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Only Love Can Hurt Like This
In the spirit of Colleen Hoover and Jojo Moyes's Me Before You, an unforgettable and heartbreaking love story with an earth-shattering secret at its core that asks the question: is love worth risking everything for?
An earth-shattering secret. A life-changing love story.
When Wren realizes her fiancé is in love with someone else, she thinks her heart will never recover.
On the other side of the world, Anders lost his wife four years ago and is still struggling to move on.
Wren hopes that spending the summer with her dad and step-family on their farm in Indiana will help her to heal. There, amid the cornfields and fireflies, she and Anders cross paths and their worlds are turned upside-down again.
But Wren doesn't know that Anders is harboring a secret, and if he acts on any feelings he has for Wren it will have serious fall-out for everyone. Walking away would hurt Wren more than she can imagine. But, knowing the truth, how can she possibly stay?
An earth-shattering secret. A life-changing love story.
When Wren realizes her fiancé is in love with someone else, she thinks her heart will never recover.
On the other side of the world, Anders lost his wife four years ago and is still struggling to move on.
Wren hopes that spending the summer with her dad and step-family on their farm in Indiana will help her to heal. There, amid the cornfields and fireflies, she and Anders cross paths and their worlds are turned upside-down again.
But Wren doesn't know that Anders is harboring a secret, and if he acts on any feelings he has for Wren it will have serious fall-out for everyone. Walking away would hurt Wren more than she can imagine. But, knowing the truth, how can she possibly stay?
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2023
About the author
Paige Toon
40 books4,634 followersPaige Toon grew up between England, Australia and America and has been writing books set in sun-drenched locations around the world since 2007. She has written fifteen novels, a three-part spin-off for young adults and a collection of short stories. Her books have sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. She loves hearing from her readers so get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PaigeToonAuthor or visit her website and sign up to her free newsletter The Hidden Paige.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,750 reviews
May 15, 2023
Her mother always told her to trust her instincts…but it’s hard to trust your instincts when they’re breaking your heart. 💔
When Wren realizes her fiancé is in love with someone else, she thinks her heart will never recover.
On the other side of the world, Anders lost his wife four years ago and is still struggling to move on.
When Wren travels to from the UK to the U.S. to spend the summer with her dad and step-family on their farm in Indiana-their paths will cross, and maybe, just maybe, their hearts will begin to heal. ❤️🩹
I had never read anything by this author before, but it was immediately evident that Paige Toon was a natural storyteller. It was easy to get caught up in the story from the very first page.
And, there is NOTHING that I enjoy more than to see two likable people who have experienced great loss and pain, find each other and come out on the other side.
Keeping this short and sweet-this is a book that would have never been on my radar if not for the rave reviews of my Goodreads friends. I’m glad those reviews led me to this couple that I found myself desperately rooting for!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this phenomenal love story! ❤️
When Wren realizes her fiancé is in love with someone else, she thinks her heart will never recover.
On the other side of the world, Anders lost his wife four years ago and is still struggling to move on.
When Wren travels to from the UK to the U.S. to spend the summer with her dad and step-family on their farm in Indiana-their paths will cross, and maybe, just maybe, their hearts will begin to heal. ❤️🩹
I had never read anything by this author before, but it was immediately evident that Paige Toon was a natural storyteller. It was easy to get caught up in the story from the very first page.
And, there is NOTHING that I enjoy more than to see two likable people who have experienced great loss and pain, find each other and come out on the other side.
Keeping this short and sweet-this is a book that would have never been on my radar if not for the rave reviews of my Goodreads friends. I’m glad those reviews led me to this couple that I found myself desperately rooting for!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this phenomenal love story! ❤️
May 11, 2023
“….an unforgettable and heartbreaking love story with an earth shattering secret that asks is love worth risking everything for?"
When Wren suffers a breakup with her fiance, she packs up to find healing on her father's farm. With cornfields, fireflies and the clean air bringing peace to her heart, she also finds Anders.
Anders has suffered the loss of his wife and finds it hard to move on. Wren is perfect for him, but he knows if he falls in love there is a secret he is harboring that will change everything.
This is emotional, riveting and unable to put it down. Sometimes moving forward has consequences that make or break you. Find the tissues and continue with a heavy, shattering secret that will have you weighing so many ways this could go.
Excellent writing that will remind you of a CoHo or a JoJo read.
Thank you NetGalley and G.P Putnam’s Son, Penguin Random for this copy in exchange for my honest review!
When Wren suffers a breakup with her fiance, she packs up to find healing on her father's farm. With cornfields, fireflies and the clean air bringing peace to her heart, she also finds Anders.
Anders has suffered the loss of his wife and finds it hard to move on. Wren is perfect for him, but he knows if he falls in love there is a secret he is harboring that will change everything.
This is emotional, riveting and unable to put it down. Sometimes moving forward has consequences that make or break you. Find the tissues and continue with a heavy, shattering secret that will have you weighing so many ways this could go.
Excellent writing that will remind you of a CoHo or a JoJo read.
Thank you NetGalley and G.P Putnam’s Son, Penguin Random for this copy in exchange for my honest review!
April 27, 2023
I wasn’t expecting that!
I met Paige Toon in Bristol Waterstones before Covid times along with a couple of other authors there. Totally fun, and great time.
I’m not much into romance, or friends to lovers etc and all the tropes. However, I had a widget for this and I was tempted by the video I saw of the author crying on Instagram over what she had written.
Well that intrigued me. I wondered how an author could get emotional over something they had written and knew was coming.
How naive I was!
Totally hooked.
The two sisters.
The split family dynamics and how feelings can be felt but maybe not seen as reason when talked about (read book for the answer to that sentence).
The two men in another family and the emotive reasons behind their behaviour.
That twist, that horrendous sting in the tail got me in tears.
I was so invested in this book, in the characters, I was living with them urging them on.
One thing this has taught me. I need to read more of this authors books I always thought they might be a bit twee (sorry) .
If there’s more she’s written that is anything like this, people, let me know….because I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Made a change from a thriller.
I met Paige Toon in Bristol Waterstones before Covid times along with a couple of other authors there. Totally fun, and great time.
I’m not much into romance, or friends to lovers etc and all the tropes. However, I had a widget for this and I was tempted by the video I saw of the author crying on Instagram over what she had written.
Well that intrigued me. I wondered how an author could get emotional over something they had written and knew was coming.
How naive I was!
Totally hooked.
The two sisters.
The split family dynamics and how feelings can be felt but maybe not seen as reason when talked about (read book for the answer to that sentence).
The two men in another family and the emotive reasons behind their behaviour.
That twist, that horrendous sting in the tail got me in tears.
I was so invested in this book, in the characters, I was living with them urging them on.
One thing this has taught me. I need to read more of this authors books I always thought they might be a bit twee (sorry) .
If there’s more she’s written that is anything like this, people, let me know….because I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Made a change from a thriller.
April 25, 2023
Wren decides to visit her father and stepfamily on their farm in Indiana after her fiancé falls in love with someone else. Wren is no stranger to having someone walk out on her life. She hopes the time away from the UK will help her heal and find new perspective. Wren was raised by her mother in England and looks forward to spending time with her Dad and sister during her visit.
Anders is struggling to move on after his wife was in an accident four years ago. He goes home to his family's farm in Indiana and visits more frequently now due to concerns about his brother.
After seeing each other in a bar, Wren and Anders have their first conversation in a cornfield. It is the first conversation, but it will not be the last. There will be many in fact but with all the talking, there is a very important bit of information that is left out....
I feel hard for this book about love, family, obligations, grief, expectations, moving on and second chances. This book has heart and tugged at my heart strings. I instantly liked both main characters. They had great banter which I adored. The supporting characters of Bailey (Wren's sister) and Jonas (Anders brother) are both likeable and add to the storyline in their own ways.
I liked the fact that all the characters had their own issues. This made them feel real and believable. Many of the characters in this book have suffered loss in their lives in varying degrees, whether it be the loss of a family unit, loss of a relationship, loss of a spouse, etc. I appreciated how the author showed how this affects thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I thought this was very nicely done.
This book was both thought provoking and evoked emotion. This made me think about the expectations that others place on us and the expectations that we place on others and how unfair that can be.
This was a moving, hard to put down book and I was glued to the pages. I didn't want to put this down as I was fully invested in the plot and yearned to know how things would turn out for Wren and Anders.
Romance novels are all about the journey for me and I enjoyed the journey in this book. There are several journey's in this book - not all of them the romantic kind.
Moving, thoughtful, and riveting.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Anders is struggling to move on after his wife was in an accident four years ago. He goes home to his family's farm in Indiana and visits more frequently now due to concerns about his brother.
After seeing each other in a bar, Wren and Anders have their first conversation in a cornfield. It is the first conversation, but it will not be the last. There will be many in fact but with all the talking, there is a very important bit of information that is left out....
I feel hard for this book about love, family, obligations, grief, expectations, moving on and second chances. This book has heart and tugged at my heart strings. I instantly liked both main characters. They had great banter which I adored. The supporting characters of Bailey (Wren's sister) and Jonas (Anders brother) are both likeable and add to the storyline in their own ways.
I liked the fact that all the characters had their own issues. This made them feel real and believable. Many of the characters in this book have suffered loss in their lives in varying degrees, whether it be the loss of a family unit, loss of a relationship, loss of a spouse, etc. I appreciated how the author showed how this affects thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I thought this was very nicely done.
This book was both thought provoking and evoked emotion. This made me think about the expectations that others place on us and the expectations that we place on others and how unfair that can be.
This was a moving, hard to put down book and I was glued to the pages. I didn't want to put this down as I was fully invested in the plot and yearned to know how things would turn out for Wren and Anders.
Romance novels are all about the journey for me and I enjoyed the journey in this book. There are several journey's in this book - not all of them the romantic kind.
Moving, thoughtful, and riveting.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
May 21, 2023
the setup…
Wren Elmont is an architect and was born in Arizona but moved to England with her mother when her parents divorced. Her father’s affair resulted in a pregnancy and he chose the new family. She visits from time to time but her relationships with her father, stepmother Sheryl and half sister Bailey have never moved much beyond polite and cordial. When Wren’s fiancé unwittingly falls for someone else and their wedding is canceled, she decides to get away from all the surrounding memories and visit her American family for some much needed healing. Little did she know that more than her broken heart would be mended, especially after meeting the Fredericksen brothers whose parents are her father’s neighbors.
the heart of the story…
I was expecting some high-level drama surrounding Wren’s breakup with her fiancé so it was much appreciated when that didn’t materialize. What happened to them was tragic but not too damaging for Wren. Her return to Indiana (her father’s home) was quite revealing, too, as those relationships, or lack thereof, needed some nurturing. I loved how they reached out to her, bridging a chasm that was naturally created when her father left her mother for Sheryl. But it’s the developing relationship with Bailey that is most heartwarming as her little sister craved her affection. Enter Anders Fredericksen and Wren’s heart didn’t stand a chance as these two seemed to connect at first sight. He lost his wife four years ago and is still in recovery, somewhat. Unfortunately, he’s got a whopper of a secret that he’s holding back.
the narration…
About 75% of the story is told from Wren’s point of view and the narrator’s interpretation of the character was a seamless fit. Loved her voice tone. When we begin getting Anders’s point of view, it’s at a pivotal point in the story and the narrator brought the right level of angst, sadness and tone I was hoping to hear. Both delivered great performances.
the bottom line…
I’m happy that this was so much more than a recovery from a broken heart as it gave Wren texture and layers. Her rocky childhood contributed greatly to her self perceptions, not necessarily in a good way, but it strongly defines her. The trip to Indiana was life changing, not only for her and her family but for Anders and his own. Their personal relationship took a long time to develop, which felt quite natural and I enjoyed the time taken to get there. It’s a lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed. There’s a stunning revelation I knew was coming but didn’t know the what. It was gratifying that it fit perfectly into the story and characterizations. I’ll be reading more by this author as her writing style is wonderful.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Wren Elmont is an architect and was born in Arizona but moved to England with her mother when her parents divorced. Her father’s affair resulted in a pregnancy and he chose the new family. She visits from time to time but her relationships with her father, stepmother Sheryl and half sister Bailey have never moved much beyond polite and cordial. When Wren’s fiancé unwittingly falls for someone else and their wedding is canceled, she decides to get away from all the surrounding memories and visit her American family for some much needed healing. Little did she know that more than her broken heart would be mended, especially after meeting the Fredericksen brothers whose parents are her father’s neighbors.
the heart of the story…
I was expecting some high-level drama surrounding Wren’s breakup with her fiancé so it was much appreciated when that didn’t materialize. What happened to them was tragic but not too damaging for Wren. Her return to Indiana (her father’s home) was quite revealing, too, as those relationships, or lack thereof, needed some nurturing. I loved how they reached out to her, bridging a chasm that was naturally created when her father left her mother for Sheryl. But it’s the developing relationship with Bailey that is most heartwarming as her little sister craved her affection. Enter Anders Fredericksen and Wren’s heart didn’t stand a chance as these two seemed to connect at first sight. He lost his wife four years ago and is still in recovery, somewhat. Unfortunately, he’s got a whopper of a secret that he’s holding back.
the narration…
About 75% of the story is told from Wren’s point of view and the narrator’s interpretation of the character was a seamless fit. Loved her voice tone. When we begin getting Anders’s point of view, it’s at a pivotal point in the story and the narrator brought the right level of angst, sadness and tone I was hoping to hear. Both delivered great performances.
the bottom line…
I’m happy that this was so much more than a recovery from a broken heart as it gave Wren texture and layers. Her rocky childhood contributed greatly to her self perceptions, not necessarily in a good way, but it strongly defines her. The trip to Indiana was life changing, not only for her and her family but for Anders and his own. Their personal relationship took a long time to develop, which felt quite natural and I enjoyed the time taken to get there. It’s a lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed. There’s a stunning revelation I knew was coming but didn’t know the what. It was gratifying that it fit perfectly into the story and characterizations. I’ll be reading more by this author as her writing style is wonderful.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Shelved as 'dnf-lost-interest'
April 27, 2023Definitely in my emotional damage reading era and I’m not mad about it.
May 26, 2024
An emotional, contemporary read.
Wren has crossed an ocean to put her crushed heart behind her. Her fiancé just broke their engagement for another woman. Wren feels spending time in America surrounded by her father and his family may be just what she needs to heal.
Time to mend broken relationships with her father, step-mother and half-sister.
When Wren sets eyes on the neighbor Anders she feels an instant and powerful magnetism. But it’s one neither wants to explore... but can’t ignore.
I listened to the audio and both Gemma Whelan and Jared Zeus did an amazing job. It was an audio I could just sit back and listen to both two narrators spin a tale of love and heartache.
Thank you to my Goodreads friends for putting this book/audio on my radar
Wren has crossed an ocean to put her crushed heart behind her. Her fiancé just broke their engagement for another woman. Wren feels spending time in America surrounded by her father and his family may be just what she needs to heal.
Time to mend broken relationships with her father, step-mother and half-sister.
When Wren sets eyes on the neighbor Anders she feels an instant and powerful magnetism. But it’s one neither wants to explore... but can’t ignore.
I listened to the audio and both Gemma Whelan and Jared Zeus did an amazing job. It was an audio I could just sit back and listen to both two narrators spin a tale of love and heartache.
Thank you to my Goodreads friends for putting this book/audio on my radar
August 7, 2023
Am I the only one who can’t read the title without signing the song?
Wren’s fiancé left her for another. Ander’s wife passed away years ago. Neither of them are ready to start again but fate doesn’t sync people’s struggles with the opportunity of a lifetime. If only there wasn't a secret ready to destroy all their dreams.
I started this thinking it was going to be a romance but, while there is a love story involved that owns half of the narrative, the spotlight is always on the characters and reads more like a contemporary. I didn’t care; I was too busy being worried about everyone. Paige Toon’s writing it’s one of those voices that trap you and never let you go. Any free moment I had, I saw myself going straight to pick this up to witness how all my new favorite flawed people were doing.
Wren was a really easy character to love, she wasn’t perfect but she wasn’t afraid to apologize when she was wrong and make amends. Her pain of feeling like an outsider in her dad and stepmother’s house was my pain. Her constant struggle with trying to extinguish her jealousy and finally love her step-sister without restrictions was so real I couldn’t help but forgive her as soon as those thoughts crossed her mind. Her moments with her stepmother and dad filled me with more emotions than the actual drama of the story. I just adore seeing flawed people finally communicating and healing each other.
Although Wren is the POV of the story, it’s almost as much hers as her sister Bailey, Anders and his brother Jonas. I still can’t believe how invested I was in the friendship they were slowly building and how much I miss them every time I see the book already finished sitting on my shelves. I know I will go back some day, if only to see them finding in each other the light they were struggling to catch on their own.
On top of loving the characters, the suspense around the secret was also eating me up inside and was the only reason I couldn’t delay my stay as much as I wished. While I started to see it coming towards the middle of the book, I wasn’t very convinced about why they hid it even after it was clear it needed to be out. I couldn’t help but feel it was a bit too convenient that they kept postponing it-but not as convenient as seeing other characters solving the main characters' problems.
Overall, I really loved feeling like I was part of the book, that I was meeting with real friends and not characters made to entertain me. The problem was a bit too dramatic for me, but at least the blurb hinted it would be. Guess I’ll be reading more contemporaries in the future because Paige Toon’s pen is not one I want to ignore now that I’ve found it.
Thank you so much Laura for blessing me with this wonderful story and making time to deliver it in person (LOL) I miss you and love you loads ❤️
Wren’s fiancé left her for another. Ander’s wife passed away years ago. Neither of them are ready to start again but fate doesn’t sync people’s struggles with the opportunity of a lifetime. If only there wasn't a secret ready to destroy all their dreams.
I started this thinking it was going to be a romance but, while there is a love story involved that owns half of the narrative, the spotlight is always on the characters and reads more like a contemporary. I didn’t care; I was too busy being worried about everyone. Paige Toon’s writing it’s one of those voices that trap you and never let you go. Any free moment I had, I saw myself going straight to pick this up to witness how all my new favorite flawed people were doing.
My mother has always told me to trust my instincts. But it’s hard to trust your instincts when they’re breaking your heart.
Wren was a really easy character to love, she wasn’t perfect but she wasn’t afraid to apologize when she was wrong and make amends. Her pain of feeling like an outsider in her dad and stepmother’s house was my pain. Her constant struggle with trying to extinguish her jealousy and finally love her step-sister without restrictions was so real I couldn’t help but forgive her as soon as those thoughts crossed her mind. Her moments with her stepmother and dad filled me with more emotions than the actual drama of the story. I just adore seeing flawed people finally communicating and healing each other.
Although Wren is the POV of the story, it’s almost as much hers as her sister Bailey, Anders and his brother Jonas. I still can’t believe how invested I was in the friendship they were slowly building and how much I miss them every time I see the book already finished sitting on my shelves. I know I will go back some day, if only to see them finding in each other the light they were struggling to catch on their own.
On top of loving the characters, the suspense around the secret was also eating me up inside and was the only reason I couldn’t delay my stay as much as I wished. While I started to see it coming towards the middle of the book, I wasn’t very convinced about why they hid it even after it was clear it needed to be out. I couldn’t help but feel it was a bit too convenient that they kept postponing it-but not as convenient as seeing other characters solving the main characters' problems.
Overall, I really loved feeling like I was part of the book, that I was meeting with real friends and not characters made to entertain me. The problem was a bit too dramatic for me, but at least the blurb hinted it would be. Guess I’ll be reading more contemporaries in the future because Paige Toon’s pen is not one I want to ignore now that I’ve found it.
I didn’t know it was possible to love so fully and hurt so deeply at exactly the same time.
Thank you so much Laura for blessing me with this wonderful story and making time to deliver it in person (LOL) I miss you and love you loads ❤️
July 3, 2023
Naur this book made me so angry. I can’t write a review for this book without giving away spoilers so be warned.
TLDR: plot twist major red flag, moral dilemma. Should not be advertised as a romance book this book is just sad.
*spoilers ahead*
I teetered between 3-4 stars for the first 50% but when I got to 50% and literally nothing was going on between the two main characters I quickly realized how much I didn’t like this book.
First of all Anders like barely speaks. He’s so broody, dark and twisted (and boy do we find out later why). Wren is annoying. She’s doting over this man who doesn’t acknowledge her which whatever. But as a character, I feel like she’s a sim… she really has no personality. I’m honestly trying to figure out when they even fall in love. There was no romantic chemistry. Half the time Anders isn’t even home and wren is just waiting for him to return. I mean they interact but Wren is feral for Anders and for most of the book it’s one sided, so the strength (or desperation) this woman has is beyond me. Then on top of that they’re both just morally terrible people (we’ll get to that later).
I also didn’t like any of the side characters. The author made all the characters such shitty people that I’m not sure how we are supposed to feel towards them.
- Jonas I loved until he started saying shit about Anders wife.
- Bailey was a sweetheart but then the author made it seem like she was going to cheat on her husband?? And for what? Literally no reason.
- Baileys husband literally just played video games the entire book.
- Anders dad was like an abusive alcoholic
- Wrens stepmom was written like she’s an insecure homewrecker and only married wrens dad bc she got pregnant.
Legitimately this author has beef with her own characters im not even sure she likes them herself.
Then, the bombshell is dropped that Anders wife is still alive but is a vegetable. Bro what the fuck??? And wren is lowkey annoying too bc she’s like begging this man to love her and he’s clearly not okay about the moral decision he has to make but she’s acting so fucking desperate and it’s horrible how it all plays out.
Jonas literally says “lights on no one’s home” about Anders wife and were just supposed to be like oh nice just cause Anders is in love we can just say mean shit about a person who was in a terrible accident?
I mean sure they should have probably taken her off life support but Jesus Christ these people are insane. And the fact that everyone knew about the wife and just didn’t say anything???
Then desperate for love Wren is like pretend to be with me like she’s not alive anymore!!!! And they have a day PRETENDING LIKE SHES DEAD AND FUCK LMAOOOOO.
I can’t even deal with how much I hated this book.
TLDR: plot twist major red flag, moral dilemma. Should not be advertised as a romance book this book is just sad.
*spoilers ahead*
I teetered between 3-4 stars for the first 50% but when I got to 50% and literally nothing was going on between the two main characters I quickly realized how much I didn’t like this book.
First of all Anders like barely speaks. He’s so broody, dark and twisted (and boy do we find out later why). Wren is annoying. She’s doting over this man who doesn’t acknowledge her which whatever. But as a character, I feel like she’s a sim… she really has no personality. I’m honestly trying to figure out when they even fall in love. There was no romantic chemistry. Half the time Anders isn’t even home and wren is just waiting for him to return. I mean they interact but Wren is feral for Anders and for most of the book it’s one sided, so the strength (or desperation) this woman has is beyond me. Then on top of that they’re both just morally terrible people (we’ll get to that later).
I also didn’t like any of the side characters. The author made all the characters such shitty people that I’m not sure how we are supposed to feel towards them.
- Jonas I loved until he started saying shit about Anders wife.
- Bailey was a sweetheart but then the author made it seem like she was going to cheat on her husband?? And for what? Literally no reason.
- Baileys husband literally just played video games the entire book.
- Anders dad was like an abusive alcoholic
- Wrens stepmom was written like she’s an insecure homewrecker and only married wrens dad bc she got pregnant.
Legitimately this author has beef with her own characters im not even sure she likes them herself.
Then, the bombshell is dropped that Anders wife is still alive but is a vegetable. Bro what the fuck??? And wren is lowkey annoying too bc she’s like begging this man to love her and he’s clearly not okay about the moral decision he has to make but she’s acting so fucking desperate and it’s horrible how it all plays out.
Jonas literally says “lights on no one’s home” about Anders wife and were just supposed to be like oh nice just cause Anders is in love we can just say mean shit about a person who was in a terrible accident?
I mean sure they should have probably taken her off life support but Jesus Christ these people are insane. And the fact that everyone knew about the wife and just didn’t say anything???
Then desperate for love Wren is like pretend to be with me like she’s not alive anymore!!!! And they have a day PRETENDING LIKE SHES DEAD AND FUCK LMAOOOOO.
I can’t even deal with how much I hated this book.
June 1, 2023
“For fans of Colleen Hoover” . . . .
Yeah. No.
I get she’s a BookTok sensation who has outsold Jeebus, but just stahhhhhhhhp.
Only Love Can Hurt Like This is the epitome of a Lifetime romance movie. It is sappy in all the best Nicholas Sparksy sorts of ways and will probably make a lot of people who have functioning human hearts shed some tears. For me, I was 100% in as soon as I got a movie montage sort of makeover featuring a 1960s Airstream?
Yeah. No.
I get she’s a BookTok sensation who has outsold Jeebus, but just stahhhhhhhhp.
Only Love Can Hurt Like This is the epitome of a Lifetime romance movie. It is sappy in all the best Nicholas Sparksy sorts of ways and will probably make a lot of people who have functioning human hearts shed some tears. For me, I was 100% in as soon as I got a movie montage sort of makeover featuring a 1960s Airstream?
Currently reading
September 30, 2024I’ll probably need to get my tissues ready, right? 😟
I never read anything by this author before, and I’m curious about her books. Even though this book will probably cause me pain, I’m still excited to read it soon.
I never read anything by this author before, and I’m curious about her books. Even though this book will probably cause me pain, I’m still excited to read it soon.
September 22, 2022
Paige Toon has been an auto-buy romance author for me for years. Year after year, I saved her latest book for my summer holidays and couldn’t wait to dive in. What I love most about her stories are those little snippets she always throws around. Those snippets usually are a puzzle that suddenly shows one or more plot twists when you see the bigger picture. So, when I got her latest book as an ARC, I couldn’t wait to start reading.
Only Love Can Hurt Like This is, in many ways, a typical Paige Toon book. Likable but flawed characters, funny moments interwoven with heavier ones, descriptive writing. Like always, I flew through the pages and waited for Wren and Anders to finally admit their feelings for each other. BUT …
There were hardly any snippets. There wasn’t a puzzle to solve with huge plot twists. There wasn’t a shocking moment. Instead, the story is repetitive and predictable. A woman breaks up with her fiancé, meets a man who lost his wife, and slowly they fall in love. I didn’t feel anything when they almost admitted their feelings for the first time. I furrowed my brows when I learned what the plot twist was. And I found Jonas far more interesting than Anders.
Do I want to read Paige Toon’s next book? Yes, definitely because she has proven that she can write amazing books. This one is not bad, just pretty average, and that sucks when you’re used to giving at least four stars and, most of the time, five.
Finally, the cover. Am I allowed to say that I find it average too? It wouldn’t attract my attention while searching for books in a bookstore. Usually, I like UK covers more than US ones, but I really hope that the US one will be better than the UK one in this case.
I received an ARC from Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Only Love Can Hurt Like This is, in many ways, a typical Paige Toon book. Likable but flawed characters, funny moments interwoven with heavier ones, descriptive writing. Like always, I flew through the pages and waited for Wren and Anders to finally admit their feelings for each other. BUT …
There were hardly any snippets. There wasn’t a puzzle to solve with huge plot twists. There wasn’t a shocking moment. Instead, the story is repetitive and predictable. A woman breaks up with her fiancé, meets a man who lost his wife, and slowly they fall in love. I didn’t feel anything when they almost admitted their feelings for the first time. I furrowed my brows when I learned what the plot twist was. And I found Jonas far more interesting than Anders.
Do I want to read Paige Toon’s next book? Yes, definitely because she has proven that she can write amazing books. This one is not bad, just pretty average, and that sucks when you’re used to giving at least four stars and, most of the time, five.
Finally, the cover. Am I allowed to say that I find it average too? It wouldn’t attract my attention while searching for books in a bookstore. Usually, I like UK covers more than US ones, but I really hope that the US one will be better than the UK one in this case.
I received an ARC from Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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April 6, 2023
Deeply emotional and so damn good. What a romance!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This story from an author I have never read before is one of those writers that can tell a story that stops your world. Clear a day when you buy this book because it seriously is one you will not stop reading until you turn the last page.
Toon tells the story from one end of the spectrum to another; heart-wrenching pain from secrets and hurts, then soaring love that fills the reader with joy. It is an addicting read!
Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a book that is more of an experience than anything else. It’s simple in its plot yet complex in its heartfelt emotions. The character development of Wren and Anders is amazing.
Since this is the first book I’ve read by this author, I have nothing to compare it to, but I do know that this will not be the only book I’ve read by this author. This is definitely a story you will want to read again and again. Deeply emotional and so damn good. What a romance!
* copy received for review consideration
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/only-love-ca...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This story from an author I have never read before is one of those writers that can tell a story that stops your world. Clear a day when you buy this book because it seriously is one you will not stop reading until you turn the last page.
Toon tells the story from one end of the spectrum to another; heart-wrenching pain from secrets and hurts, then soaring love that fills the reader with joy. It is an addicting read!
Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a book that is more of an experience than anything else. It’s simple in its plot yet complex in its heartfelt emotions. The character development of Wren and Anders is amazing.
Since this is the first book I’ve read by this author, I have nothing to compare it to, but I do know that this will not be the only book I’ve read by this author. This is definitely a story you will want to read again and again. Deeply emotional and so damn good. What a romance!
* copy received for review consideration
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/only-love-ca...
June 11, 2023
Wren is living in England, on the precipice of starting her life--engaged to the man she loves, only to discover her fiancé loves his assistant. At least he doesn't cheat, but waits for Wren to uncover herself. When Wren sees the looks passing between them, she knows.
She leaves England, and comes to the Midwest, Indiana to be with her father. A father that left his mother for his assistant. Wren grew up, not trusting relationships, and now she's living with the man she never really knew, except for holidays and days off from life. She isn't sure her half-sister or mother care for her much.
Wren meets Anders, who lost his wife four years ago and still struggles to move on. Anders and Wren have an electric connection, but Anders has a secret--keeping him from igniting his feelings towards Wren. They keep crossing paths, Wren is moving toward Anders, certain he feels the same way, but never acting on his connection.
The big reveal was a big shocker for me and really made this story impactful. It's a story that is relevant to today's world and one that is controversial.
The writing was powerful, the story intriguing. Overall an impactful and thought-provoking read, at times heartbreaking. The title sounds familiar, like a recent song.
4/5
She leaves England, and comes to the Midwest, Indiana to be with her father. A father that left his mother for his assistant. Wren grew up, not trusting relationships, and now she's living with the man she never really knew, except for holidays and days off from life. She isn't sure her half-sister or mother care for her much.
Wren meets Anders, who lost his wife four years ago and still struggles to move on. Anders and Wren have an electric connection, but Anders has a secret--keeping him from igniting his feelings towards Wren. They keep crossing paths, Wren is moving toward Anders, certain he feels the same way, but never acting on his connection.
The big reveal was a big shocker for me and really made this story impactful. It's a story that is relevant to today's world and one that is controversial.
The writing was powerful, the story intriguing. Overall an impactful and thought-provoking read, at times heartbreaking. The title sounds familiar, like a recent song.
4/5
June 10, 2023
Only Love Can Hurt Like This gave me the ick really bad. It felt like the author was trying to write a Colleen Hoover, but it didn’t work. 🙈
May 29, 2023
I am so glad I took a chance on this. From the cover, to the blurb, I chased that release day.
This unfolded like a real to life romance book, no unneeded drama, a slow burn which got its hooks into me.
I loved the dynamics of these characters, from feeling on the outside, to being engulfed by so much love.
The chemistry between these two was real, a twisty emotional tale which gripped me by the heart.
This unfolded like a real to life romance book, no unneeded drama, a slow burn which got its hooks into me.
I loved the dynamics of these characters, from feeling on the outside, to being engulfed by so much love.
The chemistry between these two was real, a twisty emotional tale which gripped me by the heart.
February 15, 2023
I was trying to wait to read this book closer to pub date… like in 2023… but I couldn’t contain my excitement and I devoured this!! Paige Toon has this way of writing stories that are both lighthearted and heart breaking at the same time and the book hangover right now is real!
Synopsis: Needing a fresh start and a place to heal her broken heart, Wren decides to visit her dad and stepmom on their farm in Indiana. There, she crosses paths with Anders, the son of the family who lives next door and the two begin a special friendship. As feelings start to emerge, Wren is hesitant to move forward as she’s been left behind one too many times while Anders is harboring a secret and afraid to get too close to dealing with his past.
Thoughts: The more Paige Toon I read, the more credit I give to the research she puts into her love stories. Her books take place all around the world, and even though she is clearly a British author, I felt completely transported to the small-town rural Indiana setting and life on the farm. While this story was a slow-burn full of angst, I never felt bored! There was a great cast of supporting characters that made Wren’s summer on the farm feel not only realistic but also healing. Also, I love how the book explored not only Wren’s romantic relationships, but her fractured relationship with her half-sister, Bailey, her father and new friend/ Andre’s brother, Jonas. I am not one to cry in books and I came really close to shedding tears at the end of this.
Read if you like:
-Emotional romances
-Farm-life activities (e.g., corn mazes, tractor rides, peach picking, barn renovations)
-Event planning
-British heroine
-Sister relationships
-Lots of Indiana references
Thank you Putnam for the ARC! Pub date 4/25/23
Synopsis: Needing a fresh start and a place to heal her broken heart, Wren decides to visit her dad and stepmom on their farm in Indiana. There, she crosses paths with Anders, the son of the family who lives next door and the two begin a special friendship. As feelings start to emerge, Wren is hesitant to move forward as she’s been left behind one too many times while Anders is harboring a secret and afraid to get too close to dealing with his past.
Thoughts: The more Paige Toon I read, the more credit I give to the research she puts into her love stories. Her books take place all around the world, and even though she is clearly a British author, I felt completely transported to the small-town rural Indiana setting and life on the farm. While this story was a slow-burn full of angst, I never felt bored! There was a great cast of supporting characters that made Wren’s summer on the farm feel not only realistic but also healing. Also, I love how the book explored not only Wren’s romantic relationships, but her fractured relationship with her half-sister, Bailey, her father and new friend/ Andre’s brother, Jonas. I am not one to cry in books and I came really close to shedding tears at the end of this.
Read if you like:
-Emotional romances
-Farm-life activities (e.g., corn mazes, tractor rides, peach picking, barn renovations)
-Event planning
-British heroine
-Sister relationships
-Lots of Indiana references
Thank you Putnam for the ARC! Pub date 4/25/23
April 27, 2023
Addictive, pensive, and heart-wrenching!
Only Love Can Hurt Like This is an immersive, emotional, heartwarming tale that takes us into the life of the sweet, vulnerable Wren as she struggles to juggle a broken engagement, a strained relationship with a father she hardly sees, a newly budding friendship with a half-sister she always slightly resented, and a complicated relationship with a man who is stealing her heart piece by piece but who may unfortunately already be emotionally shackled to another.
The writing is sentimental and engaging. The characters are layered, supportive, and generous. And the plot is a touching tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, heartbreak, taking chances, growth, healing, revelations, tender moments, light drama, selflessness, romance, and new beginnings.
For the past few years, Paige Toon’s books have topped my must-read, favourites list, and even though I didn’t think it was possible to love her books any more than I already did, she proved me wrong once again. Only Love Can Hurt Like This made my heart smile, shatter, and then put it all back together again in 400 pages, and not only did I absolutely adore it, but it might just be, dare I say it, one of my all-time faves!
Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons – Penguin Random House for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Only Love Can Hurt Like This is an immersive, emotional, heartwarming tale that takes us into the life of the sweet, vulnerable Wren as she struggles to juggle a broken engagement, a strained relationship with a father she hardly sees, a newly budding friendship with a half-sister she always slightly resented, and a complicated relationship with a man who is stealing her heart piece by piece but who may unfortunately already be emotionally shackled to another.
The writing is sentimental and engaging. The characters are layered, supportive, and generous. And the plot is a touching tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, heartbreak, taking chances, growth, healing, revelations, tender moments, light drama, selflessness, romance, and new beginnings.
For the past few years, Paige Toon’s books have topped my must-read, favourites list, and even though I didn’t think it was possible to love her books any more than I already did, she proved me wrong once again. Only Love Can Hurt Like This made my heart smile, shatter, and then put it all back together again in 400 pages, and not only did I absolutely adore it, but it might just be, dare I say it, one of my all-time faves!
Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons – Penguin Random House for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2024
I saw some great reviews of this, so I was pretty excited for it, but halfway through and I felt no connection to the characters. Shocking, sad twists are only sad if you have built connection with the characters before that and I just didn’t feel it.
It felt very slow and boring to me personally.
It felt very slow and boring to me personally.
July 20, 2024
Have you ever read a story so dull and infuriating that it made you see red? Well, this one takes the cake. I'm so frustrated, and I regret the time I wasted on it.
May 29, 2023
*Heartbreak & Decisions*
**4.5 Stars**
Wren (Aka Little Bird) thought her life was all mapped out, a fiancé that is dependable and as an architect she loves her job.
One day while on her way to meet her Fiancé she witnesses a look exchanged with him and his co-worker and Wren knows instantly deep in the pit of her stomach her relationship is over.
In an effort to get over her heartbreak she decides to visit her Dad and step family who live in America.
Also in America close by is Anders, he is dealing with his own heartbreak and cannot move on, why?
When the two meet Wren is taken aback as she falls for him almost instantly, he displays a guarded amount of interest but keeps his distance why?
What we then go on to see is heartbreak on display on a whole other level, which completely swept me away….
**4.5 Stars**
Wren (Aka Little Bird) thought her life was all mapped out, a fiancé that is dependable and as an architect she loves her job.
One day while on her way to meet her Fiancé she witnesses a look exchanged with him and his co-worker and Wren knows instantly deep in the pit of her stomach her relationship is over.
In an effort to get over her heartbreak she decides to visit her Dad and step family who live in America.
Also in America close by is Anders, he is dealing with his own heartbreak and cannot move on, why?
When the two meet Wren is taken aback as she falls for him almost instantly, he displays a guarded amount of interest but keeps his distance why?
What we then go on to see is heartbreak on display on a whole other level, which completely swept me away….
May 2, 2023
Have I found another great contemporary romance author?? This was my first book by Paige Toon, and I loved every minute of it!
If you like books by Mia Sheridan or Katherine Center, you will definitely enjoy Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Paige hits that perfect balance between heartwarming and bittersweet to create a story that will stay with you.
I went into the plot mostly blind - so in turn, I won’t give away too much in this review. But if you love small towns, tight knit families, hunky country guys, and dark secrets - you’ll love it as much as I did.
Thanks to Netgalley, Putnam, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
If you like books by Mia Sheridan or Katherine Center, you will definitely enjoy Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Paige hits that perfect balance between heartwarming and bittersweet to create a story that will stay with you.
I went into the plot mostly blind - so in turn, I won’t give away too much in this review. But if you love small towns, tight knit families, hunky country guys, and dark secrets - you’ll love it as much as I did.
Thanks to Netgalley, Putnam, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
July 10, 2023
Liked!
If you’re a fan of Rosie Walsh, you’ll like this one. I was hoooooked until the 75% mark and then it started to feel a little too predictable and flat. I think the story needed more mystery since we knew we were gearing up for the “reveal” at the end. I did like it and thought the romance story was solid enough. I think this by the pool/beach this summer would be enjoyable.
If you’re a fan of Rosie Walsh, you’ll like this one. I was hoooooked until the 75% mark and then it started to feel a little too predictable and flat. I think the story needed more mystery since we knew we were gearing up for the “reveal” at the end. I did like it and thought the romance story was solid enough. I think this by the pool/beach this summer would be enjoyable.
June 22, 2023
Wren is devastated when she finds out her fiancé is in love with someone else, so she decides to travel across the Atlantic with the hopes that spending the summer with her dad, stepmom and half sister will help her heal her broken heart. While staying on their farm in Indiana, she meets Anders who lost his wife four years ago and is struggling to move on.
Beyond just the romance part of the story, the friendships also felt natural and organic which makes for a more enjoyable read. The setting of this book was perfect for the story and made me want to move to a farm in Indiana. Another theme I thought the author did a great job exploring was how children can be deeply affected by divorce even into adulthood.
This was my first Paige Toon book, but I will definitely be checking out her previous work. 4.5 stars rounded up because I didn't want to put this one down and when I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to get back to it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam's Sons for my eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Beyond just the romance part of the story, the friendships also felt natural and organic which makes for a more enjoyable read. The setting of this book was perfect for the story and made me want to move to a farm in Indiana. Another theme I thought the author did a great job exploring was how children can be deeply affected by divorce even into adulthood.
This was my first Paige Toon book, but I will definitely be checking out her previous work. 4.5 stars rounded up because I didn't want to put this one down and when I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to get back to it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam's Sons for my eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 12, 2023
3/5 ⭐️
- This is such a heartbreaking story about how hard and messy true love and be. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and even though I rarely read books that are slow burns, i enjoyed this one. The romance felt really believable because it took so long to build up.
- I love that this book was set in the Midwest and the friendship. It took me awhile to get into this book, but towards the middle of the book it really picked up and the pacing was perfect. I do wish that Wren was more talkative in this book because it was hard to connect with his character until he really opened up.
- I went into this book mostly blind and I think it made this book so much more enjoyable. I do wish there was a little more dialogue and alternating pov but overall this story was a beautiful one about love and forgiveness.
- This is such a heartbreaking story about how hard and messy true love and be. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and even though I rarely read books that are slow burns, i enjoyed this one. The romance felt really believable because it took so long to build up.
- I love that this book was set in the Midwest and the friendship. It took me awhile to get into this book, but towards the middle of the book it really picked up and the pacing was perfect. I do wish that Wren was more talkative in this book because it was hard to connect with his character until he really opened up.
- I went into this book mostly blind and I think it made this book so much more enjoyable. I do wish there was a little more dialogue and alternating pov but overall this story was a beautiful one about love and forgiveness.
June 24, 2023
this was such a good "slice of life", emotional romance.
full review to come <3
full review to come <3
September 12, 2024
If you're in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster, Paige Toon's novel will take you on quite the ride. The only problem is that the romantic chemistry parts were not that solid, so that's why I could not give it a 4 star.
May 19, 2023
DNF at page 167. (Maybe some mild spoilers ahead).
This book was atrocious. I have never so aggressively decided not to finish a book but 160-ish pages in this book (and my anger towards it) became too much.
I’ve never read a book by Paige Toon before and I will not be reading another. That means I have no comparison to her other works but the writing in this book was horrendous.
The main character, Wren, may as well be a robot. The way she acts is so flat, the way she feels about things is so predictable and her way of making conversation is to just grill people. Every single scene of her dialogue reads like a job interview. She asks flat question after flat question - it’s also something when the responses she gets are even worse!! (I actually read a page of dialogue to my mum who asked if this book was written by chat GPT).
My other main issue with this book is that there is zero nuance. Every single character does, says, and thinks exactly what they mean. There’s no subtlety. Wren has issues with her step family. Fair enough. Then on like page 100 her step-sister asks her about it and Wren immediately, openly and without real impact admits to resenting her half sister (who then after that conversation and a night of drinking together becomes Wren’s best friend). I know characters just coming out with a blunt, devastating question can be done on purpose, and it can have a meaningful impact when done right but based on the rest of the book that I read I don’t have hope that this was purposeful.
Her relationship with her step-mother is also solved ridiculously quickly. We have a small build up and descriptions of why Wren thinks she doesn’t like her then suddenly ‘oh wait, maybe her actions have a different meaning than how I’ve interpreted them?’. Fine to come around to that realisation, right? No. Her step-mother immediately confesses and they mend their relationship and it’s not brought up again just moved on.
Don’t even get me started on the ‘love interest’. He’s completely flat and the conversations he has with Wren have negative charm and absolutely no chemistry. I also called the ‘life-changing secret’ of his from the beginning. Unlucky that I didn’t read far enough for it to be revealed, just searched reviews to find out if I was right.
Ultimately, I would like to say this book is written by someone who seems like they’ve never written a book before but that would be an insult to every single new writer and debut novel everywhere. Instead this book reads like it was written by someone who has never interacted with another human in their life.
This book was atrocious. I have never so aggressively decided not to finish a book but 160-ish pages in this book (and my anger towards it) became too much.
I’ve never read a book by Paige Toon before and I will not be reading another. That means I have no comparison to her other works but the writing in this book was horrendous.
The main character, Wren, may as well be a robot. The way she acts is so flat, the way she feels about things is so predictable and her way of making conversation is to just grill people. Every single scene of her dialogue reads like a job interview. She asks flat question after flat question - it’s also something when the responses she gets are even worse!! (I actually read a page of dialogue to my mum who asked if this book was written by chat GPT).
My other main issue with this book is that there is zero nuance. Every single character does, says, and thinks exactly what they mean. There’s no subtlety. Wren has issues with her step family. Fair enough. Then on like page 100 her step-sister asks her about it and Wren immediately, openly and without real impact admits to resenting her half sister (who then after that conversation and a night of drinking together becomes Wren’s best friend). I know characters just coming out with a blunt, devastating question can be done on purpose, and it can have a meaningful impact when done right but based on the rest of the book that I read I don’t have hope that this was purposeful.
Her relationship with her step-mother is also solved ridiculously quickly. We have a small build up and descriptions of why Wren thinks she doesn’t like her then suddenly ‘oh wait, maybe her actions have a different meaning than how I’ve interpreted them?’. Fine to come around to that realisation, right? No. Her step-mother immediately confesses and they mend their relationship and it’s not brought up again just moved on.
Don’t even get me started on the ‘love interest’. He’s completely flat and the conversations he has with Wren have negative charm and absolutely no chemistry. I also called the ‘life-changing secret’ of his from the beginning. Unlucky that I didn’t read far enough for it to be revealed, just searched reviews to find out if I was right.
Ultimately, I would like to say this book is written by someone who seems like they’ve never written a book before but that would be an insult to every single new writer and debut novel everywhere. Instead this book reads like it was written by someone who has never interacted with another human in their life.
December 20, 2023
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**4.5 stars**
Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon. (2023).
When Wren realises her fiancé is in love with someone else, she thinks her heart will never recover. On the other side of the world, Anders lost his wife four years ago and still can't move on. Wren hopes spending the summer with her dad, stepmother and half-sister on their farm in America will help her. They, she and Anders cross paths and their worlds are turned upside-down again. But Wren doesn't know that Anders has a secret and can't act in his feelings for Wren without consequences. Walking away will hurt Wren, but when she learns the truth, how can she stay?
This is the fourth book I've read from this author and each time I've found myself completely drawn in to the very well-written stories. In this one we have Wren, who has her heart broken in the first chapter because her fiancé reveals he has fallen for someone else. Wren needs to escape and decides to visit her father, stepmother and half-sister in America. While this book could be classified as a romance, it also explores Wren's personal growth journey and her rebuilding of a relationship with her family. I really enjoyed the moments between Wren and her sister Bailey as they get to know each other properly. In terms of the romance, it's quite clear that Wren and Anders have an immediate connection. It also quickly becomes clear that Anders is holding back and the reason why is quite painful. There are many emotional parts to the story which is equally heart-breaking and heart-warming.
Overall: I highly recommend this fantastic read.
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**4.5 stars**
Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon. (2023).
When Wren realises her fiancé is in love with someone else, she thinks her heart will never recover. On the other side of the world, Anders lost his wife four years ago and still can't move on. Wren hopes spending the summer with her dad, stepmother and half-sister on their farm in America will help her. They, she and Anders cross paths and their worlds are turned upside-down again. But Wren doesn't know that Anders has a secret and can't act in his feelings for Wren without consequences. Walking away will hurt Wren, but when she learns the truth, how can she stay?
This is the fourth book I've read from this author and each time I've found myself completely drawn in to the very well-written stories. In this one we have Wren, who has her heart broken in the first chapter because her fiancé reveals he has fallen for someone else. Wren needs to escape and decides to visit her father, stepmother and half-sister in America. While this book could be classified as a romance, it also explores Wren's personal growth journey and her rebuilding of a relationship with her family. I really enjoyed the moments between Wren and her sister Bailey as they get to know each other properly. In terms of the romance, it's quite clear that Wren and Anders have an immediate connection. It also quickly becomes clear that Anders is holding back and the reason why is quite painful. There are many emotional parts to the story which is equally heart-breaking and heart-warming.
Overall: I highly recommend this fantastic read.
June 9, 2024
As an Indiana native, some of the details in this book made me chuckle. A taxi just happens to pull up while she’s on the street in Indianapolis? I doubt that very much. Tornado sirens go off and your neighbors first move is to climb into a vehicle to come pick you up? Pure fiction (and NOT safe!). A u-pick fruit farm in Indiana that only grows peaches? They would be destitute! Apart from these, I clocked several cultural inaccuracies present in this book. The author’s bio says she grew up split between England, Australia, and the States, so perhaps she felt she had a handle on American jargon. She definitely made some small mistakes. Sometimes it was as innocent as an American character calling someone “clever” rather than smart. Americans really only call people clever if they’re quoting Jurassic Park. 😂 Not a huge deal, but still, not culturally accurate. Overall, this book was kind of a bummer and I have mixed feelings about the struggles the characters faced. Mainly, their struggles come down to a question of duty and morals. Unfortunately, I think the right thing is often the hard thing and I believe that’s the case here. It would be a very hard reality and I am thankful it’s not mine, but a vow is a vow.
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