This book had it all! Tragedy, humor, romance, heartbreaks, and the love of family. It was a fast paced read that had me hooked from the very beginning. This was the first time I have read anything by this author, so I am so glad I gave it a try. I’ll definitely be checking out her other books. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me a free digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a heartwarming novel with characters that I loved and a *spoiler alert* happy ending.

Having just binged on the "Me Before You" series by JoJo Moyes, I was ready to read a similar book, and as a fan of Center's previous books, this piqued my interest.

Margaret Jacobson has it all- a handsome boyfriend as well as a bright future in her chosen career- when it is all ripped from her grasp in an instant. Trying to come to terms with the details and aftermath of the accident that she was in, she turns to Ian, her handsome yet aloof physiotherapist, to be honest with her about what is in store. Adding to everything is the reappearance of her wayward sister Kit, and the family secrets that come to light. The Jacobson family will never be the same.

How to Walk Away was an absolute pleasure to read, and it shed light on the very real plight of those who find themselves suddenly disabled after a lifetime of being able bodied. Center handled that topic with grace and sensitivity, and managed to make her readers fall in love with all of the members of the Jacobson family at the same time. I enjoyed reading this novel from start to finish!

The ending wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking as I enjoy a few loose ends here and there at the conclusion of a story that I have loved so much, but overall this is a book well worth reading and one that I hope many people choose to enjoy.

I was actually hesitant on whether or not I was going to read this book. It was up for an auto-download on NetGalley and since I had read and loved two other Katherine Center books, I thought "why not?" But then when it came to reading it, I still wasn't sure - was it going to be as good as her other books? Would I still like her style of writing? 

The answer? Yes and yes! 

This book, as I started getting into it, reminded me of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, but Margaret, who is in the hospital after a plane crash, is similar to Louisa Clark, and her romantic lead was similar to Will Traynor. It was such a fun and perfect match! 

Now, I had read some reviews on this book claiming that it was unethical and that there were major issues in the romance department, BUT I disagree. People, this is FICTION. In real life, events from this book might not happen, but in fiction they can. In real life, events can be unethical and wrong and just against any rule book of any workplace, but again, FICTION. I like to read fiction to escape real life and a book like this was just fun to read. It was sweet, heartwarming, romantic, and a lot of fun. 

This is a book that really reminds the reader that life can change in an instant - and not necessarily for the good. Margaret was the perfect character for this role - she was so funny and so determined. She would have me laughing in one moment and then bring tears to my eyes in another. 

Of course, the story isn't just about the plane accident, but about the fallout of something so horrific, family secrets, familial relationships, romantic relationships, and so much more. Katherine Center writes in such an accessible way that you can't help but fall in love the instant you start to read. She's honest and real and optimistic. It really was the story that I needed in that moment. 

It's so hard to write a review for this book and not go into specifics, but case in short: I loved it. I will read anything Katherine Center releases in the future and am eagerly looking forward to reading the books of hers that I haven't read. Definitely recommend this one if you're looking for something fun, full of witty characters and lots of hope and courage.

This book is very predictable story but still a page turner. Margaret is thinking Chip will ask her to marry him on Valentines Day and he does but it goes all wrong. Margaret is scared to death of flying but Chip is getting his private pilots license and basically bully's her into going on a flight. When they crash and he escapes without a scratch, her life is changed forever. With the help of her sister and a moody physical therapist she starts focusing on living. Even though you can pretty well guess what's going to happen you still keep reading to find out for sure. The book doesn't have a perfect ending but it is a happy one. Lots of information on spinal injuries. I discovered Katherine Center's writing with her book, The Lost Husband. I enjoy her style and outlook. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Absolutely LOVED this book. I truly loved the character of Margeret. I think she spoke to me because I got her. I understood her feelings, her outlook on life after the accident and her determination to live in the moment. As someone who spent time in the hospital with a serious health issue that had life-altering effects, I understood Margaret's journey. This book to me is one of the most inspiring books I've read recently. It was one I could not put done. As for the other characters in the book well the parents were quite a pair and kitty was a hoot. Miles was a jerk as was her fiancé, Chip. Then there was her therapist who you know has a story of his own. SO he intrigued me. Overall one of the most inspiring, life-changing books I've read in a long time.

I'll start by saying I have read everything Katherine Center has written and have NEVER been disappointed - and this book even exceeded my already high expectations!
At the center (no pun intended, hardy har har) of this book is Margaret, a very likeable, relatable character who is in a terrible accident. She wakes up in the hospital and so starts her journey of mourning her life pre-accident and developing the strength and resilience to move on to a new "normal". I was rooting for Margaret from the start! I honestly could not put this book down until I was finished. It was witty, intense and emotional. I strongly recommend it!!
Thanks to Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful book!

I received an advanced reader copy from Netgalley for a review of this novel.
How to Walk Away is that book you've read already. It is very cookie cutter, it could be any romance novel. I am actually shocked at how generic this book was.
I generally don't like reading books I feel I could write and I am not a writer. I basically figured out the plot within the first two chapters. I saw everything coming.
I'm really trying not to be mean but I get very hard on books like this because I think of all the other books I could have read instead of reading this.
If you are looking for a super light, beach read, this is it.

Everyone on the bookternet seems to be reading this book. For the last few weeks, it has been popping up all over social media, and the gorgeous cover makes it impossible to scroll past. I decided I couldn’t be left out and requested a copy from NetGalley.

Now, I have to admit that I hadn’t read any reviews or even the summary before I opened the book, so I had no idea what to expect. By the end of the first chapter, the main character, Margaret, is gravely injured when a small plane piloted by her fiancé, Chip, crash lands during a storm. Center deals with wrenching emotional situations—and Margaret faces a lot of these—with grace and nuance. Margaret must mourn the life she dreamed of—the perfect lakeside wedding, the handsome husband, an impressive career in business—and learn to make the most of her new life. On the way, she travels from denial to despair to determination, and ultimately finds hope and fulfillment. After leaving the hospital and moving back in with her mother, Margaret breaks plates on the driveway in frustration, and those shattered plates become a poignant symbol. She must find a way to take those broken pieces and make them into something beautiful and whole.

“The crash all those years ago shattered the life I had, but the pieces wound up making a pretty good mosaic.”

Probably because of my medical background, I would have liked a bit more detail of the physical challenges Margaret overcomes as a paraplegic, but I know other readers may not feel that way. Additional characters include Margaret’s estranged sister, her parents, Chip’s mother, and last but not least, Ian, her sexy Scottish physical therapist, and their side plots add depth and interest to the story, keeping me turning the pages. I devoured this book in less than a day, and the descriptions about hope and new beginnings at the end left me deeply satisfied.

“I would never tell you that the life you wanted couldn’t have been exactly as great as you planned. But you have to live the life you have. You have to find inspiration in the struggle, and pull joy out of the hardship…Because that’s all we can do: Carry the sorrow when we have to, and absolutely savor the joy when we can.”

We meet Chip and Margaret, a young couple who get engaged while Chip, a soon to be pilot is flying his plane. Margaret, of course says yes. I loved all the characters especially Margaret and Kitty. This book has by far been my favorite this year. It resonated with me on so many levels. This has been my first book of Ms. Center’s but certainly not my last.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved all the characters.

St. Martin's Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of How to Walk Away. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

There is nothing that I like more in a novel than a female main character with inner strength, determination, and a strong spine. Margaret Jacobsen possesses all of those qualities and more, after her life is forever changed by a horrific accident. Margaret's struggles, both mentally and physically, are realistically drawn. The author does a good job of balancing a little bit of levity with the heavy story, leaving the romance aspect in the background. Chip's reaction to Margaret's new future seems on point, as the challenges of helping a loved one through an illness or injury can be overwhelming. Although the book was a bit transparent, I truly enjoyed getting to know Margaret and going on her journey with her. Surprisingly, despite each character having their own side plot, the author does not lose sight of her main character. I would recommend How to Walk Away to other readers and I look forward to reading more by author Katherine Center in the future.

Margaret Jacobsen is a heroine for the ages. Margaret, the main character of How to Walk Away, gets engaged to the man of her dreams and wakes up in the hospital unable to walk. Her life will never be the same, but could it be better? Margaret's family rallies around her and these characters are very authentic. Her fiance Chip quickly disappoints Margaret. Her physical therapist Ian is equally tough and attractive. Is his interest in Margaret purely professional? This novel is entertaining and inspirational-the perfect combination.

I thought this book was great. Just a really full story filled with love and loss, challenges and redemption. I absolutely loved Margaret's voice and have recommended this book to several people already!!

Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading HOW TO WALK AWAY by Katherine Center. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! I have never read a book by Katherine Center before but I know HOW TO WALK AWAY won't be the last! I'm so excited to read more by this author that as soon as I was finished, I placed all of her other books on hold at my library! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Margaret after so much heartache! Wow! What an awesome story.


Margaret has the perfect life! A new job, a fiancé she loves, and a future that looks extremely bright. That is until Valentines Day when her fiancé, Chip, takes her up in his plane, when he doesn't have a license. Margaret is terrified f flying and against her better judgement she goes with him. Tragedy strikes and Margaret's life will never be the same. Now she is in the hospital with life threatening injuries and her future looks anything but bright. Chip seems to have pulled a disappearing act and Margaret doesn't understand why. He walked away from the accident without even a scratch! Why isn't he in the hospital with her trying to comfort her? Begging for her forgiveness? HOW TO WALK AWAY will have you wishing Chip would just run away from Margaret! He is not what she deserves at all!


I don't want to say too much for fear of giving away all of HOW TO WALK AWAY but once I started reading this beautiful and heart breaking story, I could not stop! Everyone should have this unforgettable book on their summer reading list. The dialogue between Margaret and her sister, Kitty, who she hasn't seen in three years, is just hysterical. When Margaret meets Ian, her new physical therapist, we'll let me just say, I prayed her would be able to help her. There is so much pain in this story and in Margaret's family that I was crying like a baby while reading but mostly when I was finished! I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters from page one and I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

This novel was wonderful! I enjoyed the way that the story was told from the beginning that leaves you breathless to the very end. Margaret is engaged and about to start her dream job. Then one day, there is an accident, and everything changes. Margaret’s emotions and feelings are depicted as her story is told about what happens during the days after the accident. At the same time, we get to know the stories of the people closest to her. Author Katherine Center has written a powerful and emotional novel. She details the difficult days of Margaret’s recovery, with some humor and inspiration along the way.

How best to describe this book? I consider it a must read for anyone wise enough to look beyond the “chick lit” label because it is so much more than that. It encompasses just about every emotion starting with sadness and near hopelessness after Margaret is severely injured in a small airplane accident while her new fiancé walks away relatively unscathed. There is family strife with her perfectionist mother and easy-going father as well as her quirky sister Kit who has been estranged from her family for several years. There are family secrets that will be uncovered but to her credit Kitt comes to her sister’s side and refuses to leave-she is a breath of fresh air and is humorous (I must admit she was my favorite character)while being the best medicine for Margaret. Enter the taciturn physical therapist with an agenda of his own. It isn’t difficult to figure out where the story is going but there are a few curveballs along the way. I thought a lot about ( and continue to think about) the epilogue which I think was spot on in every way. I will end with a quote from the book: “If you can’t do something for yourself do something for someone else”. A great read-honest, raw and a hard look at people with physical disabilities.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book.
It is a well-written story that takes a traumatic event and shows how determination, love, humor, and perseverance can lift you out of said trauma to make the best of your life. Great characters and sub-plots too!

I was worried that this book was going to be sad and depressing. The truth is this book is about hope,and love,forgiveness and perseverance. Life took an unexpected turn for Margaret on Valentine's Day when she went for a plane ride with Chip. No one could have foreseen how that day changed everyone's lives.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Wow, the first of the book did not even give me a clue what a state it would put me and my emotions in.
What a plot, what a great cast of characters, and best quotes ever , and come backs, some humorous and some ill humored but all spot on. And oh the secret and how it comes out, you have to be there for that, and oh yes the love story, it had not just Margaret in angst, I was right there with her.

I really liked this title. Margaret has it all and then suddenly she doesn’t. She struggles, but learns to keep living and finds a little romance along the way.

How to Walk Away was amazing in every way possible. It was heartbreaking at times, funny at times.. just so well written. Every character was written in a way that you really just connected with them. You fell in love with them, hated some, but understood them as well. The connections between them intertwined and you really got the full picture of how this absolutely heartbreaking incident not only changes who you are as a person, but it allows you to see the growth and the hope through it all. Such a fantastic book!