and THE CHOICE I MADE is by far my favorite. I got absolutely swept up in this story and read it cover to cover in an afternoon. I just couldn't put it down.
One thing I love about Ellingsen's books is the way the place comes to life. I'm a sucker for any story set in the woods, and Wood Violet made me want to run away to the Dells of Wisconsin right now. Ellingsen's descriptions put me right there, watching the mist rise off the lake in the morning over a hot cup of coffee.
What I love most about Ellingsen's writing is her ability to create a strong and compelling female protagonist. I always feel a connection, and I'm always rooting for them when the chips are down. But this time was different. Reading Julie's story was like reading my own. Like Julie, I had two miscarriages in less than a year, and differing paths through the grief put a strain on my marriage. My grandmother had a stroke soon after. Ellingsen captures perfectly the complex emotions that come when you're faced with these devastating events, and how unexpected connections can help you find your way to a new you.
One thing I love about Ellingsen's books is the way the place comes to life. I'm a sucker for any story set in the woods, and Wood Violet made me want to run away to the Dells of Wisconsin right now. Ellingsen's descriptions put me right there, watching the mist rise off the lake in the morning over a hot cup of coffee.
What I love most about Ellingsen's writing is her ability to create a strong and compelling female protagonist. I always feel a connection, and I'm always rooting for them when the chips are down. But this time was different. Reading Julie's story was like reading my own. Like Julie, I had two miscarriages in less than a year, and differing paths through the grief put a strain on my marriage. My grandmother had a stroke soon after. Ellingsen captures perfectly the complex emotions that come when you're faced with these devastating events, and how unexpected connections can help you find your way to a new you.
April 5, 2021
Stephanie in Missouri
The title intrigued me. I thought the family life she had was wonderful and how she helped Margaret come to terms with her family was great.
The title intrigued me. I thought the family life she had was wonderful and how she helped Margaret come to terms with her family was great.
April 8, 2021
It was light, refreshing and delightful. I kept wondering what was happening on the next page so it was a quick read.
June 30, 2021
I love to find a new author and I was lucky to have a chance to read and review The Choice I Made by Cynthia Ellingsen and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed this authors book and it certainly won’t be the last! Its not a genre I usually read but glad I did
Highly recommend this book.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity and introducing me to another great author!
Highly recommend this book.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity and introducing me to another great author!
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