Reconstructing Eve

by Lisa Hilleren

Imagine you’re forty-four, you live in Jersey, your name is Eve--and a shiny red apple (in the form of thirty-one year old Aidan Wharton) has just been dropped in your lap. Do you resist the temptation, or go for it?Eve Merritt used to believe that being the perfect daughter, perfect wife, and perfect mom was her ticket to living happily-ever-after. When the good girl routine doesn’t pay off as expected, Eve vows that from now on, she’s having her apple and her Eden, too!But right from the start, there’s trouble in paradise. Eve finds herself falling hard for Aidan, but with her family in an uproar over their affair, and a stalker from Aidan’s past bedeviling them, it will take all of Eve’s courage to overcome the decades’ old conditioning of putting everyone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of her own.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2012

About the author

Lisa Hilleren, professional trainer and author, uses her writing talents to empower women to achieve their personal transformation goals. After witnessing the hugely positive results that business leaders gained from her emotional intelligence educational programs and classes, she asked herself, “Why not use what I know to improve my own personal life?”

Fast-forward fifteen years and her debut novel, Reconstructing Eve, has received 5-star raves from reviewers and heartfelt testimonials from readers, and inspired the creation of ReconstructingEve.com - the premier gathering place for women to meet and support one another on their self-discovery journeys.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An older woman, a younger man ... a temptation and a transformational journey ... will Eve take a bite of the forbidden apple and live her life in a new garden of Eden?

Eve Merritt is a forty-four year old divorcee with an adult daughter. After living her life pleasing and doing everything for everyone else, it's time for Eve to put herself first. When Eve's daughter and mother try to set Eve up with family friend Aidan Wharton, there are red warning flags flying. First, Aidan is a younger man, thirty-one years old to be exact. Second, Eve used to babysit Aidan when he was a child, and their parents are friends. Third, could she even entertain the thought of dating a younger man ... even if the temptation is enticing?

Follow along with Eve as she goes on a journey of self-discovery and transformation to learn to redefine herself and live her life to the fullest. Buckle up and prepare yourself for a bumpy ride because there is some snags along the way: Eve's ex-husband wants to reconcile, Aidan has a jealous stalker, and a crazy killer is after both of them! Will Eve take a bite of the apple and find happiness in a new garden of Eden?

Reconstructing Eve is a wonderful story about a woman's journey of self-discovery and transformation with a romantic and suspenseful twist added to the mix! Written in the first person narrative, Eve takes the reader along for the ride as she journeys through a transformational period of her life. This sassy lady has been through a lot in her life, but she never put herself first. Now with her divorce behind her, Eve needs to step out of her comfort zone and transform her life into one that will be fulfilling and bring her happiness. This is a feel good and inspirational story that every woman can relate to. I loved how the author weaves a fictional tale full of romance, drama, suspense and quirky twists and turns; yet also shares with the readers some inspiring and encouraging words of validation and empowerment that speak straight to the heart and soul. Who hasn't felt insecure and unsure of themselves, especially as the middle age years approach? This story has a little bit everything that will appeal to all readers, it is an entertaining and powerfully compelling read!

The author has created a cast of characters who are realistic and fun to get to know. I saw so much of myself in Eve, it was like looking in the mirror, I could relate to a lot of what she went through, and it made me ponder about my own mid-40s life and what transformational self-discovering journey I could embark upon in my life. Who wouldn't want a hunky and successful younger man interested in them? *waves hand and wiggles eyebrows* I absolutely loved Aidan, I thought this charming man was just what Eve needed to kick-start her new life! The dialogue and interactions between the characters flowed smoothly, they draw the reader into their lives, you can't help but embrace and feel for them.

Reconstructing Eve is a story that is a testament to the trials and tribulations of womanhood and the ability to transform your life into one that will be fulfilling and happy. This is the type of story that has its entertainment value, but it is also one that will resonate with you long after the last words are read.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and for hosting a virtual book event on my book review blog site.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Fiona Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Aidan Wharton asks Eve Merritt on a date, one might wonder why she refuses to go. After all, Aidan, a handsome, rich, well connected, 31 y/o, is most women’s dream date. That is, if you’re a supermodel look-alike, not a 44 y/o divorcée, with a grown-up daughter, and (even worse) jiggly thighs. To make matters more complicated, Eve used to babysit Aidan when he was little, and their parents know each other. However, temptation is hard to resist. Eve, who has been a good daughter, wife, and mother all her life, suddenly decides to just take a bite of the apple and have some fun. What she doesn’t expect is Aidan’s total adoration and commitment; her ex-husband’s bid to renew their relationship; a stalker from Aidan’s past creating trouble; and finally a crazed killer who seems to out to get both of them. Could things be any more complicated? Yes, when Eve finds herself falling hard for Aidan and tries to talk herself out of something that (of course!) can never work long term, especially not the happy-ever-after future complete with big wedding that Aidan has in mind. Has Eve got the courage to overcome the decades of old conditioning and for once put her own happiness and well-being first?

This is more than just a fun, chick-lit read. Lisa Helleren taps straight into most women’s anxieties and insecurities when faced with a new relationship after the end of a long marriage. In many cases, women struggle to reinvent themselves after their former role of dutiful wife and mother has ended and it appears that they failed in their task. The dialogue is real and snappy, and the author takes readers right into Eve’s head. There is an underlying message that gives women hope, and the author herself says, “Supporting women on their journeys of self-discovery is my passion; it's the driving force behind my writing.” Eve learns her life lessons, and finally cultivates self-belief through love, regardless of jiggly thighs. The characters interact in a most credible way, making them believable and ultimately appealing. The author has a deft touch when it comes to characterization and there are no one-dimensional actors in this theater of life. Readers will laugh, and empathize. There’s passion, humor, tenderness, sadness, and ultimately self-discovery and redemption. There are a few adult love scenes but they flow seamlessly into this excellent story. Highly recommended.

First reviewed for Readers Favorite

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Love the story, so many things relate to my life, almost as if the author was talking right to me! Many "aha" moments for me! Well worth the read!! Love it!

[Margie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the story itself was good. The foul language and the detailed sex scenes I could have lived without.

[Theresa Duprey-dwire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want more...

Loved the story, can't wait to see what else you have in store. Eve's story is incredibly relatable and just sucks you in.