I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

I'd consider this book to be an emotional read about Charlotte and her relationship with two men. The pull she feels, the emotions she lives... it's all relatable.

The characters were well-developed and relatable. The storyline was great, easy to follow, and kept my interest.

I"ll definitely be reading more by this author.

This Is Not How It Ends by Rochelle B. Weinstein is an emotional read about Charlotte and the two men in her life. I rarely read emotional books, preferring to keep my books light hearted, but I'm glad I did. This book has a well developed storyline and characters. Once I started reading this book, I could not stop until I was done. I will be reading more books by this author. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I cried so many tears throughout this book! Such an emotional journey for Charlotte, Philip and Ben.

Life is messy. It's real and it breaks you. Learning to love and let yourself be loved his hard. It makes you vulnerable and when you lose it, it's hard to love again.

Beautiful story with real characters. You will cry.

The premise of this book made me so excited to start reading it. However, that feeling didn't last long. While the writing was very good, and Rochelle Weinstein is a master a crafting a raw, emotional story, I just didn't love the story. I enjoyed the ending more than I did the rest of the story, and that is really where my three start rating comes from. This book chronicled a sort of messy love triangle and I wasn't loving some of the themes and elements of this book.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

When you receive a package of tissues with the book, you know you are in for an emotional read and that is exactly what we get with Rochelle Weinstein's latest book. But it's the kind of emotional read that sneaks up on you...and that to me is the very best kind.

One of the things I love the most about Rochelle's writing is that she creates such relatable, well-drawn characters that you connect with right from the start. They are also incredibly thought provoking books and have you taking a hard look at your own relationships. I saw myself in these relationships time and again, wondering if things were to go down that road, what I would do.

This book is about love and loss, friendship and forgiveness. It has all the feels and as I stated above, it's a quiet read that sneaks up on you, taking hold of your heart and not letting go. I love Rochelle's writing and will be recommending this book to everyone that loves great women's fiction. This is a book I will not be forgetting anytime soon!

***Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this novel***

What a gut-wrenching, emotional roller-coaster of a book. Really enjoyed the descriptive passages and vivid scene-setting. Time taken with character development was well-spent and had you invested in the story. Looking forward to reading other works by Ms. Weinstein.

This is Not How it Ends put me on a rollercoaster of emotions from the start to the end. Charlotte and Philip had a whirlwind romance and planned to marry. Charlotte struggled with losing herself while Philip traveled around the world. Ben and his son entered into her life unexpectantly but soon learned of their connection with Philip. Charlotte started spending more time with them while Philip felt like he was slowly becoming less important.

After some things are uncovered, Charlotte re-evaluated her priorities, needs, and desires. I consumed this book and couldn't stop reading. The turmoil felt so real and palatable with every detail that I read. Well done Rochelle B. Weinstein! I loved this novel and can't wait to read another one by her.

I was provided a free copy of The Grace Year through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I usually try to finish every book I start. But I have so many books to read that I don't want to waste my time on books that I'm not into. I'm sure this is a good book. But to me there was too much description and not enough action. It would take two pages just to tell the reader that she answered the door. There needs to be a good mix between good description and action.

Net Galley gave me an ARC for an honest review. Sorry I couldn't finish it.

Charlotte, Philip and Ben, a triangle that will engage you, delight you and intrigue you. Charlotte thinks that Philip is the love of her life, her soul mate and they begin a life together in the Florida keys. But something is missing and Charlotte feels an emptiness in her soul. Then she meets Ben, and they connect immediately. Is Ben the man she is destined to be with? The stakes are high for all three characters and the reader will be swept up in this engrossing story. Highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this book. The story was well written and the characters were honest and believable. Would make a terrific book club pick with so many discussion points. The ending leaves the reader satisfied.

I wanted to like this book more but could not get passed how little I liked the lead character, Charlotte. The story is fine, if a little dragged out, but some of Charleys reactions made it really difficult for me to care about her.

This is a love story - not a romance with hearts and flowers and a happily ever after storybook ending - but a true to life love story with all of its joys and problems. It's an emotional story and we see all of Charlotte's love, hope, guilt, sorrow and get totally immersed in her life. I laughed with her and cried with her and she is not a character that I'll soon forget.

Charlotte met Philip on an airplane. There is an immediate connection between them and love soon follows. They move to Key West together and due to Philip's wealth, they have all that money can buy but there is a problem - Philip is gone most of the time working all over the world. As they get engaged, Charley wonders if this is the life that she really wants or does she want someone who is there when she needs him. Then she meets Ben who is Philip's best friend and there is an immediate spark between them. He is a solid strong working man who isn't traveling all over the world and he seems to really understand her and her needs. She knows that she needs to make a choice between the two men and the life they can each offer her but a hurricane and the aftermath force her to make a decision. But is it the right decision?

This is a love story looked at from every angle - the excitement of first love, the forgiveness, the needs of the characters. The three main characters are so well written that they feel like friends. This is a definite must read book - but WARNING - keep Kleenex close at hand.

This amazing, emotionally powerful journey of love, family, loss, and healing that touched me deeply and I couldn't put it down from page one. Raw, intense and gratifying to the heart. A love triangle, friendship, laughter, and all.the.feels! I love this author and I will read everything she writes. Kleenex may be needed, but you will be thrilled you read this beautiful work of art. 5 stars!

It's rare to read a book about people in situations that you've never been in, yet be able to feel exactly what they're feeling. This is Not How it Ends is that kind of book. It's full of raw emotion and is both heartbreaking and enjoyable.


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Charlotte and Phillip's story begins on a plane and sometimes first impressions are not always the best impressions. For much of the story, I was suspicious of Phillip, not trusting him (I can see how hard trust was for Charlotte), he was often flippant and tried too hard to be funny.

Charlotte and Ben's story begins at a market when Ben's son, Jimmy, has a severe allergic reaction to a sample he tried. As Charlotte and Ben get to know each other, there's a connection that's hard to deny.

This is Not How it Ends explores the idea of when the love is there, but it's not enough. This story packs a heck of an emotional punch. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with Charlotte, Phillip (yes, even him) and Ben, and I didn't want the story to end.

This is the second novel of Weinstein's that I've read and I highly recommend both this novel and Somebody's Daughter.

Wow. Rarely does a book move me to utter tears, but Charley’s pain, suffering, and redemption most certainly did!

Weinstein has woven a story of uncertainty, the inevitability of death and the comforting trust of redemption so effortlessly into a novel that leaves you wanting more, chapter after chapter.

The story is woven between past experiences of when Charley and Philip meet (a plane to Miami and Kansas City) and their modern life together (in the Keys). Amongst the timeline, Weinstein sprinkles little moments of butterfly flutters, showing Charley that this life she lives, and the people she’s met along the way- Ben, Liberty, and Sunny the dog- are all part of a bigger plan than even she can understand.

The only thing that holds me back from a 5 star review was the wrap-up. It felt rushed, and I feel that Charley’s future holds itself as another novel in and of itself. Maybe that is just me selfishly talking- needing more of Charley’s life- but nonetheless, a little rushed.

This is Not How it Ends is a beautifully heart wrenching story of love, loss and hope. A word of warning. Have the tissues handy and don't read the ending on your lunch hour. I can't wait to read Rochelle B. Weinstein's next book!

Check out my in-depth Q&A Elevator Ride Interview with one of my favorite authors, Rochelle B. Weinstein. Get all the exclusives and behind-the-scenes moments, as well as fun facts about, THIS IS NOT HOW IT ENDS, and this multi-talented and gifted author.

No one writes “love” stories and tackles highly charged topics better than Rochelle! What a great way to kick off the new year. Set aside the time because once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down. 😎

"Poignant, compelling, emotional, and captivating!

A powerful love story—my favorite since Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook! I would love to see a movie based on the book!" 🎬 (please film in Islamorada). When I discovered the setting was in Islamorada and a bonus —my two favorite restaurants— (Morada Bay and Pierre's) —I was over-the-moon. I was a local and lived in the Keys for several years, and this was a slice of heaven—my favorite spot. (more below on this)

I fell in love with Rochelle's stunning lyrical prose beginning with Where We Fall (Top Books of 2016). I could not wait to read her first two novels—The Mourning After and What We Leave Behind (once again, mesmerizing). Then last year, she wowed us with the emotionally charged Somebody's Daughter (Top Books of 2018). I have been an avid fan since!

A highly anticipated modern love story, THIS IS NOT HOW IT ENDS is beautifully written (and a "to die for" fabulous cover)! 💕

You will fall in love with Ben, Philip, and Charley (and Sunny). It isn't easy to put into words or adequately convey the true meaning of this extraordinary book. This is not the usual love triangle. It is so much more.

Oh, and that "letter". . . . AHHHHH moment. After reading there will be NO dry eyes. (more on this included in the interview)

Rich in character and place, Rochelle is a master storyteller, and she knocked this one "out of the park!" A must-read for 2020.

Her BEST yet!
* The novel will change you.
* Will make you think and feel.
* You will cry tears of sorrow and joy.
* Unique and memorable in many ways.
* A glowing 5 STARS
* My Top Books of 2020.

What an evocative setting for an exquisite love story.🥰🌴 Thank you, for writing this beautiful story. Rochelle, you were born to write, and your passion is reflective throughout.

If you enjoy authors: Jodi Picoult, T. Greenwood, Diane Chamberlain, Emily Giffin, Patti Callahan Henry, Nicholas Sparks, Charles Martin, Richard Paul Evans, Colleen Hoover, Sally Hepworth, and Catherine Ryan Hyde— you are assured to fall in love with this spellbinding novel and Rochelle's signature style.

If you have not read her books, I highly recommend. She is not afraid to tackle highly-charged emotional topics and balances them with compassion, heart, with a strong sense of place and well-developed memorable characters.

I hope you enjoy THIS IS NOT HOW IT ENDS, as much as I did!

#JDCMustReadBooks

If Charlotte had known her life was going to take a sharp turn she would have taken a shortcut with Sunny- her dog. Sunny was a gift from Philip but he mostly didn’t like Philip. Charlotte had went to the store for honey. Sunny let a little boy pet him. After the boy and man went down the aisle Sunny was tugging Charlotte toward Lucille, who was handing out a sample cups with a morning snack in it. She said” C’Mon Sunny” even though the little boy who had pet Sunny reached for his throat. The boy's father was nowhere in sight. The boy fell to the ground, his backpack crumpling beside him. The next sixty seconds were in a blur, his dad turned the corner. The shiny metal bracelet on the boys wrist screamed emergency. Severe allergies. . his father pulled out an EpiPen, his fingers trembled as he ripped the top off. Charlotte was on the floor next to him, but suddenly the man went stiff. Charlotte ripped the EpiPen out of his hand while the man cradled his son’s head. She jabbed the EpiPen against the little boys thigh and heard the snick of the needle. Than the boy came to. The man held him saying Jimmy. Than Charlotte said Jimmy needs to go to the hospital encase he needed another injection. That’s when she noticed her bare finger. The ring Philip had just given her was gone. The man noticed she was looking for something and found her diamond ring. Than the boy was taken on the stretcher but he asked if she and the dog would come with him. She said no as she knew Philip would be arriving from LA on the redeye he had taken and be at her house. But Sunny pulled her and she let him. She thought oh Jimmy innocent and fresh-faced like some of her former students. Soon she was inside the vehicle, her and Sunny riding to the hospital with Jimmy and his father. Philip had often told her how they first met. He calls it a combination of fate and circumstance. Charlotte chuckles because it was really the result of equipment change in one of the country's busiest airports. Charlotte was flying back from Kansas City that afternoon. They had to take a different plane she had a seat in row thirteen, knowing the suspicion. Than Philip came down the aisle arguing with the flight attendant and he was angry
knowing the suspicion. Than Philip came down the aisle arguing with the flight attendant and he was angry. He had a first class ticket that was dissolved into economy and nothing could be done it was a smaller plane. The older woman in the aisle seat offered Philip her seat, maybe he’d have more room but Philip told her, he’d never make a lovely woman give up her seat for him. Than he was buying both Charlotte and Margaret- the older woman- drinks. Than Philip was flirting with Charlotte and admitted it. When he asked Charlotte she said she taught Honor’s english to H S students. Charlotte was thirty and figured Philip was probably forty maybe more. Charlotte also said she avoided romantic commitments Philip said he wasn’t good at modern dating. After they landed Philip walked with her than he handed Charlotte a card if she ever wanted to talk about her student’s thesis again. Charlotte answered a text from Philip while at the hospital saying she’d be home soon. An hour later Philip texted again and she didn’t respond. After last night’s conversation she was sure she owed him a response and tucked her phone back in her bag. Ben - Jimmy’s father- called her name and told Charlotte she had saved Jimmy’s life. She asked how she knew and she pulled out her own EpiPen and said her poison was almonds. She then told him she was cured she carried an EpiPen out of habit. She then gave him a card and said when he opened it, call Dr. Scot Liberty. Charlotte had always had a problem with connection. It had never been easy for Charlotte. Trust was a factor and she already decided already early on that marriage probably wasn’t in the cards. Than she noticed Philip talking to a beautiful blonde woman she’d seen him talking to earlier. She was out with her mother for her birthday celebration. She’d invited Daniel to shut her mother up. As they were going to leave she leaned over to give daniel a kiss even though she knew her and Daniel weren’t going anywhere even though he wanted to and than Philip seen her and walked over and invited them to join his table. Than Charlotte found out the beautiful woman was Philip’s sister. Philip said he knew he was going to see her again. He also told she was an interesting woman. She had thought Philip was someone she could let in and love. She had grown but they hadn’t.
This book just isn't for me. It dragged for me. For me . I didn't like going back and forth between past and present. I just couldn’t get into this book. It didn’t hold my interest. I am sure others will love it

Yes, I was in tears at the end of this book. I would be surprised if someone was not in tears at the end of this book. I love a happy ending. It was just the book I needed to start the new year.

I did figure out what was happening very early on but that did not distract at all from the story. I think it added a bit of an ominous feeling. You had to hope it was going the way that you wanted it to.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a good cry.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union for a copy of this book.