Member Reviews

The premise of this story fascinated me: a man relives the same day over and over again trying to save the life of woman he loves when she comes back into his life after they broke up ten years earlier, a la Groundhog Dog. It’s intense and poignant, and it doesn’t have a happy ending, so if you’re hoping for a warm and fuzzy romance, you’ll be disappointed, but it will show you what it is to hope and forgive.

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I really wanted to love this book but it just wasn't for me. For starters, the main character, Dom, is very unlikable. He's this really boring guy that is obsessed with his ex, Mia, in an unhealthy way. I didn't really get what made their relationship that amazing for Dom to wildly obsess about it. Further, I found a flaw in the time loop that will hopefully be fixed before the release date. (Spoiler!). One Thursday Dom goes out to buy ingredients for chicken soup and then the next Thursday he wakes up and immediately makes chicken soup? Shouldn't he go to the supermarket first on this Thursday as well? Even though this book was not for me, I did really like the ending and I would still recommend the book to fans of the '''Groundhog Day'' movie. I wish I liked this book but unfortunately, the book didn't move me at all :(

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Liz and Lisa have done it again!!! I don’t care what the book is about, I will read whatever they write! How to Save a Life is about a man who keeps reliving the same day over and over again and he has to figure out how to stop his long lost love from dying at the end of each day. To do so, he has to figure out what he needs to change in his own life.
This book was funny, thoughtful, sad, and entertaining all at the same time. I will admit at one point I was like ‘Why doesn’t he just stop agreeing to meet up with her and then she won’t die!?” But of course it’s not just that simple. I loved that even though this was a fun and easy read it left me with something to think about. Pick up this book, you won’t be disappointed!!! Thank you #netgalley and #lizfenton for an advanced copy of #howtosavealife

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This review will be published on July 6 on the below mentioned blog and other social media.


Book Title: How to Save a Life

Author: Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke

Genre: Fiction

Publishing Date: 14 July 2020

Line Summary:

              (From Goodreads) When Dom bumps into Mia, his ex-fiancée whom he hasn’t seen in almost a decade, he believes they’ve been given a second chance and asks her out. When Mia dies tragically on their date, Dom makes a desperate wish: to be given the chance to save her life. And when he wakes the next morning to the shock that she’s alive, he thinks his wish may have been granted. But day after day, no matter what he changes about their time together, she still meets a terrible fate.

My Review:

Ok! After reading some 4 /5-star reviews for this book, mine going to be an unpopular opinion of "I don't like this story that much"!! It’s way too different from my regular reads! I didn’t expect the plot to be this much different ( or peculiar) and so it’s quite a surprise for me! As I am not a big fan of science fiction, this concept is entirely new and so it’s kind of overwhelming for me. I impressed by the narration, its too good for the plot, a little slip would lead to so much confusion but it handled so well! the characters are natural.  I couldn’t put the book down, I was chasing answers by reading page after page! The initial twist and the "continuous  Thursday" portion were good and I enjoyed it! But after some time the repetition kind of tested my patience rather than increasing my curiosity. And  I didn’t get connected with the story. This new storyline didn’t make me awe about it! I  continuously guessed "Something is going to be the reason behind all these " but my interest had deflated by the climax explanations !! I expected something big, not an emotional explanation for all this! I couldn’t finalize whether it’s science fiction or a romance story, either way, it didn’t fulfill it. I couldn't conclude whether I like the story or not. But not much impressed at all! If you are into science fiction romance story then you may love this. The book is cute and good in its own way but I am not a big fan!

Thoughts while reading:
Up to 25% of the book, it seems like a normal romance story and I didn’t know what to expect but the twist was an unexpected one and it blows my mind!!
After that, the book was on fire or I was on fire to find answers behind all the happenings and getting myself into this much new different concept!
But after some time I found I was reading the same set of questions, emotions and I felt like I was in a loop and so it’s kind of getting bored/irritated!
the final twist and the explanations didn't live up to my expectations! I kind of disappointed!

Thanks to #netgalley and the publishers #lakeunionpublishing for this ARC. This review is straight from my heart not biased in any way!

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Thank you to NetGalley, Liz & Lisa and Lake Union Publishing for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Another amazing novel from these two lovely ladies! I wasn’t sure what to expect since this one isn’t really a thriller, but it was perfect! I loved the idea of a modern groundhog day and seeing the main character try to make changes in their own lives to try and save everyone possible. It’s a heartbreaking novel that is also eye opening; you can’t always save the ones you love. I couldn’t stop reading and being crushed every single time someone died. It was such a binge worthy novel that will keep you guessing. I definitely recommend giving this one a try!

Out July 14th

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“How to Save a Life” is the newest read by authors, Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, best known for “The Good Widow” and “The Two Lila Bennetts.”

Dominic “Dom” keeps living the same day over and over. Several years ago, Dom made the biggest mistake imaginable by breaking up with fiancé, Mia. In his early twenties, Dom was afraid to leave his comfort zone; taking risks terrify Dom, which makes it ironic that his chosen career pathway is journalism. Now Dom is in his thirties, still living that stalled life. When he runs into Mia, he is compelled to take a second chance. Unfortunately, their date turns tragic, but when Dom requests a “do over,” his wish is granted, but he is unable to change the end results time and time again.

I do not think the authors had planned for this novel to come out during such a turbulent time, but reading about Dom’s quest to get things right was really what I needed right now. How many times in the past few months as we have sheltered in place have we wondered that if the world would return to normal, we might do things a little differently? (What? It can’t just be me).

Told in Dom’s point of view, “How to Save a Life” was a captivating read that forced me to sacrifice sleep (and maybe some work) so I could find out whether Dom would finally get things right (and perhaps learn a few things in the process). Do not expect a huge shocker at the end, but it’s like chowing down your favorite comfort food—you’re going to be satisfied no matter what. I became hooked on these authors because of their thrillers so it’s as if they—like this novel’s protagonist quickly learns—were willing to take risks and write something completely different than what readers might expect.

I'd like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the authors for providing me an advanced copy of this novel. “How to Save a Life”” will be published on July 14, 2020.

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How to Save a Life is a rich and beguiling story about a man who has a life-altering experience. Dom was once engaged to Mia, and then 10 years after they break up, she reappears. Hopeful for a second chance, he finds himself in a time loop, waking up each day to repeat the day before, and trying to change the outcome. It becomes quite a journey for Dom, as he comes to terms with his feelings for Mia, and finds things that he must change in himself to move on from Friday, June 11. I was totally invested on Don’s life, hoping that each day would lead him to peace and contentment.

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I have loved everything by these authors, and this book is no exception! Sort of “Groundhog Day” meets “Sliding Doors”. I read it in one day!

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Book Review: 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: July 17th
WOW!!!! I wasn't sure about this book because at first it seems to have a sci fi vibe to it but it hooked me in. I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I read 80% of it in just a few hrs but made myself stop to sleep. The more into it I got I realized it is more about finding yourself and the kind of person you're meant to be. Loved this book just as much as this amazing co-authors previous books!!! Thank you to @netgalley ,@amazonpublishing , @lisaandliz for my early review copy.

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This is a hard review for me because I always enjoy Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke's writing. I was super excited to be approved for this ARC. That being said How To Save A Life is not my favorite by this duo.

Dom and Mia broke up ten years ago. He's thought of her everyday regretting his decision to break it off. He runs into her by chance and he feels this is his chance to start over. In fact, he will have several chances to start over! Stuck in a loop hole he is determined to change the ending everyday so him and Mia can continue their new life together. Sometimes the lesson we think we are learning isn't the lesson at all.

When reading the synopsis I was wondering how this book would be written without repeating itself. The authors did a pretty good job at making it interesting through the entire book.

Thank you Netgalley and to the publisher for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

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The dynamic duo is back with a twisty, thrill ride in a "groundhog day like" thriller/romance. The male point of view in this novel is brilliant and you will love Dom...and Mia who returns from the past after 10 years.
Haven't we all wondered about the one that got away or wanted to change the past? Well, hold on tight, you'll love this unputdownable, addicting read with an unexpected ending. Fantastic! 5 stars.

*Thank you to the publisher for my copy. All thoughts are my own.

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Author duo Fenton and Steinke give us this seamless, poignant update of Groundhog Day. Dom must live the same day over and over being unable to save the life of his recently reunited former fiancée Mia. The strength of this book was the heartfelt emotional journey of Dom as the experience makes him grow more emotionally in the repeated day than he had in the past 10 years. I love the tie-in of The Fray song of the same name as the book title. Solid 4 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the authors Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke for an advanced digital review copy. This story will be published July 14, 2020.

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Groundhogs Day meets Final Destination, but make it a romance.

I loved this book! Lisa and Liz’s books are like that pop song of the summer... it’s just so good, maybe a little too catchy, but when you think back on it years from now it will still bring a smile to your face!

I only hope Lisa and Liz come out with a new summer book next year and I can bring it with me on vacation instead of read it at home...

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When the love of his life Mia, dies tragically in a freak accident, Dom finds himself reliving the same 24 hours over and over again, after wishing he could of saved her. But no matter what he changes on the day of the accident, he can't seem to save her life. Can he get the people around him to believe he is stuck in a time loop, and what does he need to do, in order to get to the next day?

A story about reconnecting with the people you love, of loss, heart break and letting go. Cleverly written so that the reliving of the same 24 hours never becomes tedious, but instead leaves you feeling invested in Dom and Mia's lives. A refreshingly different storyline, unlike anything I have read before, tinged with both sadness and romance. It really was a pleasure to read.

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I really enjoyed this book. Often times, I have trouble with books that have a supernatural element - such as Dominic's time loop. But this time loop was written in a realistic way. It seemed as if it was actually happening. I really enjoyed delving into Dominic and Mia's relationship and learning more about what brought them together and what tore them apart. Each day of the loop provided just a little additional information to keep me tearing through this book. And let me tell you...I did not expect the ending at all. The last 5% - whoa! Very impressed with this book.

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What a delightful, wonderful, heart wrenching book! At first, I thought here's just another Russian Doll, Groundhog Day tale. But it became so much more and really got to me. It was a quick read, great characters and a powerful message about fate, decisions, choices, letting go, learning from the past and embracing what is in your heart. All along Dom thought his primary goal was to save the lives of others, when really, it was all about saving his own. Good stuff and highly recommend!

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Does this sound like Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day? Yes...it should. The authors even reference the movie when the main character, Dom, figures out he’s reliving the same day over and over. But where Groundhog Day ends happily ever after, this doesn’t quite do that. Ends hopeful? Absolutely!

I found this to be a quick read. The beginning chapters grabbed my attention and kept me turning the pages until it’s conclusion. But I have to admit that reliving the day so many times did leave me scanning the last few just to see where things differed, as opposed to absorbing the content. If you need a book for a great distraction and light reading, then I highly recommend this book.

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These ladies have hit it out of the park once again! “Girls Night Out,” “The Two Lila Bennetts,” and now “How to Save a Life,” these two authors are constantly working literary magic that is astonishing. I am not sure how to even write this review without giving too much away. Dominic is experiencing a hellacious personal Ground Hog Day every Thursday, June 11th, while trying to rekindle a romance with the love of his life (Mia) and also save a few other lives along the way. Unfortunately, a tragedy occurs everyday that prevents Dominic from moving forward with Mia. Waking up to what he hopes is a new Friday, June 12th, but realizing that it is still Thursday all over again. He continually tries to find ways to make this day different and finally move onto Friday. This book is suspenseful and definitely will keep your attention, moving from chapter to the chapter and rooting for a happy ending for Dominic and Mia. I really enjoyed that this story was based locally in San Diego, so vivid and making it easy to visualize all the local places. Even if you aren’t a local, you will still appreciate the local SoCal vibe. After living my own personal version of Ground Hog Day, this book was very relatable although on a totally different level. Wow! I cannot wait to see what these ladies have up their sleeves next!

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Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. How to Save a Life is a delightful, romantic, emotional read. Dominic runs into his ex-finance at a coffee shop and eagerly asks her on a date. Tragically, Mia passes away on the date and Dom is beyond heartbroken. Except when Dominic wakes up in the morning he realizes he is repeating the previous day and Mia is still alive. Dominic has to repeat this terrible Thursday over and over again, trying desperately to save Mia. Can he do it?

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We have all heard of Groundhog Day or at least seen a television show or movie with this concept. I was unsure if the familiarity would ruin this story for me. It didn’t. I could barely put this book down. I read it in one day and stayed up late to finish. ⁣

The characters came to life on the page. The story is told through the eyes of Dominic. We get to know him as a person, and his character growth is excellent. The scenes are described so vividly that I felt every emotion as I turned the pages. None of the characters are truly unlikeable, and I was rooting for each of them. ⁣

I really liked that the book had a deeper message. It definitely gives you something to think about, and it is more than just a fluffy romance. This book is also fairly clean, which is refreshing.⁣

The ending wasn't a surprise for me which is why I decided not to give a 5-star rating, but it is close.⁣

This is my second Lisa & Liz book, and they have made me a fan. Thank you both so much for sending me this e-arc! ⁣

If you are looking for a page-turner that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, this is the book for you. ⁣

𝘛𝘞/𝘊𝘞: 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩, 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴⁣

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