Member Reviews
I liked this book, a good story about someone going through a life changing diagnosis and all that can bring. I wanted to find out what happened next.
Apologies for the super late review but this was a really enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend to friends who are a fan of the genre.
I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.
Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.
However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x
This was a really light hearted and enjoyable read. I had so much fun with the story and the characters. Would highly recommend.
Alex meets Matt on a train back to Glasgow and she happens to meet him again in Birmingham all because her life changes because of a MS diagnosis.
Alex deals with a diagnosis of MS badly but who wouldn't when they seemingly have the perfect life than one day it comes tumbling down because of a unseen diagnosis because you fall over at work. Her family are overbearing and so is her fiancee, Dom, he seemingly wants to save her.
Obviously things go south for her relationship because Dom's an idiot. Moving to Birmingham is the ideal way for a fresh start..
I found it motivation and almost inspiring to see someone wanting to strive for a life they love while maintaining balance. To be a strong woman doesn't mean you have no help. The fact author has a similar diagnosis makes this book way more personal.
Dom However did make me cringe when he came back declaring his love and proposing again because he's realised Alex was her the best woman for him ..thank God for Matt and some common sense or she'd have gone back to unsupportive man.
Matt is just the ultimate supportive partner and seeing that represented can never be a bad thing. Teaches people good traits.
✨Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this copy✨
I'd like to start by stating this is an own voices book as the author also had a life-altering diagnosis. My aunt f ound out that she had MS about a year before she got diagnosed with cancer, so this was a tough read in places for me - however it was well worth it both on the medical side and on the romance side of the plot for Alex.
I would say that the thing that lost the last shiny star for me, was how often Alex made up someone else's opinion without talking to them - and then would act on what she assumed said opinion was. Sometimes, fairly, it was correct - but not always. Communication is key, even at work - potentially, especially at work when you have moved to a whole new city and they are the only people you are spending your time with. I understand that you don't want to be tarred with a label (I have hearing issues, use a hearing aid and have a plethora of issues health wise) however people deserve to be trusted if you want their trust in return. However in saying all of that, I devoured this book. I loved seeing Alex getting her independance and finding her feet in the Brum.
The one thing I'll say about the cover, is I think its misleading. I can't remember her using a wheelchair once apart from in hospital. Though, it is likely to be in her future at some point so I can understand what they were implying.
Over all, I adored this and think more people should read it.
This is a warm, uplifting story with an edge. Alex appears to have everything going for her until a life-changing diagnosis comes like a bolt from the blue. You see her true character as she tries to come to terms with its implications and stand on her own feet. Despite the serious issue which is always in the background, Alex still seeks to challenge herself and tries to find a way for herself to succeed.
You also see the effect of Alex's diagnosis on her family, friends and colleagues. Some seem to want to smother her independence and to frame their view of her always through the prism of her illness. Nevertheless, Alex's positivity and self-belief emerge despite her moments of vulnerability. Alex also has to balance her wish to be independent with allowing some people to care for her. At its heart is an amusing romcom with a gentle romance. Built on medical issues familiar to the author, you feel the credibility of Alex's reactions
In short: a romcom with some serious issues at its heart
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
#blogtour
A completely emotional book with a respectful portrayal of MS. It's also beautifully written, and will for sure tug on your heart strings.
The romance was a nice addition to the story, but I do wish it wasn't there so Alex could concentrate on herself and come to terms with her diagnosis. I think a storyline of this would have been slightly more enjoyable for me, but I do appreciate the realistic chronic illness representation.
Gosh what an emotional book, such a rollercoaster of emotions! Would recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
I was looking for good book to read and read a couple could not get into them. Then I came across Take a moment and I was so happy I could not put it down. I got straight into the book straight the way. The story is about Alex that has everything, successful and engaged to Dom but something happens to Alex that is very serious and changes her life forever and she has to learn to adapt and take life more slowly. Alex lives in Glasgow but makes a change and moves to Birmingham. This is a powerful story and I was really routing for Alex. This is a great story . Thank you netgalley for letting me read this book.
This is a stunning book and I loved every single page. It made me laugh, it made me cry - and it made me think.
It's the story of Alex who has the perfect life until she is suddenly struck down with MS and it tracks her brave attempt to regain some independence and build a new - and very different - life for herself.
It's a very honest, unsentimental account of learning to live with a debilitating and life changing illness and is told with humour and compassion. I loved everything about this book - including the descriptions of Birmingham. It sounds a fabulous place and has made me want to go there.
When Alex receives a shock diagnosis of MS, she does not believe it and wants a second opinion.It changes the way everyone treats her, and leads to the breakdown of her relationship and her starting over in Birmingham. Will she let new colleagues and friends in, or will she keep pretending everything is just fine?
An interesting read.
✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨
Synopsis:
Review: After tacking this book multiple times, and returning to it over a couple of months, I’ve DNF’ed at 44%. I really love the chronic illness representation, but there’s something about the writing that was super frustrating. There was a lot of inner dialogue by the MC and we spend most of the time reading her endless incessant thoughts, rather than any plot happening. But I still wouldn’t describe it as character based and barely anything happened! I know I personally prefer a plot based story, but if the writing is right, I have given character based books 5 stars before. I really wanted to love this book but I just couldn’t. But feel free to give it a try if it sounds like your thing!
My sincerest thanks to the publisher and @netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
1/5 stars ⭐️
Alex is looking forward to marrying the man she loves, her career is on the rise and life is good. Then fate deals her a difficult hand, which makes her question everything and everyone. In turn she sees sides of her family and loved ones she is completely unprepared for and she feels she has to do something drastic to take back control of her life.
I thought this was an interesting way to shine a light on our reactions to certain illnesses and/or disabilities, especially if we are the ones looking in from the outside. This is exactly how discrimination forms, builds and becomes a wave, which ultimately makes the person being discriminated against become even more isolated.
I guess the real core of the story, aside from the rebuilding and coming to terms with a debilitating illness, and finding both friends and loved ones who are there for them regardless - is how much the reactions of the world around them influences their wellbeing, mental health and health in general.
It's a heartfelt read, one I think many will be able to connect with and perhaps even see a side of the story they were unaware of. Good intentions sometimes hide the truth of the matter.
Lovely book full of heartbreaking emotions. How can one life just turn upside down with terrifying life changing news. Adored Alex and how she got back up and dealt with what life served her.
This was a charming, yet insightful, romance and love letter to the overlooked city of Birmingham. It shone an honest light onto the limitations that such a diagnosis imposes, but also confirms that it doesn't stop you from living a good, exciting, and interesting life. I read that the author Nina Kaye has had a similar diagnosis and I think that is what makes this such an honest novel. Simply beautiful writing.
This book was beautifully written and incredibly uplifting.
The main character, Alex is amazing and is the reason I loved it so much. She is strong, knows her worth and doesnt let a thing hold her back. The plot is Alex and her life and I loved every minute of it. New comfort character unlocked!
I loved this book! Much more than just a romcom, this is a heartfelt, thought provoking but easy to read story. It's a timely reminder that life can change, and with it your priorities. But there's still enough romance, light hearted moments and hope to make this a lovely, uplifting, feel good read.
Take a Moment is a refreshing palate cleanser in a genre that feels remarkably predictable. While still technically a romance, Nina Kaye's unflinching honest narrative takes this book to an almost inspirational level. I know I felt moved and encouraged as I finished Alex's story. Thank you Nina for being brave enough to share this story despite the pain it must have caused to write it. Can't wait to read ALL of your books in the future.
Initially I wasn’t convinced by this book as I found the beginning a little woe is me. However as the book progressed I began to understand the main character’s motivations and her desire to keep her situation under wraps. An enjoyable read which reinforces my belief that you should have the courage of your convictions and stand up for yourself!!!