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Back to December
Thanks to an abusive mother and an absent father, Anna Blackhurst has only known the love of two people: her Gram and her best friend, Niki.
When Anna meets Cooper Reed in a smoky club, she’s immediately drawn to his good looks but isn’t prepared to open herself up to a relationship. As time passes, Anna finds herself falling in love with Cooper and she begins to rethink her future. Maybe, despite her childhood, she can have a happy-ever-after.
But when her mother is in a terrible accident, she again sinks her claws into Anna and Anna’s world is thrown upside down. Despite Cooper’s unwavering support, Anna walks away only to regret it immediately. In order to heal, not only herself -- but also her broken relationship, Anna must stand up for herself and accept that the only way she's going to be happy is if she grabs ahold of it herself.
When Anna meets Cooper Reed in a smoky club, she’s immediately drawn to his good looks but isn’t prepared to open herself up to a relationship. As time passes, Anna finds herself falling in love with Cooper and she begins to rethink her future. Maybe, despite her childhood, she can have a happy-ever-after.
But when her mother is in a terrible accident, she again sinks her claws into Anna and Anna’s world is thrown upside down. Despite Cooper’s unwavering support, Anna walks away only to regret it immediately. In order to heal, not only herself -- but also her broken relationship, Anna must stand up for herself and accept that the only way she's going to be happy is if she grabs ahold of it herself.
372 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2014
2 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Heather McCoubrey
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Heather McCoubrey is a native of Maine but having moved all over the U.S. as a child, she doesn’t sound like one. She’s been writing since middle school when a teacher taught her she could create her own stories instead of just reading them. That year she had some of her first poems published in the school magazine and from there she graduated to writing a full-length novel in high school (which has been collecting dust on her shelf ever since!).
She is the self-published author of To Love Twice and Back to December. The novel that’s been collecting dust on the shelf, Emily’s Choice, was released in March 2016. Her fourth novel is scheduled to be released early summer 2017.
Heather resides in Pennsylvania with her three children, two dogs, two cats, the guinea pig, and the farm show goldfish. When she’s not being super-mom, she ekes out time to write, watch football, practice her British accent and dream of living on a tropical island where she can focus wholly on her writing.
Heather McCoubrey is a native of Maine but having moved all over the U.S. as a child, she doesn’t sound like one. She’s been writing since middle school when a teacher taught her she could create her own stories instead of just reading them. That year she had some of her first poems published in the school magazine and from there she graduated to writing a full-length novel in high school (which has been collecting dust on her shelf ever since!).
She is the self-published author of To Love Twice and Back to December. The novel that’s been collecting dust on the shelf, Emily’s Choice, was released in March 2016. Her fourth novel is scheduled to be released early summer 2017.
Heather resides in Pennsylvania with her three children, two dogs, two cats, the guinea pig, and the farm show goldfish. When she’s not being super-mom, she ekes out time to write, watch football, practice her British accent and dream of living on a tropical island where she can focus wholly on her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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August 6, 2016June 20th - it's here, it's here! Release day for BACK TO DECEMBER!! Get your copy on Amazon! xoxo
October 28, 2017
This book was quite a whirlwind. I found that the mental health featured in this book, anxiety played a major role in this novel. As readers, we step into the skin of someone who faces this every day at a such a high level of anxiety.
Anna was a great character and I loved the relationship she shared with Cooper. Although I also felt like this book dragged on for a but and at points were a bit stale. Niki and Anna’s relationship was written well although I would have wanted more backstory on their past so it could give a chilling comparison to how Anna is affected by her mother when is an adult.
Anna and her mother share a toxic relationship and with Anna’s need for love from a parent, she struggles to cope with her mother’s behavior towards Anna. The plot was a good one. It was scary to see how someone could manipulate a person’s mind so easily and Heather McCoubrey did a great job of that.
Overall I recommend this book to adults and perhaps 17+ if you are feeling for a heavy book. I had it’s ups and downs and I did hope for more from this book but it was good in general.
3.5/5
Anna was a great character and I loved the relationship she shared with Cooper. Although I also felt like this book dragged on for a but and at points were a bit stale. Niki and Anna’s relationship was written well although I would have wanted more backstory on their past so it could give a chilling comparison to how Anna is affected by her mother when is an adult.
Anna and her mother share a toxic relationship and with Anna’s need for love from a parent, she struggles to cope with her mother’s behavior towards Anna. The plot was a good one. It was scary to see how someone could manipulate a person’s mind so easily and Heather McCoubrey did a great job of that.
Overall I recommend this book to adults and perhaps 17+ if you are feeling for a heavy book. I had it’s ups and downs and I did hope for more from this book but it was good in general.
3.5/5
October 31, 2017
This was an amazing romance. I started and finished this book in just a few hours – I couldn’t put it down!
The level of dysfunction and abuse that Anna experienced touched me personally giving this book an all too realistic journey for me.
This wasn’t your typical boy meets girl, girl falls in love, they live happily ever after romance.
This is a full journey of a young girl trapped in an adult body trying to navigate her way out of her confused and unloved childhood.
This book had its own therapeutic qualities and is definitely a book I will read again (something I don’t generally do!)
The level of dysfunction and abuse that Anna experienced touched me personally giving this book an all too realistic journey for me.
This wasn’t your typical boy meets girl, girl falls in love, they live happily ever after romance.
This is a full journey of a young girl trapped in an adult body trying to navigate her way out of her confused and unloved childhood.
This book had its own therapeutic qualities and is definitely a book I will read again (something I don’t generally do!)
June 20, 2014
4.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. It was an emotional read that had me hooked until the end.
Back to December tells the story of Anna and her journey through life. She had an abusive mother who disappeared when the time was right. Her father doesn’t seem to care all that much about her, and she lost her Gram, the one person who truly cared about her. She is a character that you want to root for, but sometimes you wonder if she really is as shy and timid as she seems. And at other times, you can see how easy it was for her to revert back to the scared little girl who craved her mother’s love and affection. Anna is going two steps forward and one step back throughout the book. I wanted her to keep moving forward, to keep getting stronger.
I loved Cooper. He was a great match for Anna; he is the type of guy she needs. He wasn’t over-the-top romantic. He didn’t make all the right choices. He had to think things through. He was real. His decisions were realistic. He fit his part. Her best friend, Niki, was a sister to Anna growing up. She could be brash, overbearing, and harsh. But she loved Anna, protected her, and wanted the best for her.
Back to December has it all. Romance, relationships, family drama, some steam, strength, heavy issues, laughter. It evokes so many emotions. I was happy, sad, giddy, angry, appalled, shocked, afraid, hopeful; you get the picture. There was a part toward the end that had me doing a fist pump.
All-in-all, a great read.
Would I recommend it: Yes. I may suggest this one to my book group.
Disclosure: I did some editing work on this title. After that work was completed, I was asked by the author to review the book. I received a copy of this book for review purposes. Although I was compensated for the editing work, it in no way affected the outcome of my review. My review is my honest opinion of the book.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/06/re...
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. It was an emotional read that had me hooked until the end.
Back to December tells the story of Anna and her journey through life. She had an abusive mother who disappeared when the time was right. Her father doesn’t seem to care all that much about her, and she lost her Gram, the one person who truly cared about her. She is a character that you want to root for, but sometimes you wonder if she really is as shy and timid as she seems. And at other times, you can see how easy it was for her to revert back to the scared little girl who craved her mother’s love and affection. Anna is going two steps forward and one step back throughout the book. I wanted her to keep moving forward, to keep getting stronger.
I loved Cooper. He was a great match for Anna; he is the type of guy she needs. He wasn’t over-the-top romantic. He didn’t make all the right choices. He had to think things through. He was real. His decisions were realistic. He fit his part. Her best friend, Niki, was a sister to Anna growing up. She could be brash, overbearing, and harsh. But she loved Anna, protected her, and wanted the best for her.
Back to December has it all. Romance, relationships, family drama, some steam, strength, heavy issues, laughter. It evokes so many emotions. I was happy, sad, giddy, angry, appalled, shocked, afraid, hopeful; you get the picture. There was a part toward the end that had me doing a fist pump.
All-in-all, a great read.
Would I recommend it: Yes. I may suggest this one to my book group.
Disclosure: I did some editing work on this title. After that work was completed, I was asked by the author to review the book. I received a copy of this book for review purposes. Although I was compensated for the editing work, it in no way affected the outcome of my review. My review is my honest opinion of the book.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/06/re...
April 15, 2015
First off, let me admit that I am biased due to being friends with the author for almost 20 years. I am a huge supporter of her writing and am so proud of her for putting her words out there for everyone to read. That having been said, I really liked this book.
I can see definite growth in Heather's writing from her first book to this one. Her descriptions were wonderful. In fact, her descriptive prose is probably one of her biggest strengths. She was writing locations she knows, and it showed. It felt like you were really there. The Bar Harbor scenes in particular stood out for me.
The characters had visible growth throughout the story and I was interested to see how the various plot arcs resolved. Heather built her story well, and the progression felt just right. The plot twists weren't as abrupt and shocking as in her first book, but they didn't need to be. This wasn't that kind of story.
Her first book was more of a thriller. B2D is closer to what I think of as a "typical" romance novel. I told my wife it reminded me of one of the Hallmark movies she loves so much. I hope that's not a slight; it's not meant to be. I just mean that as a person who doesn't usually read romances, to me, B2D felt like what I always think a romance novel should feel like. That's a good thing.
If you are a fan of romances and heroines who have to deal with their demons on the way to love, this is a book for you. A great second book from one of my favorite new authors and old friends. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
I can see definite growth in Heather's writing from her first book to this one. Her descriptions were wonderful. In fact, her descriptive prose is probably one of her biggest strengths. She was writing locations she knows, and it showed. It felt like you were really there. The Bar Harbor scenes in particular stood out for me.
The characters had visible growth throughout the story and I was interested to see how the various plot arcs resolved. Heather built her story well, and the progression felt just right. The plot twists weren't as abrupt and shocking as in her first book, but they didn't need to be. This wasn't that kind of story.
Her first book was more of a thriller. B2D is closer to what I think of as a "typical" romance novel. I told my wife it reminded me of one of the Hallmark movies she loves so much. I hope that's not a slight; it's not meant to be. I just mean that as a person who doesn't usually read romances, to me, B2D felt like what I always think a romance novel should feel like. That's a good thing.
If you are a fan of romances and heroines who have to deal with their demons on the way to love, this is a book for you. A great second book from one of my favorite new authors and old friends. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
September 8, 2014
I was so happy to receive this book as a complimentary from Heather McCoubrey. I love her writing, and this books blurb had me wanting to read more.
We learn how Anna has problems from her past, her Parents were not the typical Mom and Dad.
One excerpt of the book brought this home to me when Heather McCoubrey expertly had written of a terrible conversation/argument that took place whilst Anna at a young age was hidden on the stairs listening, discovering that her Mother didn't want her, she wish she never had her. Her Father saying that she can't go to a boarding school full time yet as she's too young. There were other things in that conversation/argument that really does enlighten you to the beginnings of what Anna had to endure, but I am stopping there as I don't want to give away any more spoilers.
Her Gram [who runs the money side of her parents very existence] is the only highlight of sincere love in Anna's eyes, actually, in her LIFE. And her best buddy Nikki.
Anna meets a smashing lad, Cooper. She doesn't want to give her heart to him, she may be get hurt. But you can't control your heart can you, and she ends up falling smack bang whallop in love with him.
Then her Mother has a terrible accident and life changes.
I have to say I adored this book. I stayed up late to finish it.
Once again, my thanks go to the author for allowing me to read it, she knew how badly I needed this book!!!
We learn how Anna has problems from her past, her Parents were not the typical Mom and Dad.
One excerpt of the book brought this home to me when Heather McCoubrey expertly had written of a terrible conversation/argument that took place whilst Anna at a young age was hidden on the stairs listening, discovering that her Mother didn't want her, she wish she never had her. Her Father saying that she can't go to a boarding school full time yet as she's too young. There were other things in that conversation/argument that really does enlighten you to the beginnings of what Anna had to endure, but I am stopping there as I don't want to give away any more spoilers.
Her Gram [who runs the money side of her parents very existence] is the only highlight of sincere love in Anna's eyes, actually, in her LIFE. And her best buddy Nikki.
Anna meets a smashing lad, Cooper. She doesn't want to give her heart to him, she may be get hurt. But you can't control your heart can you, and she ends up falling smack bang whallop in love with him.
Then her Mother has a terrible accident and life changes.
I have to say I adored this book. I stayed up late to finish it.
Once again, my thanks go to the author for allowing me to read it, she knew how badly I needed this book!!!
June 23, 2014
I became invested in this book from the very first chapter. Anna has survived a treacherous childhood, escaping her parents’ horrific treatment of her due to strength and determination of her grandmother. Though Anna is able to find comfort and stability in her new life, the scars left by her parents are far from healed. Anna works hard to get her life in order and with the arrival of the gorgeous and kind Cooper, it looks like she is finally on the path to happiness. However, when her mother gets into a car accident, Anna is sucked back into the very worst of her early life experience. It is then that the roller coaster ride begins! I found myself desperately hoping that Anna would find the strength to let go of her demons and move forward. I am thoroughly impressed by the range of emotions that Ms. McCoubrey was able to invoke in me with the creation of her life-like characters - compassion, joy, frustration and even anger! Back to December is a beautifully written tale of loss and love. I highly recommend this book. Once you pick it up, you have a very hard time putting it down!
August 8, 2014
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I must admit, what drew me to this book was the cover. Absolutely beautiful.
The story was a little too "romance-y" for me. I enjoy books that are more realistic. Nonetheless, the story is well written, characters well developed, and a good story line. For me, I like more psychological insight to extremely dysfunctional characte LPPrs. I thought the counsellor for Anna could have been a little different, although I can't say why, but he just didn't seem all that believable. (But, I think that's just me.)
A fast, light read (for me).
I must admit, what drew me to this book was the cover. Absolutely beautiful.
The story was a little too "romance-y" for me. I enjoy books that are more realistic. Nonetheless, the story is well written, characters well developed, and a good story line. For me, I like more psychological insight to extremely dysfunctional characte LPPrs. I thought the counsellor for Anna could have been a little different, although I can't say why, but he just didn't seem all that believable. (But, I think that's just me.)
A fast, light read (for me).
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews