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Strangers #1
Strangers
Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancé on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2013
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852 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 17, 2013
3 stars
No one could understand what Abby is going through, how could they, they didn’t lose their fiance the day of their wedding, never living with the chance to be his wife and enjoy growing old together. But one Saturday in her favorite coffee shop, she looks into the eyes of an equally haunted man, who knew what it was like to live without the one you love. Starting off as strangers, they became best friends, and now they mean more to each other than any other person. A lovely sad read about finding love and hope when you lost faith in its power.
*Reviewed on 11/16/2013
"I never believed I could fall this madly in love with anyone again, but I am truly, madly in love with you."
No one could understand what Abby is going through, how could they, they didn’t lose their fiance the day of their wedding, never living with the chance to be his wife and enjoy growing old together. But one Saturday in her favorite coffee shop, she looks into the eyes of an equally haunted man, who knew what it was like to live without the one you love. Starting off as strangers, they became best friends, and now they mean more to each other than any other person. A lovely sad read about finding love and hope when you lost faith in its power.
*Reviewed on 11/16/2013
Want to read
October 16, 2013 I love the sound of this one! Plus, it's a standalone :)
Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancé on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.
Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancé on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.
September 2, 2013
I loved this book. I loved Abby. And who wouldn't want their very own Bryce? This book is about loss and proves that just when you believe you're destined to be alone for the rest of your life -- perhaps have even convinced yourself that's okay -- love walks though the door unexpectedly. It can happen anywhere, any time. Abby and Bryce are two broken people, trying to cope with the terrible tragedy of having lost the people they love, their soul mates, in separate circumstances. I think when love ends due to one or the other person moving on, it's different than when a loved one dies. This book is a reminder that when you least expect it, it happens. I laughed, I cried, and my emotions rode the same roller-coaster hills as Abby. Abby's relationship with her mother was like oil and water, and also very real to life. Bryce and Abby are two strangers who happen to meet in a coffee shop one Saturday morning. They become best friends -- first. Read this book! You will not be disappointed!
consider-later
October 28, 2013FREE today on Amazon US (10/27/2013).
September 17, 2013
Strangers is a book about exactly what the title says. Two strangers who have lost themselves by losing their loved ones forever. Abby lost her to-be husband to a tragic accident on the day she was suppose to be married to him and start her happy ever afterlife and Bryce lost his Emily to cancer.
When fate brings them together in a coffee shop they couldn't help but connect to each other the way they haven't been able to since the death of the love of their lives. They become real close friends in a matter of weeks.
I really liked the way their relationship progressed. It was slow and sweet. Another thing I liked and was surprised to read was that Abby's birthday is written off as being on Oct 8th which is the same as mine *grins*. How cool is that right?? :D Anyway, after a certain incident with Abby, their relationship progresses further as they fall in love and try to move on. But will they both be able to do just that? After Abby asks Bryce to take a step further in their relationship, why does Bryce seem distant ? Has he not moved on from the past as Abby has?? And when you think about it, has Abby??
You'll have to find the answers to that by going for this amazing read. I absolutely loved this book. It hooked me in from the beginning itself and once I was completely into it , it was difficult for me to stop. The pace was just about perfect. Both the characters were well developed. The message that this story gives out is beautiful. Overall, this book has laughter, heartbreak and most of all a happy ending. I would without a doubt recommend this book.
When fate brings them together in a coffee shop they couldn't help but connect to each other the way they haven't been able to since the death of the love of their lives. They become real close friends in a matter of weeks.
I really liked the way their relationship progressed. It was slow and sweet. Another thing I liked and was surprised to read was that Abby's birthday is written off as being on Oct 8th which is the same as mine *grins*. How cool is that right?? :D Anyway, after a certain incident with Abby, their relationship progresses further as they fall in love and try to move on. But will they both be able to do just that? After Abby asks Bryce to take a step further in their relationship, why does Bryce seem distant ? Has he not moved on from the past as Abby has?? And when you think about it, has Abby??
You'll have to find the answers to that by going for this amazing read. I absolutely loved this book. It hooked me in from the beginning itself and once I was completely into it , it was difficult for me to stop. The pace was just about perfect. Both the characters were well developed. The message that this story gives out is beautiful. Overall, this book has laughter, heartbreak and most of all a happy ending. I would without a doubt recommend this book.
March 1, 2014
This is the debut novel by A.L. Parks and for a first book, she did an amazing job! Strangers is a heart-wrenching story that takes us down the road of Abby and Bryce who both experienced terrible losses in their lives. We see their despair, sorrow, and loneliness. We see how they struggle in their daily lives, believing that they have no future after such gut-wrenching pasts. Then when you least expect it, the author shows us how someone can come into your life and make you believe again. Parks does an amazing job showing us how true love can last forever yet allows, even encourages you to move on with your life. Her characters were very realistic and you will laugh and cry along with them. You will even feel extreme frustration when you watch Abby dealing with her mother…there were times I wanted to yell at Abby and strangle Charlotte! This book shows you how love can destroy, but also can give you a chance at a new life! I might be spoiled having read other books with both a male and female POV, but it would have been great to get inside of Bryce’s head at times in this story. Overall, I loved it! Kudos A.L. Parks!! Can’t wait to read your next novel!
February 22, 2015
Fate serves two strangers a second chance at love. Abby’s fiancé was killed on their wedding day and cancer took the life of Bryce’s wife. Both are suffering their losses deeply and not expecting to find someone who will both understand and offer a lending hand in friendship.
This was a story loaded with emotion. The pace was set to allow for the relationship between Abby and Bryce to move their second chance at love forward naturally and realistically. Although bittersweet with a little slice of humor, as well, this debut novel handles the emotions of love and loss, and starting over in a surprisingly good read.
This was a story loaded with emotion. The pace was set to allow for the relationship between Abby and Bryce to move their second chance at love forward naturally and realistically. Although bittersweet with a little slice of humor, as well, this debut novel handles the emotions of love and loss, and starting over in a surprisingly good read.
Want to read
September 13, 2013*AMAZON SALE* $.99
9/13/13
.
September 9, 2013
They lost the one they love. They wanna start new life. Abby and Bryce.
Bryce is delicious and romantic and a great guy. Abby is a strong character.
I'm sure you can love them.
Enter a coffee shop and a chance meeting between them...And this is my favorite part of this story... A true friendship unfolds! You really feel their past pain, and their journey to hopefully have a future together.I read fast,there's two reason. First I'm a fast reader and I'm a Booker. Second is How can't I read this lovely book without interruption?
I do not want to give a spoilers because I don't like reading spoilers(when I read a spoiler after that I can't read that book).So You have to read.Come on! Add your ŷ shelf this book :)
Bryce is delicious and romantic and a great guy. Abby is a strong character.
I'm sure you can love them.
Enter a coffee shop and a chance meeting between them...And this is my favorite part of this story... A true friendship unfolds! You really feel their past pain, and their journey to hopefully have a future together.I read fast,there's two reason. First I'm a fast reader and I'm a Booker. Second is How can't I read this lovely book without interruption?
I do not want to give a spoilers because I don't like reading spoilers(when I read a spoiler after that I can't read that book).So You have to read.Come on! Add your ŷ shelf this book :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2013
This is a great first novel by AL Parks. I received an ARC for an honest review. You wouldn't know that she hasn't published before. Right off the bat, I like that she has character depth with the two main characters. They become friends first, which we don't see happen very often in most of this genre's books. The supporting characters also are well developed.
There are some terrible things that happen to both main characters in their past, and it affects their moving forward greatly. Twists and turns in the story make you wonder if they are ever going to be able to get there.
Bryce is delicious and romantic and a great guy. Abby is a strong character. I'm trying not to give any spoilers! I'm looking forward to the next one by AL. She really seems to be an up and coming author.
There are some terrible things that happen to both main characters in their past, and it affects their moving forward greatly. Twists and turns in the story make you wonder if they are ever going to be able to get there.
Bryce is delicious and romantic and a great guy. Abby is a strong character. I'm trying not to give any spoilers! I'm looking forward to the next one by AL. She really seems to be an up and coming author.
September 5, 2013
I've received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Well... OhmyLerd... I've finished this within a day and that's just how hooked I am into it. Cried the whole time. I cried for their heart breaking past, cried for their stubbornness, cried for Bryce getting cold, cried for the ending. Cried cried cried.
Must Read
Well... OhmyLerd... I've finished this within a day and that's just how hooked I am into it. Cried the whole time. I cried for their heart breaking past, cried for their stubbornness, cried for Bryce getting cold, cried for the ending. Cried cried cried.
Must Read
January 24, 2014
Strangers
By: AL Parks
Love blooms from grief�
Grief is a cruel emotion that steals happiness and brings despair. Abby is beautiful, young and on the verge of her happily ever after. Fate steps in and deals a cruel hand on what was to be the most romantic day of her life. From the depths of her depressions, she steps out on that fateful anniversary to do as she has done for the last few years, spending time at the local coffee shop, planning the rest of the emotionally draining day’s events. Gazing around at her surroundings she catches his eye, eyes that bear the unmistakable mark of grief.
Bryce, yum…Bryce is a handsome, sweet and thoughtful man, who knows too well how overwhelming grief can be. He too has lost a piece of his soul. Being new to the area, he finds his way to the same coffee shop where he immediately connects with this beautiful stranger.
Their relationship is built on a strong foundation of friendship, respect and love. Both Abby and Bryce are experiencing the haunting of their lost loves. Can they silence the ghostly voices?
Strangers is AL Parks debut novel, however after blazing through this beautifully emotional story, I found it hard to believe that a debut novel could offer such depth. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster of their relationship. I adore the way this story developed. It was a breath of fresh air that the couple � Abby and Bryce didn’t fall into immediate love or lust. It took a path of a sought after fantasy most women have � friendship first. If you are looking for a new type of romance, I highly recommend you get your hands on Strangers and fall in love with a new author, AL Parks.
By: AL Parks
Love blooms from grief�
Grief is a cruel emotion that steals happiness and brings despair. Abby is beautiful, young and on the verge of her happily ever after. Fate steps in and deals a cruel hand on what was to be the most romantic day of her life. From the depths of her depressions, she steps out on that fateful anniversary to do as she has done for the last few years, spending time at the local coffee shop, planning the rest of the emotionally draining day’s events. Gazing around at her surroundings she catches his eye, eyes that bear the unmistakable mark of grief.
Bryce, yum…Bryce is a handsome, sweet and thoughtful man, who knows too well how overwhelming grief can be. He too has lost a piece of his soul. Being new to the area, he finds his way to the same coffee shop where he immediately connects with this beautiful stranger.
Their relationship is built on a strong foundation of friendship, respect and love. Both Abby and Bryce are experiencing the haunting of their lost loves. Can they silence the ghostly voices?
Strangers is AL Parks debut novel, however after blazing through this beautifully emotional story, I found it hard to believe that a debut novel could offer such depth. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster of their relationship. I adore the way this story developed. It was a breath of fresh air that the couple � Abby and Bryce didn’t fall into immediate love or lust. It took a path of a sought after fantasy most women have � friendship first. If you are looking for a new type of romance, I highly recommend you get your hands on Strangers and fall in love with a new author, AL Parks.
September 6, 2013
This book was emotional and lovely! I cried sad sobbing tears in the first few pages....
Abby....Sweet Abby.... She is dressed in her wedding gown...waiting in the brides room in the church... Her dream come true... To be married to Trevor... Her love... Her future... And the a nightmare, a true heart wrenching nightmare happens....
Bryce.... Oh perfect....and perfectly flawed Bryce.... He suffers his own heartbreak as well....
Enter a coffee shop and a chance meeting between them.... And this is my favorite part of this story... A true friendship unfolds! You really feel their past pain, and their journey to hopefully have a future together...
Of course there are definite bumps in the road... Realistic drama.... And a beautiful love that emerges...
Great great story!
Abby....Sweet Abby.... She is dressed in her wedding gown...waiting in the brides room in the church... Her dream come true... To be married to Trevor... Her love... Her future... And the a nightmare, a true heart wrenching nightmare happens....
Bryce.... Oh perfect....and perfectly flawed Bryce.... He suffers his own heartbreak as well....
Enter a coffee shop and a chance meeting between them.... And this is my favorite part of this story... A true friendship unfolds! You really feel their past pain, and their journey to hopefully have a future together...
Of course there are definite bumps in the road... Realistic drama.... And a beautiful love that emerges...
Great great story!
August 18, 2013
Strangers is A.L. Parks first novel. It's a great read.
The main characters Abby and Bryce are very well written. Both have suffered great losses and this book follows them through coming to terms with their grief and finding new love.
In the first chapter, A.L. Parks pull you right into the book and you won't want to put it down until you are done. When reading you may want to have tissues handy.
Strangers is an amazing story that you definitely should you read.
The main characters Abby and Bryce are very well written. Both have suffered great losses and this book follows them through coming to terms with their grief and finding new love.
In the first chapter, A.L. Parks pull you right into the book and you won't want to put it down until you are done. When reading you may want to have tissues handy.
Strangers is an amazing story that you definitely should you read.
September 2, 2013
This is an amazing first work! The characters are very well developed. The story grabs you from the first page and takes you on a wonderful journey of of healing and self-discovery. I was cheering for these two people to find happiness and peace! This story will make you cry, smile and laugh out loud!
I can't wait for the next book by this talented author.
I can't wait for the next book by this talented author.
October 20, 2013
A sweet book about second chances. Giving the power to live after losing your fiance to a tragic accident. Giving the reason to move on and smile after losing your wife. Finding comfort from one another from friendship to all consuming love. You meet as strangers until there is nothing left that they don't know of one another.
September 6, 2013
I've received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I became emotionally involved with these characters so quickly. I laughed, cried, screamed and cried some more. You had me completely captivated. This is a great first novel by A.L. Parks. I will be impatiently waiting for the next one!
I became emotionally involved with these characters so quickly. I laughed, cried, screamed and cried some more. You had me completely captivated. This is a great first novel by A.L. Parks. I will be impatiently waiting for the next one!
November 2, 2013
This book is utterly amazing!! Had me gripped from the start. I felt the emotions of the characters along with them. I felt a connection fro the beginning. Must read!!!!
September 18, 2013
I always found it strange that my favorite book is a classic romance novel I read when I was barely a teen yet for some odd reason I was never big on the romance genre. Ten years ago, you couldn’t pay me to read a romance novel. I never actually considered myself a big fan, but as I got a little older I developed a love and appreciation for romance. This book made me remember why I fell in love with a good romance. For me, reading is an escape from reality. I get to delve into a different world for a few hours and sometimes it isn’t such a bad thing. When things are going wrong in life sometimes a little happily ever after is all you need.
Where do I begin? Strangers is a book that makes you fall in love with the entire process of falling in love. It has dark moments, humorous moments and incredibly heartbreaking moments but it makes you appreciate the sort of love that draws you from the depths of darkness into the light. It is in fact about just that � two strangers.
Abby Clark and Bryce Holder meet in a café on Valentine’s Day, which is also the anniversary of Trevor’s death (Abby’s fiancé). Abby immediately notices Bryce and for some odd reason she can’t stop staring at him. He happens to notice but she turns away. He heads to her table offering her a cappuccino some company if she doesn’t mind. Unbeknownst to them, they share more in common that either of them could ever have imagined. They have both suffered tragic losses and their time in the café leads to a budding friendship that ultimately gives way to the possibility of a much greater love story. Through their shared pain they engage in a friendship that slowly blossoms into what they refer to as “best friends� or “just friends� whenever asked the nature of their relationship. What better relationship is there to be in than one with your best friend?
These two drove me mad waiting for the inevitable romance to commence. The buildup in this book is what made me love it. This is a book where a romance is built and the reader is with them through each step of that courtship. The friendship, the trust and ultimately the love they share are what draw you in. Most times when we see a relationship formed in a book, it happens quickly and the reader doesn’t get to experience each step. Strangers takes you through a journey of loss, friendship and back to love again. It is an absolutely beautiful book that may shock you, bring you to tears and make you smile all in the same breath.
I really loved A.L. Parks writing and the direction she took with this book. It wasn’t a story about a first love but it was about a long and lasting love after a tragic and painful loss. The thought of moving on is unbearable to both Abby and Bryce. They are living but their lives are hollow. Their hearts were ripped out the day they lost the love of their life, but somehow they are each other’s redeemer. This book is beautiful and I loved every second I spent reading it. I encourage anyone who is a fan of romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance or new adult to check this book out. I don’t want to give away too much but you won’t be disappointed. This book is a fantastic debut, I cannot wait for more by this author.
*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
Where do I begin? Strangers is a book that makes you fall in love with the entire process of falling in love. It has dark moments, humorous moments and incredibly heartbreaking moments but it makes you appreciate the sort of love that draws you from the depths of darkness into the light. It is in fact about just that � two strangers.
Abby Clark and Bryce Holder meet in a café on Valentine’s Day, which is also the anniversary of Trevor’s death (Abby’s fiancé). Abby immediately notices Bryce and for some odd reason she can’t stop staring at him. He happens to notice but she turns away. He heads to her table offering her a cappuccino some company if she doesn’t mind. Unbeknownst to them, they share more in common that either of them could ever have imagined. They have both suffered tragic losses and their time in the café leads to a budding friendship that ultimately gives way to the possibility of a much greater love story. Through their shared pain they engage in a friendship that slowly blossoms into what they refer to as “best friends� or “just friends� whenever asked the nature of their relationship. What better relationship is there to be in than one with your best friend?
These two drove me mad waiting for the inevitable romance to commence. The buildup in this book is what made me love it. This is a book where a romance is built and the reader is with them through each step of that courtship. The friendship, the trust and ultimately the love they share are what draw you in. Most times when we see a relationship formed in a book, it happens quickly and the reader doesn’t get to experience each step. Strangers takes you through a journey of loss, friendship and back to love again. It is an absolutely beautiful book that may shock you, bring you to tears and make you smile all in the same breath.
I really loved A.L. Parks writing and the direction she took with this book. It wasn’t a story about a first love but it was about a long and lasting love after a tragic and painful loss. The thought of moving on is unbearable to both Abby and Bryce. They are living but their lives are hollow. Their hearts were ripped out the day they lost the love of their life, but somehow they are each other’s redeemer. This book is beautiful and I loved every second I spent reading it. I encourage anyone who is a fan of romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance or new adult to check this book out. I don’t want to give away too much but you won’t be disappointed. This book is a fantastic debut, I cannot wait for more by this author.
*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
September 17, 2013
I was impressed with this debut novel. Ms. Parks certainly knows how to tug our heartstrings.
Bryce and Abby have both lived through horrible losses. He lost his wife to cancer and she lost her groom on their wedding day in a traffic accident. Their hurt is like a rain cloud that follows them through life.
When they meet there is an instant connection borne of seeing the loss that they both wear. But the connection goes beyond that. Their hearts are touched as friends. But slowly that becomes more.
Just like with the stages of grief, they move forward. Then something comes along and they are knocked back a step or three. This story is about how they come to terms with their losses and how they decided to move forward.
It was sweet, it was touching, it made me smile.
I also wanted to just smack her mother at least three times. Hard! It was a good thing that her siblings and their friends were such good support. They almost make up for the MOM. She made me want to throw things.
Again, I am impressed with this debut novel, and I hope that we hear more from her!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Bryce and Abby have both lived through horrible losses. He lost his wife to cancer and she lost her groom on their wedding day in a traffic accident. Their hurt is like a rain cloud that follows them through life.
When they meet there is an instant connection borne of seeing the loss that they both wear. But the connection goes beyond that. Their hearts are touched as friends. But slowly that becomes more.
Just like with the stages of grief, they move forward. Then something comes along and they are knocked back a step or three. This story is about how they come to terms with their losses and how they decided to move forward.
It was sweet, it was touching, it made me smile.
I also wanted to just smack her mother at least three times. Hard! It was a good thing that her siblings and their friends were such good support. They almost make up for the MOM. She made me want to throw things.
Again, I am impressed with this debut novel, and I hope that we hear more from her!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2013
A terrible tragidy stripped Abby of everything she thought she ever wanted on the day she was supposed to get. Four years later Abby is still greaving the death of her fiance on their wedding day which also happend to be Valientines day. While sitting at a coffee shop on that horrible day in walk Bryce. With one look they both see the pain of loss within each other and become friends. Throughout the following weeks and months they both finally begin to heal from the sadness that enveloped both their lives because of their losses. As time goes by Abby feels more than just friendship between, but because she is too terrified to lose being Bryce's friend she holds back from telling him her feelings for fear he won't reciprocate. When something terrible and unexpected happens it could be the push to finally bring them together. But will they both ever be able to truely more on from their pasts?
Abby's pain from what happened to her comes through so well that you feel as though it actually happened to you. And when Bryce tells her about his loss you can see her compassion and understanding for what he's going through too. I loved seeing how these two broken souls came together to heal each other, even if their fear and stuborness to try for something more could have ruined them. I cried with them, laughed with them, and felt what their were both feeling like it was happening to me.
Abby's pain from what happened to her comes through so well that you feel as though it actually happened to you. And when Bryce tells her about his loss you can see her compassion and understanding for what he's going through too. I loved seeing how these two broken souls came together to heal each other, even if their fear and stuborness to try for something more could have ruined them. I cried with them, laughed with them, and felt what their were both feeling like it was happening to me.
December 29, 2013
Review posted at:
Rating: 4 stars
Strangers is AL's debut novel and what a fantastic ride it was. Abby and Bryce meet as strangers at a coffee shop and little do they know that their feelings of grief and sorrow are a mutual connection between them. The whirlwind of emotions and the fear to take the next step forward is relatable in many of our lives. Our mind can play tricks on us, thinking we're ready to move on and then something may trigger us and we need to take a step back. This read had me in tears for the reality and honest truth of the storyline, while it also had me cherishing the friendships and devotion Abby and Bryce shared with those close to them. I was hoping we'd hear more about Bryce's family and their relationships with one another, but I did feel a deep, loving connection between Abby and her siblings. The metaphor of the mermaid was utterly amazing and the awakening it unraveled played out effortlessly. The dedication and brutal honesty to drive a person to what they know they deeply want, need, and desire had me rooting for Abby to stand her ground. Abby travels leaps and bounds throughout this novel regarding her emotional strength and though some time is "skipped" it doesn't feel like we miss a lot of her journey. Gah the ending has me clawing for the next one...is there going to be a next one??!! I hope so! Give this a try!!
Rating: 4 stars
Strangers is AL's debut novel and what a fantastic ride it was. Abby and Bryce meet as strangers at a coffee shop and little do they know that their feelings of grief and sorrow are a mutual connection between them. The whirlwind of emotions and the fear to take the next step forward is relatable in many of our lives. Our mind can play tricks on us, thinking we're ready to move on and then something may trigger us and we need to take a step back. This read had me in tears for the reality and honest truth of the storyline, while it also had me cherishing the friendships and devotion Abby and Bryce shared with those close to them. I was hoping we'd hear more about Bryce's family and their relationships with one another, but I did feel a deep, loving connection between Abby and her siblings. The metaphor of the mermaid was utterly amazing and the awakening it unraveled played out effortlessly. The dedication and brutal honesty to drive a person to what they know they deeply want, need, and desire had me rooting for Abby to stand her ground. Abby travels leaps and bounds throughout this novel regarding her emotional strength and though some time is "skipped" it doesn't feel like we miss a lot of her journey. Gah the ending has me clawing for the next one...is there going to be a next one??!! I hope so! Give this a try!!
January 23, 2014
****This book was part of a blog tour I was given an ARC for my honest review****
Abby Clark is haunted by the memory of her wedding day. The day that was supposed to be one of a girl’s best days of her life, until she got the call her fiancé was in an accident and it all changed. Still struggling years later fate intervenes and she meets another lost soul in a coffee shop. Bryce Holden may have known he could lose his wife to cancer but it doesn't make his demons any less than Abby, or things any easier to deal with. Together though, they just may be able to move on.
This book was very realistic, full of heartbreak and second chances. I have to say I never felt that merge with this book though; I never got too attached to the characters or what happened. The writing felt choppy but was still entertaining enough. There is an adequate amount of development in the characters, and I think all the right parts are there it just wasn’t the book for me. The first chapter was catchy and had all the drama and back story to bring you in. This is the perfect book for any romance fans who love to see their characters fight their personal demons and get their happily ever after.
Abby Clark is haunted by the memory of her wedding day. The day that was supposed to be one of a girl’s best days of her life, until she got the call her fiancé was in an accident and it all changed. Still struggling years later fate intervenes and she meets another lost soul in a coffee shop. Bryce Holden may have known he could lose his wife to cancer but it doesn't make his demons any less than Abby, or things any easier to deal with. Together though, they just may be able to move on.
This book was very realistic, full of heartbreak and second chances. I have to say I never felt that merge with this book though; I never got too attached to the characters or what happened. The writing felt choppy but was still entertaining enough. There is an adequate amount of development in the characters, and I think all the right parts are there it just wasn’t the book for me. The first chapter was catchy and had all the drama and back story to bring you in. This is the perfect book for any romance fans who love to see their characters fight their personal demons and get their happily ever after.
October 1, 2016
3.5 stars. This book mysteriously showed up at the front of my Carousel on my Kindle so I took it as some kind of sign that I needed to read it (the author said it had been revised and reedited so I assume that is why it had been reloaded my Kindle.
This was a very nice romantic story about two people whose lives had been torn apart by losing their loved ones. The h's fiancé as killed on the way to the church the day of the wedding, and the H's wife died of cancer a few years ago. These two, mourning their soulmates, meet by chance in a coffee shop and become platonic friends and the friendship then turns into more, especially for the h. Then we have the angst as each of them have to reconcile their current feelings and the guilt of leaving the former loves behind.
The book is well written and poignant. The only real problem I had is that it was pretty much like a lot of the other books I've read and there was really nothing new to set it apart from a whole bunch of other books. But, if you're new to the romance genre I think you'll enjoy this one.
This was a very nice romantic story about two people whose lives had been torn apart by losing their loved ones. The h's fiancé as killed on the way to the church the day of the wedding, and the H's wife died of cancer a few years ago. These two, mourning their soulmates, meet by chance in a coffee shop and become platonic friends and the friendship then turns into more, especially for the h. Then we have the angst as each of them have to reconcile their current feelings and the guilt of leaving the former loves behind.
The book is well written and poignant. The only real problem I had is that it was pretty much like a lot of the other books I've read and there was really nothing new to set it apart from a whole bunch of other books. But, if you're new to the romance genre I think you'll enjoy this one.
September 8, 2014
We have all been through grief in one form or another, and each one of us reacts differently.
Loosing your soon to be husband on your wedding day, how drastic and overwhelming is that! Something that will stay with your for a lifetime.
Meeting a stranger in a Coffee shop unexpectedly sets the scene for the slow moving, sure to be love that will surely come from this book. But the twists and turns in it, I was wondering if they will ever, ever get together.
Two people, brought together in grief, shoulders to cry on, a hand to hold, someone to understand.
I didn't realise this was A L Parks first book as I had read one of her other books before this.
This author writes a good, honest, true gripping and emotional read, just like the other one I read.
I love both of her books I have read so far......
so A L Parks, if you have anymore, you know where to find me :)
Loosing your soon to be husband on your wedding day, how drastic and overwhelming is that! Something that will stay with your for a lifetime.
Meeting a stranger in a Coffee shop unexpectedly sets the scene for the slow moving, sure to be love that will surely come from this book. But the twists and turns in it, I was wondering if they will ever, ever get together.
Two people, brought together in grief, shoulders to cry on, a hand to hold, someone to understand.
I didn't realise this was A L Parks first book as I had read one of her other books before this.
This author writes a good, honest, true gripping and emotional read, just like the other one I read.
I love both of her books I have read so far......
so A L Parks, if you have anymore, you know where to find me :)
November 3, 2013
I'm really at a loss of how to rate and review this particular book.
It was good. It was so damn sweet at times that I think I received my first ever cavities. But, it was a dragger. In some portions of the book, towards the middle, it just drug along in the story. I mean, it is a one-booker so I shouldn't be complaining too much. But, I just have complete mixed feelings.
The sex senses start out as non-existent. Then the progress, almost like the author has built courage to actually write the events on paper, and then bam, they are gone again and we just get summaries.
It's a tragedy with what happened to each of their past lovers but in the end, it seems like these two were truly meant to be.
I will have to take some time and formulate a better review and then get back to you all on this one. LOL
It was good. It was so damn sweet at times that I think I received my first ever cavities. But, it was a dragger. In some portions of the book, towards the middle, it just drug along in the story. I mean, it is a one-booker so I shouldn't be complaining too much. But, I just have complete mixed feelings.
The sex senses start out as non-existent. Then the progress, almost like the author has built courage to actually write the events on paper, and then bam, they are gone again and we just get summaries.
It's a tragedy with what happened to each of their past lovers but in the end, it seems like these two were truly meant to be.
I will have to take some time and formulate a better review and then get back to you all on this one. LOL
October 7, 2013
Strangers is story of finding love, and yourself, after tragedy. Life is never easy, and so I always enjoy stories I can connect with. Parks characters are believable, flawed, and realistic. I read this book over two evenings. It was a very easy read. I felt for both Abby and Bryce in their struggle to find a way through their doubts and pain and to fall in love again. I've read some teasers from Parks next book and I am very excited to read it. I think this is just the beginning for this author!
November 17, 2013
What a sweet love story! Bryce was super! Loved him! I like how their relationship started and continued. Not too much "aggravation" in the story from outsiders but only inside grief that the characters needed to learn how to handle. I liked the secondary characters just as much. This was a very good book to sit and enjoy..I read this in a day if not sooner...I could see why they had their struggles with certain situations and I loved what the dreams meant to them in the story. Very good love story..Enjoyable read!
September 11, 2013
I received an ARC for an honest review. I loved the depths of the characters. There is an intensity about Bryce and Abby that draws you in. I admit there were a few times that I teared up myself.
I enjoyed the twists that the author brought to the book. I didn't see them coming and for that I was grateful. I love books that have twists that as a reader you are not predicting.
I would mark this book down as a must read.
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