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Chartreuse, LA #2
Still the One
Robin Wells takes us back to Chartreuse, Louisiana, for a deeply moving story of forgiveness and second chances.STILL THE ONEAfter Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she has left is a closet full of his clothes, a few pictures, and fond memories. She not only lost her love, but her last chance to have the children she's always wanted. Until Zack Ferguson shows up in town . . . with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago.Zack Ferguson has never forgotten Katie, or the one magical night they spent together. Seeing her again brings up a tidal wave of regret over the way he left her, anger at the secret she kept, and desire he hasn't felt in years. But he's in town for Gracie. Their daughter is sixteen, angry at the world, and-worst of all-pregnant. She needs the love of her two parents now more than ever. Can these three forgive the hurts of the past and open their hearts to each other?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2010
19 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Robin Wells
22 books185 followers Robin Wells is the USA TODAY best-selling author of nineteen critically-acclaimed novels that have been translated into nineteen languages. Her books have won RWA's Golden Heart Award, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill, and the Holt Medallion. Her next novel, She Gets That From Me, will be published by Berkley/Penguin/Random House September 22 2020.
She holds a B.A. in liberal arts from the University of Oklahoma, lived in Louisiana for 27 years and now resides in Houston, Texas. She and her husband are proud parents of two daughters and a very spoiled maltipoo. Before becoming a full-time writer, Robin worked as an advertising and public relations executive for a major hotel chain.
She holds a B.A. in liberal arts from the University of Oklahoma, lived in Louisiana for 27 years and now resides in Houston, Texas. She and her husband are proud parents of two daughters and a very spoiled maltipoo. Before becoming a full-time writer, Robin worked as an advertising and public relations executive for a major hotel chain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 17, 2010
STILL THE ONE by Robin Wells is a story full of heartache, pain, and love. Like so many other wives before her, Katie suffers the shock of finding that her husband has been killed during his second tour of duty in Iraq. That right there should be enough to hook many readers and tug on a few heartstrings. Ms. Wells takes the story of the war widow and brings it to life within the pages of this book. Readers are left to ponder the question of what they would do if their spouse, their love, was gone, leaving behind only a few material possessions and no biological legacy.
That's certainly what ripped my heart open anyway.
It's not enough that Katie's husband is dead, he has to leave her with no children as well. What could make this situation any worse than it already is? Katie has actually already had a child and gave that baby girl up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago. Still raw with the pain of losing her husband and therefore the opportunity to have children and family of her own, Katie is in for a nasty surprise when an ex-lover shows up along with her sixteen-year-old daughter.
What made STILL THE ONE such a great ready was Ms. Wells ability to create a realistic and believable story while manipulating our emotions in every way imaginable. One would think, okay, so Gracie and Zack show up. So what? It's not like the sudden appearance of her daughter would be enough to suddenly put joy into Katie's heart. The daughter might be angry and could just walk out and leave, then where would Katie be? And Zack? What reason would he have to stay? He's the father to Gracie and only just recently discovered as much. He has every reason in the world to be mad at Katie for not telling him about their child.
Ms. Wells solves this dilemma by introducing a reason why the three need to stay together - Gracie is pregnant. Gracie needs her parents in this confusing time and both Katie and Zack have to find a way to forgive each other in order to help her. Who knows, perhaps forgiveness will remind the two of the connection their hearts once shared.
I found the mix of pain and love in STILL THE ONE to be the main factor in keeping the pages flipping as fast as my eyes would allow. Simultaneously heartbreaking and hopeful, Ms. Wells writes a story that sticks in the mind and permeates dreams. Her characters are relatable and it's impossible not to feel a certain amount of involvement with them. This is one of those books where, once the last page has turned and the characters are left behind, you sit staring at the back cover trying to figure out what you feel such a sense of loss and loneliness.
I recommend STILL THE ONE to any fans of romance fiction. I couldn't ask for a more touching story, one that truly gives you hope in the world and the people in it. As a sidetone, if you've read Between the Sheets by Robin Wells, you will probably recognize some characters and references in STILL THE ONE.
That's certainly what ripped my heart open anyway.
It's not enough that Katie's husband is dead, he has to leave her with no children as well. What could make this situation any worse than it already is? Katie has actually already had a child and gave that baby girl up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago. Still raw with the pain of losing her husband and therefore the opportunity to have children and family of her own, Katie is in for a nasty surprise when an ex-lover shows up along with her sixteen-year-old daughter.
What made STILL THE ONE such a great ready was Ms. Wells ability to create a realistic and believable story while manipulating our emotions in every way imaginable. One would think, okay, so Gracie and Zack show up. So what? It's not like the sudden appearance of her daughter would be enough to suddenly put joy into Katie's heart. The daughter might be angry and could just walk out and leave, then where would Katie be? And Zack? What reason would he have to stay? He's the father to Gracie and only just recently discovered as much. He has every reason in the world to be mad at Katie for not telling him about their child.
Ms. Wells solves this dilemma by introducing a reason why the three need to stay together - Gracie is pregnant. Gracie needs her parents in this confusing time and both Katie and Zack have to find a way to forgive each other in order to help her. Who knows, perhaps forgiveness will remind the two of the connection their hearts once shared.
I found the mix of pain and love in STILL THE ONE to be the main factor in keeping the pages flipping as fast as my eyes would allow. Simultaneously heartbreaking and hopeful, Ms. Wells writes a story that sticks in the mind and permeates dreams. Her characters are relatable and it's impossible not to feel a certain amount of involvement with them. This is one of those books where, once the last page has turned and the characters are left behind, you sit staring at the back cover trying to figure out what you feel such a sense of loss and loneliness.
I recommend STILL THE ONE to any fans of romance fiction. I couldn't ask for a more touching story, one that truly gives you hope in the world and the people in it. As a sidetone, if you've read Between the Sheets by Robin Wells, you will probably recognize some characters and references in STILL THE ONE.
August 27, 2010
3.5/5 Stars
Katie Charmaine is still grieving over the death of her husband who was killed in Iraq two years earlier. Then she receives an unexpected surprise. Zack, the guy Katie fell for during the summer she was 17, has shown up in her small town, and he isn’t alone. He brought with him the daughter Katie gave up for adoption 16 years earlier. 16 year old Gracie is pregnant, and dealing with the death of her adoptive parents. Zack hopes to share joint custody with Katie, and give Gracie the guidance she needs. Factor in the feelings he still has for Katie, and things are bound to get messy.
Katie’s attempts to bond with the daughter she gave up were heartwarming. It wasn’t easy, and Gracie didn’t hesitate to make Katie work for it. As for Zack I have mixed feelings about him. I didn’t feel he was sympathetic enough about what Katie was going through. He seemed to expect her to just forget about her husband, and move on without a shred of guilt with a man who is a self-proclaimed commitment phob. He did get better as the book progressed, and the chemistry between him and Katie can’t be denied. He just never really won me over. I loved the rest of the characters though. Katie and Gracie were fabulous. I also enjoyed the supporting cast of quirky Chartreuse, Louisiana residents.
The book switches points of view many times. We not only “see" life in Chartreuse through Zack and Katie’s eyes, but also Gracie and Katie’s in-laws. That took a little getting used to, but I understand why the author went that route. It made it easier to understand how everyone was feeling about the possibility of Katie moving on. I’d still recommend this book even though I found Zack frustrating. The relationship between Katie and Gracie is reason enough to read.
Katie Charmaine is still grieving over the death of her husband who was killed in Iraq two years earlier. Then she receives an unexpected surprise. Zack, the guy Katie fell for during the summer she was 17, has shown up in her small town, and he isn’t alone. He brought with him the daughter Katie gave up for adoption 16 years earlier. 16 year old Gracie is pregnant, and dealing with the death of her adoptive parents. Zack hopes to share joint custody with Katie, and give Gracie the guidance she needs. Factor in the feelings he still has for Katie, and things are bound to get messy.
Katie’s attempts to bond with the daughter she gave up were heartwarming. It wasn’t easy, and Gracie didn’t hesitate to make Katie work for it. As for Zack I have mixed feelings about him. I didn’t feel he was sympathetic enough about what Katie was going through. He seemed to expect her to just forget about her husband, and move on without a shred of guilt with a man who is a self-proclaimed commitment phob. He did get better as the book progressed, and the chemistry between him and Katie can’t be denied. He just never really won me over. I loved the rest of the characters though. Katie and Gracie were fabulous. I also enjoyed the supporting cast of quirky Chartreuse, Louisiana residents.
The book switches points of view many times. We not only “see" life in Chartreuse through Zack and Katie’s eyes, but also Gracie and Katie’s in-laws. That took a little getting used to, but I understand why the author went that route. It made it easier to understand how everyone was feeling about the possibility of Katie moving on. I’d still recommend this book even though I found Zack frustrating. The relationship between Katie and Gracie is reason enough to read.
January 19, 2023
3.5
Very emotional, very realistic. Updating my books today
Very emotional, very realistic. Updating my books today
April 15, 2011
Such a wonderful painful story of a mother,really my heart went to Katie and i support her decision of giving the baby away cause Katie herself was a teenage girl with no support what so ever,no education and no way to ear money n give child his rightful needs and the child's rights to have a good home whith 2 parents who love and care for them.It was a beautifully potrayed how Katie takes decision as a mother even when it broke her heart to give the child away and the letter ohh dear i really cried there.
Katie suffers the shock of finding that her husband has been killed during his second tour of duty in Iraq.It's not enough that Katie's husband is dead, he has to leave her with no children as well. What could make this situation any worse than it already is? Katie has actually already had a child and gave that baby girl up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago. Still raw with the pain of losing her husband and therefore the opportunity to have children and family of her own, Katie is in for a nasty surprise when an ex-lover shows up along with her sixteen-year-old daughter.
Zach he is such a wonderful hero,he had such a bad childhood and really you can understand why Zach says Love is just a word and why he does'nt believes in Love,he's the father to Gracie and only just recently discovered as much. He has every reason in the world to be mad at Katie for not telling him about their child.but still he never in whole story abuses Katie or reacts violently i really liked that about him,he moved ahead and was looking in prospect now how do we share Gracie's custody and support her and take care of her,though i got angry when he unilaterally took all decisons and Katie also fights with him but he starts involving Katie later on
Gracie she is still mourning her adoptive parents death and angry at biological parents cause she feels rejected and at the same time she herself is pregnant and how she starts working and feels so much for the baby and whne she starts understanding Katie's reason all her anger slowly fades away ,really liked this
Annette-David secondary characters but even loved their reconcialation story though they are divorced now cause David cheated on Annette and gets caught in the act but he truly regrets his actions and now its 4 years,he goes to rehab cause he accepts he is alcoholic and needs help and how slowly he wins Annette's love-trust back
the relationship shown between the characters were awesome,their bonding and way they react to situations and always support each other,Gracie needs her parents in this confusing time and both Katie and Zack have to find a way to forgive each other in order to help her.though i was angry at Zach cause he blamed Gracie's real mother for her attitude toward them. she loved his daughter. he should be thankful.
really liked the story,definetely a keeper
Recommend it
Katie suffers the shock of finding that her husband has been killed during his second tour of duty in Iraq.It's not enough that Katie's husband is dead, he has to leave her with no children as well. What could make this situation any worse than it already is? Katie has actually already had a child and gave that baby girl up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago. Still raw with the pain of losing her husband and therefore the opportunity to have children and family of her own, Katie is in for a nasty surprise when an ex-lover shows up along with her sixteen-year-old daughter.
Zach he is such a wonderful hero,he had such a bad childhood and really you can understand why Zach says Love is just a word and why he does'nt believes in Love,he's the father to Gracie and only just recently discovered as much. He has every reason in the world to be mad at Katie for not telling him about their child.but still he never in whole story abuses Katie or reacts violently i really liked that about him,he moved ahead and was looking in prospect now how do we share Gracie's custody and support her and take care of her,though i got angry when he unilaterally took all decisons and Katie also fights with him but he starts involving Katie later on
Gracie she is still mourning her adoptive parents death and angry at biological parents cause she feels rejected and at the same time she herself is pregnant and how she starts working and feels so much for the baby and whne she starts understanding Katie's reason all her anger slowly fades away ,really liked this
Annette-David secondary characters but even loved their reconcialation story though they are divorced now cause David cheated on Annette and gets caught in the act but he truly regrets his actions and now its 4 years,he goes to rehab cause he accepts he is alcoholic and needs help and how slowly he wins Annette's love-trust back
the relationship shown between the characters were awesome,their bonding and way they react to situations and always support each other,Gracie needs her parents in this confusing time and both Katie and Zack have to find a way to forgive each other in order to help her.though i was angry at Zach cause he blamed Gracie's real mother for her attitude toward them. she loved his daughter. he should be thankful.
really liked the story,definetely a keeper
Recommend it
August 1, 2011
This book was an amazing read.
I could go and summarize it but it is just worth to be read without any spoilers I might serve you.
The only thing I had a problem with was the next:
I could go and summarize it but it is just worth to be read without any spoilers I might serve you.
The only thing I had a problem with was the next:
April 6, 2010
Author Robin Wells is an accomplished romance author, having written over a dozen titles for Harlequin and won the National Readers' Choice Award for her title, Baby, Oh Baby. She has also won the prestigious National Golden Heart Award from the Romance Writers of America, and her novels have been translated into more than a dozen languages. Before writing romance she was an advertising and public relations executive. Other titles include: Wild About You, Between the Sheets, Ooh La La, Babe Magnet, Plain Jane Gets Her Man, The Wedding Kiss, The Executive’s Baby, and Nine to Five Bride. She resides just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana with her husband and two daughters.
Two years ago Katie Charmaine’s husband was killed in his second tour of duty in Iraq, leaving her only with a closet full of clothes, some pictures, and fond memories. Despite her friends meddling in her life, she doesn’t want a romantic entanglement, knowing the love she lost was her true soul mate. Then Zack Ferguson shows up in town with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption seventeen years ago. Zack was Katie’s first love, and apparently she hasn’t gotten over the chemistry that once flared between them. But Zack was and still is a commitment phobe, so what was the point in going down that road again? Except now there was Gracie to consider. Their daughter is seventeen, pregnant, and needs both her parents to help her through this ordeal after losing her adoptive parents. Can these three forgive the sins and hurt from the past to become a real family?
I had the pleasure of reading one of Robin’s other books for review, HOW TO SCORE, which was a hilarious read, but this book was more of a heart-breaker tugging at the emotions. And that’s in no way a complaint. Every once and awhile you read a book that stays with you. This is one of them.
I love a good southern drama. The setting in Louisiana was ideal. This is also the perfect example of a hero and heroine who warrant a happily ever after. You can’t help but feel their pain, loss, and struggle as you root for them to be happy. Same goes for the secondary characters. From Gracie to Annette to Dave, they jump off the page and propel the plot. A perfect book to curl up with on the beach or by the fire. Not to be missed!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
Two years ago Katie Charmaine’s husband was killed in his second tour of duty in Iraq, leaving her only with a closet full of clothes, some pictures, and fond memories. Despite her friends meddling in her life, she doesn’t want a romantic entanglement, knowing the love she lost was her true soul mate. Then Zack Ferguson shows up in town with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption seventeen years ago. Zack was Katie’s first love, and apparently she hasn’t gotten over the chemistry that once flared between them. But Zack was and still is a commitment phobe, so what was the point in going down that road again? Except now there was Gracie to consider. Their daughter is seventeen, pregnant, and needs both her parents to help her through this ordeal after losing her adoptive parents. Can these three forgive the sins and hurt from the past to become a real family?
I had the pleasure of reading one of Robin’s other books for review, HOW TO SCORE, which was a hilarious read, but this book was more of a heart-breaker tugging at the emotions. And that’s in no way a complaint. Every once and awhile you read a book that stays with you. This is one of them.
I love a good southern drama. The setting in Louisiana was ideal. This is also the perfect example of a hero and heroine who warrant a happily ever after. You can’t help but feel their pain, loss, and struggle as you root for them to be happy. Same goes for the secondary characters. From Gracie to Annette to Dave, they jump off the page and propel the plot. A perfect book to curl up with on the beach or by the fire. Not to be missed!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
May 15, 2011
I absolutely loved this story. Katie's inability to let go of her husband was so sad to me. I've lost family members before, but I think loosing someone who you've decided to spend your life with must be devastating. However, I think that at some point you do have to move on with your life. Zack and Gracie were just what Katie needed to move on. I got the sense that she was really ready to move on, but her heart was standing in the way. Which is all understandable.
I didn't really "relate" to any of the characters, as I've never been in any of their situations. But they were still great characters. Zack was so head strong and thought he would be able to come in "fix" what was wrong and go back to his normal life. But Gracie and Katie, unintentionally, set his life on a different path. And Gracie, wow, what a work of art she was. But again, with every thing going on in her life, how could she not be a mess emotionally.
As with most all romance stories I knew how it would end, but with this one having pegged the entire end of the story was not at all a disappointment. It was such a great ending. There weren't many loose ends with this one, but I would love to read a book that focuses on Gracie and the struggles that come with being a young mother. I think that would be a great addition to the story.
I don't give out 5-star ratings that often, and I'm not 100% sure what it was about this one that compelled me to dole one out this time: I think it was a mixture of great writing, a touching story, believable characters, and situations that most anyone could picture themselves in. Plus this book just left me feeling so warm and happy.
A review copy of this book was provided by the author. This is not a paid review and is a truthful and honest review.
I didn't really "relate" to any of the characters, as I've never been in any of their situations. But they were still great characters. Zack was so head strong and thought he would be able to come in "fix" what was wrong and go back to his normal life. But Gracie and Katie, unintentionally, set his life on a different path. And Gracie, wow, what a work of art she was. But again, with every thing going on in her life, how could she not be a mess emotionally.
As with most all romance stories I knew how it would end, but with this one having pegged the entire end of the story was not at all a disappointment. It was such a great ending. There weren't many loose ends with this one, but I would love to read a book that focuses on Gracie and the struggles that come with being a young mother. I think that would be a great addition to the story.
I don't give out 5-star ratings that often, and I'm not 100% sure what it was about this one that compelled me to dole one out this time: I think it was a mixture of great writing, a touching story, believable characters, and situations that most anyone could picture themselves in. Plus this book just left me feeling so warm and happy.
A review copy of this book was provided by the author. This is not a paid review and is a truthful and honest review.
May 14, 2010
Families come in all shapes and sizes as is evident in Robin Wells' novel Still the One. It does not take long for word to travel around small town Chartreuse, Louisiana, that Katie Charmaine not only has a pregnant 17-year-old daughter, but the wealthy and handsome man who bought Ashton house is the father. After Gracie's adoptive parents were killed in an automobile accident she was sent to live with her aunt where she discovered the identities of her birth parents. After Googling their names she discovered her birth father was quite wealthy and sought him out in hopes of obtaining money and having him help be declared an emancipated minor. However, things did not go quite as Gracie had planned; her Aunt will only agree to relinquish guardianship as long as Katie and Zack share custody of Gracie. The news shocks the small town, Katie's life and the lives of those she loves. Wells weaves together a beautiful southern novel in a charming town filled with friends, gossip, and a fair share of advice. It has been over two years since Katie's husband Paul died in Iraq, yet she has not moved on, longing for her husband and the children they never had. Now she finds herself caring for the baby she lovingly gave up and worrying about her future and the future of her grandchild as well as how Zack fits into her life. Still the One tackles some difficult family and life issues in an emotionally packed novel as Wells weaves the various storylines together beautifully and lovingly. Still the One is a beautiful story of true love and one I heartily recommend.
June 24, 2010
Still the One is a heartwarming read full of tender moments and authentic emotions.
Some of my most favorite stories are those about first loves and second chances. With this in mind and a premise that intrigued me enough I decided to give this story a chance. Although, stories about second chances isn't a novel idea, something many people may interpret as predictable, what I was curious about, was how the story was told and its ability to evoke emotions from the reader.
The book turned out to be a charming read. Why? Yes, to some extent it was predictable, but then again I prefer to think of it as familiar. A word that brings to mind comfort. I took to the book right away and fell into the lives of the characters with ease.
What really enabled this was how genuine each moment, thought and action was. It wasn't pretentious or overly melodramatic. The simple approach made it possible to delve into the story more and focus on the characters, who each had their own perspectives, which was both distinguishing but also interrelated.
Although, Kate Charmaine and Zack Ferguson share an attraction, they didn't immediately rush into a relationship. Their journey was heartfelt, slow and steady, full of questions, uncertainty and reluctance that is true of most relationships. This caution and hesitation despite their growing feelings for another was an important part of their development. The characters are the ones you cheer for and want to keep learning about.
Some of my most favorite stories are those about first loves and second chances. With this in mind and a premise that intrigued me enough I decided to give this story a chance. Although, stories about second chances isn't a novel idea, something many people may interpret as predictable, what I was curious about, was how the story was told and its ability to evoke emotions from the reader.
The book turned out to be a charming read. Why? Yes, to some extent it was predictable, but then again I prefer to think of it as familiar. A word that brings to mind comfort. I took to the book right away and fell into the lives of the characters with ease.
What really enabled this was how genuine each moment, thought and action was. It wasn't pretentious or overly melodramatic. The simple approach made it possible to delve into the story more and focus on the characters, who each had their own perspectives, which was both distinguishing but also interrelated.
Although, Kate Charmaine and Zack Ferguson share an attraction, they didn't immediately rush into a relationship. Their journey was heartfelt, slow and steady, full of questions, uncertainty and reluctance that is true of most relationships. This caution and hesitation despite their growing feelings for another was an important part of their development. The characters are the ones you cheer for and want to keep learning about.
July 7, 2010
I was in need of a good romance. I’m in the middle of quite a few non-fiction books and it was just time to take a break from the seriousness and read a good love story.
If this tells you anything about how good the book is, I started it this afternoon and finished it just a few minutes ago, all 412 pages of it.
From the start you get pulled in to Zack and Katie’s relationship, the shock of finding out about Gracie, the turmoil between Katie’s mother and father in law. And you’re rooting for all of them the whole way through the book. Gracie, and her losses adding on to the a pregnancy at such a young age. It’s no wonder the girl was in pain. The turmoil that Katie feels about her feelings towards Zack after losing her husband (in such a valiant way), Robin portrays that so well through her words. The side story of Katie’s mother in law trying to come to grips with her ex-husband’s infidelity and his alcoholism. I could feel their pain, their hurt, their turmoil. I loved the book!
My only complaint? I wanted more. That’s usually my only complaint with a good romance novel. You want to read more about how the family turns out after the conclusion to their immediate dilemmas. But alas, every good book must come to an end.
I would love to see another book, following up with Gracie some years down the road. Dealing with how her baby was conceived and finding the perfect man for her.
If this tells you anything about how good the book is, I started it this afternoon and finished it just a few minutes ago, all 412 pages of it.
From the start you get pulled in to Zack and Katie’s relationship, the shock of finding out about Gracie, the turmoil between Katie’s mother and father in law. And you’re rooting for all of them the whole way through the book. Gracie, and her losses adding on to the a pregnancy at such a young age. It’s no wonder the girl was in pain. The turmoil that Katie feels about her feelings towards Zack after losing her husband (in such a valiant way), Robin portrays that so well through her words. The side story of Katie’s mother in law trying to come to grips with her ex-husband’s infidelity and his alcoholism. I could feel their pain, their hurt, their turmoil. I loved the book!
My only complaint? I wanted more. That’s usually my only complaint with a good romance novel. You want to read more about how the family turns out after the conclusion to their immediate dilemmas. But alas, every good book must come to an end.
I would love to see another book, following up with Gracie some years down the road. Dealing with how her baby was conceived and finding the perfect man for her.
September 22, 2010
I only picked up this book as a group I am in was reading it, I actually expected that I would give it up, so imagine my surprise when I very quickly feel in love with the characters and couldn't turn the page fast enough, even though the book was predictable, it was the characters that kept you enthralled.
All of them, Kate, Zach, Gracie, Annette, and Dave have all been hurt in the past by those that loved them the most, they all have issues that were hard for them to work past, and they all in addition to being hurt, did the hurting. Each one was then able to start healing the hurts with each other and not by any grand gestures, it was little things done daily, thinking about how their situation in the present and seeing how it correlated to those past hurts that seemed to start the healing.
I found myself laughing at the situations, the funny and the awkward, and then crying when they were working past those hurts.
If you are looking for a feel good book with lots of funny situations check this one out.
All of them, Kate, Zach, Gracie, Annette, and Dave have all been hurt in the past by those that loved them the most, they all have issues that were hard for them to work past, and they all in addition to being hurt, did the hurting. Each one was then able to start healing the hurts with each other and not by any grand gestures, it was little things done daily, thinking about how their situation in the present and seeing how it correlated to those past hurts that seemed to start the healing.
I found myself laughing at the situations, the funny and the awkward, and then crying when they were working past those hurts.
If you are looking for a feel good book with lots of funny situations check this one out.
July 4, 2010
A very good drama romance. Kate gets reunited with her old flame from seventeen years ago when he come back to her home town. Only he doesn't come alone, he's got the daughter they had that Kate gave up for adoption. You follow their emotions through the books as they get together and form a family. A real touching story, your rooting for the characters right from the get go, especially the firecracker of a daughter.
It's very different from her other books, all of which were more comedic romance than drama, however Ms Wells still delivers a hit. If you like books that really tug on your heartstrings, this one's for you!
Finished this one with a smile, a happy sigh, and a happy heart! :)
It's very different from her other books, all of which were more comedic romance than drama, however Ms Wells still delivers a hit. If you like books that really tug on your heartstrings, this one's for you!
Finished this one with a smile, a happy sigh, and a happy heart! :)
November 29, 2022
This is a contemporary romance. One that shows first love and what can happen after that first true love. There's love, romance, drama and second chances.
A child, given up for adoption, finds her father after her adoptive parents die--she happens to be pregnant herself.
The characters are very well developed, but I do have to say that there is just so much tragedy going on in this book. Death, bad childhoods, adoption, more death. I just really couldn't get into this book, nor could I like it.
If you like the heart breaking, have to over come every obstacle that you can think of--this book is a PERFECT fit for you.
A child, given up for adoption, finds her father after her adoptive parents die--she happens to be pregnant herself.
The characters are very well developed, but I do have to say that there is just so much tragedy going on in this book. Death, bad childhoods, adoption, more death. I just really couldn't get into this book, nor could I like it.
If you like the heart breaking, have to over come every obstacle that you can think of--this book is a PERFECT fit for you.
October 30, 2020
I typically run from chick-lit as fast as possible. This was good until the last 60 pages when it did turn into chick-lit. I give Robin Wells credit. She tells a good story but wow, I can to without the drama of love interests getting confused and then making up. UGH. Trite.
January 21, 2021
Read half and skimmed the rest. Got totally bored.
August 3, 2012
Still the One is a happy-ending to a serious dysfunctional situations. Katie Charmaine is basically going through the motions of her life until this event. When most people give their child up for adoption they home that they end up in a better home and situation than themselves. It’s the main reason for choosing adoption. When Katie Charmaine’s first love returns to town with the daughter she gave up for adoption, it’s definitely a shock. But to find out she’s pregnant like you were at her age is heartbreaking for her.
This is a light summer read. Robin Wells gives the characters the patented drama to overcome but it felt light and manageable. There are many situations that could have had darker turns.
This is perfect snapshot of themes: modern romance, families in the 21st century, and forgiveness. The romance is shone through the lives of two couples. The family is blended the new standard in American society. Even though they are related that closeness we associate with family had to be developed through forgiveness.
For me, it gave me a glimpse into the thoughts of a child of adoption. I loved the character of Grace, the adoptive daughter reunited with her bio-parents. She was anger and made all of these incorrect assumptions. I never could figure her reasoning for them. I didn’t identify with her and that’s why I loved her.
Her perspective is a world that I may never understand. I can emphasize and sympathize but I can never KNOW.
This is a light summer read. Robin Wells gives the characters the patented drama to overcome but it felt light and manageable. There are many situations that could have had darker turns.
This is perfect snapshot of themes: modern romance, families in the 21st century, and forgiveness. The romance is shone through the lives of two couples. The family is blended the new standard in American society. Even though they are related that closeness we associate with family had to be developed through forgiveness.
For me, it gave me a glimpse into the thoughts of a child of adoption. I loved the character of Grace, the adoptive daughter reunited with her bio-parents. She was anger and made all of these incorrect assumptions. I never could figure her reasoning for them. I didn’t identify with her and that’s why I loved her.
Her perspective is a world that I may never understand. I can emphasize and sympathize but I can never KNOW.
September 2, 2011
I really liked this book, but it was an emotional read.
Almost from the start of the book, I was getting choked up and teary.
It was a very emotional story about a woman who gave up her baby for adoption when she was 17.
The child, who was now 17 and pregnant, entered the heroine's life - along with the father - after the girl's adoptive parents died and a couple of years after the heroine was widowed.
It was great to see how the hero and heroine dealt with the past and their determination to help their daughter.
The author did an excellent job in describing the feelings of the heroine as she was giving her daughter up for adoption; the feelings of the daughter dealing with getting to know her biological parents after being mislead about the circumstances of her being put up for adoption; the feelings of the hero as he starts to see that all families are not like his was while he was growing up (which lead him to never wanting to get married or be involved in a long-term relationship with a woman); the heroine's in-laws adjusting to her being in a relationship after the death of their son; and everyone adjusting to each other and pulling together to help one another heal.
I started reading this and didn't put it down until I was finished.
Again, great story but a very emotional one.
Almost from the start of the book, I was getting choked up and teary.
It was a very emotional story about a woman who gave up her baby for adoption when she was 17.
The child, who was now 17 and pregnant, entered the heroine's life - along with the father - after the girl's adoptive parents died and a couple of years after the heroine was widowed.
It was great to see how the hero and heroine dealt with the past and their determination to help their daughter.
The author did an excellent job in describing the feelings of the heroine as she was giving her daughter up for adoption; the feelings of the daughter dealing with getting to know her biological parents after being mislead about the circumstances of her being put up for adoption; the feelings of the hero as he starts to see that all families are not like his was while he was growing up (which lead him to never wanting to get married or be involved in a long-term relationship with a woman); the heroine's in-laws adjusting to her being in a relationship after the death of their son; and everyone adjusting to each other and pulling together to help one another heal.
I started reading this and didn't put it down until I was finished.
Again, great story but a very emotional one.
May 17, 2010
This is a wonderful story of young love, heartbreak, happiness, second chances and even forgiveness. ..... a child (Gracie) is given up for adoption and 17 years later she finds her birth parents... but that's not all she is pregnant herself like her mother 17 years before her and needs her birth parents help.
Katie has lost her husband 2 years prior to her daughter (Gracie) finding here so she is still dealing with the loss of her beloved husband and now she is dealing with her daughter, her unborn grand child and Zack her love from years past. This story defiantly has lots of feeling and emotions running threw every page.
This was a nice romance book that I enjoyed reading. what I like about this story was it is one that can truly happen and that it can be related to by so many people in real life.
January 1, 2017
i just found out i won this. i am excited to get it and read it soon!
i just started it. its good so far!
5/23/2010
just finished it in two days. it was so good, parts of it made me cry. i would love to see a second book take up where it left off.
re-read jan 1 2017 ( in one day)
she got preg when she was 17 and the boy disappeared and she couldnt tell him. she gave the baby up for adoption but left a note telling who the parents were
the baby is now a 17 yr old girl, her parents died in a car accident while out looking for her. she got preg by a boy she didnt know in the park her first time. she contacted her birth parents. they took care of her while she was preg and fell in love with each other. she straightened her life out going back to school and working. she kept her baby daughter and her parents were going to marry each other at the end of the book
i just started it. its good so far!
5/23/2010
just finished it in two days. it was so good, parts of it made me cry. i would love to see a second book take up where it left off.
re-read jan 1 2017 ( in one day)
she got preg when she was 17 and the boy disappeared and she couldnt tell him. she gave the baby up for adoption but left a note telling who the parents were
the baby is now a 17 yr old girl, her parents died in a car accident while out looking for her. she got preg by a boy she didnt know in the park her first time. she contacted her birth parents. they took care of her while she was preg and fell in love with each other. she straightened her life out going back to school and working. she kept her baby daughter and her parents were going to marry each other at the end of the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2010
For those that enjoy a good romance, I promise this novel will tug on your heart. Take a widow of a Troop in Iraq, a visitor and memories from the past, a secret revealed, and mix it all up, and you have a wonderful story to get lost in.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was heartwarming with a touch of humor and a serious side that makes one look back to teen and summer romances, choices and dreams. The characters were lovable, sassy, funny, and at the same time very serious, causing them to pull you into their lives and making you want to know more about them.
"Still the One" is a wonderful book about love lost, forgiveness, second chances, hope, and new life. A brilliant and heart-tugging escape that will leave you smiling when you finish the story.
Parental note: contains some offensive language and descriptive sex
I really enjoyed this book. The story was heartwarming with a touch of humor and a serious side that makes one look back to teen and summer romances, choices and dreams. The characters were lovable, sassy, funny, and at the same time very serious, causing them to pull you into their lives and making you want to know more about them.
"Still the One" is a wonderful book about love lost, forgiveness, second chances, hope, and new life. A brilliant and heart-tugging escape that will leave you smiling when you finish the story.
Parental note: contains some offensive language and descriptive sex
August 5, 2010
Not a bad book overall. It's just something that you would expect from Susan Mallery more than any other author.
Robin Wells does a very good job of steping outside her comfort zone and tackling a book about an angry, pregnant teenager in mourning dealing with her biological parents that she has just met.
Mallery herself couldn't have done a much better job. The only thing marking the difference between Wells and what Mallery would have done is the lack of cry-your-guts-out emotion that is synonms with Susan Mallery.
Good job Robin Wells
Robin Wells does a very good job of steping outside her comfort zone and tackling a book about an angry, pregnant teenager in mourning dealing with her biological parents that she has just met.
Mallery herself couldn't have done a much better job. The only thing marking the difference between Wells and what Mallery would have done is the lack of cry-your-guts-out emotion that is synonms with Susan Mallery.
Good job Robin Wells
July 8, 2010
Still the One is a very sweet romance book. It's very formulaic, right down to the misunderstandings and the circumstances requiring the main characters to 'get stuck' living together. However, I enjoyed reading it & was sorry when it was over. I loved the addition of a side-line love story involving forgiveness and second chances later in life.
It seemed as though the character's feelings and emotions were probably pretty true to life. I loved that the author didn't diminish Katie's love for her late husband by word or deed.
This book is the first one I've read by Robin Wells. Apparently she's written other books which take place in the same city but this book stood alone as a story. I won't race to pick up more of her books, but I wouldn't turn one down either!
It seemed as though the character's feelings and emotions were probably pretty true to life. I loved that the author didn't diminish Katie's love for her late husband by word or deed.
This book is the first one I've read by Robin Wells. Apparently she's written other books which take place in the same city but this book stood alone as a story. I won't race to pick up more of her books, but I wouldn't turn one down either!
September 9, 2010
for me this was a meh book. it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. i'm not an expert in the romance genre and i'm not sure if all romance books are like this, but i thought the book was a little cheesy.
it was definitely an emotionally packed book, but at the same time, some of the things the characters would say or do sounded like it was coming our of a bad chick flick. if you could look pass the chessiness then the book was quite enjoyable. all of the characters carried their own emotional burden, and as you read further along in the book, you began to pull for the characters and feel for them. by the end, you just want a happy ending for them.
it was definitely an emotionally packed book, but at the same time, some of the things the characters would say or do sounded like it was coming our of a bad chick flick. if you could look pass the chessiness then the book was quite enjoyable. all of the characters carried their own emotional burden, and as you read further along in the book, you began to pull for the characters and feel for them. by the end, you just want a happy ending for them.
August 20, 2015
I received this book via FirstReads. It's a wonderfully authentic and emotional view into the lives of a young military widow (Kate), her former teenage flame (Zack) newly returned to town after 17 years, with their pregnant teenage daughter (Gracie) - who has recently lost her adoptive parents in a tragic accident - in tow. Includes a side-story of Kate's late husband's parents' struggle to regain footing in their relationship after a betrayal. This novel could easily have turned into a complicated mess in the hands of a less-adept author! I found the ending a bit cheesy, but otherwise it was a great read!
May 26, 2010
This plot of this book is rather predictable, but it has some very nice qualities which make it a worthwhile read. Robin Wells does a good job of depicting the struggle of conflicting emotions as a person seeks to overcome feelings of rejection and reach forgiveness and reconciliation. She also describes well some of the challenges of teenage pregnancy, especially the losses involved in no longer being a "normal" teen and the feelings of alienation at being "different." The book has many touching moments, spiced up with a dash of lust!
May 22, 2010
WOW people! This story had me crying through half of the book! Robin's book was so touching and emotional that I just couldn't put it down and I caught myself rooting for these character's time and time again.
This is a must read if your looking for a story that will touch your heart. There's love, loss, new life, and new love all rolled up into this one story. And of course, I loved the setting of the book... A small town in Louisiana!
I'm serious when I tell you that I cried for probably half of the book...I definitely recommend this one!
This is a must read if your looking for a story that will touch your heart. There's love, loss, new life, and new love all rolled up into this one story. And of course, I loved the setting of the book... A small town in Louisiana!
I'm serious when I tell you that I cried for probably half of the book...I definitely recommend this one!
Read
July 30, 2012This was my first Robin Wells book, and I liked it! I thought the hook for this book was excellent, and after reading the back alone I knew I'd enjoy it. This book tugged on my heartstrings. I felt such empathy for Katie over her struggle to give her baby up for adoption as a teenager and then again for the loss of her husband in Iraq. The small town made this colorful, too, and I enjoyed the cozy setting. I would definitely read more from Robin Wells. Her nod for a RITA for this one is well-deserved. Very nice read!
November 13, 2011
Katie Charmaine runs her small town beauty shop and tries to cope with losing her husband in Iraq. The return of her adolescent crush provides a major distraction, but he has not come alone. The child Katie gave up for adoption, their child, is with him looking for answers only Gracie is no longer a sweet baby but a belligerent pregnant teenager determined to Katie with all her might. As the three work on their problems, the eccentric oldsters and other marvelous secondary characters come along for the ride. Both funny and heartfelft, another good read from Robin Wells.
March 8, 2012
This was the first of Robin's work I read and I absolutely fell in love. The characters pulled me in so deep, I suffered and rejoiced with them. Passages, word choices and phrasing jumped off the page. I laughed. I smiled. I hurt. And I hoped with every ounce of my empathy-bitten soul that a happy eternity would be the reward for the deserving heroine, hero and a confused teen with a big attitude and even bigger baggage. This story will dissolve even the toughest heart into a puddle of squishy love-goo. Keeper shelf...front and center.
May 21, 2010
I'm a sucker for happily-ever-after books so I did like this book quite a bit. The story was interesting and I liked the way it worked through everything. The characters were interesting and there were even several parts that made me laugh out loud. A worthwhile read.
On a separate note - I do wish I'd noticed the main character's names were two of my kids names. That made it a little weird to read the love scenes! ;)
On a separate note - I do wish I'd noticed the main character's names were two of my kids names. That made it a little weird to read the love scenes! ;)
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