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Life #3-4
Pieces and Memories of a Life
Everyone knows there’s something slightly “off” about Josephine Watts.
The summer before fourth grade, she befriends Colten, the new neighbor boy.
He’s into piano and baseball. She has a penchant for dead things.
Their unlikely friendship lasts until graduation when Colten breaks her heart.
Seventeen years later, the boy she once hated is back in her life—a single dad and a homicide detective looking over Josephine’s shoulder while she performs autopsies as one of Chicago’s most gifted forensic pathologists.
When fate throws them a curveball, and Colten saves her life, Josie’s left with images that keep her awake at night, images she can’t explain.
Colten’s determined to marry the girl he’s always loved, but Josie’s not planning a wedding. She’s too consumed with unspeakable events that happened over a century ago.
He wants to believe her, but he can’t understand her.
If he can’t understand her, he can’t stop her from going too far.
If he can’t stop her, he can’t save them.
And without Josephine Watts … well, he can’t imagine that world.
The summer before fourth grade, she befriends Colten, the new neighbor boy.
He’s into piano and baseball. She has a penchant for dead things.
Their unlikely friendship lasts until graduation when Colten breaks her heart.
Seventeen years later, the boy she once hated is back in her life—a single dad and a homicide detective looking over Josephine’s shoulder while she performs autopsies as one of Chicago’s most gifted forensic pathologists.
When fate throws them a curveball, and Colten saves her life, Josie’s left with images that keep her awake at night, images she can’t explain.
Colten’s determined to marry the girl he’s always loved, but Josie’s not planning a wedding. She’s too consumed with unspeakable events that happened over a century ago.
He wants to believe her, but he can’t understand her.
If he can’t understand her, he can’t stop her from going too far.
If he can’t stop her, he can’t save them.
And without Josephine Watts … well, he can’t imagine that world.
764 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2022
98 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Jewel E. Ann
55 books10.6k followersJewel is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today best selling author with a quirky sense of humor. When she's not saving the planet one tree at a time, you can find her role modeling questionable behavior to her three boys, binge-watching Netflix with her husband, and writing mind-bending romance.
Her newest release is I Thought of You, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.
Upcoming Projects: Sunday Morning, book 1 in the Sunday Morning Series coming in Sept. 2024.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
Her newest release is I Thought of You, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.
Upcoming Projects: Sunday Morning, book 1 in the Sunday Morning Series coming in Sept. 2024.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 26, 2024
I struggled with this one because of Josie, but I love this author and she definitely knows how to write and tell stories in a way that keeps you coming back for more.
July 14, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
This was almost a DNF, and honestly I’m not sure why I pushed through.
The fmc, Josie, is exhausting. In part 1, she spends the entire time rejecting the mmc, Colten, because he broke her heart 17 years prior. In part 2, she spends the entire time rejecting the mmc because she’s suicidal, she believes she’s unworthy of him, she believes she’s a danger to his daughter, etc etc etc. So you spend 2 full books slogging through dark thoughts of suicide and an emotionally unstable, cold, and imo selfish & unloving fmc.
At no point do you feel that Josie actually loves Colten. Possessive of him? Sure. But she basically just emotionally traumatizes this poor guy for 98% of the duet, and as a result has emotionally traumatized me. 😭
This was almost a DNF, and honestly I’m not sure why I pushed through.
The fmc, Josie, is exhausting. In part 1, she spends the entire time rejecting the mmc, Colten, because he broke her heart 17 years prior. In part 2, she spends the entire time rejecting the mmc because she’s suicidal, she believes she’s unworthy of him, she believes she’s a danger to his daughter, etc etc etc. So you spend 2 full books slogging through dark thoughts of suicide and an emotionally unstable, cold, and imo selfish & unloving fmc.
At no point do you feel that Josie actually loves Colten. Possessive of him? Sure. But she basically just emotionally traumatizes this poor guy for 98% of the duet, and as a result has emotionally traumatized me. 😭
February 12, 2025
Wow.. what an interesting book..
this is the perfect example of good writing because I would’ve stopped reading this book at like 40% if it was written by anyone else
SO MANY TWISTS
Enemies to Lovers turned to Paranormal experiences with a serial killer turned to living with depression turned to grieving the death of a loved one turned to I don’t even know
this is the perfect example of good writing because I would’ve stopped reading this book at like 40% if it was written by anyone else
SO MANY TWISTS
Enemies to Lovers turned to Paranormal experiences with a serial killer turned to living with depression turned to grieving the death of a loved one turned to I don’t even know
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2023
🌟!!!!!!!OH MY GOD!!!!!!🌟
First, I don't know why I thought this was one book? And it's actually a duet. TWO BOOKS. TWO INCREDIBLY FREAKING BOOKS.
I love this author.
I couldn't stop from the first page to the last. Take a deep breath before you start because this duet deserves it.
Let's start from the beginning.
Colten meets Josie the summer before he starts fourth grade. To him, a seemingly "strange" girl with a funny spirit but a beautiful heart. His Artemis.
JOSIE is not a typical girl who is interested in makeup and dolls. She is a girl who is fascinated by all topics related to death. She likes to dissect animals and bugs. She is not afraid of horror movies and blood.Her favorite place to visit is the cemetery, where she makes up stories with Colton. The only thing is that all this scares him, but she also scares him to some extent. But precisely because she scares him, he falls in love ever so slightly in her.
Years pass, and their love grows with them. Josie and Colton are in a relationship and they're not. Their quarrels, renewal of relationship change every day. But still, they make plans for the future.
Until one day Colton leaves Josie and joins the army.
Seventeen years later, they meet again. He as a detective and she as a criminal pathologist.
Their story continues even though she is furious and angry with him. Age has not diminished her feelings that have built up. However, he makes it all disappear over time because their love is greater. And everything is great again until the moment they happen to be in a place they shouldn't have been. At least not Josie. She will come back from the dead for a living, and with her something terrible. Josie no longer feels that it is her but some man who killed little children a hundred years ago whose bodies have never been found.
Are you wondering what this is? Well, a bit of a psychological thriller with doses of the paranormal.
I won't give away any more of what's going on because you really have to read it. I read it for at least two full days. I had to rest for a while because I really liked it. Until now, I have never read a book like this where there are romances but also a psychological thriller where I didn't really care, but in fact I did.I also shed some tears in the second part. But all points are touched. I liked everything. A big recommendation from me. The best duet for this year. Fifty stars from me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
First, I don't know why I thought this was one book? And it's actually a duet. TWO BOOKS. TWO INCREDIBLY FREAKING BOOKS.
I love this author.
I couldn't stop from the first page to the last. Take a deep breath before you start because this duet deserves it.
Let's start from the beginning.
Colten meets Josie the summer before he starts fourth grade. To him, a seemingly "strange" girl with a funny spirit but a beautiful heart. His Artemis.
JOSIE is not a typical girl who is interested in makeup and dolls. She is a girl who is fascinated by all topics related to death. She likes to dissect animals and bugs. She is not afraid of horror movies and blood.Her favorite place to visit is the cemetery, where she makes up stories with Colton. The only thing is that all this scares him, but she also scares him to some extent. But precisely because she scares him, he falls in love ever so slightly in her.
Years pass, and their love grows with them. Josie and Colton are in a relationship and they're not. Their quarrels, renewal of relationship change every day. But still, they make plans for the future.
Until one day Colton leaves Josie and joins the army.
Seventeen years later, they meet again. He as a detective and she as a criminal pathologist.
Their story continues even though she is furious and angry with him. Age has not diminished her feelings that have built up. However, he makes it all disappear over time because their love is greater. And everything is great again until the moment they happen to be in a place they shouldn't have been. At least not Josie. She will come back from the dead for a living, and with her something terrible. Josie no longer feels that it is her but some man who killed little children a hundred years ago whose bodies have never been found.
Are you wondering what this is? Well, a bit of a psychological thriller with doses of the paranormal.
I won't give away any more of what's going on because you really have to read it. I read it for at least two full days. I had to rest for a while because I really liked it. Until now, I have never read a book like this where there are romances but also a psychological thriller where I didn't really care, but in fact I did.I also shed some tears in the second part. But all points are touched. I liked everything. A big recommendation from me. The best duet for this year. Fifty stars from me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2022
Pieces of a life (5 stars)
I feel without words other than to say that the second book needs to be rushed for the sake of my sanity. The story grabs your interest from the beginning. These 2 are meant to be. It feels very realistic. Like for some reason in the perfect world everything should have worked out. But it didn't. And while Colten and Josie get to figure out their next steps, you get to be curious about Josie and fall in love with Colten's personality. You can't resist him, you won't want to. And on top of it.... then comes the plot twist!!! And OH MY, PLEASE TELL ME MORE! My mind is already open for any possibility, I can't wait.
Memories of a life (5 stars)
Jewel almost gave me a heart attack with so many plot twists. For a good chunk of pages I was feeling so conflicted and hollow. I felt sad but still decided to hold my tears because somehow I still had so much hope and faith. I didn't know how to feel. And I appreciate an author capable of pulling the rug from under me. Capable of giving me the unexpected. I even had trouble going to sleep after grudgingly putting down the book.
This part of Colten and Josie's story is more complicated and sureal. In the first book you get to know them, but in this one they get to make decisions on how to handle an out of control life. Mix in with feelings and a complicated past. I was a 100% invested in them as people and a couple. There is no map to handle their situation and on top of it the roles get reverse. Is very out of character for Josie to be without control or answers. And still Colten navigates the hardships beautifully. OMG there is no way you will not fall in love with Colten. He is amazing! In all the books I've read in my life, I don't think I've found a character more sweet, romantic, understanding, supportive and trustworthy. To me, this story is a beautiful trauma. An epic love story.
I feel without words other than to say that the second book needs to be rushed for the sake of my sanity. The story grabs your interest from the beginning. These 2 are meant to be. It feels very realistic. Like for some reason in the perfect world everything should have worked out. But it didn't. And while Colten and Josie get to figure out their next steps, you get to be curious about Josie and fall in love with Colten's personality. You can't resist him, you won't want to. And on top of it.... then comes the plot twist!!! And OH MY, PLEASE TELL ME MORE! My mind is already open for any possibility, I can't wait.
Memories of a life (5 stars)
Jewel almost gave me a heart attack with so many plot twists. For a good chunk of pages I was feeling so conflicted and hollow. I felt sad but still decided to hold my tears because somehow I still had so much hope and faith. I didn't know how to feel. And I appreciate an author capable of pulling the rug from under me. Capable of giving me the unexpected. I even had trouble going to sleep after grudgingly putting down the book.
This part of Colten and Josie's story is more complicated and sureal. In the first book you get to know them, but in this one they get to make decisions on how to handle an out of control life. Mix in with feelings and a complicated past. I was a 100% invested in them as people and a couple. There is no map to handle their situation and on top of it the roles get reverse. Is very out of character for Josie to be without control or answers. And still Colten navigates the hardships beautifully. OMG there is no way you will not fall in love with Colten. He is amazing! In all the books I've read in my life, I don't think I've found a character more sweet, romantic, understanding, supportive and trustworthy. To me, this story is a beautiful trauma. An epic love story.
November 5, 2022
PIECES OF A LIFE
Oh, Jewel E. Ann, you have such a way of storytelling that it is all-encompassing! The plot, the characters; you weave a story so intricately, so full of emotion, and so filled with feeling that I cannot stop thinking about it.
Josie and Colten stole my breath. The way the past and present collide, the feelings so tangible that you feel every moment, it’s breathtaking. I loved the banter and humor that had me chuckling. I loved the anticipation that had me nervous and anxious. I can’t wait for the rest of Colten and Josie’s journey.
MEMORIES OF A LIFE
Wow! Jewel E. Ann, your gift of storytelling just mesmerizes me Every. Sin-gle. Time!
My heart! I spent most of this story with my heart in my throat and a knot in my stomach. My emotions were all over the place. This story has so many incredible moments! It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and filled with so much love. My heart felt like it was in a vice for the majority of this sto-ry. You feel all of Colten and Josie’s struggles and pain. I cried and I rooted for this amazing couple. Colten and Josie have a love like no other. It’s all consuming!
This is a story like no other; and, through Jewel E. Ann’s masterful writing, you will be taken on a journey filled with pain, grief, heartache, and a love so deep you feel it in your soul. Fantastic characters and an enthralling plot with twists and all the feels. After everything these two went through, I just wasn’t ready to let them go yet. What a soul piercing story. Just fantastic!!!
Oh, Jewel E. Ann, you have such a way of storytelling that it is all-encompassing! The plot, the characters; you weave a story so intricately, so full of emotion, and so filled with feeling that I cannot stop thinking about it.
Josie and Colten stole my breath. The way the past and present collide, the feelings so tangible that you feel every moment, it’s breathtaking. I loved the banter and humor that had me chuckling. I loved the anticipation that had me nervous and anxious. I can’t wait for the rest of Colten and Josie’s journey.
MEMORIES OF A LIFE
Wow! Jewel E. Ann, your gift of storytelling just mesmerizes me Every. Sin-gle. Time!
My heart! I spent most of this story with my heart in my throat and a knot in my stomach. My emotions were all over the place. This story has so many incredible moments! It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and filled with so much love. My heart felt like it was in a vice for the majority of this sto-ry. You feel all of Colten and Josie’s struggles and pain. I cried and I rooted for this amazing couple. Colten and Josie have a love like no other. It’s all consuming!
This is a story like no other; and, through Jewel E. Ann’s masterful writing, you will be taken on a journey filled with pain, grief, heartache, and a love so deep you feel it in your soul. Fantastic characters and an enthralling plot with twists and all the feels. After everything these two went through, I just wasn’t ready to let them go yet. What a soul piercing story. Just fantastic!!!
November 4, 2022
WOW! This story was so good! I couldn’t put it down. Josie was a character I have never read before. She was so sure of herself even as a child. She and Colton had such a special friendship. He was hers, and she was his. Well she would probably say “He is mine, and I am mine.” It took them sometime to get there.
It was also funny. Little Colton was funny. I’m telling you the “infamous” scene had me crying I was laughing so hard.
This book took a paranormal turn that turned my mind inside out! It is friends to enemies, friends to lovers, second chance, suspenseful with a paranormal vibe. This author never fails to deliver! I need the second book!
Memories of a Life
Oh my… this duet broke my heart, but I could not read fast enough to figure it out!
Young Josie had me laughing out loud. The pool conversation… that she looked up… so funny! He was trying to get her to stop, and she was completely tone deaf to his feelings.
This book had me crying one minute, and laughing the next couple of chapters. This book had my mind in circles. I can’t imagine the thoughts Josie has, and Colten is trying so hard. It ripped my heart out.
I don’t know how this author manages to take me all around the world emotionally, but I will always come back for more! The ending of this duet comes full circle. I LOVED this story. I loved these characters. Her parents, his mother, his daughter all managed to crawl into my heart, and I just want more!
It was also funny. Little Colton was funny. I’m telling you the “infamous” scene had me crying I was laughing so hard.
This book took a paranormal turn that turned my mind inside out! It is friends to enemies, friends to lovers, second chance, suspenseful with a paranormal vibe. This author never fails to deliver! I need the second book!
Memories of a Life
Oh my… this duet broke my heart, but I could not read fast enough to figure it out!
Young Josie had me laughing out loud. The pool conversation… that she looked up… so funny! He was trying to get her to stop, and she was completely tone deaf to his feelings.
This book had me crying one minute, and laughing the next couple of chapters. This book had my mind in circles. I can’t imagine the thoughts Josie has, and Colten is trying so hard. It ripped my heart out.
I don’t know how this author manages to take me all around the world emotionally, but I will always come back for more! The ending of this duet comes full circle. I LOVED this story. I loved these characters. Her parents, his mother, his daughter all managed to crawl into my heart, and I just want more!
November 4, 2022
I’ve never met a JEA book that I haven’t loved. Pieces of a Life is no exception. It just sucked me right in. I love, love, LOVE Josie and Colton. Their connection and chemistry are just… *chef’s kiss* perfection. They are such unique characters, especially Josie. I’ve noticed people compare her to Temperance Brennan from the TV show Bones. That is so accurate. She is so intriguing and special, but at times her special qualities make me feel sad for her. This story is not really a sad one, but it is heartbreaking. It’s also twisty and angsty.
Memories of a Life is the heartbreaking and beautiful conclusion to Josie and Colton’s duet. It’s a real doozy, lemme tell ya! I loved their story, and I knew after the first book that this would be a difficult book filled with heartache. I was correct. This one hurts, you guys. But in typical JEA fashion, it hurts so bad but then all the broken pieces get glued back together… in a new and different way.
I recommend this duet (and series) if you like books that make you think outside of the box…. Books that allow you to drown in their characters…. Books that break your heart…. Books with a beautiful story of lifelong love.
*I would also like to note that even though these are the third/fourth books in a series, you absolutely, 100% do NOT need to have read the first two books. The first two are a different set of characters and are not mentioned in this book. However they’re great books also!
Memories of a Life is the heartbreaking and beautiful conclusion to Josie and Colton’s duet. It’s a real doozy, lemme tell ya! I loved their story, and I knew after the first book that this would be a difficult book filled with heartache. I was correct. This one hurts, you guys. But in typical JEA fashion, it hurts so bad but then all the broken pieces get glued back together… in a new and different way.
I recommend this duet (and series) if you like books that make you think outside of the box…. Books that allow you to drown in their characters…. Books that break your heart…. Books with a beautiful story of lifelong love.
*I would also like to note that even though these are the third/fourth books in a series, you absolutely, 100% do NOT need to have read the first two books. The first two are a different set of characters and are not mentioned in this book. However they’re great books also!
May 20, 2024
I accidentally read this book again. I’ve read most of her books so when I saw this one come up and noted it wasn’t marked as read I was excited. Then I started reading. And small flashes of Deja vue kept happening. Then the scene where he walks in on her parents. And I’m like “hold the horses”!!!
But it was such a good read I kept reading. I forgot how much I loved this book. Loved Colten and Jo as MC’s. Loved their love. Glad I hadn’t marked as read because I got to enjoy it all over again.
But it was such a good read I kept reading. I forgot how much I loved this book. Loved Colten and Jo as MC’s. Loved their love. Glad I hadn’t marked as read because I got to enjoy it all over again.
August 14, 2025
I loved the MCs, the premise, the suspense, and the emotional roller coaster. Hated that the only way the characters expressed and felt love was through sex. The second half of the second book made me cry nonstop. I could totally understand both Josie and Colten, the impossible situation they were put in, and the dire steps she took to fix herself. The ending, though, was too rushed and unsatisfying.
February 6, 2023
This book was a whole life in it itself. They were twists and turns, ups and downs. The only thing I didn’t like was how long is was. Even though the characters got the story they deserve, its still a long plot to wrap your head around. So I would definitely recommend this if you’re into reading long books
But Colten and Josie, you are my loves💋
But Colten and Josie, you are my loves💋
March 31, 2023
amazing
Total surprise, I went into this blind and I am so happy I did. Couldn’t put it down. Amazing story. I laughed (Jo is my hero), I cried (colt is the best book boyfriend ever) and I held my breath (more than once). Thank you for this amazing journey- I am so glad I went along for the ride.
Total surprise, I went into this blind and I am so happy I did. Couldn’t put it down. Amazing story. I laughed (Jo is my hero), I cried (colt is the best book boyfriend ever) and I held my breath (more than once). Thank you for this amazing journey- I am so glad I went along for the ride.
July 10, 2024
Love young Colten and Josie
Love adult Colten and Josie
**SPOILERS**
Prologue kept me on pins and needles in MoaL
80%, almost chucked the kindle…how can there be a HEA without Josie?
Resolution to WJ was **BRILLIANT** Flat liners and Affair to Remember…broke my heart then pieced it back together.
#1 hero is still Grocery Store Guy but Colten is not far behind.
Love adult Colten and Josie
**SPOILERS**
Prologue kept me on pins and needles in MoaL
80%, almost chucked the kindle…how can there be a HEA without Josie?
Resolution to WJ was **BRILLIANT** Flat liners and Affair to Remember…broke my heart then pieced it back together.
#1 hero is still Grocery Store Guy but Colten is not far behind.
November 4, 2025
Pieces and Memories of a Life
Wow just wow. Every one of Jewel’s books is totally different.
Colten and Josie were neighbours from childhood. His father messed him up and hers stopped them being a couple. Their love endures but life throws endless curveballs at them that they may not survive.
Wow just wow. Every one of Jewel’s books is totally different.
Colten and Josie were neighbours from childhood. His father messed him up and hers stopped them being a couple. Their love endures but life throws endless curveballs at them that they may not survive.
November 27, 2022
This author always hits a chord deep with me and she does it well. I laughed, cried and loved out loud! She nailed so many feelings and her words, gripped me - again, another incredible journey by this author.
February 24, 2024
THIS BOOK!!
Ahh this book was sooo good. It’s different than any story you’ve heard of and it took me through so many emotions! I absolutely loved this story. I don’t want to give anything away but if you like romantic suspense, then pick this book up. You won’t regret it
Ahh this book was sooo good. It’s different than any story you’ve heard of and it took me through so many emotions! I absolutely loved this story. I don’t want to give anything away but if you like romantic suspense, then pick this book up. You won’t regret it
June 10, 2025
I can’t believe I finally finished this book. What’s even harder to believe is how anyone could possibly have given it more than 1 star. The whole story is absolutely ridiculous , actually it’s laughable and not in a funny way. I want my reading days back I spent on this.
March 28, 2023
Tragic love… I bawled and I laughed out loud
March 1, 2024
Loved Josie’s quick wit. Felt like it took forever to get to some deep stuff and then it ended quickly. Josie’s low self esteem got a little old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
3.5, the last half was really weird.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews