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Absolute Series #1
Absolute Love
Phoebe thought she had her Happily Ever After. She had a beautiful little girl and was married to the man of her dreams.
But the unexpected death of her mother causes Phoebe’s world to come crashing down.
Confronted with the realization that the missing pieces of her past are lost to her forever, she watches herself morph into a person she no longer recognizes. A person she quickly grows to hate.
Barely making it through each day, Phoebe struggles to repress her darkest thoughts. But at night, she is held captive in nightmares from which she cannot escape.
With her marriage dangling by a thread, Phoebe fears a future with Justin may no longer be possible.
Refusing to give up, Justin fights for the life they used to share. But when he stumbles upon what could be the missing piece to Phoebe's past, he is faced with a choice that could cost him everything.
When you feel like all hope is lost, is there a love that can transcend all and revive a broken soul?
**Intended for readers 18+. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.**
But the unexpected death of her mother causes Phoebe’s world to come crashing down.
Confronted with the realization that the missing pieces of her past are lost to her forever, she watches herself morph into a person she no longer recognizes. A person she quickly grows to hate.
Barely making it through each day, Phoebe struggles to repress her darkest thoughts. But at night, she is held captive in nightmares from which she cannot escape.
With her marriage dangling by a thread, Phoebe fears a future with Justin may no longer be possible.
Refusing to give up, Justin fights for the life they used to share. But when he stumbles upon what could be the missing piece to Phoebe's past, he is faced with a choice that could cost him everything.
When you feel like all hope is lost, is there a love that can transcend all and revive a broken soul?
**Intended for readers 18+. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.**
- GenresRomance
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Erin Everleigh
7 books21 followersErin Everleigh started writing her middle-grade fantasy series BAILEX, as a promise to her daughters—to write a book that she would allow them to read (her previous books were intended for the adult reader: Romantic Suspense). What a blessing it has been. She allowed her imagination to run wild and had so much fun doing it.
She decided to involve youth in the publishing process, through various TEAMS, comprised of youth ages 9-16 (BETA TEAM, MEDIA TEAM, RELEASE TEAM). Her goal is to help kids utilize their critical reading and writing skills and to encourage creativity and imagination. And most of all she wants these kids to see how important their contribution was to the final product.
You can chat with her on Instagram (@erineverleigh), or drop her an email (AuthorErinEverleigh@gmail.com).
Check out her WordSmithers program: a program that focuses on cultivating a love of reading and writing in our youth by fostering a community of like-minded creatives. In a culture driven by technology, it is more important than ever to encourage young people in our lives to use their imagination. Imagination is the pathway to possibilities. Add in determination and hard work, and you will be unstoppable.
She decided to involve youth in the publishing process, through various TEAMS, comprised of youth ages 9-16 (BETA TEAM, MEDIA TEAM, RELEASE TEAM). Her goal is to help kids utilize their critical reading and writing skills and to encourage creativity and imagination. And most of all she wants these kids to see how important their contribution was to the final product.
You can chat with her on Instagram (@erineverleigh), or drop her an email (AuthorErinEverleigh@gmail.com).
Check out her WordSmithers program: a program that focuses on cultivating a love of reading and writing in our youth by fostering a community of like-minded creatives. In a culture driven by technology, it is more important than ever to encourage young people in our lives to use their imagination. Imagination is the pathway to possibilities. Add in determination and hard work, and you will be unstoppable.
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February 21, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Absolute Love is a story about what happens when a life changing event puts you on a path where you never expected to be. This fantastic and thoughtfully crafted book explored what it’s like to feel like you’re losing yourself with every breath you take, when you feel like there might be no way up, no way back.
It’s also a story about what will see you through that. What will see you through that darkness that consumes you, and what will ultimately bring you back to life.
This book is about how life can send you spinning round and round, searching for what you need, what you’re missing, but how it can also come into such sharp focus at times because of the people around you. And that focus is worth everything. This book exemplifies that ideal, and I absolutely loved that.
The moment I began this book I was very interested to see where the events of the book would take these characters. I knew the premise of this book from the synopsis, but I wasn’t prepared for how all the aspects of this wonderful book would come together.
I knew Phoebe’s story would be emotional and that it would probably hurt my heart at times to read because I knew she was in for a fight, a fight to find herself and what was missing. But that fight and her journey as a character is part of the reason I loved this book. Phoebe was such an endearing character and I immediately connected to her and the authenticity I felt from her. I felt for her the instant I met her, and this author does a phenomenal job of showing and capturing all that Phoebe thinks and feels in such a way that her character felt so very real to me. You get into her head, and you just get her. You get her fears, you understand why she has them, you know why she feels the way she does and why she questions, and you just understand why things have gone the way they have. Getting to know Phoebe the way you do in this book will just have your caring for her and hoping with all you’ve got that Phoebe can find herself once again.
Then this author brought in Justin’s point of view, and I was completely sold. The moment you meet him is the moment you realize that that man is ready to do whatever it takes to get back his love, his Phoebe. Justin’s point of view was such a fantastic addition to the story because it gave you the chance to see exactly how he was feeling with things with Phoebe, and to really experience the heartfelt and hard fought things he was doing to try to get his wife back. That is one determined man, and that determination defined his character in such a memorable way. It also just allowed you to see and feel what it’s like to give everything you’ve got for the one person you know you can’t live without. I also loved stepping into his head as it allowed me as the reader to learn more about how Phoebe and Justin came to be, and that just pulled me more and more into it all because I knew what they were both fighting so hard for.
Absolute Love had so many layers to it, and that’s what I really enjoyed about it. You had the story of Phoebe’s loss as she tried to make sense of everything she was going through. You had the fantastic aspect of Phoebe’s dreams that added such an engaging and thoughtful element to this story. You had the puzzle pieces to the whole picture that begin to take place over the course of the book.
Along with that you also had the journey and evolution that was occurring in Phoebe and Justin’s relationship, and reading those two try to figure it all out was just marvelous. Their relationship in this book definitely goes on a journey with many ups and downs, which all felt extremely authentic. It just worked, and as much I wished they weren’t experiencing the hurt and the questions and the doubts, the way this author takes these characters through this story was magnificent to read.
I was so happy that I got to read and experience everything with them, and even in those moments where my heart broke for all the pain they felt and all they were going through, I loved how much I learned about them. How much I felt from them. You could tell they wanted so much to go back to the way things had been between them, but that they didn’t know if that was even possible. Reading them give it everything they had was just fantastic, and it made me so vested in their story. I was with them through all that fight, all those ups and downs, and in the end I was beyond thrilled with the experience I had with them.
One seriously unique aspect to this book was the element of Phoebe’s dreams and how those played into the story. I loved getting to read them because it felt like getting a deeper view into Phoebe, and what she was going through. It also added to the mystery aspect of this book as Phoebe tries to put together the missing pieces of her past in her effort to put herself back together again. The author created and added these dreams to the story in such a seamless way, and it really just brought this book to life for me. Each dream was like a piece to the puzzle, and it gave me such a fantastic level of insight, and it really just intrigued me. I loved this aspect and it was just another reason I really enjoyed this book.
Overall, I loved Absolute Love. This was definitely an emotional book that puts these characters to the test, but this author creates their story and develops it in such a way that will have you along for that magnificently emotional ride. You’re going to love what you experience with them, and in the end you’re going to love everything this book gives you.
Absolute Love has such beautiful writing, thoughtfully developed and layered characters that scream authenticity, and a seriously engaging story that I truly could not put down. You’re going to be just as much invested in finding those missing pieces as Phoebe and Justin are. The moment you start this book you will be captivated by these characters, their heart pulling story, all the emotions and feels that accompany their journey together.
This book is about many things. It’s about trying to find yourself after you’ve felt completely lost. It’s about the journeys that life can take you on, and how those journeys can bring you to places you never thought you’d be. This book is also about love. About what love can give you, where it can take you, and ultimately how it can change you in ways you never expected.
Absolute Love is a truly beautiful book, and I’m so glad I had the chance to experience everything it gave me. Phoebe and Justin’s story will pull you in the instant you start it, and I guarantee you are going to love the journey you get to take with those two!
Absolute Love is a story about what happens when a life changing event puts you on a path where you never expected to be. This fantastic and thoughtfully crafted book explored what it’s like to feel like you’re losing yourself with every breath you take, when you feel like there might be no way up, no way back.
It’s also a story about what will see you through that. What will see you through that darkness that consumes you, and what will ultimately bring you back to life.
This book is about how life can send you spinning round and round, searching for what you need, what you’re missing, but how it can also come into such sharp focus at times because of the people around you. And that focus is worth everything. This book exemplifies that ideal, and I absolutely loved that.
The moment I began this book I was very interested to see where the events of the book would take these characters. I knew the premise of this book from the synopsis, but I wasn’t prepared for how all the aspects of this wonderful book would come together.
I knew Phoebe’s story would be emotional and that it would probably hurt my heart at times to read because I knew she was in for a fight, a fight to find herself and what was missing. But that fight and her journey as a character is part of the reason I loved this book. Phoebe was such an endearing character and I immediately connected to her and the authenticity I felt from her. I felt for her the instant I met her, and this author does a phenomenal job of showing and capturing all that Phoebe thinks and feels in such a way that her character felt so very real to me. You get into her head, and you just get her. You get her fears, you understand why she has them, you know why she feels the way she does and why she questions, and you just understand why things have gone the way they have. Getting to know Phoebe the way you do in this book will just have your caring for her and hoping with all you’ve got that Phoebe can find herself once again.
Then this author brought in Justin’s point of view, and I was completely sold. The moment you meet him is the moment you realize that that man is ready to do whatever it takes to get back his love, his Phoebe. Justin’s point of view was such a fantastic addition to the story because it gave you the chance to see exactly how he was feeling with things with Phoebe, and to really experience the heartfelt and hard fought things he was doing to try to get his wife back. That is one determined man, and that determination defined his character in such a memorable way. It also just allowed you to see and feel what it’s like to give everything you’ve got for the one person you know you can’t live without. I also loved stepping into his head as it allowed me as the reader to learn more about how Phoebe and Justin came to be, and that just pulled me more and more into it all because I knew what they were both fighting so hard for.
Absolute Love had so many layers to it, and that’s what I really enjoyed about it. You had the story of Phoebe’s loss as she tried to make sense of everything she was going through. You had the fantastic aspect of Phoebe’s dreams that added such an engaging and thoughtful element to this story. You had the puzzle pieces to the whole picture that begin to take place over the course of the book.
Along with that you also had the journey and evolution that was occurring in Phoebe and Justin’s relationship, and reading those two try to figure it all out was just marvelous. Their relationship in this book definitely goes on a journey with many ups and downs, which all felt extremely authentic. It just worked, and as much I wished they weren’t experiencing the hurt and the questions and the doubts, the way this author takes these characters through this story was magnificent to read.
I was so happy that I got to read and experience everything with them, and even in those moments where my heart broke for all the pain they felt and all they were going through, I loved how much I learned about them. How much I felt from them. You could tell they wanted so much to go back to the way things had been between them, but that they didn’t know if that was even possible. Reading them give it everything they had was just fantastic, and it made me so vested in their story. I was with them through all that fight, all those ups and downs, and in the end I was beyond thrilled with the experience I had with them.
One seriously unique aspect to this book was the element of Phoebe’s dreams and how those played into the story. I loved getting to read them because it felt like getting a deeper view into Phoebe, and what she was going through. It also added to the mystery aspect of this book as Phoebe tries to put together the missing pieces of her past in her effort to put herself back together again. The author created and added these dreams to the story in such a seamless way, and it really just brought this book to life for me. Each dream was like a piece to the puzzle, and it gave me such a fantastic level of insight, and it really just intrigued me. I loved this aspect and it was just another reason I really enjoyed this book.
Overall, I loved Absolute Love. This was definitely an emotional book that puts these characters to the test, but this author creates their story and develops it in such a way that will have you along for that magnificently emotional ride. You’re going to love what you experience with them, and in the end you’re going to love everything this book gives you.
Absolute Love has such beautiful writing, thoughtfully developed and layered characters that scream authenticity, and a seriously engaging story that I truly could not put down. You’re going to be just as much invested in finding those missing pieces as Phoebe and Justin are. The moment you start this book you will be captivated by these characters, their heart pulling story, all the emotions and feels that accompany their journey together.
This book is about many things. It’s about trying to find yourself after you’ve felt completely lost. It’s about the journeys that life can take you on, and how those journeys can bring you to places you never thought you’d be. This book is also about love. About what love can give you, where it can take you, and ultimately how it can change you in ways you never expected.
Absolute Love is a truly beautiful book, and I’m so glad I had the chance to experience everything it gave me. Phoebe and Justin’s story will pull you in the instant you start it, and I guarantee you are going to love the journey you get to take with those two!
February 7, 2015
4.5 stars
What a fantastic debut novel for Erin Everleigh. She hits it out of the park.
I was really deeply moved by this love story. Absolute Love is a very touching old fashion love story. (By old fashion love story I mean that in a good way.) The story takes us on a journey and shows all the ups and downs of life and relationships and how something considered perfect can hit a bump. The bump is a crossroad where the two people involved need to make decisions to hold on or let go. This is a journey of love and forgiveness.
Anyone who knows how devastating the loss of a parent can be will feel Phoebe’s pain in this story. However, even if you haven’t suffered with the death of a parent the emotions are so vivid and beautifully written that you will know what that pain is like Phoebe only had one parent her whole life. Her mom was her only family before she found and married Justin.
Susan Davis, Phoebe’s mom dies unexpectedly. She also dies with secrets. Phoebe lives with regret. She wants to know her biological father but she regrets begging her mother for answers that her mother doesn’t want to share. All these conflicting emotions has Phoebe question how she can pull herself out of the funk she is in. “I’m overcome with sadness, guilt and anger and feel trapped in a fog from which I fear I may never escape.” Phoebe is also afraid that her pain is turning her into a woman that Justin can no longer love.
Justin loves his wife completely but he doesn’t always support her need to know her father. He wants Phoebe to live in the present and not focus on the past. Justin tries to help his wife but he is at a loss too. He can’t put himself in her shoes and understand her need to know someone who was never a part of her life. “It was difficult for me to admit that I was not able to help her. But I was willing to do whatever she needed to get her back to the woman that I used to fall more in love with each day.”
The more Phoebe grieves and regrets the more she pulls away from her husband. Absolute Love explores their relationship and how a family can either become stronger or fall apart when it is least expected.
For a little twist Lucas, Phoebe’s old lover, unbeknownst to him buys the house next to Phoebe. He wants forgiveness for his past sins.
Erin uses alternating chapters to get inside both Phoebe’s and Justin’s head. We see how individually two characters exam where they are and where they want to be and the struggles for each to move on. It is so touching to see how much love they both have for each other. My stomach jumps as their fears that they won’t get back what is lost are expressed.
I love all of the characters in the book. The support characters are instrumental in moving the story forward. They are all well developed. Their feelings are real and in no way exaggerated. There are so many times my heart breaks and occasionally cry with both Phoebe and Justin. They know what they want but there is so much life that seems to get in the way of their happiness. How much can one couple take?
If you are currently grieving or know someone who is grieving this book shines a light on the inner turmoil of not only the immediate family but friends and others around them. If you are fortunate enough to not know loss in your life this is a good story so well written. In other words, this is a great read for everyone.
What a fantastic debut novel for Erin Everleigh. She hits it out of the park.
I was really deeply moved by this love story. Absolute Love is a very touching old fashion love story. (By old fashion love story I mean that in a good way.) The story takes us on a journey and shows all the ups and downs of life and relationships and how something considered perfect can hit a bump. The bump is a crossroad where the two people involved need to make decisions to hold on or let go. This is a journey of love and forgiveness.
Anyone who knows how devastating the loss of a parent can be will feel Phoebe’s pain in this story. However, even if you haven’t suffered with the death of a parent the emotions are so vivid and beautifully written that you will know what that pain is like Phoebe only had one parent her whole life. Her mom was her only family before she found and married Justin.
Susan Davis, Phoebe’s mom dies unexpectedly. She also dies with secrets. Phoebe lives with regret. She wants to know her biological father but she regrets begging her mother for answers that her mother doesn’t want to share. All these conflicting emotions has Phoebe question how she can pull herself out of the funk she is in. “I’m overcome with sadness, guilt and anger and feel trapped in a fog from which I fear I may never escape.” Phoebe is also afraid that her pain is turning her into a woman that Justin can no longer love.
Justin loves his wife completely but he doesn’t always support her need to know her father. He wants Phoebe to live in the present and not focus on the past. Justin tries to help his wife but he is at a loss too. He can’t put himself in her shoes and understand her need to know someone who was never a part of her life. “It was difficult for me to admit that I was not able to help her. But I was willing to do whatever she needed to get her back to the woman that I used to fall more in love with each day.”
The more Phoebe grieves and regrets the more she pulls away from her husband. Absolute Love explores their relationship and how a family can either become stronger or fall apart when it is least expected.
For a little twist Lucas, Phoebe’s old lover, unbeknownst to him buys the house next to Phoebe. He wants forgiveness for his past sins.
Erin uses alternating chapters to get inside both Phoebe’s and Justin’s head. We see how individually two characters exam where they are and where they want to be and the struggles for each to move on. It is so touching to see how much love they both have for each other. My stomach jumps as their fears that they won’t get back what is lost are expressed.
I love all of the characters in the book. The support characters are instrumental in moving the story forward. They are all well developed. Their feelings are real and in no way exaggerated. There are so many times my heart breaks and occasionally cry with both Phoebe and Justin. They know what they want but there is so much life that seems to get in the way of their happiness. How much can one couple take?
If you are currently grieving or know someone who is grieving this book shines a light on the inner turmoil of not only the immediate family but friends and others around them. If you are fortunate enough to not know loss in your life this is a good story so well written. In other words, this is a great read for everyone.
April 15, 2015
It’s such a cliche to use the term ‘emotional rollercoaster’ but I think there really isn’t a more apt description in this instance. In Absolute Love Phoebe our main heroine spirals in a never-ending cycle of anger, depression, confusion and self-sabotage as she tries desperately to overcome her personal tragedies and find her way back to stability and happiness. In the after-math of so many personal tragedies her marriage ends up suffering as collateral damage. Having shut herself off in a self-contained bubble full of resentment and unsurety Phoebe struggles to see the light at the end of the tunnel and so begins one of the most poignant and memorable stories I’ve come across in a long long time. Phoebe’s character is staggering, the turmoil of her feelings both good and bad and the repercussions that comes out of those feelings of guilt flares off the page and into the readers heart. I cried, a lot and I’m not ashamed to admit that, there’s something in Phoebe that just resonated with me. She’s brave, hurt and isolated. The one consistency through Phoebe’s dark times and even when she was unaware of the support, her husband Justin waits patiently in the wings living is his own personal purgatory not knowing how to help his wife through her grief whilst struggling with his own feelings of inadequacy. Justin is absolute perfection, heroic, humble, beautiful inside and out and even when I started doubting his character he managed to win me round and prove me wrong.
‘I resist as best as I can showing Phoebe how overjoyed I am to receive her offer, not wanting to scare her off with any indication of how high my hopes are for where this temporary arrangement may lead. “I would really like that. Thank you, Phoebe,” I say, my eyes beginning to swell as I struggle to contain my emotion. Phoebe’s expression then turns to reveal the most beautiful and loving smile. A warmth moves through my chest and a flicker of hope ignites within my heart.’
What I thought was going to be a disastrous love triangle with the introduction of Lucas became something so much more profound and realistic and grounded. It was sterling writing and characterisation from Erin. To be able to transform the usually unredeemable and give them substance without any romantic entanglements was magically done. This book is phenomenal and I don’t say that lightly. Your emotions will be all over the place, up and down and just when you think you can’t take anymore angst or revelations, you will probably be sucker punched with just a bit more but it’s so worth it for when you manage to navigate through with the characters to the end you will be so so glad you survived, loved, hurt and experienced this joy of a read.
~Nicole
‘I resist as best as I can showing Phoebe how overjoyed I am to receive her offer, not wanting to scare her off with any indication of how high my hopes are for where this temporary arrangement may lead. “I would really like that. Thank you, Phoebe,” I say, my eyes beginning to swell as I struggle to contain my emotion. Phoebe’s expression then turns to reveal the most beautiful and loving smile. A warmth moves through my chest and a flicker of hope ignites within my heart.’
What I thought was going to be a disastrous love triangle with the introduction of Lucas became something so much more profound and realistic and grounded. It was sterling writing and characterisation from Erin. To be able to transform the usually unredeemable and give them substance without any romantic entanglements was magically done. This book is phenomenal and I don’t say that lightly. Your emotions will be all over the place, up and down and just when you think you can’t take anymore angst or revelations, you will probably be sucker punched with just a bit more but it’s so worth it for when you manage to navigate through with the characters to the end you will be so so glad you survived, loved, hurt and experienced this joy of a read.
~Nicole
February 21, 2015
When your entire world basically falls apart, how do you get back to becoming a person you can like again? And how do our dreams (the kind we have at night while drooling on our pillows) factor in?
When a series of events seems to tear Phoebe’s world apart, she becomes a person she doesn’t recognize. With her mother’s death, Phoebe loses all hope over ever finding the identity of her father. A father she has always wanted to know.
Justin, Phoebe’s husband, watches his wife and his marriage fall apart. He is determined not to let them break. He will do just about anything to make things work, but almost loses his chance when the apartment building where he has been staying catches fire.
When a letter is uncovered that may lead to answers, Justin must make the hardest decision of all? Will he be putting his family at risk by telling Phoebe what he knows?
These two characters have a love that you want to have, want to obtain, and never let go of. As the story unfolds we get a glimpse of how plagued Phoebe is by the pain she is feeling through her dreams.
This was a nice change of pace. There are a lot of books that will put a dream or two into them, but not explore the why of what you read. Erin Everleigh uses a counselor and dream expert to help Phoebe really understand what her mind is trying to tell her while she sleep.
At times Absolute Love it was a bit over the top for me with the love they have. Don’t get me wrong, they don’t always have sunshine and unicorns… But it seems when they do, you are almost over powered by it. However, that doesn’t change the fact that I really liked this story. ~ Devlynn, 4 stars
When a series of events seems to tear Phoebe’s world apart, she becomes a person she doesn’t recognize. With her mother’s death, Phoebe loses all hope over ever finding the identity of her father. A father she has always wanted to know.
Justin, Phoebe’s husband, watches his wife and his marriage fall apart. He is determined not to let them break. He will do just about anything to make things work, but almost loses his chance when the apartment building where he has been staying catches fire.
When a letter is uncovered that may lead to answers, Justin must make the hardest decision of all? Will he be putting his family at risk by telling Phoebe what he knows?
These two characters have a love that you want to have, want to obtain, and never let go of. As the story unfolds we get a glimpse of how plagued Phoebe is by the pain she is feeling through her dreams.
This was a nice change of pace. There are a lot of books that will put a dream or two into them, but not explore the why of what you read. Erin Everleigh uses a counselor and dream expert to help Phoebe really understand what her mind is trying to tell her while she sleep.
At times Absolute Love it was a bit over the top for me with the love they have. Don’t get me wrong, they don’t always have sunshine and unicorns… But it seems when they do, you are almost over powered by it. However, that doesn’t change the fact that I really liked this story. ~ Devlynn, 4 stars
January 28, 2015
Review of Absolute Love (Absolute Series #1) by Erin Everleigh
Review done for Hooked on Books
4 out of 5 stars
The death of a loved one is sometimes a never-ending struggle for some people.
Phoebe thought her life was near perfect at one time. She was married to Justin, the man of her dreams, she had a beautiful little girl, and also a loving mother.
But her perfect world was shattered when her mother is killed. Phoebe doesn’t know how to cope and she keeps pushing Justin away.
Besides the grief, Phoebe is conflicted about the secrets her mother kept from her: especially who her father was and why her mother wouldn’t tell her about him. Unfortunately, the truth died with her mother or so she thought.
Justin loves Phoebe with everything he has, but it just doesn’t seem to be enough to help her through her grief. He is not going to give up though. He is determined to help her.
As they try to piece their marriage back together, ugly truths about Phoebe’s past come to light. Phoebe needs to find the strength to pull through and find the truth about her father.
This was a touching story about grief and forgiveness. Phoebe and Justin are perfect for each other. Unfortunately they had to learn the hard way that relationships are not always easy and when communication is halted, it is impossible to help and trust one another.
I recommend this book to people struggling to go on after losing a loved one, so that they can see there is hope and comfort around them if they just ask for help. Everyone deals with grief and loss in their own way.
Review done for Hooked on Books
4 out of 5 stars
The death of a loved one is sometimes a never-ending struggle for some people.
Phoebe thought her life was near perfect at one time. She was married to Justin, the man of her dreams, she had a beautiful little girl, and also a loving mother.
But her perfect world was shattered when her mother is killed. Phoebe doesn’t know how to cope and she keeps pushing Justin away.
Besides the grief, Phoebe is conflicted about the secrets her mother kept from her: especially who her father was and why her mother wouldn’t tell her about him. Unfortunately, the truth died with her mother or so she thought.
Justin loves Phoebe with everything he has, but it just doesn’t seem to be enough to help her through her grief. He is not going to give up though. He is determined to help her.
As they try to piece their marriage back together, ugly truths about Phoebe’s past come to light. Phoebe needs to find the strength to pull through and find the truth about her father.
This was a touching story about grief and forgiveness. Phoebe and Justin are perfect for each other. Unfortunately they had to learn the hard way that relationships are not always easy and when communication is halted, it is impossible to help and trust one another.
I recommend this book to people struggling to go on after losing a loved one, so that they can see there is hope and comfort around them if they just ask for help. Everyone deals with grief and loss in their own way.
May 23, 2015
A story of survival and heartbreak and its effects on one couple. Phoebe is reeling from the loss of her mother, Susan who raised her alone. But before that tragedy is barely over, she and her husband Justin have another loss to deal with.
Phoebe retreats into herself pushing Justin away. Things escalate and it seems as though their marriage is headed into deep waters. Since this is told in both their POV's, we read about Justin's struggle to keep his family together. A man from Phoebe's past increases Justin's insecurities. Can something so broken ever be fixed?
Good, solid romance with a little mystery concerning the identity of Phoebe's father thrown in!
Phoebe retreats into herself pushing Justin away. Things escalate and it seems as though their marriage is headed into deep waters. Since this is told in both their POV's, we read about Justin's struggle to keep his family together. A man from Phoebe's past increases Justin's insecurities. Can something so broken ever be fixed?
Good, solid romance with a little mystery concerning the identity of Phoebe's father thrown in!
February 5, 2015
**JOSIE'S 4.5 STAR REVIEW**
Absolute Love is a powerful, heart wrenching story about love, loss and self -discovery. The author gives readers the present to past with this story, so we get to see the evolution of Justin’s and Phoebe relationship, marriage and separation. I cried at times reading this story because you are able to feel, through the writers words, Phoebe’s suffering, depression and guilt. As well as Justin’s determination, love and loyalty for his wife and family. Phoebe’s mother’s death has left her shattered, empty and depressed. She was happily married to Justin and the mother of a beautiful 6 year old Livvie. Losing her mother tragically was the start of many losses in her life that slowly took hold of Phoebe and consumed her. Over months she slowly drifts away from her husband, life and friends. I am going to start with Justin because I absolute loved his character. He was determined, strong and a fighter. He tried to be there for Phoebe while she was going through her depression but he realized the only way he could help was to give her space. He didn’t know that leaving his wife, daughter and home would create more distance between the couple. That he would now have to fight a battle for his wife and family away from her.
“The realization that I may really lose her overcomes me, and my heart starts racing. I look down at my chest where her name is etched over my heart and I vow to myself that I will never give up hole, that I will find a way to take back what is mine.”
Phoebe’s character is a hard one. For most of the book she is suffering from depression, guilt and is having trouble moving on from her recent tragedies. Not willingly, she shuts herself off to her husband and friends. She honestly can’t understand why she is feeling the way she is. I didn’t understand at first why her character was so depressed but once I found out I could relate to her feelings and to her character. I loved how the author gives readers the inner dialogue of Phoebe and with that we can see her struggling for peace and normality. For years Phoebe would argue with her mother about her family and their past and every time she got no answers. When tragedy strikes again, Phoebe starts to see and feel that not having Justin around causes her more sadness.
“I turn over on my pillow to face Justin’s side of the bed, still perfectly made. I lean my head closer to his pillow and drift off to sleep.”
Justin is patient and constantly fighting for his love and life with Phoebe. Not once was he deterred. Slowly with Justin’s patience and help, Phoebe starts to realize she doesn’t want to lose Justin.
“I want to find a way to fix things between us, Phoebe. I’ll do whatever it takes, if you’ll give me a chance. Can you tell me if we are on the same page? If you see a future for us?”
“I really hope so.”
Justin knows the only way to give his wife peace is to reveal a secret that might give Phoebe the answers she needs. But could that revelation send her over the edge and out of his life for good? The author does a wonderful job with this story. I felt both characters feelings while I was reading and I prayed that things would work out. I felt connected with them and the journey life took the couple. It felt real. Life is hard. It has ups and downs, just as marriages do but I love how the author shows how the couple fight to make their marriage work. Depression is a reality and the author really handled the topic well, respectfully and showed readers that without help things can get really bad. Grab yourself a copy on this beautiful, captivating story about love, forgiveness, love and self-preservation. You won’t regret it.
Absolute Love is a powerful, heart wrenching story about love, loss and self -discovery. The author gives readers the present to past with this story, so we get to see the evolution of Justin’s and Phoebe relationship, marriage and separation. I cried at times reading this story because you are able to feel, through the writers words, Phoebe’s suffering, depression and guilt. As well as Justin’s determination, love and loyalty for his wife and family. Phoebe’s mother’s death has left her shattered, empty and depressed. She was happily married to Justin and the mother of a beautiful 6 year old Livvie. Losing her mother tragically was the start of many losses in her life that slowly took hold of Phoebe and consumed her. Over months she slowly drifts away from her husband, life and friends. I am going to start with Justin because I absolute loved his character. He was determined, strong and a fighter. He tried to be there for Phoebe while she was going through her depression but he realized the only way he could help was to give her space. He didn’t know that leaving his wife, daughter and home would create more distance between the couple. That he would now have to fight a battle for his wife and family away from her.
“The realization that I may really lose her overcomes me, and my heart starts racing. I look down at my chest where her name is etched over my heart and I vow to myself that I will never give up hole, that I will find a way to take back what is mine.”
Phoebe’s character is a hard one. For most of the book she is suffering from depression, guilt and is having trouble moving on from her recent tragedies. Not willingly, she shuts herself off to her husband and friends. She honestly can’t understand why she is feeling the way she is. I didn’t understand at first why her character was so depressed but once I found out I could relate to her feelings and to her character. I loved how the author gives readers the inner dialogue of Phoebe and with that we can see her struggling for peace and normality. For years Phoebe would argue with her mother about her family and their past and every time she got no answers. When tragedy strikes again, Phoebe starts to see and feel that not having Justin around causes her more sadness.
“I turn over on my pillow to face Justin’s side of the bed, still perfectly made. I lean my head closer to his pillow and drift off to sleep.”
Justin is patient and constantly fighting for his love and life with Phoebe. Not once was he deterred. Slowly with Justin’s patience and help, Phoebe starts to realize she doesn’t want to lose Justin.
“I want to find a way to fix things between us, Phoebe. I’ll do whatever it takes, if you’ll give me a chance. Can you tell me if we are on the same page? If you see a future for us?”
“I really hope so.”
Justin knows the only way to give his wife peace is to reveal a secret that might give Phoebe the answers she needs. But could that revelation send her over the edge and out of his life for good? The author does a wonderful job with this story. I felt both characters feelings while I was reading and I prayed that things would work out. I felt connected with them and the journey life took the couple. It felt real. Life is hard. It has ups and downs, just as marriages do but I love how the author shows how the couple fight to make their marriage work. Depression is a reality and the author really handled the topic well, respectfully and showed readers that without help things can get really bad. Grab yourself a copy on this beautiful, captivating story about love, forgiveness, love and self-preservation. You won’t regret it.
February 3, 2015
I found this book to be one of the most beautifully written stories of love, redemption, loss and understanding. Add in forgiveness and finding yourself and you have an epic read for 2015. While Phoebe struggles to find herself through the darkness there is always a bright light within her reach. It doesn’t matter how bad the situation is, what matters most is, are you willing to find the good in every situation. Sometimes the truth hurts, sometimes the lies hurt worse, but no matter what, it is the motivation behind the truth or lies that will determine how you accept your fate.
The author did a brilliant job at keeping this story realistic. She gives us the world of Phoebe in a way that any reader can connect with and understand the emotions and hopes that could have destroyed her or made her blossom into the woman she was meant to be. We all grow up thinking we know about the generations before us, the ones who sacrificed and struggled to make the world we live in a better place today. We know our grandparents, our parents, we hear the stories and make them part of our life story but for Phoebe, she was missing a huge part of her past, her father. It wasn’t until the death of her mother that she was forced to accept those answers may never come, she will have to accept that she will be half a person for the rest of her life. With building anger and resentment towards her mother confused with loss, love and guilt towards her as well, Phoebe’s life took a turn for the dark as she plummeted into depression.
She started questioning her relationship with her husband, who left her after a while because he couldn’t deal with her depression. When her ex-boyfriend moved in next door, she was then faced with trying to accept what had happen between them years ago and find the truth that was denied all this time. She would look in the mirror and not see the mask she had worn all these years. It felt like the moment she shoveled the dirt on her mother’s coffin, she also buried the Phoebe the world had known. The true broken soul of the real Phoebe emerged and she was left to be dealt with.
Throughout this story as the truth begins to unravel regarding her marriage, her past, who her father was and the real history of her mother, we see Phoebe begin to put back the pieces of her life, yet this time they are in the proper places. As the theme in this book goes, it took the lemons that life threw at her to force her to find the sugar and make the lemonade. It wasn’t easy for her to accept the things she had lost, the things never offered to her and the realization of how loved she really was in life but in order to move on she had to let go of the pain caused by the actions of others and look at their motivation behind the painful decisions.
The author uses a lot of flashback scenes and dream journals in this book as Phoebe goes back and looks at her past and finds the facts that had been hidden by denial and hopes all of these years. As she found her awakening, we were there to experience it with her.
Absolute Love is highly recommended not only for the beautiful story but the message that will stay with me for a long time. As my Grandmother used to say, the author “preached a sermon” that will touch many people who struggle with secrets, lost hopes and dreams yet she does it with love, beauty and grace like none I have seen in a long time. She also made me stop and think about those I have lost in my life and what secrets did they go to the grave with in order to make my life better. We never know the price of love in life until we are the ones who are paying that price.
The author did a brilliant job at keeping this story realistic. She gives us the world of Phoebe in a way that any reader can connect with and understand the emotions and hopes that could have destroyed her or made her blossom into the woman she was meant to be. We all grow up thinking we know about the generations before us, the ones who sacrificed and struggled to make the world we live in a better place today. We know our grandparents, our parents, we hear the stories and make them part of our life story but for Phoebe, she was missing a huge part of her past, her father. It wasn’t until the death of her mother that she was forced to accept those answers may never come, she will have to accept that she will be half a person for the rest of her life. With building anger and resentment towards her mother confused with loss, love and guilt towards her as well, Phoebe’s life took a turn for the dark as she plummeted into depression.
She started questioning her relationship with her husband, who left her after a while because he couldn’t deal with her depression. When her ex-boyfriend moved in next door, she was then faced with trying to accept what had happen between them years ago and find the truth that was denied all this time. She would look in the mirror and not see the mask she had worn all these years. It felt like the moment she shoveled the dirt on her mother’s coffin, she also buried the Phoebe the world had known. The true broken soul of the real Phoebe emerged and she was left to be dealt with.
Throughout this story as the truth begins to unravel regarding her marriage, her past, who her father was and the real history of her mother, we see Phoebe begin to put back the pieces of her life, yet this time they are in the proper places. As the theme in this book goes, it took the lemons that life threw at her to force her to find the sugar and make the lemonade. It wasn’t easy for her to accept the things she had lost, the things never offered to her and the realization of how loved she really was in life but in order to move on she had to let go of the pain caused by the actions of others and look at their motivation behind the painful decisions.
The author uses a lot of flashback scenes and dream journals in this book as Phoebe goes back and looks at her past and finds the facts that had been hidden by denial and hopes all of these years. As she found her awakening, we were there to experience it with her.
Absolute Love is highly recommended not only for the beautiful story but the message that will stay with me for a long time. As my Grandmother used to say, the author “preached a sermon” that will touch many people who struggle with secrets, lost hopes and dreams yet she does it with love, beauty and grace like none I have seen in a long time. She also made me stop and think about those I have lost in my life and what secrets did they go to the grave with in order to make my life better. We never know the price of love in life until we are the ones who are paying that price.
February 7, 2015
4.5 stars
What a fantastic debut novel for Erin Everleigh. She hits it out of the park.
I was really deeply moved by this love story. Absolute Love is a very touching old fashion love story. (By old fashion love story I mean that in a good way.) The story takes us on a journey and shows all the ups and downs of life and relationships and how something considered perfect can hit a bump. The bump is a crossroad where the two people involved need to make decisions to hold on or let go. This is a journey of love and forgiveness.
Anyone who knows how devastating the loss of a parent can be will feel Phoebe’s pain in this story. However, even if you haven’t suffered with the death of a parent the emotions are so vivid and beautifully written that you will know what that pain is like Phoebe only had one parent her whole life. Her mom was her only family before she found and married Justin.
Susan Davis, Phoebe’s mom dies unexpectedly. She also dies with secrets. Phoebe lives with regret. She wants to know her biological father but she regrets begging her mother for answers that her mother doesn’t want to share. All these conflicting emotions has Phoebe question how she can pull herself out of the funk she is in. “I’m overcome with sadness, guilt and anger and feel trapped in a fog from which I fear I may never escape.” Phoebe is also afraid that her pain is turning her into a woman that Justin can no longer love.
Justin loves his wife completely but he doesn’t always support her need to know her father. He wants Phoebe to live in the present and not focus on the past. Justin tries to help his wife but he is at a loss too. He can’t put himself in her shoes and understand her need to know someone who was never a part of her life. “It was difficult for me to admit that I was not able to help her. But I was willing to do whatever she needed to get her back to the woman that I used to fall more in love with each day.”
The more Phoebe grieves and regrets the more she pulls away from her husband. Absolute Love explores their relationship and how a family can either become stronger or fall apart when it is least expected.
For a little twist Lucas, Phoebe’s old lover, unbeknownst to him buys the house next to Phoebe. He wants forgiveness for his past sins.
Erin uses alternating chapters to get inside both Phoebe’s and Justin’s head. We see how individually two characters exam where they are and where they want to be and the struggles for each to move on. It is so touching to see how much love they both have for each other. My stomach jumps as their fears that they won’t get back what is lost are expressed.
I love all of the characters in the book. The support characters are instrumental in moving the story forward. They are all well developed. Their feelings are real and in no way exaggerated. There are so many times my heart breaks and occasionally cry with both Phoebe and Justin. They know what they want but there is so much life that seems to get in the way of their happiness. How much can one couple take?
If you are currently grieving or know someone who is grieving this book shines a light on the inner turmoil of not only the immediate family but friends and others around them. If you are fortunate enough to not know loss in your life this is a good story so well written. In other words, this is a great read for everyone.
What a fantastic debut novel for Erin Everleigh. She hits it out of the park.
I was really deeply moved by this love story. Absolute Love is a very touching old fashion love story. (By old fashion love story I mean that in a good way.) The story takes us on a journey and shows all the ups and downs of life and relationships and how something considered perfect can hit a bump. The bump is a crossroad where the two people involved need to make decisions to hold on or let go. This is a journey of love and forgiveness.
Anyone who knows how devastating the loss of a parent can be will feel Phoebe’s pain in this story. However, even if you haven’t suffered with the death of a parent the emotions are so vivid and beautifully written that you will know what that pain is like Phoebe only had one parent her whole life. Her mom was her only family before she found and married Justin.
Susan Davis, Phoebe’s mom dies unexpectedly. She also dies with secrets. Phoebe lives with regret. She wants to know her biological father but she regrets begging her mother for answers that her mother doesn’t want to share. All these conflicting emotions has Phoebe question how she can pull herself out of the funk she is in. “I’m overcome with sadness, guilt and anger and feel trapped in a fog from which I fear I may never escape.” Phoebe is also afraid that her pain is turning her into a woman that Justin can no longer love.
Justin loves his wife completely but he doesn’t always support her need to know her father. He wants Phoebe to live in the present and not focus on the past. Justin tries to help his wife but he is at a loss too. He can’t put himself in her shoes and understand her need to know someone who was never a part of her life. “It was difficult for me to admit that I was not able to help her. But I was willing to do whatever she needed to get her back to the woman that I used to fall more in love with each day.”
The more Phoebe grieves and regrets the more she pulls away from her husband. Absolute Love explores their relationship and how a family can either become stronger or fall apart when it is least expected.
For a little twist Lucas, Phoebe’s old lover, unbeknownst to him buys the house next to Phoebe. He wants forgiveness for his past sins.
Erin uses alternating chapters to get inside both Phoebe’s and Justin’s head. We see how individually two characters exam where they are and where they want to be and the struggles for each to move on. It is so touching to see how much love they both have for each other. My stomach jumps as their fears that they won’t get back what is lost are expressed.
I love all of the characters in the book. The support characters are instrumental in moving the story forward. They are all well developed. Their feelings are real and in no way exaggerated. There are so many times my heart breaks and occasionally cry with both Phoebe and Justin. They know what they want but there is so much life that seems to get in the way of their happiness. How much can one couple take?
If you are currently grieving or know someone who is grieving this book shines a light on the inner turmoil of not only the immediate family but friends and others around them. If you are fortunate enough to not know loss in your life this is a good story so well written. In other words, this is a great read for everyone.
January 26, 2015
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
Author Erin Everleigh is a new to me author and an amazing one at that! This debut novel was one of my favorite reads so far this year! She was able to grab my attention from page one and hold it until the very last page and even then I was plotting the next book in my head. I felt like I was on a nonstop roller coaster filled with loops, twists, turns and a curves that I couldn't see coming. The ride was spectacular and one that I want to repeat over and over and over again. I am so looking forward to the novella that she will be releasing soon - I need more answers and more time with the characters that I felt were friends!
The plot was so smooth and flowed so easily that I found myself breezing along - it was going so well that I lost all track of time and some weekend chores may have been neglected - but it is one of those awesome reads that you just can't seem to find a good stopping point in. It is filled with mystery, drama, love, relationships and finding oneself in the midst of a tragedy. The story is about hope, finding the love that you once had, and about finding one's path back to who they were and who they are meant to be.
Phoebe is going through a crisis and finds herself lost - and in the middle of it all her first love (Lucas) happens to move back into the house next door just as her husband (Justin) has moved out - meanwhile her mother has passed away, her father is unknown and she feels like she is lost. You will laugh, cry, yell, scream and sigh throughout this story and especially when the characters have their flashbacks - it makes you want to punch your kindle out of frustration (please don't though). The emotions that you feel as you read this story are hard and the book brings up some tough subjects that make the reader think - and wonder how they would handle things if this were them.
I thought about the characters long after I finished this story and like any good book the ending came as a complete surprise. Make sure you set aside plenty of time to read this one as you won't want to stop once you get started - it is that good! Add this to your TBR list and move it to the top of the list - you must read this book and you must read it soon! It will quickly become one of your favorites as well - I guarantee it!!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Author Erin Everleigh is a new to me author and an amazing one at that! This debut novel was one of my favorite reads so far this year! She was able to grab my attention from page one and hold it until the very last page and even then I was plotting the next book in my head. I felt like I was on a nonstop roller coaster filled with loops, twists, turns and a curves that I couldn't see coming. The ride was spectacular and one that I want to repeat over and over and over again. I am so looking forward to the novella that she will be releasing soon - I need more answers and more time with the characters that I felt were friends!
The plot was so smooth and flowed so easily that I found myself breezing along - it was going so well that I lost all track of time and some weekend chores may have been neglected - but it is one of those awesome reads that you just can't seem to find a good stopping point in. It is filled with mystery, drama, love, relationships and finding oneself in the midst of a tragedy. The story is about hope, finding the love that you once had, and about finding one's path back to who they were and who they are meant to be.
Phoebe is going through a crisis and finds herself lost - and in the middle of it all her first love (Lucas) happens to move back into the house next door just as her husband (Justin) has moved out - meanwhile her mother has passed away, her father is unknown and she feels like she is lost. You will laugh, cry, yell, scream and sigh throughout this story and especially when the characters have their flashbacks - it makes you want to punch your kindle out of frustration (please don't though). The emotions that you feel as you read this story are hard and the book brings up some tough subjects that make the reader think - and wonder how they would handle things if this were them.
I thought about the characters long after I finished this story and like any good book the ending came as a complete surprise. Make sure you set aside plenty of time to read this one as you won't want to stop once you get started - it is that good! Add this to your TBR list and move it to the top of the list - you must read this book and you must read it soon! It will quickly become one of your favorites as well - I guarantee it!!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
February 12, 2015
** review for BareNakedWords **
“You don’t get to choose what happens in life, but you can choose how you let what happens shape your life. If you search hard enough, you can find sweetness to drown out any sorrow.”
Erin has delivered a magnificent debut with ‘Absolute Love’ and has truly captured how a devastating loss can affect people and their loved ones. This is a story of second chances and loss; a woman’s struggle to fight through the darkness and a husband’s determination to fight for his family, and his wife.
Written in duel POV, we get to see both Phoebe and Justin’s lives after they have been separated. The love they have for one another as well as the fear of loss keeping them apart,
“I fear that I will never be free from the pain, the nightmares and the guilt. But worse than that, I’m petrified that Justin will see me the way I see myself...
...a bitter, vulnerable and weak woman, who no longer had control of her mind or her life.”
But also the hope that someday they’d overcome and be together again; that love will win.
"I’m yours. Every fibre of my being is yours, yours to love, yours to need and yours to hold on to.”
It was obvious they still loved each other immensely, and I constantly held out hope that they would finally find their way into each other’s arms again.
Justin must realise that Phoebe needs more than just a shoulder to cry on, and as the saying goes “A problem shared is a problem halved’; Phoebe must learn to voice her concerns and struggles.
Dreams play an important role throughout the book, and give us a huge insight to the struggles Phoebe has lived with growing up without a father as well as other events that have happened. Her vivid and quite disturbing dreams of a faceless man always fading away when she gets too close. It makes your heart ache to see Phoebe’s desperation to know the truth even after her mother’s passing.
A truly wonderful book that I recommend to everyone. I loved the storyline, the characters and the emotions that Erin invoked while reading. The anger, heartache, resentment, love and hope; you feel it all.
It is a heartfelt yet tragic story; one which people experience on a daily basis and I very much look forward to the next book in this series as well as any future releases Erin brings us.
Congratulations Erin.
“You don’t get to choose what happens in life, but you can choose how you let what happens shape your life. If you search hard enough, you can find sweetness to drown out any sorrow.”
Erin has delivered a magnificent debut with ‘Absolute Love’ and has truly captured how a devastating loss can affect people and their loved ones. This is a story of second chances and loss; a woman’s struggle to fight through the darkness and a husband’s determination to fight for his family, and his wife.
Written in duel POV, we get to see both Phoebe and Justin’s lives after they have been separated. The love they have for one another as well as the fear of loss keeping them apart,
“I fear that I will never be free from the pain, the nightmares and the guilt. But worse than that, I’m petrified that Justin will see me the way I see myself...
...a bitter, vulnerable and weak woman, who no longer had control of her mind or her life.”
But also the hope that someday they’d overcome and be together again; that love will win.
"I’m yours. Every fibre of my being is yours, yours to love, yours to need and yours to hold on to.”
It was obvious they still loved each other immensely, and I constantly held out hope that they would finally find their way into each other’s arms again.
Justin must realise that Phoebe needs more than just a shoulder to cry on, and as the saying goes “A problem shared is a problem halved’; Phoebe must learn to voice her concerns and struggles.
Dreams play an important role throughout the book, and give us a huge insight to the struggles Phoebe has lived with growing up without a father as well as other events that have happened. Her vivid and quite disturbing dreams of a faceless man always fading away when she gets too close. It makes your heart ache to see Phoebe’s desperation to know the truth even after her mother’s passing.
A truly wonderful book that I recommend to everyone. I loved the storyline, the characters and the emotions that Erin invoked while reading. The anger, heartache, resentment, love and hope; you feel it all.
It is a heartfelt yet tragic story; one which people experience on a daily basis and I very much look forward to the next book in this series as well as any future releases Erin brings us.
Congratulations Erin.
January 25, 2015
Definition of Love: A noun: A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
In life most of us are lucky enough to experience it, lucky enough to feel it, and lucky enough to keep it.
Phoebe, married to Justin, has a daughter Olivia. Her love for her family is immense. She adores them.
Until tragedy strikes and takes the one person that Phoebe has loved all her whole life.
Her mother.
But the death of her mother, also leaves Phoebe broken, hurt and very angry.
Because Phoebe will now never get the answers she’s always wanted.
The one thing only her mother could provide the answer too.
Her mother’s secret will forever remain a secret, taken with her to her grave.
The secret?
Who is Phoebe’s father?
So begins the downward spiral of Phoebe’s life. The hurt, the anger, the guilt is too much. Her marriage breaks down, pushing Justin away.
She isn’t who she once was, allowing bitterness to take hold.
Justin, watching from afar is at a loss as to how to help his wife. The love of his life. The mother of his child.
But one thing that Justin holds onto, hope.
Will Phoebe and Justin ever be a family again?
Will Phoebe ever find out who her father is?
What secrets will be unearthed?
Will Phoebe ever recover?
Or will she be lost forever?
Absolute Love was a beautiful heart-felt read, but also a hard read. Why you ask?
Because many of the issues raised in Absolute Love are real. They are real issues that are faced by people everyday.
The damage that secrets can cause, the hurt and pain that someone goes through when grieving, the feeling of guilt that can destroy. This is life for some in a nut shell.
Absolute Love is confronting and raw. It’s emotionally charged. It’s beautiful and heart warming.
It’s about love.
We commend Erin Everleigh on her début novel. A definite 5 star read.
We look forward to the next instalment of this amazing series.
*** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review ***
In life most of us are lucky enough to experience it, lucky enough to feel it, and lucky enough to keep it.
Phoebe, married to Justin, has a daughter Olivia. Her love for her family is immense. She adores them.
Until tragedy strikes and takes the one person that Phoebe has loved all her whole life.
Her mother.
But the death of her mother, also leaves Phoebe broken, hurt and very angry.
Because Phoebe will now never get the answers she’s always wanted.
The one thing only her mother could provide the answer too.
Her mother’s secret will forever remain a secret, taken with her to her grave.
The secret?
Who is Phoebe’s father?
So begins the downward spiral of Phoebe’s life. The hurt, the anger, the guilt is too much. Her marriage breaks down, pushing Justin away.
She isn’t who she once was, allowing bitterness to take hold.
Justin, watching from afar is at a loss as to how to help his wife. The love of his life. The mother of his child.
But one thing that Justin holds onto, hope.
Will Phoebe and Justin ever be a family again?
Will Phoebe ever find out who her father is?
What secrets will be unearthed?
Will Phoebe ever recover?
Or will she be lost forever?
Absolute Love was a beautiful heart-felt read, but also a hard read. Why you ask?
Because many of the issues raised in Absolute Love are real. They are real issues that are faced by people everyday.
The damage that secrets can cause, the hurt and pain that someone goes through when grieving, the feeling of guilt that can destroy. This is life for some in a nut shell.
Absolute Love is confronting and raw. It’s emotionally charged. It’s beautiful and heart warming.
It’s about love.
We commend Erin Everleigh on her début novel. A definite 5 star read.
We look forward to the next instalment of this amazing series.
*** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review ***
February 5, 2015
This is a love story with a difference.
We are introduced to Phoebe Mallor before she is even born, and immediately we get the feeling that things are not going to be easy for her.
“This is it little one. Today we start our new life together, just you and me.… I pray that I will be enough for you.”
~Susan – Phoebe’s mother~
Raised single-handedly by her mother, she is haunted by a lifetime of strange, yet vivid and almost clue-giving dreams. She’s never met her father, and her need to find out what happened between him and her mother is something she clutches tightly in her fist from the first page to the last. This however, is just the start of the crap that life throws at her. The missing pieces of her life seem lost forever when her mother is taken from her suddenly before she has a chance to explain.
The tale twists and turns through Phoebe’s traumatic and upturned life with her husband and daughter. It is a journey of self-discovery and, as the title suggests, absolute love.
The two main characters are alive, vivid and real. Written from the points of view of both Phoebe and her husband, Justin, the book reaches right into these characters souls allowing you to become deeply and intimately involved with them. There were times when I wanted to grab Phoebe by the scruff of her neck and give her a good shake for taking 3 steps backwards after making what I thought was such great headway!
Discovering Phoebe’s traumas and heartbreaks from her point of view means that as a reader, you will hurt along with her. However, re-living her experiences through Justin helps you to rationalise her life and put things into perspective for her. Knowing first hand how hard Justin is fighting for her means that there is always a glimmer of hope ahead of you for Phoebe and her little family.
“…I was willing to do whatever she needed to get back to the woman that I used to fall more in love with each day.”
~Justin~
We are introduced to Phoebe Mallor before she is even born, and immediately we get the feeling that things are not going to be easy for her.
“This is it little one. Today we start our new life together, just you and me.… I pray that I will be enough for you.”
~Susan – Phoebe’s mother~
Raised single-handedly by her mother, she is haunted by a lifetime of strange, yet vivid and almost clue-giving dreams. She’s never met her father, and her need to find out what happened between him and her mother is something she clutches tightly in her fist from the first page to the last. This however, is just the start of the crap that life throws at her. The missing pieces of her life seem lost forever when her mother is taken from her suddenly before she has a chance to explain.
The tale twists and turns through Phoebe’s traumatic and upturned life with her husband and daughter. It is a journey of self-discovery and, as the title suggests, absolute love.
The two main characters are alive, vivid and real. Written from the points of view of both Phoebe and her husband, Justin, the book reaches right into these characters souls allowing you to become deeply and intimately involved with them. There were times when I wanted to grab Phoebe by the scruff of her neck and give her a good shake for taking 3 steps backwards after making what I thought was such great headway!
Discovering Phoebe’s traumas and heartbreaks from her point of view means that as a reader, you will hurt along with her. However, re-living her experiences through Justin helps you to rationalise her life and put things into perspective for her. Knowing first hand how hard Justin is fighting for her means that there is always a glimmer of hope ahead of you for Phoebe and her little family.
“…I was willing to do whatever she needed to get back to the woman that I used to fall more in love with each day.”
~Justin~
March 1, 2015
Ratings: 4 Stars (I liked it)
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I will lump this story into the category of 'Different'. I haven't read a story with this plot yet and it was really good. 'Absolute Love' had so many good things that worked well within the story.
The story is told from Phoebe and her husband's Justin point of view. Dual POV is always my favourite as it gives you a better insight into both characters and what they are going through. This definitely had me sold :)
I won't restate what the story was word for word or scene by scene, the author took her time to create a well written blurb that grabbed my attention. Erin does an excellent job in giving you a look into what to expect when you buy Absolute Love. (Please check out the blurb)
Absolute Love takes you on one woman's journey to find herself and who is trying to figure out the missing pieces in order to be happy and save her marriage.
I think Phoebe felt that her mother didn't love her enough to tell her the truth about the missing pieces. You could see how Phoebe was hurting and in return how she pushed away one of the most important person in her life. Erin, the author also did a great job with adding mystery to the plot. The author came up with clever hints which keeps the reader guessing on what everything really meant.
I thought once the secrets were out everything moved along a little two quickly and I was left with so many unanswered questions. Even before the secrets were revealed, I kept looking at my % on the kindle and wondered how everything would fit in such a short amount of time. It was like going up on a Rollercoaster that keep building up the intense feeling but once you got to the top and experienced the ride the excitement was gone.
Overall, I liked Absolute Love and would differently recommend it to a friend that is looking for something different.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I will lump this story into the category of 'Different'. I haven't read a story with this plot yet and it was really good. 'Absolute Love' had so many good things that worked well within the story.
The story is told from Phoebe and her husband's Justin point of view. Dual POV is always my favourite as it gives you a better insight into both characters and what they are going through. This definitely had me sold :)
I won't restate what the story was word for word or scene by scene, the author took her time to create a well written blurb that grabbed my attention. Erin does an excellent job in giving you a look into what to expect when you buy Absolute Love. (Please check out the blurb)
Absolute Love takes you on one woman's journey to find herself and who is trying to figure out the missing pieces in order to be happy and save her marriage.
I think Phoebe felt that her mother didn't love her enough to tell her the truth about the missing pieces. You could see how Phoebe was hurting and in return how she pushed away one of the most important person in her life. Erin, the author also did a great job with adding mystery to the plot. The author came up with clever hints which keeps the reader guessing on what everything really meant.
I thought once the secrets were out everything moved along a little two quickly and I was left with so many unanswered questions. Even before the secrets were revealed, I kept looking at my % on the kindle and wondered how everything would fit in such a short amount of time. It was like going up on a Rollercoaster that keep building up the intense feeling but once you got to the top and experienced the ride the excitement was gone.
Overall, I liked Absolute Love and would differently recommend it to a friend that is looking for something different.
February 16, 2015
This was such a heartbreaking and sweet story all at the same time! I could feel the pain that Phoebe was going through between her marriage crumbling and the death of her mother. But also, I could feel Justin’s sadness and worry over losing Phoebe.
This story is told from both character’s points of view. We can see the love they have for each other but each is afraid to scare the other off so neither one comes out with how they feel. This had rooting for them as a couple but worrying that one would make a mistake because they didn’t know the other’s true feelings.
There was also a bit of a mystery throughout this book that was the underlying reason why Phoebe was going through all these emotions. There were hints throughout the book but definitely not expected when they mystery was revealed. The reader knew what the main issue was but I could not come up with a reason that was believable to the story as to why Phoebe’s mother would hide it like she did. The author came up with a great story to explain this mystery that had everything make sense and was believable. I wasn’t sure how she was going to do that so was very happy with the outcome of the mystery.
There was a dream aspect to this book, which was really cool. The author described Phoebe’s dreams really well and because of what was going on in them, you knew she was dreaming and at times were able to interpret her dreams. It was great to see how the dreams changed as Phoebe was changing.
This book kept me on edge the entire time rooting for the love of Phoebe and Justin to win out over all the obstacles in their way. When Phoebe’s hot ex-boyfriend, now retired NHL player moves in next door, it just added to my anxiousness as to how this was going to end!
This story is told from both character’s points of view. We can see the love they have for each other but each is afraid to scare the other off so neither one comes out with how they feel. This had rooting for them as a couple but worrying that one would make a mistake because they didn’t know the other’s true feelings.
There was also a bit of a mystery throughout this book that was the underlying reason why Phoebe was going through all these emotions. There were hints throughout the book but definitely not expected when they mystery was revealed. The reader knew what the main issue was but I could not come up with a reason that was believable to the story as to why Phoebe’s mother would hide it like she did. The author came up with a great story to explain this mystery that had everything make sense and was believable. I wasn’t sure how she was going to do that so was very happy with the outcome of the mystery.
There was a dream aspect to this book, which was really cool. The author described Phoebe’s dreams really well and because of what was going on in them, you knew she was dreaming and at times were able to interpret her dreams. It was great to see how the dreams changed as Phoebe was changing.
This book kept me on edge the entire time rooting for the love of Phoebe and Justin to win out over all the obstacles in their way. When Phoebe’s hot ex-boyfriend, now retired NHL player moves in next door, it just added to my anxiousness as to how this was going to end!
January 12, 2015
I just finished Absolute Love and I enjoyed it. It is a story about second chances and who doesnt love that?
Phoebe has grown up without ever knowing her father. She always has dreams and has countless times asked her mother who he is. Her mother will not tell her and says she will never tell her. Her mother ends up dying leaving her brokenhearted and still having no answers. She falls into a depression and this effects her marriage with Justin. They separate and we are at a stand hill for not knowing if they will get back together. We go through the emotions of both Justin and Phoebe, seeing what they are both going through and when an accident brings them both back together will they be able to see past their insecurities to be together? There are secrets that will come to light about Phoebes past so will that hinder them too? You will have to read and see.
I really enjoyed the story. I thought that it had a good story line and well rounded characters, with a little bit of mystery to keep me going. Its heartbreaking but it leaves you with joy. My favorite part about the story is her dreams. Dreams are such an amazing thing. YOu have so many hidden messages that you can takes things in different ways. Its just an interesting thing to think about and I feel like Erin was really on point with this. I also liked how the Phoebe and Justin thought about their past and we got to see how they met, and feel in love. It was just an amazing way Erin did that.
I cant wait to see what she comes up with for Susan and Aaron (Phoebes mom and dad). I cannot wait to get those questions I have answered!
Story 4
Sex 4
Overall 4
Phoebe has grown up without ever knowing her father. She always has dreams and has countless times asked her mother who he is. Her mother will not tell her and says she will never tell her. Her mother ends up dying leaving her brokenhearted and still having no answers. She falls into a depression and this effects her marriage with Justin. They separate and we are at a stand hill for not knowing if they will get back together. We go through the emotions of both Justin and Phoebe, seeing what they are both going through and when an accident brings them both back together will they be able to see past their insecurities to be together? There are secrets that will come to light about Phoebes past so will that hinder them too? You will have to read and see.
I really enjoyed the story. I thought that it had a good story line and well rounded characters, with a little bit of mystery to keep me going. Its heartbreaking but it leaves you with joy. My favorite part about the story is her dreams. Dreams are such an amazing thing. YOu have so many hidden messages that you can takes things in different ways. Its just an interesting thing to think about and I feel like Erin was really on point with this. I also liked how the Phoebe and Justin thought about their past and we got to see how they met, and feel in love. It was just an amazing way Erin did that.
I cant wait to see what she comes up with for Susan and Aaron (Phoebes mom and dad). I cannot wait to get those questions I have answered!
Story 4
Sex 4
Overall 4
February 22, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of Give Me Books
When your entire world basically falls apart, how do you get back to becoming a person you can like again? And how do our dreams (the kind we have at night while drooling on our pillows) factor in?
When a series of events seems to tear Phoebe’s world apart, she becomes a person she doesn’t recognize. With her mother’s death, Phoebe loses all hope over ever finding the identity of her father. A father she has always wanted to know.
Justin, Phoebe’s husband, watches his wife and his marriage fall apart. He is determined not to let them break. He will do just about anything to make things work, but almost loses his chance when the apartment building where he has been staying catches fire.
When a letter is uncovered that may lead to answers, Justin must make the hardest decision of all? Will he be putting his family at risk by telling Phoebe what he knows?
These two characters have a love that you want to have, want to obtain, and never let go of. As the story unfolds we get a glimpse of how plagued Phoebe is by the pain she is feeling through her dreams.
This was a nice change of pace. There are a lot of books that will put a dream or two into them, but not explore the why of what you read. Erin Everleigh uses a counselor and dream expert to help Phoebe really understand what her mind is trying to tell her while she sleep.
At times Absolute Love it was a bit over the top for me with the love they have. Don’t get me wrong, they don’t always have sunshine and unicorns… But it seems when they do, you are almost over powered by it. However, that doesn’t change the fact that I really liked this story. ~ Devlynn, 4 stars
When your entire world basically falls apart, how do you get back to becoming a person you can like again? And how do our dreams (the kind we have at night while drooling on our pillows) factor in?
When a series of events seems to tear Phoebe’s world apart, she becomes a person she doesn’t recognize. With her mother’s death, Phoebe loses all hope over ever finding the identity of her father. A father she has always wanted to know.
Justin, Phoebe’s husband, watches his wife and his marriage fall apart. He is determined not to let them break. He will do just about anything to make things work, but almost loses his chance when the apartment building where he has been staying catches fire.
When a letter is uncovered that may lead to answers, Justin must make the hardest decision of all? Will he be putting his family at risk by telling Phoebe what he knows?
These two characters have a love that you want to have, want to obtain, and never let go of. As the story unfolds we get a glimpse of how plagued Phoebe is by the pain she is feeling through her dreams.
This was a nice change of pace. There are a lot of books that will put a dream or two into them, but not explore the why of what you read. Erin Everleigh uses a counselor and dream expert to help Phoebe really understand what her mind is trying to tell her while she sleep.
At times Absolute Love it was a bit over the top for me with the love they have. Don’t get me wrong, they don’t always have sunshine and unicorns… But it seems when they do, you are almost over powered by it. However, that doesn’t change the fact that I really liked this story. ~ Devlynn, 4 stars
January 20, 2015
I won an arc of Absolute Love. I had heard a few things here and there about it the past year, and was really looking forward to it. The story is told through Phoebe's POV, and her husband Justin's POV. We also get a bit of Susan, Phoebe's mother's POV in the prologue. Phoebe has suddenly lost her mother in a tragic accident. Devastated by that and another tragic accident shortly after, Phoebe is hanging on by a thin thread. She is also haunted by a past that she never knew, and fears now she will never know since her mother has died. She pushes her husband Justin away, fearing he won't want to be with her when he realizes she is no longer the woman he fell in love with. Justin, thinks that if he gives Phoebe some time and space, she'll be able to get through her heartache. Through all the tragic and unfortunate events that happens, can Phoebe and Justin come back together? Or will all that has happened, be too much for them? I really, really enjoyed this book. We get to see a few flashbacks about how Phoebe and Justin met and fell in love. I felt the heartache that Phoebe felt when her mother died, and when another tragedy was revealed. I did get a bit frustrated with her as well. Times when I thought she needed to talk to Justin and she didn't, had me shaking my head. I was really happy with how the story turned out, and I look forward to the Novella, Love's Sacrifice. I'll leave you with one of my favorite lines: You don’t get to choose what happens in life, but you can choose how you let what happens shape your life.
January 28, 2015
Review done for Hooked on Books
4 out of 5 stars
The death of a loved one is sometimes a never-ending struggle for some people.
Phoebe thought her life was near perfect at one time. She was married to Justin, the man of her dreams, she had a beautiful little girl, and also a loving mother.
But her perfect world was shattered when her mother is killed. Phoebe doesn’t know how to cope and she keeps pushing Justin away.
Besides the grief, Phoebe is conflicted about the secrets her mother kept from her: especially who her father was and why her mother wouldn’t tell her about him. Unfortunately, the truth died with her mother or so she thought.
Justin loves Phoebe with everything he has, but it just doesn’t seem to be enough to help her through her grief. He is not going to give up though. He is determined to help her.
As they try to piece their marriage back together, ugly truths about Phoebe’s past come to light. Phoebe needs to find the strength to pull through and find the truth about her father.
This was a touching story about grief and forgiveness. Phoebe and Justin are perfect for each other. Unfortunately they had to learn the hard way that relationships are not always easy and when communication is halted, it is impossible to help and trust one another.
I recommend this book to people struggling to go on after losing a loved one, so that they can see there is hope and comfort around them if they just ask for help. Everyone deals with grief and loss in their own way.
4 out of 5 stars
The death of a loved one is sometimes a never-ending struggle for some people.
Phoebe thought her life was near perfect at one time. She was married to Justin, the man of her dreams, she had a beautiful little girl, and also a loving mother.
But her perfect world was shattered when her mother is killed. Phoebe doesn’t know how to cope and she keeps pushing Justin away.
Besides the grief, Phoebe is conflicted about the secrets her mother kept from her: especially who her father was and why her mother wouldn’t tell her about him. Unfortunately, the truth died with her mother or so she thought.
Justin loves Phoebe with everything he has, but it just doesn’t seem to be enough to help her through her grief. He is not going to give up though. He is determined to help her.
As they try to piece their marriage back together, ugly truths about Phoebe’s past come to light. Phoebe needs to find the strength to pull through and find the truth about her father.
This was a touching story about grief and forgiveness. Phoebe and Justin are perfect for each other. Unfortunately they had to learn the hard way that relationships are not always easy and when communication is halted, it is impossible to help and trust one another.
I recommend this book to people struggling to go on after losing a loved one, so that they can see there is hope and comfort around them if they just ask for help. Everyone deals with grief and loss in their own way.
January 28, 2015
Absolute love
I don't really know how me and Erin got talking but I ended up beta reading for her and truly fell in love with this book.
The story its self is such sweet loving read.
Phoebe and Justin are Married but struggling but then again don't we all at times it takes an old love, time apart and an emotional rollercoaster to realize what needs to be done to reconnect. Within this bad time phoebe also goes through the heartbreak of losing her mum now she feels alone and feels she needs to know who her dad is as her mother never told her anything about him. The raw emotion in this story will have you in tears, you immediately take yourself in to their world your mind runs away with you, already looking for what will happen next. Will she ever find out who her father is??
Between the two men Lucus and Justin I was straight away team Justin he wants her happy and feels he can't do that but doesn't want to lose her either. Can they be happy??
Erin you know I was truly touched by your words, as a debut novel this is beyond amazing and will reach the stars. It's different it is just a true love story. Your writing is strong, your characters are real, I've been through phoebe and Justin's story about 4 times with a fine tooth comb and each time it still hits me. This needs to be on your TBR list and bookshelf. Bored of the erotica, fighting or instant love. You need a refreshing change and Absolute love is just that.
I don't really know how me and Erin got talking but I ended up beta reading for her and truly fell in love with this book.
The story its self is such sweet loving read.
Phoebe and Justin are Married but struggling but then again don't we all at times it takes an old love, time apart and an emotional rollercoaster to realize what needs to be done to reconnect. Within this bad time phoebe also goes through the heartbreak of losing her mum now she feels alone and feels she needs to know who her dad is as her mother never told her anything about him. The raw emotion in this story will have you in tears, you immediately take yourself in to their world your mind runs away with you, already looking for what will happen next. Will she ever find out who her father is??
Between the two men Lucus and Justin I was straight away team Justin he wants her happy and feels he can't do that but doesn't want to lose her either. Can they be happy??
Erin you know I was truly touched by your words, as a debut novel this is beyond amazing and will reach the stars. It's different it is just a true love story. Your writing is strong, your characters are real, I've been through phoebe and Justin's story about 4 times with a fine tooth comb and each time it still hits me. This needs to be on your TBR list and bookshelf. Bored of the erotica, fighting or instant love. You need a refreshing change and Absolute love is just that.
February 8, 2015
Absolute Love is not the type of book I usually read. I try to avoid books loaded with angst. However, I'm glad I read it. I definitely recommend you read it.
Susan gave birth to Phoebe at 18. Raising her as a single mom wasn't easy but Susan never regretted having Phoebe. Susan lived by the cliché "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Phoebe was the "sugar" in Susan's lemonade. The only secret Susan kept from her daughter was the identity of her father.
Phoebe and Justin met and fell in love while in college. They always felt they were soul mates. When their daughter was born their lives were complete.
Until tragedy struck. Susan was hit by a car and killed. Shortly after, Phoebe became pregnant but miscarried. These two events sent her into a dark place from which she could not escape. Thoughts of her father; anger at her mother for never telling her who her father was: and most importantly, anger at herself over the miscarriage and her feelings about her mother, led Phoebe to have nightmares that fed her depression and self- doubts. Through all this, Justin refused to give up on the only woman he ever loved. Their journey to happiness is not easy but love is always worth fighting for.
Absolute Love is Erin Everleigh's debut novel. I look forward to more books from her.
Susan gave birth to Phoebe at 18. Raising her as a single mom wasn't easy but Susan never regretted having Phoebe. Susan lived by the cliché "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Phoebe was the "sugar" in Susan's lemonade. The only secret Susan kept from her daughter was the identity of her father.
Phoebe and Justin met and fell in love while in college. They always felt they were soul mates. When their daughter was born their lives were complete.
Until tragedy struck. Susan was hit by a car and killed. Shortly after, Phoebe became pregnant but miscarried. These two events sent her into a dark place from which she could not escape. Thoughts of her father; anger at her mother for never telling her who her father was: and most importantly, anger at herself over the miscarriage and her feelings about her mother, led Phoebe to have nightmares that fed her depression and self- doubts. Through all this, Justin refused to give up on the only woman he ever loved. Their journey to happiness is not easy but love is always worth fighting for.
Absolute Love is Erin Everleigh's debut novel. I look forward to more books from her.
February 1, 2015
This is book one in the Absolute Series.
This is Phoebe's story.
I gave this book 5 stars.
What happens when you lose one of the most important people in your life. A parent. Well Phoebe finds out, she is never the same and pushes her perfect life that she thought she had away. Her husband Justin does whatever he can to hang on to the love of his life. When secrets come out will they help her or will they push her further into the hole that she has created for herself?
This was a touching, loving story. It pulled at my heart because i have lost my mother also. Phoebe is a very strong character that just had her life turned upside down by life, and that would change anyone. I loved Justin and how loving and understanding he was. This is a story that will stay with you long after you have read it. It will grab a hold and not let you go. It is a page turner. Thank you Erin for your wonderful story. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
February 22, 2015
Absolute love is a beautiful story of love, loss, heartache, hope and mystery. In terms of emotion, it really does have the full range.
This particular tale starts with us being introduced to two broken individuals, Phoebe and Justin. When I first delved into this world, I thought I had an idea of where it was going to go. Broken marriage, ex-lover arrives in town, etc, but as I kept on turning the pages, I found out that I was completely wrong. There was no way to guess the outcome of this story, no matter how many books you've previously read. So Kudos to Erin Everleigh for that!
I don't want to give too much away or spoil the story for those of you who have yet to read it, but Absolute Love takes us on a journey through many of life's everyday issues. The way the author deals with grief is superb, and even though I'm a modern day woman who probably should be rooting for the other woman in this story... my heart landed straight at Justin's feet from the word go. He could do no wrong in my eyes.
If only the world was filled with more men like him. *dreamy sighs*
The love scenes were both emotional and steamy, and I especially enjoyed the last 20% of the book.
Pleasure to read :)
This particular tale starts with us being introduced to two broken individuals, Phoebe and Justin. When I first delved into this world, I thought I had an idea of where it was going to go. Broken marriage, ex-lover arrives in town, etc, but as I kept on turning the pages, I found out that I was completely wrong. There was no way to guess the outcome of this story, no matter how many books you've previously read. So Kudos to Erin Everleigh for that!
I don't want to give too much away or spoil the story for those of you who have yet to read it, but Absolute Love takes us on a journey through many of life's everyday issues. The way the author deals with grief is superb, and even though I'm a modern day woman who probably should be rooting for the other woman in this story... my heart landed straight at Justin's feet from the word go. He could do no wrong in my eyes.
If only the world was filled with more men like him. *dreamy sighs*
The love scenes were both emotional and steamy, and I especially enjoyed the last 20% of the book.
Pleasure to read :)
October 29, 2015
This book was a different read than I'm used to. The more I got into the story, the harder the book was to put down.
Phoebe grew up with no family except for her mother, so she has questions. Lots of questions! She asked her mother and saw the hurt she caused by making her mother think she wasn't enough. With that, Phoebe dropped the topic.
One day Phoebe gets that call, the one no one ever wants to get. Her mom was run over and killed. Now the only link to the father she has no information on is gone. Phoebe starts to fall apart until she discovers she's pregnant. She then begins living her life again with hope. Tragedy then strikes again. She loses the baby and her marriage can't survive this time. Her and Justin have the final argument and he leaves.
Phoebe is now alone and haunted by her dreams. Then the guy who broke her heart in college buys the house next door. They quickly become close. Will Phoebe decide she wants him or does she mend things with her husband?
This book was absolutely phenomenal. Erin hit this one out of the park. I absolutely cannot wait for what's next from her. You do not want to pass this book by. It is more true to life circumstances that a lot of books don't have. I wish I could rate more than 5 ★.
Phoebe grew up with no family except for her mother, so she has questions. Lots of questions! She asked her mother and saw the hurt she caused by making her mother think she wasn't enough. With that, Phoebe dropped the topic.
One day Phoebe gets that call, the one no one ever wants to get. Her mom was run over and killed. Now the only link to the father she has no information on is gone. Phoebe starts to fall apart until she discovers she's pregnant. She then begins living her life again with hope. Tragedy then strikes again. She loses the baby and her marriage can't survive this time. Her and Justin have the final argument and he leaves.
Phoebe is now alone and haunted by her dreams. Then the guy who broke her heart in college buys the house next door. They quickly become close. Will Phoebe decide she wants him or does she mend things with her husband?
This book was absolutely phenomenal. Erin hit this one out of the park. I absolutely cannot wait for what's next from her. You do not want to pass this book by. It is more true to life circumstances that a lot of books don't have. I wish I could rate more than 5 ★.
March 13, 2015
Phoebe’s world is falling apart. Her marriage is ending and she is beginning to turn into a person that she no longer recognizes. Recent events have caused these changes. After her mother’s death, and recent miscarriage, Phoebe loses any hope of finding her biological father.
Justin, Phoebe’s husband is determined to make his marriage work, but life tries to stand in his way when the building they live in catches on fire.
When a letter is uncovered that may lead to answers they are searching for, Justin must make the hardest decision of all. Should he tell Phoebe or keep it to himself?
I truly enjoyed this book. It was a nice change of pace for me, from the usual genres that I read. It was a beautiful story about not giving up and going down a path you might not have thought to travel. Phoebe and Justin’s characters were very authentic and that made it easier for me to connect to the story. I loved that their story as a whole had its challenges just like their own lives separately. The ups and downs in this book, made me want to continue reading until the very last page. I wanted to know if things would work out for Phoebe and Justin.
Justin, Phoebe’s husband is determined to make his marriage work, but life tries to stand in his way when the building they live in catches on fire.
When a letter is uncovered that may lead to answers they are searching for, Justin must make the hardest decision of all. Should he tell Phoebe or keep it to himself?
I truly enjoyed this book. It was a nice change of pace for me, from the usual genres that I read. It was a beautiful story about not giving up and going down a path you might not have thought to travel. Phoebe and Justin’s characters were very authentic and that made it easier for me to connect to the story. I loved that their story as a whole had its challenges just like their own lives separately. The ups and downs in this book, made me want to continue reading until the very last page. I wanted to know if things would work out for Phoebe and Justin.
January 28, 2015
Absolute Love is an exceptional debut novel. Written in joint POV, which i love, you get see the devastating effect Phoebe's loss has not only on her but also on Justin her husband. Phoebe allows her grief to consume her with not only the loss of her mother but also the loss of finding the answers to her past.
With her marriage breaking down, the outlook is bleak and this aspect of the story truly saddened me, as it was obvious there was still a connection there for them.
Justin clearly adores Phoebe and reallises he has to do more than be a shoulder to cry on if he is going to help her deal with these issues, i really liked his attitude and devotion to his family.
This is a love story of a married couple hurting, drifting apart and trying to make a future.
Congratulations Erin a truly magnificent debut novel.
With her marriage breaking down, the outlook is bleak and this aspect of the story truly saddened me, as it was obvious there was still a connection there for them.
Justin clearly adores Phoebe and reallises he has to do more than be a shoulder to cry on if he is going to help her deal with these issues, i really liked his attitude and devotion to his family.
This is a love story of a married couple hurting, drifting apart and trying to make a future.
Congratulations Erin a truly magnificent debut novel.
January 21, 2015
Phoebe is a young girl looking for answers. She has always had very vivid dreams all her life. She writes then down in a notebook. It's always been her mother and her. Until a tragic accident occurs and she is taken away from her. She is devastated and needs someone to be there for her. Her husband leaves her and their daughter because he couldn't take it anymore. Justin hates every minute from being away from his girls. He texts Phoebe all the time but she has shut him out. Another accident and she gets a phone call at work. She rushes to the hospital to see if he's ok. One of her friends Sherri found a dream psychologist for her to go see. She is working through her problems with Justin but he finds an astounding letter from her mother in the house and finally showed it to Phoebe. Will the letter finally answer all her questions she had or will it leave her with more?
February 7, 2015
I was given tis book for a honest review. Absolute Love by Erin Everleigh is a book telling the age old story of love can conquer all. Phoebe is a young lady who a husband she loves and a child she worships. Gowing up it has always been her and her mother against the world. She loves her mother very much but one day a freak accident results in her mother been killed and the death of her mother sends her charmed life into a total tail spin. She has a hard time dealing with the fact her mother has been taken away from her and her lack of being able to deal with this death has not only destroyed her marriage but her life. This is the story of her journey navigating life after the death of her mother and her marriage. The journey is an emotional one and takes the reader though many highs and lows. An enjoyable journey with a little bit of intrigue. How can she get back what she has lost.
February 27, 2015
Absolute love is a dark lovely read!
Erin and I started talking to each other for the love for another author. I'm happy that I've gotten to know her and her characters. The story is a great second chance story with a twist.
Being married there are a lot of obstacles that you go through and a lot of highs. This book shows just that. Phoebe and Justin fell in love in College. It wasn't easy for her to let him in because of a past heartbreak but she eventually let's him in.
But life intervenes. Things change. A new neighbor sparks some feelings. Her dreams consume her.
Which part of this book will touch you?
There's a lot to this book. I fell for this book the first time I read it. Every reader will see themselves in this book. I know I did and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks Erin for sharing your characters with me!
Erin and I started talking to each other for the love for another author. I'm happy that I've gotten to know her and her characters. The story is a great second chance story with a twist.
Being married there are a lot of obstacles that you go through and a lot of highs. This book shows just that. Phoebe and Justin fell in love in College. It wasn't easy for her to let him in because of a past heartbreak but she eventually let's him in.
But life intervenes. Things change. A new neighbor sparks some feelings. Her dreams consume her.
Which part of this book will touch you?
There's a lot to this book. I fell for this book the first time I read it. Every reader will see themselves in this book. I know I did and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks Erin for sharing your characters with me!
February 18, 2015
Phoebe has experienced a lot of tragedy in a short amount of time. She spirals down into a deep depression plagued by nightmares and she pushes away those who love her the most. Her husband tries to save her from herself, but he struggles to make her see what her future really could be. We see Phoebe's thoughts through her dream journal and how she tries to make sense of it all.
This book was a tough read for me. There is a lot of sadness and I found myself wondering if we were ever going to see good things happen for Phoebe. There are a lot of heavy subjects here. However, the writing is excellent. The author brings the reader right into the story. 4 out of 5
This book was a tough read for me. There is a lot of sadness and I found myself wondering if we were ever going to see good things happen for Phoebe. There are a lot of heavy subjects here. However, the writing is excellent. The author brings the reader right into the story. 4 out of 5
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