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Designer You
Pam and Nate were a couple who just couldn’t get away from each other, sharing not only their bed, but also a successful lifestyle empire as DIY home renovators, bloggers, podcasters, and co-authors.
When Nate dies in a freak accident, Pam becomes a 44-year-old widow, at once too young and too old—too young to be thrust into widowhood and too old to rejoin the dating pool.
Now the single mother of a headstrong and grief-stricken teenager, Pam’s life becomes a juggling act between dealing with her loss and learning how to parent by herself. On top of all that she also must reinvent herself or lose the empire that she and Nate had built so carefully.
It is time for Pam to seize the opportunity to step up as a mother, come out from behind Nate’s shadow, and rise as the sole face of the Designer You brand, and maybe, possibly, hopefully, find love again.
When Nate dies in a freak accident, Pam becomes a 44-year-old widow, at once too young and too old—too young to be thrust into widowhood and too old to rejoin the dating pool.
Now the single mother of a headstrong and grief-stricken teenager, Pam’s life becomes a juggling act between dealing with her loss and learning how to parent by herself. On top of all that she also must reinvent herself or lose the empire that she and Nate had built so carefully.
It is time for Pam to seize the opportunity to step up as a mother, come out from behind Nate’s shadow, and rise as the sole face of the Designer You brand, and maybe, possibly, hopefully, find love again.
- GenresFictionWomens Fiction
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2018
73 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Sarahlyn Bruck
3 books124 followersSarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction—slice-of-life stories with heart and humor centered on friendships and family. She is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the Fire (2024), Daytime Drama (2021), and Designer You (2018). When she’s not writing, Sarahlyn moonlights as a full-time writing and literature professor at a local community college. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she now lives in Philadelphia with her family.
For the latest book news, events, and announcements, check out her website and subscribe to her newsletter. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky at @sarahlynbruck.
For the latest book news, events, and announcements, check out her website and subscribe to her newsletter. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky at @sarahlynbruck.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 1, 2018
Designer You is an engrossing story of a woman who loses her husband tragically and unexpectedly, and how she tries to cope and move on. Pam and her husband Nate were also business partners and parents of 15-year-old Grace. Pam’s story is told with refreshing honesty, as both her business and her relationship with her daughter suffer greatly as she tries to figure out her life without her husband. The emotions in this book were genuine and raw and I couldn’t stop reading, anxiously wondering how things were going to turn out.
September 13, 2018
A beautiful and moving story about love and loss. It hooked me from the very start, held me there as the main character's story unfolded and left me filled with hope.
September 12, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
She was sick with rage and fear that Nate had the audacity to be dead on today of all days. Insensitive jerk. Just the idea of getting up on stage by herself made her stomach cramp and she’d been in and out of the bathroom during the entire flight.
Pam thought her entire outfit didn’t cost half as much as the shoes the hostess was wearing. At once, she felt too young and unsophisticated, like the kid at the adult table at Thanksgiving who longs to be back at the kids' table with her younger cousins eating turkey in front of a Disney cartoon.
She wasn’t sure what hurt more, the casualness with which Grace could just fling insults at her or the fact that so often those insults were based in truth.
Nate himself would never fade, but those little details would start to get fuzzy in the same way any memory blurs over time. She clung to the impossible wish that she could hold onto everything about Nate, save it all onto a disk or a thumb drive, and whenever she wasn’t sure about the details of an experience she’d had with him, she could pull it up on her laptop and experience that trip, that meal, that birthday, all over again.
My Review:
I grew increasingly restless as I pushed through this book - it really wasn’t to my taste. I should have stopped reading and pushed this one in the DNF pile. The premise had promise and while there were a few glimmers of entertaining observations, I found the overall execution to be mundane and morose. I kept waiting for the story to improve and sadly, it just never did. While it wasn’t bad, it was just middle of the road, real-life humdrum type of okay. The characters were exasperating and annoying and weren’t people I could care for or about, nor were they endearing to me, as the mourning widow seemed to have bailed on everything except finishing her deceased husband’s projects. Her priorities were askew and in particular, she wasn’t parenting and selfishly leaving her grieving teenaged daughter fending for herself and growing increasingly resentful, defiant and obnoxious, and making extremely poor choices. Like many neglectful parents, instead of seeking help or providing consequences, she threw money at it and little else until it was too late. By the time the mother finally gained some insights and their relationship had started to turn around, the story stopped. And I truly mean it just stopped, without an ending, which is something I find particularly irksome. But maybe it is just me, as this story seems to have tripped several landmines in the field of my pet peeves.
She was sick with rage and fear that Nate had the audacity to be dead on today of all days. Insensitive jerk. Just the idea of getting up on stage by herself made her stomach cramp and she’d been in and out of the bathroom during the entire flight.
Pam thought her entire outfit didn’t cost half as much as the shoes the hostess was wearing. At once, she felt too young and unsophisticated, like the kid at the adult table at Thanksgiving who longs to be back at the kids' table with her younger cousins eating turkey in front of a Disney cartoon.
She wasn’t sure what hurt more, the casualness with which Grace could just fling insults at her or the fact that so often those insults were based in truth.
Nate himself would never fade, but those little details would start to get fuzzy in the same way any memory blurs over time. She clung to the impossible wish that she could hold onto everything about Nate, save it all onto a disk or a thumb drive, and whenever she wasn’t sure about the details of an experience she’d had with him, she could pull it up on her laptop and experience that trip, that meal, that birthday, all over again.
My Review:
I grew increasingly restless as I pushed through this book - it really wasn’t to my taste. I should have stopped reading and pushed this one in the DNF pile. The premise had promise and while there were a few glimmers of entertaining observations, I found the overall execution to be mundane and morose. I kept waiting for the story to improve and sadly, it just never did. While it wasn’t bad, it was just middle of the road, real-life humdrum type of okay. The characters were exasperating and annoying and weren’t people I could care for or about, nor were they endearing to me, as the mourning widow seemed to have bailed on everything except finishing her deceased husband’s projects. Her priorities were askew and in particular, she wasn’t parenting and selfishly leaving her grieving teenaged daughter fending for herself and growing increasingly resentful, defiant and obnoxious, and making extremely poor choices. Like many neglectful parents, instead of seeking help or providing consequences, she threw money at it and little else until it was too late. By the time the mother finally gained some insights and their relationship had started to turn around, the story stopped. And I truly mean it just stopped, without an ending, which is something I find particularly irksome. But maybe it is just me, as this story seems to have tripped several landmines in the field of my pet peeves.
August 23, 2018
The cover of this book is so darn cute, it was really a huge part in why I wanted to read it in the first place.
It was a very enjoyable read and one I didn't want to put down. I read it in one day, which is saying something for me, since I seem to have a short attention span these days. Its even more surprising since I couldn't connect with any of the characters.
I felt terribly sorry for Pam. She's a character that is close to my age and she's just lost her husband in a horrible way. You instantly feel sorry for her. She's half of DIY team but that team wasn't really a shared thing, so trying to keep things going instantly is hard for her.
Her struggles are very real.
Add to the mix a teenage daughter that is also struggling in a very bad way.
This is where it gets frustrating. Grace is a brat and Pam is struggling. This is where you'll want to reach through the pages to grab both of them and shake them both senseless. I kept screaming at the pages for both of them to get into therapy. After all, the loss of Nate wasn't something either was expecting and the world was wanting them to pick up the pieces pretty quickly, especially Pam.
Both needed help that they weren't getting. The things Grace was doing were huge cries for help or something. The girl was a brat, and a nasty one at that. Truly, I didn't like her much. I probably would have put her up for adoption at 15 for the stuff she did.
They have a lot of struggles as they both start putting their lives back together.
The ending was a little too easy for me, but it was a perfect fit for both Pam and Grace, with a lot of hope for their future.
This was a wonderful read, that was light but not fluffy or too depressing.
It was a very enjoyable read and one I didn't want to put down. I read it in one day, which is saying something for me, since I seem to have a short attention span these days. Its even more surprising since I couldn't connect with any of the characters.
I felt terribly sorry for Pam. She's a character that is close to my age and she's just lost her husband in a horrible way. You instantly feel sorry for her. She's half of DIY team but that team wasn't really a shared thing, so trying to keep things going instantly is hard for her.
Her struggles are very real.
Add to the mix a teenage daughter that is also struggling in a very bad way.
This is where it gets frustrating. Grace is a brat and Pam is struggling. This is where you'll want to reach through the pages to grab both of them and shake them both senseless. I kept screaming at the pages for both of them to get into therapy. After all, the loss of Nate wasn't something either was expecting and the world was wanting them to pick up the pieces pretty quickly, especially Pam.
Both needed help that they weren't getting. The things Grace was doing were huge cries for help or something. The girl was a brat, and a nasty one at that. Truly, I didn't like her much. I probably would have put her up for adoption at 15 for the stuff she did.
They have a lot of struggles as they both start putting their lives back together.
The ending was a little too easy for me, but it was a perfect fit for both Pam and Grace, with a lot of hope for their future.
This was a wonderful read, that was light but not fluffy or too depressing.
September 8, 2018
There are few books that are so gripping that I eagerly wait for a sequel. This was one. Five stars!
September 18, 2018
Designer You was fun, well written and easy to read. It didn’t take long to finish...each time I put it down, the characters’ lives stayed on my mind, and I had to pick up the book and find out what was next for each of them.
August 30, 2018
Designer You explores grief and discovering what you’re capable of with the backdrop of DIY home renovations, blogs, and podcasts. Pam and Nate were a powerhouse design team. Nate spearheaded their projects, while Pam brought them to life on their blog, books, and social media. When Nate dies unexpectedly at their house, Pam not only must figure out how to carry on without him but how to keep Nate's dream alive.
I'm particularly drawn to books that grapple with grief. Pam and her 15 year old daughter Grace flounder without Nate. There is no one way to respond when someone dies. Some families draw closer together, while others fall apart. This is a messier portrayal of grief and it was good to see this—refreshing, even—although said messiness meant I sometimes wanted to wring the characters’ necks.
And isn't that true to life? Characters, like people, do not always behave the way we think they should.
When your spouse or partner dies, there are many layers of loss. There's the reality of having them no longer be physically and emotionally present. In many cases, there's the reality of financial loss as you may lose part or all of the household income. When you run a business with your spouse, all of that burden then falls on you: paying the bills, satisfying clients, keeping the business afloat, all while your grief hovers nearby.
It was fascinating to get a glimpse of the DIY empire Nate and Pam built through the lens of Pam trying to do it all on her own. Most bloggers who have book and product deals, on top of an actual business, would have a team helping them or an administrative assistant at the very least so I was surprised Pam didn't have any support beyond her agent and at least one contractor who helped her manage the workers. But I empathized as she had to learn how to oversee workers, what goes into construction, and how to bring Nate's designs to life without him there.
Pam views herself as a sidekick or almost a silent partner in Designer You, always happy to cede the spotlight to Nate, but that's no longer possible. She doesn't have time to figure out what she wants. It's as if she's on automatic, doing what she can to keep their old way of life going no matter the cost, even if that's not necessarily the best thing for her or Grace. It was heartbreaking to see the toll of her choices on herself and on Grace, although Grace is no innocent party here. They both do not treat each other well in the aftermath.
This could make for heavy reading but I found myself invested in these characters, ready to see what Pam might decide about dating or if Grace would cut her mom some slack. The pages practically turned themselves. I didn't always understand Pam's motivations but I could relate to how she wanted to honor her husband's memory, even as she slowly figured out what she might want from life without him.
We need more stories like this, showing us how complex the grieving process is and how people don't always get it right but they can still find a way forward. They can still find light in the darkness.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I'm particularly drawn to books that grapple with grief. Pam and her 15 year old daughter Grace flounder without Nate. There is no one way to respond when someone dies. Some families draw closer together, while others fall apart. This is a messier portrayal of grief and it was good to see this—refreshing, even—although said messiness meant I sometimes wanted to wring the characters’ necks.
And isn't that true to life? Characters, like people, do not always behave the way we think they should.
When your spouse or partner dies, there are many layers of loss. There's the reality of having them no longer be physically and emotionally present. In many cases, there's the reality of financial loss as you may lose part or all of the household income. When you run a business with your spouse, all of that burden then falls on you: paying the bills, satisfying clients, keeping the business afloat, all while your grief hovers nearby.
It was fascinating to get a glimpse of the DIY empire Nate and Pam built through the lens of Pam trying to do it all on her own. Most bloggers who have book and product deals, on top of an actual business, would have a team helping them or an administrative assistant at the very least so I was surprised Pam didn't have any support beyond her agent and at least one contractor who helped her manage the workers. But I empathized as she had to learn how to oversee workers, what goes into construction, and how to bring Nate's designs to life without him there.
Pam views herself as a sidekick or almost a silent partner in Designer You, always happy to cede the spotlight to Nate, but that's no longer possible. She doesn't have time to figure out what she wants. It's as if she's on automatic, doing what she can to keep their old way of life going no matter the cost, even if that's not necessarily the best thing for her or Grace. It was heartbreaking to see the toll of her choices on herself and on Grace, although Grace is no innocent party here. They both do not treat each other well in the aftermath.
This could make for heavy reading but I found myself invested in these characters, ready to see what Pam might decide about dating or if Grace would cut her mom some slack. The pages practically turned themselves. I didn't always understand Pam's motivations but I could relate to how she wanted to honor her husband's memory, even as she slowly figured out what she might want from life without him.
We need more stories like this, showing us how complex the grieving process is and how people don't always get it right but they can still find a way forward. They can still find light in the darkness.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2018
Thank you to the author for this free copy to review.
Pam and Nate were not just partners in marriage, but also a successful business team with a DIY home renovation business, Designer You. Their brand had a following through their blog, podcast, books and merchandise partnerships, as well as high profile remodeling projects. Charismatic Nate charmed their followers with his DIY abilities, while Pam was content in his shadow, handling their blog posts and administrative work. When Nate dies in a freak accident, Pam is a bereft young widow with a demanding business to run alone. She is also left to deal with their grief stricken teenage daughter who is suddenly acting out. Once the quiet partner of their business, she has to become the sole face of Designer You or risk losing all that they built together as well as her means of living. And, she has to come to terms with how to be single again after losing the love of her life.
Its easy to sympathize with Pam's grief and overwhelming circumstances at the loss of her husband. The author takes her through all the emotions grief brings with it; despair, loneliness, regret and anger. I empathized with her as she has to put one foot in front of the other, forcing herself to show up at their book signing event alone just weeks after the funeral. Its the first realization of her new solo life and career in a very public spotlight. There is a touch of romance, but the focus settles on the chasm that develops between Pam and her daughter Grace as a result of the demands of the business and their grief. This is a good look at loss, grief, healing and moving forward with hope.
Pam and Nate were not just partners in marriage, but also a successful business team with a DIY home renovation business, Designer You. Their brand had a following through their blog, podcast, books and merchandise partnerships, as well as high profile remodeling projects. Charismatic Nate charmed their followers with his DIY abilities, while Pam was content in his shadow, handling their blog posts and administrative work. When Nate dies in a freak accident, Pam is a bereft young widow with a demanding business to run alone. She is also left to deal with their grief stricken teenage daughter who is suddenly acting out. Once the quiet partner of their business, she has to become the sole face of Designer You or risk losing all that they built together as well as her means of living. And, she has to come to terms with how to be single again after losing the love of her life.
Its easy to sympathize with Pam's grief and overwhelming circumstances at the loss of her husband. The author takes her through all the emotions grief brings with it; despair, loneliness, regret and anger. I empathized with her as she has to put one foot in front of the other, forcing herself to show up at their book signing event alone just weeks after the funeral. Its the first realization of her new solo life and career in a very public spotlight. There is a touch of romance, but the focus settles on the chasm that develops between Pam and her daughter Grace as a result of the demands of the business and their grief. This is a good look at loss, grief, healing and moving forward with hope.
September 10, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Great, feel good wonen's fiction! This book was so sad in the beginning, but you do know how I love sad books! Tears were streaming down my face after the first few chapters. It takes a good book to do that.
Two things can happen when you read a sad book, you either think "Oh man, I can really relate to that, the same thing happened to me." or you can think "Wow, that was so sad, I am so lucky nothing like that has happened to me."
When Pam's husband tragically dies in the very beginning I felt so lucky I have not had to go through that! I don't know what I would do without my husband (Although I have wanted to kill him more than a few times!).
It was just a tad slowish the first quarter but once it got to when Pam and her daughter Grace went to FL for a month I really started liking it! I am oddly attracted to books about women who are trying to start their lives over again for one reason or another. I did have to do that, not because of death, but because of divorce of an abusive husband (and in this case I would have welcomed his death! LOL).
No! Seriously, I am making light of a very serious situation. And Pam and Grace were both devastated. I can't imagine how hard it must be to have your husband die. I have a wonderful husband now and have a very happy life.
The character development was very good. I liked Pam (didn't love her, but liked her) and Grace... She was a piece of work! She was quite the 15 yr old bratty snot and she was pissing me off!
Great ending (and Grace did get better, still didn't like her though LOL). But I thought Pam made good choices and was a good mom and friend in the end.
Great book to finish the summer off!
POOLSIDE RATING - 5 Stars!
This was a great book to read by the pool! And I actually did read most of it sitting by my pool. We have had some pretty lousy pool weather this year in central PA. Now, at the end of summer, it is getting nice! We will probably not close our pool until the end of summer.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours - Thank You!!
Great, feel good wonen's fiction! This book was so sad in the beginning, but you do know how I love sad books! Tears were streaming down my face after the first few chapters. It takes a good book to do that.
Two things can happen when you read a sad book, you either think "Oh man, I can really relate to that, the same thing happened to me." or you can think "Wow, that was so sad, I am so lucky nothing like that has happened to me."
When Pam's husband tragically dies in the very beginning I felt so lucky I have not had to go through that! I don't know what I would do without my husband (Although I have wanted to kill him more than a few times!).
It was just a tad slowish the first quarter but once it got to when Pam and her daughter Grace went to FL for a month I really started liking it! I am oddly attracted to books about women who are trying to start their lives over again for one reason or another. I did have to do that, not because of death, but because of divorce of an abusive husband (and in this case I would have welcomed his death! LOL).
No! Seriously, I am making light of a very serious situation. And Pam and Grace were both devastated. I can't imagine how hard it must be to have your husband die. I have a wonderful husband now and have a very happy life.
The character development was very good. I liked Pam (didn't love her, but liked her) and Grace... She was a piece of work! She was quite the 15 yr old bratty snot and she was pissing me off!
Great ending (and Grace did get better, still didn't like her though LOL). But I thought Pam made good choices and was a good mom and friend in the end.
Great book to finish the summer off!
POOLSIDE RATING - 5 Stars!
This was a great book to read by the pool! And I actually did read most of it sitting by my pool. We have had some pretty lousy pool weather this year in central PA. Now, at the end of summer, it is getting nice! We will probably not close our pool until the end of summer.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours - Thank You!!
October 17, 2018
Designer You
by Sarahlyn Bruck
#Older #Women #Fiction
The Good
This is women's fiction for the older woman or a woman with experience of loss. Parents of teenagers will relate to a lot of it.
The Bad
I could relate to this and the school meeting with the headmistress - made me re-live several scenarios. In fact, I had to put the book away for an hour before I continued. But I could not, not continue... engrossing story.
The Ugly
Not the fastest pace -but talking about difficult subjects like death are not supposed to be. I could relate to so much of this book both as a mother and a daughter who lost her father.
4.3 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour
by Sarahlyn Bruck
#Older #Women #Fiction
The Good
This is women's fiction for the older woman or a woman with experience of loss. Parents of teenagers will relate to a lot of it.
The Bad
I could relate to this and the school meeting with the headmistress - made me re-live several scenarios. In fact, I had to put the book away for an hour before I continued. But I could not, not continue... engrossing story.
The Ugly
Not the fastest pace -but talking about difficult subjects like death are not supposed to be. I could relate to so much of this book both as a mother and a daughter who lost her father.
4.3 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour
September 3, 2018
Designer you was an enjoyable book and easy to read. It addresses parenting, relationships and careers in a way that is very relatable.
October 17, 2018
When I read the first page, I laughed. I thought it was going to be a story full of sarcasm, but it soon turned into a very sad one.
This book is about coping, or at least trying to, and having to make decisions. Making those, when you are grieve stricken is not a good idea, but life does not wait. It pushes you in a certain direction and you are convinced it was the right one. People were counting on you and surely, you can't let them down, can you?
Suddenly you realize the most important person in your life, is the one you have let down the most. Can you still mend bridges or is it too late?
Although I did not really like Grace - she manipulated her mom too much in my opinion and Pam let her because she felt guilty - I understood what Pam did, but she was not flawless either. She is, after all, only human as well.
I enjoyed the book. I thought it was fluently written and I am curious to know what the author still has in store. 4 stars.
Thank you, Sarahlyn Bruck and RachelsRandomResources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
This book is about coping, or at least trying to, and having to make decisions. Making those, when you are grieve stricken is not a good idea, but life does not wait. It pushes you in a certain direction and you are convinced it was the right one. People were counting on you and surely, you can't let them down, can you?
Suddenly you realize the most important person in your life, is the one you have let down the most. Can you still mend bridges or is it too late?
Although I did not really like Grace - she manipulated her mom too much in my opinion and Pam let her because she felt guilty - I understood what Pam did, but she was not flawless either. She is, after all, only human as well.
I enjoyed the book. I thought it was fluently written and I am curious to know what the author still has in store. 4 stars.
Thank you, Sarahlyn Bruck and RachelsRandomResources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
May 16, 2019
Designer You is Sarahlyn Bruck’s debut novel and a beautifully wrought story about the effect of loss on relationships. We follow the main character, Pam, as she struggles to define herself after her husband’s death. Pam faces self-disappointment and inadequacy – especially in the eyes of her daughter, Grace. The good news is that, in Sarahlyn Bruck’s hands, the characters are molded with the care and delicacy of a seasoned writer. While not a suspense novel per se, what I enjoyed most about this story is the way it drew me in emotionally and kept me holding on until the last breath. Bravo Sarahlyn Bruck!
October 16, 2018
This book opens with every wife’s worst nightmare—Pam’s beloved husband dies prematurely. And that’s just the beginning of the dramatic vicissitudes of her life. I was rooting for Pam all the way because she faces adversity with such magnanimity. She’s far from perfect; her relationship with her daughter, Grace, proves it. But I admire the lack of drama and destructive behavior, which is too common in novels about grieving women. I admire Pam’s brand of resilience and enjoyed her story!
October 14, 2018
What a great read - I'm amazed this is a debut novel!
Pam and Nate have a great life; they work hard, play hard and - alongside their teenage daughter - form a strong family unit. Following years of hard slog their 'brand', Designer You, has really taken off and they have plenty of work between projects on the go, endorsements, trade shows, their blog and future possibilities lining up for their undivided attention. Then tragedy strikes with Nate's sudden death, and Pam finds herself being torn in all directions trying to do both the work - and the parenting - of two. Something has got to give ...
I felt a great affinity with Pam. Suddenly finding herself trying to keep everything going on her own puts her under tremendous pressure. It's hard to please everyone at the best of times and even more difficult when you're trying to cover for two. From being in the shadows, Pam now finds herself very much centre stage. As most of us would, she puts her head down and gets on with it and this is the story of both her and her daughter trying to fight their way through their grief and find a niche for their new pairing to settle comfortably. A fascinating read, and one which I enjoyed immensely. A well-structured story, beautifully written and delivered with style makes this so enjoyable. I very much look forward to reading more from this author, and it's worth giving the cover a mention too - just perfect for the contents! Certainly a novel I'm happy to recommend to lovers of women's and family fiction.
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources not only for my copy, but also for inclusion in this blog tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Pam and Nate have a great life; they work hard, play hard and - alongside their teenage daughter - form a strong family unit. Following years of hard slog their 'brand', Designer You, has really taken off and they have plenty of work between projects on the go, endorsements, trade shows, their blog and future possibilities lining up for their undivided attention. Then tragedy strikes with Nate's sudden death, and Pam finds herself being torn in all directions trying to do both the work - and the parenting - of two. Something has got to give ...
I felt a great affinity with Pam. Suddenly finding herself trying to keep everything going on her own puts her under tremendous pressure. It's hard to please everyone at the best of times and even more difficult when you're trying to cover for two. From being in the shadows, Pam now finds herself very much centre stage. As most of us would, she puts her head down and gets on with it and this is the story of both her and her daughter trying to fight their way through their grief and find a niche for their new pairing to settle comfortably. A fascinating read, and one which I enjoyed immensely. A well-structured story, beautifully written and delivered with style makes this so enjoyable. I very much look forward to reading more from this author, and it's worth giving the cover a mention too - just perfect for the contents! Certainly a novel I'm happy to recommend to lovers of women's and family fiction.
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources not only for my copy, but also for inclusion in this blog tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
October 21, 2018
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I first picked up this book but I was instantly drawn into Pam's life as her world gets turned upside down! At its heart is a story about a family learning to cope with their grief along with showing both the highs and lows that come with healing. It felt real especially as the characters had their flaws making them even more believable. They made mistakes but isn't that what life is about, there was a hopeful feeling too as the characters try to figure out how best to move forward while dealing with everyday life. There were times when I wanted to reach in and have a word with the characters just so they wouldn't make the wrong choice. In a way I thought this was a brave move showing that sometimes grief doesn't bring you closer and can cause tension too.
I wouldn't necessarily say that this book moves at a fast pace but there is something about the characters that made me want to keep on reading just to see how everything would turn out for them.
Designer You had strong themes of family along with showing the effects of grief and trying to start over. It took me on quite a journey!
Three and a half stars (rounded up to Four stars)
I wouldn't necessarily say that this book moves at a fast pace but there is something about the characters that made me want to keep on reading just to see how everything would turn out for them.
Designer You had strong themes of family along with showing the effects of grief and trying to start over. It took me on quite a journey!
Three and a half stars (rounded up to Four stars)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
DESIGNER YOU by Sarahlyn Bruck is an engaging and moving story of love, loss and new beginnings. Pam and Nate are a couple who share everything: a happy marriage, parenting of their fifteen-year-old daughter, Grace and their wildly successful DIY and lifestyle business. When Nate dies in a sudden, tragic accident, Pam is forced into single motherhood and sole responsibility for the empire that was largely her late husband’s dream. Pam and Grace’s relationship begins to crumble under the stress of their grief and the enormous new demands on Pam’s time. The story is told with such raw honesty and heartfelt emotion, I felt like I knew the characters personally. The author delves into the grieving process with compassion and empathy. I really enjoyed this thought-provoking and uplifting book and I look forward to reading more from Sarahlyn Bruck in the future.
October 20, 2018
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This was a well written story and I really enjoyed it – I was attracted by the cover and this is definitely one of the most attractive and eye catching I have seen this year.
The story is quite poignant in places and it covers both love and loss very well. I enjoyed the story and the characters worked really well together and with the story, I didn’t connect with them initially but after a few chapters I was fully engrossed in the story.
Four stars from me for this one, highly recommended!
This was a well written story and I really enjoyed it – I was attracted by the cover and this is definitely one of the most attractive and eye catching I have seen this year.
The story is quite poignant in places and it covers both love and loss very well. I enjoyed the story and the characters worked really well together and with the story, I didn’t connect with them initially but after a few chapters I was fully engrossed in the story.
Four stars from me for this one, highly recommended!
April 7, 2019
Designer You by Sarahlyn Bruck is a moving story of love, loss and new beginnings. Pam makes it through college without any real plans for the future—until she meets Nate. He then becomes her plan. He is the consummate DIY guy and Pam runs the marketing and blogging aspects of their business. Nate dies suddenly in a fall from their roof, and Pam is forced to assume responsibility for their entire business while being a single mother to their daughter Grace. Designer You is told with raw emotion and honesty, and the author handles the issues of grief with compassion. The Philadelphia setting is quite accurate and “real” feeling to this former Philadelphia resident. Pam and Grace learn their new roles in life without husband and father, and their journey is revealed in candid, gut-wrenching honesty—it’s not easy to recreate their life together. The ending felt a tad rushed; I would have liked to see more of Pam and Grace growing together rather than have the novel end with a whirlwind.
January 7, 2019
Beautifully crafted
A wonderful debut encompassing the whole spectrum of emotions. Designer You is also a truly refreshing read, set against backdrop of the celebrity D.I.Y world. You'll need your tissues but ultimately you'll be smiling. Warm and gorgeously written.
A wonderful debut encompassing the whole spectrum of emotions. Designer You is also a truly refreshing read, set against backdrop of the celebrity D.I.Y world. You'll need your tissues but ultimately you'll be smiling. Warm and gorgeously written.
May 8, 2019
Excellent story of a woman (Pam) grappling with the aftermath of the unexpected death of her beloved husband. The story is, at heart, a journey between mother and daughter and how to pick up the pieces after a horrific tragedy. The plot is unpredictable and the characters well-developed. I found myself rooting from Pam from page one. Fast-paced, this book would make a terrific beach read!
May 5, 2019
This is an exquisitely written story filled with tragedy, grief, love, and forgiveness. The depth of emotion portrayed by Ms. Bruck is both ugly and real, with characters so relatable it was easy to both love and not love them, almost simultaneously.
I look forward to her next endeavor!
I look forward to her next endeavor!
October 15, 2018
For some reason books that talk about loss and the life after, always breaks my heart and touches my soul. Well, it may be because it reminds me of all the loved ones I have lost in the past, more recently my grandpa. So I can say that in a way I could connect with the grieving of the characters.
It was sad, of course, but it sounded real. Each person grieves in their own way and you could see that in Pam and Grace, and if you have ever lost a loved one you know how you processed it all and how you grieved. When grandpa died I couldn't sleep and I had to stay busy. I cleaned the house, I made breakfast for everyone and I had to keep moving. We all do different things as a coping mechanism.
Besides that, we also grieve in group, as a family. And that is a different process too. There are those that isolate themselves, and those that choose to celebrate the life of that loved one. You can see the interaction between mother and daughter and you see how hard it can be sometimes, because each person feels a different way.
So, overall, this book made me thing about my own experiences and I can understand a bit of what the characters went through, at least in terms of relating to others that are also grieving. Losing a family member is tough, especially when it's the spouse, parent or child. So, of course that it impacts the family relationships and routine. And that was something I liked in this book, because it showed us that.
The book had the bad and ugly of grief, but also the good. And by good I mean the connection between the people that stayed, the ones that are now having to adjust to the lost and keep moving forward, and feeling "Saudade" (that's a Portuguese word).
It was relatable, it was well written, and even though I sometimes wanted to scream at Grace, I could understand why Pam and Grace were acting and feeling like that. It was a great book and I'm curious to know what's next in Sarahlyn Bruck's future in terms of books.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Sarahlyn Bruck for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
It was sad, of course, but it sounded real. Each person grieves in their own way and you could see that in Pam and Grace, and if you have ever lost a loved one you know how you processed it all and how you grieved. When grandpa died I couldn't sleep and I had to stay busy. I cleaned the house, I made breakfast for everyone and I had to keep moving. We all do different things as a coping mechanism.
Besides that, we also grieve in group, as a family. And that is a different process too. There are those that isolate themselves, and those that choose to celebrate the life of that loved one. You can see the interaction between mother and daughter and you see how hard it can be sometimes, because each person feels a different way.
So, overall, this book made me thing about my own experiences and I can understand a bit of what the characters went through, at least in terms of relating to others that are also grieving. Losing a family member is tough, especially when it's the spouse, parent or child. So, of course that it impacts the family relationships and routine. And that was something I liked in this book, because it showed us that.
The book had the bad and ugly of grief, but also the good. And by good I mean the connection between the people that stayed, the ones that are now having to adjust to the lost and keep moving forward, and feeling "Saudade" (that's a Portuguese word).
It was relatable, it was well written, and even though I sometimes wanted to scream at Grace, I could understand why Pam and Grace were acting and feeling like that. It was a great book and I'm curious to know what's next in Sarahlyn Bruck's future in terms of books.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Sarahlyn Bruck for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
January 1, 2019
Pam Wheeler has it all—Nate, her gorgeous, talented husband whom she adores, a mega successful home design empire they run together, and Grace, their spunky fifteen year old daughter—but when Nate falls to his death while building a roof deck on their Philadelphia home, Pam is forced to grieve this unthinkable loss and reinvent herself all at the same time.
Without Nate's charismatic persona, Pam realizes that the business they created together, Designer You, doesn't feel the same. He was the face of the business and she can't summon the energy to travel and make the personal appearances necessary to keep the business afloat. She adores the interior design part of the business, but has no penchant for the necessary technical aspects. While Pam is focused on the floundering business, Grace begins acting out in more and more risky ways, leaving Pam to choose between her business and her child.
I loved this candid exploration of the grief—the way it affects people in different ways, reframes things that seemed immutable, and changes long established relationships. Pam and Grace must get to know each other anew in order to move on with their lives and try to fill the gaping hole Nate left behind. As they travel through the stages of grief and begin to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel, both characters must learn to shuffle their priorities in order to move on.
The ending felt just a bit rushed—I wanted a few more chapters to see how both Pam and Grace's relationship and their future have changed in their new reality. I did like that the ending left some questions unanswered, but I did feel there could have been a bit more development before the conclusion. However, I really enjoyed getting to know Pam and Grace and all of the secondary characters as well (especially Becky). Bruck's writing is fresh and lively and she kept me turning the pages to find out how the Wheelers would recover from this horrible tragedy.
Without Nate's charismatic persona, Pam realizes that the business they created together, Designer You, doesn't feel the same. He was the face of the business and she can't summon the energy to travel and make the personal appearances necessary to keep the business afloat. She adores the interior design part of the business, but has no penchant for the necessary technical aspects. While Pam is focused on the floundering business, Grace begins acting out in more and more risky ways, leaving Pam to choose between her business and her child.
I loved this candid exploration of the grief—the way it affects people in different ways, reframes things that seemed immutable, and changes long established relationships. Pam and Grace must get to know each other anew in order to move on with their lives and try to fill the gaping hole Nate left behind. As they travel through the stages of grief and begin to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel, both characters must learn to shuffle their priorities in order to move on.
The ending felt just a bit rushed—I wanted a few more chapters to see how both Pam and Grace's relationship and their future have changed in their new reality. I did like that the ending left some questions unanswered, but I did feel there could have been a bit more development before the conclusion. However, I really enjoyed getting to know Pam and Grace and all of the secondary characters as well (especially Becky). Bruck's writing is fresh and lively and she kept me turning the pages to find out how the Wheelers would recover from this horrible tragedy.
March 4, 2019
An engaging and sometimes heartbreaking story about a woman who has to find her way in the world again after the sudden and unexpected death of her husband. He had been not only her life partner, but her business partner, as the two had run a successful business (the titular Designer You) renovating homes and writing about the process. So, she lost the center of two of her worlds at the same time.
The story meandered a bit for my taste, which fit thematically with what was happening and how the character felt, but was a bit frustrating at times for me as the reader. Still, overall, it felt like a realistic vision of what might have happened, and meandering is part of that "figuring it out" process.
The story meandered a bit for my taste, which fit thematically with what was happening and how the character felt, but was a bit frustrating at times for me as the reader. Still, overall, it felt like a realistic vision of what might have happened, and meandering is part of that "figuring it out" process.
September 9, 2018
Designer You is a well written heart-wrenching book about loss, grief and just trying to make it through the next hour. Pam loses her husband in a freak accident and now she must navigate how to keep going and raise their daughter Grace.
This book really resonated with me because I have a close friend who I watched go through this very process. The book felt so authentic because it was like watching her journey all over again. From the crippling grief to the problems with kids in school, the author was spot on. I only wish that it was a little longer with an epilogue. I did end up with the feeling of hope for Pam and Grace, but I wanted more closure. I definitely recommend this one
This book really resonated with me because I have a close friend who I watched go through this very process. The book felt so authentic because it was like watching her journey all over again. From the crippling grief to the problems with kids in school, the author was spot on. I only wish that it was a little longer with an epilogue. I did end up with the feeling of hope for Pam and Grace, but I wanted more closure. I definitely recommend this one
April 24, 2019
Pam Wheeler has it all--great husband, great kid, great job. But when Nate, her husband and business partner, dies as a result of an accident, she's left to try to hold everything together. And the truth is... It's impossible.
I expect this novel will sit with me for quite some time. While reading, you feel as though you're right there with Pam. Through all her missteps, her successes, and her bold decisions, you'll root for her and her daughter to make it through their grief and figure out their new normal.
I expect this novel will sit with me for quite some time. While reading, you feel as though you're right there with Pam. Through all her missteps, her successes, and her bold decisions, you'll root for her and her daughter to make it through their grief and figure out their new normal.
October 14, 2018
I started this book and quickly got sucked into it. The characters were real and I enjoyed reading the interaction between mother and daughter as they fought to control their shared grief. The story was very relatable; for anyone who has lost someone, this book speaks to you! Beautiful simple ending; some open ends but I was satisfied with how it was written. The flow was brilliant and made for a great reading experience.
July 16, 2021
This was a truly great read. Right from the beginning, the reader feels for Pam and her situation. Running a business and raising a teenager are hard enough when you have a supportive partner, but with the loss of Nate, that's all gone for Pam. Bruck does a fabulous job of laying out an authentic, relatable set of characters who have to deal unexpected issues. Despite the overarching theme of grief, the book is ultimately hopeful. I highly recommend this book!
October 15, 2018
Well-written exploration of grief
There are a few cliche moments that decreased my star rating but overall this is a well-executes novel about a woman’s first year of widowhood. It’s sad, very sad, and that made it hard to digest at times, but it also made some lovely points about focusing on what brings joy when deep sadness comes calling.
There are a few cliche moments that decreased my star rating but overall this is a well-executes novel about a woman’s first year of widowhood. It’s sad, very sad, and that made it hard to digest at times, but it also made some lovely points about focusing on what brings joy when deep sadness comes calling.
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