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Chances Are
Sometimes love’s not enough.
Natalie and JD West had it all—a nice house, steady jobs, and a baby on the way.
Until the unthinkable happened.
On the brink of divorce, Natalie soothes her grief by playing matchmaker for her best friend. JD, a high school principal, focuses on helping a troubled student. With their separate missions, a seductive secretary, and a deadly situation threatening to tear them apart for good, chances are they’ll never make it. Can they bet on love to pull them through?
Natalie and JD West had it all—a nice house, steady jobs, and a baby on the way.
Until the unthinkable happened.
On the brink of divorce, Natalie soothes her grief by playing matchmaker for her best friend. JD, a high school principal, focuses on helping a troubled student. With their separate missions, a seductive secretary, and a deadly situation threatening to tear them apart for good, chances are they’ll never make it. Can they bet on love to pull them through?
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2014
1 person is currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Mysti Parker
56 books767 followersMysti Parker is an award-winning author and shameless chocoholic. She writes romance for every reader's taste from super sweet to scandalously spicy. When she's not writing the next best-story-ever or tackling the endless mountain of laundry, she works as a freelance copywriter and editor. Mysti resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, three children and too many pets.
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Subscribe to Mysti's monthly newsletter & receive:
- Free books
- Exclusive excerpts & cover reveals
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For more updates and an endless array of food pics, follow her at:
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 30, 2016
Chances Are
Mysti Parker
MJ Post
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
CHANCES ARE is only a novella, but it sure does tell an awesome and complete story. Natalie and JD have been through so much. Natalie is nine months pregnant and at her last doctor visit, he puts on the baby monitor and feels heart broken. He doesn't hear anything. Natalie is at the visit alone as JD, a principal at the local high school, was too busy to go to the appointment with her. Natalie is completely devastated, tries to get JD on the phone and is rushed to the hospital. He meets her there.
Poor Natalie! My heart broke for her over and over again. CHANCES ARE is one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride and once you start you won't be able to put it down. I can't even imagine what it must be like to carry a child for nine months, fall in love with him, plan your whole life around his birth, and then he is stillborn. Natalie and JD are of course, grieving, but each of them grieves differently. Natalie can barely get out of bed and JD immerses himself at his job. Natalie can't take grieving alone and asks JD for a divorce. He is blindsided of course, but Natalie has felt him slipping away for some time.
CHANCES ARE is such a believable story that I found myself thinking about JD and Natalie long after I finished reading. I was instantly caught up in all the emotions that were flowing and felt like Natalie was a friend of mine and I wanted to comfort her. What a beautiful heart felt romance filled with secondary characters that added so much to the story. School bullying is very real and should be written about more. JD reaches out to help one of his students and the authors do a great job relating the feelings involved in this. CHANCES ARE moves quickly along without making the reader feel rushed. I look forward to reading more by these authors.
Mysti Parker
MJ Post
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
CHANCES ARE is only a novella, but it sure does tell an awesome and complete story. Natalie and JD have been through so much. Natalie is nine months pregnant and at her last doctor visit, he puts on the baby monitor and feels heart broken. He doesn't hear anything. Natalie is at the visit alone as JD, a principal at the local high school, was too busy to go to the appointment with her. Natalie is completely devastated, tries to get JD on the phone and is rushed to the hospital. He meets her there.
Poor Natalie! My heart broke for her over and over again. CHANCES ARE is one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride and once you start you won't be able to put it down. I can't even imagine what it must be like to carry a child for nine months, fall in love with him, plan your whole life around his birth, and then he is stillborn. Natalie and JD are of course, grieving, but each of them grieves differently. Natalie can barely get out of bed and JD immerses himself at his job. Natalie can't take grieving alone and asks JD for a divorce. He is blindsided of course, but Natalie has felt him slipping away for some time.
CHANCES ARE is such a believable story that I found myself thinking about JD and Natalie long after I finished reading. I was instantly caught up in all the emotions that were flowing and felt like Natalie was a friend of mine and I wanted to comfort her. What a beautiful heart felt romance filled with secondary characters that added so much to the story. School bullying is very real and should be written about more. JD reaches out to help one of his students and the authors do a great job relating the feelings involved in this. CHANCES ARE moves quickly along without making the reader feel rushed. I look forward to reading more by these authors.
July 30, 2023
I'm a big fan of Mysti's writing and the talk of the son broke my heart but I couldn't connect with these characters like I did in her previous books. This is still worth the read for a novella. It tells a lot in a depressing way in a few pages. It takes a real look at what relationships take to make things work.
Great writing, tough subject matter. Definitely an emotional book
3.5 stars for me.
Great writing, tough subject matter. Definitely an emotional book
3.5 stars for me.
June 7, 2016
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Chances Are is a beautiful and at times heart wrenching novella about a family who suffer the worst possible tragedy a person could imagine - the stillborn birth of their first child. The story takes you through how the couple (JD and Natalie) initially deal with such immense loss. JD emotionally shuts down and losses himself in his work, leaving Natalie alone to cope on her own. Things spiral from there and Natalie soon asks for a Divorce.
After a time things begin to settle down, JD as a Principal at the local high school sees a boy (Mike) being bullied and takes an interest, eventually mentoring him. Through this be begins to remember why he loves being a teacher and hopefully one day a dad.
Natalie works in the local day care with her best friend Vicki. Through her help Natalie soon learns to open up and cope with the grief and loss. Natalie encourages a budding romance with Vicki and their regular delivery driver Phil, and through them she begins to remember her love for JD.
The crux of the matter is decided when Mike's father, Charlie turns up at the school threatening to shoot everyone in the office. Charlie is a down and out alcoholic and former drug addict, and is also one of the reasons Mike was bullied so mercilessly in school. JD manages to talk him down by reminding him that he still has a son who needs him, and still has a chance - the chance he never got.
By embracing that fact, JD is finally able to come to terms with the loss and with Natalie they slowly are able to begin reassembling their lives and with any luck their future together.
Chances Are is a beautiful and at times heart wrenching novella about a family who suffer the worst possible tragedy a person could imagine - the stillborn birth of their first child. The story takes you through how the couple (JD and Natalie) initially deal with such immense loss. JD emotionally shuts down and losses himself in his work, leaving Natalie alone to cope on her own. Things spiral from there and Natalie soon asks for a Divorce.
After a time things begin to settle down, JD as a Principal at the local high school sees a boy (Mike) being bullied and takes an interest, eventually mentoring him. Through this be begins to remember why he loves being a teacher and hopefully one day a dad.
Natalie works in the local day care with her best friend Vicki. Through her help Natalie soon learns to open up and cope with the grief and loss. Natalie encourages a budding romance with Vicki and their regular delivery driver Phil, and through them she begins to remember her love for JD.
The crux of the matter is decided when Mike's father, Charlie turns up at the school threatening to shoot everyone in the office. Charlie is a down and out alcoholic and former drug addict, and is also one of the reasons Mike was bullied so mercilessly in school. JD manages to talk him down by reminding him that he still has a son who needs him, and still has a chance - the chance he never got.
By embracing that fact, JD is finally able to come to terms with the loss and with Natalie they slowly are able to begin reassembling their lives and with any luck their future together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2015
*I received a copy in exchange for my honest review*
3.5 stars
First Thoughts
I can't even imagine carrying a baby for 9 months, picking out clothes, designing a nursery, choosing baby names and then giving birth to a stillborn. Omgsh, that part of the book hit me right in the feels. That being said, while I sympathized with Natalie and JD grieving in their own ways, I still hate the way they handled things!! It's depressing because this is probably how some couples really handle this situation in real life. Ugh, sad.
What I Enjoyed
JD's devotion to Natalie. To be honest, I think Natalie took it a little too far when she asked for a divorce. I understand that she felt alone and unsupported, but the authors used JD's POV scenes to show this actually wasn't the case. His mind was on Natalie all the time. He cried when she wasn't looking, rubbed her pregnant belly while she was sleeping, came without hesitation when she invited him to dinner after treating him like crap and asking for a divorce.
What Could Have Been Better
Gwen. Ugh. Ginormous boobs, revealing clothing, and big time flirt. Why?? Also, I hated it when Natalie called Gwen a bimbo. I get she doesn't like her because she was protective of her husband (soon to be not husband), but females hating on females? I'm tired of that.
Recommended For
Anyone who likes to read romantic novellas!
3.5 stars
First Thoughts
I can't even imagine carrying a baby for 9 months, picking out clothes, designing a nursery, choosing baby names and then giving birth to a stillborn. Omgsh, that part of the book hit me right in the feels. That being said, while I sympathized with Natalie and JD grieving in their own ways, I still hate the way they handled things!! It's depressing because this is probably how some couples really handle this situation in real life. Ugh, sad.
What I Enjoyed
JD's devotion to Natalie. To be honest, I think Natalie took it a little too far when she asked for a divorce. I understand that she felt alone and unsupported, but the authors used JD's POV scenes to show this actually wasn't the case. His mind was on Natalie all the time. He cried when she wasn't looking, rubbed her pregnant belly while she was sleeping, came without hesitation when she invited him to dinner after treating him like crap and asking for a divorce.
What Could Have Been Better
Gwen. Ugh. Ginormous boobs, revealing clothing, and big time flirt. Why?? Also, I hated it when Natalie called Gwen a bimbo. I get she doesn't like her because she was protective of her husband (soon to be not husband), but females hating on females? I'm tired of that.
Recommended For
Anyone who likes to read romantic novellas!
December 22, 2014
The only thing that truly surprised me about the book was the husband's fantasies about the seductive new secretary & the subsequent seduction scene that followed only after weeks of separation from his wife before his divorce.
"He couldn't believe himself. Was he really the sort of man who had rushed over to this apartment complex to fuck his secretary? Yes, he was. He could feel some stirring already. He thought he might grab her the moment she opened the door, pull her against him and thrust his hips into her. He would swing her around and put her back against the door. And she’d say, “Ooh, JD, you are soooo sexy. Ooh, I love your ****.”
There was now no question in JD’s mind that she had called him there for sex and that he could have her any time he wanted. It was exactly as he had imagined. He could have her right then, against the door, on the sofa, on the kitchen floor. He sat on the sofa. He watched Gwen’s hips as she walked to the kitchen. She had a great ass. He would pump her till she screamed.
Who knew school principals had such deviant thoughts.It was strangely out of context for a man so desperately in love with his wife to have such fantasies & also with the tragedy that preceded the separation,it was a bizarre addition to an otherwise wholesome book.
"He couldn't believe himself. Was he really the sort of man who had rushed over to this apartment complex to fuck his secretary? Yes, he was. He could feel some stirring already. He thought he might grab her the moment she opened the door, pull her against him and thrust his hips into her. He would swing her around and put her back against the door. And she’d say, “Ooh, JD, you are soooo sexy. Ooh, I love your ****.”
There was now no question in JD’s mind that she had called him there for sex and that he could have her any time he wanted. It was exactly as he had imagined. He could have her right then, against the door, on the sofa, on the kitchen floor. He sat on the sofa. He watched Gwen’s hips as she walked to the kitchen. She had a great ass. He would pump her till she screamed.
Who knew school principals had such deviant thoughts.It was strangely out of context for a man so desperately in love with his wife to have such fantasies & also with the tragedy that preceded the separation,it was a bizarre addition to an otherwise wholesome book.
December 26, 2014
For Natalie and JD, life was good. They were about to have a baby to complete their family. Both held jobs that reflected their love for children, she at a daycare, and he as a high school principal. JD’s biggest problem, at the time, was just finding a good secretary at the school, and then, the unexpected happened.
A tragedy pulled them apart. Neither of them quite knew what to do about it. And at the same time, JD had a problem with a troubled teen at school. He felt compelled to help him, lest there be another tragedy in the making.
Natalie saved her own sanity by going back to work and trying to match-make for Vicki, her best friend and partner in the daycare.
Mysti and MJ did a remarkable job in showing that even with love, communication is a big keyword in happiness. So much heartache could have been avoided if only JD had not been taught to hold his emotions in check in order to be a man.
I highly recommend this book. It touches on social problems, such as bullying, that take place in many schools, as well as being a heartwarming romance.
Kudos to Mysti Parker and MJ Post for a great collaboration.
A tragedy pulled them apart. Neither of them quite knew what to do about it. And at the same time, JD had a problem with a troubled teen at school. He felt compelled to help him, lest there be another tragedy in the making.
Natalie saved her own sanity by going back to work and trying to match-make for Vicki, her best friend and partner in the daycare.
Mysti and MJ did a remarkable job in showing that even with love, communication is a big keyword in happiness. So much heartache could have been avoided if only JD had not been taught to hold his emotions in check in order to be a man.
I highly recommend this book. It touches on social problems, such as bullying, that take place in many schools, as well as being a heartwarming romance.
Kudos to Mysti Parker and MJ Post for a great collaboration.
January 21, 2015
I received a copy of the epub from the Goodreads group Read It & Reap in exchange for an honest review.
Chances Are by Mysti Parker and MJ Post is a lovely novella. Natalie and JD face an unexpected tragedy in their marriage. As a result, Natalie feels that it would be best if they divorce. Shocked by this decision JD moves out but continues to think about his loss.
The reader will feel that this is a typical couple. Their situation is presented realistically and they are truly relatable. They could be your neighbours, friends or family members. It is well written and flows effortlessly. The authors cover a range of human emotions—the reader will understand each characters feeling, fears and experiences via their words and actions. Not only does the novella deal with their marriage, it deals with decision-making, school violence, bullying and bereavement.
Will stepping aside cause them to walk away or reevaluate their commitment? The reader will ponder the question—is love enough?
Chances Are by Mysti Parker and MJ Post is a lovely novella. Natalie and JD face an unexpected tragedy in their marriage. As a result, Natalie feels that it would be best if they divorce. Shocked by this decision JD moves out but continues to think about his loss.
The reader will feel that this is a typical couple. Their situation is presented realistically and they are truly relatable. They could be your neighbours, friends or family members. It is well written and flows effortlessly. The authors cover a range of human emotions—the reader will understand each characters feeling, fears and experiences via their words and actions. Not only does the novella deal with their marriage, it deals with decision-making, school violence, bullying and bereavement.
Will stepping aside cause them to walk away or reevaluate their commitment? The reader will ponder the question—is love enough?
January 9, 2017
Plot - 4 stars - This novella packs quite a punch, with elements of chick lit, relationships, marriage, thriller, and romance. We begin with Natalie as she visits the doctor for one of her last OB/GYN visits before her baby is born.
Writing - 4 stars - I got caught up in the story within the first few pages because the characters are nicely designed and their tragedy is gripping. The author is clearly more comfortable with the romantic part of the story because the feelings are written very well, but the action section seemed lacking in excitement and believability.
Characters - 4 stars - It's surprising how well-built the characters are, right from the beginning. We can immediately tell that Natalie is a strong-willed and organized type, but open and friendly. She maintains strong friendships and is deeply family-oriented. But when JD doesn't react in the way she needs him to, she decides to end the marriage. On his side, we see JD as a totally self-contained but deep man who has been taught to "be the man" and keep his emotions tightly locked. However, he is a very kind man who is simply trying to do his best for everyone. Both are appealing, and the reader is definitely rooting for them to successful find each other again.
Title - 4 stars - I liked the fact that the title is mentioned a couple of times in the story, usually in a positive manner.
Cover - 4 stars - Lovely cover focusing on the wedding-ringed hands reaching towards each other, and the background color is very eye-catching. Not sure the significance of the car and buildings in the background, but they certainly don't detract from a nice cover.
Overview - 4 stars - This story definitely deals more with feelings than with action. The story has a nice warm feel about it which means it was a relaxing and very pleasant read. There was a nice small-town vibe that I expect will translate nicely to further books in this series. The characters have a bit more bite than usual which makes them very intriguing. In other words, they are not your typical alpha male and retiring female. Dani is strong and forceful, almost to the point that I disliked her. But when we get to know her, we understand her vulnerability. Scott is a doll, but he's confused and dealing with his negative feelings about Morello Cove. When I finished the book, I realized there hadn't really been much of a plot. Hmmm, not really a problem since the focus was on the development of the relationship between Scott and Dani. Even without a lot of action, I was compelled to turn the pages to see how they would resolve their issues. I was definitely rooting for their success. Very nice introduction to this author, and I will definitely look for more from her.
Writing - 4 stars - I got caught up in the story within the first few pages because the characters are nicely designed and their tragedy is gripping. The author is clearly more comfortable with the romantic part of the story because the feelings are written very well, but the action section seemed lacking in excitement and believability.
Characters - 4 stars - It's surprising how well-built the characters are, right from the beginning. We can immediately tell that Natalie is a strong-willed and organized type, but open and friendly. She maintains strong friendships and is deeply family-oriented. But when JD doesn't react in the way she needs him to, she decides to end the marriage. On his side, we see JD as a totally self-contained but deep man who has been taught to "be the man" and keep his emotions tightly locked. However, he is a very kind man who is simply trying to do his best for everyone. Both are appealing, and the reader is definitely rooting for them to successful find each other again.
Title - 4 stars - I liked the fact that the title is mentioned a couple of times in the story, usually in a positive manner.
Cover - 4 stars - Lovely cover focusing on the wedding-ringed hands reaching towards each other, and the background color is very eye-catching. Not sure the significance of the car and buildings in the background, but they certainly don't detract from a nice cover.
Overview - 4 stars - This story definitely deals more with feelings than with action. The story has a nice warm feel about it which means it was a relaxing and very pleasant read. There was a nice small-town vibe that I expect will translate nicely to further books in this series. The characters have a bit more bite than usual which makes them very intriguing. In other words, they are not your typical alpha male and retiring female. Dani is strong and forceful, almost to the point that I disliked her. But when we get to know her, we understand her vulnerability. Scott is a doll, but he's confused and dealing with his negative feelings about Morello Cove. When I finished the book, I realized there hadn't really been much of a plot. Hmmm, not really a problem since the focus was on the development of the relationship between Scott and Dani. Even without a lot of action, I was compelled to turn the pages to see how they would resolve their issues. I was definitely rooting for their success. Very nice introduction to this author, and I will definitely look for more from her.
December 23, 2014
Received in exchange for a honest review.
This is a quick reading novella that is about having second chances and reevaluating where you went wrong and how to change it for the one you love. JD is a great nice sweet guy really he is. Hard working and honest and the writing shows how he is totally in love with his wife. But this love has had him work more than normal so he can give her everything. Natalie I think overreacts and goes to far but I admit it does get JD to begin to think. Both are devastated by a tragedy in their life. Natalie decides to try to gain independence and JD decides to help a child from his school.
JD also begins to reevaluate his life and see where things took a wrong turn. Doing this while trying to hold off his secretary who is seducing him, help a kid from his school, grieve and figure out his life and love. A lot on the guys plate but his love for Natalie never wavers. He just doesn’t know how to get her to give him another chance.
One chance encounter with someone leaves Natalie nervous because she doesn’t really want to be without JD but also doesn’t want to feel like she is in a marriage for one either. This encounter has her worried about JD and one thing leads to another only for her to get wary when an emergency at the school occurs. Here we see JD and how he really feels, expressing his feelings in ways I never thought would occur. He truly is a great guy and deserves happiness with the person he loves.
A sweet tale of finding out what matters most again and getting the second chance to show the one you love just how much they mean to you.
This is a quick reading novella that is about having second chances and reevaluating where you went wrong and how to change it for the one you love. JD is a great nice sweet guy really he is. Hard working and honest and the writing shows how he is totally in love with his wife. But this love has had him work more than normal so he can give her everything. Natalie I think overreacts and goes to far but I admit it does get JD to begin to think. Both are devastated by a tragedy in their life. Natalie decides to try to gain independence and JD decides to help a child from his school.
JD also begins to reevaluate his life and see where things took a wrong turn. Doing this while trying to hold off his secretary who is seducing him, help a kid from his school, grieve and figure out his life and love. A lot on the guys plate but his love for Natalie never wavers. He just doesn’t know how to get her to give him another chance.
One chance encounter with someone leaves Natalie nervous because she doesn’t really want to be without JD but also doesn’t want to feel like she is in a marriage for one either. This encounter has her worried about JD and one thing leads to another only for her to get wary when an emergency at the school occurs. Here we see JD and how he really feels, expressing his feelings in ways I never thought would occur. He truly is a great guy and deserves happiness with the person he loves.
A sweet tale of finding out what matters most again and getting the second chance to show the one you love just how much they mean to you.
January 19, 2015
(3.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review. I excluded spoilers.
The Basics: This novella follows JD, a workaholic principal, and his wife Natalie, a child care provider. Natalie and JD experience a loss which only deepens the wounds created when JD started paying more attention to work and spending less time and energy on his wife and home. After a night of passion that seems to put JD and Natalie's marriage back on track, they are faced with a scary, life or death situation at JD's school that changes the course of both their lives.
My Thoughts: This was a very quick and good read. The plot moved along quickly which was expected since this is a novella, but the book did not feel rushed. The story is beautiful and covers some issues (not in depth) such as school violence, lack of communication in a marriage, addiction and other issues I won't include since it would be a spoiler. The love between JD and Natalie was beautiful and obvious from the beginning of the story though their marriage endured some tough times. JD came off as an inconsiderate husband at the beginning of the book so it was nice to see his development.
I gave the book 3.5 stars because it was not extremely exciting and it wasn't the best novella I have read, but it served its purpose of being an interesting read.
Visit my blog review:
http://teachersreadfunstufftoo.blogsp...
"C" for the MochaGirls15 Challenge!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review. I excluded spoilers.
The Basics: This novella follows JD, a workaholic principal, and his wife Natalie, a child care provider. Natalie and JD experience a loss which only deepens the wounds created when JD started paying more attention to work and spending less time and energy on his wife and home. After a night of passion that seems to put JD and Natalie's marriage back on track, they are faced with a scary, life or death situation at JD's school that changes the course of both their lives.
My Thoughts: This was a very quick and good read. The plot moved along quickly which was expected since this is a novella, but the book did not feel rushed. The story is beautiful and covers some issues (not in depth) such as school violence, lack of communication in a marriage, addiction and other issues I won't include since it would be a spoiler. The love between JD and Natalie was beautiful and obvious from the beginning of the story though their marriage endured some tough times. JD came off as an inconsiderate husband at the beginning of the book so it was nice to see his development.
I gave the book 3.5 stars because it was not extremely exciting and it wasn't the best novella I have read, but it served its purpose of being an interesting read.
Visit my blog review:
http://teachersreadfunstufftoo.blogsp...
"C" for the MochaGirls15 Challenge!
January 19, 2015
Wonderful read! This short novella was about friendship, love and lost with a splash of lust thrown in the mix. I was captivated by this short novella that I didn't want it to end. I felt like I knew Natalie and JD. The loss of their first born child, the impeding divorce and then getting back together just makes it an awesome story of true love. When I began reading the story and got to the part about her baby, it just made tears roll down my cheeks. I can only imagine how she may have felt or for the reasons JD was withdrawn. He couldn't show her the man he thought he needed to be but all she wanted was the man she fell in love with. And this novella showed that in the end.
Chances Are by Mysti Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Chances Are by Mysti ParkerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
January 28, 2015
I received an ebook copy from the group Shut Up and Read on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
I feel that the characters in this book are easy to relate to. The story of how couples drift apart is true for so many of us. It takes both individuals to communicate to work on closing the distance or to decide to go different ways.
What happens when the one thing you feel can fix your relationship doesn't work out the way you planned? How do you work through it, together or not? Find out what happens between this couple.
I like that the characters were your average working couple going through what life throws at them. I was just disappointed that there wasn't more excitement or twists and turns in the story.
I would recommend this story if it sounds good to you. I liked the story but I felt I needed more but give it a chance because you may enjoy it and not feel like it's missing something.
I feel that the characters in this book are easy to relate to. The story of how couples drift apart is true for so many of us. It takes both individuals to communicate to work on closing the distance or to decide to go different ways.
What happens when the one thing you feel can fix your relationship doesn't work out the way you planned? How do you work through it, together or not? Find out what happens between this couple.
I like that the characters were your average working couple going through what life throws at them. I was just disappointed that there wasn't more excitement or twists and turns in the story.
I would recommend this story if it sounds good to you. I liked the story but I felt I needed more but give it a chance because you may enjoy it and not feel like it's missing something.
January 25, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It shows the aftermath at the unimaginable occurrence of what comes after loosing a child. The family goes through such a trial. Should they stay together or should they break up forever. I enjoyed how that was the main plot but the sub plots of Vicki's relationship with Phil going from barely speaking to engaged, of old girlfriends showing up to possibly stir up trouble, and to going back to a daycare after loosing a child. All these subplots held on to your heart strings and pulled you in all sorts of directions. This is a very good read. I would, and have already, highly suggest it. It is nice and quick to read. It puts you through an emotional rollercoaster with these characters, but in the end you will be so pleased and excited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2014
Chances Are is the most heartfelt, truly moving story I have ever read. I felt disdainful over a couple of reviews left on here. it deserves more than a 5 star rating and though people are welcome to their opinions, they have obviously not experienced anything in this book that is so easily relatable. I hope many more get the chance to read this novella and find hope for their marriage as it has given me. Life after losing a baby requires impossible strength. A marriage that has lost it's vigor beforehand already feels impossible to maintain. I loved both characters dearly. They were truly endearing and encouraging.
January 18, 2015
When Natalie and JD suffer the unthinkable, it tears them apart. It's hard to imagine what anyone would do in a similar situation, but these two allow their marriage to slip away while they struggle to cope. Their emotions were real and raw, and I genuinely felt for them. The secondary characters had distinct personalities, and I related to every one of them in some way.
Near the end of the story, however, the story took a sideways leap into a serious issue that crumbled into a farce. Despite this and the tidy bow that wrapped up every loose end, I still enjoyed the story.
Near the end of the story, however, the story took a sideways leap into a serious issue that crumbled into a farce. Despite this and the tidy bow that wrapped up every loose end, I still enjoyed the story.
January 18, 2015
This is the kind of books that leave you with your hand on your chest, wondering what was of their lives after you closed the book.
The first chapters were heart-breaking. In just 75 pages Mysti manages to make you love the characters, feel for them and hope they can work it out. It brought tears to my eyes countless times.
I particularly liked how she wrote one chapter for JD and one for Natalie, this way you could know how they were living and managing the situation separately.
I will read more of Mysti for sure, I really like her way of telling the story.
The first chapters were heart-breaking. In just 75 pages Mysti manages to make you love the characters, feel for them and hope they can work it out. It brought tears to my eyes countless times.
I particularly liked how she wrote one chapter for JD and one for Natalie, this way you could know how they were living and managing the situation separately.
I will read more of Mysti for sure, I really like her way of telling the story.
July 5, 2015
I received this book in exchange for a review.
Natalie and JD are on the brink of divorce after losing a child. Natalie had hoped the child would bring them closer together. They both began to try to help other people while working through this. Can they find their way back together?
I really enjoyed this book. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have a stillborn baby. The character in this book is very well developed. You can feel Natalie's pain at losing her son. The book has very few errors. It needs very little editing.
Natalie and JD are on the brink of divorce after losing a child. Natalie had hoped the child would bring them closer together. They both began to try to help other people while working through this. Can they find their way back together?
I really enjoyed this book. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have a stillborn baby. The character in this book is very well developed. You can feel Natalie's pain at losing her son. The book has very few errors. It needs very little editing.
January 6, 2015
This is a very touching, thought-provoking, powerful story. The opening drew me right in, and the characters are very well-drawn.
I saw many reflections of my own life experiences throughout the book -- it's a real plus when parts of a story resonate this deeply with my own life experience, and bring up memories that make the read a journey into who I am as well as a good story. Recommended!
I saw many reflections of my own life experiences throughout the book -- it's a real plus when parts of a story resonate this deeply with my own life experience, and bring up memories that make the read a journey into who I am as well as a good story. Recommended!
January 16, 2015
I really enjoyed. It was a sad, yet happy story that intrigued me from the beginning to the end. The book's protagonist, Natalie, had a stillborn baby. Her and her husband, J.D., were having problems in their marriage and she hoped the baby would help. Since the baby died, she was done with their marriage, so she asked for a divorce and this is their story.
February 7, 2015
The struggles of a family after the stillborn death of a son and how each parent deals with their loss. Will the family be able to survive the loss? This was a well written book however I did find a few errors in word useage. The character development was good. I did feel the book, especially at the end was a bit rushed.
September 5, 2015
This book gives me hope in time of my life I needed to read this.I love the plot progresses from the point of view of the two main characters and how they dealt with the ups and downs that they faced. It was a wonderful read and know that I will be reading it.
December 21, 2014
Gostei!
June 20, 2016
In reading this book it was an eye opener for me as it mentions there is not enough time for love at times. Sometimes working more than one job is hard when maintaining a beautiful house and keeping it nice.
It is hard when you are going through a divorce and your friend wants you play match maker. When it comes to your close friend and it is hard to say no to them.
Even when it comes to having problems at work with some troubled students and trying to figure out what is the problem with them. Weather it is at home or school is the hard part in the long run.
When you least expected anything the unthinkable happens in the book when everyone pulls together. As the love they have for one another is stronger for each person I would have to say.
This book is a novella and very short and a very good romance for the person interested in romance books,It is also a great read as it talks about there is a time for everything in the book. I like it very much and would read it again.
It is hard when you are going through a divorce and your friend wants you play match maker. When it comes to your close friend and it is hard to say no to them.
Even when it comes to having problems at work with some troubled students and trying to figure out what is the problem with them. Weather it is at home or school is the hard part in the long run.
When you least expected anything the unthinkable happens in the book when everyone pulls together. As the love they have for one another is stronger for each person I would have to say.
This book is a novella and very short and a very good romance for the person interested in romance books,It is also a great read as it talks about there is a time for everything in the book. I like it very much and would read it again.
August 14, 2016
You can read my full review on my Goodreads blog.
BLOG
Having given birth to a baby who died shortly after birth, I was emotionally involved in this book the moment I read the blurb.
Parker took a tough subject and put it out there for people to read and hopefully understand a little better. Some of the events in this Novella were bang on, especially the reaction of nurses (unfortunately) in the hospital and the would-be grandmother.
The stress of losing a child - especially full term or shortly after birth - is tremendous. I think the author white-washed it a little bit too much. There are five stages of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Although some of these were touched on, it would have made a huge impact if they were all dealt with.
The ending had a great twist that I really enjoyed. I hope to read more by this author in the future.
I received a free copy in eBook format from For Love of a Book in exchange for an honest review
BLOG
Having given birth to a baby who died shortly after birth, I was emotionally involved in this book the moment I read the blurb.
Parker took a tough subject and put it out there for people to read and hopefully understand a little better. Some of the events in this Novella were bang on, especially the reaction of nurses (unfortunately) in the hospital and the would-be grandmother.
The stress of losing a child - especially full term or shortly after birth - is tremendous. I think the author white-washed it a little bit too much. There are five stages of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Although some of these were touched on, it would have made a huge impact if they were all dealt with.
The ending had a great twist that I really enjoyed. I hope to read more by this author in the future.
I received a free copy in eBook format from For Love of a Book in exchange for an honest review
October 7, 2016
This book is about love and second chances. After tragedy strikes, Natalie decides that she needs a new start and asks her husband for a divorce. In total shock about this and recent events, JD moves out of the family home and get on with his challenging job as a teacher. Events later bring the couple back together and they realise they were made for each other after all.
I am not sure about JD's sexual thoughts about his secretary and all her assets, or the description of what he can imagine doing to her.....why when he is obviously very gutted his wife has left the relationship?! It threw the book slightly for me.
All in all a cute little novella.
I am not sure about JD's sexual thoughts about his secretary and all her assets, or the description of what he can imagine doing to her.....why when he is obviously very gutted his wife has left the relationship?! It threw the book slightly for me.
All in all a cute little novella.
March 19, 2016
Chances Are review
Chances Are is a sweet romance written by author Mysti Parker/ MJ Post. It's a very short story but covers many subjects involving a couple who have faced a stillbirth and a pending divorce. He is a high school principal and she works at a daycare.
Chances Are is a sweet romance written by author Mysti Parker/ MJ Post. It's a very short story but covers many subjects involving a couple who have faced a stillbirth and a pending divorce. He is a high school principal and she works at a daycare.
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