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Wish Me Tomorrow
Can they build a future on hope alone?
For years nurse and grief counselor Christie Bates has been teaching her patients to confront their fears, express themselves and trust in hope. But as her feelings for cancer survivor Eli Roberts and his two children grow, can she overcome her own fear and love a man who lives every day with the possibility of recurring illness?
Tackling cancer and single parenthood simultaneously has turned Eli into a devout realist. Which is why he finds Christie's perpetually upbeat attitude so aggravating. Still, despite himself, she's making a place in his heart. If only he could offer Christie more than an uncertain future.
For years nurse and grief counselor Christie Bates has been teaching her patients to confront their fears, express themselves and trust in hope. But as her feelings for cancer survivor Eli Roberts and his two children grow, can she overcome her own fear and love a man who lives every day with the possibility of recurring illness?
Tackling cancer and single parenthood simultaneously has turned Eli into a devout realist. Which is why he finds Christie's perpetually upbeat attitude so aggravating. Still, despite himself, she's making a place in his heart. If only he could offer Christie more than an uncertain future.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 23, 2013
I am so happy that Harlequin has a new line that is *clean*!! There are some sizzling kisses, but that's as far as it goes.
Christie is a grief counselor. I love her little dog buddy, Sweet Pea--they make such a great team. I thought Christie came off so competent at what she does. At first, I would never have guessed that she has fears to overcome. But as the story progresses, she becomes more human, seeming to mask her insecurities and fears with a very dedicated and driven career. I love how easily she related to kids, even though she doesn't have any of her own. The way that she is able to relate to Becca is just precious.
When Eli shows up at one of her group sessions, I thought for sure the sparks would fly...and they did...in both good and bad ways. Eli is a realist and is almost afraid to live, just in case he might die. On one hand, I could understand his way of thinking, but on the other hand, I kept thinking, "Just live every day like it's your last!!"
I loved how gradually the two became friends and developed a good relationship. Eli was a little too quick to jump to conclusions on occasion, kind of skittish, but their relationship was so natural and real.
I loved the interactions the characters all had with one another and I loved watching their growth throughout the story. My only wish: I wanted more of an ending--an epilogue maybe? I felt like it left too many questions in my mind, but that could be just be me.
Content: a handful of language and sizzling kisses. Clean.
Christie is a grief counselor. I love her little dog buddy, Sweet Pea--they make such a great team. I thought Christie came off so competent at what she does. At first, I would never have guessed that she has fears to overcome. But as the story progresses, she becomes more human, seeming to mask her insecurities and fears with a very dedicated and driven career. I love how easily she related to kids, even though she doesn't have any of her own. The way that she is able to relate to Becca is just precious.
When Eli shows up at one of her group sessions, I thought for sure the sparks would fly...and they did...in both good and bad ways. Eli is a realist and is almost afraid to live, just in case he might die. On one hand, I could understand his way of thinking, but on the other hand, I kept thinking, "Just live every day like it's your last!!"
I loved how gradually the two became friends and developed a good relationship. Eli was a little too quick to jump to conclusions on occasion, kind of skittish, but their relationship was so natural and real.
I loved the interactions the characters all had with one another and I loved watching their growth throughout the story. My only wish: I wanted more of an ending--an epilogue maybe? I felt like it left too many questions in my mind, but that could be just be me.
Content: a handful of language and sizzling kisses. Clean.
July 30, 2013
As a long time Harlequin author, I've had a secret weapon in my plotting arsenal... my creative, talented sister-in-law, Karen. It is with great pleasure that I recommend her first Harlequin Heartwarming to you, because she's brought all her beautiful storytelling skills to the page in WISH ME TOMORROW, a romance that you will remember long after you close the book. Tender and touching, WISH ME TOMORROW is a compelling story of love, loss and hopefulness.
September 7, 2013
What a fantastic read! I loved it, loved it, loved it!! Christie was strong, capable, and kind. Eli was broken, but still doing his best as a single dad. Just looking at the cover makes my heart flutter!
I'm a fairly picky reader, and I'm very character driven. I think it's because I'm such a people person. My ideal book is one where you feel intense longing to be with that one special person. I want to feel like I'm there. I want to see what the characters are seeing, smell their coffee when they wake up in the morning, feel their intense pain when their fragile hearts are breaking. So when I say I've never felt so connected to the characters in any book I've ever read, it means a lot.
Wish Me Tomorrow had all of it. Karen Rock is a master at what she does. I was there right beside Christie and Eli as they met. I felt their strong attraction and resistance to open up. My heart broke with theirs as I followed the ups and downs of their relationship.
Everything was so real. There wasn't a single page that didn't pull me in. I was up until 1 am reading it last night and picked it right back up this morning during breakfast. I was so wrapped up in their lives I'm surprised I didn't have dreams about them. (I probably did, but I was so tired from staying up so late I don't remember them!)
Karen Rock is an amazingly talented author who I hope will continue to write beautiful love stories for the rest of her life because I know I'll be waiting eagerly to see what she has to say next.
I'm a fairly picky reader, and I'm very character driven. I think it's because I'm such a people person. My ideal book is one where you feel intense longing to be with that one special person. I want to feel like I'm there. I want to see what the characters are seeing, smell their coffee when they wake up in the morning, feel their intense pain when their fragile hearts are breaking. So when I say I've never felt so connected to the characters in any book I've ever read, it means a lot.
Wish Me Tomorrow had all of it. Karen Rock is a master at what she does. I was there right beside Christie and Eli as they met. I felt their strong attraction and resistance to open up. My heart broke with theirs as I followed the ups and downs of their relationship.
Everything was so real. There wasn't a single page that didn't pull me in. I was up until 1 am reading it last night and picked it right back up this morning during breakfast. I was so wrapped up in their lives I'm surprised I didn't have dreams about them. (I probably did, but I was so tired from staying up so late I don't remember them!)
Karen Rock is an amazingly talented author who I hope will continue to write beautiful love stories for the rest of her life because I know I'll be waiting eagerly to see what she has to say next.
October 1, 2013
I’d been dying to read Wish Me Tomorrow after being introduced to Karen Rock’s writing in Camp Rock she and Joanne Rock co-authored, so I was very excited when the opportunity arose. Before I go on, let me just stipulate that Camp Rock is YA contemporary romance, whilst Wish Me Tomorrow is adult romance. However, fear not if you like your romance clean, as that’s exactly what this latest release by Karen Rock is.
Now, I’d seen comments dotted about the internet prior to heading in that Wish Me Tomorrow deals with cancer. To be honest, having gone through skin cancer just last year, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about reading a book that revolved quite heavily around it, but I trusted Karen to do it justice and so took a deep breath and then took a chance.
As expected, every issue within the pages relevant to this killer was handled with care and respect. From the difference in attitudes amongst those affected by the illness, to the expanse of just how many corners cancer—and its victims—reaches to. Because cancer doesn’t just stop at the patient and doctor. There are support groups (handled), terminal patients (handled), children with cancer who often show more bravery than the adults (handled), the health team who not only try their best to fix you up first time it strikes but who also continue taking care of you to try and assure it doesn’t return, and actually care about the patients they’re treating (handled—and I can testify that these teams of great health/medical/surgical/car providers do give a helluva damn about what they do), and of course the family who are watching and mentally fighting on their behalf when a loved one is inflicted with this cruel disease.
However, even with ALL of these corners included into the book, it didn’t once feel busy, didn’t once feel overloaded or contrived. It also didn’t once feel as though they were distracting from the romance of the story, which (let’s face is) was what I was most interested in.
Because I loved the relationship the reader gets to watch brewing between Christie and Eli. They are both great, believable, and relatable characters, who each have their own reasons for shying away from what their hearts, minds and bodies are trying to tell them. It was lovely to ‘watch’ as Christie, without even realising it, worked her way into Eli’s life in a way he couldn’t ignore or refuse, and how one stepping stone led to another until they were no longer standing on opposing banks but had somehow reached that middle ground where both were happy to be. For a little while, at least—because all good romances like to throw spanners into the works to mess up those little ounces of bliss the characters have been handed, right? And boy, this wasn’t just a spanner, but a bloody great wrench. I’m not going to go into details, because I believe you should just go read this one and discover what I’m speaking about for yourself, but such leaps forward are rapidly diminished by the huge issue Christie and Eli are made to face—not just as a couple but also as individuals, and for Eli, also as a family man with responsibilities he has no idea how to handle.
Also, I must commend Ms Rock on the brave move she made in leaving the reader slightly uncertain at the end. Because yes, one could argue that there is a kind of HEA—or least a HFN—but it’s not guaranteed, and life around us which is so expertly mirrored within the pages of Wish Me Tomorrow has proven as such many times over. However, I believe the absolute right decision was made to end the book as it was, because to have done otherwise would have lost some of the credibility all of the preceding pages had done such an ace job of creating.
To conclude, this is a very romantic romance about great characters with flaws and major life issues standing in their way that proves some battles really are worth the fight. I would recommend it, for sure, for anyone and all, even with the cancer side of the story. Whilst it did make me cry at a couple of points, especially toward the end, I simply came out the other side with a lot of respect for the author and glad that I plucked up the courage to give this one a try.
Now, I’d seen comments dotted about the internet prior to heading in that Wish Me Tomorrow deals with cancer. To be honest, having gone through skin cancer just last year, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about reading a book that revolved quite heavily around it, but I trusted Karen to do it justice and so took a deep breath and then took a chance.
As expected, every issue within the pages relevant to this killer was handled with care and respect. From the difference in attitudes amongst those affected by the illness, to the expanse of just how many corners cancer—and its victims—reaches to. Because cancer doesn’t just stop at the patient and doctor. There are support groups (handled), terminal patients (handled), children with cancer who often show more bravery than the adults (handled), the health team who not only try their best to fix you up first time it strikes but who also continue taking care of you to try and assure it doesn’t return, and actually care about the patients they’re treating (handled—and I can testify that these teams of great health/medical/surgical/car providers do give a helluva damn about what they do), and of course the family who are watching and mentally fighting on their behalf when a loved one is inflicted with this cruel disease.
However, even with ALL of these corners included into the book, it didn’t once feel busy, didn’t once feel overloaded or contrived. It also didn’t once feel as though they were distracting from the romance of the story, which (let’s face is) was what I was most interested in.
Because I loved the relationship the reader gets to watch brewing between Christie and Eli. They are both great, believable, and relatable characters, who each have their own reasons for shying away from what their hearts, minds and bodies are trying to tell them. It was lovely to ‘watch’ as Christie, without even realising it, worked her way into Eli’s life in a way he couldn’t ignore or refuse, and how one stepping stone led to another until they were no longer standing on opposing banks but had somehow reached that middle ground where both were happy to be. For a little while, at least—because all good romances like to throw spanners into the works to mess up those little ounces of bliss the characters have been handed, right? And boy, this wasn’t just a spanner, but a bloody great wrench. I’m not going to go into details, because I believe you should just go read this one and discover what I’m speaking about for yourself, but such leaps forward are rapidly diminished by the huge issue Christie and Eli are made to face—not just as a couple but also as individuals, and for Eli, also as a family man with responsibilities he has no idea how to handle.
Also, I must commend Ms Rock on the brave move she made in leaving the reader slightly uncertain at the end. Because yes, one could argue that there is a kind of HEA—or least a HFN—but it’s not guaranteed, and life around us which is so expertly mirrored within the pages of Wish Me Tomorrow has proven as such many times over. However, I believe the absolute right decision was made to end the book as it was, because to have done otherwise would have lost some of the credibility all of the preceding pages had done such an ace job of creating.
To conclude, this is a very romantic romance about great characters with flaws and major life issues standing in their way that proves some battles really are worth the fight. I would recommend it, for sure, for anyone and all, even with the cancer side of the story. Whilst it did make me cry at a couple of points, especially toward the end, I simply came out the other side with a lot of respect for the author and glad that I plucked up the courage to give this one a try.
September 18, 2013
This was my first read by this author. And I have to say right off this is and was a very emotional read for me. The book deals with cancer, and the battle that many people struggle with. Not only how cancer effects the patient but family members as well. I think the really hard part for me was I so related to the heroine in this book. I also lost a brother to Leukemia and his name was also Bill. Yes it brought back many memories. But some were so very fond. And I found myself not wanting to put this book down even for a break. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Christie Bates heads a support group at the local YMCA for patients suffering from cancer. Christie is also an RN and along with her dog Sweet Pea, they visit with cancer patients. She knows all too well the ups and downs of this illness after losing her own brother to Leukemia. Christie is type of person anyone would love to have as a friend, she is also feisty and has no problem speaking her mind. Christie tries to always bring joy and hope to the patients she visits and councils, but behind the joy lays deep rooted pain. I also loved the special relationship she has with her Grandmother Rosaline “Rose”.
I loved the character of Eli Roberts. Yes he has lost hope along the way and in my opinion for good reason. When he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma three years ago, she wife did a runner and left him not only to fight the battle of his life, but also to raise their two children. While the marriage might have been a mistake, he never regretted having his children. He just does not know how to relate to them and openly discuss his illness. What made me love this character so is he gave up his own dreams to start a graphic design business while battling cancer, so that his children would be taken care of in the event of his death.
I found myself vested in this story. And I was hoping everything would work out. Not only was I hoping for my HEA with Christie and Eli, but also with the relationship between Eli and his hormonal teenage daughter Becca. The author had a way of making this reader feel like she personally knew the characters of the book. And I was on the sidelines rooting all the way. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers and for those suffering from any illness.
I must say that while this was an emotional read for me. I could see the words of hope so wonderfully written in this book. I have come away with the message not to take any days for granted. To “Wish for Tomorrow” and be very Thankful for Today.
One of my favorite lines:
“Jaaaapers. Would you look at this,” Gran whispered, elbowing her as she craned her neck, taking in the expansive space. “You’ve caught yourself a fine feller.”
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Christie Bates heads a support group at the local YMCA for patients suffering from cancer. Christie is also an RN and along with her dog Sweet Pea, they visit with cancer patients. She knows all too well the ups and downs of this illness after losing her own brother to Leukemia. Christie is type of person anyone would love to have as a friend, she is also feisty and has no problem speaking her mind. Christie tries to always bring joy and hope to the patients she visits and councils, but behind the joy lays deep rooted pain. I also loved the special relationship she has with her Grandmother Rosaline “Rose”.
I loved the character of Eli Roberts. Yes he has lost hope along the way and in my opinion for good reason. When he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma three years ago, she wife did a runner and left him not only to fight the battle of his life, but also to raise their two children. While the marriage might have been a mistake, he never regretted having his children. He just does not know how to relate to them and openly discuss his illness. What made me love this character so is he gave up his own dreams to start a graphic design business while battling cancer, so that his children would be taken care of in the event of his death.
I found myself vested in this story. And I was hoping everything would work out. Not only was I hoping for my HEA with Christie and Eli, but also with the relationship between Eli and his hormonal teenage daughter Becca. The author had a way of making this reader feel like she personally knew the characters of the book. And I was on the sidelines rooting all the way. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers and for those suffering from any illness.
I must say that while this was an emotional read for me. I could see the words of hope so wonderfully written in this book. I have come away with the message not to take any days for granted. To “Wish for Tomorrow” and be very Thankful for Today.
One of my favorite lines:
“Jaaaapers. Would you look at this,” Gran whispered, elbowing her as she craned her neck, taking in the expansive space. “You’ve caught yourself a fine feller.”
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2013
* ARC received in return for an honest review
Omigod, what a deeply moving story!!!
This is the worst BEST book I've read in a while...best because I loved it and worst because I sobbed buckets. I sobbed from 87% in until the end and a good TEN minutes afterwards. When I say sob I mean real ugly crying at it's worst...red, puffy, swollen eyes, blotchy face and a nose that refused to stop running, in short, a snot monster.
I have to be honest and say that, only a few pages in I thought I was in for a depressing read but I was wrong. Although Wish Me Tomorrow tells the story of how cancer affects the lives of the people it touches, it is also a deeply moving tale of finding love in the unlikeliest of places and reminds us to live for today and wish for a tomorrow.
Full review on MakeMyDayBookclub.
Omigod, what a deeply moving story!!!
This is the worst BEST book I've read in a while...best because I loved it and worst because I sobbed buckets. I sobbed from 87% in until the end and a good TEN minutes afterwards. When I say sob I mean real ugly crying at it's worst...red, puffy, swollen eyes, blotchy face and a nose that refused to stop running, in short, a snot monster.
I have to be honest and say that, only a few pages in I thought I was in for a depressing read but I was wrong. Although Wish Me Tomorrow tells the story of how cancer affects the lives of the people it touches, it is also a deeply moving tale of finding love in the unlikeliest of places and reminds us to live for today and wish for a tomorrow.
Full review on MakeMyDayBookclub.
May 29, 2017
This is the 1st book I read by Karen Rock. This book's story line was okay. I liked the beginning. I liked Christie's character. I liked how Christie helped Eli. I liked ending.
September 10, 2013
First of all I have to say congratulations Karen! This is a beautiful story, I’m still a mess because I spent the last part of the book crying and that wasn’t pretty at all but yeah I got pretty emotional and it all comes down to what I said first this is very emotional, and amazing book, I’d definitely recommend everyone to read it.
This is the first book I got to read that deals with cancer and it was all presented sensibly and respectfully. I normally avoid these books not because I don’t like contemporary stories but because I tend to think books that treat with illnesses might be overly emotional and I will end up crying all the time, or that they’d be sappy or something. But this was so not the case with “Wish Me Tomorrow”, the story felt very real and so did the characters! They’re easy to like and I find myself cheering for them and wanting to hug and make things alright for them.
Christie is a nurse who is also a grief counselor for patients dealing with cancer, she is a believer, an optimistic and tries that everyone can some light in their life, to help them find some kind of solace and to not give up and keep fighting. Despite how she presents to everyone she still has some ghost from the past, about her own brother’s fight with cancer his early death and we will know more about that as we progress with the story.
Then we have my beloved Eli. He battled with cancer but that fight left him with a bitter attitude toward life and people, when he meets Christie, that hopeful attitude of her bugs him, because that is not realistic at all, life is hard and there’s no point in trying to embellish it with happy thoughts, still something about her captivates him. I loved Eli so much!! I often have sort of have that same attitude he has and reading about it sort of struck me, maybe that’s why I cared for him so much, he faces very hard times and I just wanted for him to find happiness and enjoy life. He has two kids (loved Tommy!) who mean the world to him but still his sickness damaged his relationship to them and that’s another of the challenges he’s facing and to his surprise Christie is helping with that.
They are both flawed but still when they’re together they get this feeling of rightness, and that’s just it, they’re perfect for each other, I loved reading about them being together and how they start to realize that love is right in front of them, they just need to grab it, they need to live in the now and not worry for anything else. That is I think one of the greatest lessons from the book, that life’s only constant is it’s unpredictability, you never know what’s gonna happen the next day and it’s because of that need to live and love with everything you have and also that one needs to be brave but also to always have faith. This really stayed with me and it pretty much had me crying like a baby, it’s not something easy to practice in your daily life but nonetheless it is something we all need, I know I’ll definitely try to do it.
The love story is very sweet and romantic, such a delight to read it but there is so much more than just a love story in this book, and the story is so compelling that I couldn't stop reading it and by the end I wanted more, I know I’ll probably continue with this story in mind because I’m no ready to let this story and this characters go.
Karen has proved how much talent she has by writing this moving and beautiful book, I can only imagine what she’s going to have for us next but one thing’s for sure, I will definitely read whatever she writes. Thank you for this wonderful story, these great characters and the lessons I got from “Wish Me Tomorrow”. Love you Karen!
This is the first book I got to read that deals with cancer and it was all presented sensibly and respectfully. I normally avoid these books not because I don’t like contemporary stories but because I tend to think books that treat with illnesses might be overly emotional and I will end up crying all the time, or that they’d be sappy or something. But this was so not the case with “Wish Me Tomorrow”, the story felt very real and so did the characters! They’re easy to like and I find myself cheering for them and wanting to hug and make things alright for them.
Christie is a nurse who is also a grief counselor for patients dealing with cancer, she is a believer, an optimistic and tries that everyone can some light in their life, to help them find some kind of solace and to not give up and keep fighting. Despite how she presents to everyone she still has some ghost from the past, about her own brother’s fight with cancer his early death and we will know more about that as we progress with the story.
Then we have my beloved Eli. He battled with cancer but that fight left him with a bitter attitude toward life and people, when he meets Christie, that hopeful attitude of her bugs him, because that is not realistic at all, life is hard and there’s no point in trying to embellish it with happy thoughts, still something about her captivates him. I loved Eli so much!! I often have sort of have that same attitude he has and reading about it sort of struck me, maybe that’s why I cared for him so much, he faces very hard times and I just wanted for him to find happiness and enjoy life. He has two kids (loved Tommy!) who mean the world to him but still his sickness damaged his relationship to them and that’s another of the challenges he’s facing and to his surprise Christie is helping with that.
They are both flawed but still when they’re together they get this feeling of rightness, and that’s just it, they’re perfect for each other, I loved reading about them being together and how they start to realize that love is right in front of them, they just need to grab it, they need to live in the now and not worry for anything else. That is I think one of the greatest lessons from the book, that life’s only constant is it’s unpredictability, you never know what’s gonna happen the next day and it’s because of that need to live and love with everything you have and also that one needs to be brave but also to always have faith. This really stayed with me and it pretty much had me crying like a baby, it’s not something easy to practice in your daily life but nonetheless it is something we all need, I know I’ll definitely try to do it.
The love story is very sweet and romantic, such a delight to read it but there is so much more than just a love story in this book, and the story is so compelling that I couldn't stop reading it and by the end I wanted more, I know I’ll probably continue with this story in mind because I’m no ready to let this story and this characters go.
Karen has proved how much talent she has by writing this moving and beautiful book, I can only imagine what she’s going to have for us next but one thing’s for sure, I will definitely read whatever she writes. Thank you for this wonderful story, these great characters and the lessons I got from “Wish Me Tomorrow”. Love you Karen!
September 11, 2013
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review
One of the most important reasons why I wanted to read this book is because I loved Camp Boyfriend by Karen and Joanne Rock and when I heard Karen was writing an adult book I just had to read it.
When I picked up this book I read the first 19% in one sitting, because I couldn't put the books down, I got sucked into the story and finished the book in less than a day. While Wish me Tomorrow is really different than Camp Boyfriend it has the same addictive writing.
I really enjoyed Wish me Tomorrow, it was sweet and sad. There were some heavy topics in this book, but the overal feeling was still happy and not depressing. The story is a bit predictable, but I didn't mind.
The characters are done really well in this book. I liked both Christie and Eli, they each have such a distinct personality and they felt real. They both have been through a lot already and as the story progresses we find out more and more. I also really liked Eli his children Becca and Tommy, they really added something to the story. I also liked how all the characters changed during the story, there is a lot of character development going on and some characters really grow. There are some awesome side characters in this story too, some of whom I would loved to read more about like Gran and Laura (christie her roommate). For a roommate there is surpsiingly less about laura in this book and would've liked getting to know her better and see Christie interact with Laura, although there are some great scenes with the two of them, I would've liked learning more about her.
I also liked the dogs in this book, sometimes it feels like pets are used to fill up a story, like something authors add like furniture in a room, but in this book the pets had personality and played an important part in the story. I especially liked Sweet Pea, she sounded like such a sweet and adorable dog and she palyed an important role in this story. It is obvious the author loves dogs and she translated that perfectly in her writing about dogs in this book.
The romance in this book is sweet, but also full of difficulties. It's a bit predictable, but I felt myself really rooting for Christie and Eli. They are really good for each other and sometimes I wished they would give their relationship a chance instead of coming up with excuses why it wasn't a good idea to get involved. The ending was really nicely done and sweet and just a bit sad too.It is an open ending, which normally I don't like, and while I wanted to know what would happen next it also felt like the perfect point to end the story.
To conclude: I really enjoyed this book, the writing was addictable. While the story and the romance was a bit predictable, I really liked the characters and seeing them grow. I liked how the authors included the children of Eli into the story and I liked the fact that even the dogs felt like real dogs. The characters where believeable and real and I liked seeing them develop in this story. The story deals with some heavy topics, but the overal feeling of the story isn't depressing. I really am looking forward to the next book by Karen and I hope she will write more adult books, because I really enjoyed Wish me Tomorrow.
One of the most important reasons why I wanted to read this book is because I loved Camp Boyfriend by Karen and Joanne Rock and when I heard Karen was writing an adult book I just had to read it.
When I picked up this book I read the first 19% in one sitting, because I couldn't put the books down, I got sucked into the story and finished the book in less than a day. While Wish me Tomorrow is really different than Camp Boyfriend it has the same addictive writing.
I really enjoyed Wish me Tomorrow, it was sweet and sad. There were some heavy topics in this book, but the overal feeling was still happy and not depressing. The story is a bit predictable, but I didn't mind.
The characters are done really well in this book. I liked both Christie and Eli, they each have such a distinct personality and they felt real. They both have been through a lot already and as the story progresses we find out more and more. I also really liked Eli his children Becca and Tommy, they really added something to the story. I also liked how all the characters changed during the story, there is a lot of character development going on and some characters really grow. There are some awesome side characters in this story too, some of whom I would loved to read more about like Gran and Laura (christie her roommate). For a roommate there is surpsiingly less about laura in this book and would've liked getting to know her better and see Christie interact with Laura, although there are some great scenes with the two of them, I would've liked learning more about her.
I also liked the dogs in this book, sometimes it feels like pets are used to fill up a story, like something authors add like furniture in a room, but in this book the pets had personality and played an important part in the story. I especially liked Sweet Pea, she sounded like such a sweet and adorable dog and she palyed an important role in this story. It is obvious the author loves dogs and she translated that perfectly in her writing about dogs in this book.
The romance in this book is sweet, but also full of difficulties. It's a bit predictable, but I felt myself really rooting for Christie and Eli. They are really good for each other and sometimes I wished they would give their relationship a chance instead of coming up with excuses why it wasn't a good idea to get involved. The ending was really nicely done and sweet and just a bit sad too.It is an open ending, which normally I don't like, and while I wanted to know what would happen next it also felt like the perfect point to end the story.
To conclude: I really enjoyed this book, the writing was addictable. While the story and the romance was a bit predictable, I really liked the characters and seeing them grow. I liked how the authors included the children of Eli into the story and I liked the fact that even the dogs felt like real dogs. The characters where believeable and real and I liked seeing them develop in this story. The story deals with some heavy topics, but the overal feeling of the story isn't depressing. I really am looking forward to the next book by Karen and I hope she will write more adult books, because I really enjoyed Wish me Tomorrow.
September 23, 2013
Wish Me Tomorrow has a happy ending, but it's not a "feel-good" novel. It's something much better.
Christie, the nurse who helps cancer patients through their treatment, has quite a bit of depth. She's funny, sometimes silly, but always full of love for those around her. Especially Eli and his kids. Although once or twice she began to veer into Mary Sue territory--she managed to fake out a respected chess player? Really?--for the most part she's very grounded, very cute, and now one of my favorite heroines.
Eli is...gah! I love him! He's got his flaws, but I loved the way he talked, the way he struggled with his cynicism (not to mention his feelings for Christie), and the way he kept trying to do what he thought was best for everyone. His love for his kids came through very clear. His shock at how much cancer had taken from his life also came through very clear and made me really feel for him. I laughed out loud at some of the things he said, like when he's talking to the principal of his daughter's school, who by the way was being somewhat annoying, and snaps back to an obvious comment by said principal, "You think?" I cheered for him the whole way through the book. I also got very frustrated with him at times, but that's to be expected in a romance novel.
You know how I said this book has a happy ending, but it's not a "feel-good" novel? Not to spoil anything, but there are no guarantees in this book. It's a story dedicated to life, but not by wrapping ourselves in illusions that make us feel better about the pain life brings us. The conflict between Eli and his daughter, Becca, doesn't magically get better once Christie steps in. His ex-wife doesn't suddenly start taking a greater interest in the kids. This is a story about enjoying what life gives you while you have it, and about still loving those around you in spite of everything. It's a very joyful, inspiring read that almost had me in tears by the end. And that's a rare thing, folks.
I'm only giving it four stars because there were a few times when the dialogue felt off (most of the time it was good to fantastic). And one time when they sounded British and I had to ask myself if New Yorkers really do talk like that (doubted it because my husband is from New Jersey). Also, the aforementioned thing with the chess master irritated me. Side characters (with the exception of Eli's kids and Bill) tend to feel a bit one-dimensional, but they're still very entertaining.
Overall, a fantastic read. Highly recommended for those who are tired of fluffy books where everything's tied up nice and neat with a bow, but who don't want to lose hope, either.
Also, for those who are getting tired/bored of books with graphic love scenes, this one has passion but no "bedroom scenes."
(Please note: This review is based on a free eARC I received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Christie, the nurse who helps cancer patients through their treatment, has quite a bit of depth. She's funny, sometimes silly, but always full of love for those around her. Especially Eli and his kids. Although once or twice she began to veer into Mary Sue territory--she managed to fake out a respected chess player? Really?--for the most part she's very grounded, very cute, and now one of my favorite heroines.
Eli is...gah! I love him! He's got his flaws, but I loved the way he talked, the way he struggled with his cynicism (not to mention his feelings for Christie), and the way he kept trying to do what he thought was best for everyone. His love for his kids came through very clear. His shock at how much cancer had taken from his life also came through very clear and made me really feel for him. I laughed out loud at some of the things he said, like when he's talking to the principal of his daughter's school, who by the way was being somewhat annoying, and snaps back to an obvious comment by said principal, "You think?" I cheered for him the whole way through the book. I also got very frustrated with him at times, but that's to be expected in a romance novel.
You know how I said this book has a happy ending, but it's not a "feel-good" novel? Not to spoil anything, but there are no guarantees in this book. It's a story dedicated to life, but not by wrapping ourselves in illusions that make us feel better about the pain life brings us. The conflict between Eli and his daughter, Becca, doesn't magically get better once Christie steps in. His ex-wife doesn't suddenly start taking a greater interest in the kids. This is a story about enjoying what life gives you while you have it, and about still loving those around you in spite of everything. It's a very joyful, inspiring read that almost had me in tears by the end. And that's a rare thing, folks.
I'm only giving it four stars because there were a few times when the dialogue felt off (most of the time it was good to fantastic). And one time when they sounded British and I had to ask myself if New Yorkers really do talk like that (doubted it because my husband is from New Jersey). Also, the aforementioned thing with the chess master irritated me. Side characters (with the exception of Eli's kids and Bill) tend to feel a bit one-dimensional, but they're still very entertaining.
Overall, a fantastic read. Highly recommended for those who are tired of fluffy books where everything's tied up nice and neat with a bow, but who don't want to lose hope, either.
Also, for those who are getting tired/bored of books with graphic love scenes, this one has passion but no "bedroom scenes."
(Please note: This review is based on a free eARC I received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
January 6, 2016
Okay, so I’d been hearing a lot of great things about Karen Rock and her sister-in-law’s book titled Camp Boyfriend, but I never really got the chance to read it. Then I found out there was a blog tour for this novel, and considering it was written by Karen Rock, I jumped at the chance to sign up for it. I had high hopes for this book, and I find it safe to say that I wasn’t disappointed. I even had the impression that it was going to be this heavy tearjerker, seeing that it revolved around the topic of cancer (like The Fault in our Stars), but I was wrong. Sure, there were a whole lot of emotional moments, but they were far from depressing. The story deeply moved me, and it’s about finding love in places where you never thought you would.
The characters were all so beautiful and perfect. I loved every single one of them and how they all had this part to play in the story. I adore Christie the most, because despite her past and all the things she had to go through, she still emerged strong –stronger than before, even. She just has this unfading radiance in her personality and this complete willingness to help others that has become hard to find nowadays. I was really sad for Becca, who felt so lost and confused amidst her problems. I kind of got annoyed with Eli at first, honestly, because he was always in denial and was so set on the idea that he could do everything by himself. It was great, though, that he managed to gradually open up as the plot went along, and how this helped his relationship with his family. It was really sweet that he always seemed to be so selfless when it came to his children. Amazingly, all these people came together and were able to help each other learn to accept, to love, and to grow. The love between Christie and Eli was so solid and pure – something that is rare these days. Eli was able to accept Christie’s imperfections and even love her for them, making their relationship all the more incredible. Normally, I would complain about open endings, but in this case, I think that the ending was written perfectly.
Overall, the novel was heartwarming and genuine. It made me ponder on a lot of things and really reflect on my life. It taught me to forgive, to accept, to be open to new opportunities, and to live, but most importantly, it reminded me that no matter the circumstances, we can always hope and wish for tomorrow.
The characters were all so beautiful and perfect. I loved every single one of them and how they all had this part to play in the story. I adore Christie the most, because despite her past and all the things she had to go through, she still emerged strong –stronger than before, even. She just has this unfading radiance in her personality and this complete willingness to help others that has become hard to find nowadays. I was really sad for Becca, who felt so lost and confused amidst her problems. I kind of got annoyed with Eli at first, honestly, because he was always in denial and was so set on the idea that he could do everything by himself. It was great, though, that he managed to gradually open up as the plot went along, and how this helped his relationship with his family. It was really sweet that he always seemed to be so selfless when it came to his children. Amazingly, all these people came together and were able to help each other learn to accept, to love, and to grow. The love between Christie and Eli was so solid and pure – something that is rare these days. Eli was able to accept Christie’s imperfections and even love her for them, making their relationship all the more incredible. Normally, I would complain about open endings, but in this case, I think that the ending was written perfectly.
Overall, the novel was heartwarming and genuine. It made me ponder on a lot of things and really reflect on my life. It taught me to forgive, to accept, to be open to new opportunities, and to live, but most importantly, it reminded me that no matter the circumstances, we can always hope and wish for tomorrow.
December 31, 2015
This book is not an easy read due to the subject matter. But I guarantee if you take the time to read it you will come away smiling. Yes it will make you cry at parts, but the ending is just perfect.
Christie Bates is a nurse and grief counsellor. During the story we discover why she took the career path she did. Several incidents in her past changed Christie, causing her to still suffer even now. But the care and advice she gives her patients is second to none. What she went through previously has turned her into a person much more able to deal with certain situations.
Eli Roberts meets Christie during a cancer group Christie runs. Very quickly, and due to several unforeseen circumstances, they end up spending time together. Eli's children play a huge part in the story as they actually meet Christie first, unbeknown to their father, and instantly take to her.
Christie has a very positive outlook on things, and Eli doesn't. The reason for this becomes apparent later in the story.
Can two people with totally different outlooks on life be friends? Or more? Will Eli allow Christie to break down the barriers he has put up around both himself and his kids, or are they so strong that nothing will get through?
I loved the relationships in this story, especially the one between Christie and Eli's kids, Tommy and Becca. Becca is a typical teenager, trying to deal with teenage issues. She really clicks with Christie, and I think the author must have had experience dealing with teenagers before she wrote this as she gets it just right. Tommy is younger but equally as taken with Christie.
The way things progress between Christie and Eli is written just right too. It isn't rushed in any way, there are obstacles all the way through, and the way both of them deal with things is, again, just right.
As far as the ending goes, all I will say is this - it is perfect! It's not what a lot of readers will be expecting, and I guarantee you will be crying by then, but the author has chosen to do things slightly differently and for me it works. The ending leaves things open for the possibility of a second book, and I will be watching with interest to see if she goes down that route. But even if she doesn't, I won't complain as it is a great ending nevertheless.
Christie Bates is a nurse and grief counsellor. During the story we discover why she took the career path she did. Several incidents in her past changed Christie, causing her to still suffer even now. But the care and advice she gives her patients is second to none. What she went through previously has turned her into a person much more able to deal with certain situations.
Eli Roberts meets Christie during a cancer group Christie runs. Very quickly, and due to several unforeseen circumstances, they end up spending time together. Eli's children play a huge part in the story as they actually meet Christie first, unbeknown to their father, and instantly take to her.
Christie has a very positive outlook on things, and Eli doesn't. The reason for this becomes apparent later in the story.
Can two people with totally different outlooks on life be friends? Or more? Will Eli allow Christie to break down the barriers he has put up around both himself and his kids, or are they so strong that nothing will get through?
I loved the relationships in this story, especially the one between Christie and Eli's kids, Tommy and Becca. Becca is a typical teenager, trying to deal with teenage issues. She really clicks with Christie, and I think the author must have had experience dealing with teenagers before she wrote this as she gets it just right. Tommy is younger but equally as taken with Christie.
The way things progress between Christie and Eli is written just right too. It isn't rushed in any way, there are obstacles all the way through, and the way both of them deal with things is, again, just right.
As far as the ending goes, all I will say is this - it is perfect! It's not what a lot of readers will be expecting, and I guarantee you will be crying by then, but the author has chosen to do things slightly differently and for me it works. The ending leaves things open for the possibility of a second book, and I will be watching with interest to see if she goes down that route. But even if she doesn't, I won't complain as it is a great ending nevertheless.
September 23, 2013
Wish Me Tomorrow is a beautifully told tale about love, fear, guilt, and forgiveness of self and others. Both Christie and Eli are very strong characters, and I loved that they weren’t perfect. They could be anybody you see, walking down the street right now. The depths to which they would go to handle their own fears, and provide a happy home for those they loved is very real. To me, Wish Me Tomorrow is purely character driven. Yes, the internal and external conflicts influence the plot, but in the sense of how the characters deal with them. I loved watching both Eli and Christie’s character develop throughout the story. I also loved the supporting characters we met along the way. This story was infused with humor, elicited some tears, and also made me angry at times. Eli’s desire to “save” others from dealing with his situation made me want to smack him sometimes, but isn’t that what we all try to do? We try to protect those we love from as much pain as possible. And, if distancing yourself from them is the best medicine, then so be it.
I really loved and enjoyed Wish Me Tomorrow. As I pored through the words, wishing it would never end, the full meaning of the title started to gather force for me. It wasn’t until close to the end, once the reader discovered that Eli and Christie loved each other, despite their own denial, it really hit home. The possibility of Eli’s cancer returning, made the time they had with each other that much more precious, and only tomorrow would give that to them. If I could have only one wish, it would be to have infinite wishes for tomorrow. The kind of love they shared is rare and special. What made it even more beautiful was the fact that not knowing if you will have tomorrow, made their feelings for each other that much more potent. It was a risk to fall in love, and both Eli and Christie had to learn how to let go of the past so that they could grow and love each other in the present, especially since tomorrow was not a guaranteed promise for Eli. Rock did a wonderful job on this, her debut novel, and I look forward to seeing what she produces in the future. Fingers crossed that I will get to see more about Eli and Christie, as well as Tommy and Becca.
I really loved and enjoyed Wish Me Tomorrow. As I pored through the words, wishing it would never end, the full meaning of the title started to gather force for me. It wasn’t until close to the end, once the reader discovered that Eli and Christie loved each other, despite their own denial, it really hit home. The possibility of Eli’s cancer returning, made the time they had with each other that much more precious, and only tomorrow would give that to them. If I could have only one wish, it would be to have infinite wishes for tomorrow. The kind of love they shared is rare and special. What made it even more beautiful was the fact that not knowing if you will have tomorrow, made their feelings for each other that much more potent. It was a risk to fall in love, and both Eli and Christie had to learn how to let go of the past so that they could grow and love each other in the present, especially since tomorrow was not a guaranteed promise for Eli. Rock did a wonderful job on this, her debut novel, and I look forward to seeing what she produces in the future. Fingers crossed that I will get to see more about Eli and Christie, as well as Tommy and Becca.
July 31, 2013
This book made me fall more in love with romance! Christie is a nurse and a grief counselor who works with kids who have cancer. She is superstitious and has to hold a rabbits foot to go on an elevator, yet she's very brave and even saves someone's life in the book by giving them medical help. Her therapy dog is so cute and comes with her when she makes her rounds, and that, combined with her optimistic outlook on life, helps many cancer patients. But that's not the case with Eli, a recovering osteosarcoma survivor who is a recent single dad after his wife walked out on him and his teenaged daughter and younger son. Eli is a realist and stubbornly wants to keep everything the way it used to be down to not even talking about his illness. His kids act out which is how he winds up needing Christie's help- although he'd met her earlier when he brought his chemo-buddy to the cancer support group she runs. Although her sunny outlook rubs him the wrong way (he feels cancer patients should face the truth and not be given false hope), he's impressed when she jumps in to save someone's life.
This tender love story touched me so deeply that I cried (and laughed) several times. It was beautiful, heartfelt, and deeply moving without ever feeling forced or manipulative. The characters were flawed, made mistakes, yet despite not being perfect, were perfect for each other.
This is a story of love in its purest form. It exists, and even thrives, in times of adversity. It's about loving someone against the odds and saying, "The heck with Happily-Ever-After... better to focus on Happily-Ever-Now" It spoke to me because I've seen couples come through adversity more in love than ever before and Christie and Eli's story was so realistic it felt like they could be a couple I know from church or in my community.
My wish is that the book would have gone on and on...
This tender love story touched me so deeply that I cried (and laughed) several times. It was beautiful, heartfelt, and deeply moving without ever feeling forced or manipulative. The characters were flawed, made mistakes, yet despite not being perfect, were perfect for each other.
This is a story of love in its purest form. It exists, and even thrives, in times of adversity. It's about loving someone against the odds and saying, "The heck with Happily-Ever-After... better to focus on Happily-Ever-Now" It spoke to me because I've seen couples come through adversity more in love than ever before and Christie and Eli's story was so realistic it felt like they could be a couple I know from church or in my community.
My wish is that the book would have gone on and on...
December 24, 2013
Karen Rock's romantic tale of love, anger, and hope will capture your heart. The story doesn't pull any punches as it realistically portrays the problems involved in a cancer patient's life--and his family's.
Eli Roberts, a handsome photographer who could melt almost any woman's heart, is in remission, but the problems his illness created aren't. His thirteen-year-old daughter is brilliantly portrayed by the author, making it evident that she's experienced with young teens, and understands their problems. Eli's son is also affected by the illness and aftermath, but at a younger age, he hasn't pulled away. As they struggle to recover their fractured lives, grief counselor Christie Bates seems to be the only person who can bring the family together. Eli resists her positive attitude at first, but it's not long until a spark ignites into a flame that cannot be extinguished.
Anyone who has started the Young Adult Camp Boyfriend series by J.K. Rock (Karen and her sister-in-law, Joanne) knows their writing is superb. Wish Me Tomorrow, a Harlequin Romance, gave Karen an even greater chance to show her skills, and her metaphors and descriptions make me want to hide them in a treasure chest to retrieve when I need inspiration.
This is probably the most heartfelt book I've read in awhile, with a wide range of emotions, including courage, fear, and selflessness. And while Christie is strong and determined, she still struggles with her own vulnerability. Oddly enough, these are traits Eli admires in her. Now she must find a way to convince him that she's on his side, no matter what happens.
Eli Roberts, a handsome photographer who could melt almost any woman's heart, is in remission, but the problems his illness created aren't. His thirteen-year-old daughter is brilliantly portrayed by the author, making it evident that she's experienced with young teens, and understands their problems. Eli's son is also affected by the illness and aftermath, but at a younger age, he hasn't pulled away. As they struggle to recover their fractured lives, grief counselor Christie Bates seems to be the only person who can bring the family together. Eli resists her positive attitude at first, but it's not long until a spark ignites into a flame that cannot be extinguished.
Anyone who has started the Young Adult Camp Boyfriend series by J.K. Rock (Karen and her sister-in-law, Joanne) knows their writing is superb. Wish Me Tomorrow, a Harlequin Romance, gave Karen an even greater chance to show her skills, and her metaphors and descriptions make me want to hide them in a treasure chest to retrieve when I need inspiration.
This is probably the most heartfelt book I've read in awhile, with a wide range of emotions, including courage, fear, and selflessness. And while Christie is strong and determined, she still struggles with her own vulnerability. Oddly enough, these are traits Eli admires in her. Now she must find a way to convince him that she's on his side, no matter what happens.
September 11, 2013
Wish Me Tomorrow by Karen Rock
Christie is a grief counselor and also an RN. She heads up the group that meets at the local YMCA and counsels those with cancer.
She does meet Eli when he's there with John-his neighbor. When he goes to the hospital with John, Christie tells him she will look after his kids.
They are striking out but he's not seeing things. He's in remission from cancer and his wife had taken off from them all. Beckie the teen girl is lashing out by telling another they will die because they smoke cigarettes. She's also failing classes.
The little boy, Tommy is also at a loss, Eli won't allow them to talk about cancer. When the principal talks to him he sets up counseling for them all and Christie is the one who's there and helps them all to some degree.
What I like about this book already is the up to date topic of cancer and how to deal with it, with adults and teens.
I have read some of the authors other works and they are just super!
Love that they have so many outlets ... Christie is so upbeat and always a positive attitude. When one dies she takes it hard and opens up to Eli about her past life as he's told her some things of his past.
Love bond created from her of Eli and his daughter..few characters and easy to keep track of with others coming into some scenes.
Tragedy strikes again and all bets are off...what will they do now? Love how the book got it's title.
I received this book from Stephanie from www.romanceaddictbookblog.com in exchange for my honest review.
Christie is a grief counselor and also an RN. She heads up the group that meets at the local YMCA and counsels those with cancer.
She does meet Eli when he's there with John-his neighbor. When he goes to the hospital with John, Christie tells him she will look after his kids.
They are striking out but he's not seeing things. He's in remission from cancer and his wife had taken off from them all. Beckie the teen girl is lashing out by telling another they will die because they smoke cigarettes. She's also failing classes.
The little boy, Tommy is also at a loss, Eli won't allow them to talk about cancer. When the principal talks to him he sets up counseling for them all and Christie is the one who's there and helps them all to some degree.
What I like about this book already is the up to date topic of cancer and how to deal with it, with adults and teens.
I have read some of the authors other works and they are just super!
Love that they have so many outlets ... Christie is so upbeat and always a positive attitude. When one dies she takes it hard and opens up to Eli about her past life as he's told her some things of his past.
Love bond created from her of Eli and his daughter..few characters and easy to keep track of with others coming into some scenes.
Tragedy strikes again and all bets are off...what will they do now? Love how the book got it's title.
I received this book from Stephanie from www.romanceaddictbookblog.com in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2016
Este livro foi me oferecido pela editora Harlequin e desde já fica aqui o meu agradecimento.
Estive super indecisa sobre quantas * dar a esta historia, posso dizer que um livro que me desperte as emoções que este me fez sentir merece mais do que três estrelas, mas para mim o final em aberto foi algo que me fez recuar.
Adorei a historia e tenho de dizer que esta me fez pensar imenso em certas fazes da minha vida em que o meu pai se encontrava gravemente doente. No entanto no final
Em resumo é uma historia bonita que desperta emoções fortes.
Estive super indecisa sobre quantas * dar a esta historia, posso dizer que um livro que me desperte as emoções que este me fez sentir merece mais do que três estrelas, mas para mim o final em aberto foi algo que me fez recuar.
Adorei a historia e tenho de dizer que esta me fez pensar imenso em certas fazes da minha vida em que o meu pai se encontrava gravemente doente. No entanto no final
Em resumo é uma historia bonita que desperta emoções fortes.
August 20, 2013
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below. I rated it 4.5 stars when I reviewed it so upped it to a 5 on here.
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
July 12, 2021
I enjoyed it
October 14, 2013
** I got a copy in exchange for an honest review**
It took me days, weeks, a month to feel and read the book. As it turned out, I wanted more from this book, from this author. Since this has been a different approach unlike the YA book Camp Boyfriend that Karen and Joanne wrote, I decided to give it a try and see how it goes with me. While in between classes, weekend marathons, catch-up reading has always been a must but is also hard time for me. Since I was into the story I really tried to take up some of my time to read and just be inside the story. I started, went until 20 something percent then stopped to give way for my exams. Yuuuuh, it has been hard resisting to read and studying.
“Hope was a four-letter word he didn’t dare say, let alone think. His body had healed but his spirit would never be that same.”
At first, it was a light read. Cancer patients, group meetings, seems like the normal things Christie do. Same faces, same routine, all and just the new poetry and quotations she shares. Christie has been optimistic with life and what comes after it. She anchored herself to positivity since her brother Bill died. Same with her patients, she’s lived under the pressure and moving on has not been an easy thing for her. What she’s felt for herself was a deep remorse and guilt that you can actually feel. I, myself, felt it. There’s this whole thing with emotions that captures me very hard that I end up torn about it, too. I understand how she managed to live her teenage life caring for her brother, pouring everything she can do to sustain his life. She’s grown up experiencing the harshness life can offer, live the life of an adult earlier than she expected it, and stop the hobby she liked the most. It was sad and sweet and heavy. All those jumbled up because of a one scenario.
When life throws you a curve ball, it’s either you let it hit you or you swing it with all your might. That’s how Eli restored his life. He’s a realist unlike Christie. His wife left him with their children, Becca and Tommy, when they found out about his cancer and has been the only one to raise the kids. His relationship with his daughter grew worse as she grows old and when he first met Christie, he tried to shake her off out of his system. They’re both opposites and he can’t stand the optimism Christie shared with all the other patients when he sees life differently. And talking about the kids, who wouldn't love Becca and Tommy? Tommy is such an energetic kid that if real, I'd love to play with. And Becca, she's honest and sweet as a pie, but just lacks the determination to tell how she really feels.
“A dangerous warmth curled through her, setting in her heart. She knew better than to daydream about him. Yet, tonight, she would do just that, and thoughts of this complex, compelling man would fill that aching void inside her.”
I said it there, way up there, that at first it was a light read. I go on and on and on reading until the tension between the two characters builds up. There were nights that I couldn't put my phone down and stop reading. There were nights that I just have to deliberately sob until I grew unaware that I already am. It felt like a sunny day that grew and transformed into endless rain showers. I was in the book. It was like I was in there, with them, experiencing everything that has been happening, listening to every word they say, and seeing how they move. Karen created a surreal world where hope and wish are two important abstract things in the world. I begrudgingly ended the book, not because I hated it, but because there’s more into it.
The ending was okay, by okay I really mean just okay. I was torn when it ended just like that. When I was nearing the ninety-nine percent, I was panicking that it might end in that they just leave it there and hope was the only thing that's left for them, and everything. It was HEA and I love HEA but you know, I’ve been thinking day and night! I kept asking myself questions I cannot answer. What happens after tomorrow? And making my own conclusion just hurts me to the core. Yay me!
It was juicy! Yum! The delectable intricate pieces that fit perfectly. Life shows you lesson you’ll never know you’ve already found. I was annoyed, hurt, in love, touched, and all the family-feels I’ve experienced in this book. Not only did it captured my eye but the very core of my heart and soul.
And PS. If you want the family-feels I was saying, you go grab this book. :D
October 9, 2013
This review also has a character interview on my blog. Check it out!
Dizneeee's World of Books
Harlequin Heartwarming...yes indeed! Definitely heartwarming.
Between the synopsis and the character interview, you can pretty much figure out what happens by the end of the book. And that's totally okay with me for this particular book! Reading Wish Me Tomorrow is more important for the journey of character development and connection than the outcome. Although, the outcome is...heartwarming! (hah hah! Get it?) Anyway, moving along...
I absolutely loved Christie from the beginning. She didn't want to give up hope right off the bat when one of her group members didn't show up for their cancer support group. This was Christie through the whole book -- hopeful and optimistic. She was an amazing character!
Eli showed up to the support group with his neighbor...the late arrival that Christie was worried about and didn't want to start the meeting without. Eli was immediately skeptical and openly negative.
When something happened during the support group meeting, these two were immediately thrown into each other's lives without meaning for it to happen. It just did. Thank you John!
The growth and development was different for each character. For Christie, it was letting go of the past and finally believing that she wasn't an awful person, like she thought she was. Eli, his kids, John, and her Gran helped Christie realize that she was a strong and amazing person.
For Eli, his growth was turning from a skeptical cancer survivor to believing and trusting in the person by his side. He didn't have that the first time he went through a cancer treatment and he was scared and pushed Christie and his children away. Having some hope mixed with realism is okay.
Eli's kids, Becca and Tommy, were the true heart of this book. Without them, Wish Me Tomorrow wouldn't have been the same. They were the cushion between Christie and Eli. Becca, the teenager, needed a woman in her life. Eli realized this and saw how wonderful Christie was to and for her. Tommy needed Eli. He needed his dad to be honest with them and he needed to learn about hope and how much it matters in cases such as cancer.
Christie's Gran had such a way of living life! She was always questioning Christie about her dating life. She was very excited when Eli made an appearance in Christie's life. Gran also knew Eli's neighbor, John. He was such a minor character in the book, but it was such a major role! He was the reason why Christie and Eli met and even had to spend time together. Again...thank. you. John.
Wish Me Tomorrow is a tremendous love story and one filled with hope and optimism. I absolutely loved it! The tears flowed easily with this read. A book like this is almost perfect and makes it hard to pick up the next book on the to-read pile.
Between Camp Boyfriend and Wish Me Tomorrow, Karen Rock has definitely created herself a spot on my "automatic buy and read" list.
Dizneeee's World of Books
Harlequin Heartwarming...yes indeed! Definitely heartwarming.
Between the synopsis and the character interview, you can pretty much figure out what happens by the end of the book. And that's totally okay with me for this particular book! Reading Wish Me Tomorrow is more important for the journey of character development and connection than the outcome. Although, the outcome is...heartwarming! (hah hah! Get it?) Anyway, moving along...
I absolutely loved Christie from the beginning. She didn't want to give up hope right off the bat when one of her group members didn't show up for their cancer support group. This was Christie through the whole book -- hopeful and optimistic. She was an amazing character!
Eli showed up to the support group with his neighbor...the late arrival that Christie was worried about and didn't want to start the meeting without. Eli was immediately skeptical and openly negative.
When something happened during the support group meeting, these two were immediately thrown into each other's lives without meaning for it to happen. It just did. Thank you John!
The growth and development was different for each character. For Christie, it was letting go of the past and finally believing that she wasn't an awful person, like she thought she was. Eli, his kids, John, and her Gran helped Christie realize that she was a strong and amazing person.
For Eli, his growth was turning from a skeptical cancer survivor to believing and trusting in the person by his side. He didn't have that the first time he went through a cancer treatment and he was scared and pushed Christie and his children away. Having some hope mixed with realism is okay.
Eli's kids, Becca and Tommy, were the true heart of this book. Without them, Wish Me Tomorrow wouldn't have been the same. They were the cushion between Christie and Eli. Becca, the teenager, needed a woman in her life. Eli realized this and saw how wonderful Christie was to and for her. Tommy needed Eli. He needed his dad to be honest with them and he needed to learn about hope and how much it matters in cases such as cancer.
Christie's Gran had such a way of living life! She was always questioning Christie about her dating life. She was very excited when Eli made an appearance in Christie's life. Gran also knew Eli's neighbor, John. He was such a minor character in the book, but it was such a major role! He was the reason why Christie and Eli met and even had to spend time together. Again...thank. you. John.
Wish Me Tomorrow is a tremendous love story and one filled with hope and optimism. I absolutely loved it! The tears flowed easily with this read. A book like this is almost perfect and makes it hard to pick up the next book on the to-read pile.
Between Camp Boyfriend and Wish Me Tomorrow, Karen Rock has definitely created herself a spot on my "automatic buy and read" list.
September 27, 2013
Review coming soon...look for it during its BLOG TOUR!
See my full review at Shaytasticbooks <>Like my Facebook Page
Be prepared to fall in love with this book! Its a wonderful story about a man and a women who refuse to give into their wants for the shear reasoning of not wanting to hurt the other. Winding their way into each others heart could be an obstacle but kids and life are nothing compared to the threat of cancer.
Eli has been in remission from Cancer, his wife has left him and he has two kids that he has to raise on his own. He battles with the fact that his kids will grow old and celebrate life's milestones without him. Trying to put his kids first, he try's to not fall for the happy superstitious woman who is worming his way into his heart.
Christie works as a nurse and a grief councilor which causes its tolls some days but when stunning Eli sits in on a group session to please an old friend her heart cant help but take a hold and not let go. But letting go has been a problem before for her
These two characters we amazing right from the beginning. You will fall in love with Eli instantly for the fact that he can acknowledge his attraction for Christie but for the sake of his kids he puts his needs aside. I love that about him. He wasn't selfish even though sometimes some of his decisions makes you want to smack him up side the head. He's head strong and stubborn but has a good heart. And then there's Christie who has a keen sense of what Eli and his family needs and she sets out to just help the family. Low and behold though that she cant stay away. From the little chats in group session to jogging in the early morning, Eli and his family start to depend on the easy going loving women. Together these two make such a beautiful couple and the whole of them are one stunning family. Filled with teenage drama, young kids imagination, and a couples blossoming romance, this book will make you smile.
There are both loving and scary moments in Wish Me Tomorrow that will make you look at the ones you love and cherish what time you have. Even though there is death there is also life. Watching a young women change and develop into something her father could be proud of and share the same passions as he. Giving a father the hope and will to fight for his life not just for his kids but for the courage to show everyone that he could do this.
I adore this book and I hope everyone will give it a chance and pick it up. Its a loving, contemporary book with real characters and real life situations that causes one to rethink what it is to love. Also I read this book so fast I didn't even remember to grab quotes from the book. LOL! Yeah I read it that fast and was so into the book that I just read straight through. You gotta believe me... ITS AMAZING!
See my full review at Shaytasticbooks <>Like my Facebook Page
Be prepared to fall in love with this book! Its a wonderful story about a man and a women who refuse to give into their wants for the shear reasoning of not wanting to hurt the other. Winding their way into each others heart could be an obstacle but kids and life are nothing compared to the threat of cancer.
Eli has been in remission from Cancer, his wife has left him and he has two kids that he has to raise on his own. He battles with the fact that his kids will grow old and celebrate life's milestones without him. Trying to put his kids first, he try's to not fall for the happy superstitious woman who is worming his way into his heart.
Christie works as a nurse and a grief councilor which causes its tolls some days but when stunning Eli sits in on a group session to please an old friend her heart cant help but take a hold and not let go. But letting go has been a problem before for her
These two characters we amazing right from the beginning. You will fall in love with Eli instantly for the fact that he can acknowledge his attraction for Christie but for the sake of his kids he puts his needs aside. I love that about him. He wasn't selfish even though sometimes some of his decisions makes you want to smack him up side the head. He's head strong and stubborn but has a good heart. And then there's Christie who has a keen sense of what Eli and his family needs and she sets out to just help the family. Low and behold though that she cant stay away. From the little chats in group session to jogging in the early morning, Eli and his family start to depend on the easy going loving women. Together these two make such a beautiful couple and the whole of them are one stunning family. Filled with teenage drama, young kids imagination, and a couples blossoming romance, this book will make you smile.
There are both loving and scary moments in Wish Me Tomorrow that will make you look at the ones you love and cherish what time you have. Even though there is death there is also life. Watching a young women change and develop into something her father could be proud of and share the same passions as he. Giving a father the hope and will to fight for his life not just for his kids but for the courage to show everyone that he could do this.
I adore this book and I hope everyone will give it a chance and pick it up. Its a loving, contemporary book with real characters and real life situations that causes one to rethink what it is to love. Also I read this book so fast I didn't even remember to grab quotes from the book. LOL! Yeah I read it that fast and was so into the book that I just read straight through. You gotta believe me... ITS AMAZING!
October 12, 2013
Christie is a nurse and grief counsellor. When Eli comes into her cancer support group meeting with his friend, John, in a wheelchair, at first Christie is annoyed with his cynical attitude. He finds her breezy optimism a tad irritating, too. But the chemistry is there. Then John has a stroke in the meeting and Christie handles the emergency with such confidence and skill, saving Eli’s friend’s life, that his interest in her is more than piqued.
They meet again when Eli’s teenage daughter reaches crisis point in her relationship with her father who is in remission from bone cancer. Christie fills in for her colleague to be their family counsellor. The relationship progresses from there.
The barriers between their relationship run deep. Christie still struggles with guilt from the past and Eli fears the future. Running parallel to this tender and very touching romance, is the bond developing between Christie and Eli’s two children which helps mend the broken teenage daughter, Becca’s heart. I have always loved stories with bonds developing with the kids. This one does it so well.
Whew! This book isn’t your standard formulaic romance. The writer took me on a roller-coast ride. One moment, I was filled with joy and hope, the next with despair and hurt for the characters in this book. Does she know how to get a reader to empathise with the characters! She made me feel. Really feel.
When I first started reading this book, I have to admit I was wary of the dark subject. I love to read romance because of the usual light-heartedness of the genre. There’s a happily-ever-after and the characters fall in love along the way. When I saw the book was about a man who’d had cancer and she was a grief counsellor for a cancer support group, I was nervous. But the story line looked good.
Karen Rock handled a very painful and delicate subject with immense tenderness and skill. She helped me understand what it was like to be so close to death or the terminal illness of a loved one. She touched a subject that is not often touched in a romance novel.
(spoiler alert) I have to comment on the ending. I can’t say I was totally sold on it in the beginning but I thought it was written in a wonderful, thought-provoking way. In fact, I think an ending that makes you ponder and think about the book for days afterwards is truly the best ending. That's what I loved about this book - it was unique and not just a formula romance. I can tell it was written from the heart.
This book will keep you thinking about it for days afterwards. The romance was beautifully written, slow-brew, and touching. A romance that grew slowly and tenderly and just right for the characters. Skillfully crafted.
They meet again when Eli’s teenage daughter reaches crisis point in her relationship with her father who is in remission from bone cancer. Christie fills in for her colleague to be their family counsellor. The relationship progresses from there.
The barriers between their relationship run deep. Christie still struggles with guilt from the past and Eli fears the future. Running parallel to this tender and very touching romance, is the bond developing between Christie and Eli’s two children which helps mend the broken teenage daughter, Becca’s heart. I have always loved stories with bonds developing with the kids. This one does it so well.
Whew! This book isn’t your standard formulaic romance. The writer took me on a roller-coast ride. One moment, I was filled with joy and hope, the next with despair and hurt for the characters in this book. Does she know how to get a reader to empathise with the characters! She made me feel. Really feel.
When I first started reading this book, I have to admit I was wary of the dark subject. I love to read romance because of the usual light-heartedness of the genre. There’s a happily-ever-after and the characters fall in love along the way. When I saw the book was about a man who’d had cancer and she was a grief counsellor for a cancer support group, I was nervous. But the story line looked good.
Karen Rock handled a very painful and delicate subject with immense tenderness and skill. She helped me understand what it was like to be so close to death or the terminal illness of a loved one. She touched a subject that is not often touched in a romance novel.
(spoiler alert) I have to comment on the ending. I can’t say I was totally sold on it in the beginning but I thought it was written in a wonderful, thought-provoking way. In fact, I think an ending that makes you ponder and think about the book for days afterwards is truly the best ending. That's what I loved about this book - it was unique and not just a formula romance. I can tell it was written from the heart.
This book will keep you thinking about it for days afterwards. The romance was beautifully written, slow-brew, and touching. A romance that grew slowly and tenderly and just right for the characters. Skillfully crafted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2013
She vowed to care for support-group attendees. Falling for them, however, was not an option.
Wish Me Tomorrow really snuck up on me and threw me off guard. I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by this emotional romance. I found myself laughing, yelling, and crying throughout the pages. It isn’t often I cry from reading a book but there was no stopping the tears. It is a perfect example of finding hope during the dark days and learning to trust in others. The dialogue is very versatile and I loved it!
Was it possible to be this nice, this handsome and this available in Manhattan? Yet here he was, the poster child for every Match.com advertisement. Only he wasn’t looking for a date and neither was she.
Christie Bates and Eli Roberts meet during a chance encounter at a support group meeting. Both have mixed feelings about the other but there is definitely an undeniable spark. Eli has spent years closed off from the outside world while Christie lives to brighten the days of those around her. Too bad they are too afraid to pursue anything serious because they could really help each other. Christie is battling with guilt and blame from her past while Eli refuses to hope for his future. They slowly begin to rely on each other and realize how special their love could be. If only they gave it a chance…
He’d won his life back, but he hasn’t really been living it, he realized. There was danger in wanting things, in dreaming of a future when you couldn’t guarantee tomorrow.
Christie is feisty and independent. She is definitely someone I could be friends with. I loved her character and feel she was the perfect heroine for the cranky hero. Eli is a single father and captured my heart from the start. He warmed my heart with his story but left me in an ugly crying mess. Eli is genuine and an amazing father but he is emotionally scarred and broken. Christie is fueled by hope but Eli lost faith in tomorrow.
“You can’t change the past, and neither can I. So let’s work on the here and now. Maybe we could just be better people today. Be here for each other. How does dinner tonight sound… just you and me?”
I highly recommend this beautiful story for all romance lovers. You will fall in love with Christie and Eli while they fight to find their happy ending. This novel will pull at your heartstrings and never let go.
Wish Me Tomorrow really snuck up on me and threw me off guard. I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by this emotional romance. I found myself laughing, yelling, and crying throughout the pages. It isn’t often I cry from reading a book but there was no stopping the tears. It is a perfect example of finding hope during the dark days and learning to trust in others. The dialogue is very versatile and I loved it!
Was it possible to be this nice, this handsome and this available in Manhattan? Yet here he was, the poster child for every Match.com advertisement. Only he wasn’t looking for a date and neither was she.
Christie Bates and Eli Roberts meet during a chance encounter at a support group meeting. Both have mixed feelings about the other but there is definitely an undeniable spark. Eli has spent years closed off from the outside world while Christie lives to brighten the days of those around her. Too bad they are too afraid to pursue anything serious because they could really help each other. Christie is battling with guilt and blame from her past while Eli refuses to hope for his future. They slowly begin to rely on each other and realize how special their love could be. If only they gave it a chance…
He’d won his life back, but he hasn’t really been living it, he realized. There was danger in wanting things, in dreaming of a future when you couldn’t guarantee tomorrow.
Christie is feisty and independent. She is definitely someone I could be friends with. I loved her character and feel she was the perfect heroine for the cranky hero. Eli is a single father and captured my heart from the start. He warmed my heart with his story but left me in an ugly crying mess. Eli is genuine and an amazing father but he is emotionally scarred and broken. Christie is fueled by hope but Eli lost faith in tomorrow.
“You can’t change the past, and neither can I. So let’s work on the here and now. Maybe we could just be better people today. Be here for each other. How does dinner tonight sound… just you and me?”
I highly recommend this beautiful story for all romance lovers. You will fall in love with Christie and Eli while they fight to find their happy ending. This novel will pull at your heartstrings and never let go.
October 13, 2013
ARC received for an honest review
Beware - Wish Me Tomorrow revolves a lot around cancer and cancer patients, so it is an emotional read. But if you take the time to read it, you will come out smiling, even though you will run the whole gamut of emotions, from happy to sad ,to rage to despair.
Christie is a nurse and grief counsellor for cancer patients and survivors. She has also been touched by cancer, though she has never really dealt properly with her emotional struggles. But she is the eternal optimist and tries to instill the same in her patients.
Eli is a cancer survivor, single parent and ever the realist. Though he is in remission he knows that the cancer cloud will forever hang over him. He does not deal with the cancer issue with his kids very well at all, and he has closed his heart to love.
The stories of both Christie and Eli are so realistic. Everyone deals will cancer in a different way, and both of theirs feel believable. You can either have the hope it will never return, or have the dread it will and close yourself off to the world.
Eli's kids Becca and Tommy are heartbreakers. Becca doesn't understand why her dad won't talk to them about the cancer, and is pulling away. Tommy is younger and all he wants is his dad to be like he was before he was sick.
We have all been touched by cancer in some way, whether it personal, family, friends or colleagues, and we all have all dealt with it in our own way.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to slap people, I wanted to hug people. I wanted to get Eli, Christie, Becca and Tommy in one big group hug and squeeze the heck out of them.
Wish Me Tomorrow is a book about love and loss, sadness and happiness, guilt and acceptance, and more than anything it is about knowing that your feelings are never wrong, they are what they are. It was nice to read a romance for romance's sake for a chance, and it not full of steamy hot sex scenes (not that I am complaining about them either!!)
Karen Rock has written and emotionally charged book,, full of "normal" people in situations that any of us could find ourselves in at any time.
Give this a read, you will not be disappointed.
Beware - Wish Me Tomorrow revolves a lot around cancer and cancer patients, so it is an emotional read. But if you take the time to read it, you will come out smiling, even though you will run the whole gamut of emotions, from happy to sad ,to rage to despair.
Christie is a nurse and grief counsellor for cancer patients and survivors. She has also been touched by cancer, though she has never really dealt properly with her emotional struggles. But she is the eternal optimist and tries to instill the same in her patients.
Eli is a cancer survivor, single parent and ever the realist. Though he is in remission he knows that the cancer cloud will forever hang over him. He does not deal with the cancer issue with his kids very well at all, and he has closed his heart to love.
The stories of both Christie and Eli are so realistic. Everyone deals will cancer in a different way, and both of theirs feel believable. You can either have the hope it will never return, or have the dread it will and close yourself off to the world.
Eli's kids Becca and Tommy are heartbreakers. Becca doesn't understand why her dad won't talk to them about the cancer, and is pulling away. Tommy is younger and all he wants is his dad to be like he was before he was sick.
We have all been touched by cancer in some way, whether it personal, family, friends or colleagues, and we all have all dealt with it in our own way.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to slap people, I wanted to hug people. I wanted to get Eli, Christie, Becca and Tommy in one big group hug and squeeze the heck out of them.
Wish Me Tomorrow is a book about love and loss, sadness and happiness, guilt and acceptance, and more than anything it is about knowing that your feelings are never wrong, they are what they are. It was nice to read a romance for romance's sake for a chance, and it not full of steamy hot sex scenes (not that I am complaining about them either!!)
Karen Rock has written and emotionally charged book,, full of "normal" people in situations that any of us could find ourselves in at any time.
Give this a read, you will not be disappointed.
February 6, 2014
Wish Me Tomorrow by Karen Rock
Christie is a grief counselor and also an RN. She heads up the group that meets at the local YMCA and counsels those with cancer.
She does meet Eli when he's there with John-his neighbor. When he goes to the hospital with John, Christie tells him she will look after his kids.
They are striking out but he's not seeing things. He's in remission from cancer and his wife had taken off from them all. Beckie the teen girl is lashing out by telling another they will die because they smoke cigarettes. She's also failing classes.
The little boy, Tommy is also at a loss, Eli won't allow them to talk about cancer. When the principal talks to him he sets up counseling for them all and Christie is the one who's there and helps them all to some degree.
What I like about this book already is the up to date topic of cancer and how to deal with it, with adults and teens.
I have read some of the authors other works and they are just super!
Love that they have so many outlets ... Christie is so upbeat and always a positive attitude. When one dies she takes it hard and opens up to Eli about her past life as he's told her some things of his past.
Love bond created from her of Eli and his daughter..few characters and easy to keep track of with others coming into some scenes.
Tragedy strikes again and all bets are off...what will they do now? Love how the book got it's title.
I received this book from Stephanie from www.romanceaddictbookblog.com in exchange for my honest review.
Christie is a grief counselor and also an RN. She heads up the group that meets at the local YMCA and counsels those with cancer.
She does meet Eli when he's there with John-his neighbor. When he goes to the hospital with John, Christie tells him she will look after his kids.
They are striking out but he's not seeing things. He's in remission from cancer and his wife had taken off from them all. Beckie the teen girl is lashing out by telling another they will die because they smoke cigarettes. She's also failing classes.
The little boy, Tommy is also at a loss, Eli won't allow them to talk about cancer. When the principal talks to him he sets up counseling for them all and Christie is the one who's there and helps them all to some degree.
What I like about this book already is the up to date topic of cancer and how to deal with it, with adults and teens.
I have read some of the authors other works and they are just super!
Love that they have so many outlets ... Christie is so upbeat and always a positive attitude. When one dies she takes it hard and opens up to Eli about her past life as he's told her some things of his past.
Love bond created from her of Eli and his daughter..few characters and easy to keep track of with others coming into some scenes.
Tragedy strikes again and all bets are off...what will they do now? Love how the book got it's title.
I received this book from Stephanie from www.romanceaddictbookblog.com in exchange for my honest review.
October 8, 2013
I was really excited when I found this title on NetGalley. I'd seen the author on Goodreads and seen a description of the book and I thought it was one I might like. You might be surprised to know that Harlequin Publishing has heartwarming line- completely sweet and clean romances. I have enjoyed many books in this line.
Wish Me Tomorrow is an emotional book. Cancer is such a prevalent, horrible disease and I think we can all find connections to this book because of it. Eli has shored up his defenses in order to survive not only cancer but betrayal and loneliness. He doesn't like looking on the bright side, hoping for things that may never be.
But looking on the bright side and having hope is exactly what Christie does. It's who she is. Once Eli starts to acknowledge his interest and attraction to Christie, his whole family is better for it.
I love how this story grows and how the relationships evolve. It's a good reminder of how precious time with the people we love is. You just never know when everything might change. Take time to love. Every minute of every day.
The ending? I don't know. It's kinda open ended but that just may be a good thing. I dreamed up my own very happily ever after ending with an epilogue. And it was good. ;)
Overall a great book I'm glad I had the chance to read. My thanks to Harlequin for allowing me to read and review for them. I sure hope to see more from this author in the future!
Wish Me Tomorrow is an emotional book. Cancer is such a prevalent, horrible disease and I think we can all find connections to this book because of it. Eli has shored up his defenses in order to survive not only cancer but betrayal and loneliness. He doesn't like looking on the bright side, hoping for things that may never be.
But looking on the bright side and having hope is exactly what Christie does. It's who she is. Once Eli starts to acknowledge his interest and attraction to Christie, his whole family is better for it.
I love how this story grows and how the relationships evolve. It's a good reminder of how precious time with the people we love is. You just never know when everything might change. Take time to love. Every minute of every day.
The ending? I don't know. It's kinda open ended but that just may be a good thing. I dreamed up my own very happily ever after ending with an epilogue. And it was good. ;)
Overall a great book I'm glad I had the chance to read. My thanks to Harlequin for allowing me to read and review for them. I sure hope to see more from this author in the future!
July 7, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Here's a plotline. Man and woman meet each other. There is some initial attraction, but they don't see it right away. As they continue to go out together, the love starts to grow. At some point, though, one of them decides to break it off. Both of them wind up devastated, until the magical reunion at the end when they realize they were meant to be together. Then they live happily ever after. This is the basic plotline of the book. It's also the plotline of almost every Hallmark Channel movie.
As soon as I started to read this, I had a good idea what would happen. Christine is a nurse who works with cancer patients. She runs a support group for cancer survivors. Eli brings in John, a cancer patient. Eli is also a cancer survivor with 2 kids, Becca and Tommy. At that point, I knew they would get together. And since this was the Harlequin Heartwarming series, I also knew the sex scenes would be nonexistent.
So why is this 4 stars? Because it's not the exact plotline, it's how the author uses it. I'm not sure if the author is a cancer nurse, or has a family member with cancer, but she writes with a sense of authority. She describes the patients well, as well as the 2 kids. She does a lot with the feelings between Eli and Christine, and how Christine comes to bond with the kids. I don't want to give away too much of the ending, but it is happy. All in all, a good book.
Here's a plotline. Man and woman meet each other. There is some initial attraction, but they don't see it right away. As they continue to go out together, the love starts to grow. At some point, though, one of them decides to break it off. Both of them wind up devastated, until the magical reunion at the end when they realize they were meant to be together. Then they live happily ever after. This is the basic plotline of the book. It's also the plotline of almost every Hallmark Channel movie.
As soon as I started to read this, I had a good idea what would happen. Christine is a nurse who works with cancer patients. She runs a support group for cancer survivors. Eli brings in John, a cancer patient. Eli is also a cancer survivor with 2 kids, Becca and Tommy. At that point, I knew they would get together. And since this was the Harlequin Heartwarming series, I also knew the sex scenes would be nonexistent.
So why is this 4 stars? Because it's not the exact plotline, it's how the author uses it. I'm not sure if the author is a cancer nurse, or has a family member with cancer, but she writes with a sense of authority. She describes the patients well, as well as the 2 kids. She does a lot with the feelings between Eli and Christine, and how Christine comes to bond with the kids. I don't want to give away too much of the ending, but it is happy. All in all, a good book.
October 25, 2013
Christie Bates is a nurse and grief counselor. She tries her best to help her patients and their families deal with their cancer in a positive light. The more hope they have, the better they fight this deadly disease.
Eli Roberts is a young single father of two who has had cancer in the past and is hoping it never returns for the sake of his kids. He has taken the approach to keep the bad of his disease away from his children, preferring to be realistic about it.
When Eli and Christie meet over a mutual friend, Christie's upbeat attitude at first gets on his nerves. Then it seems that she is just the light he and his kids need, so they are soon fighting a growing attraction. But with each other's past pain and this horrid disease hanging over them, can a future be possible?
Who in their life has not been touched by this awful disease? Personally, I have, more than once. I must say Ms. Rock handles this situation with class and dignity through Christie and Eli's story. It truly has its emotional ups and downs, which makes it seem so real. I definitely think you should make the time to dive right into Wish Me Tomorrow.
Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
Eli Roberts is a young single father of two who has had cancer in the past and is hoping it never returns for the sake of his kids. He has taken the approach to keep the bad of his disease away from his children, preferring to be realistic about it.
When Eli and Christie meet over a mutual friend, Christie's upbeat attitude at first gets on his nerves. Then it seems that she is just the light he and his kids need, so they are soon fighting a growing attraction. But with each other's past pain and this horrid disease hanging over them, can a future be possible?
Who in their life has not been touched by this awful disease? Personally, I have, more than once. I must say Ms. Rock handles this situation with class and dignity through Christie and Eli's story. It truly has its emotional ups and downs, which makes it seem so real. I definitely think you should make the time to dive right into Wish Me Tomorrow.
Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
October 7, 2013
This book was an emotional roller coaster that had me in tears so much I should invest in tissues! The writing was so true to real it had me in goose bumps. I enjoyed the characters, they were very well developed and very 3 dimensional, I just wanted to grab them all up and hold them close to my heart and keep them safe with me.
My mother died of cancer in Dec of 2006, so I had a very personal relationship with the topic of cancer and surviving and wishing for just one more tomorrow. This book should be on everyone's TBR list, I think it portrays very real emotions and how to deal with them, for adults and children alike.
Quote:
Tommy wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "That makes me scared." He glanced up at Christie, his brows, nearly the same color as his pale skin, knotting. "Is that bad? Daddy's brave but I'm not."
She cupped his soft, dimpled chin and said, "No. All feelings are okay. And I think you are very brave." Her gaze flew to Becca, who gave her a small smile. "When your dad comes home, you should tell him how you feel."
I recommend this book for anyone that needs help seeing that Feelings are never wrong, they just ARE and how you deal with them is the important part.
My mother died of cancer in Dec of 2006, so I had a very personal relationship with the topic of cancer and surviving and wishing for just one more tomorrow. This book should be on everyone's TBR list, I think it portrays very real emotions and how to deal with them, for adults and children alike.
Quote:
Tommy wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "That makes me scared." He glanced up at Christie, his brows, nearly the same color as his pale skin, knotting. "Is that bad? Daddy's brave but I'm not."
She cupped his soft, dimpled chin and said, "No. All feelings are okay. And I think you are very brave." Her gaze flew to Becca, who gave her a small smile. "When your dad comes home, you should tell him how you feel."
I recommend this book for anyone that needs help seeing that Feelings are never wrong, they just ARE and how you deal with them is the important part.
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