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From the Ground Up
He can't remember the last time he had his wife to himself...
She can't remember the last time she felt wanted...
Life hasn't slowed down since Tess and Barrett married over twenty years ago. After carting kids around, making dinner, enduring the stress of jobs, bills, life-it's no wonder neither of them can remember the last time they had sex.
Or the last time they weren't too tired to at least try.
Date night no longer consists of wooing, but going to the same restaurant and ordering the same food, then repeating the process.
The magic-is gone.
Life refuses to give them what they need-time alone together, so they take matters into their own hands. After all, a week away in a remote Michigan cabin is just what they need to light the fire in their relationship again.
The only problem? How do you fall back in love with each other when you never fell out in the first place? How do you re-build, from the ground up?
She can't remember the last time she felt wanted...
Life hasn't slowed down since Tess and Barrett married over twenty years ago. After carting kids around, making dinner, enduring the stress of jobs, bills, life-it's no wonder neither of them can remember the last time they had sex.
Or the last time they weren't too tired to at least try.
Date night no longer consists of wooing, but going to the same restaurant and ordering the same food, then repeating the process.
The magic-is gone.
Life refuses to give them what they need-time alone together, so they take matters into their own hands. After all, a week away in a remote Michigan cabin is just what they need to light the fire in their relationship again.
The only problem? How do you fall back in love with each other when you never fell out in the first place? How do you re-build, from the ground up?
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
ebook
Published February 7, 2017
137 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 27, 2018
5 stars!
OMG, this book! I loved it so much! A stunning romance that is as unique as it is beautiful and realistic, it’s a truly special story and one of those books that you just want to curl up inside of and never leave.
Barrett and Tess were high school sweethearts who fell in love at 17. Now in their 40s, they have been married for 22 years, have four children and two businesses, and they’ve lost their groove a bit while dealing with life, work and kids. They’re still madly in love, they just miss the ‘us’ they used to be and are trying to find their way back to each other.
I read Feels Like Home by this author earlier this year and it instantly became a favourite. At the time I read it I didn’t realise that each of Van Wyk’s books, though standalones, tie together, and this is the first of the inter-connected standalones that she has written and I’m SO glad I went back and read it as it forms a strong base for the books to come, while also delivering a beautiful story. And the writing is stunning! I highlighted like a lunatic while reading, and I can’t believe this is a debut novel!
Barrett and Tess have the kind of soul-deep love that everybody wants to experience. We see it in their everyday interactions, and in the flashbacks to their past, and all of it builds their relationship, bringing depth to the story and making us understand exactly what they’re going through. The problems they are experiencing are relatable, and I suspect everybody who is married with children will have experienced some of what they’re going through. It’s a wonderfully written dynamic and they are so amazing together and this book completely captured my heart as I got swept up into life with this wonderful family.
What makes this book so special is that Barrett and Tess never doubt their love for each other. In fact, they revel in it. They know each other inside and out, and are madly, wildly, deeply in love with each other, it’s just all of the other stuff that’s gotten in the way without them even noticing, and they are both desperate to reconnect. So they take off for a week of alone time in order to get back to ‘them’, and to start rebuilding their life together. And OMG, what a reconnection!
It’s sweet, romantic and sexy, and Barrett’s huge heart and unabashed love and adoration for his girl, and his efforts to show her that, had me in a world of swoon!
*dreamy sigh*
And more than heartfelt declarations, their passion for each other is still very much alive, and the sexy time is seriously sizzling! Tess is a very lucky girl!
But it’s not all soul-searching and deep and meaningful conversations. There’s a wonderful sense of playfulness to this couple. They laugh, tease, joke and banter, and seeing them joking around with each other, their kids and their friends shows how real they are, and how fun and light-hearted their lives are, and the little glimpses we got of that are just gold!
There’s no massive drama, no angst or heartbreak, it’s just a story of two people who are very much in love and dealing with all that life throws at them.
I seriously loved this book. I was completely hooked from the moment I opened it all the way through to the final pages. Knowing some of the future stories already, I enjoyed seeing their beginnings, and I’m excited to continue exploring this fantastic group of characters.
Such a special read – 5 stars.
OMG, this book! I loved it so much! A stunning romance that is as unique as it is beautiful and realistic, it’s a truly special story and one of those books that you just want to curl up inside of and never leave.
“When I was seventeen I fell in love. And I never fell out. I was lucky.”
“No, Barret. I was the lucky one. Still am.”
Barrett and Tess were high school sweethearts who fell in love at 17. Now in their 40s, they have been married for 22 years, have four children and two businesses, and they’ve lost their groove a bit while dealing with life, work and kids. They’re still madly in love, they just miss the ‘us’ they used to be and are trying to find their way back to each other.
My gut clenches at the thought of her feeling less than anything but the love of my life. How did this happen between us? Did I pull away first, or did she? Or did it just happen because we both forgot to care? Forgot to put effort into each other and started to take the other for granted?
I read Feels Like Home by this author earlier this year and it instantly became a favourite. At the time I read it I didn’t realise that each of Van Wyk’s books, though standalones, tie together, and this is the first of the inter-connected standalones that she has written and I’m SO glad I went back and read it as it forms a strong base for the books to come, while also delivering a beautiful story. And the writing is stunning! I highlighted like a lunatic while reading, and I can’t believe this is a debut novel!
Through the trials, tribulations, and arguments, we’ve never lost one thing. We’ve never fallen out of love. Never once have I wished for our lives to be different. Sure, it’s more fun to always be happy. But that’s not life. Life is ugly and mess, and marriages are hard. If it were easy all the time, no one would appreciate the wonderful times. It’s in the messy that we appreciate the pristine. And the pristine that is Tess and Barrett Ryan is a beautiful thing.
Barrett and Tess have the kind of soul-deep love that everybody wants to experience. We see it in their everyday interactions, and in the flashbacks to their past, and all of it builds their relationship, bringing depth to the story and making us understand exactly what they’re going through. The problems they are experiencing are relatable, and I suspect everybody who is married with children will have experienced some of what they’re going through. It’s a wonderfully written dynamic and they are so amazing together and this book completely captured my heart as I got swept up into life with this wonderful family.
“I miss you,” I say.
Her body sags against me, and tears immediately form in her eyes. She’s always been an emotional sap, but I know it’s more than just her normal emotions getting to her now. She feels it too. I need to do something about it, and seeing her to the point of tears breaks my heart. She should never feel that our relationship will cause her tears.
“Don’t cry. Please, Tess. It breaks my heart. I can’t take the tears.”
“I’m sorry.” She sniffles. “I can’t help it. it’s not just the sex. Yes, I miss it terribly, but it’s you. I miss you too. We have to find a way to get back to ourselves.”
“Come on now, I know it’s really just my magical penis that you miss,” I tease her.
She looks up at me with a watery smile and says through her chuckling, “You know it.”
What makes this book so special is that Barrett and Tess never doubt their love for each other. In fact, they revel in it. They know each other inside and out, and are madly, wildly, deeply in love with each other, it’s just all of the other stuff that’s gotten in the way without them even noticing, and they are both desperate to reconnect. So they take off for a week of alone time in order to get back to ‘them’, and to start rebuilding their life together. And OMG, what a reconnection!
I didn’t realize that I missed dating my husband.
He reminded me that I did.
He reminded me that I loved falling in love with him the first time.
It’s sweet, romantic and sexy, and Barrett’s huge heart and unabashed love and adoration for his girl, and his efforts to show her that, had me in a world of swoon!
“I love you, Tess. You need to understand that. You need to feel that my soul is empty without yours attached to it. My heart, my love responds only to you. Even after I take my last breath on this earth, my love is yours.”
*dreamy sigh*
This man.
He’s far from perfect.
But he’s perfect for me.
Our dream is wide awake, and we are living it.
And more than heartfelt declarations, their passion for each other is still very much alive, and the sexy time is seriously sizzling! Tess is a very lucky girl!
“All. Week. Long. You’re mine. Mind and body. Every single part of you is mine.”
But it’s not all soul-searching and deep and meaningful conversations. There’s a wonderful sense of playfulness to this couple. They laugh, tease, joke and banter, and seeing them joking around with each other, their kids and their friends shows how real they are, and how fun and light-hearted their lives are, and the little glimpses we got of that are just gold!
“I said no. End of discussion.”
“But, Dad, it’s not to get boys to notice me! The shirt is cute!”
“I have no doubt the shirt is cute. I also said no.”…
She throws her arms up in the air and screeches, “Inconceivable!” before stomping away. It’s possible we may have made her watch The Princess Bride one too many times.
Barrett roars with laughter at her response, smiles my way, clearly satisfied with the way his end of the discussion went.
There’s no massive drama, no angst or heartbreak, it’s just a story of two people who are very much in love and dealing with all that life throws at them.
I love being yours.
There’s not a single person on this earth who I’d rather do life with.
You have my heart forever.
We fumbled.
We picked ourselves back up.
I seriously loved this book. I was completely hooked from the moment I opened it all the way through to the final pages. Knowing some of the future stories already, I enjoyed seeing their beginnings, and I’m excited to continue exploring this fantastic group of characters.
Such a special read – 5 stars.
January 8, 2017
From The Ground Up is the type of book you want curl up on the sofa and snuggle under a blanket with. It's rich, multi-layered, and soooo satisfying.
The story is about Barrett and Tess, a married couple who have been together since they were teens. We meet them when they are in their early forties, with four kids, two careers, and one hectic life. We see two people who are not only in love with each other, but are committed to each other 100%, warts and all. Two people who while on the road to building their dream life together somehow lost themselves in the process. They know they need to get back to that place they were at so many years ago before life got routine and in the way. They just don't know how.
It was so refreshing to read about a couple who despite their problems, never lost sight of what was important. It just took them time and conquering road blocks to find their way back to each other again.
First time author Jennifer Van Wyk, did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. Usually it takes me at least 5 chapters to get into the groove of a new to me author's writing style. Van Wyk had me grooving right at the get go. Her style was smooth and natural. And the characters were well developed and well rounded. By 10% in I was so invested in this family, I felt as if I were a part of them. Barrett and Tess's love and commitment to each other as well as their family was endearing. And it was also awesome to read about a married couple who was still hot for each other. :-)
Bravo to Jennifer Van Wyk who delivers the perfect mix of realism, romance, and sexy time. I'm excited to read what's next from this author.
The story is about Barrett and Tess, a married couple who have been together since they were teens. We meet them when they are in their early forties, with four kids, two careers, and one hectic life. We see two people who are not only in love with each other, but are committed to each other 100%, warts and all. Two people who while on the road to building their dream life together somehow lost themselves in the process. They know they need to get back to that place they were at so many years ago before life got routine and in the way. They just don't know how.
It was so refreshing to read about a couple who despite their problems, never lost sight of what was important. It just took them time and conquering road blocks to find their way back to each other again.
First time author Jennifer Van Wyk, did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. Usually it takes me at least 5 chapters to get into the groove of a new to me author's writing style. Van Wyk had me grooving right at the get go. Her style was smooth and natural. And the characters were well developed and well rounded. By 10% in I was so invested in this family, I felt as if I were a part of them. Barrett and Tess's love and commitment to each other as well as their family was endearing. And it was also awesome to read about a married couple who was still hot for each other. :-)
Bravo to Jennifer Van Wyk who delivers the perfect mix of realism, romance, and sexy time. I'm excited to read what's next from this author.
February 7, 2017
So after reading the blurb I was very interested because I realized this situation probably happened to us at some point in life. You were young and in love, you got married, had kids, life goes on, and Bam! before you know it you can’t remember the last time you went on a date alone with you husband. There is definitely an element of realism in this story that hit close to home. I was intrigued by the storyline and I am glad I had a chance to read this. I have to say this book is honest and quite refreshing because I felt like I can relate to the characters and their story. Tess and Barret were together since teens. They were in love, married with four kids and 2 careers later the magic is gone. They never fell out of love so how do they find a spark and fall in love with each other again. I think that like many of us – sometimes we just got wrap up in the busy life and lose sight of what is important so we all need to take a step back, find the time to really be with one another and renew the love and commitment. The story is sweet and sexy, with low drama. The characters are endearing – I can totally relate to them. I believe this is the author debut novel which I thought was impressive. Fast easy read with an inspirational plot! I am looking forward to James' story in A Better Place.
February 7, 2017
What an amazing debut by a new author.
Jennifer Van Wyk wrote about a topic that is rarely spoken about but relates to everyone. What do you do when a good marriage goes off the rails? Barrett and Tess are so real and relatable that you can't help getting sucked all the way in. They were still so much in love, but couldn't figure out how to get everyday life from getting in the way. The way Barrett woos his wife back...swoon. Every woman is going to glare at her husband and ask why isn't he like Barrett.
From the Ground Up is a wonderfully written and emotional story that you don't want to miss!
Jennifer Van Wyk wrote about a topic that is rarely spoken about but relates to everyone. What do you do when a good marriage goes off the rails? Barrett and Tess are so real and relatable that you can't help getting sucked all the way in. They were still so much in love, but couldn't figure out how to get everyday life from getting in the way. The way Barrett woos his wife back...swoon. Every woman is going to glare at her husband and ask why isn't he like Barrett.
From the Ground Up is a wonderfully written and emotional story that you don't want to miss!
July 31, 2017
I loved this book because it was so true to life! We all fall in love and young love is amazing. Then we get married, have jobs, have kids, a house to care for - just life in general. We're still in love, but we lose touch a bit. We drift. We get involved in too much. Our relationship gets pushed to the back burner.
Tess and Barrett are no different. They have drifted. They both know it. They want to get it back, but neither really knows how. They both have doubts.
We follow them through their own personal issues, some family issues, and life itself as they work their way back to that first love!
Tess and Barrett are no different. They have drifted. They both know it. They want to get it back, but neither really knows how. They both have doubts.
We follow them through their own personal issues, some family issues, and life itself as they work their way back to that first love!
February 10, 2017
I am pleasantly surprised to learn that this is the debut book for this author as it is a lovey piece of writing and shows great promise of what we can expect from Jennifer Van Wyk in the future. This book is the one people always ask for the one about the regular people living lives we can identify with juggling jobs, careers, kids, you know the list of a married couples lives, and yet the author brings a bunch of emotions to the story of a couple searching to find THEM again in the middle of it all. Its funny how you can read a book that mirrors exactly what you are experiencing in life perfectly and as such I cried maybe more than I should when reading it at times.
Tess and Barrett are high school sweethearts that married and started a family young and as their four children and careers make demands on them they realise they have let things slide. So we find them both completely on the same wavelength as each other in wanting to get back to how they were but life always wins over. With the help of friends they set out to reconnect away from the stresses of life but nothing is that simple and they realise that they still have work to do to rediscover each other. The connection and humour between the main characters is so real that you share the emotions with them and as such are a joy to read.
This is a lovely read and different in that it isn’t about falling in love but fighting for the love you already have. It is beautifully written with lovely characters that will resonate with the majority of readers.
My only issue with this book is I would say that at time the “stage directions” were a little excessive but after learning it is a debut book then I am more prone to overlook them.
This is one that I highly recommend you read and I am already looking forward to more from the author.
Tess and Barrett are high school sweethearts that married and started a family young and as their four children and careers make demands on them they realise they have let things slide. So we find them both completely on the same wavelength as each other in wanting to get back to how they were but life always wins over. With the help of friends they set out to reconnect away from the stresses of life but nothing is that simple and they realise that they still have work to do to rediscover each other. The connection and humour between the main characters is so real that you share the emotions with them and as such are a joy to read.
This is a lovely read and different in that it isn’t about falling in love but fighting for the love you already have. It is beautifully written with lovely characters that will resonate with the majority of readers.
My only issue with this book is I would say that at time the “stage directions” were a little excessive but after learning it is a debut book then I am more prone to overlook them.
This is one that I highly recommend you read and I am already looking forward to more from the author.
July 25, 2018
3.5 stars from me
I apppreciate a story that starts off with a married couple in their 40s and portrays their unyielding love for each other. We don’t get that much in the romance genre.
We get their “love story” in flash back starting from when they met at 17. They have 4 kids (2 are grown at 18 & 22) and it shows what could happen when a couple has been married for over 20 years can loose sight of “being a couple” in their everyday life.
They have to bring that spark back. With the kids schedules and their work, it seems they don’t get enough time alone, especially with their youngest (at 6) crawling into their bed every night. They kind of loose sight of each other I guess.
The husband is sexually frustrated and they get snippy with each other at times. It happens. Men think the main focus on a marriage is sex all the time, lol!
I can relate to some of the story and it was a little eery reading some parts, really. Because my husbands and my song at our wedding when we lit the unity candle was “I Cross my Heart” (not even joking, I had it engraved in the inside of his wedding band lol). And he always gave me purple roses, they are my favorite! And the weird thing, the HS here is Liberty High 😳. Although we didn’t go to that school, we did meet when I was 17 and have been married 20 years now AND have 4 kids.
So yeah, I can definitely relate to some of the things in this book. A lot of similarities to real life for sure! (At least for me), but as much as I thought the story was good, I miss some angst! The stuff that grips you and holds you glued to the pages. It was almost like I reading the story of my life, lol! And I read to get away from my life sometimes. 🤷🏼♀️
And one thing I didn’t get, and this is being the overly critical self that I am...but the husband bought condoms. After over 20 years of marriage! He said it was because they haven had sex in 2 months and he wanted something between them so he would last longer. She thought it Romantic. Well, that wouldn’t be my response let me tell you.
Let’s get real for a minute. There are OTHER things you can do if you think you’ll blow early (y’know BJ or HJ it the first time lol). And if you do blow early, so what? Wait 2 minutes and go for round 2 🤷🏼♀️. It’s not like this was his first time with the girl. They been together like 27 years at this point. The husband said himself it was hard waiting the 6 weeks after she gave birth before they could have sex again. That they did other things in that time. But really, 2 months is only 2 weeks longer than the 6 needed to wait after giving birth. It really isn’t that long. Lol!
All in all, if you want a sweet romance, one filled with tender moments of the past and declarations of undying love, then this book is for you. I did like what the husband did to “woo” back his woman. It was super sweet and romantic. But, If you like a little angst, like me, you won’t find it here.
I apppreciate a story that starts off with a married couple in their 40s and portrays their unyielding love for each other. We don’t get that much in the romance genre.
We get their “love story” in flash back starting from when they met at 17. They have 4 kids (2 are grown at 18 & 22) and it shows what could happen when a couple has been married for over 20 years can loose sight of “being a couple” in their everyday life.
They have to bring that spark back. With the kids schedules and their work, it seems they don’t get enough time alone, especially with their youngest (at 6) crawling into their bed every night. They kind of loose sight of each other I guess.
The husband is sexually frustrated and they get snippy with each other at times. It happens. Men think the main focus on a marriage is sex all the time, lol!
I can relate to some of the story and it was a little eery reading some parts, really. Because my husbands and my song at our wedding when we lit the unity candle was “I Cross my Heart” (not even joking, I had it engraved in the inside of his wedding band lol). And he always gave me purple roses, they are my favorite! And the weird thing, the HS here is Liberty High 😳. Although we didn’t go to that school, we did meet when I was 17 and have been married 20 years now AND have 4 kids.
So yeah, I can definitely relate to some of the things in this book. A lot of similarities to real life for sure! (At least for me), but as much as I thought the story was good, I miss some angst! The stuff that grips you and holds you glued to the pages. It was almost like I reading the story of my life, lol! And I read to get away from my life sometimes. 🤷🏼♀️
And one thing I didn’t get, and this is being the overly critical self that I am...but the husband bought condoms. After over 20 years of marriage! He said it was because they haven had sex in 2 months and he wanted something between them so he would last longer. She thought it Romantic. Well, that wouldn’t be my response let me tell you.
Let’s get real for a minute. There are OTHER things you can do if you think you’ll blow early (y’know BJ or HJ it the first time lol). And if you do blow early, so what? Wait 2 minutes and go for round 2 🤷🏼♀️. It’s not like this was his first time with the girl. They been together like 27 years at this point. The husband said himself it was hard waiting the 6 weeks after she gave birth before they could have sex again. That they did other things in that time. But really, 2 months is only 2 weeks longer than the 6 needed to wait after giving birth. It really isn’t that long. Lol!
All in all, if you want a sweet romance, one filled with tender moments of the past and declarations of undying love, then this book is for you. I did like what the husband did to “woo” back his woman. It was super sweet and romantic. But, If you like a little angst, like me, you won’t find it here.
February 16, 2017
I've been familiar with the name Jennifer Van Wyk for some time now. If you're like me and read the acknowledgements section of books, or even the names mentioned on title pages and dedications, you might have seen it too. Up till now those credits have mostly been for editing, but seeing as how she's written her debut novel, I decided to give it a look.
I'm glad I did.
Unlike so many though, From The Ground Up is not a tale of a couple falling in love, nor is it even a second chance romance where a couple who once broke up try to put things back together. Instead, and perhaps more challenging because of it, it's the tale of a couple who, after twenty years together, have hit a rough patch in their relationship.
In a story that's as real as it gets, amid the day to day of family life with a kid in college, two others in high school and the little one still climbing into bed with mommy and daddy in the middle of the night, Tess and Barrett come face to face with the realization that their relationship is no longer what it once was.
Despite the fact that neither of them want to give up on something they've cherished. Something that's integral to each's own sense of identity, they're left at a loss. How to fix it? How to even find the smallest amount of time amid the hustle and bustle to work on their relationship, particularly since what's been lost is the sense of closeness, the intimacy, sexual and otherwise that makes you feel like you're an essential part of someone else's life?
I think because the subject matter was entirely too close to home, I found myself taking my time with this book, finishing it in five days where I'd typically take one or two, and while at times I found the writing style to be a little bit stilted for my taste, the drama, the struggle of the two main characters as they fought to reclaim something that was vital to them, and the emotional journey they took me on, kept me gripped the entire time.
Having been in a similar place, so much of this story rang true for me, the highs and lows and the heart stopping phone calls in the middle of the night, and I know that when Jennifer releases her next book, I'll be one-clicking it without a moment's hesitation.
I'm glad I did.
Unlike so many though, From The Ground Up is not a tale of a couple falling in love, nor is it even a second chance romance where a couple who once broke up try to put things back together. Instead, and perhaps more challenging because of it, it's the tale of a couple who, after twenty years together, have hit a rough patch in their relationship.
In a story that's as real as it gets, amid the day to day of family life with a kid in college, two others in high school and the little one still climbing into bed with mommy and daddy in the middle of the night, Tess and Barrett come face to face with the realization that their relationship is no longer what it once was.
Despite the fact that neither of them want to give up on something they've cherished. Something that's integral to each's own sense of identity, they're left at a loss. How to fix it? How to even find the smallest amount of time amid the hustle and bustle to work on their relationship, particularly since what's been lost is the sense of closeness, the intimacy, sexual and otherwise that makes you feel like you're an essential part of someone else's life?
I think because the subject matter was entirely too close to home, I found myself taking my time with this book, finishing it in five days where I'd typically take one or two, and while at times I found the writing style to be a little bit stilted for my taste, the drama, the struggle of the two main characters as they fought to reclaim something that was vital to them, and the emotional journey they took me on, kept me gripped the entire time.
Having been in a similar place, so much of this story rang true for me, the highs and lows and the heart stopping phone calls in the middle of the night, and I know that when Jennifer releases her next book, I'll be one-clicking it without a moment's hesitation.
February 7, 2017
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book and I honestly cannot believe this is a debut book. Barrett and Tess' story will suck you in from the very first page. I loved every minute of it.
December 16, 2017
This was a great read. It wasn't a fast read, but it was still good.
Read
March 12, 2021DNF 55%
BORING...
BORING...
January 6, 2018
4.5 Stars - Jennifer Van Wyk delivers all the feels with her debut novel, From the Ground Up! Sweeping me up in Tess and Barrett’s love story from the very first page, this sweet, real-life romance quickly stole my heart. High school sweethearts Tess and Barrett are all grown up and the stress of work, married life, and raising children has taken its toll on their relationship. With a lifetime of love to fight for, this couple was ready to do the work and it was this unpretentious storyline and unwavering loyalty that had me so hooked on these two. Tess and Barrett’s connection was palpable. There was something magical about the way they loved each other so fiercely and without reservation for most of their lives that spoke to me, gave me hope for a lasting happily ever after and left me rooting for this memorable couple. Balancing out all of the simple sweetness was a sense of humor that had me laughing out loud and just enough steam to leave a grin on my face. From the Ground Up is the complete package - genuine, hopeful and easy to connect with.
One of the things I loved most about this book was how distinct Tess and Barrett’s personalities were. They were very much a couple who knew each other inside and out and that understanding of one another came through loud and clear, painting a vibrant and oftentimes hilarious picture of these two characters. However, I also appreciated the struggle Jennifer Van Wyk put her characters through. Knowing each other so well had made them complacent and I enjoying seeing them try to rekindle the sparks that come from getting to know someone for the first time. As Tess and Barrett got reacquainted, the reader was privy to every nuance of their relationship and what made them such a fantastic couple. The connection I formed with Tess and Barrett as I read this novel was decidedly intimate, a product of the rare and breathtaking look at their most private insecurities and fears. By the time all was said and done, I was deeply invested in this couple and sad to see this story come to an end.
While I don’t read a lot of stories where the characters have already fallen in love, From the Ground Up definitely opened my eyes to an entirely new kind of romance. Not only did I experience the ups and downs of fighting for a love you’ve already found, but Jennifer Van Wyk ensured that readers got to fall in love for the first time alongside this fantastic couple as pieces of their teenage love story were revealed in parallel to the reality of married life and parenthood. The pacing in From the Ground Up is a little slower since the feelings behind this story are already established and deep which means there isn’t a lot of explosive, heated drama. However, there is definitely plenty of intrigue and a colorful cast of secondary characters that made this story absolutely shine. I absolutely adored the ease with which this story was told. Every emotion rang true and I could feel how much heart and soul went into this book. Jennifer Van Wyk is definitely an author to look out for. Funny, captivating and beautifully written, From the Ground Up is a poignant reminder of what it takes to love for a lifetime.
One of the things I loved most about this book was how distinct Tess and Barrett’s personalities were. They were very much a couple who knew each other inside and out and that understanding of one another came through loud and clear, painting a vibrant and oftentimes hilarious picture of these two characters. However, I also appreciated the struggle Jennifer Van Wyk put her characters through. Knowing each other so well had made them complacent and I enjoying seeing them try to rekindle the sparks that come from getting to know someone for the first time. As Tess and Barrett got reacquainted, the reader was privy to every nuance of their relationship and what made them such a fantastic couple. The connection I formed with Tess and Barrett as I read this novel was decidedly intimate, a product of the rare and breathtaking look at their most private insecurities and fears. By the time all was said and done, I was deeply invested in this couple and sad to see this story come to an end.
While I don’t read a lot of stories where the characters have already fallen in love, From the Ground Up definitely opened my eyes to an entirely new kind of romance. Not only did I experience the ups and downs of fighting for a love you’ve already found, but Jennifer Van Wyk ensured that readers got to fall in love for the first time alongside this fantastic couple as pieces of their teenage love story were revealed in parallel to the reality of married life and parenthood. The pacing in From the Ground Up is a little slower since the feelings behind this story are already established and deep which means there isn’t a lot of explosive, heated drama. However, there is definitely plenty of intrigue and a colorful cast of secondary characters that made this story absolutely shine. I absolutely adored the ease with which this story was told. Every emotion rang true and I could feel how much heart and soul went into this book. Jennifer Van Wyk is definitely an author to look out for. Funny, captivating and beautifully written, From the Ground Up is a poignant reminder of what it takes to love for a lifetime.
February 7, 2017
Jennifer Van Wyk delivers a unique and refreshing story about a couple who could very well be any of us. Or our friends, neighbors, siblings or parents. They’re real, they’re raw, they’re beautiful.
Barrett and Tess have been together since they were teenagers. With four children and the craziness of daily life, they somehow lose each other. It’s something that happens to all (or most) married couples at some point in their relationship. We become so absorbed in the different roles we play that we forget the connection that drew us together. The never-ending demands of children, work, and home life take priority, to the point we forget that at some point we wanted all this. We wanted the high paying job, the kids, the big house with the big yard. And the person we promised to devote ourselves to become strangers, sometimes even the enemy. We’re no longer man and woman, partners in life, but slaves to the lives we dreamed about.
Being married for twelve years now, this story was deeply personal. Like Tess and Barret, my husband and I have never stopped loving each other. But there was a point in our marriage that we stopped having fun. When the stress of everything was overwhelming. Finding each other again has been one of the greatest adventures, and Van Wyk captured those emotions in this story.
Van Wyk did an incredible job bringing these characters and their feelings to life. From the Ground Up isn’t just a story, but a journey that will stay with me for a lifetime. I lived Tess and Barret’s life right along them. I smiled, felt torn apart, and smiled some more.
Barrett and Tess have been together since they were teenagers. With four children and the craziness of daily life, they somehow lose each other. It’s something that happens to all (or most) married couples at some point in their relationship. We become so absorbed in the different roles we play that we forget the connection that drew us together. The never-ending demands of children, work, and home life take priority, to the point we forget that at some point we wanted all this. We wanted the high paying job, the kids, the big house with the big yard. And the person we promised to devote ourselves to become strangers, sometimes even the enemy. We’re no longer man and woman, partners in life, but slaves to the lives we dreamed about.
Being married for twelve years now, this story was deeply personal. Like Tess and Barret, my husband and I have never stopped loving each other. But there was a point in our marriage that we stopped having fun. When the stress of everything was overwhelming. Finding each other again has been one of the greatest adventures, and Van Wyk captured those emotions in this story.
Van Wyk did an incredible job bringing these characters and their feelings to life. From the Ground Up isn’t just a story, but a journey that will stay with me for a lifetime. I lived Tess and Barret’s life right along them. I smiled, felt torn apart, and smiled some more.
February 12, 2017
*ARC Provided for Honest Review*
Let me start off by saying if I could give this book 10 stars I would! What an amazing debut by a new author!
Jennifer takes us on a journey of two soulmates whom have lost their way in the hustle and bustle of every day life. Barrett and Tess are high school sweethearts, who have been married for twenty two years, and have four kids together, one being a precocious six year old little girl, who has the absolute worst timing ever. Barrett and Tess are still very much in love, but they start walking two different paths, and seem to be missing each other at every turn. This is the story of them finding their way back to each other.
I fell in love with this book so hard.I loved that it was very true to life. Every relationship has struggles, and it's how you handle those struggles, that defines you as a couple. "Life isn't easy. It isn't gentle or perfect. Sometimes life is full of ugly. But that's what makes it so much fun, stumbling and falling and brushing our dirty selves off and getting back up again to fight through it." This quote right here... It rings true for the theme of the entire book, as well as life in general. Tess and Barrett could be any couple. This was such a uber sweet story that just leaves your heart happy! I can't wait to see what Jennifer has in store for us next! She has become an automatic one click for me now!!
Let me start off by saying if I could give this book 10 stars I would! What an amazing debut by a new author!
Jennifer takes us on a journey of two soulmates whom have lost their way in the hustle and bustle of every day life. Barrett and Tess are high school sweethearts, who have been married for twenty two years, and have four kids together, one being a precocious six year old little girl, who has the absolute worst timing ever. Barrett and Tess are still very much in love, but they start walking two different paths, and seem to be missing each other at every turn. This is the story of them finding their way back to each other.
I fell in love with this book so hard.I loved that it was very true to life. Every relationship has struggles, and it's how you handle those struggles, that defines you as a couple. "Life isn't easy. It isn't gentle or perfect. Sometimes life is full of ugly. But that's what makes it so much fun, stumbling and falling and brushing our dirty selves off and getting back up again to fight through it." This quote right here... It rings true for the theme of the entire book, as well as life in general. Tess and Barrett could be any couple. This was such a uber sweet story that just leaves your heart happy! I can't wait to see what Jennifer has in store for us next! She has become an automatic one click for me now!!
February 7, 2017
Tess and Barrett...I swear if they had different names and one less kid, this book would be about MY life! I think this is what kept me so connected to the story the entire time I was reading it. I also have to say I am amazed that this is a first time author?! I read a lot of books and am pretty picky. The fact that I was instantly connected to this story and identified with these characters shows just how good the writing is, right down to the dialogue. There is nothing worse than awkward dialogue and JVW nailed it in this one! I found myself really rooting for Tess and Barrett to find their way back to each other and thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written story. It was a nice change of pace from all the stepbrother, billionaire, S&M, high school drama books that I usually find myself reading. Not that I don't love those too, but sometimes it's nice to have some variety and FTGU was the perfect feel good book! I can't recommend it enough and hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)
April 15, 2017
Refreshing. That is the best word I can come up with to describe this book by Jennifer Van Wyk. It was so refreshing to read a book that was real. That was raw. That was gritty. That realistically described what happens in a marriage. Marriage is hard. Life happens, and you lose sight in the day-to-day reality.
Love isn't always the problem, and it certainly wasn't the problem for Barrett and Tess. After twenty yeas of marriage, raising 4 children- from college-age all the way to elementary age, work, and life, Barrett and Tess see their marriage as stagnant. This brings unnecessary insecurities to the forefront of their minds. Somehow, they need to rediscover their love (and like) for each other and rebuild their marriage.
I absolutely loved this story! I highly recommend! The writing, story, and characters were beautiful and real. Refreshing!
Love isn't always the problem, and it certainly wasn't the problem for Barrett and Tess. After twenty yeas of marriage, raising 4 children- from college-age all the way to elementary age, work, and life, Barrett and Tess see their marriage as stagnant. This brings unnecessary insecurities to the forefront of their minds. Somehow, they need to rediscover their love (and like) for each other and rebuild their marriage.
I absolutely loved this story! I highly recommend! The writing, story, and characters were beautiful and real. Refreshing!
February 7, 2017
I got an early chance to read "From The Ground Up" by Jennifer VanWyk. I was hooked from the beginning. This couple is ... well they're my marriage or your marriage. Life and marriage is not always roses and fairy tales but that doesn't mean it's not great! Sometimes you just need a reminder of what's important and how you began! Great book. Can't wait for Jennifer's future books.
August 11, 2017
A love built From The Ground Up!
What a great story and for those of us married along time Barrett and Tess's story holds true. Barrett and Tess have been together more then 25 years though still in love the magic has gone stale, kids and jobs will do this. This is their story of how they both realized they're heading to a bad place and how the turn it around!
What a great story and for those of us married along time Barrett and Tess's story holds true. Barrett and Tess have been together more then 25 years though still in love the magic has gone stale, kids and jobs will do this. This is their story of how they both realized they're heading to a bad place and how the turn it around!
February 7, 2017
GET READY TO FALL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN!!!
Marriage, kids, responsibilities and life...oh my. Jennifer VanWyk's debut novel, From the Ground Up, does not disappoint. This is the perfect title for this book!!! Once you start reading the story, you'll understand why. This book could have been written about any married couple with a family, trying to cope with life and finding time for one other. Follow Tess and Barrett as they struggle to reconnect and rediscover the love they once had. Marriage isn't easy. Parenting is hard, but having that special someone by your side makes the trip worth the ride. I loved their real life issues and the difficulties they faced together and as a family. I highly recommend this book!
Marriage, kids, responsibilities and life...oh my. Jennifer VanWyk's debut novel, From the Ground Up, does not disappoint. This is the perfect title for this book!!! Once you start reading the story, you'll understand why. This book could have been written about any married couple with a family, trying to cope with life and finding time for one other. Follow Tess and Barrett as they struggle to reconnect and rediscover the love they once had. Marriage isn't easy. Parenting is hard, but having that special someone by your side makes the trip worth the ride. I loved their real life issues and the difficulties they faced together and as a family. I highly recommend this book!
February 7, 2017
The market is full of various types of romance novels, but From the Ground Up was such a refreshing change of pace. Yes, I love a good billionaire or sports story, but Tess and Barrett could be me and my husband. We celebrate 15 years of marriage this year, and it's not always been easy. It was so wonderful to relate to characters who have experienced the same challenges and emotions. Simply put, From the Ground Up made me feel like I wasn't alone. That my marriage was normal. That just because I got married young didn't mean we would grow apart. Ms. Van Wyk, thank you for writing a story that resonated so deeply with me!
February 9, 2017
What happens when you marry your high school sweetheart, have kids, careers, and very busy lives? What happens when you spend more time being parents rather than a married couple? After more than 20 years of marriage Barrett and Tess are still madly in love, but feel disconnected and need to get back to being the couple they once were. This story is a great change of pace from the usual storylines. It's so real and so relatable. At times, I felt this book was about my life...right from the feelings of their present disconnect to their trips down memory lane! It might not be your typical escape-type romance, but it's so worth taking a chance on. A fantastic debut novel!
February 9, 2017
What happens when you marry your high school sweetheart, have kids, careers, and very busy lives? What happens when you spend more time being parents rather than a married couple? After more than 20 years of marriage Barrett and Tess are still madly in love, but feel disconnected and need to get back to being the couple they once were. This story is a great change of pace from the usual storylines. It's so real and so relatable. At times, I felt this book was about my life...right from the feelings of their present disconnect to their trips down memory lane! It might not be your typical escape-type romance, but it's so worth taking a chance on. A fantastic debut novel!
February 22, 2017
Great book! I'm looking forward to reading A Better Place!
September 6, 2018
From The Ground Up is a beautiful story of life and love after a romance book’s traditional HEA. Tess and Barrett fell in love long ago and have been married and built a wonderful life together for more than twenty years.
“Life is ugly and messy, and marriages are hard. If it were easy all the time, no one would appreciate the wonderful times. It’s in the messy that we appreciate the pristine.”
The stresses of work, home and family seem to be making the couple more and more distant. They need to find a way to keep blame and distrust from creeping between them.
“I love you, Tess. You need to understand that. You need to feel that. My soul is empty without yours attached to it. My heart, my love responds only to you. Even after I take my last breath on this earth, my love is yours.”
I loved this story of a couple rediscovering each other and seeing that their love and relationship doesn’t have to lose its closeness (or heat!) even after many years!
-4.5 Stars!-
“Life is ugly and messy, and marriages are hard. If it were easy all the time, no one would appreciate the wonderful times. It’s in the messy that we appreciate the pristine.”
The stresses of work, home and family seem to be making the couple more and more distant. They need to find a way to keep blame and distrust from creeping between them.
“I love you, Tess. You need to understand that. You need to feel that. My soul is empty without yours attached to it. My heart, my love responds only to you. Even after I take my last breath on this earth, my love is yours.”
I loved this story of a couple rediscovering each other and seeing that their love and relationship doesn’t have to lose its closeness (or heat!) even after many years!
-4.5 Stars!-
February 9, 2017
ARC from the author,
This is Jennifer's debut book and OMG what a book this was, Barrett and Tess have be together for a very long time, and life has gotten in the way,which has made them feel disconnected from each other, This story is about how they got first together and where they are now in there lives and how there both lost and fighting to back what they had. I love how Jennifer brought there story to life and made me feel like i was there, I really enjoyed each and every part of this book, i couldn't put it down and really didn't want this to end. A great book and this really is a must read.
This is Jennifer's debut book and OMG what a book this was, Barrett and Tess have be together for a very long time, and life has gotten in the way,which has made them feel disconnected from each other, This story is about how they got first together and where they are now in there lives and how there both lost and fighting to back what they had. I love how Jennifer brought there story to life and made me feel like i was there, I really enjoyed each and every part of this book, i couldn't put it down and really didn't want this to end. A great book and this really is a must read.
February 12, 2017
Home is where I felt when reading this story. I don't think I've ever felt more relatable with a story and characters! I felt so many of these emotions and thought the very same things. It's nice to see that even fictious characters go through every day life the way we do.
Barrett and Tess have loved each other from the moment they laid eyes on eachother. Now many years later being married, having children and the every day chaos of life they feel like things are a little off. How after so many years does this happen? What do they do? How do they fix it? Does love really conquer all?
I really enjoyed this story! So real and fresh topped with raw emotion. Jennifer Van Wyk brought her debut out with a bang! I would of never thought this was a first book of hers. The way these characters swooned the hell out of me renders me speechless. I loved all they shared with us. Their feelings, thoughts stories and love were all absolutely beautiful! Their story showed and reminded me on how beautiful love and marriage truly is! At the end it made me snuggle up to my own love and show them how much they truly mean to me!
"Tess, there is no other person on this earth who I would rather do life with than you. It hasn't always been easy, and sometimes the mess got in the way, but it's been perfect. I wouldn't change a single moment." ~ Barrett
Barrett and Tess have loved each other from the moment they laid eyes on eachother. Now many years later being married, having children and the every day chaos of life they feel like things are a little off. How after so many years does this happen? What do they do? How do they fix it? Does love really conquer all?
I really enjoyed this story! So real and fresh topped with raw emotion. Jennifer Van Wyk brought her debut out with a bang! I would of never thought this was a first book of hers. The way these characters swooned the hell out of me renders me speechless. I loved all they shared with us. Their feelings, thoughts stories and love were all absolutely beautiful! Their story showed and reminded me on how beautiful love and marriage truly is! At the end it made me snuggle up to my own love and show them how much they truly mean to me!
"Tess, there is no other person on this earth who I would rather do life with than you. It hasn't always been easy, and sometimes the mess got in the way, but it's been perfect. I wouldn't change a single moment." ~ Barrett
July 17, 2017
4.5
A beautiful story of life and love
A marriage that has hit a rough patch after 20+ years together work on rebuilding their love for each other and themselves .
This was as real as it gets. I could relate to Tess and Barrett. The marriage, the kids, work and losing
yourself to the mundane things day in and day out. Forgetting to appreciate the little things.
A refreshing, beautiful read- Loved it
A beautiful story of life and love
A marriage that has hit a rough patch after 20+ years together work on rebuilding their love for each other and themselves .
This was as real as it gets. I could relate to Tess and Barrett. The marriage, the kids, work and losing
yourself to the mundane things day in and day out. Forgetting to appreciate the little things.
A refreshing, beautiful read- Loved it
July 18, 2017
This was a beautifully written story. It's very seldom that I read a story about older couples, but this one was just too good to put down. I love how they didn't just focus on the parent's story, but had the kids incorporated in the story as well, with it all intertwining. I think I'm gonna read James' story now. I hope he ends up with Christine.
July 13, 2017
From the Ground Up
This is story is about high school lovers that eventually get married and have a family. It's their journey dealing with what eveey married couple goes through. I have never read Jennifer Van Wyk and am so happy that this was my first one. It's beautiful written and emotional. Can't wait for to for what's to come.
This is story is about high school lovers that eventually get married and have a family. It's their journey dealing with what eveey married couple goes through. I have never read Jennifer Van Wyk and am so happy that this was my first one. It's beautiful written and emotional. Can't wait for to for what's to come.
June 28, 2017
I loved the sound of this book! There aren't many books that deal with already married couples who lose the spark so when I read the description of this book I jumped on it.
Being that they are married, we see a side of them that isn't really shown in romance novels. Yes this couple are in a rut, but you see and feel their love! Barrett is an amazing husband and father. He's a hard worker and snarky, but in a great way. Tess is a typical mom, she loves her kids no matter what and I loved that. She was funny and I loved seeing a different side come out of her.
I loved the plot! The first half is them going about life, knowing something is off with their marriage but still not dealing with it. The second half is them working hard to repair what they feel is broken. Both parts made this story what it was.
Overall, I loved it. It was so different then what I've read in the past and now I find my self wanting to read more like it. The author has a real talent for making reader feel what the characters are feeling and making us root for this couple to overcome things. It's light on the drama which I loved! I can't wait to see what else she writes. She definitely blew me away with her first book! I'm intrigued by Tess's brother even though we only saw a little of him. I hope we get his book soon. 5 stars #2OCCJD
Being that they are married, we see a side of them that isn't really shown in romance novels. Yes this couple are in a rut, but you see and feel their love! Barrett is an amazing husband and father. He's a hard worker and snarky, but in a great way. Tess is a typical mom, she loves her kids no matter what and I loved that. She was funny and I loved seeing a different side come out of her.
I loved the plot! The first half is them going about life, knowing something is off with their marriage but still not dealing with it. The second half is them working hard to repair what they feel is broken. Both parts made this story what it was.
Overall, I loved it. It was so different then what I've read in the past and now I find my self wanting to read more like it. The author has a real talent for making reader feel what the characters are feeling and making us root for this couple to overcome things. It's light on the drama which I loved! I can't wait to see what else she writes. She definitely blew me away with her first book! I'm intrigued by Tess's brother even though we only saw a little of him. I hope we get his book soon. 5 stars #2OCCJD
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