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When I Save Us
Betsy’s marriage is slipping away from her, so she’s decided to push up her sleeves, don her high heels and steely determination, and set to work on a steamy thirty-day stay and fight for your man plan. But she’s fighting more than she realizes. When Betsy's handed a magic ring and the unbelievable happens, she’s thrown into the past and given the opportunity to make things right.
Strap on your high heels, buckle your seatbelt, and hold on tight because When I Save Us is a roller coaster ride!
This heartwarming novella is a quick, unputdownable read, but it deals with some heavy topics.
**This story is based off of Ellie Sabine's previous novel, Thirty Heels to a New Marriage.
Read less
Strap on your high heels, buckle your seatbelt, and hold on tight because When I Save Us is a roller coaster ride!
This heartwarming novella is a quick, unputdownable read, but it deals with some heavy topics.
**This story is based off of Ellie Sabine's previous novel, Thirty Heels to a New Marriage.
Read less
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2022
14 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 18, 2022
When I read the blurb for this book, I assumed it was a story about a woman, Betsy, trying to save her marriage by reconnecting with her husband and spicing things up a bit – with high heels and sexy dresses, romantic evenings and plenty of playfulness in the bedroom and elsewhere.
And it is all that. An enjoyable read with some drama and plenty of 'will they, won’t they' moments.
Then it hits its stride when we discover the reason behind David’s withdrawn attitude, and the book makes you sit up and pay attention.
All seems lost for Betsy and David until a homeless woman gives her a magic ring which allows her to time travel back into the past to fix things.
Novels about time travel can be tricky to write and even trickier to read. At least for me. But Ellie Sabine has done a wonderful keeping the plot together and writing a beautiful story about love and the chance to relive and keep some moments, change others, and forge a different path than the one Betsy was originally on.
I adored this book. And I will be looking out for more by this author.
And it is all that. An enjoyable read with some drama and plenty of 'will they, won’t they' moments.
Then it hits its stride when we discover the reason behind David’s withdrawn attitude, and the book makes you sit up and pay attention.
All seems lost for Betsy and David until a homeless woman gives her a magic ring which allows her to time travel back into the past to fix things.
Novels about time travel can be tricky to write and even trickier to read. At least for me. But Ellie Sabine has done a wonderful keeping the plot together and writing a beautiful story about love and the chance to relive and keep some moments, change others, and forge a different path than the one Betsy was originally on.
I adored this book. And I will be looking out for more by this author.
February 23, 2023
A romance read with a daring difference
'... the longer I stay with David, the more my soul seems to be withering up, and I don't know how much fight I have left in me.' ... this line from the end of Chapter One says it all. The book begins with the main character, Betsy, coming up with three options regarding what to do about the sad and deteriorating state of her marriage.
The first half of the book is your usual fighting for love romance read with a heart-wrenching revelation about the reason for her husband's withdrawal. At the 54% mark, however, be prepared for a huge mental shift, as the narrative makes a complete change from here on. I won't say anything further to avoid spoilers. What I will say, though, is keep going--it's more than worth it.
While the writing suffers in places from overuse of some words such as 'practically' and 'very', etc., and the repetition of the same word rather than finding another way of saying it, on the whole I found this to be an entertaining and enjoyable read, which held my attention throughout. Some phrasing is just so awesomely done, and I loved the humour and sass which weaves through these words.
Here are some lines I loved ...
'Do you think it's better to be miserable and alone or miserable and with someone else but still alone?' ... Mmm, a question many of us have grappled with at some point in our lives and so relevant!
And ...
'... gold, strappy stilettos that make my soul happy even if by the end of the night my feet will be sobbing.' ... Here's some of that humour I mentioned.
And ...
'By two o'clock, I've changed my attitude and my clothes a good ten or twenty times.'
With a bit of polishing, When I Save Us, by Ellie Sabine would get a solid five stars. As it is, the storyline and its possible outcomes kept me hooked, and I pulled an all-nighter to finish this book. If you enjoy romance, and can take a teensy bit of time travel and mystery, you'll love this read. It gets a strong four stars from me. Go read this book! For sure, I'll be reading more of this author's works.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
'... the longer I stay with David, the more my soul seems to be withering up, and I don't know how much fight I have left in me.' ... this line from the end of Chapter One says it all. The book begins with the main character, Betsy, coming up with three options regarding what to do about the sad and deteriorating state of her marriage.
The first half of the book is your usual fighting for love romance read with a heart-wrenching revelation about the reason for her husband's withdrawal. At the 54% mark, however, be prepared for a huge mental shift, as the narrative makes a complete change from here on. I won't say anything further to avoid spoilers. What I will say, though, is keep going--it's more than worth it.
While the writing suffers in places from overuse of some words such as 'practically' and 'very', etc., and the repetition of the same word rather than finding another way of saying it, on the whole I found this to be an entertaining and enjoyable read, which held my attention throughout. Some phrasing is just so awesomely done, and I loved the humour and sass which weaves through these words.
Here are some lines I loved ...
'Do you think it's better to be miserable and alone or miserable and with someone else but still alone?' ... Mmm, a question many of us have grappled with at some point in our lives and so relevant!
And ...
'... gold, strappy stilettos that make my soul happy even if by the end of the night my feet will be sobbing.' ... Here's some of that humour I mentioned.
And ...
'By two o'clock, I've changed my attitude and my clothes a good ten or twenty times.'
With a bit of polishing, When I Save Us, by Ellie Sabine would get a solid five stars. As it is, the storyline and its possible outcomes kept me hooked, and I pulled an all-nighter to finish this book. If you enjoy romance, and can take a teensy bit of time travel and mystery, you'll love this read. It gets a strong four stars from me. Go read this book! For sure, I'll be reading more of this author's works.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
March 6, 2023
Beautiful, heartwarming story
This book is nothing like I thought it would be - it’s so much better!
I expected a romance with time travel. I don’t read romance, but I liked the author’s other books and I love time travel stories. However, this is contemporary women’s fiction with some mild speculative elements, and I’m very happy about that.
Betsy is the main character, but I loved the two other women who play a big part in this tale. Sabine gives a very honest look at relationships, in their many different forms. Betsy is a great character, I could really picture her, and I liked how she grew throughout the story. Her chance to literally walk in another’s shoes was a really lovely insight into the other character’s shoes.
A thoughtful in depth look at a marriage, and a musing on relationships, I found this book hard to put down. A great read.
This book is nothing like I thought it would be - it’s so much better!
I expected a romance with time travel. I don’t read romance, but I liked the author’s other books and I love time travel stories. However, this is contemporary women’s fiction with some mild speculative elements, and I’m very happy about that.
Betsy is the main character, but I loved the two other women who play a big part in this tale. Sabine gives a very honest look at relationships, in their many different forms. Betsy is a great character, I could really picture her, and I liked how she grew throughout the story. Her chance to literally walk in another’s shoes was a really lovely insight into the other character’s shoes.
A thoughtful in depth look at a marriage, and a musing on relationships, I found this book hard to put down. A great read.
January 3, 2023
This was my first Ellie Sabine book. I was impressed with her smart, snappy writing and the heartwarming vibe of the story, which also had some mystery, supernatural elements, humor, and suspense. I’d describe the tale as a modern-day romance, an atypical read for me but still entertaining.
The first part of When I Save Us sort of reads like a journal, fitting, I guess, as the narrative follows the sharp, analytical mind of Betsy, who loves keeping track of things via spreadsheets. Betsy comes across as a fun woman who is feeling down because her marriage is in a serious rut – and she’s not completely sure how she wants to move ahead. Ultimately, Betsy decides to fight for her husband, David, who has become curiously blah as of late. (As a side note, anyone looking to spice up the romance of a longtime relationship or marriage would do well to follow Betsy’s efforts during her thirty-day plan.)
It’s later revealed that David is seriously sick, and that’s when the story begins to change. I have to admit, even though the mysterious magical ring that’s given to Betsy is a major part of the last half of the book, I wasn’t as enamored with the more supernatural scenes of When I Save Us. It was interesting to see how Betsy affected her life by going back in time, but I would have preferred to see how things played out in a more realistic, linear fashion.
That said, I imagine many readers will love the story just the way it is, and again, I was impressed with the author’s fast-paced, gripping writing style.
The first part of When I Save Us sort of reads like a journal, fitting, I guess, as the narrative follows the sharp, analytical mind of Betsy, who loves keeping track of things via spreadsheets. Betsy comes across as a fun woman who is feeling down because her marriage is in a serious rut – and she’s not completely sure how she wants to move ahead. Ultimately, Betsy decides to fight for her husband, David, who has become curiously blah as of late. (As a side note, anyone looking to spice up the romance of a longtime relationship or marriage would do well to follow Betsy’s efforts during her thirty-day plan.)
It’s later revealed that David is seriously sick, and that’s when the story begins to change. I have to admit, even though the mysterious magical ring that’s given to Betsy is a major part of the last half of the book, I wasn’t as enamored with the more supernatural scenes of When I Save Us. It was interesting to see how Betsy affected her life by going back in time, but I would have preferred to see how things played out in a more realistic, linear fashion.
That said, I imagine many readers will love the story just the way it is, and again, I was impressed with the author’s fast-paced, gripping writing style.
July 6, 2023
Fantastic book!
When I Save Us by Ellie Sabine is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Betsy, who tries to do everything she can to save her husband and her marriage. ut one fateful day, everything changes when David is diagnosed with cancer. She keepsr unning into an old lady on the streets who has a ring identical to hers and she has to face the past nd she has the opportunity to change one thing from each person's body she visits. This book is addictive, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns. Sabine’s writing is captivating and draws you into Betsy’s world. You will feel her fear, anger, and determination as she fights to save her husband and her marriage. When I Save Us is a page turner that you won’t be able to put down. It’s a great read for fans of women's fiction and strong female protagonists. I highly recommend it! Well done.
When I Save Us by Ellie Sabine is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Betsy, who tries to do everything she can to save her husband and her marriage. ut one fateful day, everything changes when David is diagnosed with cancer. She keepsr unning into an old lady on the streets who has a ring identical to hers and she has to face the past nd she has the opportunity to change one thing from each person's body she visits. This book is addictive, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns. Sabine’s writing is captivating and draws you into Betsy’s world. You will feel her fear, anger, and determination as she fights to save her husband and her marriage. When I Save Us is a page turner that you won’t be able to put down. It’s a great read for fans of women's fiction and strong female protagonists. I highly recommend it! Well done.
January 3, 2023
When I Save Us by Ellie Sabine is a wonderfully creative twist on the romance genre with a time travelling surprise whixh I thoroughly enjoyed. This book starts off simple and steamy but soon escalates into something more, and we really get to see Betsy and David grow as a couple and as desperate characters.
Sabine's writing is witty and engaging and I loved how Betsy was able to use her unique position to replay some highs and lows from her romantic life. Some events she could better and some saw her risking it all, but it was always for the greater good, and this devotion to her partner really made them stand out as a couple.
This is one excellent book with a creative edge I have not encountered before. It is one for all lovers of romance who fancy something a bit different to the normal.
Sabine's writing is witty and engaging and I loved how Betsy was able to use her unique position to replay some highs and lows from her romantic life. Some events she could better and some saw her risking it all, but it was always for the greater good, and this devotion to her partner really made them stand out as a couple.
This is one excellent book with a creative edge I have not encountered before. It is one for all lovers of romance who fancy something a bit different to the normal.
December 22, 2022
this was a beautifully done romantic suspense, it had what I was looking for from the description. Ellie Sabine has a great writing style and was able to create a unique character. I look forward to read more from this author.
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.
December 20, 2022
This book really turned my head more than I first expected. Betsy is given the chance to re-do history—something I’m sure that most people wish that they could do at some point in their lives. And what a chance it was that she was able to experience! Probably the only downside to this story is that I wished that it could have been a bit longer.
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.
January 11, 2023
Was given this book free to review. It was well written with a good plot but i got a little confused with the time travel aspect towards the end . I think I wanted to understand the ins and out but i guess magic is not like that. It has a feel good HEA.
March 5, 2023
When I Save Us
by Ellie Sabine is a good, quick, heartfelt read. When I Save Us has similar concepts of the Time Machine by H. G. Wells or Movie the Butterfly Effect (with Ashton Kutcher from the 2000's) with time travel being used to try and alter a 'bad' present. I think it was interesting how the time travel was done where the main character Betsy occupies people's bodies in the past through entering/controlling their psyche but with the persons previous impulses or inclinations, like Lil's dependance on Cami, and Paige's motherly instincts towards Sammy. The time traveling machine is a magical relic wedding ring that Betsy acquires through her interactions with 'Lady Love' who has a wise wizard vibe about her.
So, Betsy is a married woman who is trying to save her marriage. The book is mostly and cleverly broken up into chapters representing days in Betsy 30-day plan to inject her marriage with steamy and thoughtful romance, that is 'staying and fighting' for her love, David. Their marriage is impacted by David's father's death, the miscarriage of their daughter, and a reveal during days 10-12 that David has colon cancer (which explains his strange behavior, lately).
There are some bits that were a miss for me. Such as the intrusive thought by Betsy when she is stress vomiting from the news of David's cancer and how it might lead to her losing weight but not in the 'right places.'
Or when she was time traveling there were pacing parts in the setting that could have been expanded on or flushed out to give the reader a better picture of what was going on. I did like the surreal feeling during these moments but in such a short read it felt like there was something left missing.
Lastly, I was hoping for a better explanation to the magic time traveling ring. A shrug by our wise wizard didn't cut it for me. I thought maybe the poem was going to tie back in or something.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick romance with an interesting supernatural time travel element this will be for you.
by Ellie Sabine is a good, quick, heartfelt read. When I Save Us has similar concepts of the Time Machine by H. G. Wells or Movie the Butterfly Effect (with Ashton Kutcher from the 2000's) with time travel being used to try and alter a 'bad' present. I think it was interesting how the time travel was done where the main character Betsy occupies people's bodies in the past through entering/controlling their psyche but with the persons previous impulses or inclinations, like Lil's dependance on Cami, and Paige's motherly instincts towards Sammy. The time traveling machine is a magical relic wedding ring that Betsy acquires through her interactions with 'Lady Love' who has a wise wizard vibe about her.
So, Betsy is a married woman who is trying to save her marriage. The book is mostly and cleverly broken up into chapters representing days in Betsy 30-day plan to inject her marriage with steamy and thoughtful romance, that is 'staying and fighting' for her love, David. Their marriage is impacted by David's father's death, the miscarriage of their daughter, and a reveal during days 10-12 that David has colon cancer (which explains his strange behavior, lately).
There are some bits that were a miss for me. Such as the intrusive thought by Betsy when she is stress vomiting from the news of David's cancer and how it might lead to her losing weight but not in the 'right places.'
Or when she was time traveling there were pacing parts in the setting that could have been expanded on or flushed out to give the reader a better picture of what was going on. I did like the surreal feeling during these moments but in such a short read it felt like there was something left missing.
Lastly, I was hoping for a better explanation to the magic time traveling ring. A shrug by our wise wizard didn't cut it for me. I thought maybe the poem was going to tie back in or something.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick romance with an interesting supernatural time travel element this will be for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
I really felt for poor Betsy in this story, and also for her husband, David. It was told from Betsy's perspective while trying to make her marriage work. I liked the stream of consciousness storytelling as Betsy talked through how she was still physically attracted to her handsome husband, but wanted him to have more passion and emotional connection with her. Certain moments in the story endeared me to her quite quickly: like how the loss of their baby, Cora, and Betsy finding all of David's personal items packed in boxes as though he was ready to leave her. Adding to all the uncertainty for them was David's medical diagnosis and it was hard not to root for them both that their marriage would work out.
I was unsure how the magical ring element would work in a story that was a grounded drama up until the halfway point, and I was expecting a shift in focus to David and Betsy's earlier years, maybe before marriage or when she was pregnant with Cora. Essentially, Betsey met Liliana, aka Lady Love, who gave her instructions on how to use the ring to change fate for her and David. However, the flashback ring episodes saw Betsy assume the consciousness of Liliana, and others such as her friend Paige, in differing years. I admit, I would have preferred the focus to stay on Betsy and David, as their story was engaging enough without need for the additional side characters, who I didn't feel added much to the story and indeed,detracted from the main couple drama. I really felt that there wasn't enough character development of Rutger with Paige and Sammy with Chelsea for me to care about them - if the focus had been solely on David and Betsy, this would've been a no contest 5 stars for me. I'd say in the balance of all things, the first half was a solid 5 and the second half a 3, so I'd round it up to a 4 overall.
I was unsure how the magical ring element would work in a story that was a grounded drama up until the halfway point, and I was expecting a shift in focus to David and Betsy's earlier years, maybe before marriage or when she was pregnant with Cora. Essentially, Betsey met Liliana, aka Lady Love, who gave her instructions on how to use the ring to change fate for her and David. However, the flashback ring episodes saw Betsy assume the consciousness of Liliana, and others such as her friend Paige, in differing years. I admit, I would have preferred the focus to stay on Betsy and David, as their story was engaging enough without need for the additional side characters, who I didn't feel added much to the story and indeed,detracted from the main couple drama. I really felt that there wasn't enough character development of Rutger with Paige and Sammy with Chelsea for me to care about them - if the focus had been solely on David and Betsy, this would've been a no contest 5 stars for me. I'd say in the balance of all things, the first half was a solid 5 and the second half a 3, so I'd round it up to a 4 overall.
April 24, 2023
When I Save Us tells the story of Betsy Jones, a married woman who is questioning her relationship with her husband, David. David is a great guy, and she loves him deeply, but like every marriage, the effort to maintain that same romance and passion becomes exhausting. Betsy begins a plan to rehab their marriage because she isn’t ready to give up on him, but wants to reignite that former spark. Something life-shattering occurs (I won’t spoil it) and all she cares about is righting every wrong in their relationship. A wise homeless woman Betsy first refers to as Lady Luck leaves her a magic ring that allows her to transport into different environments and time periods, hoping to fix the mistakes she made in the past.
Now, I’m not a huge romance fan, but this is the kind of romance I love. The stakes are high, but there’s also an overall fantasy/supernatural element, which makes it so much more interesting than a standard romance. There are plenty of stories about body swapping and time travel but this story is unique in its vision. This is the first novella I’ve read by the author, Ellie Sabine, but it won’t be the last. The writing was compelling and easy to devour quickly. I found the characters to be likable, believable, and quite charming. There were a few parts involving timelines and the specifics of the magic ring that seemed to be plot holes, but because it is a short and breezy read, I accepted it. I wouldn’t mind a follow-up novella, as I would have liked to spend more time with these characters. Paige, Cami and Lil, and Rutger are all characters I would like to get to know better. When I Save Us is a charming novella about love, regret, wisdom, strength, and the bonds we make with the most unlikely people because we’re all human and every life lived matters.
Now, I’m not a huge romance fan, but this is the kind of romance I love. The stakes are high, but there’s also an overall fantasy/supernatural element, which makes it so much more interesting than a standard romance. There are plenty of stories about body swapping and time travel but this story is unique in its vision. This is the first novella I’ve read by the author, Ellie Sabine, but it won’t be the last. The writing was compelling and easy to devour quickly. I found the characters to be likable, believable, and quite charming. There were a few parts involving timelines and the specifics of the magic ring that seemed to be plot holes, but because it is a short and breezy read, I accepted it. I wouldn’t mind a follow-up novella, as I would have liked to spend more time with these characters. Paige, Cami and Lil, and Rutger are all characters I would like to get to know better. When I Save Us is a charming novella about love, regret, wisdom, strength, and the bonds we make with the most unlikely people because we’re all human and every life lived matters.
February 24, 2023
I find the laptop and search body swapping and time travel, and I quickly fall down a rabbit hole. It’s a complete waste of my time. It’s not like there is any “scientific research” out there about what’s happening to me. Plus, I’m so exhausted that I keep nodding off, despite the anxiety that washes through me in ice-cold tidal waves.
What’s not to love about a time-travel romance story? ‘When I Save Us’ by Ellie Sabine is a curious mix of the two (plus a little magic thrown in), but somehow it stands proud. The book’s first half is a credible three-options-to-save-my-marriage, which reveals husband David’s withdrawal is not as heartless as it first seems, but once the halfway mark is reached, the storyline shifts dramatically.
Sabine has a good mastery of the narration, which is largely fresh, compelling and fast-paced. Early on, Betsy decides to fight for her marriage and gives herself a month to effect change, giving the reader glimpses of possible risqué, although fate takes its fair share of Betsy’s ambition away.
Enter Liliana from (far) stage left: “Thirty-six women,” she says. “That’s how many women this magic ring has helped so far. And that’s not counting you. I don’t count until they come back from their trip.”
And thus, Sabine grants Betsy the ability to revisit the past, to revel in the good bits and tweak the bad. Ultimately, in what feels like a vaguely familiar story, Betsy finds her path to happiness. This is a swift, present tense (which some readers might find grating or even lazy) story of love, decision and consequences. Who wouldn’t seize the opportunity to rewrite their past?
What’s not to love about a time-travel romance story? ‘When I Save Us’ by Ellie Sabine is a curious mix of the two (plus a little magic thrown in), but somehow it stands proud. The book’s first half is a credible three-options-to-save-my-marriage, which reveals husband David’s withdrawal is not as heartless as it first seems, but once the halfway mark is reached, the storyline shifts dramatically.
Sabine has a good mastery of the narration, which is largely fresh, compelling and fast-paced. Early on, Betsy decides to fight for her marriage and gives herself a month to effect change, giving the reader glimpses of possible risqué, although fate takes its fair share of Betsy’s ambition away.
Enter Liliana from (far) stage left: “Thirty-six women,” she says. “That’s how many women this magic ring has helped so far. And that’s not counting you. I don’t count until they come back from their trip.”
And thus, Sabine grants Betsy the ability to revisit the past, to revel in the good bits and tweak the bad. Ultimately, in what feels like a vaguely familiar story, Betsy finds her path to happiness. This is a swift, present tense (which some readers might find grating or even lazy) story of love, decision and consequences. Who wouldn’t seize the opportunity to rewrite their past?
February 3, 2023
When it looks as though Betsy’s marriage to David has fallen into a rut, she considers her options. Stay and settle for dissatisfaction, leave and be lonely—and potentially worse off—or stay and fight. Opting for the third, and putting a thirty-day plan in place, Betsy sets out to seduce David back to some semblance of what their relationship was in the beginning—but her attempts to spice up their lives hits stumbling blocks at every level. And then she meets the mysterious Liliana, and things take a magical turn.
Betsy’s initial story will be familiar to many in a similar situation, with the pros and cons of each option at war with each other. The joys of living along and not having to compromise are tempting, but could be accompanied by loneliness and far less congenial surroundings than those enjoyed in the otherwise unsatisfactory marital home. In Betsy’s case, there’s a lot more going on through the couple’s earlier shared misfortune, not to mention that husband David has his own situation which, when disclosed, illustrates to Betsy that she’s been far too focussed on her own disappointment to consider that he’s troubled too.
It's a good story, well-constructed by author Ellie Sabine, although for me the heavy issues—well worth examination—didn’t sit too comfortably beside the lightness of the fantastical and magical solution. In fairness to the author though, she chooses to balance the romance with the reality in the conclusion to the tale.
Betsy’s initial story will be familiar to many in a similar situation, with the pros and cons of each option at war with each other. The joys of living along and not having to compromise are tempting, but could be accompanied by loneliness and far less congenial surroundings than those enjoyed in the otherwise unsatisfactory marital home. In Betsy’s case, there’s a lot more going on through the couple’s earlier shared misfortune, not to mention that husband David has his own situation which, when disclosed, illustrates to Betsy that she’s been far too focussed on her own disappointment to consider that he’s troubled too.
It's a good story, well-constructed by author Ellie Sabine, although for me the heavy issues—well worth examination—didn’t sit too comfortably beside the lightness of the fantastical and magical solution. In fairness to the author though, she chooses to balance the romance with the reality in the conclusion to the tale.
April 20, 2023
When I Save Us by Ellie Sabine is a satisfying and worthy read. It teaches you how to cherish the people you love and live in the moment.
In the beginning, I thought it was going to be about a shallow wife who thinks of divorce just cos her relationship with her husband became boring or cos there wasn’t a thrill anymore. I was really contemplating finishing this book, but I pushed through, and boy, was I glad I did! It wasn’t about that at all! I was very surprised by where the book headed, and even after I reached the ending, I still think, “Wow, I didn’t see all of this coming!”
There were a couple of typos, but those didn’t really affect the story at all. And they weren’t the annoying kind. You might not even notice them at all. In my opinion, those didn’t take away from how the book made me feel.
If you are on the fence about this book, don’t be. If you start reading it and feel like Betsy is being annoyingly shallow, don’t give up on her! I promise you, it’ll be worth it. Believe the book description–this book is a rollercoaster ride that you wouldn’t want to put down once you get past the slow start. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a quick read with a satisfying ending.
In the beginning, I thought it was going to be about a shallow wife who thinks of divorce just cos her relationship with her husband became boring or cos there wasn’t a thrill anymore. I was really contemplating finishing this book, but I pushed through, and boy, was I glad I did! It wasn’t about that at all! I was very surprised by where the book headed, and even after I reached the ending, I still think, “Wow, I didn’t see all of this coming!”
There were a couple of typos, but those didn’t really affect the story at all. And they weren’t the annoying kind. You might not even notice them at all. In my opinion, those didn’t take away from how the book made me feel.
If you are on the fence about this book, don’t be. If you start reading it and feel like Betsy is being annoyingly shallow, don’t give up on her! I promise you, it’ll be worth it. Believe the book description–this book is a rollercoaster ride that you wouldn’t want to put down once you get past the slow start. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a quick read with a satisfying ending.
July 16, 2023
In the beginning of the book, we encounter Betsy and David, a couple whose relationship is going through a dry patch from the humdrum of life and being too busy chasing their jobs. Betsy considers her options of leaving or staying, but then decides to put together a 30-day plan to woo David back. At this point, I was settling down to read a RomCom.
But then, the situation turns very serious as David announces that he is very sick. Furthermore, Betsy discovers that a ring that she has been given by a homeless woman sends her time travelling.
At first, the change of plot felt rather disconcerting, but then the storyline kind of grabs you as you follow Betsy in her travels as she tries to fix the past just enough to crate a better and healthier future for her husband and herself. On the way, she finds herself shortly living in the bodies of different women from her local area and she is able to make small adjustments to change the future.
A well written quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading on a Sunday afternoon.
But then, the situation turns very serious as David announces that he is very sick. Furthermore, Betsy discovers that a ring that she has been given by a homeless woman sends her time travelling.
At first, the change of plot felt rather disconcerting, but then the storyline kind of grabs you as you follow Betsy in her travels as she tries to fix the past just enough to crate a better and healthier future for her husband and herself. On the way, she finds herself shortly living in the bodies of different women from her local area and she is able to make small adjustments to change the future.
A well written quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading on a Sunday afternoon.
January 16, 2023
⭐ 4.5/5
🌶 2/5
Betsy’s marriage is slipping away from her, so she’s decided to push up her sleeves, don her high heels and steely determination, and set to work on a steamy thirty-day stay and fight for your man plan. But she’s fighting more than she realizes. When Betsy's handed a magic ring and the unbelievable happens, she’s thrown into the past and given the opportunity to make things right.
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I didn't realize this was a novella until I started reading it. I got this through FreeBooksy and honestly, I didn't know what to think about it. It sounded good but I was a little skeptical. Honestly, I loved it. It was a great premise and storyline. It threw some twists and turns in there that had me really confused and it took me a couple chapters to realize what was happening (IE: she was time traveling through different bodies with the help of a magic ring). It did feel a little all over the place with the different storylines, but overall it was really good for being short!
🌶 2/5
Betsy’s marriage is slipping away from her, so she’s decided to push up her sleeves, don her high heels and steely determination, and set to work on a steamy thirty-day stay and fight for your man plan. But she’s fighting more than she realizes. When Betsy's handed a magic ring and the unbelievable happens, she’s thrown into the past and given the opportunity to make things right.
.
.
I didn't realize this was a novella until I started reading it. I got this through FreeBooksy and honestly, I didn't know what to think about it. It sounded good but I was a little skeptical. Honestly, I loved it. It was a great premise and storyline. It threw some twists and turns in there that had me really confused and it took me a couple chapters to realize what was happening (IE: she was time traveling through different bodies with the help of a magic ring). It did feel a little all over the place with the different storylines, but overall it was really good for being short!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
original
When I save us is a story of a slightly compulsive woman who is trying to single handedly fix her marriage. When I first started this book, I had no idea which direction it would take. But I am so pleased I read this book!
So Betsy, the MC is trying to save her marriage. Things have become stale. They take each other for granted. Her husband is working all the time and when he isn’t, is lethargic and has lost his lust for life.
But things take a real unusual turn when she meets local homeless lady called Lil. That’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to give any spoilers.
On the surface, this is a great fun read, but look a little deeper and there are some really important messages about how we should truly live our lives and really appreciate the people around us, not just go through the motions and become jaded.
I found this a thoroughly entertaining read. Well written and an original storyline too. 5 stars.
When I save us is a story of a slightly compulsive woman who is trying to single handedly fix her marriage. When I first started this book, I had no idea which direction it would take. But I am so pleased I read this book!
So Betsy, the MC is trying to save her marriage. Things have become stale. They take each other for granted. Her husband is working all the time and when he isn’t, is lethargic and has lost his lust for life.
But things take a real unusual turn when she meets local homeless lady called Lil. That’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to give any spoilers.
On the surface, this is a great fun read, but look a little deeper and there are some really important messages about how we should truly live our lives and really appreciate the people around us, not just go through the motions and become jaded.
I found this a thoroughly entertaining read. Well written and an original storyline too. 5 stars.
March 15, 2023
"I didn't know what to expect from this book but was glad I chose to benefit from a free copy for review from the author who offered it through Voracious Readers Only. It began a as a fairly light, enjoyable piece of fiction with a woman wondering if she should continue her marriage as the "spark" seems to have disappeared. However, she does seem to still love her husband, though they have lost their closeness. It asks the timeless question: "is it possible to change the future?" and is probably a good lesson to us all to remember how our everyday present actions can shape our future, with far reaching consequences, though seemingly small at the time. I would recommend this book which certainly made me think and it had a good story as well. Thank you, Ellie Sabine! "
July 27, 2023
I just finished reading "When I Save Us" by Ellie Sabine, and I absolutely loved it! The story is about Betsy, a woman who is determined to save her marriage. She's given a magic ring that allows her to travel back in time and make things right.
The book is a heartwarming and heartwarming read. Betsy is a relatable character, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story. The magic ring is a fun and creative plot device, and I loved seeing how Betsy used it to change her past.
The writing is beautiful and the characters are well-developed. I felt like I was right there with Betsy as she traveled through time and tried to save her marriage. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story with a touch of magic.
I highly recommend this book to all couples. This book is a very good resource.
The book is a heartwarming and heartwarming read. Betsy is a relatable character, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story. The magic ring is a fun and creative plot device, and I loved seeing how Betsy used it to change her past.
The writing is beautiful and the characters are well-developed. I felt like I was right there with Betsy as she traveled through time and tried to save her marriage. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story with a touch of magic.
I highly recommend this book to all couples. This book is a very good resource.
July 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was short and sweet. I felt that the first part of the book was written in a very compelling way. I liked the short scenes of Betsy trying to save her marriage. The supernatural elements did seem a bit out of place but I kept reading because I wanted to see how the story ended. Overall I would recommend reading this book as it's quick and captures your interest quickly!
February 14, 2023
Loved it, loved the characters, the premise, the little bit of magic. I'll have to find more books of the author's to read 😊
I was given a free copy by Voracious Readers Only and this is my unbiased review.
I was given a free copy by Voracious Readers Only and this is my unbiased review.
February 24, 2023
I think the overall message of the book is great: cherish your loved ones while you can, don’t waste any time, don’t let life get in the way. I just wish the story didn’t end so abruptly. It was a fast read, I just wish there was a bite more depth to it.
March 21, 2023
Loved this book I didn't think I would when I started the first couple of pages as I thought it was just going to be about a woman desperately trying to save her marriage although it had a great twist
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
A little bit of a different book which didn’t disappoint and got me thinking of what have beens. Don’t want to give too many details and spoil your read but give it a go.
Want to read
February 26, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/26/2023)! 🎁
April 2, 2023
Wow. Just wow. When I started this book I never expected it to go the way it did. Definitely worth a read. Will be checking out more work from this author for sure.
October 4, 2023
This was amazing. Difficult to put down. Reminded me of Jodi Picoult.
March 6, 2023
This is such a well written story and very clever. Despite the magical side of it there is something very real and almost painful about the loss and challenges in this story.
A solid 4.5 stars
Hoping Ellie Sabine write more!
A solid 4.5 stars
Hoping Ellie Sabine write more!
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