Member Reviews
Enjoyable storyline and some lovely and characters. I did enjoy this book and would recommend everyone go grab a copy of their own
This isn't really the kind of book i normally gravitate towards but i was so impressed by how moving and truthful it was about the ups and downs of a long relationship. It's a wonderful book
Emotional romantic read.
Falling love is just the beginning. Despite all that goes wrong - illness and family issues, it is obvious there is a deep love between the two main characters - Tess and Gus and that fate brought them together.
Loved the location setting of Italy which added to the emotion of the book.
Felt the author dealt with all the serious topics within the book sympathically, making it more than just your average love story, showing that relationships are never simple and straightforward.
A perfect holiday read.
Thanks @kateeberlen @orionpublishing & @netgalley for the eARC
Such a beautiful book. I so loved the concept off it - that the writer didn’t focus on the lead up to the happily ever after, as a normal romance novel would. Obviously the expectation would be that the story would follow all of Tess and Gus’s missed chances for years, which in itself is gripping, but the fact that the author starts right when they finally meet properly, and instead only briefly references all those twists of fate throughout, is fascinating. Because Tess’s mum and auntie are correct - falling in love is just the beginning, and it’s what comes after that’s important.
Tess and Gus’s after is the story, and it’s a heartbreaking one. Despite all that goes wrong and the novel’s poignant portrayal of illness, family issues and class differences, there is such a clear love between the characters.
Overall, this is a stunning book and a story that I know I’ll always remember. You know it’s a good novel when you have to immediately flick back to the beginning to reread some bits to help you process the ending, which is exactly what I had to do!
What to expect:
- missed chances
- mental illness/depression
- cancer
- Asperger’s
- loss/bereavement
- family issues
- dual POV
- soulmates/meant to be
Definitely well-described as emotional - just felt like it was maybe trying a bit hard? Especially the male protagonists description of Tess, at least in my opinion.
In ‘Ever After’ by Kate Eberlen, readers are introduced to Gus and Tess, and a romance that intertwines throughout both of their lives, spanning years, toing and froing the both of them, almost as though the universe is undecided about where they will end up, and if they will end up together. Infused with romance, warmth and depth, ‘Ever After’ is a sensitive and moving tale, of what it means to take a chance, to throw caution to the wind, and to make the most of the time we have here.
Dear readers, it has been such a long time since I last wrote a book review, so if this review at any time seems a bit wobbly or loose in its structure, I do apologise. It has been years since I last felt calm enough to enjoy a story, even more so to then gather my thoughts at the end of said story and write about it. But alas, here I am, having worked up the courage to do just that, and hoping that I make some sort of sense while doing so.
This was a really beautiful story, and reminded me very much of star-crossed lovers, in the sense that Tess and Gus crossed paths on more than one occasion throughout lengthy periods of time. I’m very much a big believer in things happening for a reason, and so it didn’t take long for me to assume that fate definitely had a part to play in the eventual meeting of these two characters. This is something that I am always drawn to in romantic fiction and something I will never tire of reading about. There is something so intensely delicious about knowing that no matter what these characters do, they are bound to collide. Eberlen nailed that aspect of this tale and I thoroughly enjoyed being witness to it.
With each chapter allowing the reader an insight into Tess and Gus’ individual lives, Eberlen provided a satisfying observation of his and hers’ thoughts and feelings, which paved the way throughout the story. From chapter to chapter, I found myself anticipating how each character had observed what had happened previously, and I enjoyed reading their differing opinions on the things which they both experienced, especially as the novel progressed, and things began to get rather rocky.
I feel that the characters were beautifully brought to life by the author. Emotions were written to life with art, and the story moved me repeatedly. I adored the scenery of Florence, adding even more of a colourful splash of magic to the story, and could easily picture myself alongside the characters as they strolled along sun-dappled pavements, considering their futures.
"When my mother used to read me fairy tales, I think I always focused on the ‘ever after’ instead of the ‘happily’."
Towards the end of the novel, emotions intensify for the reader, especially for those who have perhaps experienced cancer in their own lives. Both frightening yet tenderly written, Eberlen writes about the subject with sensitivity, and in a way that encourages the reader to desperately hope that both characters will receive their happy ending.
This was a gentle and deeply soothing read despite the tough subject matter. Eberlen weaves escape with a daydream-like quality, but at the same, infuses a sense of realness and raw emotion. I loved the characters and their unique bond, and how, no matter what, they always seemed to find their way back to each other. Utterly heart-warming and a joy to lose myself in, I really look forward to reading more from this author.
Netgalley copy provided by publisher.
I did struggle to get into this book, the further I got the better it got, it is a rollercoaster and you go through a lot of different emotions
Wonderful characters and lovely locations especially Italy. A book to fall in love with. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.
I absolutely loved this book a beautiful story but my heart it was nice to catch up with Tess and Gus again I loved Miss you so didn't know what to expect but this one didn't disappoint I actually loved this one more easy 5 stars
Ever After is such a beautiful story, but be prepared to have your heart broken more than once.
Tess and Gus have crossed paths so many times in their lives but its not until 2013 that they finally speak. Their connection is instantaneous and felt authentic. They fell deeply in love, but this didn't mean there weren't massive obstacles they sometimes didn't manage to overcome. The way the author writes about conflicting emotions, and adversity is so well crafted that you can't help but feel the same emotions the characters are feeling.
No doubt there is a lot of sadness in Ever After. But it's also a book that implores us to be in the present, to love wholeheartedly and also that while we may not have ever after, we can still have happily.
Firstly, a big thank you to Orion Publishing Group and Net Galley for the Arc.
In complete honesty, I’m not 100% sure how I feel about this book. There are elements that I love, and some bits that I didn’t love so much. I’d rate this around 3.5⭐️
I love a prologue so that is always a welcome bonus. I think prologues really help set up a story so I awarded bonus points for its inclusion in this book.
The story of Tess and Gus is one of mixed emotions. The time jumps in this book arent a loved feature, especially as they only seemed to cover short period of time. I’d have liked to have been in the moment a bit more, rather than pulled from scene to scene. Even the ending felt quite abrupt which lets it down just a little. But what I love about Gus and Tess’ story is that it is real and vulnerable, nothing is sugarcoated. Vulnerability really allows you to connect to character’s and understand their story a lot more.
I love multiple perspectives, so the inclusion of that is great. The locations in this are wonderful, Italy is a beautiful backdrop choice for a love story. London is also a great setting choice, and is a good contrast to Italy. The characters are well crafted, each with their own struggles and flaws.
I do recommend this book, I think a lot of people will really love this story. I didn’t fall in love with this book unfortunately, but I did like it. I think it’ll be a good book to add to your TBR this summer.
True to form, Kate has penned another fabulous book. Set initially in Italy and then London with wonderful characters, what more could you want. A real page turner which I found hard to put down.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. This book holds a true mix of emotions from absolute happiness to absolute heartbreak. It is definitely more than just your average love story! It deals with a lot of serious topics including depression and mental health. I was not expecting this book to be so deep and interesting so I was pleasantly surprised and impressed at how well the author dealt with complicated relationship dynamics. A fabulous read which I will definitely be recommending. A high 4 stars from me.
A bittersweet romance that takes you across the years. Is it fate or destiny that guides their paths? Some of this book was really good. I loved the idea of it, the way it was written and the descriptions of Italy really made me want to go back and visit. But parts of it dragged and it felt to long, I kept checking my kindle to see how far through I was which is never a good sign. A good book but too long for the story.
After kindly receiving the ARC on #NetGalley, I was excited to get reading 'Ever After' by Kate Eberlen.
To be honest, I struggled to get into it to begin with. But the further I got, the more I started to appreciate it. The story of Tess & Gus was beautiful, unexpected & deep.
This book was a true mixture of happiness & heartbreak & showing that relationships are never simple, they are complex & wonderful & sad & uplifting & a whole host of other things, all rolled into one.
'Ever After' is due to be published on 6th July 2023 & it will certainly make for a lovely summertime read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Eberlen & Orion Publishing Group for allowing me to read & review the ARC of 'Ever After'; all views are honest & my own.
What a story. A deep intense love story with so many twists. Two people who kept missing each other for years. It is a book you just have to read . I loved Hope the sister . Your childhood can affect you. Tess and Gus were amazing characters. There is so much to say but it would spoil it .Read it. The ending was not what I expected.
This book was well written with believable characters and has a good pace. It is deeply sad and stayed with me for a long time afterwards.
Adored this! Ever After swept me away with its beautiful locations so vivid in detail, timeline spanning years of the lives and relationship of Tess & Gus.
It was unpredictable what was going to happen with the relationship, knowing it may not be the happily ever after for the characters and that’s what had me racing through the pages and not wanting to put this down.
Would recommend it to lovers of One Day by David Nicholls and Emily Henry, Mhairi McFarlane. Already recommended this to friends!
This book was okay, it was sweet .. the pacing was good etc but I just don't think it was entirely for me unfortunately
Beyond excited to read this gorgeous book. Will be sharing a full review soon. I love the idea of a gorgeous love soaked Florence and how fate brings both Tess & Gus together. I also love the London aspect and how they both return back there and the anticipation of whether or not they will be able to have their love survive,
Gorgeous cover and can’t wait to share more and acquire this for ou4 branch, thinking of making this a book club pick as well!