Member Reviews
Zara and her sister Millie decide to recreate their parent's wedding in Las Vegas so they can renew their vows, but what they do now know is that their parents are not in love as they once were. However, the two sisters also want to bring together the people who were there on their big day, but this may not be welcomed by everyone.
I love this author and will always pick up a novel by them. Low write from different points of view with a countdown timeline; I love how they do this, as I am constantly itching to read on and find out what happens next. I found myself waiting for the disaster to happen and dreading the outcome, but this shows the talent of this author and their writing.
Another fantastic novel by this author; and if you have not read this author before I would highly recommend them as you will not be disappointed.
Brenda is planning to divorce her husband Colin but whoops, their daughters Zara & Millie have planned a special 30 year anniversary celebration -- a renewal of their vows in Vegas! They even track down the couple who were at the original ceremony, but who are estranged. This is a funny and at times touching romp of a story with believable characters.
I picked this up and thought I will just start this, you know get a feel for the book and then I’ll go to my appointment and carry it on when I get home, nope once I started it, it went with me on the train, in the waiting room if I could have read it in the dentists chair I would have, as you can see from this it’s definitely addictive reading and I didn’t want to stop unless I had to.
This is told in multiple POVs from the perspectives of Zara, Aiden, Eileen and Brenda, it was so well done, you just couldn’t stop, waiting to see what would happen and sometimes I felt so awkward and anxious waiting for whatever was going to be revealed or to happen, but it didn’t stop me page turning.
This is a story of two families divided by a long held secret, the reuniting of them, the impact of that secret on everyone, then what is truly uplifting is the forgiveness and understanding. It’s full of suspense, emotion , still has humour, some romance and a ton of intrigue. Every character is well written and has their own journey, I loved watching their relationships over the course of the story and as a woman over 40 myself I loved the fact for once it highlights life does continue and we still have sex, it doesn’t all stop when you age or have kids etc.
I loved this so much, I don’t think you could pull much more emotion from me reading this, sadness, happiness, much anger, hope and acceptance. A truly fantastic read, that I urge you to pick up and read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Zara finds a picture of her parents' wedding in Las Vegas thirty years ago. Brenda and Colin were married at the Elvis chapel. For their parents' anniversary, she and her sister, Millie, decide to recreate the wedding at the same venue. They attempt to contact the man and woman who were a part of the wedding to add to the surprise.
In the US, Aiden is recovering from a terrible setback and suddenly receives a Facebook message from Zara who is attempting to contact his Dad, Gary. He decides to surprise (or is it shock?) his parents, Gary and Eileen, too and take them to Las Vegas for the anniversary!
Things go completely haywire when the the two couples meet and what was meant to be a surprise turns out to be a series of shocks for all concerned.
How will this all end? Will Brenda who is grappling with the lack of passion in her marriage stay with Colin. Will Eileen be able to be in the same room as her ex-husband, Gary, without both of them causing grief to Aiden? Will Zara and Millie get over the disappointment of a surprise gone so wrong?
Shari deals with the issues of long term relationships and the petering out of passion, family dynamics, secrets and unfaithfulness in a way that keeps us engrossed in this lovely story right through. As always, her characterisation is strong - each one unique and so well-etched. There's also some laughs mixed with serious emotions.
Another lovely read from one of my now favourite authors!
Millie and Zara decide to suprise there parents with a surprise trip to Las Vegas where they got married 30 years ago. They invite friends from there past to come too. What a surprise! What more could you want? A funny tale of friendship, love and the mistakes we make that can't be undone. I laughed at the funny bits and cried at the serious parts. A romantic story that will melt your heart and make you appreciate those who you love.
This was such an easy read. A great storyline, interesting and well described characters. The various storylines were tied together nicely and kept me engaged throughout.
Touches of humour which made me smile, family love and angst. What more could you want for.
Shari Low is one of my favourite authors in this genre and I loved this latest book. Highly recommended.
Thank you to my partners, Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, and the author, Shari Low. I appreciate the gifted ebook, and I am leaving this review voluntarily! Swipe for synopsis!
1. Viva Las Vegas - My immediate attraction to this book was the Vegas setting. Vegas is one of my favorite places for a getaway, and I love reading about the sights and sounds of it!
2. True Love - The revelation of the secret helps the characters come to terms with the path of their lives. It is always easy to wonder about what might have been, yet from my experience, I know my life has taken the path that was meant for me!
3. Revelations - Wow. How many secrets can one book hold! Although we don’t know the big secret until the moment of the reunion, it is obvious that something big happened in the “one moment in time.” And even after that, there are still so many facets of life after that moment.
4. Passion - Each character holds passion within them - some just need a push towards it. I love how once everything comes out, there is a breathe of relief from the aura of the story. Everyone sees the path to happiness and no one is afraid to go after it.
5. One Moment in Time - It’s crazy how that one moment can truly change the entire course of one’s life! And actually it changed the course for everyone. It’s hard to regret things when it would mean everything in your life would be different.
Lovely. I so enjoyed this book. A clever crafting of overlapping stories and characters. Satisfying, engaging and funny.
Sisters Zara and Millie use an inheritance to plan the surprise trip of a lifetime, recreating their parents' wedding day in Las Vegas. What could possibly go wrong? A fabulous story about a dream holiday turning into a bit of a nightmare. It's fun and feisty with a few poignant moments as secrets and people from the past emerge
This is my favourite Shari Low book EVER!!
I started it last night and have literally just finished it in time for today's review.
Las Vegas, The Strip, those hotels...who doesn't want to visit there? OMG can you imagine booking the most amazing holiday for your parents on their wedding anniversary, then seeing the disappointment on their faces, listening to their revelations as to why it wasn't a good idea. What an expensive mistake!
'Can one wrong decision ruin your life'
What a storyline, it's well written with all the character subplots weaving together seamlessly. It certainly didn't take long for me to become emotionally invested in the characters and their stories.
One Moment In Time is uplifting, enjoyable and I loved it!
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This turned out to be an entertaining read with misunderstandings and deeply buried secrets from the past littered throughout. The two sisters, Zara and Millie are quite different in personality but share a close bond and a deep affection for their parents. Millie provides most of the humour for me, as well as everyone's reactions to her wisecracks. Zara seems to have to fulfil the role of grown up between them but she is aware that her life could do with a kickstart where her long term boyfriend is concerned.
It is pretty obvious from the start that the sisters' plans to surprise their parents are going to lead to some awkward moments. There are plenty of humorous moments and some touching ones too. The dynamics between Aiden and Zara's mothers are quite surprising and both of them are at a stage of their lives where they are questioning decisions they have made in the past. There are some interesting friendships but most of all it is the family ties which are centre stage.
In short: The best laid plans...
#blogtour
Shari Low has a lovely gift for telling several overlapping stories, making you fall in love with multiple characters as their lives intersect in unexpected ways. The intersection of the four narrators - Brenda, her daughter Zara, Eileen, and her son Aiden - are only unexpected to some of them, because Zara, her sister Millie, and Aiden are conspiring to reunite their respective parents in Vegas.
With little hints from Brenda and Eileen's narration, the celebration of a lifetime is like a train wreck in slow motion, with every encounter sending dreams of happily ever after closer to the edge. From Aiden scheming to get his divorced parents both to Vegas, to the explosive reunion of the older generation, you simply have to keep reading to find out if Brenda and Colin make it to renew their vows, or if this last surprise is the straw that breaks Brenda's ever-patient back. And after so much build up, I would've enjoyed more on-page denouement of everyone in the aftermath.
I don't want to spoil the story because the twists make it fun, but there are happy endings and maybe a few more chances for the author to work her magic on loose ends.
Perfect for an escape from reality but don't start when you have somewhere else to be!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
Shari Low has definitely become one of my favourite authors and I was excited to read this new story - and it certainly didn't disappoint.
Firstly it was such an easy read - the story just flows and you soon become engrossed in the colourful characters Brenda, Husband Colin, and daughters Zara and Millie.
The story is original and I love this about Shari's books - she writes a story line that is unique, heartwarming and fast paced.
Daughters Zara & Millie find an old photograph of their parents in Vegas with, who they presume, are their 2 friends. For their 30th wedding anniversary the girls decide to book them a surprise trip to revisit Vegas and relive their wedding day, together with a surprise reunion with their friends - but of course things don't go to plan. Heartbroken wounds are reopened and revelations of secrets that have been hidden for many years are surfaced.
A beautiful story of love, family, friendship, heartbreak and finding love again.
I always keep an eye on when Shari Low has a new book coming out, and One Moment in Time is another great read from her.
She writes such interesting characters - full of life and relatable, I always find them so easy to read about.
One Moment In Time is a fascinating look back at 30 years past. A thought to what would you do if you could revisit that moment again. A story full of regret, secrets and second chances, with a little romance thrown in.
I loved the relationship between Brenda and her girls, and Zara and Millie were a wonderful partnership and as memories were uncovered their support for eachother was wonderful to see.
SHARI LOW - ONE MOMENT IN TIME
I probably say this with every new release from Shari Low. But, I think this one could just be my favourite of all her books.
You’d think organising a surprise for your parents thirtieth wedding anniversary would be easy enough. Everyone would have a lovely time and go home happy.
This isn’t how things pan out when Zara and Millie plan what they hope will be the ultimate anniversary surprise for their parents Brenda and Colin.
As the trip they envisaged falls apart in spectacular style, it seems that maybe everything is not lost.
Maybe some old wounds can be healed and just maybe, this trip that doesn’t go to plan, can actually free them all.
One Moment In Time is an exceptional read.
The balance of laugh out loud humour and some very real and raw emotion is spot on.
I found myself hooting with snorty laughter at Shari Low’s sharp and astute wit.
The laughter was equalled by moments of genuine emotions that touched my heart, kicked me in the feels and at times left me feeling quite moved.
There were tears - both happy and a few triggered by some more poignant parts of the story.
There are some fantastic characters in this book. They are believable and realistic.
Millie was possibly my favourite. She is so true to herself and dances to her own tune.
Zara was a more considered soul. Down to earth with a big heart.
I loved the mums in the book getting a look in too. Shari Low writes her ‘older’ women with great sass and style. Definitely not over the hill, they are only just reaching the peak!
One Moment In Time is an action packed story that flows along at a perfect pace. Fast enough to keep the reader engaged, but not so fast that the reader is lost.
Shari Low has done it again!
One Moment In Time is an uplifting story of family bonds, hidden secrets, fresh starts and finding freedom.
I read this book in two sittings. I was desperate to know how the story would work out for these flawed, but incredible women. That said, I could happily have stayed with them for a another few hundred pages.
One of my top five books of the year so far.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital arc of this title.
One of my favourite authors and this did not disappoint. I love that the lead characters in Shari's books have aged as she has (and as many of her readers will have too!), meaning we can still identify with the books. We meet Brenda and Colin, about to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Brenda has finally decided to leave Colin, a happy family life with no passion is no longer enough. However this will need to wait until after the trip their daughters have planned for their anniversary. Brenda is not expecting a trip to Vegas, where she and Colin were first married in 1993. Their daughters are disappointed in the parents' reaction to the trip - what happened 30 years ago in Vegas? Meanwhile on the other side of the USA divorced couple Eileen and Gary Gregg, the other couple in the Vegas photo, are at their son's wedding. When the offspring make contact and Aiden arranges to take his parents to Vegas to meet up, the outcome is unexpected. I couldn't wait to find out what happened in 1993. A fab, fun, real read. #netgalley #onemomentintime
Shari Low's books always hook me, and One Moment in time was realistic, heartwrenching and funny at times. Millie and Zara and the flower shop they inherited from their Gran was a great way to start the story.
The letter from their Gran made me tear up. I loved her cocktail ring as well as her pearl earrings and necklace and her generosity. And her outlook on life.
The fact Millie and Zara wanted to honor their parents for being great people with a trip to Vegas was very humbling and just a beautiful idea.
I loved being a part of all the planning for the Vegas reunion. I have never been to Las Vegas but I really felt like I was there thanks to the detailed descriptions of the sights.
The other subplots for Brenda, and Colin Bernadette and all the characters were interesting and realistic.
Shari Low really knows how to create a realistic, atmospheric page-turner and her books are always nostalgic, irresistable and unforgettable.
Thanks to Shari Low, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
As I have now come to expect, there is always a twist with Shari Low’s books, this one packed a punch that left me reeling as the shocks kept on coming. Little could Zara and her sister Millie have imagined the fallout from their plans to help their parents celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. With only a faded photo and a couple of names to go off, Zara decides to track down the couple who had been present at their Las Vegas wedding.
As Zara tries to find the couple via Facebook, she comes across Aiden and discovers that he is their son, so recruiting him to help with the surprise, she is sure that this will be a wedding anniversary to remember. What neither Zara nor Aiden could have imagined was the way that their plans would uncover secrets and heartbreaks that have been left hidden for three decades.
The wonderful development of each character was beautifully executed, and I could clearly imagine the pain felt by each of them. Well, maybe not Gary Gregg as that would require a personality transplant.
The pace of the story is perfect, and the revelations are expertly handled, from Aiden’s wedding day surprise to Eileen’s pregnancy confession, there is a steady stream of shocks and revelations that left me determined to keep reading. But it’s not just the significant twists that captured my imagination, it was also the tiny details that helped to create a love story that could rise from the ashes of a moment in time.
I simply loved this story and have no problem with recommending it to you. Pack your bags and head to the land where Elvis still has a wedding chapel and where secrets are best left behind.
A really lovely feel good warm hearted book. In this book we meet Brenda who wants more out of her life than what is being currently offered. So she decides that it is time to break up her marriage of over 30 years and to start afresh. However her daughter's throw a spanner in the works when they decide for their parents 30th anniversary to fly them to Las Vegas to recreate their marriage and to walk down memory lane.
We also meet Aiden who is in a having lots of relationship issues of his own. He is messaged by Zara who is Brenda's daughter and is asked to take his parents to the anniversary celebrations in Las Vegas. However none of them know exactly what happened all those years ago and what dramas and old wounds they are about to open up.
A really thoughtful gesture from Zara but you can sort of work out what may have happened all those years ago. However there are some surprises to be had in store as well.
There are some lovely messages in the book about love, family, relationships, friendship, self love, happiness, acceptance and life.
However there are times where the story becomes a little bit slow. There are also bits in the story that don't really need to be in there as it feels they were drawn out for no reason. There was also times where some love stories felt very rushed as they didn't have time to grow organically. There are also some serious issues in the book that are written very well. There are also some nice laugh out loud moments. This is in most parts a light hearted read. But there are times where it can feel a bit heavy.
Overall a nice read.
30 years have passed but feelings have not. Two sisters want to recreate their parents wedding for them in Las Vegas but have no idea about their parents past.
This is a delightful romcom about finding what you really want in life. There are plenty of funny moments and plenty of secrets to be uncovered. I enjoyed the original storyline and the delightful characters.