21-year-old Shandi Pierce is on her way to Atlanta with her 3 year old son, Natty, whose conception she believes was a miracle since she was a virgin until a full year after his birth, and her best friend Walcott who’s helping her move to her father’s condo, when she and Natty stop in a gas station for some drinks. Shandi notices tall, blonde, handsome William Ashe staring at laundry detergent and immediately falls for him. Her crush deepens when an armed robber enters the store and William puts himself between the gun and Natty. What Shandi doesn’t know is she’s stepped into the middle of a love story, and it’s not her own.
It’s been 1 year since the tragic car accident that took William’s wife and daughter, and with the help of his best friend Paula, he’s returned to some sense of normalcy. Through several flashbacks we learn how William met Bridget, who planned to enter the convent, and courted her, to use an old fashioned but fitting term. In the present, Shandi tries to gain William’s attentions, while also dealing with her own past, including the real story of Natty’s conception, her own parents’ relationship, which ended when they couldn’t work out their religious differences, and her friendship with Walcott, who acts distant ever since the robbery. William’s Asbergers and his unresolved feelings for his wife result in disappointment for Shandi, but he also agrees to help her track down Natty’s father.
Someone Else’s Love Story was a bit hard to get into at first, but once I got used to the writing style and the constant jumping around, and the story really picked up, I enjoyed it. Shandi grows from pathetic to sympathetic as she faces reality and finally sees what was in front of her the whole time. Jackson expertly weaves a story of love, devotion and friendship with a twist that I didn’t see coming but explained some hints dropped earlier in the book.
Another of the reviewers at 5 Minutes for Books posted her review of Someone Else’s Love Story over there today. If you’re interested in this book, check out her perspective as well.
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Wanted to let you know that I received the book today and am going to start reading it this weekend. I just had my wisdom tooth removed and will be sitting around feeling ick for a couple days so it is the perfect time to read! Thanks again!
I like the book because I like people getting a second chance at love/life.
i am drawn to the book by the review. it sounds really interesting.
It sounds like a unique story.
What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive. The complicated story draws me. I guess it is just humanity that makes life so interesting.
It sounds like an interesting read.
Sounds like a romantic love story.
I like her books a lot. 🙂
The “virginity” aspect intrigues me!
I actually like stories that jump around a bit!
I love her books. Her characters are so vivid and relatable.
I want to read about how she faces reality.
What draws me to this book is that she is one of my favorite authors!
A mother trying to make a better life for her son is what draws me!
I’ve read great reviews about this book and I would love to read it.!
The storyline sounds interesting.
My oldest son was in a preschool where half the class had developmental delays and the other half helped mainstream them. One of the kids was autistic and learned to dress himself and go to the bathroom. A neighbor’s son was also autistic and loved being around computers and computer games which he became quite talented at. I like reading about kids, their problems and how the family handles issues and situations they find themselves in.
It sounds like a story that would need to be savored as it unfolds. I love reading a story where I can’t predict everything that will happen from page 1.
I’d like to read this with others to discuss – I like stories that are told in disjoint pieces and slowly revealed.
The title. Love!
It sounds like a very interesting story, and I just love that it is set in the south.
i’m drawn to the book from having read your review of it in another post. prior to that i had not even heard of this book. thank you for the chance to win!!
It sounds like it has incredible characters!
I am drawn to this book because I love the author.
I believe everything happens for a reason through our lifetime. When people meet and things happen it is not by chance or coincidence. The first paragraph of this post got me hooked. I pictured the event and my curiosity and imagination is sparked and I need to know what happens in the end.
I want to read it because I have seen many good reviews on it, & I think I’ll enjoy it!
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
It sounds like a different twist on the typical love story
it sounds like a great story!
Sounds like a story that will draw you in and grip you the whole time!
Always love a new book recommendation!
The unexpected twists, the love story, the portrayal of a ‘special/different/autistic or…’ character.
I like books that have twists in them!
I enjoy joshilyn’s novels in print and audio…thanks for the chance to read her latest 🙂
I have read another of Joshilyn’s books and really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to being able to lose myself in another of her books.
This novel sounds unforgettable for the profound storyline and subject.
Im drawn to this book because I too got a 2nd chance,,after a abusive 30yr marriage survivor,,
One thing that jumps out to me is that William has Aspbergers, my son does as well. Aside from sounding like a good book without that, it still draws my attention to it more.