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Pieces of You
***This book contains material intended for mature readers***
Ava
When I left behind my simple life and the small town that held it after graduation, I had perfect guy and the future I’d always dreamed of. I never imagined he’d become my worst nightmare.
I got away from him, but since I’ve come home, all that remains is the broken girl who ran away all those years ago. Suddenly, this town seems so much smaller than it ever did before.
With my dad gone and a decade full of regret behind me, I’ve never felt more alone in the world.
It isn’t until I meet my dad’s neighbor and her son, Nate, that I begin to feel anything.
They say you can’t go home again.
I never believed that until I tried.
Nate
I’ve lived in this town my whole life and have loved it since the day I was born. Lately, though, I can’t help feeling like it’s walls are closing in on me.
Maybe heartbreak does that to everyone.
Or maybe that’s just what I’ve been telling myself.
I’ve tried keeping my focus on my job and taking care of my mom, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing.
Until Ava.
I’ve heard it said you can’t go home again.
One look at her and I can’t help but wonder if you can.
Pieces of You is a multi-POV standalone novel.
Ava
When I left behind my simple life and the small town that held it after graduation, I had perfect guy and the future I’d always dreamed of. I never imagined he’d become my worst nightmare.
I got away from him, but since I’ve come home, all that remains is the broken girl who ran away all those years ago. Suddenly, this town seems so much smaller than it ever did before.
With my dad gone and a decade full of regret behind me, I’ve never felt more alone in the world.
It isn’t until I meet my dad’s neighbor and her son, Nate, that I begin to feel anything.
They say you can’t go home again.
I never believed that until I tried.
Nate
I’ve lived in this town my whole life and have loved it since the day I was born. Lately, though, I can’t help feeling like it’s walls are closing in on me.
Maybe heartbreak does that to everyone.
Or maybe that’s just what I’ve been telling myself.
I’ve tried keeping my focus on my job and taking care of my mom, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing.
Until Ava.
I’ve heard it said you can’t go home again.
One look at her and I can’t help but wonder if you can.
Pieces of You is a multi-POV standalone novel.
First published October 29, 2018
About the author
Kate Benson
37 books610 followersKate Benson was raised in Texas and currently resides in central Florida with her husband and their furboy, Boomer. She learned to read at the age of four and has been hooked ever since.
She credits her passion for literature to her mother, her love of story-telling to her father and her unwavering faith in happily-ever-after’s to her husband, Sean.
Some of her favorite things include rainy days, loud music, superhero movies, hot tea and of course, lazy afternoons with a great book.
To find out more about Kate, her work or to just say hello, she loves hearing from her readers and can be found on social media.
Facebook: facebook.com/katebensonauthor/
Twitter: twitter.com/Katebensonauthr
Instagram: instagram.com/katebensonauthor/
She credits her passion for literature to her mother, her love of story-telling to her father and her unwavering faith in happily-ever-after’s to her husband, Sean.
Some of her favorite things include rainy days, loud music, superhero movies, hot tea and of course, lazy afternoons with a great book.
To find out more about Kate, her work or to just say hello, she loves hearing from her readers and can be found on social media.
Facebook: facebook.com/katebensonauthor/
Twitter: twitter.com/Katebensonauthr
Instagram: instagram.com/katebensonauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 13, 2018
I'm not sure I ever wrote this line in one of my reviews...
One of the best heroes I read!!!
Absolutely amazing, caring and loving son. And very loyal and kind man.
God, his relationship with his mom was epic.
I would marry him, immediately! 💖
Sweet romance, likable heroine, cute dog.
The book has a good message.
This man was a real hero! I wish we had more men like him in fiction and in real life. He is a kind of a man women shall dream of.
His love and devotion to his mom melted my stone heart.
4 stars + 1 extra star for the hero.
Thanks to my bestie Leonor for recommending this book to me 😘
One of the best heroes I read!!!
Absolutely amazing, caring and loving son. And very loyal and kind man.
God, his relationship with his mom was epic.
I would marry him, immediately! 💖
Sweet romance, likable heroine, cute dog.
The book has a good message.
This man was a real hero! I wish we had more men like him in fiction and in real life. He is a kind of a man women shall dream of.
His love and devotion to his mom melted my stone heart.
4 stars + 1 extra star for the hero.
Thanks to my bestie Leonor for recommending this book to me 😘
November 3, 2018
I liked this book, this isn’t an instalove kind of book, this isn’t a book where the hero and heroine see each other, make googly eyes, fall in love in matter of seconds, get married, have babies and ride in to the sunset.
No, this book starts how they have met before, they weren’t in each other radar, she dated and married her abusive husband, they didn’t run in the same circle. They have known about each other and they weren’t even friends. So I don’t consider this a second chance romance.
Hero had broken up with his ex he wasn’t looking into starting a relationship with anyone same as the heroine, she had just returned to the town after her divorce and after the death of her father.
So no one was pining after anyone. This one of the reason I liked it. Another reason was the hero’s dog. He adopted a pit bull, we all know how many people have misconceptions about pit bulls. I don’t feel that way they’re NOT bad dogs if they get abused just like any dog they will defend themselves. They're actually sweet dogs. This is my opinion we can agree to disagree. This was the reason I liked the hero a lot, he didn’t care what other people thought about him adopting his dog, he adopted him and gave him love, he even had a room for his dog! A room with toys, a bed and blanket, he treated his dog like his son! I just love a man who adored animals no matter what kind! I also loved how he loved and took care of his mother. He was a momma’s boy.
If that’s not enough reason for you to like him then I don’t know what to tell you but a man who loves and respect his mother shows that he’ll love and respect his girlfriend, wife or significant others.
His mother, his mother was an amazing woman. She took in the heroine, even when the heroine was a little girl this woman was there for her, I loved how she played matchmaker between them. She wanted them together. I cried hard for her. I cried for the hero. I cried for the heroine. It was just unfair.
I didn’t want the book to end. I’m hoping the author writes a novella for this couple. Or an extended epilogue.
Safety: Their past wasn’t harped on. No OW, slightly OM drama.
No, this book starts how they have met before, they weren’t in each other radar, she dated and married her abusive husband, they didn’t run in the same circle. They have known about each other and they weren’t even friends. So I don’t consider this a second chance romance.
Hero had broken up with his ex he wasn’t looking into starting a relationship with anyone same as the heroine, she had just returned to the town after her divorce and after the death of her father.
So no one was pining after anyone. This one of the reason I liked it. Another reason was the hero’s dog. He adopted a pit bull, we all know how many people have misconceptions about pit bulls. I don’t feel that way they’re NOT bad dogs if they get abused just like any dog they will defend themselves. They're actually sweet dogs. This is my opinion we can agree to disagree. This was the reason I liked the hero a lot, he didn’t care what other people thought about him adopting his dog, he adopted him and gave him love, he even had a room for his dog! A room with toys, a bed and blanket, he treated his dog like his son! I just love a man who adored animals no matter what kind! I also loved how he loved and took care of his mother. He was a momma’s boy.
If that’s not enough reason for you to like him then I don’t know what to tell you but a man who loves and respect his mother shows that he’ll love and respect his girlfriend, wife or significant others.
His mother, his mother was an amazing woman. She took in the heroine, even when the heroine was a little girl this woman was there for her, I loved how she played matchmaker between them. She wanted them together. I cried hard for her. I cried for the hero. I cried for the heroine. It was just unfair.
I didn’t want the book to end. I’m hoping the author writes a novella for this couple. Or an extended epilogue.
Safety: Their past wasn’t harped on. No OW, slightly OM drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2018
4.5 stars.🌟🌟🌟🌟
So glad that I read this book. I loved all the "feels" it gave me.
Such a sweet and tender story, with a lot of kindness but also a little sadness to it.
A beautiful love story with a "real" hero.
Nate was a real man and his gentleness and patience that eventually earned him Ava's heart made me all tingly inside !!!
They so deserved each other.
It was somewhat emotional towards the end and I did shed a tear for our hero. The scene with his mother was so very sad and heartbreaking.
Recommended read .
So glad that I read this book. I loved all the "feels" it gave me.
Such a sweet and tender story, with a lot of kindness but also a little sadness to it.
A beautiful love story with a "real" hero.
Nate was a real man and his gentleness and patience that eventually earned him Ava's heart made me all tingly inside !!!
They so deserved each other.
It was somewhat emotional towards the end and I did shed a tear for our hero. The scene with his mother was so very sad and heartbreaking.
Recommended read .
May 8, 2020
4 ❤️❤️❤️❤️🌟s
What a beautiful and heartwarming romantic story!!!
Nate and Ava were meant to be together and love each other solidly and severely.
Their journey was developed step by step and evolved with a substantial and fundamental flow.
The story was beautifully written with amazing characters, enriched with many feelings. There were some heartbreaking moments, but not dramatic.
“I know I can’t fix this broken heart, but I promise to love all the pieces of you along the way.” Ava
What a beautiful and heartwarming romantic story!!!
Nate and Ava were meant to be together and love each other solidly and severely.
Their journey was developed step by step and evolved with a substantial and fundamental flow.
The story was beautifully written with amazing characters, enriched with many feelings. There were some heartbreaking moments, but not dramatic.
“I know I can’t fix this broken heart, but I promise to love all the pieces of you along the way.” Ava
April 28, 2021
If you are looking for a short, sweet and simple clean romance - this book is it! Not overly swoony or deep into all the feels, just a sweet lonely bachelor who loves his Mom and his dog. Girl who married, and then divorced her high school sweet heart. After a very abusive relationship she returns back home to the neighborhood of Nate and his Mom. The path to healing and love....coupled with the Mother who is losing her memory makes for a sweet and touching story, you can't help but shed some tears! 3.5 stars!!!
October 6, 2018
Wow, what a heart breaking, beautifully written story. You can tell as you read Nate and Ava's book that Kate Benson has put her heart and soul into her writing. It totally blew me away.
Ava is a broken soul and after everything she's endured you can understand why.
When she's introduced to her neighbours son Nate they have this instant connection but her feelings also scare her.
Will Ava be willing to give him a chance and could they both be what each other needs to pick up the pieces of their lives.
Its a solid 5 stars from me for this beautifully written standalone from Kate Benson.
Ava is a broken soul and after everything she's endured you can understand why.
When she's introduced to her neighbours son Nate they have this instant connection but her feelings also scare her.
Will Ava be willing to give him a chance and could they both be what each other needs to pick up the pieces of their lives.
Its a solid 5 stars from me for this beautifully written standalone from Kate Benson.
December 2, 2018
Omg I want to give it more then 5 stars. Kate you done it again another fabulous story and highlighted 2 subjects. Thank you
October 22, 2018
This is a beautiful story. It’s about Ava and Nate, two broken people that overcome some serious obstacles in their lives. This is a story that broke my heart and put it back together in many ways. I cried and laughed throughout the story.
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
March 31, 2019
I really loved reading this book. It had all sorts of emotions coming out of me. I laughed, I cried, I got frustrated in more ways than one, I wanted to slap some people, you know normal feelings. Then there is heartbreak. I don't think I've read a book with so many feels in a very long time. Pieces of You is a phenomenal read!!
November 5, 2018
5 +++++ STARS
“There’s something to be said for broken people. These shards may cut deep, but when light comes along and crashes into them, they shift into something beautiful.”
Pieces of You by Kate Benson is not only a 5-Star read, but it’s a top read of 2018 and an all-time favorite read! It’s a second chance romance, but not in a typical way. Ava and Nate weren’t involved with each other before. Their second chance is really a chance to find the love they both deserve. It’s a tale about two broken people, in very different ways, who somehow find each other. Can they each give “little pieces” of one another to possibly heal their brokenness and find love?
Be prepared that Benson will break you heart, but she will also sew it back together in the most beautiful ways possible!
Ava was broken, and I wasn’t quite sure her shattered heart would ever be whole again. Yet, Nate was able to give her some of the pieces of her heart back in his own brokenness, just like Ava was able to do for him. Benson gave these characters such strength when they were at their weakest. This was such a realistic romance. It wasn’t a love story that made everything perfect in their lives. It was a perfect love story that happened in their imperfect lives. Isn’t that what real love is anyway…relying on our love for one another to make those bad days bearable and bringing even more joy into the good days?
I can’t leave one very important character out…Rocky. Rocky, along with Nate’s mother, was such a big part in this story! Thank you, Kate Benson, for showing your readers how important a dog’s love is. You showed the unconditional love and special bond they play in our lives. They truly help us through the hard times and teach us a lot about life and love!
Benson also touches on several issues, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, alcoholism, and domestic abuse. Not many authors could take all three issues and weave them seamlessly into the story without losing something, but she didn’t. It added even more depth to the story.
I have long been a fan of Benson’s books, and she has proven herself in several different genres. This one has to be my favorite. She has given her readers so much of her heart in this book. That is evident in her acknowledgements. I have come to love these as much as her storylines. She also gives us a glimpse into her heart and mind. She brought tears to my eyes with this one, and not many writers are able to do that. Benson continues to fascinate me. She takes what is in that big heart of hers and uses that amazing mind she is blessed with to weave stories that are magical!
“There’s something to be said for broken people. These shards may cut deep, but when light comes along and crashes into them, they shift into something beautiful.”
Pieces of You by Kate Benson is not only a 5-Star read, but it’s a top read of 2018 and an all-time favorite read! It’s a second chance romance, but not in a typical way. Ava and Nate weren’t involved with each other before. Their second chance is really a chance to find the love they both deserve. It’s a tale about two broken people, in very different ways, who somehow find each other. Can they each give “little pieces” of one another to possibly heal their brokenness and find love?
Be prepared that Benson will break you heart, but she will also sew it back together in the most beautiful ways possible!
Ava was broken, and I wasn’t quite sure her shattered heart would ever be whole again. Yet, Nate was able to give her some of the pieces of her heart back in his own brokenness, just like Ava was able to do for him. Benson gave these characters such strength when they were at their weakest. This was such a realistic romance. It wasn’t a love story that made everything perfect in their lives. It was a perfect love story that happened in their imperfect lives. Isn’t that what real love is anyway…relying on our love for one another to make those bad days bearable and bringing even more joy into the good days?
I can’t leave one very important character out…Rocky. Rocky, along with Nate’s mother, was such a big part in this story! Thank you, Kate Benson, for showing your readers how important a dog’s love is. You showed the unconditional love and special bond they play in our lives. They truly help us through the hard times and teach us a lot about life and love!
Benson also touches on several issues, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, alcoholism, and domestic abuse. Not many authors could take all three issues and weave them seamlessly into the story without losing something, but she didn’t. It added even more depth to the story.
I have long been a fan of Benson’s books, and she has proven herself in several different genres. This one has to be my favorite. She has given her readers so much of her heart in this book. That is evident in her acknowledgements. I have come to love these as much as her storylines. She also gives us a glimpse into her heart and mind. She brought tears to my eyes with this one, and not many writers are able to do that. Benson continues to fascinate me. She takes what is in that big heart of hers and uses that amazing mind she is blessed with to weave stories that are magical!
November 23, 2018
5 Cranky Stars
Ava is broken emotionally. She has dealt with the loss of a parent from an early age, and then she was in an abusive relationship. She finally escapes that and heads back home to the small town she escaped from. From the jump, it’s like she has no allies. Until Mary and Nate come into her life.
Have several boxes of tissues ready when you embark on this emotional rollercoaster. Trust me, you will thank me for this. Kate Benson is one of the few authors that gets the realness of a battered woman. Not a lot of authors get this part right as they think the heroine should rush right into the next relationship. Nate and Ava have been beaten down by life, and once they get back up, they get dealt another life shattering blow.
I really loved this book, I will recommend it to others. I cannot wait to read more from the author.
Ava is broken emotionally. She has dealt with the loss of a parent from an early age, and then she was in an abusive relationship. She finally escapes that and heads back home to the small town she escaped from. From the jump, it’s like she has no allies. Until Mary and Nate come into her life.
Have several boxes of tissues ready when you embark on this emotional rollercoaster. Trust me, you will thank me for this. Kate Benson is one of the few authors that gets the realness of a battered woman. Not a lot of authors get this part right as they think the heroine should rush right into the next relationship. Nate and Ava have been beaten down by life, and once they get back up, they get dealt another life shattering blow.
I really loved this book, I will recommend it to others. I cannot wait to read more from the author.
November 8, 2018
When Ava left home after graduation, she thought she was leaving to live her dream with the love of her life, however, that dream died when it became a nightmare existence, and she made plans to come home. However, she came home a little too late, and she had no family left, so now all she has left is a decade of regrets. Luckily, her dad's neighbor was a sweet woman who was trying to help her, and had a wonderful son, who became her friend. Nate is a man who loves his mom without shame, so he comes over to her house on a regular basis. Even though his mother is trying to fix him up with Ava, and though he protests, he and Ava become friends, then something more. It's not an insta love with all kinds of drama, nope it's sweet, yet realistic with life happening in a small town. Kate Benson did a great job penning a story about two people dealing with brokenness in their lives, but not making them horrible towards others. And the secondaries only added more depth. I enjoyed this story so much, and my one wish is that it was longer with some of the emotional baggage that Ava had. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
November 29, 2018
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: both in their early 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: Yes. Heroine experienced domestic abusive by her ex husband. it's not detailed but it affected her hugely
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
I liked this kindle read. It was a little sadder than I would've liked to be, but it was a good read to pass the time
Ages of H and h: both in their early 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: Yes. Heroine experienced domestic abusive by her ex husband. it's not detailed but it affected her hugely
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
I liked this kindle read. It was a little sadder than I would've liked to be, but it was a good read to pass the time
November 2, 2018
When Ava left her hometown, she had big dreams for her future with the man she loved. Her life has not turned out the way she planned, and she returns to her childhood home trying to heal from a disastrous marriage and the death of her father.
Nate’s mother is Ava’s next-door neighbor and she was always there for Ava when she was growing up. Ava and Nate know of each other, but he is a little older, so they were never close as children. There is an instant connection between them, but Nate knows that Ava needs time and he is patient and lets things move at her pace.
I loved Nate and Ava together. This is an emotional story of two people who come together at the worst time of their lives and heal each other. I thought the author did a great job of describing the effects of two prominent issues in society in a realistic way. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Nate’s mother is Ava’s next-door neighbor and she was always there for Ava when she was growing up. Ava and Nate know of each other, but he is a little older, so they were never close as children. There is an instant connection between them, but Nate knows that Ava needs time and he is patient and lets things move at her pace.
I loved Nate and Ava together. This is an emotional story of two people who come together at the worst time of their lives and heal each other. I thought the author did a great job of describing the effects of two prominent issues in society in a realistic way. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 7, 2018
Two broken souls find solace in one another as they share “pieces” of their shattered hearts... and eventually learn to heal.
This book isn’t a second-chance romance, but more of a second chance at love story. Finding love again when you are least expecting it. In the process, this story touches on a whole host of hot-button topics, but Kate Benson handles it beautifully. I love the slow burn with this couple, how Ava picks herself up again when she doesn’t think she has the strength to do so, and how absolutely loyal Nate is to his mother, his beloved dog and ultimately, Ava.
This book is full of angst, but full of so many feel-good moments, too! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
This book isn’t a second-chance romance, but more of a second chance at love story. Finding love again when you are least expecting it. In the process, this story touches on a whole host of hot-button topics, but Kate Benson handles it beautifully. I love the slow burn with this couple, how Ava picks herself up again when she doesn’t think she has the strength to do so, and how absolutely loyal Nate is to his mother, his beloved dog and ultimately, Ava.
This book is full of angst, but full of so many feel-good moments, too! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
November 15, 2018
Packed full of emotions and drama this book is about learning to trust in yourself, in people and in love by taking baby steps. Tackling the subject of domestic abuse the author takes us on a journey of healing and finding yourself again whilst learning who to trust. There is plenty of heartache as Ava also has to deal with her fathers death ad everything that entails as well as trying to heal from everything else. She finds strength in Nate and his mother and finds she is a stronger than she realised and even though Nate is broken also together they find the strength that heals them. This book gives you all the feels and this wonderful story will warm your heart.
November 15, 2018
Packed full of emotions and drama this book is about learning to trust in yourself, in people and in love by taking baby steps. Tackling the subject of domestic abuse the author takes us on a journey of healing and finding yourself again whilst learning who to trust. There is plenty of heartache as Ava also has to deal with her fathers death ad everything that entails as well as trying to heal from everything else. She finds strength in Nate and his mother and finds she is a stronger than she realized and even though Nate is broken also together they find the strength that heals them. This book gives you all the feels and this wonderful story will warm your heart.
REVIEW BY LESLEY
REVIEW BY LESLEY
October 30, 2018
I always love Kate’s books, but this book was just absolutely AMAZING! It hit home on so many levels! The raw emotion expressed was so REAL! This story just screams real life, and how it isn’t always pretty! At the same time though, it also shows that second chances and happy endings are in fact out there, you just have to want them enough sometimes! I love Nate and Ava so much! They will forever be in my heart ❤️
If you haven’t read this book, don’t think, JUST DO IT! Go Baby!! 😍
10 Beautiful Stars all the way ⭐️
If you haven’t read this book, don’t think, JUST DO IT! Go Baby!! 😍
10 Beautiful Stars all the way ⭐️
February 10, 2020
Beautifully Real
After I finish one of Kate's books, I say it was my favorite. And here I go again! This story hit me a a different level with so many elements. It made me laugh, cry and everything in between. A great read that is well worth it!!
After I finish one of Kate's books, I say it was my favorite. And here I go again! This story hit me a a different level with so many elements. It made me laugh, cry and everything in between. A great read that is well worth it!!
November 3, 2018
Page Turner!
I couldn't put it down! Kate benson is a wonderful storyteller. This book made me laugh, cry, and feel all the feels! I can't wait for a new release!
I couldn't put it down! Kate benson is a wonderful storyteller. This book made me laugh, cry, and feel all the feels! I can't wait for a new release!
March 10, 2019
One of my favorite reads.
It's been a long time since I've read a book that gives you the feels. Such a beautifully written book!
It's been a long time since I've read a book that gives you the feels. Such a beautifully written book!
March 9, 2021
Ava moves back to her small hometown after divorcing her abusive husband. Both of them came from the same town and he was the idolized hometown hero, but not to Ava after the charming beginning of their relationship. She doesn’t know if she can heal. Nate lived in the small hometown his whole life and never had any great lasting relationships, just heartache until he meets Ava.
I’ve come to really enjoy multiple POV romances, and Pieces of You delivers the POV of Ava and Nate in this story. I really, really appreciated the way Nate listened to Ava and agreed with more than just his words to ‘take things slow.’ Often a character will promise one thing and then act differently. Spending years in an abusive relationship will condition you to act, feel, and react in certain ways and it takes time, continuous patience, and understanding to slowly unwind yourself away from the effects of that abuse. Ava spent more than 10 years in an abusive relationship with her ex-husband.
Though I wish there had been more depth to Ava, Nate, and the story, I did enjoy reading the slow build of their romance over the course of the novel. I think Bensons captured that small-town feel to the way Nate and Ava interacted and the way they talked.
The climax was entirely predictable and didn’t carry enough weight to make the ending satisfactory, but I appreciated the fact that the novel had an ending and decent resolution. I did think that the author did too much telling and glossing over some worthwhile details in the last 15% of the book. I didn’t feel the need to read all the words and may have skimmed a bit of the end.
I’ve come to really enjoy multiple POV romances, and Pieces of You delivers the POV of Ava and Nate in this story. I really, really appreciated the way Nate listened to Ava and agreed with more than just his words to ‘take things slow.’ Often a character will promise one thing and then act differently. Spending years in an abusive relationship will condition you to act, feel, and react in certain ways and it takes time, continuous patience, and understanding to slowly unwind yourself away from the effects of that abuse. Ava spent more than 10 years in an abusive relationship with her ex-husband.
Though I wish there had been more depth to Ava, Nate, and the story, I did enjoy reading the slow build of their romance over the course of the novel. I think Bensons captured that small-town feel to the way Nate and Ava interacted and the way they talked.
The climax was entirely predictable and didn’t carry enough weight to make the ending satisfactory, but I appreciated the fact that the novel had an ending and decent resolution. I did think that the author did too much telling and glossing over some worthwhile details in the last 15% of the book. I didn’t feel the need to read all the words and may have skimmed a bit of the end.
July 25, 2021
3.5 Stars
I read one other book by this author - Beyond the Pine - back in 2019. I really enjoyed it and had intended to check out her other books. Apparently I got caught up in other books and forgot all about this author. Finally I couldn't decide what I wanted to read and went back and checked my Goodreads shelf - "first time reading author". I noticed I gave her book 4 stars, so I checked out Amazon and she was on KU. I went through a lot of her books, and this one finally caught my eye.
This was a sad story. I think there was only one scene that was kinda funny. This book deals with domestic abuse and Alzheimer's. I have personal experience with a loved one that had Alzheimer's, so that was tough to read.
I really liked the hero and the heroine. Both written as broken characters. Honestly, the heroine should have been in therapy. Which is why I'm rating this a bit lower. I think this could have been written better. I'm reading a pivotal scene and the heroine says " I'm not scared anymore " and I'm thinking, since when?? I felt like I missed something along the way.
The Hero's mother was awesome. I absolutely adored her. And his pit bull Rocky.
There were some loose ends not tied up in the epilogue, but it was still very sweet.
I read one other book by this author - Beyond the Pine - back in 2019. I really enjoyed it and had intended to check out her other books. Apparently I got caught up in other books and forgot all about this author. Finally I couldn't decide what I wanted to read and went back and checked my Goodreads shelf - "first time reading author". I noticed I gave her book 4 stars, so I checked out Amazon and she was on KU. I went through a lot of her books, and this one finally caught my eye.
This was a sad story. I think there was only one scene that was kinda funny. This book deals with domestic abuse and Alzheimer's. I have personal experience with a loved one that had Alzheimer's, so that was tough to read.
I really liked the hero and the heroine. Both written as broken characters. Honestly, the heroine should have been in therapy. Which is why I'm rating this a bit lower. I think this could have been written better. I'm reading a pivotal scene and the heroine says " I'm not scared anymore " and I'm thinking, since when?? I felt like I missed something along the way.
The Hero's mother was awesome. I absolutely adored her. And his pit bull Rocky.
There were some loose ends not tied up in the epilogue, but it was still very sweet.
November 9, 2018
Good Read, Great Characters
Pieces of you is an emotional romance that will melt your heart! This is a story about Ava and Nate and the struggles they go through in their lives. Ava has some hardships to overcome but has no one to rely on. Nate is a Mama’s boy that has been burned so many times that he is not very trusting towards any other woman . I liked how the author crossed their paths and introduced them to one another. I thought the story was well written but it was a bit slow starting. The back story is necessary so that you can understand who each character is but it was well worth it once the story progressed. I liked this story and if you like stories about second-chance romances and overcoming huge obstacles, then this is the book for you.
Pieces of you is an emotional romance that will melt your heart! This is a story about Ava and Nate and the struggles they go through in their lives. Ava has some hardships to overcome but has no one to rely on. Nate is a Mama’s boy that has been burned so many times that he is not very trusting towards any other woman . I liked how the author crossed their paths and introduced them to one another. I thought the story was well written but it was a bit slow starting. The back story is necessary so that you can understand who each character is but it was well worth it once the story progressed. I liked this story and if you like stories about second-chance romances and overcoming huge obstacles, then this is the book for you.
February 20, 2019
Not sure if I'm gonna finish this one...
Can't really get into it
This one's not an insta romance story but more like a slow burn one.
And I just somehow didn't buy the heroine's awkward behavior. Sure, she seemed the type, is an introvert, has had to keep to herself for a long time, and now she needs her time to find herself again. So far, so good. I was a bit annoyed when she kept being so vague about her past.
The Main reason why I couldn't finish this one, though, was because of the writing style. The conversations seemed a bit stilted... Plus, it wasn't really humorous.
Can't really get into it
This one's not an insta romance story but more like a slow burn one.
And I just somehow didn't buy the heroine's awkward behavior. Sure, she seemed the type, is an introvert, has had to keep to herself for a long time, and now she needs her time to find herself again. So far, so good. I was a bit annoyed when she kept being so vague about her past.
The Main reason why I couldn't finish this one, though, was because of the writing style. The conversations seemed a bit stilted... Plus, it wasn't really humorous.
November 4, 2020
This book was really sweet. I liked how realistic it was, the main characters knew each other when they were kids but reunite a decade later and barely remember each other and they don't have some earth shattering feeling when they meet again either, their bond is more gradual. For me I didn't personally like the writing style all that much and I couldn't really get into it which is a shame because I really liked the characters.
October 30, 2018
Excellent
Ava and Nate will leave something special in our hearts. The problems shared from them in this book give everyone hope. Sadly with Mary we know that Alziemers is a terrible illness that most of us have seen within our loved ones. It's a wonderful heart warming story. Thank you Kate hugs xx
Ava and Nate will leave something special in our hearts. The problems shared from them in this book give everyone hope. Sadly with Mary we know that Alziemers is a terrible illness that most of us have seen within our loved ones. It's a wonderful heart warming story. Thank you Kate hugs xx
November 5, 2018
Awesome.
As always Kate Benson has written an unbelievably awesome book.. She always manages to make me cry and laugh and fall in love with her characters.. Will be rereading this as I do all of her books...
As always Kate Benson has written an unbelievably awesome book.. She always manages to make me cry and laugh and fall in love with her characters.. Will be rereading this as I do all of her books...
November 7, 2018
Beautiful Pieces of You
WOW!! This book was amazing and the emotional journey Ava and Nate take in it will inspire and pull at your heartstrings. I love books that grab you and pull you into the story.
WOW!! This book was amazing and the emotional journey Ava and Nate take in it will inspire and pull at your heartstrings. I love books that grab you and pull you into the story.
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