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Unrecognizable
What would you do to save your marriage?
Michael's two-year deployment turned into three when an operation went sideways, and he's spent years trying to unwind the things in his head that are destroying his marriage and his life.
Claire spent the better part of a year believing she'd lost the other half of her heart. Michael's return was a miracle she hadn't dared hope would occur, and she's crushed to find the man returned to her is a stranger who can't bear to touch her.
With their children grown, she's lost hope and without something to bind them together, she and Michael live largely separate lives.
When Claire decides that cutting Michael loose is the only way to save him, both of them struggle with loss, anger and heartbreak. The struggle is more than either of them anticipated, and their families watch worriedly as they fall apart.
Can Michael make peace with his demons, or will Claire accept that the man she loves with all her heart will never be more than a roommate?
Michael's two-year deployment turned into three when an operation went sideways, and he's spent years trying to unwind the things in his head that are destroying his marriage and his life.
Claire spent the better part of a year believing she'd lost the other half of her heart. Michael's return was a miracle she hadn't dared hope would occur, and she's crushed to find the man returned to her is a stranger who can't bear to touch her.
With their children grown, she's lost hope and without something to bind them together, she and Michael live largely separate lives.
When Claire decides that cutting Michael loose is the only way to save him, both of them struggle with loss, anger and heartbreak. The struggle is more than either of them anticipated, and their families watch worriedly as they fall apart.
Can Michael make peace with his demons, or will Claire accept that the man she loves with all her heart will never be more than a roommate?
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2023
5 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Erin FitzGerald
28 books153 followersErin believes every story should have a happy ending and that very few characters are completely irredeemable.
She lives in the Metro DC area with her husband and two children, in a house full of pets and plants.
She lives in the Metro DC area with her husband and two children, in a house full of pets and plants.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 26, 2023
I would give this book a thousand stars! Reading it required a box of tissues, a few reading breaks to regroup, and some chocolate as I read into the early morning hours. Claire and Michael’s story is so raw, so gut wrenchingly emotional as it reveals the ravages of their souls due to their separation and then divorce. Being true soulmates couldn’t prevent Claire’s need to distance herself from the constant pain of having her beloved husband reject her touch, distance himself from her both physically and emotionally, and go through the motions of therapy without any progress. Her decision guts not only Michael and herself, but also their two children. At first Michael sees her decision as a betrayal of their love, then he begins to realize that his wife is truly suffering too. She is not looking for a new man, a new life or anything else, but instead she is fighting for her own emotional and mental health. Weeks turn into months and both are just existing, not really living without the other half of it them by their side. When they meet again a terrible incident breaks them further, making any hope of reconciliation seem impossible. Their journey forward is difficult, almost excruciating, but somehow Fate or a divine power gives them one more chance at a future together. Can they put all the pain, fear and guilt behind them and focus on the deep love they still carry for each other in their hearts?
This author handles painful topics with compassion, insight and deftness. The main focus of this book is the deep abiding love between Claire and Michael. A love that was horribly tested and strained, but ultimately helped them find their way back to each other. Claire and Michael’s story is sometimes heartbreaking, but is absolutely riveting and unputdownable. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This author handles painful topics with compassion, insight and deftness. The main focus of this book is the deep abiding love between Claire and Michael. A love that was horribly tested and strained, but ultimately helped them find their way back to each other. Claire and Michael’s story is sometimes heartbreaking, but is absolutely riveting and unputdownable. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 22, 2023
An enduring impression of a passionate connection
After reading this passionately ornate story of love, life, and friendship, my emotions are scattered. Erin FitzGerald has written nothing short of a masterpiece. I found myself rooted in the characters, suffering their sentiments. Such is the power of simplistic and relatable narration by this author.
It is a breath of fresh air that illustrates a mature couple. This is a journey into the lives of Michael and Claire through the farmlands of Nebraska, the city life of New Jersey/NYC, the wilderness of New York, and a glimpse of Beirut. It is an in-depth perception of the pain and yearning the two had for each other through thick and thin. A nostalgic voyage of the most loving couple as they try to make sense of themselves and each other. There is so much to be learned and felt from this book.
It is beautifully decorated with a strong supporting cast, tapping into their lives appropriately. Every character is refined and well-developed, impacting the overall storyline. The plot unfurls, elaborating on estrangement, separation, divorce, and acceptance concepts.
Erin has done a fantastic job of portraying the defense structure's hideosity. Only elegantly. We never know about these things unless it is brought to our attention. The trauma and post-survival battles. Most importantly, how that affects the spouse and one's family. Sibling rivalry and connection, parenting, grandparenting, extended family play, and friendship. Or be it dealing with failures. Such realistic issues have been presented aesthetically without breaching the compassion line.
This is not a story but an experience everyone must realize by reading it.
After reading this passionately ornate story of love, life, and friendship, my emotions are scattered. Erin FitzGerald has written nothing short of a masterpiece. I found myself rooted in the characters, suffering their sentiments. Such is the power of simplistic and relatable narration by this author.
It is a breath of fresh air that illustrates a mature couple. This is a journey into the lives of Michael and Claire through the farmlands of Nebraska, the city life of New Jersey/NYC, the wilderness of New York, and a glimpse of Beirut. It is an in-depth perception of the pain and yearning the two had for each other through thick and thin. A nostalgic voyage of the most loving couple as they try to make sense of themselves and each other. There is so much to be learned and felt from this book.
It is beautifully decorated with a strong supporting cast, tapping into their lives appropriately. Every character is refined and well-developed, impacting the overall storyline. The plot unfurls, elaborating on estrangement, separation, divorce, and acceptance concepts.
Erin has done a fantastic job of portraying the defense structure's hideosity. Only elegantly. We never know about these things unless it is brought to our attention. The trauma and post-survival battles. Most importantly, how that affects the spouse and one's family. Sibling rivalry and connection, parenting, grandparenting, extended family play, and friendship. Or be it dealing with failures. Such realistic issues have been presented aesthetically without breaching the compassion line.
This is not a story but an experience everyone must realize by reading it.
March 4, 2023
This is the 7th book in this incredible series, and this is Michael and Claire’s journey. Michael is ex-military who has been broken by his last deployment and is now a shell of the man he used to be. Claire and Michael have loved each other since high school, and married after graduation, and she is crushed when Michael return and is a stranger, who can’t bear to touch her. Now their children are grown up, and Claire makes the difficult decision to end their marriage, as they are leading different lives and living as strangers. Will this be a wakeup call for Michael, or is it too late? This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, which is raw, gritty, intense, and intriguing, with heartbreak, family, angst, loss, challenges, trauma, romance, and love, which leads to a heartwrenching page turner. This author has done an amazing job in weaving this tough storyline with such compassion and sensitivity!
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.
February 15, 2023
This is not a “boy meets girl, they fall in love, and live happily ever after” story. This story comes after that.
What happens when the man you loved was presumed dead, then comes home as a completely changed man? What if you cannot get passed the things you saw and experienced when in captivity, so it bleeds into your marriage?
I absolutely loved the supporting characters in this story. Still obsessed with the Atholtons, so loved having Aaron (and Harlowe) play such a big role in Michael’s recovery journey. Gemma took some time to grow on me. She’s up in your face, and while I wouldn’t call a mistress “loyal”, to her friends she is. I loved her little meddling moments between Claire and Michael.
This story was everything- ups and downs, heartbreak, gut wrenching, and tear- both of anguish and joy
What happens when the man you loved was presumed dead, then comes home as a completely changed man? What if you cannot get passed the things you saw and experienced when in captivity, so it bleeds into your marriage?
I absolutely loved the supporting characters in this story. Still obsessed with the Atholtons, so loved having Aaron (and Harlowe) play such a big role in Michael’s recovery journey. Gemma took some time to grow on me. She’s up in your face, and while I wouldn’t call a mistress “loyal”, to her friends she is. I loved her little meddling moments between Claire and Michael.
This story was everything- ups and downs, heartbreak, gut wrenching, and tear- both of anguish and joy
March 16, 2023
Michael and Claire has a love that most people dream of, it’s enduring and gracious. Unfortunately Michael was held captive during his last tour in Afghanistan. While there he was tortured and abused. He came home to his wife a totally different man. He was unable to touch her or accept her touches. He was unable to sleep in the same bed as her or verbally give her any assurance. After suffering through this for several years Claire decided to leave so that Michael could heal. This is not an easy story to read, it’s difficult and sad. The angst is overwhelming. This is truly a beautiful story. I loved how supportive their friends and family were through their difficult times. Some of the supporting characters in this book will be featured in other books.
March 1, 2023
This book had me totally engrossed from the very first page to the very last, I couldn’t put it down! It’s a story full of hurt, heartbreak, anguish, tears and ultimately, a love so deep that it can’t be broken.
The book is well written and totally captivating. I love this author’s ability to immerse the reader into the story to the point you forget you’re reading. You’re just there, a part of the world she has created, watching it play out. A fabulous read that I would highly recommend, however, a word of warning, have the tissues ready!.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book is well written and totally captivating. I love this author’s ability to immerse the reader into the story to the point you forget you’re reading. You’re just there, a part of the world she has created, watching it play out. A fabulous read that I would highly recommend, however, a word of warning, have the tissues ready!.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2023
This book will rip your heart right out. Michael and Claire’s love is put to the ultimate test. They do make it through but it’s so hard that any other couple would have crumbled.
Trauma is the name of the game in this book. Both Michael and Claire suffer from different types of trauma and abuse. The mental scars are always the hardest to overcome.
I prayed all through this book they would make it and had to keep myself from skipping to the end so many times because I wanted to see they made it.
Don’t go into this book expecting a typical second chance romance. The happy times are so few but it all makes sense by the end.
Trauma is the name of the game in this book. Both Michael and Claire suffer from different types of trauma and abuse. The mental scars are always the hardest to overcome.
I prayed all through this book they would make it and had to keep myself from skipping to the end so many times because I wanted to see they made it.
Don’t go into this book expecting a typical second chance romance. The happy times are so few but it all makes sense by the end.
March 7, 2023
Truly an outstanding, emotional read. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
Erin Fitzgerald has absolutely knocked it out of the park with Claire & Michael's story. The plot & storyline depth are brilliantly told by the author. Be prepared to be taken on a wild emotional reading experience. Will Claire & Michael every find their way back to each other or will past demons destroy it all?
I can't wait to read the author's next book.
When a book as an impact on you & know that you will never forget it, you know that the author has done a brilliant job.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Erin Fitzgerald has absolutely knocked it out of the park with Claire & Michael's story. The plot & storyline depth are brilliantly told by the author. Be prepared to be taken on a wild emotional reading experience. Will Claire & Michael every find their way back to each other or will past demons destroy it all?
I can't wait to read the author's next book.
When a book as an impact on you & know that you will never forget it, you know that the author has done a brilliant job.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2024
Wow book 7 was a hard one to read (emotionally) I absolutely was reaching for the tissues this time. For me this book was sad because it's about PTSD how it effects the male main character and his wife and kid's. Even though this story about Michael and Claire was fiction knowing it happens everyday was the part that got me. To read through their story was eye opening. Even though this book made me cry it is probably a favorite by this Author. The Author sure knows how to pull on a readers heartstrings.
February 26, 2023
What an emotional story. Clair and Michael have been in love with each other since they were in high school. And married shortly after graduating. Now here they are with two adult children and years together behind them, but Clair can’t continue to live with a man she doesn’t recognize anymore. Michaels last tour to Afghanistan broke him. And he can’t put himself back together. He knows how hurt Clair is, but he still loves her as much as the day they met. So when Clair tells him she wants a divorce that’s the last thing he saw coming. This is of their journey learning to live without the other half of your heart. And trying to find your way back to each other. A very touching story.
March 6, 2023
Michael and Claire's love story is heart breaking and heart warming. Strap yourselves, Erin takes you on a rollercoaster ride from page one and there is no chance of getting off until the ride is finished. Get a blanket, tissues, chocolate and glass of wine (bottle) you will need them 🤩
If you love second chance romance with angst, grief, loss and healing journey then this is a book for you. Highly recommended 🤗
If you love second chance romance with angst, grief, loss and healing journey then this is a book for you. Highly recommended 🤗
May 3, 2023
Sometimes love gives a second chance.. and in Unrecognizable, Erin FitzGerald pushes that tagline to every boundary possible. This story perfectly demonstrates the struggles of coping with severe PTSD and trauma after war, and the heartache of trying to cope with divorce. The author tackles sensitive topics delicately and eloquently, and makes every character come to life, it’s impossible not to relate with both Michael and Claire. It’s ugly, it’s raw, and it’s beautiful- and it’s a must read!
February 22, 2023
Michael was deployed and preseumed dead when he returned back to Claire, but he's not the same man. The story is filled with heartache, emotion, trauma, and learning to love again.
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.
February 23, 2023
Michael and Claire’s story is one that is heartbreaking and will tear you apart. A love this strong is something everyone wants… even when loving this much can make you be away from the one you love so deeply. This story can make you realize what you would be willing to do for the one you love and what your willing to give up. I have a feeling this story will stay with me and I will be drawn back to it as a reminder of what true love is and all it can force you to do. Truly beautiful by the end.
May 23, 2023
This book is beautifully written with a focus on strength and overcoming hard circumstances. It really pulls on the heartstrings. The lovable characters and emotionally charged scenes make it worth reading over and over again. You won't be able to put this one down until the last page. Highly recommend reading this.
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.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews