Member Reviews
An emotional read that deals with the topic of physical and mental abuse in a sensitive manner.
This was well written however, I feel it needed to be a little more fleshed out. I could have done with more angst when she reunited with Nik and more serious conversations between them when it came to her past. Although it was spoken about, there wasn't a great amount of detail. It felt kind of glossed over for me.
That being said, I want to thank Melissa for writing a book that deals with domestic violence. I'm glad she has shown how hard it can be to walk away and the continuing fear and despair you may feel.
This was a good second chance romance which focuses on repairing fractured relationships, healing from past hurts and breaking the cycle.
I will definalty look for more of Melissa's work in the future!
I want to start by thanking Melissa Wiesner for the thoughtful and compassionate way she addressed difficult subject matters and her respect in doing so. Thank you for the trigger warning in the beginning and the resources provided in the end.
Love and Other Lost things deals with complex domestic violence situations and addresses the question people always ask. “Why didn’t she just leave if it was so bad?”
In addition to abuse, this book focuses on the relationship between mother and daughter, friends lost along the way, and the healing that comes through growth and maturity. I loved every part of this book. It was so well written with really nice character development. I could empathize with Jane as she went through so much at such a young age.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.
I felt so lucky to read another book by Melissa Wiesner this year and this did not disappoint. Me. Wiesner tackles domestic violence, motherhood, love, and how the past can steer the future until you decide not to let it. I loved Jane and Nik’s story, and how you get to hear the perspective of BOTH characters. Definitely another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ by her. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this wonderful story.
Sinopsis en español:
Un romance completamente desgarrador, conmovedor e inolvidable, perfecto para los fanáticos de Colleen Hoover y Paige Toon. Cuando dos almas perdidas vuelven a estar juntas, ¿será demasiado tarde para arreglar sus corazones rotos?
Jane McCaffrey regresó a su ciudad natal de Seneca Falls solo debido a la muerte de su padre. Ella jura que se irá nuevamente para siempre; no es que el hogar de su infancia guarde recuerdos felices. Pero Jane no había planeado toparse con Nik ...
El chico del que se enamoró era un adolescente flaco con el pelo desordenado y las gafas torcidas. Ahora tiene hombros anchos y mide más de seis pies de altura, pero sus profundos ojos castaños son los mismos. Y cuando él pronuncia su nombre y acaricia el moretón reciente en su mejilla, como si no pudiera evitar tocarla, Jane regresa al mejor y al peor momento de su vida.
Jane y Nik alguna vez compartieron todo: besos, esperanzas y sueños adolescentes. Al ver su bata azul y su placa de identificación de médico, el corazón de Jane se alegra porque al menos uno de ellos pudo vivir su sueño. Y a medida que se ponen al día con la hermosa música que alguna vez amaron, es como si los años que los separaron se desvanecieran.
Pero Nik no sabe el gran secreto que guarda Jane sobre la verdadera razón por la que dejó la ciudad. O quién le puso ese moretón en la mejilla… o sobre sus planes de desaparecer de verdad, para siempre.
Entonces, cuando el pasado llegue, ¿podrán Jane y Nik encontrar la fuerza para luchar el uno por el otro? ¿O Jane estaba peligrosamente equivocada al pensar que podría dejar atrás su secreto y que eso los destruiría a ambos?
Es un libro triste porque vemos todo lo que las mujeres que sufren violencia en su relación tienen que pasar, que si tiene hijos es aun es más difícil poder salir de esa relación y si lo logra muchas veces todo termina en tragedia. Esta es la historia de Jane una adolescente que vio a su madre sufrir a manos de su padre, que no entendía porque no huían y se alejaban del monstruo y decide irse sola para tener una buena vida, pero lo que pasa no es algo lindo, no, nada de eso porque cae a manos de otros abusador, el cual se aprovecha de su juventud e inexperiencia para controlarla y dejarla embarazada. Diez años después idea un plan para poder alejarse y empezar otra vida y que su hija no repita el patrón.
Gracias a NetGalley y al editor por el ARC.
El libro es puro sufrimiento y corajes.
⚠️Tw: violencia familiar, maltrato físico y psicológico.
Jane sufrió de violencia por parte de su papá, un respetado policia por lo que era imposible que alguien le ayudara, entonces decidió irse sin despedir de nadie ni siquiera de Nick, su persona.
Diez años después regresa con su hija a su pueblo natal ya que está huyendo de una relación abusiva y como el golpeador/ donante esperma de su padre está muerto puede ir a visitar a su mamá. En su regreso vuelve a ver a Nick que ahora es médico y sigue teniendo sentimientos por él, pero no puede pasar nada entre ellos porque en una semana se irá a un lugar en donde su ex no pueda encontrarlas.
Me fue difícil porque a lo largo del libro vemos la complejidad de salir de una relación abusiva, como no se tiene la ayuda de las autoridades, como no se cree en la palabra de la mujer, las amenazas, los golpes, la cantidad de mujeres que pasan por esto son demasiadas que no hay lugar en los refugios, como a pesar de que sus parejas sean golpeadores pueden seguir viendo a sus hij@s porque a ellos no los han golpeado y la mujer tiene que aguantarse. Son demasiadas cosas para mencionarlas todas, pero da mucha tristeza y coraje que todavía se tenga que pasar por estas cosas.
"Most women who are murdered by their abusers are killed after they leave."
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Do you love a book that rips your heart out and has you reaching for the tissues? This was it. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. I loved this one.
Every child deserves the best possible childhood, but unfortunately some parents do not seem to agree with that. When you are young, you don't have a choice and you have to try and make the best of it, but when the situation escalates, you flee. On the one hand to protect yourself, but to protect others too even if they don'r realise it and rather feel like you have left them behind.
It is not easy to try and build a new life, but when you are determined enough, it seems like the sun is shining on you again or it is just a smoke screen?
I loved Jane. Even though she is still young, she is very mature, because of the decision she makes. I felt every emotion she went through and this can only mean one thing: the author did a splendid job in describing them and making me feel like I was standing next to her.
There are quite a few people who are the victim of one abusive person, whether they suffered directly or indirectly. It had an impact on their life which resulted in pain, sadness and anger.
This is an emotional story about lost love and second chances of lost friendships and becoming firm friends again, of making up and seeing things from a different angle.
It'shard for me to understand how some people can be so cruel, and enjoy it, to other people, but sadly it's the harsh reality. 4 stars
Thank you
Jane hopes to leave her traumatic past behind, but like so many women, finds herself trapped in the same cycle of domestic violence. Years later, she is finally able to return to her hometown and the past she left behind. You never really forget your first love, but is it too late to repair everything that’s been lost or broken for Jane and Nik?
This book was beautifully written, heart-wrenching, and powerful. It was easy to see how Jane found herself in difficult situations and this really allowed the reader to empathize with women who find themselves as victims of abuse. I enjoyed the second chance romance as well as the suspenseful twists woven into the second half of the story. The book draws you in and doesn’t let go until you finish the final pages!
Thank you so much to Melissa Wiesner and Bookouture for providing the early copy of this book for my honest review.
Title: Love and Other Lost Things by Melissa Wiesner
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
Release date: August 6th 2024
Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged and your laughter lines deepened!
This heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, and unforgettable romance was like a warm hug on a rainy day, sprinkled with just the right amount of wit, romance, and life’s little surprises.
Jane McCaffrey returns to her hometown of Seneca Falls after her father’s death, vowing to leave forever once her affairs are in order. Her hometown is a place of painful memories, but fate has other plans when she bumps into Nik, her first love. The skinny, messy-haired teenager she once adored is now a tall, handsome doctor, but his deep brown eyes remain unchanged.
Their unexpected reunion stirs up old feelings and memories, but also forces Jane to confront the heavy secret she has been carrying.
What I Loved:
- Emotional Depth: The story delves into complex themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. Jane and Nik’s journey is filled with heart-wrenching moments that will make you feel every bit of their pain and joy. The emotional resonance of their story is profound, making it a truly unforgettable read.
- Compelling Characters: Jane and Nik are beautifully crafted characters with a rich history. Jane’s struggle with her past and her determination to protect her secret make her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Nik’s kindness and unwavering support add a layer of warmth to the story, making him the perfect counterpart to Jane’s turmoil.
- Second Chances: The theme of second chances is woven throughout the narrative. Watching Jane and Nik rekindle their relationship and confront their pasts is both inspiring and moving. It’s a testament to the power of love and the possibility of redemption.
- Atmospheric Setting: The small-town backdrop of Seneca Falls adds a nostalgic and intimate feel to the story. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows each other, and the community’s interconnectedness plays a significant role in Jane and Nik’s journey.
- Heartfelt Moments: From the tender, music-filled memories to the intense, tear-filled confrontations, the book is packed with moments that will tug at your heartstrings. The way Wiesner captures the raw, beautiful pain of lost love is nothing short of masterful.
"Love and Other Lost Things" is a poignant reminder that the past always finds a way of catching up with us, but it’s also a testament to the enduring power of love. Wiesner’s writing is both tender and powerful, making this book a must-read for anyone who enjoys a deeply emotional and inspiring story.
With tears streaming down my face, I found myself completely captivated by Jane and Nik’s journey. This book is an emotional, inspiring rollercoaster that you won’t be able to put down.
So, grab a box of tissues, settle into your favourite reading spot, and get ready to be swept away by this beautiful tale of love, loss, and second chances
Thank you to The Publisher Bookouture ,The Author Melissa Wiesner & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Wow! What a great story! It had Colleen Hoover vibes. The story of overcoming domestic violence was beautiful. I love a second chance romance and this delivered