This Is Not How It Ends
By Rochelle B. Weinstein
ISBN# 9781542007672
Author’s Website: https://www.rochelleweinstein.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Charlotte’s life was forever changed by a simple plane ride. Little did she know the man raging about being downgraded from First Class would have such a huge impact in her life. Once Philip calmed down, he and Charlotte had a riveting conversation that stayed with them both forever. However, she never expected to see him again. Imagine her surprise, when she saw him while out on a date and celebrating her mom’s birthday. Philip would make sure to leave his mark as they embarked on a relationship of a lifetime.
It wasn’t long before the two were living their dream in a house on the beach in the Keys. The two were soon engaged and it seemed everything was going their way. Then, something changed. Philip always traveled a lot for work, but he quit asking Charley to come along. It seemed like he was slipping away.
Charley met Ben at the grocery store when his son collapsed from an allergic reaction to a sample that was being handed out. When Ben froze, Charley took action that could very well have saved the boy’s life. It turns out Ben was also Philip’s best friend that had just moved to the Keys and owned their favorite restaurant. The three would spend a lot of time together from then on. And, when Philip was out of town, Ben would step up to make sure Charley had whatever she needed. As Philip seemed to be pulling further away from Charley, she and Ben were growing closer. As the two contemplate a relationship of their own, tragedy strikes that could change everything.
I absolutely loved this book. The premise has been retold a million times. A torrid love triangle that could rip apart a friendship and change all three parties forever. However, that didn’t stop me from falling in love with this book. It didn’t feel stale or like I’d read the story before. The emotions bled off the page, especially in the last 3rd of the book. I can’t remember the last story that made me cry this much. Being an emotional reader, it’s exactly what I needed!
At first, I wasn’t sure if I should like Philip or not. And, as time went on I fell more in love with Ben and less so with Philip. Which could be how Charley was feeling as well. However, it turned out that Philip had the biggest heart of all. He loved like he lived his life—BIG! And, I don’t think I could have been as selfless and giving as he was to those he loved with all his heart.
This was an amazing read. It was beautiful, poignant, and it will absolutely break your heart! This is the first book I’ve read from this author, but I hope it won’t be my last!
