Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Amanda Maxlyn's What's Left of Me. My stop includes everything you need to know about the book, my review, a teaser, and a giveaway.
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*Tissue Alert*
Oh Amanda Maxlyn, you made me ugly cry!
What's Left of Me is a poignant tale of strife trumped by courage and love.
Aundrea McCall began her battle with cancer four years ago. She's about to undergo yet another round of treatment and she's woefully tired of being that poor girl with cancer. Before her chemo begins, her best friend talks her into a girls' night out and it ends up being a night that changes her life. The night she meets Parker.
Parker Jackson is just the distraction Aundrea thinks she needs. Some fun, flirting, maybe some hot sex...all without strings. Too bad Parker has other ideas. And there's also the fact that Aundrea isn't telling Parker her secret...because for the first time in four years, someone, who just happens to be ridiculously hot, is looking at her and see her - not the cancer girl.
Aundrea's story is one that's gripping and emotional. Her courage in the face of cancer is admirable. Seeing her fears and insecurities as she fights her disease as well as watching her struggles with the side-effects of her treatments made her aversion to commitment understandable. Also, since her diagnosis, Aundrea has felt she needed to be strong for her family. Parker lets her be vulnerable without making her feel weak. And seeing Parker, eventually, break through all Aundrea's barriers was even more touching. Aundrea's realization that she'd found someone who truly sees her...well, that made me cry.
Parker is incredible. He is nothing if not persistent. He's patient and kinda and gentle with Aundrea...even when he doesn't understand her unwillingness to let him close. He's also steady in facing the adveristy involved in being in a relationship with Aundrea. I love him and I love them together. They have so much to overcome yet he staunchly stands by her side knowing they'll face whatever comes together.
I really liked Aundrea's sister, Genna, and her husband, Jason. They were a wonderful support net for Aundrea. I also liked Aundrea's friend, Jean, for her ability to know what Aundrea needed and providing it.
What's Left of Me surprised me in its intensity. The descriptions of the diagnosis, treatments, and side-effects enriched the realism of the story. Aundrea's struggle and her strength in facing it was inspiring. And the bond between Aundrea and Parker reinforced my belief in soul mates. This story will make you laugh and ugly cry. But being a part of Aundrea and Parker's journey is well worth the experience.
**I received an eARC of the book, as part of the tour, in exchange for an honest review.**
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About Amanda:
I am the mother of two little boys, married to the love of my life, and living in one of the smallest towns in Minnesota. When I’m not chasing or cleaning up after my boys (yes, all three), I can be found writing or snuggled up with my kindle, a glass of wine, and spending time with my fictional friends and family.
Facebook ~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Instagram
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I got all teary eyed just reading your review! This sounds like such a emotional story. Lovely review, Brandee!
ReplyDeleteOh, it so was, Andrea. A tear-jerker for sure. Thanks!
DeleteShit it's this kinds of books that I love to torture myself with once in a while. Didn't you just spotlight this a while ago? I can tell by the blurb that this is going to be one of those powerful ones.
ReplyDeleteYep, Braine, I did the cover reveal for it in the last month. It certainly is a powerful one. Like I said, you'll be needing tissue.
DeleteThis book is already on my TBR, Brandee, but I think I'll be pushing it up! Yours is the second incredibly good review I've read for it this week, and it's nice to have a book to turn to if I feel the need to cry :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a great weekend, Brandee! Only a few more days left for me - three exams - then I'm off for a long while. I can't wait to go to Norway for Christmas to see my mom and the rest of my family up there :)
Have a wonderful week, my friend! *hugs*
It is the perfect book for when you're in need of an ugly cry, Lexxie! Oh goodness...I'm still thinking about it.
DeleteI'm so happy you're close to getting a break! I can imagine how excited you are to go to Norway. I'm sure it will be so nice to be with family for the holiday.
My weekend was nice - and busy. I hope yours was lovely and that your Monday was marvelous! ;) *hugs*
I love your review! I have a bad feeling that I'd start the ugly cry as soon as I started reading it just because I know it's coming. After a tearjerker, what book do you turn to? I just finished an intense read that could have used another chapter or an epilogue, and now I have no idea what book mood I'm in and what to read next. Ack! I hope you have a great week even though you'll probably be busier than snot (snot is very busy).
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robyn. Yeah, I didn't get too far into it before the tears started flowing. I'm heading into a paranormal now. A definite switch of gears. :) Ugh, I hate it when a book leaves me feeling as though it's really unfinished. I hope your next read rocks!!
DeleteAnd yes, snot is busy...as am I. :) I hope your week is off to a great start! Enjoy it!!