Book Review: The Story of Us by Dani Atkins!

The Story of Us

Author: Dani Atkins
Published: August 14th 2014
Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

A gripping love story from the bestselling author of Fractured.

Emma Marshall can't wait to marry her childhood sweetheart, Richard. But then a tragic accident changes everything, and introduces a stranger, Jack, into her life. Gorgeous and mysterious, Jack is like no-one Emma has met before. But Richard is the man she loves...

Two different men.

Two different destinies.

How will Emma end her story?

Emma gave up her life and career to move back to her hometown and family. She was forced to leave everything she had for herself to help care for her ill mother. On her arrival, her childhood sweetheart and first love, Richard is still waiting for her. She was immediately thrown into the life she left. Reuniting with her friends and family seems like a great way start her homecoming.

But one night changed everything in Emma’s life. One night that led to secrets uncovered, friendship destroyed and hearts broken.

Now, seemingly lost, she must grieve but also sort out her emotions of how to go on with her life while tending to her Mum.

Emma is all about sacrifices. She’s keen on making everybody else happy. And I love that about her. She outs everybody else first. She almost made a mistake that she will regret all her life just to make her everyone happy. Insert Jack here, he’s the one that keeps Emma from lying about her true feelings.

Jack is a passionate author who lost faith in marriage after walking out from a nasty one. Researching in London, he didn’t realize he would stumble upon Emma and that actual moment will forever become part of who they are. He kinda has a hero complex going on but he’s charming for it. Is his overprotectiveness of Emma just a side effect of what they experienced did it start there and gradually turning into something more?

While for Richard, I’m torn how to feel about him. To be honest I like him. What he’s feeling is true and real. Despite his choices, he’s a great guy. Caroline, I guess, is collateral damage here. She’s a poor soul that shouldn’t have had to endure such guilt. Good thing she and Emma are great friends. Nothing can come between true friends.

It’s a sweet novel that I completely adored. I’m a sucker for knights in a shining armor what can I say? And if you are too, you’ll find this book a nice read. Did I mention Jack’s an author? Yes? I just think it adds attractiveness. I especially enjoyed the storyline. How each character had slowly understood each situation they’re in and the realizations of their choices.

Overall, The Story of Us is a sweet and romantic read with lessons of life. It’s a story of not taking things for granted, cherish loved ones and grasping that home is a person.

Dani was born and brought up in Cockfosters, London, whose chief claim to fame is that it’s at the end of the Piccadilly Tube Line. 

This served her well for commuting into the city, where from the age of 18 she worked in a succession of secretarial positions in companies as diverse as a BMW car dealership to the BBC. Dani spent her two hour commute avidly reading and dreamed that one day she would become an author herself. 

When her two children grew up and left home, Dani set about turning this dream into reality and devoted her time to writing. She now lives in a rural Hertfordshire cottage with her husband, a crazy border collie dog and two geriatric cats.

FRACTURED is her first novel.