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Without Warning
On an ordinary Tuesday morning a gunman bursts into a coffee shop at a busy shopping centre, changing the customers’ lives forever.
Paula, a busy mum, was just stopping off for a milkshake with her 8-year-old son.
Fiona had decided to finally step out of the house after a personal tragedy, only to find herself once again in the wrong place at the wrong time.
University student Destiny was looking forward to finally having her first date with her friend Luke.
Rosie was meeting her twin sister, Betty, only to discover that they both had a life-changing secret to share.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the four women rebuild their lives.
Without Warning is a story about finding yourself again, even after the darkest of days.
Paula, a busy mum, was just stopping off for a milkshake with her 8-year-old son.
Fiona had decided to finally step out of the house after a personal tragedy, only to find herself once again in the wrong place at the wrong time.
University student Destiny was looking forward to finally having her first date with her friend Luke.
Rosie was meeting her twin sister, Betty, only to discover that they both had a life-changing secret to share.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the four women rebuild their lives.
Without Warning is a story about finding yourself again, even after the darkest of days.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2021
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 17, 2021
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Without Warning by Larissa Johns
Imagine a gunman bursting into a coffee shop and you are there in the thick of it? It’s everybody’s worst nightmare!
Four very different women rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a shooting tragedy. Our four main characters, Paula, Destiny, Rosie and Fiona are horribly in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Paula a mother is accompanied by her young son having a quick stop off for a milkshake. Fiona is out for the first time in months after a personal tragedy. Uni student Destiny is on her first date. Rosie is meeting her twin sister and they both have life-changing secrets to reveal to one another .
In these short chapters we follow the lives of these women and how the shooting affects them all in different ways and then unexpectedly brings them together again after this traumatic event.
An engaging and believable read that captured my interest, showing us how no matter what life throws at you, you can get through it thanks to the connection of family, friends and even finding new friendships.
Publication Date 28 June 2021
My thanks to the author Larissa Johns for the wonderful opportunity to win a copy of this book. The book is self published and available through Amazon, The Book Depository etc.
Without Warning by Larissa Johns
Imagine a gunman bursting into a coffee shop and you are there in the thick of it? It’s everybody’s worst nightmare!
Four very different women rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a shooting tragedy. Our four main characters, Paula, Destiny, Rosie and Fiona are horribly in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Paula a mother is accompanied by her young son having a quick stop off for a milkshake. Fiona is out for the first time in months after a personal tragedy. Uni student Destiny is on her first date. Rosie is meeting her twin sister and they both have life-changing secrets to reveal to one another .
In these short chapters we follow the lives of these women and how the shooting affects them all in different ways and then unexpectedly brings them together again after this traumatic event.
An engaging and believable read that captured my interest, showing us how no matter what life throws at you, you can get through it thanks to the connection of family, friends and even finding new friendships.
Publication Date 28 June 2021
My thanks to the author Larissa Johns for the wonderful opportunity to win a copy of this book. The book is self published and available through Amazon, The Book Depository etc.
June 26, 2021
It’s been a long time since I’ve picked up a book and haven’t been able to put it down but that was the case for Without Warning. I think I finished it within 24 hours because it had me hooked from the beginning and each chapter had me wanting more! I couldn’t put it down until I found out everything!
This is the second book by Larissa Johns that I have read and she never disappoints! I’m excited to see what’s next from this author!
This is the second book by Larissa Johns that I have read and she never disappoints! I’m excited to see what’s next from this author!
July 3, 2021
I was hit with emotions early on in the book (unusual for me when reading), but I kept turning the pages because I wanted to know more about the characters. This is one I'd recommend to anyone who loves women's fiction with rich characters you can picture, or stories about beating the odds!
I'm still trying to work out which one of the women is my favourite character.... I found each of them so interesting!
I'm still trying to work out which one of the women is my favourite character.... I found each of them so interesting!
July 3, 2021
Another book it is very hard to put down by this author.
I have really enjoyed reading this book, and seeing how the lives of the characters progressed. I really loved the short chapters and the fact that each one was focused on an individual character. I liked how each of them had just as an important story to tell and how their lives became intertwined. An excellent read.
I have really enjoyed reading this book, and seeing how the lives of the characters progressed. I really loved the short chapters and the fact that each one was focused on an individual character. I liked how each of them had just as an important story to tell and how their lives became intertwined. An excellent read.
July 12, 2021
Four women are dealing with their lives as best they can when coincidence has them all in the same cafe at the time a shooter barges in and takes aim. Each of them suffers differently as a result but the shared tragedy brings them together, resulting in a firm friendship. A beautifully crafted story that I found hard to put down. Loved this one.
May 22, 2021
Wow wow wow!
I was completely captivated within the first few pages of this book. I was intrigued and so keen to learn where the roads of these four women would lead.
Larissa really delved deep into how individuals deal with life differently. The way these four characters grieved their losses, and found themselves again in life is a clear tribute to Larissa’s writing skills.
To be able to explore different feelings of the characters, experience their joy and sadness and also relate to them on each of their levels was what really enthralled me.
There were times throughout the book where I thought I could see something different coming that didn’t, and it was nice to not be able to guess the outcome as I do in many other books.
The simplicity of the end of this book gave me a sense of calmness and completeness that I think was needed after such an emotional roller coaster.
Thank you, Larissa, for sharing this ARC with me. It’s the first time I’ve experienced an ARC and the first time I’ve left a review for a book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
Grief is like glitter. It’s hard to brush away.
I was completely captivated within the first few pages of this book. I was intrigued and so keen to learn where the roads of these four women would lead.
Larissa really delved deep into how individuals deal with life differently. The way these four characters grieved their losses, and found themselves again in life is a clear tribute to Larissa’s writing skills.
To be able to explore different feelings of the characters, experience their joy and sadness and also relate to them on each of their levels was what really enthralled me.
There were times throughout the book where I thought I could see something different coming that didn’t, and it was nice to not be able to guess the outcome as I do in many other books.
The simplicity of the end of this book gave me a sense of calmness and completeness that I think was needed after such an emotional roller coaster.
Thank you, Larissa, for sharing this ARC with me. It’s the first time I’ve experienced an ARC and the first time I’ve left a review for a book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
Grief is like glitter. It’s hard to brush away.
May 20, 2021
Thank you Larissa John’s for the advanced copy. You didn’t disappoint.
The first few chapters of this book were definitely ones that pull you in. They are short and snappy and clearly help to define the four main characters, Paula, Destiny, Rosie and Fiona.
I was totally hooked by the dramatic scenes at the coffee shop and then had a sinking feeling wondering how the author would continue to keep up this level of excitement and suspense.
I must confess that in the middle of the book I wavered slightly. Mostly because the tone become somber but it had to didn’t it, let’s face it after a shooting what more would you expect. I wasn’t off track for long though, there were so many other dynamic plots evolving , in fact I think so many topics that are difficult to address, were addressed with such compassion and understanding. I was crying then laughing. Quite a few times I was shocked.
The age groups of the women and diversity of their lives was all pulled together brilliantly by John’s. A great read that I would recommend.
The first few chapters of this book were definitely ones that pull you in. They are short and snappy and clearly help to define the four main characters, Paula, Destiny, Rosie and Fiona.
I was totally hooked by the dramatic scenes at the coffee shop and then had a sinking feeling wondering how the author would continue to keep up this level of excitement and suspense.
I must confess that in the middle of the book I wavered slightly. Mostly because the tone become somber but it had to didn’t it, let’s face it after a shooting what more would you expect. I wasn’t off track for long though, there were so many other dynamic plots evolving , in fact I think so many topics that are difficult to address, were addressed with such compassion and understanding. I was crying then laughing. Quite a few times I was shocked.
The age groups of the women and diversity of their lives was all pulled together brilliantly by John’s. A great read that I would recommend.
June 30, 2021
How are you supposed to live on Without Warning when something terrible has happened?
Paula a mother of two, treating her 8 year old son to a milkshake, Fiona who has PTSD and decided that it would be a great day to finally get out of the house, University student Destiny who was on her first date and Rosie who was meeting her twin sister Betty- for which of whom just told her a life changing secret.
Can these four women bond a relationship based on a traumatic event they are linked to? Or is it just too much for them?
With its short chapters and told in 4 POV, Without Warning is a quick easy light but difficult read. It faces you will the traumatic experiences during a situation and the after affects not only on the characters but as well as people around them.
I cried both happy and sad tears in this book. I won't explain why that is something you will have to find out yourself.
Larissa Johns gifted me a ebook copy of her book, for review purposes.
Paula a mother of two, treating her 8 year old son to a milkshake, Fiona who has PTSD and decided that it would be a great day to finally get out of the house, University student Destiny who was on her first date and Rosie who was meeting her twin sister Betty- for which of whom just told her a life changing secret.
Can these four women bond a relationship based on a traumatic event they are linked to? Or is it just too much for them?
With its short chapters and told in 4 POV, Without Warning is a quick easy light but difficult read. It faces you will the traumatic experiences during a situation and the after affects not only on the characters but as well as people around them.
I cried both happy and sad tears in this book. I won't explain why that is something you will have to find out yourself.
Larissa Johns gifted me a ebook copy of her book, for review purposes.
July 4, 2021
I’ve been so excited to read this book from Larissa, after devouring her first book Having It All, and I wasn’t disappointed!
This novel touches on a story not often told in detail by authors - how people deal with the aftermath of a tragic event. I loved this unique story and found it oddly heartwarming how each of the main characters, Paula, Fiona, Rosie and Destiny, handled their trauma in different, very real ways. I loved reading their stories.
I loved the short chapters, they had my heart racing and really fit the storyline. I also usually have trouble with books which tell the story from multiple perspectives because I usually get bored of one character and want to move on to the next! I’ve stalled reading so many books because of this so the quick chapters were extremely refreshing and made sure I was always engaged in the story.
Highly recommend this book - another five star novel from Larissa!
This novel touches on a story not often told in detail by authors - how people deal with the aftermath of a tragic event. I loved this unique story and found it oddly heartwarming how each of the main characters, Paula, Fiona, Rosie and Destiny, handled their trauma in different, very real ways. I loved reading their stories.
I loved the short chapters, they had my heart racing and really fit the storyline. I also usually have trouble with books which tell the story from multiple perspectives because I usually get bored of one character and want to move on to the next! I’ve stalled reading so many books because of this so the quick chapters were extremely refreshing and made sure I was always engaged in the story.
Highly recommend this book - another five star novel from Larissa!
May 23, 2021
I was lucky enough to be able to read an advanced e-book copy, and appreciate the author Larissa giving me an opportunity to read and review Without Warning.
The interwoven stories are of four main female characters who come together after a shared traumatic experience in an attempt to heal and move on with their lives. Although the women are different ages and from different backgrounds their common trauma allows them to form a strong bond and friendship to help support them through other life dilemmas and triumphs.
There are quite a few sensitive topics that are explored and although well written I felt like a few topics could have been explored further, but that could just be me not wanting to finish the book! It can get quite emotional at times and few breaks from reading was needed to stop the tears - especially as I was in public.
I would definitely recommend reading this book, and although they are not easy topics, it is well written and engaging. This is the first time my reading this author and I know she has another book published and looking forward to giving that a read as well.
The interwoven stories are of four main female characters who come together after a shared traumatic experience in an attempt to heal and move on with their lives. Although the women are different ages and from different backgrounds their common trauma allows them to form a strong bond and friendship to help support them through other life dilemmas and triumphs.
There are quite a few sensitive topics that are explored and although well written I felt like a few topics could have been explored further, but that could just be me not wanting to finish the book! It can get quite emotional at times and few breaks from reading was needed to stop the tears - especially as I was in public.
I would definitely recommend reading this book, and although they are not easy topics, it is well written and engaging. This is the first time my reading this author and I know she has another book published and looking forward to giving that a read as well.
July 4, 2021
As soon as I began reading I knew I wouldn’t be doing anything else with my day- I could not put this book down! It began with a traumatic experience that was written in a way that made you feel like you were right there with the characters on that fateful day. I loved the format of hearing about the events of the day and the days and months that followed, from the different perspectives of the four main characters. Well done Larissa, another great book!
July 10, 2021
The second book by Larissa John’s grabbed my attention me from the start. Without Warning didn’t pull any punches and the emotional impact of the early chapters took me by surprise. All four characters kept me turning the pages right to the very end. A most enjoyable read.
February 2, 2023
Oh my goodness, this book had me in tears less than 40 pages in!! What a tragic, shocking, heartbreaking start to the story. But… the rest of the book was all about healing and friendship. I really loved this read and found myself unable to put it down.
Four women come together after a traumatic event and find themselves in varied instances of hard circumstances; each one of these characters are unique and brought to life beautifully. I came to care for all of them very quickly and felt all sorts of emotions as I read.
This is a wonderful and uplifting domestic fiction that pulls at your heartstrings but also makes you smile. The storyline is strong, the characters and their friendships are so sweet, and it is full of emotion. I really loved it and found the book incredibly well written! I highly recommend this tear jerker that ultimately leaves you feeling uplifted and hopeful at the end
Four women come together after a traumatic event and find themselves in varied instances of hard circumstances; each one of these characters are unique and brought to life beautifully. I came to care for all of them very quickly and felt all sorts of emotions as I read.
This is a wonderful and uplifting domestic fiction that pulls at your heartstrings but also makes you smile. The storyline is strong, the characters and their friendships are so sweet, and it is full of emotion. I really loved it and found the book incredibly well written! I highly recommend this tear jerker that ultimately leaves you feeling uplifted and hopeful at the end
July 15, 2021
This book in 3 words: quick, vast, encouraging
Without Warning wastes no time in diving right in to tragedy. You're learning a little bit about the main characters, and BAM, there's a shooting. The bits and pieces you were picking up are now thrown together to create the core of the story. I loved the author's choice to really run at this, head first, and get into something as dark and terrifying as a random shooting. This book was refreshing... the plot, subject matter, and overall arch of the story while touching on tragedy, tough family dynamics, loss, and friendship♥️.
This book is written in a fairly unique way... multiple POV, but we're talking 4 main characters. I thought this was an interesting direction to take for the plot but ultimately, it made the book a bit difficult. If this book was 200 more pages, this would've worked better. The short chapters and quick switching of story lines felt shallow and like you were just getting in the groove with a character before they were pulled away. Larissa's writing is enjoyable and relatable, but I feel like I just didn't get enough to really be invested in each character. The idea and premise is interesting and engulfing, but the execution lacks a bit. I think the detailed story lines for 4 main characters were maybe 2 characters over done. I truly think each of the 4 characters could've had their own story, which left me wanting more.
All in all, the connection of the characters creates a hopeful environment I feel almost anyone can relate to.
Larissa Johns gifted me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ♥️
Without Warning wastes no time in diving right in to tragedy. You're learning a little bit about the main characters, and BAM, there's a shooting. The bits and pieces you were picking up are now thrown together to create the core of the story. I loved the author's choice to really run at this, head first, and get into something as dark and terrifying as a random shooting. This book was refreshing... the plot, subject matter, and overall arch of the story while touching on tragedy, tough family dynamics, loss, and friendship♥️.
This book is written in a fairly unique way... multiple POV, but we're talking 4 main characters. I thought this was an interesting direction to take for the plot but ultimately, it made the book a bit difficult. If this book was 200 more pages, this would've worked better. The short chapters and quick switching of story lines felt shallow and like you were just getting in the groove with a character before they were pulled away. Larissa's writing is enjoyable and relatable, but I feel like I just didn't get enough to really be invested in each character. The idea and premise is interesting and engulfing, but the execution lacks a bit. I think the detailed story lines for 4 main characters were maybe 2 characters over done. I truly think each of the 4 characters could've had their own story, which left me wanting more.
All in all, the connection of the characters creates a hopeful environment I feel almost anyone can relate to.
Larissa Johns gifted me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ♥️
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews