This Is Not How It Ends by Rochelle B. Weinstein Published by Brilliance Audio on January 1, 2020
Pages: 342
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Genres: Contemporary, Women's Fiction, Romance
Amazon Audible
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?
I typically don’t care for love triangles and the drama that comes with them. Crushed souls and occasional instances of cheating aren’t my idea of fun. However, This Is Not How It Ends was a Kindle Unlimited Read and Listen for Free title, and I had a few hours of listening time at my disposal while I worked on a home project, so I figured what the heck. Long story short, even though it went against my instincts, I decided to give the audiobook a try. The verdict: not half bad.
I will say I found the plot to be 100% predictable from beginning to end. On the flip side, it features some well-crafted characters, including Charlotte, a charming leading lady with a big heart. Phillip is the life of the party, but he is frequently emotionally unavailable to Charlotte. It sets a foundation for his and Charlotte’s relationship issues and serves to differentiate the two men in her life, but her complaints result in some serious repetitiveness. Devoted single parents are seriously my thing, so of course my heart reached for Ben and his shy 11-year-old son, Jimmy.
All three main characters have experienced loss in some form or other, and it’s interesting to see the different ways in which each person deals with it. All three characters also make choices that had me shaking my head and rolling my eyes in frustration. However, if you are a drama lover and don’t mind predictability, you may not be bothered.
The audiobook featuring Tavia Gilbert’s brilliant vocal performance — because let’s face it, hers is more than a simple recitation of words on a page — completely elevates this story. The emotion in her voice brought tears to my eyes. She also gives a spot-on impersonation of a pre-teen boy! Bonus stars overall for the audiobook. I’ve never heard her narration before, but I’ll be searching for more of her work.
Recommended for fans of:
Love triangles
Dogs
Chefs
Meet cutes
Key West, Florida
Download This Is Not How It Ends
I am not a love triangle fan either. This blurb would have made me run!