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Crumpled Love Notes
What do you do when your world has been turned upside down?Connor Ainsley was at the top of his career and engaged to the love of his life when the public discovery of his daughter threatens to tear down everything he's built.Zoe Noel has the perfect life...Her fiancè was a star athlete chasing his dreams. She was well on her way to becoming the doctor she had always wanted to be, and it seemed like they had finally figured out how to be together without hurting each other. Now as the world watches as she learns that the man she loves has a child she did not give birth to.Will she walk out the door or will they face this new reality together?
- GenresNovella
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2019
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Jen A. Durand
37 books77 followersJen A Durand was born in New York. Her parents were immigrants turned citizens. She was raised in South Carolina by a single mother. One of five children and a current graduate student, she currently lives in NY with her books and wine. She writes as a release. She loves to read and wants to contribute to the literary world by providing a different view point. Plus, she has a lot of school debt. Joking! But not really. If you want to know more please visit www.DurandPublishing.net
Twitter: Jinxs_Corner
Instagram: NovembreRises
Facebook Page: Wintr's Homecoming
Pintrest: Durand Publishing or
Email: AndreaDurand32@gmail.com
Twitter: Jinxs_Corner
Instagram: NovembreRises
Facebook Page: Wintr's Homecoming
Pintrest: Durand Publishing or
Email: AndreaDurand32@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 29, 2022
This is my first novella this year and It was such an easy and entertaining read, the flow from page to page was seamless. The ending was perfectly timed, I still wanted to spend more time with the characters and in the story world.
This story is about the tenacity of true love. For Connor and Zoe, the main characters, the true test of love came when a situation in the past creeped up on them and rocked the very foundation of their relationship. And how a habit of little love notes over the course of their relationship was a catalyst for healing.
This book started out fast-paced, in the very first scene, the media disclosed a scandalous, unpardonable, “This will wreck my relationship ” worthy news, about Connor, a popular baseball athlete, who is engaged to Zoe a med student.
The news?...He had a three and a half year old daughter and his fiancé /best friend/ love of his life, whom he’s been in a five year relationship with, heard about it through the news. Truth be told, they were on and off the first two years of their relationship.
What I really like about this book is how real it felt. The characters, emotions, drama, tension, highs and lows felt very genuine, like something that could happen to me or someone I know. I had a great time with this one!
4 stars!
If I could change one thing though, it would be the cover. Thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.
This story is about the tenacity of true love. For Connor and Zoe, the main characters, the true test of love came when a situation in the past creeped up on them and rocked the very foundation of their relationship. And how a habit of little love notes over the course of their relationship was a catalyst for healing.
This book started out fast-paced, in the very first scene, the media disclosed a scandalous, unpardonable, “This will wreck my relationship ” worthy news, about Connor, a popular baseball athlete, who is engaged to Zoe a med student.
The news?...He had a three and a half year old daughter and his fiancé /best friend/ love of his life, whom he’s been in a five year relationship with, heard about it through the news. Truth be told, they were on and off the first two years of their relationship.
What I really like about this book is how real it felt. The characters, emotions, drama, tension, highs and lows felt very genuine, like something that could happen to me or someone I know. I had a great time with this one!
4 stars!
If I could change one thing though, it would be the cover. Thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.
January 28, 2020
A 4.5 star review.
I've read several books by Jen A. Durand by now, so thought I knew what to expect, but this blew me off my feet and is by far my favourite of everything I've read by her. It is sweet and charming, and the novella format works really well for this plot. I absolutely adored it, and read it in one sitting.
I really liked how neither Connor nor Zoe rushed through making decisions or jumped to conclusions, but that they actually sat down and talked things through - acknowledging that it was a tricky situation, but thinking of the long term, rather than the here and now. Made for a delightful read and was just plain cute.
I've read several books by Jen A. Durand by now, so thought I knew what to expect, but this blew me off my feet and is by far my favourite of everything I've read by her. It is sweet and charming, and the novella format works really well for this plot. I absolutely adored it, and read it in one sitting.
I really liked how neither Connor nor Zoe rushed through making decisions or jumped to conclusions, but that they actually sat down and talked things through - acknowledging that it was a tricky situation, but thinking of the long term, rather than the here and now. Made for a delightful read and was just plain cute.
January 29, 2020
For the most part, I enjoyed "Crumpled Love Notes" by Jen A. Durand, but it left me with a few questions. For example, we're told that the male lead character, Connor, learned of his daughter Cleo's existence about a year before the story began and has kept it a secret from his fiance, Zoe, ever since. What confused me is how he managed to spend enough time with Cleo for her to get to know him without Zoe finding out what he was doing. Cleo must have known who Connor was and felt comfortable with him prior to her mother's accident; otherwise, why would she have told him that she loved him when he put her to bed after they got home from the hospital? I'm sure Connor was away a lot for workouts, games, and other team commitments, but I would think that Zoe had easy access to the team's schedule. (Most of that information is posted online, so even members of the public can find it!) Wouldn't she have noticed if Connor lied about an event that wasn't on the schedule so that he could spend time with Cleo?
Whether or not Zoe noticed, it's clear that Connor did lie to her, at least by omission, in order to have kept this secret for so long. She seemed to acknowledge that when she told him that they were lacking trust in their relationship and it would take time to rebuild, but we didn't get to see that happen before the story abruptly ended. Instead, Connor and Zoe were distracted by the potential custody battle with Cleo's maternal grandmother, and the second that was seemingly resolved, the story jumped right to the epilogue. We're told that they "had come through on the other side" of the crisis, but how exactly did they do that? Zoe had a lot of valid reasons to be upset and I can't imagine that she just forgave Connor and was able to move on overnight, but that's the way this ending made things seem.
Aside from my questions about the story itself, I noted that there were quite a few typos and missing or disordered words and punctuation in the text. I was mostly able to figure out what the author was trying to say, but there were times that it was both difficult and distracting. It wouldn't be a bad idea for a skilled copy editor to take another look at this manuscript.
Overall, this was a compelling story, and I wanted to keep reading despite the errors in the text and nagging questions I had about the plot. Obviously, the situation described in this novella was very emotional for everyone involved, and the author did a good job of conveying those feelings. I would give another one of her books a try in the future.
*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Whether or not Zoe noticed, it's clear that Connor did lie to her, at least by omission, in order to have kept this secret for so long. She seemed to acknowledge that when she told him that they were lacking trust in their relationship and it would take time to rebuild, but we didn't get to see that happen before the story abruptly ended. Instead, Connor and Zoe were distracted by the potential custody battle with Cleo's maternal grandmother, and the second that was seemingly resolved, the story jumped right to the epilogue. We're told that they "had come through on the other side" of the crisis, but how exactly did they do that? Zoe had a lot of valid reasons to be upset and I can't imagine that she just forgave Connor and was able to move on overnight, but that's the way this ending made things seem.
Aside from my questions about the story itself, I noted that there were quite a few typos and missing or disordered words and punctuation in the text. I was mostly able to figure out what the author was trying to say, but there were times that it was both difficult and distracting. It wouldn't be a bad idea for a skilled copy editor to take another look at this manuscript.
Overall, this was a compelling story, and I wanted to keep reading despite the errors in the text and nagging questions I had about the plot. Obviously, the situation described in this novella was very emotional for everyone involved, and the author did a good job of conveying those feelings. I would give another one of her books a try in the future.
*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 2, 2019
Choices
I chose this book for a few reasons. One, I was asked if I would review this author's work. Secondly, the synopsis reminded me of an NFL player who kinda had the same real life scenario happen to him. Upon reading this short story though it became clear they were less similar than I perceived, outside of being famous sports players.
I really liked how well written the story was. The title became a theme throughout the story in the letters that are exchanged. You also get an honest view into Conner and Zoe's personalities and their thoughts. I thought Zoe was very mature and I loved her perception of the events unfolding around her. Especially when she states she needed time to mourn the future she lost. THAT! That is a true reflection of the emotional onslaught one would feel in this situation. Conner was a "dog" and I'm not sure I could have been as understanding as Zoe but I did like how Zoe's rationalizations were shared. Conner's whole "oops, we were on a break" reminded me of Ross and Rachel on Friends. Zoe is no Rachel though. Out side of a few editing errors and the sudden end it was a good read that was heavy on inner conflict.
I chose this book for a few reasons. One, I was asked if I would review this author's work. Secondly, the synopsis reminded me of an NFL player who kinda had the same real life scenario happen to him. Upon reading this short story though it became clear they were less similar than I perceived, outside of being famous sports players.
I really liked how well written the story was. The title became a theme throughout the story in the letters that are exchanged. You also get an honest view into Conner and Zoe's personalities and their thoughts. I thought Zoe was very mature and I loved her perception of the events unfolding around her. Especially when she states she needed time to mourn the future she lost. THAT! That is a true reflection of the emotional onslaught one would feel in this situation. Conner was a "dog" and I'm not sure I could have been as understanding as Zoe but I did like how Zoe's rationalizations were shared. Conner's whole "oops, we were on a break" reminded me of Ross and Rachel on Friends. Zoe is no Rachel though. Out side of a few editing errors and the sudden end it was a good read that was heavy on inner conflict.
February 5, 2020
I’m actually not sure how I feel about this book? I feel like it was all too easy for Connor and he just sailed through it all and why of why did Zoe not seem to have any backbone and get mad! Surely you would be so angry! Especially with the lies! He lied for a year!!! Then I thought how calm Zoe was and how she made herself think it all through and didn’t let anger lead her and I thought wow! wish I could be so calm, just in normal life without something so huge and life changing! so I actually don’t know how I feel about this book? Was disappointed with the ending, because it really needed a later epilogue, there just wasn’t any closure to the story, I wanted to know how they actually coped going forward so a later epilogue of a few years would have finished off the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2020
I've read several books written by Jen A. Durand; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2020
I loved the premise of this one! The love notes were a perfect storyteller....You could feel the push and pull through the love notes Zoe and Connor wrote to each other through the years. While the surprise child was a BIG secret and you could feel the stress of the situation you can also feel the strength of an amazing love. I really enjoyed this one ~ GREAT job; I am definitely recommending!
February 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It's emotional and really pulled at my heart strings. From the first page until the last I was completely engrossed. Zoe and Conner's story begins with a love note written by Conner. The love note exchange between Zoe and Conner was so important to their relationship and through all their trials and tribulations the love notes remained. A truly wonderful story and one I definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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January 22, 2020Nice novella
January 22, 2020
This is a short story and it was over way to soon.
Connor hasn’t told his fiancée about his daughter. After receiving a telephone call Connor and Zoe’s life comes crashing down.
Can Zoe get over the deceit and will Connor be able to keep his daughter, Zoe and career at the same time
Connor hasn’t told his fiancée about his daughter. After receiving a telephone call Connor and Zoe’s life comes crashing down.
Can Zoe get over the deceit and will Connor be able to keep his daughter, Zoe and career at the same time
October 28, 2019
Love notes were something I strongly recall sharing over the years within different relationships. When I heard the title of this book, my curiosity got the better of me and wanting to know what Crumpled Love Notes meant in this context.
Zoe and Conner's love story grabbed me from after the first page. Their story begins with a love note written by Conner, however, what unfolds after that note is what draws the reader into wanting to read more. Every relationship has bumps. How those bumps are handled is what makes or breaks the relationship. Are you strong enough to work through the issue(s)? Or is the foundation not solid enough? These are the things Zoe had to find within herself. Not only to understand how, what, where to go next, but also getting others to not make the bump a mountain.
Zoe and Conner's love note exchange became something of importance. Even with all the bumps, the love notes remained. To understand more of how simple love notes can help heal, I suggest you read Crumpled Love Notes and feel for yourself the emotion sent with love.
Jen did a wonderful job writing this story. In exchange for reading this book, I voluntarily wrote this review.
Zoe and Conner's love story grabbed me from after the first page. Their story begins with a love note written by Conner, however, what unfolds after that note is what draws the reader into wanting to read more. Every relationship has bumps. How those bumps are handled is what makes or breaks the relationship. Are you strong enough to work through the issue(s)? Or is the foundation not solid enough? These are the things Zoe had to find within herself. Not only to understand how, what, where to go next, but also getting others to not make the bump a mountain.
Zoe and Conner's love note exchange became something of importance. Even with all the bumps, the love notes remained. To understand more of how simple love notes can help heal, I suggest you read Crumpled Love Notes and feel for yourself the emotion sent with love.
Jen did a wonderful job writing this story. In exchange for reading this book, I voluntarily wrote this review.
January 4, 2020
I really enjoyed Crumpled Love Notes. The characters are well developed, mature, intelligent, and likable. The storyline is well written and captured my interest from beginning to end. The love notes are so very important to Connor and Zoe's relationship during a time of uncertainty.
Will she be able to forgive him?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Will she be able to forgive him?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
January 4, 2020
Emotional and fascinating!
I felt that the author had a special ability of conveying depth in the personalities, bringing life and likability to each character.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end.
I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
I felt that the author had a special ability of conveying depth in the personalities, bringing life and likability to each character.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end.
I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
December 16, 2020
This book wasn't for me. The story was a little slow and kinda got lost, I didn't care for the way things played out and the writing style.. Everything seemed a little forced, but it was an ok read.
Zoe had so much going for her but didn't want to have the past few years of her life "wasted" therefore she decided to stay with Connor, that alone was what started to turn me away from the book. She wasn't staying because she loved him so much she couldn't imagine a life without him, it was because she didn't want the last 5 years of her life to be wasted. Really?
Connor, excuses for everything, and expects people to just accept it all and not be upset with him, umm excuse me? Sorry this book was just not my cup of tea, but maybe your experience will be better..
Zoe had so much going for her but didn't want to have the past few years of her life "wasted" therefore she decided to stay with Connor, that alone was what started to turn me away from the book. She wasn't staying because she loved him so much she couldn't imagine a life without him, it was because she didn't want the last 5 years of her life to be wasted. Really?
Connor, excuses for everything, and expects people to just accept it all and not be upset with him, umm excuse me? Sorry this book was just not my cup of tea, but maybe your experience will be better..
March 6, 2020
This is a short story of a young engaged couple, Connor and Zoe, who are working hard towards their combined dreams for the future. Connor is a star baseball player and is at the top of his game. Zoe is working to finish her medical residency and become a doctor in the near future. They have been engaged for a while, but agreed not to marry until she had finished her studies and were waiting to start a family until she was set up with her future job. Connor used to be a bit of a playboy, due to his looks and fame, he attracted plenty of girls eager for his attention. They were just friends to start, as Zoe had no wish to be just one of his conquests. When he finally decided to settle down and just see her, their relationship had a few bumpy times and they broke up and got back together again.
What he didn’t know until last year, was that there was a child born out of a relationship he had during one of their breaks. He hasn’t worked out how to tell Zoe, until it is far too late! His daughter loses her mother and ends up living with him and Zoe. How Zoe will react to this news and the media sensation it has brought, is one huge stress on their relationship. She wanted to have children of her own with Connor in their future, but this isn’t a child of hers and she doesn’t know if she can handle it. What will happen to them under the microscope of the media and his fans, never mind the distraught grandmother, who has lost her only child and won’t let Connor take her only remaining part of her daughter, is yet to be seen.
Connor has a battle on his hands to do the right thing by his daughter, but to also consider his fiancé and the future they had planned together. What will happen to this young couple with the sudden arrival of a new addition to their family and all the problems this creates, is yet to be decided? Read this short story to find out. Another sweet romance by this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.
What he didn’t know until last year, was that there was a child born out of a relationship he had during one of their breaks. He hasn’t worked out how to tell Zoe, until it is far too late! His daughter loses her mother and ends up living with him and Zoe. How Zoe will react to this news and the media sensation it has brought, is one huge stress on their relationship. She wanted to have children of her own with Connor in their future, but this isn’t a child of hers and she doesn’t know if she can handle it. What will happen to them under the microscope of the media and his fans, never mind the distraught grandmother, who has lost her only child and won’t let Connor take her only remaining part of her daughter, is yet to be seen.
Connor has a battle on his hands to do the right thing by his daughter, but to also consider his fiancé and the future they had planned together. What will happen to this young couple with the sudden arrival of a new addition to their family and all the problems this creates, is yet to be decided? Read this short story to find out. Another sweet romance by this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.
February 22, 2021
Conner is a NFL player and he is engaged to Zoe who is working hard to become a doctor, they are soul mates, best friends and love each other so much even though like most couples they have had terrible and downs through there years together and then everything explodes when Zoe finds out in the most awful way that Conner has a daughter and he knew and had been spending time with his daughter for a year and he didn't tell Zoe. Overstatement twists in the story along with upsetting situations that you are not sure whether Zoe will ever trust or get over what Conner has done to her. I really enjoyed reading this book by Jen A Durand who is a brilliant author and writer and I can't wait to read more of her books. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2020
College sweethearts, their love letters tied them together.
The life they had planned was one that included their wedding once she was done with med school or residency, amazing wedding and honeymoon, four children, and letters, love and laughter to get them over the bumps along the way
What happened along the way, love and letters might help them get through, but of course, things did not go quite as planned.
Love and letters might yet hold them together with their new normal, but letting go and mourning, and moving on would be the only way to love through a new normal.
Can they find the strength and the love in each other, and in the arms and eyes of his little girl?
Intense emotional drama and romance
The life they had planned was one that included their wedding once she was done with med school or residency, amazing wedding and honeymoon, four children, and letters, love and laughter to get them over the bumps along the way
What happened along the way, love and letters might help them get through, but of course, things did not go quite as planned.
Love and letters might yet hold them together with their new normal, but letting go and mourning, and moving on would be the only way to love through a new normal.
Can they find the strength and the love in each other, and in the arms and eyes of his little girl?
Intense emotional drama and romance
March 11, 2020
This is another wonderful story from this author. The story pulled me in from the get-go. I really loved the way part of the story was told via letters to each other. This author really does have an amazing way of writing a book in such a manner that it’s so down to earth, believable and just sucks me in to the plot straight away. The characters are well written and have just enough depth to them that you feel that they are new friends that you are learning about and getting to know. A real pleasure and joy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2020
The other books I have read by this author I have really enjoyed but for me this book lacked any depth and with the exception of the child I found none of the characters likable. The whole relationship was built on distrust and testing commitment. Everyone created conflict except Zoe who was portrayed as positively saintly. The love letters that were littered through the story did not feel at all authentic. I was disappointed in the book but glad I had read other books by this author otherwise I would have not read another one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2020
Connor had been a playboy before he met Zoe, but since then he was a one woman man - except for the one time when they broke up and he looked for solace in another woman's arms.
When said woman dies Connor needs to step up and take care of their daughter. But will Zoe accept the child and forgive him his one time digression?
Working through their feelings is what this book is about.
A well rendered story of love and trust lost and of a young child, who has lost her mother and needs a family.
Enjoyable and interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When said woman dies Connor needs to step up and take care of their daughter. But will Zoe accept the child and forgive him his one time digression?
Working through their feelings is what this book is about.
A well rendered story of love and trust lost and of a young child, who has lost her mother and needs a family.
Enjoyable and interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2020
Crumpled Love Notes by Jen A. Durand is a short, fast-paced and heartfelt story of lies by omission and the fallout of keeping secrets. Much was packed into this emotional and dramatic tale, but I did feel that there were some holes too, as Connor maintained a relationship for a year, that he managed to hide from his fiancé. This I found unlikely. Other than that, it was an entertaining read with a deeply emotional flavour and a strong storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2020
Jen Durand did a great job building each character...not just the main ones. She also really fleshed out the plotline given the length of the story. I was left wanting more at the end....so that would be my only complaint, wishing that it wasn't such a sudden end to the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2020
This is the story of Zoe and Connor. They are at the top of their game and about to be married when scandal hits. Will they be able to get through this together? Read the love notes to see where it takes them. I was hooked from the start. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2021
A story that's enjoyable, easy to read and well written. The characters are engaging, well developed and easy to get to know. Once you start reading you may find it hard to stop so be prepared that it's hard to put down. Grab your copy today and curl up in your favorite reading spot and enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
Connor and zoe are in a relationship, but didnt tell her he had a child already. What happens when this big secret comes out? Can this relationship be repaired? This was a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2020
I enjoyed this read it caught and kept me turning the pages as I got to know the characters. The easy flow of the storyline was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2020
Cute story that kept my interest from the first page to the last. Characters were likeable and relatable. Just the right amount of drama and suspense. Highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2020
A wellwritten and fastpaced book that I enjoyed a lot. Love the bond between Connor and Zoe.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2020
Entertaining and interesting characters. Complex story with characters trying to figure out how to get through the turmoil. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
This was a quick read that leaves you with too many unanswered questions. I was entertained by the book, but it is not my favorite by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews