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  • Writer's pictureJudith D Collins

This is Not How it Ends


This is not how it ends

ISBN: 1542007674

Publisher: Lake Union

Publication Date: 01/01/2020

Format: Paperback

My Rating: 5 Stars +++ Top Books of 2020

Author Q&A Jan 2020 From USA Today bestselling author Rochelle B. Weinstein comes a moving novel of hearts lost and found, and of one woman torn between two love stories.

When Charlotte and Philip meet, the pair form a deep and instant connection. Soon they’re settled in the Florida Keys with plans to marry. But just as they should be getting closer, Charlotte feels Philip slipping away.

Second-guessing their love is something Charlotte never imagined, but with Philip’s excessive absences, she finds herself yearning for more.

When she meets Ben, she ignores the pull, but the supportive single dad is there for her in ways she never knew she desired. Soon Charlotte finds herself torn between the love she thought she wanted and the one she knows she needs.

As a hurricane passes through Islamorada, stunning revelations challenge Charlotte’s loyalties and upend her life. Forced to reexamine the choices she’s made, and has yet to make, Charlotte embarks on an emotional journey of friendship, love, and sacrifice—knowing that forgiveness is a gift, and the best-laid plans can change in a heartbeat.

This Is Not How It Ends is a tender, moving story of heartbreak and healing that asks the question: Which takes more courage—holding on or letting go?

 

Praise

“Readers who enjoy watching a protagonist’s journey to emotional truths will appreciate this story of a woman struggling to determine how hers ends.” —Booklist

“…The journey to the inevitable ending still manages to take some fascinating turns along the way.” —Library Journal

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“In Rochelle B. Weinstein’s latest, This Is Not How It Ends, Charlotte Myers is caught between two love stories—neither of which she expected, both of which come with great loss. Poignant and evocative, Weinstein has crafted a story that draws you in and won’t let go. Keep the tissues nearby, especially for the heartbreaking yet gratifying conclusion. A wonderfully moving read!” —Karma Brown, bestselling author of The Life Lucy Knew

“A beautifully written tale about love and the unexpected choices we are forced to make. Full of rich description and soulful characters, Weinstein’s original story will have you turning pages quickly.” —Elyssa Friedland, author of The Floating Feldmans

“Can a chance encounter change your life? For Charlotte Myers, the unexpected will challenge her assumptions about the meaning of love and family, and question her ability to forgive the sins of the past. Elegant and timely, This Is Not How It Ends weaves a poignant tapestry of three lives threaded together by devotion and secret passion—and will leave readers guessing until the satisfying conclusion.” —Christine Nolfi, award-winning author of the Sweet Lake series

"Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Florida Keys, This is Not How it Ends beautifully highlights how two single random encounters can influence the trajectory of our lives. This poignant, character-driven tale about love and the choices we make will make you laugh and cry. A thoroughly captivating read.” —Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author of On the Island and The Girl He Used to Know

“Weinstein is at the top of her game here. Poignant and unputdownable, This is Not How it Ends tackles the heavy hitters—love, loss, betrayal, and forgiveness—and reminds us that in the end, it is always love that wins.” —Julie Lawson Timmer, author of Mrs. Saint and the Defectives

“I was engrossed from the first page! This Is Not How It Ends is not just one love story, it’s the story of the many ways we love each other, betray each other, and find the strength to fall in love yet again. Vibrant writing, compelling, relatable characters, and the gorgeous Florida Keys setting make Weinstein’s latest a must-read!” —Loretta Nyhan, bestselling author of Digging In

My Review

Look for my in-depth Q&A Elevator Ride with one of my favorite authors, Rochelle B. Weinstein, coming Jan 1, 2020. Get all the exclusives and behind-the-scenes moments, as well as fun facts about THIS IS NOT HOW IT ENDS, and this multi-talented and gifted author. No one writes “love” stories and tackles highly charged topics better than Rochelle! What a great way to kick off the new year. Set aside the time because once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down. 😎 "Poignant, compelling, emotional, and captivating! A powerful love story—my favorite since Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook! I would love to see a movie based on the book!" 🎬 (please film in Islamorada). When I discovered the setting was in Islamorada and a bonus —my two favorite restaurants— (Morada Bay and Pierre's) —I was over-the-moon. I was a local and lived in the Keys for several years, and this was a slice of heaven—my favorite spot. (more below on this) I fell in love with Rochelle's stunning lyrical prose beginning with Where We Fall (Top Books of 2016). I could not wait to read her first two novels—The Mourning After and What We Leave Behind (once again, mesmerizing). Then last year, she wowed us with the emotionally charged Somebody's Daughter (Top Books of 2018). I have been an avid fan since! A highly anticipated modern love story, THIS IS NOT HOW IT ENDS is beautifully written (and a "to die for" fabulous cover)! 💕 You will fall in love with Ben, Philip, and Charley (and Sunny). It isn't easy to put into words or adequately convey the true meaning of this extraordinary book. This is not the usual love triangle. It is so much more. Oh, and that "letter". . . . AHHHHH moment. After reading there will be NO dry eyes. (more on this included in the interview) Rich in character and place, Rochelle is a master storyteller, and she knocked this one "out of the park!" A must-read for 2020. Her BEST yet! * The novel will change you. * Will make you think and feel. * You will cry tears of sorrow and joy. * Unique and memorable in many ways. * A glowing 5 STARS * My Top Books of 2020.

What an evocative setting for an exquisite love story.🥰🌴 Thank you, for writing this beautiful story. Rochelle, you were born to write, and your passion is reflective throughout. If you enjoy authors: Jodi Picoult, T. Greenwood, Diane Chamberlain, Emily Giffin, Patti Callahan Henry, Nicholas Sparks, Charles Martin, Richard Paul Evans, Colleen Hoover, Sally Hepworth, and Catherine Ryan Hyde— you are assured to fall in love with this spellbinding novel and Rochelle's signature style. If you have not read her books, I highly recommend. She is not afraid to tackle highly-charged emotional topics and balances them with compassion, heart, with a strong sense of place and well-developed memorable characters. I hope you enjoy THIS IS NOT HOW IT ENDS, as much as I did! A special thank you to Lake Union, the author, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. #JDCMustReadBooks

************* On a side note: My favorite part of the Florida Keys is still to this day, Islamorada! Morada Bay and Pierre's are my favorite restaurants, and you could find me there several times a week when a local. The view is breathtaking and tranquil. Morada Bay is more casual— you can grab a colorful Adirondack chair, put your feet in the white sand, pull it up to the waterfront, with a book and glass of wine. I have spent many an evening there. On my day off— that is where I would be lost in a story. Heavenly! Oh, and Pierre's the restaurant next door (more upscale) and fabulous for dinner! It reminds me of Charleston with the outdoor balconies and ferns and a bit of Bermuda. The food is divine, and the atmosphere is lush, tropical, and soothing. Also, if you are in the area, the cottages are stunning. Also, check out Checca Lodge across the road. This book transported me back to those memorable days. Being in real estate, I was very connected within the community, and one of the reasons this book is so dear to me, among many other things. (i.e., my Epi-Pen, food allergies, alternative medicine, my mom's cancer, etc.).

 

This is Not How It Ends Interview with @JudithDCollins

Rochelle B. Weinstein

Coming Jan 2020

 

About the Author

Rochelle B. Weinsein

Rochelle B. Weinstein is the USA Today bestselling author of emotionally driven women's fiction Somebody's Daughter, Where We Fall, The Mourning After, and What We Leave Behind. Rochelle spent her early years in sunny South Florida, always with a book in hand, raised by the likes of Sidney Sheldon and Judy Blume. Upon graduating from the University of Maryland School of Journalism, Rochelle moved to Los Angeles where she handled advertising and promotions for major film studios and record labels at the LA Weekly. Returning to Miami, she continued her passion for entertainment as a music industry executive at the Box Music Network.

When she's not writing, Rochelle and her husband are enjoying their empty nest while visiting twin sons in Washington, DC and Boston. Rochelle loves to hike, read, and find the world's best nachos. Her new novel, This Is Not How It Ends, a tender love story based in the Florida Keys, releases October 15, 2019. She is currently working on her sixth novel. Read More

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