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The Despair of Strangers
I don’t know how to do this without you anymore…
The text message wasn’t meant for Alyssa. After ending her engagement to a liar and cheater, she left everything behind, moving into a new apartment and changing her number. She didn’t expect to feel the words reach inside her, picking at scars never likely to heal.
I miss everything about you and I won’t move on. I can’t move on…
The messages kept coming, telling a story of loss that made Alyssa’s pain feel small. When she answered the texts, she formed a bond with Derek. Derek who was not writing to Alyssa at all, but trying to deal with his grief by sending messages to his dead fiancée.
All day today I was surrounded by people and I felt absolutely empty. Like when you went away, you took all of me with you….
Derek and Alyssa became friends first, then something more developed—a connection that felt like love, but one that left them both scared, uncertain of second chances. Alyssa wanted a future with Derek, but she wondered when Emily’s ghost would finally let him go.
The text message wasn’t meant for Alyssa. After ending her engagement to a liar and cheater, she left everything behind, moving into a new apartment and changing her number. She didn’t expect to feel the words reach inside her, picking at scars never likely to heal.
I miss everything about you and I won’t move on. I can’t move on…
The messages kept coming, telling a story of loss that made Alyssa’s pain feel small. When she answered the texts, she formed a bond with Derek. Derek who was not writing to Alyssa at all, but trying to deal with his grief by sending messages to his dead fiancée.
All day today I was surrounded by people and I felt absolutely empty. Like when you went away, you took all of me with you….
Derek and Alyssa became friends first, then something more developed—a connection that felt like love, but one that left them both scared, uncertain of second chances. Alyssa wanted a future with Derek, but she wondered when Emily’s ghost would finally let him go.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2021
About the author
Heather Topham Wood
17 books1,248 followersHeather Topham Wood’s obsession with novels began in childhood while growing up in a shore town in New Jersey. Writing since her teens, she recently returned to penning novels after a successful career as a freelance writer. She loves creating imaginary worlds where people behave exactly how she wants them to.
Heather graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Her freelance work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.
Follow Heather on Facebook, Twitter and her blog to keep posted on her upcoming works:
https://twitter.com/woodtop255
http://authorheather.com
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTopha...
Heather graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Her freelance work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.
Follow Heather on Facebook, Twitter and her blog to keep posted on her upcoming works:
https://twitter.com/woodtop255
http://authorheather.com
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTopha...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 25, 2022
So I picked this book because I liked the cover. While the story wasn't that bad (even though I've read better stories with similar plot) it felt like it was dragging. I felt like I was reading this for weeks and it made me tired. It had potential but something about it didn't work for me. Some parts were not well developed and tbh I didn't feel the connection between the MCs.
I wanted to like it but unfortunately I didn't. 2 ⭐
March 23, 2021
3.75 stars
I enjoyed this book.
Alyssa has left her old life behind. She is an heiress and has finally broken free of the miserable life she was living, including leaving her toxic family behind.
After a getting herself a new phone and number, she starts to receive texts from an unknown number.
The text messages aren’t meant for Alyssa. They’re from Derek who was not writing to Alyssa at all, but trying to deal with his grief by sending messages to his dead fiancée – not that Alyssa realises this. She assumes they’re from someone like her ex – who cannot take rejection for an answer. So she is shocked when she finally responds and realises she has misunderstood the messages.
There are elements of insta love and the dreaded “dead ex” here, we do wonder how Alyssa can compete with Derek’s love for his deceased finance – but the author does have a twist up her sleeve (though I did find the twist to be quite obvious).
I enjoyed this book.
Alyssa has left her old life behind. She is an heiress and has finally broken free of the miserable life she was living, including leaving her toxic family behind.
After a getting herself a new phone and number, she starts to receive texts from an unknown number.
The text messages aren’t meant for Alyssa. They’re from Derek who was not writing to Alyssa at all, but trying to deal with his grief by sending messages to his dead fiancée – not that Alyssa realises this. She assumes they’re from someone like her ex – who cannot take rejection for an answer. So she is shocked when she finally responds and realises she has misunderstood the messages.
There are elements of insta love and the dreaded “dead ex” here, we do wonder how Alyssa can compete with Derek’s love for his deceased finance – but the author does have a twist up her sleeve (though I did find the twist to be quite obvious).
March 13, 2021
Slow burn at the start with a gradual build between the two main characters. Very good chemistry with the h and h. Satisfying ending with no cliffy.
April 5, 2021
I loved this book. The characters and plot are endearing, flawed, believable and intimate. Books at their best for me create immersive worlds that I want to visit again and again this is one of them.
March 14, 2021
Wow!
What a book I never read such a book. Its simply superb. I loved the story a lot. The author wrote the book in such a way that it can attract anyone towards it. Excellent story
Highly Recommend
What a book I never read such a book. Its simply superb. I loved the story a lot. The author wrote the book in such a way that it can attract anyone towards it. Excellent story
Highly Recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
What do you do when you receive persistent the most swoon-worthy, gut-wrenching yet private text messages randomly? Do you answer back to correct the sender or leave it be?
What do you do when you feel the same way as the sender in your life, and somehow, he/she knows what you are going through as you leave your past and start a new life with no one to turn to?
Alyssa Carmichael has HAD it. She is over being perfect for others, kept her silence and compliancy for too long, and now needs a change, and it was a huge one!
When Alyssa took charge of her independence, she left everything and decided to start from anonymity - her name and even her mobile number so that no one can reach her. So, she was surprised when she started receiving mysterious, emotionally charged text messages from someone who seems to understand where she is coming from! These messages were full of pain, regret, and frustrations on life and love. It made her think about this anonymous texter all day long. Questions like: who, what, where, and why someone would be okay with sending these messages without having someone reply or answer.
The Despair of Strangers is told mainly from the POV of Alyssa's, except for Derek's text messages to Alyssa. The writing is emotionally charged and full of grief for what both Alyssa had to go through. Note that there is a lot of mystery surrounding Derek's POV side unless disclosed through the text messages. There is an underlying mystery aside from the romance part of the story. The ending will shed light on how we can sometimes be cruel to ourselves when guilt comes into play.
Generally, I am not a fan of first-person POVs since there can be too many crazy thoughts running through my head with the other characters. But in this book, I appreciate the author giving readers only of Alyssa's mind. I connected with her at a balanced level - left and right brain, rational and emotional sides.
Her past: the things Alyssa had to go through are so "mind-numbing," most especially what she had to go through from her family. Yes, her own family is pathetic --> is a mild description! Readers...my stomach with the intrigue, the family drama/trauma family that surely affected how she saw herself and how others treat her. It also is the cause of her dysfunctional relationship with her ex-fiancé, Jake.
Her present: There was so much emotion whenever she reads through these messages versus her life in the past. It will be impossible for readers not to get worked up with the whole situation. I am sure readers will understand Alyssa a lot better with each chapter, even if we do not always agree with her decisions/actions. I love how this time around, Alyssa is more upfront and vocal about her emotions and experiences. Her character developed very well and did not give in to jumping straight into a relationship. She knew she had her issues to sort out, and the same goes for Derek. She inspired Derek to be the best version of himself for everyone.
Their discovery of each other's identity then later meeting in person may not be the conventional penpal relationships. It is brought about by an unexpected second chance but later a painful decision (more on Alyssa's side). However, I can see her point of distancing herself from everything when Derek's still "hung up" over his ex-fiancée. She needed to look out for herself. There is talk about mental health and self-love, plus coping and healing methods, which I love and appreciate. It was not mentioned directly until the very end, but it is a beautiful segway in making Alyssa and Derek's second chance to love work.
Overall, The Dispair of Strangers is a highly recommended read for readers who love their angst and second chance genres. It is an emotionally charged, angst read that will get readers to question one's life's contentment and purpose - to live for others or one's self.
(1) It will make readers realize how much connection we sometimes make with a person that when they do "move on," they take a part of ourselves that is irreplaceable but will heal through time and second chances if we are willing to accept these opportunities.
(2) Derek and Alyssa are a match made in despair and tragedy. There were so many emotional scars and secrets brewing between them that you will get all the "feels" and more. Expect to be spewing out tears left and right as early as the early chapters as readers understand and learn the backgrounds of Jake and Alyssa.
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
What do you do when you receive persistent the most swoon-worthy, gut-wrenching yet private text messages randomly? Do you answer back to correct the sender or leave it be?
What do you do when you feel the same way as the sender in your life, and somehow, he/she knows what you are going through as you leave your past and start a new life with no one to turn to?
Alyssa Carmichael has HAD it. She is over being perfect for others, kept her silence and compliancy for too long, and now needs a change, and it was a huge one!
When Alyssa took charge of her independence, she left everything and decided to start from anonymity - her name and even her mobile number so that no one can reach her. So, she was surprised when she started receiving mysterious, emotionally charged text messages from someone who seems to understand where she is coming from! These messages were full of pain, regret, and frustrations on life and love. It made her think about this anonymous texter all day long. Questions like: who, what, where, and why someone would be okay with sending these messages without having someone reply or answer.
The Despair of Strangers is told mainly from the POV of Alyssa's, except for Derek's text messages to Alyssa. The writing is emotionally charged and full of grief for what both Alyssa had to go through. Note that there is a lot of mystery surrounding Derek's POV side unless disclosed through the text messages. There is an underlying mystery aside from the romance part of the story. The ending will shed light on how we can sometimes be cruel to ourselves when guilt comes into play.
Generally, I am not a fan of first-person POVs since there can be too many crazy thoughts running through my head with the other characters. But in this book, I appreciate the author giving readers only of Alyssa's mind. I connected with her at a balanced level - left and right brain, rational and emotional sides.
Her past: the things Alyssa had to go through are so "mind-numbing," most especially what she had to go through from her family. Yes, her own family is pathetic --> is a mild description! Readers...my stomach with the intrigue, the family drama/trauma family that surely affected how she saw herself and how others treat her. It also is the cause of her dysfunctional relationship with her ex-fiancé, Jake.
Her present: There was so much emotion whenever she reads through these messages versus her life in the past. It will be impossible for readers not to get worked up with the whole situation. I am sure readers will understand Alyssa a lot better with each chapter, even if we do not always agree with her decisions/actions. I love how this time around, Alyssa is more upfront and vocal about her emotions and experiences. Her character developed very well and did not give in to jumping straight into a relationship. She knew she had her issues to sort out, and the same goes for Derek. She inspired Derek to be the best version of himself for everyone.
Their discovery of each other's identity then later meeting in person may not be the conventional penpal relationships. It is brought about by an unexpected second chance but later a painful decision (more on Alyssa's side). However, I can see her point of distancing herself from everything when Derek's still "hung up" over his ex-fiancée. She needed to look out for herself. There is talk about mental health and self-love, plus coping and healing methods, which I love and appreciate. It was not mentioned directly until the very end, but it is a beautiful segway in making Alyssa and Derek's second chance to love work.
Overall, The Dispair of Strangers is a highly recommended read for readers who love their angst and second chance genres. It is an emotionally charged, angst read that will get readers to question one's life's contentment and purpose - to live for others or one's self.
(1) It will make readers realize how much connection we sometimes make with a person that when they do "move on," they take a part of ourselves that is irreplaceable but will heal through time and second chances if we are willing to accept these opportunities.
(2) Derek and Alyssa are a match made in despair and tragedy. There were so many emotional scars and secrets brewing between them that you will get all the "feels" and more. Expect to be spewing out tears left and right as early as the early chapters as readers understand and learn the backgrounds of Jake and Alyssa.
We never held faith in happy endings, only tragic ones, but maybe two broken things could become whole together.
March 20, 2021
Grief is intangible, so how can it be measured?
Alyssa faces a journey; a journey to discover who she is and what she's made of. Is she simply a doll, to be placed this way and that, with no say regarding her life's path, or is she an independent woman, capable of making her own choices and paving her own way? Getting caught up in a fantasy-like situation, can Alyssa remain true to herself? What will Derek do when he discovers Alyssa's darkest secret?
"I was starting to realize not all trauma was loud, some was almost imperceptible, but still left scars." - Alyssa
Derek was lost; lost in an endless morass of devastation and grief. Only fleeting relief was found in texting a number: the number belonging to his murdered fiancee. But even that fragile connection is severed when a text is received from that same number... And his final, tenuous thread is gone... Derek finds himself at first disgusted, then intrigued by the person responding to his texts. She seems to know, to understand the endless pain he endures.
Alyssa pulls herself from the abyss, but will she be strong enough to pull him from it as well?
Alyssa faces a journey; a journey to discover who she is and what she's made of. Is she simply a doll, to be placed this way and that, with no say regarding her life's path, or is she an independent woman, capable of making her own choices and paving her own way? Getting caught up in a fantasy-like situation, can Alyssa remain true to herself? What will Derek do when he discovers Alyssa's darkest secret?
"I was starting to realize not all trauma was loud, some was almost imperceptible, but still left scars." - Alyssa
Derek was lost; lost in an endless morass of devastation and grief. Only fleeting relief was found in texting a number: the number belonging to his murdered fiancee. But even that fragile connection is severed when a text is received from that same number... And his final, tenuous thread is gone... Derek finds himself at first disgusted, then intrigued by the person responding to his texts. She seems to know, to understand the endless pain he endures.
Alyssa pulls herself from the abyss, but will she be strong enough to pull him from it as well?
July 13, 2021
Beautifully heartbreaking 🤍
The Despair of Strangers was a book about love, loss and grief. Two people with broken hearts for two completely different reasons.
My heart hurt for Derek as he tried to move on with his life, but also for Alyssa as she tried to build a future with Derek whilst still dealing with ghosts from the past.
Can you ever really love someone when you're still holding onto all the pain, anger from your loss?
What i loved was the journey they both went on separately and together. They did alot of soul searching to come out stronger.
I so wanted them to get their HEA!
A beautiful story that took me on an emotional rollercoaster and one I'd read again for sure.
The Despair of Strangers was a book about love, loss and grief. Two people with broken hearts for two completely different reasons.
My heart hurt for Derek as he tried to move on with his life, but also for Alyssa as she tried to build a future with Derek whilst still dealing with ghosts from the past.
Can you ever really love someone when you're still holding onto all the pain, anger from your loss?
What i loved was the journey they both went on separately and together. They did alot of soul searching to come out stronger.
I so wanted them to get their HEA!
A beautiful story that took me on an emotional rollercoaster and one I'd read again for sure.
March 18, 2021
This was such an absolutely adorable emotional story, The emotions Derek and Alyssa had to go through to have fate bring them together.
Throughout the entire book it was written in Alyssa’s POV and her thoughts, Alyssa had ended her 7 year engagement and moved away with a new phone number away from her family. Derek has lost his fiancée where she was murdered and has been sending Hhis dead fiancée text messages but come to find out there grew a friendship and more..
I didn’t know strangers to lovers was a trope until recently and they are so rare to find!!
4.5/5⭐️
1/5🔥
Throughout the entire book it was written in Alyssa’s POV and her thoughts, Alyssa had ended her 7 year engagement and moved away with a new phone number away from her family. Derek has lost his fiancée where she was murdered and has been sending Hhis dead fiancée text messages but come to find out there grew a friendship and more..
I didn’t know strangers to lovers was a trope until recently and they are so rare to find!!
4.5/5⭐️
1/5🔥
April 7, 2021
I liked the premise of getting to know each other via text. I liked their text banter almost better than their live interactions. Overall, this was a light-hearted, super contrived but still enjoyable read.
March 19, 2021
By far.... one of the best books I read!
This book was amazing! Some really funny parts, sad parts & irritating parts! You know when people say the book kept you captured from the beginning? This book really did! Such a great love story with a little bit of mystery too. Thanks for an awesome story!
This book was amazing! Some really funny parts, sad parts & irritating parts! You know when people say the book kept you captured from the beginning? This book really did! Such a great love story with a little bit of mystery too. Thanks for an awesome story!
March 27, 2021
It All Started With A Text...
It all started with a text message. Derick was despairing over the loss of his fiancee, pouring his heart out to a love no longer reachable. Alyssa was empathic because she had lost her fiance and essentially her entire family, but under a different set of circumstances. Together, these two broken souls would become whole again. Excellent story!
It all started with a text message. Derick was despairing over the loss of his fiancee, pouring his heart out to a love no longer reachable. Alyssa was empathic because she had lost her fiance and essentially her entire family, but under a different set of circumstances. Together, these two broken souls would become whole again. Excellent story!
April 26, 2021
Great read
I really liked the whole text to a lost lover premise that began this story. I fully understood where Alyssa was coming from in not accepting less than all of Derek’s love for just herself alone. I was getting bored with romance novels, but I’d read books like this all day.
I really liked the whole text to a lost lover premise that began this story. I fully understood where Alyssa was coming from in not accepting less than all of Derek’s love for just herself alone. I was getting bored with romance novels, but I’d read books like this all day.
April 25, 2023
**I received a copy of this title for free from the author in a goodreads giveaway. This does not affect my rating as such. Thank you, Heather Topham Wood!**
The way this woman was so fucking jealous of a dead girl 😭 babe, go to therapy like your new man.
IDK how but this book felt rushed, but also a slog all at the same time.
The way this woman was so fucking jealous of a dead girl 😭 babe, go to therapy like your new man.
IDK how but this book felt rushed, but also a slog all at the same time.
April 2, 2021
Solid 4 stars
This wasn’t as slow of a burn as I would have liked, I wish there was more detail during the months of her receiving the texts but doing nothing about them. But I really enjoyed this story. It was a different premise and a sweet love.
This wasn’t as slow of a burn as I would have liked, I wish there was more detail during the months of her receiving the texts but doing nothing about them. But I really enjoyed this story. It was a different premise and a sweet love.
August 12, 2021
Heart ache to healing
A story that just sucks you right in. I couldn't put it down. Two very broken people who fate brought together and their struggle to get past hurt and misunderstanding in order to realize their happy ending.
A story that just sucks you right in. I couldn't put it down. Two very broken people who fate brought together and their struggle to get past hurt and misunderstanding in order to realize their happy ending.
August 16, 2021
The Despair ofStrangers
I loved this story - you never know what’s going to happen on the next page or chapter. I keeps you in suspense - it makes you laugh and cry but most of all I love the ending. Read and enjoy.
I loved this story - you never know what’s going to happen on the next page or chapter. I keeps you in suspense - it makes you laugh and cry but most of all I love the ending. Read and enjoy.
September 21, 2021
Is it Fate or Love?
This book is a page turner from start to finish! The emotions of Alyssa and Derek are palpable, the grief, anger, happiness and love are all felt and relatable! I loved the evolution of their relationship and the growth throughout!! Will definitely read this one again!
This book is a page turner from start to finish! The emotions of Alyssa and Derek are palpable, the grief, anger, happiness and love are all felt and relatable! I loved the evolution of their relationship and the growth throughout!! Will definitely read this one again!
June 6, 2022
Fantastic
This is a great book! I recommend it to everyone, Lol. The characters felt like real people. They weren't perfect, they both had problems. It was nice reading about mostly normal people.
This is a great book! I recommend it to everyone, Lol. The characters felt like real people. They weren't perfect, they both had problems. It was nice reading about mostly normal people.
Read
May 10, 2021Dnf
May 30, 2021
3.75 stars 🌟
Want to Read
August 10, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/10/2021)! 🎁
August 15, 2021
Very Goodread!! Enjoyed this book and story. The characters were very believable and story line kept me interested. Recommend
December 10, 2021
I felt like the relationship between the hero and heroine started to fast, and I felt like he was not actually mourning her.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews