That's Not a Thing

That's Not a Thing by Jacqueline Friedland, published by SparkPress, is a full length, stand alone romance novel. The story is high on drama, fast paced and slow burn at the same time.
A story full of twists and unexpected turns that kept me in suspense from start til the end.
I loved Wesley, Meredith and Aaron's heart wrenching, raw and gritty story.
That's Not a Thing is told in a single pov, excellent written and beautifully thought out and beautifully told.
4,5 beautiful stars.

Wonderful books with alternating timelines of Meredith in college with her first love Wesley and current fiancé Aaron. All is well with Aaron, until she is at a new hip restaurant and Wesley is the chef and owner.

Great book with wonderful characters. I couldn't put this one down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

That's Not a Thing by Jacqueline Friesland

10/5 Stars!!!!!!!

Wow! Beautiful, Touching Tribute to the power of True Love, Warms the Soul, Pulls at every possible heartstring!!

"Meredith Altman’s engagement to Wesley Latner ended in spectacular disaster—one that shattered her completely. Years have passed since then, and now she’s about to marry Aaron Rapp....."

That's the intro to what I can most certainly says is by far my favorite book of 2020!
The story of Meredith, Wesley and Aaron will have you cheering for everyone. It's a story of truebdeep love and realizing that sometimes as much as you hope and pray things don't always work out the way you think they should but more as they were always meant to be. The character development in this story is too notch and had me feeling for everyone involved.
Please do yourself a huge favor, grab a box of tissues and give this book the only time it deserves!
Thank you #NetGalley #SparkBooks for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A warm hearted book about love lost, heartbreak and what it takes to move on. What is closure? When do you know if you have it? This book explores Meredith's past and current loves and what they bring to her life. When she runs into her ex, Meredith encounters feelings bubbling to the surface about what might have been. Anyone who has felt conflicted over a past love could get a lot out of this book the emotions perfectly.

when I initially read the description for That’s Not A Thing, I had a feeling I knew which way the story would go, and I’m so glad I was proven wrong! Meredith is engaged to Aaron and about to have a picture perfect life, until she runs into her ex-fiancé Wesley. When she finds out Wesley has been diagnosed with ALS, her world is turned upside down.

It’s a great book with just the right amount of flashbacks include to help the reader understand the heartbreak Meredith has gone through. I thought Aaron was going to be my least favorite character, but he turned out to be me favorite. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Jacqueline Friedland since I enjoyed this book so much!

There are many good reviving your old self women's fiction books, and That's not a thing by Jacqueline Friedland is one of them. The story revolves around Meredith, her previous engagement, her breakup, her new self, and her new life. When all is good in paradise, there is an unexpected hate-love twist. This book spoke with me and was relatable in many ways. Emotional, lovely, feel good and a fast read. The author has done a wonderful job with the characters. You really won't regret reading this book. Thank you NetGalley and Sparkpress for this beautiful read.

This novel is a true testament to the difference between true and perceived love. What Meredith had with Wes was lust driven by the past and it was never fully resolved. He pushed her away when he actually needed her the most and chose a lonely life coupled by a disease of which his life rapidly deteriorated. Aaron was perfect both on paper and his actions but I felt for a while that Meredith didn't appreciate him and would tell him she loves him but her words felt forced. It is only when she actually acted did it become real and strong. I loved the ending!

I’ve never been yanked around by my heartstrings so much by a book before.

I didn’t remember anything about the synopsis before I picked up this book to read it, and I’m glad I didn’t. I’m glad I went into the novel blind, because I thought I had a pretty good idea about where this book was going, and I was so wrong.

I won’t go into detail here for that reason.

The first half of this book is told in a dual timeline. Sometimes when this happens, I find I’m more invested in one timeline than I am in the other, but that was not the case with this book. I was completely invested in both timelines from the very first page. I felt attached to the characters I was meant to feel attached to immediately.

I felt as torn as our main character, Mer. And that is not at all an easy place to be, not at all.

The first 30ish percent of this book seems like your typical novel. I thought I knew where it was going and I was comfortable with that. And then I was completely blindsided...and immediately after the first punch in the gut, I felt like I got hit again. And again. Up until the very end, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how and if everything was going to be resolved. NEEDING everything to be resolved. And entirely unsure HOW I even wanted it to be resolved.

I casually read the first part of this book over a couple of days, picking it up whenever I had time. Little did I know that once I hit a certain part, I’d abandon my plan of getting to bed early and stay up all night reading fiendishly until I finished.

aside from the story itself, I loved the three main characters in this book.

Mer is not a main character I usually like so much. She’s almost overly self-sacrificing, greater-good kind of character that can be eyeroll worthy sometimes, but she isn’t perfect and she’s not annoying. She’s just a good person in a really heartbreaking situation.

Then there is Aaron, who seems like your typical almost-too-perfect rebound boyfriend and Wes, the magnetic first love.

There are a lot of typical romance tropes here, but I promise this book isn’t typical. It’s so much more and it’s a story that needed to be told.

I adored this book, these characters, and yes even the heart pumping, tear-jerking rollercoaster it took me on.

Keep in mind there are trigger warnings in this book for severe illness and loss of a parent. I’m not the best at spotting triggers, but I felt like I should mention the ones I did notice since this was an ARC.

I absolutely loved this gem of a book. My typical genre is mystery/thriller so this was not something I’d normally read but I am so glad I did. I adored these characters- all them! My heart ached for Wesley. I have 2 family members who have passed from ALS so this hit home. Aaron was someone I wanted to fall in love with and wrap my arms around- he felt like home. Meredith was lovey even though she was messy! The NYC setting was captivating and made me miss home!
Put this on your TBR for April! Thanks to Netgalley for my advanced ebook copy!

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for a chance to read and review this book early.

This was my first book by the author and I went into this story completely blind except for the exciting plot. I had an idea about how this story would turn out but I was in for a surprise. It was totally unexpected surprise twist to an age old love triangle and it was a welcoming surprise. I absolutely adored this book. Meredith, Aaron and Wesley's story was warm, witty - full of second chances, lost relationship and what ifs. I really don't want to give anything away but I would definitely say that it's not a story to be forgotten. I fell in love with the characters. Laughed and cried in equal measures while reading it. It was a good one and I would love to read more of her books in the future. I was pleasantly surprised with the ending and it was definitely worth my time. I would recommend it to the fans of women's fiction and romance readers of all age.

Happy reading!

I absolutely adored this book! I love books that remind me of Persuasion and this one does, especially of the love that still resonates in our hearts. The tears were there, as was the heat, and it was a great escapist read for these days.

This is a wonderfully entertaining story, gripping from page one to the end. A romance that has lots of twists and turns, plenty of emotions, a wonderful book about lost love, moving on and how people change. A refreshing romance and well written

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Thank you to NetGalley, SparkPress and Jacqueline Friedland for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for my honest opinion!
After her first engagement ended in disaster, Meredith had finally found The One. Aaron played football for an Ivy League School, he spends his days saving babies and he happens to be the kindest and most caring guy ever. The newest hot spot in TriBeCa is the perfect spot to celebrate their upcoming nuptials. It just so happens that the head chef and new owner are not only the same person, they’re Wesley, Meredith’s first love and former fiance. Unresolved feelings that Meredith spent years sweeping under the rug come roaring to the surface and suddenly her new found stable foundation feels like it’s slipping away.
Things get more complicated when Meredith and Wesley start volunteering together at the local food shelter on the weekends and he tells her that he has been diagnosed with ALS. Suddenly being there for Wesley as his health declines is the only thing Meredith can think about. Are her feelings with Wesley as strong and true as they once were, or is her judgement clouded by his health and her need to help. And what about Aaron? Did she love him more than Wesley?
Ugh I loved this book, but man... talk about going through the emotional wringer. I felt sucker punched by Jacqueline Friedland a few times throughout this one. Meredith was so so flawed, but I related to her so much. She made mistakes, yes, but she was honest, she followed her heart, and there would be no regrets. I was so emotionally invested in this one that I had to put the book down and take a break multiple times because UGH MY HEART.
There were a few plot holes I wanted filled and I would love to see this “world” become a series to maybe get those answers, but I’m ok if not. The side characters were just as good as the main three! Both guys were so loveable and charming themselves that I felt so torn right along with Meredith, but the ending was perfect. This book comes out April 14th and I have a feeling this one is going to be VERY popular!

A couple of years ago, I read a historical fiction young adult novel by Jacqueline Friedland. While I was impressed by it, I was even more excited to read her first foray into women's fiction. And you know what? She nailed it!

The story was instantly engaging. I liked the flashback scenes toward the beginning, which explained the reasons behind what Meredith was feeling and why her situation was so complex. (They also made me nostalgic for college.) I can't relate in terms of wanting to get back with any of my ex-boyfriends, but I can see why Meredith would still hold a torch for Wesley. I also got frustrated with her at times, after learning more about why things ended the way they did. Meredith is flawed and impulsive, and I love her for that. I also admire her need to help people whenever possible.

For the most part, I felt like I was privy to what was going on in a friend's life, regardless of the fact that I'm a lot older than Meredith. And, of course, I enjoyed the Jewish references in the novel. I appreciated that she was so accommodating to her Orthodox brother's Shabbat schedule when planning when her wedding would be.

I felt like time jumped ahead a lot and some aspects of the story could have been addressed more. However, I understand the need to move the story along instead of letting it linger in one place. There was a lot to unpack, but Jacqueline did it well and while things wrapped up neatly in the end, I really wanted that for Meredith.

Jacqueline has a flair for women's fiction and I am eager to see what she comes up with next. In the meantime, definitely check this one out!

Movie casting ideas:
Meredith: Amanda Leighton
Wesley: Armie Hammer
Aaron: Finn Wittrock
Lana: Lili Reinhart
Nicola: Tamsin Egerton

That’s Not a Thing by Jacqueline Friedland

What a story! Talk about a roller coaster ride of emotions that at times made me feel that the characters were dealing with the roller coaster car about to careen off the rails. This book was filled with feels and had me thinking about what I would have done if in the position of Meredith but also of Aaron, Wesley and some of the supporting characters. This book will definitely stay with me for awhile.

The story beings in 2017 but flips back to a period between 2008 and 2012 to fill in the backstory of why what is happening in the present has the impact it does. I have to say it did make me go back in time to think about the men in my past and wonder about what it would be like if they were to show up again...okay...that would NOT happen now but if I had been Meredith’s age and it had happened...I wonder what my reaction would have been and how I would have handled it. Hmm…

Anyway...

What I liked:
* It was real...I could see this happening so easily
* Meredith: intelligent woman with some baggage from her past that clings in the present even though she is pretty much sitting in clover with her new fiance. She is a giver and fixer but has trouble fixing her own life sometimes even though she has a big caring heart
* Aaron: a jock with brains that is a man among men. He appeals to both men and women and seems to have it all
* The parents: They were worthy of their children and I really liked them all
* The educational aspect related to ALS, cancer and pro bono legal work
* The idea that light that shines from us is created by being happy and not by who we might or might not be with
* The insights that one can pick up if they really embrace the story…
* The writing and plot and story
* That I could relate to it in so many ways: woman, nurse, through past experiences, and more
* All of it except…

What I did not like:
* ASL – it is a nasty disease
* Cancer – another nasty disease
* Wondering how the future unfolds for everyone – I have a good idea but still will spend some time wondering.

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more books by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

This story had me smiling one minute and feeling like my heart dropped down into my stomach the next. It was such a beautiful story, about moving forward and being true to yourself and what you need.
The characters were so sweet; I especially loved Meredith and how kind she was.
I thought the story ended a bit too abruptly though, and I hope there’s a sequel in the works, I want to know what happened to Wesley!!!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of Rebecca Serle’s books The Dinner List or In Five Years

This book drew me in right away. There are sad moments in it but it’s not a sad book. I felt as torn as the main character did. I would have liked to have read more about her and Wesley falling in love in college - the flashbacks ended around the second part of the book and left me wondering. There were just some missing pieces that I would have enjoyed more about. Overall I did enjoy this book.

I was triggered by a review of That's Not A Thing on Instagram and lucky enough to receive an ARC from Netgalley and Sparks Press.
Thank you both so much! Meredith Altman, a young successful woman working in corporate law, is happily engaged to handsome neonatal surgeon Aaron when she unexpectedly encounters her ex fiancee Wesley in a restaurant. Meredith never fully recovered from the sudden and painful way their engagement ended a few years back and as soon as Meredith and Wesley lay eyes on each other again it becomes clear that there is a lot of unfinished business between them. Meredith is seriously confused by the whole situation and to make matters worse, Wesley shares that he is suffering from a life threatening illness...

This story is certainly packed with drama. Think love triangle, ALS, moral dillema's and self doubt.
When Meredith became so caught up between her ex and current fiancé I wondered why she jeopardized so much. In fact I was rather surprised that she still felt so strongly about the guy who hurt her so badly in the past. The story starts of by describing how the two met and fell in love but then there is a rather big leap in time to the unexpected break-up. That transition felt a bit to sudden for me.

All in all I certainly enjoyed this heartfelt read. I would recommend it to all lovers of romance and relationship drama.

That's Not a Thing grabbed my attention and didn't let go. I went into it expecting one thing and Ms. Friedland delivered something entirely different....and I liked it...a lot.

At its heart, this book is about dealing with life's disappointments and moving forward. It also shows in heartbreaking clarity how life's choices can impact your future in both good and bad ways. You should live life fully every day with no regrets....easier said than done, I know.

The main character, Meredith is engaged to a man that any woman and her mother would love...a well built, kind, handsome neonatologist. Aaron is pretty much perfect. Yet, when she runs into her former fiancée, Wesley, she finds she still has unresolved feelings for him as well. It creates a different love triangle with some twists you don't typically see and I liked that unique approach a great deal. It gave you an opportunity to delve a bit deeper into the emotions tied to relationships and what happens when they don't get a "true ending."

"You have one heart. You can't give it to two different guys at once. That is not a thing."

There were a few things I would have liked for the author to have handled differently. I also would have liked a little more added in certain places where I felt things needed more development. However, overall, I thought it was a really well done book that I couldn't put down. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I found that I couldn't put this book down. I really enjoyed that things happened that I least expected, and left me surprised. The book made me laugh and cry, and it dealt with some very sad subjects without being too heavy and deep. The book takes you back into history and up to current day, without making you feel confused. I can't wait to read more by Jacqueline Friedland!

I was incredibly involved in this story of a young female lawyer finding her and learning what really matters in life. Meredith is hard on herself as she struggles with her desires and actions, and I was rooting for her all the way to find her path and set herself up for true happiness. Passion, regrets, and illness are all themes that the author explores with great heart. Friedland handles her material skillfully, creating a very meaningful story.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. If you enjoy reading stories about the one that got away then this book is for you. The range of emotions I went through with this book - that when I started I could not stop reading until my eyes were strained, and everything else neglected.

Meredith and Wesley met during college at Columbia and their love story was completely enthralling, until a tragic accident caused their horrible breakup. Years later, Meredith, was now in another relationship with Aaron, a pediatric heart surgeon, and engaged. In their search for a wedding venue, they ran into a TriBeCa chic restaurant owned by none other than Meredith’s ex Wesley. Information about Wesley brings them together in an unfortunate love triangle.

Friedland’s writing was heartrending, emotional and beautiful. She was able to capture the emotions of old love and new, digging into deep seated emotions that we bury to move on, but never forgetting. It was about forgiveness and being true to yourself. Friedland’s brilliance was her writing of witty and smart dialogue, relatable characters, and fabulous pacing while perfectly unfolding the story in two timelines.

I wasn't able to get through this book because of the ARC formatting, but what I was able to read was engaging and well written. I am looking forward to reading a formatted copy and updating my review.

I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Meredith and Aaron are celebrating their engagement when Wesley, Meredith’s ex walks back into her life.

Years earlier Meredith and Wesley were engaged, it ended in utter disaster and Meredith’s unresolved feeling have been churned up again. Everything becomes more confusing when Wesley admits to a diagnosis of ALS, Meredith feels a sense of responsibility and wants to help him. With the approval of Aaron Wesley moves into their apartment and everything becomes a bit messy.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved this book. It’s complicated, flawed characters, the heartbreak of first love, the longing for change and acceptance. The book is much more than a romance, it is full of heart and heartbreak. I really didn’t want it to end.

WOW! Jacqueline Friedland, author of "That's Not a Thing" has written a unique, heartbreaking, memorable, captivating, intriguing, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are fiction and women's fiction. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the events or characters. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex and complicated.

Meredith Altman and her fiance Aaron Rapp, who is a physician are celebrating their engagement with a special dinner at a fancy restaurant with close friends. Meredith finds out that the owner is Wesley Latner, the man responsible for breaking her heart years ago. Unfortunately, Meredith keeps running into Wesley.

 Wesley reveals that he has ALS, and Meredith feels devastated. What can she do? How can she and her fiance help him?

I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of knowing what you want, self-growth, forgiveness, and second chances.  The author also mentions the importance of loyalty, trust, family, friends, love, and hope. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel that is so well written. Just be sure to keep some Kleenex on hand.