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No Regrets: An intriguing story of love
Alisha’s marriage to Drew wasn't flawless, but it was the perfect choice when her world fell apart. Running from his own secrets, Drew found commitment and purpose in marrying Alisha. When her mother dies, Alisha returns home and uncovers a tangled web of lies that kept her from Brad, her first love. Her mother had schemed and manipulated everyone to ensure Alisha had everything, except the one thing she wanted most, Brad. As the truth is uncovered, Alisha has life-changing decisions to make. Now Brad is back, will fate pull them together for a second chance? Or does her loyalty lie with Drew, the husband who held her close when everyone else failed her? It's easy to stay safe with what you know, but real love never lets you go.
335 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 9, 2020
This story focuses on the marriage of Alisha and Drew, after her mother falls ill and then dies. Alisha hasn’t seen her parents for years since events which caused her to leave the town she was raised in. She has kept many secrets about those events, but found someone to help keep her safe and help her out when she was all alone at seventeen. That person was Drew. Their marriage may have its problems, but he has always been there for her. Her parents certainly haven’t.
Now she gets news that her mother is dying and she decides she needs to see her before she dies, otherwise she will always question her decision if she doesn’t. Drew is not quite so eager for her to go. Alisha goes anyway and ends up staying longer than expected, when her mother dies the next morning, which starts to cause problems with Drew. Her mother’s death leads to a whole bundle of secrets that her mother has been keeping from her and also bumping into her previous and first love Brad, who still lives in town. The huge web of lies her mother has twisted around everybody in her life, is now left for Alisha to unwind.
Her will leaves very specific actions for Alisha to complete. If not, there will be no inheritance and no chance of true love. She realises that she has never really forgotten about her first love and the attraction is still there. She needs to think of Drew and her son Josh, but the comparisons between the two men soon leave her questioning her very lifestyle and the decisions she has made. Will she be able to get a second chance at love, or should she be staying loyal to the man who stuck with her when she had nothing.
Her mother was hiding her own secrets, but also a lot more secrets about Alisha’s life since she left home, that she had no idea her mother knew about. Returning to her home town leaves her homesick for the ocean and the sounds and smells that accompany it. All the old haunts that she spent her childhood and teen years in, bring back great memories, but her mother’s leaving gifts are multiplying the issues she now needs to deal with. Can she let go of some of her own secrets, or will there be some nasty repercussions? Alisha needs to make a massive decision about the path of her life. Will she stick with what has given her a sense of security for all these years, or head back for real love?
It is not an easy decision to make and the reactions of her husband from her initial absence onwards, make it even harder to figure out what to do. She has a son to consider as well as herself and a husband who she comes to realise has treated her more as a companion than a loving partner. But what you are used to, is sometimes easier to stick with, than taking a chance on change. This was a really interesting storyline, with so many surprises that I have tried really, really hard not to reveal in this review! Her mother’s actions throughout her own life and even Alisha’s, are now producing some amazing things to happen, but not necessarily in a good way.
A story of mistakes, family reputations, worrying about how others think about you, first love and the results of that, distance and what family may really mean. I absolutely loved this read and can’t wait for more from this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Now she gets news that her mother is dying and she decides she needs to see her before she dies, otherwise she will always question her decision if she doesn’t. Drew is not quite so eager for her to go. Alisha goes anyway and ends up staying longer than expected, when her mother dies the next morning, which starts to cause problems with Drew. Her mother’s death leads to a whole bundle of secrets that her mother has been keeping from her and also bumping into her previous and first love Brad, who still lives in town. The huge web of lies her mother has twisted around everybody in her life, is now left for Alisha to unwind.
Her will leaves very specific actions for Alisha to complete. If not, there will be no inheritance and no chance of true love. She realises that she has never really forgotten about her first love and the attraction is still there. She needs to think of Drew and her son Josh, but the comparisons between the two men soon leave her questioning her very lifestyle and the decisions she has made. Will she be able to get a second chance at love, or should she be staying loyal to the man who stuck with her when she had nothing.
Her mother was hiding her own secrets, but also a lot more secrets about Alisha’s life since she left home, that she had no idea her mother knew about. Returning to her home town leaves her homesick for the ocean and the sounds and smells that accompany it. All the old haunts that she spent her childhood and teen years in, bring back great memories, but her mother’s leaving gifts are multiplying the issues she now needs to deal with. Can she let go of some of her own secrets, or will there be some nasty repercussions? Alisha needs to make a massive decision about the path of her life. Will she stick with what has given her a sense of security for all these years, or head back for real love?
It is not an easy decision to make and the reactions of her husband from her initial absence onwards, make it even harder to figure out what to do. She has a son to consider as well as herself and a husband who she comes to realise has treated her more as a companion than a loving partner. But what you are used to, is sometimes easier to stick with, than taking a chance on change. This was a really interesting storyline, with so many surprises that I have tried really, really hard not to reveal in this review! Her mother’s actions throughout her own life and even Alisha’s, are now producing some amazing things to happen, but not necessarily in a good way.
A story of mistakes, family reputations, worrying about how others think about you, first love and the results of that, distance and what family may really mean. I absolutely loved this read and can’t wait for more from this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 6, 2020
No Regrets - Wonderful story, well done! I enjoy reading books by Ms. Penn and this one may be my favorite so far. Her casual writing style is easy to read, steady paced and similar to friends sharing a cuppa on the front porch. The multiple storylines are interesting and some intriguing.
Along with the a good mix of characters and realistic dialogues, this story does not follow any stupidity formula. The reader has a feeling how the story may end but the journey there has quite a few baffling discoveries and moments; certainly hopping between thoughts of rejection and immense love. Eunice, the mother, to Alisha, is one of the most complex characters I have come across in a spell. I did enjoy the Estate as an important character.
Plenty of emotions blending in the tapestry of this well woven story keeps the reader immersed in the pages as time flies. I found this book on Booksprout. 5*
Where The River Ends - Even though she's an idiot with her decisions, I could not put this book down, it is mesmerizing. Many terrible things happened to this young woman from an early age on, but she did the best she could. While her decisions drove me nuts, I understood her. This is a well written book, told by a talented storyteller, full of rollercoaster emotions that never stop. All the characters are interesting and add substance as the pages fly. I found this author on Booksprout and she is now one of my most reads. If you like Binchey, Pilscher, Buck and that gang, you'll enjoy Penn. 5*
Ripley - This is my first read by this author and I like it. This well-written, quickly read book contains storylines that are interesting and substantial without the usual stupidity or boring drama. The story flows smoothly while the journey Ripley takes keeps the reader glued to the pages. The range of characters and emotions run the gamut. Never did boredom or frustrations about copycat themes enter this story. I like Ripley's strength and while she made mistakes she grew into a strong, independent woman. Aunt May is my favorite character. 4*
Along with the a good mix of characters and realistic dialogues, this story does not follow any stupidity formula. The reader has a feeling how the story may end but the journey there has quite a few baffling discoveries and moments; certainly hopping between thoughts of rejection and immense love. Eunice, the mother, to Alisha, is one of the most complex characters I have come across in a spell. I did enjoy the Estate as an important character.
Plenty of emotions blending in the tapestry of this well woven story keeps the reader immersed in the pages as time flies. I found this book on Booksprout. 5*
Where The River Ends - Even though she's an idiot with her decisions, I could not put this book down, it is mesmerizing. Many terrible things happened to this young woman from an early age on, but she did the best she could. While her decisions drove me nuts, I understood her. This is a well written book, told by a talented storyteller, full of rollercoaster emotions that never stop. All the characters are interesting and add substance as the pages fly. I found this author on Booksprout and she is now one of my most reads. If you like Binchey, Pilscher, Buck and that gang, you'll enjoy Penn. 5*
Ripley - This is my first read by this author and I like it. This well-written, quickly read book contains storylines that are interesting and substantial without the usual stupidity or boring drama. The story flows smoothly while the journey Ripley takes keeps the reader glued to the pages. The range of characters and emotions run the gamut. Never did boredom or frustrations about copycat themes enter this story. I like Ripley's strength and while she made mistakes she grew into a strong, independent woman. Aunt May is my favorite character. 4*
December 2, 2020
I love this wonderfully realistic love story by Jacqui Penn. No Regrets tells Alisha's story of single motherhood, after being driven out of her parents' home at 17.
Bereft of friendship let alone family support, the frightened teen's not even allowed to bid a fond farewell to her baby's father, Brad,her high-school sweetheart of 4 years, who's also lied to by those he questions as to her whereabouts.
Told in retrospective later in the story, Alisha not only meets, but is married to Drew, who supports her and baby Josh, but is hasty to pack the latter off to boarding school and keep Alisha a submissive drudge for his own perverse pleasure.
How will events unfold when Alisha's past catches up with her and things take a dramatic turn? How will Brad react if he finds out the truth about Josh?
What happens when Alisha's widowed and now dying mother Eunice reaches out to Alisha? When do Alisha and Brad get a second chance at love?
Cleverly constructed and very well-written, Jacqui Penn's No Regrets has great characters,in a spell-binding story that you won't want to miss. Try it today!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bereft of friendship let alone family support, the frightened teen's not even allowed to bid a fond farewell to her baby's father, Brad,her high-school sweetheart of 4 years, who's also lied to by those he questions as to her whereabouts.
Told in retrospective later in the story, Alisha not only meets, but is married to Drew, who supports her and baby Josh, but is hasty to pack the latter off to boarding school and keep Alisha a submissive drudge for his own perverse pleasure.
How will events unfold when Alisha's past catches up with her and things take a dramatic turn? How will Brad react if he finds out the truth about Josh?
What happens when Alisha's widowed and now dying mother Eunice reaches out to Alisha? When do Alisha and Brad get a second chance at love?
Cleverly constructed and very well-written, Jacqui Penn's No Regrets has great characters,in a spell-binding story that you won't want to miss. Try it today!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
No Regrets is a story about the importance of communication, and taking action even when you're scared.
It follows Alisha, a woman in a loveless marriage of convenience who was cast out of the family home following an unplanned pregnancy. 7 years later as she's called to her mother's deathbed, she learns mum had secrets of her own that influenced her handling of Alisha' situation. As more and more secrets come out, Alisha pieces together her new life.
I really struggled with understanding the social context of this book, that in today's world in that setting, there' need to 'send away' unwed mothers and gay people need to hide behind fake marriages. It feels like the book should have been written for a different time. A little slow in places, but a good message overall.
I was provided with a free copy of this book from Book Sprout in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
It follows Alisha, a woman in a loveless marriage of convenience who was cast out of the family home following an unplanned pregnancy. 7 years later as she's called to her mother's deathbed, she learns mum had secrets of her own that influenced her handling of Alisha' situation. As more and more secrets come out, Alisha pieces together her new life.
I really struggled with understanding the social context of this book, that in today's world in that setting, there' need to 'send away' unwed mothers and gay people need to hide behind fake marriages. It feels like the book should have been written for a different time. A little slow in places, but a good message overall.
I was provided with a free copy of this book from Book Sprout in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
March 10, 2020
A story that follows a woman who was cast out of her family for an unplanned pregnancy, is trapped in a loveless marriage, and is now being called to her mother's deathbed. When she goes to her mother, she learns of secrets her mother kept. As more secrets come out, she begins to realize she has a choice to make and can make a new life for herself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2020
It was a soso read. I just didn't quite enjoy the tone of voice. Even though there were some big life issues and plot twists, it just read one-note. It just left the book feeling very blah. I also thought despite the unresolved feelings there were, there just seemed to be no angst over it. It was super nonchalant.
March 6, 2020
There was nothing wrong with this book it just didn’t grab me and pull me in. The main protagonist spent more time second guessing herself and being manipulated than felt comfortable especially in this day and age of women’s empowerment. I also felt like the ending was rushed, almost like a placeholder.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2020
This book is one of Jacqui best it takes you on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride it will make you laugh and cry and keep you turning those pages.The clever way Jacqui has written the ending will lead you to the wrong conclusion. This is a must read.
I have read this book as an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2020
This is the 5th book I've read written by Jacqui Penn; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2020
I just loved this book. I loved it so much that I did not want to put it down. I read the whole book in 3 days. I cannot wait to read another from this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
A well written story by an Author I have not read before. Alisha, Drew and Brad's story of a woman with a choice to make. I enjoyed reading this book, and seeing the decisions she makes. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2020
This PG13 emotional roller coaster kept me up past midnight, so allow a full weekend to read about 24-year-old Alisha Dawson, who is married to Drew, and her six-year-old son, Josh, by Brad, age 26.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2020
I had a great time reading this book. The characters are well developed and engaging and the chemistry is undeniable.between the couple. The storyline flowed smoothly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2020
Love this book so make sure you don't miss it
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews