A couple do everything they can to have a baby, including multiple rounds of IVF. But can their marriage survive the stress? Wow, what an emotional journey this book was. I wasn't expecting the ending and was pleased with the way the book wrapped up. I'm excited to read more by Diane Barnes.

I kept picking this up and putting it down. It wasn't grabbing me like I expected it to. I knew I had to finish because for me DNF is not an option and I am SO very glad I did. Don't get me wrong, it was a good story, I just couldn't figure out what hook it would have that would make it a GREAT story. That hook came for me about 60% in and after that I could not put the book down. This is a difficult story for many to read and there are a few triggers involved. Infertility and other things (that don't bother me in the least and were the "hook" I needed to fully immerse myself in the story). I would definitely read more from this author.

This is not your typical IVF story, it is much better. There are many twists and turns, some I saw coming, some I did not. They felt realistic and happened naturally.

The characters were relatable and I was rooting for each of them to end up happy - whatever that was suppose to look like for them. They each made mistakes and had to deal with the repercussions, then figure out where to go from there.

The ending was good. It made me go look to see what else Diane Barnes wrote. I am interested in reading more of her books.

At the heart of this story is second chances and what defines a family and motherhood!

A very fast paced book that will have you questioning whether Nikki and Kyle can forgive each other and have the family they always hoped they would.

I actually liked this book more than I was expecting to. Nikki was not a FMC that I typically like. She came off very whiny, selfish, and unable to believe anything good about people. She started to grow on me towards the end, but I did ultimately find her unlikeable. However, I don’t think there was any other way she could be written that would be believable.

But if you’re looking for a book with angst, family drama and much more, I highly recommend this book. It’s very well written.

This story was great. It was very thought provoking, and I did ponder on the decisions Nikki would have to make in situations that arose as her story continued, long into the night.
This was full of strong characters and a strong family bond that you could feel as the reader. But what would you do if you had failed IVF attempts and it was all consuming?. Would you continue,even though your loving partner was losing parts of his soul each time you failed?.
This story is written sympathetically and really draws you in. I'm still reeling from some events that happened, but of course you'd have to read the book to find out!!!!..
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
#Netgalley, #lakeunionauthors, #dianebarnes.

Lovely and moving tale looking at the impact infertility can have on a relationship while also containing some intriguing twists and turns which offer solutions and new insights.

Still mourning the loss of her parents, Nikki's hopes of maintaining their legacy are scuppered by betrayals of family friend Hank and also her own body. Following a miscarriage, Nikki and husband Kyle embark on the costly IVF journey, in the hopes that this will allow them to start their much desired family. As time and money tick away, their relationship becomes tested as they each try to adapt to repeated disappointments.

Following Nikki as she questions her motives and value as a wife and woman. The tale beautifully captures the feeling of failure often experienced when unable to do the one thing that we're led to believe women are here to do, including the natural tendency for self loathing, avoidance of those with children and shame of sharing your hopes, frustrations and fears with those closest to you.

While great that the author sought to offer some male viewpoint of the journey, which is so often forgotten or glossed over when this topic is covered, it was a little disappointing that Kyle's solution to the problem was to take an approach that is so often expected. Though I appreciate that doing this allowed for other plot points in the story which enabled it to achieve a heart warming conclusion.

Featuring the every day tensions associated with grown female siblings, particularly when they are very different, as well as lots of cute puppy moments. This a great story about family, friendships and small town affection for their own with a large dose of mystery and intrigue weaved in.

This was a really well written story with realistically flawed characters who both make mistakes and the aftermath that those mistakes cause in their marriage.

I will say I didn’t forgive the hero quite as easily as everyone else seemed to. I was furious with him and her family/friends who were happy to guilt her into “doing the right thing.” I will say I felt the ending of the story was right for both Nikki and Kyle - I just wish I’d seen more remorse from him, rather than his immediate expectation of forgiveness.

The supporting characters gave the story a rich, family centric feel and suited the complicated storyline.

All We Could Still Have by Diane Barnes ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A very well written book about infertility and all the emotions involved. As I struggled with it as well for many years. It was all I ever wanted was to be a mom, and not happening, I felt like a failure. I felt all the pain that Nikki was feeling as I read her journey. Falling in love, separating and coming back together.
Could love be enough to fill the void? Pre-order your copy today as it releases on Nov 7th and read a out their journey. Bring tears because you will cry and you will heal. Just as I have.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.

This book was not what I was expecting at all! And you know what, I’m not even mad about it, even thought it wasn’t what I suspected it would be I still really much enjoyed this book! The writing was so great that it had me feeling so many emotions for the Female main character. 10/10 would definitely recommend to someone looking for a book that takes you on a good rollercoaster, it definitely had me up and down when reading it!

"All We Could Still Have" by Diane Barnes is a poignant exploration of loss and resilience. The novel follows Nikki & Kyle through their fertility & IVF journey a topic not usually covered. As they navigate disappointment, grief & frustration the author effortlessly weaves a narrative that kept me glued to the pages. Desperate to have a child Nikki betrays Kyles trust which decimates their once stable marriage. Their family is struggling which means rethinking their dreams for the future. The story's unpredictability is its greatest strength, making it impossible to put down. The author beautifully captures the essence of hope, love, and the strength of the human spirit. A heartfelt and touching story.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nikki and Kyle Sebastian had a good marriage and the only thing missing was children. They turned to IVF, and each time they tried they were disappointed. They couldn't afford the IVF anymore, and Kyle said he was done. Nikki decided she was going to try one more time, and when Kyle found a receipt, the trust was broken.
Their journey from a once happy marriage, to separating, and trying to find their way back to each other, A lot happens along the way, and they both have to figure things out. They will have to learn to forgive, and trust each other again. Maybe they will come to realize all that they could still have.
I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley.

I loved this beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking and hopeful read! I loved how much the main characters learned and grew throughout the story. I can't wait to read more books by this excellent author!

This is my very first book by Diane Barnes. Nikki and Kyle have been wanting a baby for years. It wasn’t happening like they had planned so they tried IVF several times only to be disappointed. Of course this caused lots of problems but I was very happy with the ending. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published November 2023.

Nikki and Kyle- secrets and lies, and IVF. They've tried IVF, it hasn't brought them a child and they've agreed to stop except that Nikki doesn't want to. The consequences of her decision lead to a rupture in their marriage and to something, well, no spoilers about what Kyle does. This is well trodden territory. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

The topic of this book is a deeply personal and often not discussed. Nikki is undergoing her third round of IVF, she is desperate for a baby willing to do anything but time is running out as she is not getting any younger. Kyle has determined enough is enough, he is broken hearted not only for his loss but as his witnesses the pain that every round causes his wife. In a desperate act she withdraws money from her 401K and lied about it to her husband. A fight occurs and he leaves. To drown his sorrows he drinks at the local bar with his buddies and Nikki cleans, cleans works and thinks. As they are trying to reunite issues have occurred with lifelong impacts and they need to determine if they can forgive each other and look at the blessing in front of them. Meanwhile another subplot is going on with Nikki and her father, she lost her parents a while back. Nikki is faced with some serious decisions and the novel really shows how desperate people become to have a family of their own and how mysterious blessings can be bestowed upon them. The characters are relatable, and the reader can feel the pain and loss of hope. I would recommend this to readers to show the trails and tribulations of trying to have a family..

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.

All We Could Still Have by Diane Barnes is an emotional and heartfelt story.
Barnes created a realistic, raw and sometimes joyful read here.
The characters are real and dealing with realistic issues that I think some could relate to.
I thought it was well written and I enjoyed the story overall.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

This is a very contemporary book. Is about marriage about infertility and was a emotional novel that was very well written and very well created. But the plot got bored for me in the end

As someone who never wanted children, I had a hard time relating to Nikki, the main character. She and her husband, Kyle, have tried IVF several times, all which have failed. In her determined quest to have a child, Nikki resorts to desperate measures. In doing so, she lies to Kyle and of course, those lies have consequences.

The consequences of Nikki's lie lead to chaos within her marriage. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say, her lie lead Kyle to react in a way that brought on more consequences.

I really struggled to like Nikki and in fact, it wasn't until the very end that I tolerated her.

Overall, it was the last third of the book that I enjoyed the most. Nikki learns that family isn't always what we're taught to believe. Family comes in many forms and ultimately, it's what we create for ourselves. I kind of enjoyed watching her get knocked down a peg or two.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing ARC. #AllWeCouldStillHave #NetGalley

An emotionally charged novel about finding happiness and contentment in a marriage no matter what circumstances life throws at you. Nikki and Kyle Sebastian are reeling emotionally and financially from multiple failed IVF attempts. However, Nikki's desperation to try one more time throws their relationship into chaos. Will they be able to find love and happiness again? To find out do read this latest from Diane Barnes. An easy to read, heartwarming story. I loved most of the characters as well as the storyline. I won't say more because I dont want to do spoilers but this an entertaining and engrossing read. Women's fiction with substance!!

Thank you Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Diane Barnes for the ARC.