4.70

5

Nov 22, 2014

I thank Ms. Fischer for gifting me a copy of her book in exchange for a sincere review.

After reading a string of thrillers and suspense books, this debut novel by Kristin Noel Fischer hit the spot for me. For a first book, I think this new author did a most creditable job.

The story revolves around two co-protagonists, Nadine Rose Kingsley and her adult daughter Autumn and the major secret the former has kept from the latter. The narrative, which is first person, trades off between Nadine and I thank Ms. Fischer for gifting me a copy of her book in exchange for a sincere review.

After reading a string of thrillers and suspense books, this debut novel by Kristin Noel Fischer hit the spot for me. For a first book, I think this new author did a most creditable job.

The story revolves around two co-protagonists, Nadine Rose Kingsley and her adult daughter Autumn and the major secret the former has kept from the latter. The narrative, which is first person, trades off between Nadine and Autumn. The timeline of the tale flips back and forth from 1961-1985 to the present. There is amazingly no confusion with this method. Nadine’s story is in italics and Autumn’s is non-italicized; time goes forward with each section. I liked this technique as it allowed bits and pieces of the past to come out slowly and finally come together with the present for a gratifying ending.

At 22% I was sure I knew how this was going to shake out, but continued on and found myself immersed anyway. Several chapters later, Ms. Fischer destroyed my theory as the twisty-turny shockers started coming, and my smugness dissolved into admiration for Ms. Fischer’s creativity.

Another thing I liked was that there was a crucial section in the backend of the story that could easily have just been “told to the reader”. The author eschewed the easy way out and “showed the reader” how this situation played out, making it much more dramatic. Ms. Fischer gets big props for this.

The prose was easy, and the story moved along. I was never bored. I was stuck to my chair for the last 30% of the book, which was a big chunk for me as I read books in multiple (many multiple) sittings.

I thought the storyline was original, heartfelt as well as compelling. For all of the reasons stated above, plus the fact that this is a debut novel leads me to award A Mother’s Choice 4.5 stars, easily rounded up to 5 stars. I recommend this read to all lovers of women’s fiction and for those who favor other genres, but would like to try something out of the box. I plan to keep an eye out for Ms. Fischer’s second offering.
...more

5

Nov 21, 2014

Did I enjoy this book: I really did enjoy this book. I was engrossed from beginning to end.

This story is told in alternating points of view, Nadine’s and Autumn’s. Nadine and Autumn are mother and daughter, but the story isn’t just theirs. This story involves their entire family and a few close friends.

I can’t say too much about the plot of this wonderful story. Not because I don’t want to, but because I don’t want to give anything away and spoil it. But I will say, A Mother’s Choice is well Did I enjoy this book: I really did enjoy this book. I was engrossed from beginning to end.

This story is told in alternating points of view, Nadine’s and Autumn’s. Nadine and Autumn are mother and daughter, but the story isn’t just theirs. This story involves their entire family and a few close friends.

I can’t say too much about the plot of this wonderful story. Not because I don’t want to, but because I don’t want to give anything away and spoil it. But I will say, A Mother’s Choice is well worth the read. It has love, family, drama, secrets. It will make you want to cry. It will make you happy. It will make you second guess what you think is going on. You will get caught up in this read. And it will stay with you long after you close the cover. At least, it is still with me.

Would I recommend it: Absolutely!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Although I was compensated for editing work on this title, it in no way affected the outcome of my review. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

http://everyfreechance.com/2014/11/ch... ...more

5

Feb 08, 2015

amazing

Only a mother could ever understand what having a baby feels like - both physically and emotionally. This story covers friendship, family, love, pain, sorrow, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a giving person. Secrets that are intertwined in lives make them stronger but could have also pulled them apart. A must read story!!!!

4

Feb 22, 2015

Unpredictable

An easy read. I kept guessing at Nadine's secret and didn't actually figure it out until shortly before the reveal.

5

Jan 12, 2017

Indearing

The story of friendship, decisions and choices. Two best friends grow up get married and start having families. Only Nadine and Jude were lucky enough to have children, but her friendly Ruby and his husband Harold couldn't. They adopted a boy but he was killed in a car accident with Jude and his daughter Angela & their first grand baby. There are a lot in this wonderful story.

4

Dec 17, 2015

I read and reviewed my personal copy of this book for Wicked Reads.

This was an interesting read for me. I'd give it 3.5/4 stars. I found it free flowing and easy to get into. It had just what I was looking for; mystery, love, family drama, and intriguing characters.
Nadine Chambers has been keeping a huge secret for years. She knows it could completely tear apart her family, but as time goes by she knows the truth must come out. She tries to come up with the best way to explain it to everyone, I read and reviewed my personal copy of this book for Wicked Reads.

This was an interesting read for me. I'd give it 3.5/4 stars. I found it free flowing and easy to get into. It had just what I was looking for; mystery, love, family drama, and intriguing characters.
Nadine Chambers has been keeping a huge secret for years. She knows it could completely tear apart her family, but as time goes by she knows the truth must come out. She tries to come up with the best way to explain it to everyone, especially to those it will have the most impact on.
Autumn is Nadine's youngest daughter. She is facing struggles in her own life and marriage, so she turns to the comfort of her mother which leads to her finding a mysterious letter. A horrific spiral of events added to the discovery that the letter brings are the beginning of a life changing discovery for Autumn and her family. The past is revealed, and with it comes more than Autumn could have ever imagined.


As I read this book, I thought I knew exactly what was going on and what was going to happen, but I was so wrong. I won't spoil it, but I will say this author managed to throw me completely for a loop in a big way. I would definitely recommend this book to fellow readers looking for a somewhat emotional and dramatic read. I will say it did end with a bang and left me thinking. Overall, a nice and different read for me. ...more

4

Dec 12, 2014

At first, I wasn't quite sure how to rate this book. I really enjoyed reading it, but I can't seem to put my finger on the reasons why I enjoyed it so much.
On one hand, I felt the story didn't really pick up until the end of chapter 18, and even then, I'd say the story is slow-paced throughout.
On the other hand, I loved the characters in this book, and getting to know them. I felt the slow pace of the plot helped the author create very thoroughly developed characters. So, I don't know if I At first, I wasn't quite sure how to rate this book. I really enjoyed reading it, but I can't seem to put my finger on the reasons why I enjoyed it so much.
On one hand, I felt the story didn't really pick up until the end of chapter 18, and even then, I'd say the story is slow-paced throughout.
On the other hand, I loved the characters in this book, and getting to know them. I felt the slow pace of the plot helped the author create very thoroughly developed characters. So, I don't know if I should appreciate the slow pace of the story or not. I also really enjoyed the back and forth between the present day and Nadine's life as a young adult. I liked discovering Nadine's story little by little all the while keeping up with the present day story.

Then, there's the secret Nadine's keeping from her children... The whole mystery revolving around Nadine's choice is something I was looking forward to figuring out. However, I feel the author doesn't provide any clues to let the reader guess what is coming next. And I felt that was missing from the book. I'm all for a surprise ending, but i'm the kind of reader who likes to guess how the story is going to end as i'm reading.

Overall, I really liked this book even if there is a lot of aspects of it I didn't enjoy so much. I guess this proves the author is talented at providing a great reading experience to her readers.
I'm not sure I would read this book a second time, but it's definitely worth reading once, and I would recommend it in a heartbeat! ...more

5

Oct 16, 2017

This is one book you want put down til it’s done . Wow is all I can say it pulls at your heart so tight you just can’t breath until you keep reading the next page . Nadine has lived with a secret for many years and as time moves on it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes about . Will her children forgive her ? I think u need to read and find out the sacrifice she made

4

Oct 12, 2017

Great read

I liked the personality development in this book. She chose an interesting way to share the story through different points of view. It was engaging from start to finish and kept you guessing.

5

Aug 10, 2017

I was a little confused halfway through the audiobook, but ended up loving the book once I figured out who was talking in each chapter. I don't know if the book is different and gives you more of a sense whose talking in each chapter. Gave the book a 5 star because it was a great story.

5

Jun 09, 2016

Fantastic book! Made me cry and smile all at once. I enjoyed the deeply moving story. It contains many interesting elements, while remaining an overall wholesome read.

5

Feb 06, 2015

A delightful book!

This book was awesome! I loved how this author weaved this story of hope and loss together. You will not go wrong in reading this book!

4

Mar 01, 2016

Great book

Really liked this book ...have never read anything else by this author but I will definitely in the future ..

5

Oct 04, 2017

I wasn't sure what to expect from this story but I thought this was a well written and emotional piece.

It contained depth and moved me greatly. I can't imagine the pain that Nadine survived. It was written with great compassion and empathy, you can understand the motivations of the characters.

I didn't like the God angle but that's my personal preference rather than a fault of this book.

All in all this is a good read.

5

Dec 30, 2017

What an emotional, caring, loving, giving read I have read in a long time. I had listened to this a few weeks ago but somehow forgot to post my review. It is a review that will take a lot of thought to show just how powerful it is to the listener. I really do not think words can tell how much this will touch you or the emotions you will go through. The author keeps you guessing as Nadine relives her life all the hardships that her and her best friend go through. It is a very realistic story that What an emotional, caring, loving, giving read I have read in a long time. I had listened to this a few weeks ago but somehow forgot to post my review. It is a review that will take a lot of thought to show just how powerful it is to the listener. I really do not think words can tell how much this will touch you or the emotions you will go through. The author keeps you guessing as Nadine relives her life all the hardships that her and her best friend go through. It is a very realistic story that will touch you in so many ways. I have to say I was guessing almost until the end as to what she did and what the big secret was.

I loved how Ms. Friedman puts the emotion into this audio really making you feel like you are there with the characters. The character voices are outstanding they seem so real almost like you can reach out and touch them. It is a very emotional and powerful story that the narrator adds so much to. She uses the correct tones, pitch and voice that really fits the characters. I was pulled in from the very first page as she takes you through the past life of Nadine, her husband, their friends and best friends. I had no trouble picturing the scenes as they were happening. I really felt like I was part of the story it was just so real. Her many different character voices were outstanding from her male to her female. You always know who is talking and what they are feeling. There is no background noise, no volume changes nor any repeating of words. It is a very clean, crisp and powerful audio that pulls the listener in taking you back in time to a woman’s life that had so much and lost even more. You can hear the smile or laugh and disappointment, heartache and love in each character. Word cannot say what an outstanding job this narrator has done. It is the first time I have listen to her work and she blew me away.

The author has done an outstanding job keeping the mystery going keeping you guessing to the outcome. I loved the twists and turns, the unanswered questions that drive the reader nuts trying to work it out. There is a lot you won’t understand for a little while because the author isn’t giving to many clues away. She knows how to keep the reader hooked and keeping the story interesting as she spins her web around your heart leaving you in aww to the outcome. She starts off with a little old sweet lady that knows what she wants and has a little sass to go with it. She is taken back in time to her first meeting with the love of her life and all the hardship the go through. Nadine is a very sweet girl but the cards are stack against her and her true love. Much goes on as they are torn apart going in different directions. The one thing that always stands true is her friendship with her best friend. They have always been there for each other through thick and thin even when distance keeps them apart. It isn’t all honey and roses but it isn’t all bad, the author gives you a believable well told story of love, lost, happiness, and the unthinkable until relationships are held on by a thread. You will not be able to guess the outcome until you are almost to the end of the story. By then you are so very hooked with tears in your eyes. This is a very fast pace, thrilling, sad and very emotional read that will touch you to your very soul.

My reaction is wanting to reach in and pull the characters out of the pages more than once. My heart broke for so many at the same time it is such a very cheerful story. It has a powerful message and so unselfish it will break your heart. I know I could never be this unselfish and so giving. I have never read any of this authors work but she had me hook, line and sinker from the first page. I have picked this as one of my favorite reads of the year. Once you pick it up and start it you will understand why. The audio really brings this to life. I doubt I would have had the same reaction if I had read it. There is no way you will want this book to end, the secret is big the power of love is even bigger. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time. Come listen to a touching story which will change the way you think about life, love and what true happiness really is.
...more

5

Feb 18, 2019

A Mother’s Choice is written by Kristen Noel Fischer. This book is about the wonder of a Mother’s love for her children and the love she holds for a special friend. The enduring love of a man and his wife is woven into the fabric of the story and is inseparable from the story. It is well-written and engages the reader immediately and keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. The book is one that should be read, especially by best friends.
Nadine was seventy and finally decided to put her A Mother’s Choice is written by Kristen Noel Fischer. This book is about the wonder of a Mother’s love for her children and the love she holds for a special friend. The enduring love of a man and his wife is woven into the fabric of the story and is inseparable from the story. It is well-written and engages the reader immediately and keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. The book is one that should be read, especially by best friends.
Nadine was seventy and finally decided to put her story down on paper so that it wouldn’t be lost should something happen to her. It was a story full of love as well as devastating loss. The story began in Texas and ends in Texas, although the ending still has to be decided. It was only because of her good friend, Father Tim, that she finds the courage to write her story in her journal. Whether or not she shows it to her children is still something she needs to decide upon.
Autumn is angry at her husband Kyle. He has been deciding on going into another residency to be certified in OB; but it would take another year. Not much in the scheme of things; but Autumn has already ben waiting for life to begin as he did he residency. Kyle has been gone at work more of his marriage than he has been home. For all intents and purposes, Autumn is a single mother raising two young boys and she is ready for it to stop. She can’t understand Kyle’s point of view on this and he can’t seem to understand hers. She knows there will be a showdown on this item and so is very surprised to learn that her Mother had been hit by a truck in the grocery store parking lot and is in the hospital, in a coma. As the children gather, Autumn and her sister, Eleanor, begin to look at the past to determine who needed to be notified as to her Mother’s accident. Just who is Tim to their Mother? Who is Angela and why was her pregnancy an issue? Who was Autumn’s mother?
These questions and many more are answered in the book, A Mother’s Choice. The book is compelling to read and it is hard to put down after about the middle of the book. The book is easy to read and is short enough to read in one day. It is a book that must be read, a book of great sacrifice.
...more

5

Apr 28, 2019

“A Mother’s Choice” is a story that builds on a smartly created multigenerational plot device. Kristin uses italics to shape the back story, which I found a useful tool. It’s a brisk read; I finished it in one pleasant weekend of reading.
It’s a bit of a soap opera, but I’m a male reader who brings a certain density to my Kindle sessions, so that’s my fault! I’ll applaud this book on two important levels.
First, the “faith level” in her writing is really, really good. There are thoughtful God “A Mother’s Choice” is a story that builds on a smartly created multigenerational plot device. Kristin uses italics to shape the back story, which I found a useful tool. It’s a brisk read; I finished it in one pleasant weekend of reading.
It’s a bit of a soap opera, but I’m a male reader who brings a certain density to my Kindle sessions, so that’s my fault! I’ll applaud this book on two important levels.
First, the “faith level” in her writing is really, really good. There are thoughtful God moments, but they are nicely understated and gently unpacked. Readers of all backgrounds, including secular, will appreciate the nuance Kristin brings to this part of her story . . . and it really is minimal, which I laud as a good thing.
Secondly, she has a nearly pitch-perfect way of addressing life issues with the right level of down-to-earth frankness. Marriages have tensions and sexual challenges, which are handled forthrightly. There’s nice banter between parents and kids, and warm humor throughout. The back-and-forth in time has colorful historical nuggets: Elvis, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Kennedy assassination.
It almost goes without saying that any faith-based story referencing Beatle songs already gets to four Amazon stars just on that point alone.
...more

3

Jul 14, 2017

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. i like the idea of the book, there is some secret the mom is keeping. she wrote in her journal to all her kids to explain after she is dead, but someone from her past sent a letter that is going to tell everything. but then the book jumps to the married daughter with 2 boys and the husband who is going to be a dr but hes always at the hospital and is making life altering decisions to their marriage without consulting her. hope its easier to follow as i go along cause the story line is good.

a i like the idea of the book, there is some secret the mom is keeping. she wrote in her journal to all her kids to explain after she is dead, but someone from her past sent a letter that is going to tell everything. but then the book jumps to the married daughter with 2 boys and the husband who is going to be a dr but hes always at the hospital and is making life altering decisions to their marriage without consulting her. hope its easier to follow as i go along cause the story line is good.

a story of 2 women that met as girls, they grew up together. got married. one had kids, the other miscarried. she then adopted a boy who was in the car with the other womans husband and preg daughter when it crashed, killing all of them. she was preg and wanted to give the baby for adoption to her friend but not tell her . but then she had 2 babies, she kept one. they were identical so she took her other kids and moved so her friend would not know she gave her the one baby. years later she was hit by a truck and in the hospital in a coma. her friend she had not seen for 30 yrs came with her daughter and met her twin. she woke up from the coma ...more

4

Mar 25, 2019

Good, for the genre.

Great literature it’s not. It was an enjoyable if somewhat implausible story. It was competently written and/or edited. I had sworn off FB, sci-fi and mysteries for Lent and found I could not stick to the plan of reading only devotional books, so I wound up reading this. The characters are mostly believable but shallowly developed. The conflicts all resolve way too easily. You will learn nothing new about life or human nature from this, which is why it is not serious Good, for the genre.

Great literature it’s not. It was an enjoyable if somewhat implausible story. It was competently written and/or edited. I had sworn off FB, sci-fi and mysteries for Lent and found I could not stick to the plan of reading only devotional books, so I wound up reading this. The characters are mostly believable but shallowly developed. The conflicts all resolve way too easily. You will learn nothing new about life or human nature from this, which is why it is not serious literature. As a Catholic I appreciate that the characters are Catholic, the positive portrayal of Fr. Tim, and the respect for his celibacy. A little note: for Catholics the area around the altar is the sanctuary, what used to be behind the altar rail, not the whole church where people sit.
An enjoyable, but not deep, story. ...more

3

Oct 11, 2017

Slow start but worth finishing

I almost didn't finish this book for two reasons: first, it goes back and forth between the past and present, which I find distracting. Second, I found the first few chapters incredibly slow, confusing, and not very interesting. However, I continued reading because it didn't include any of the characteristics that make me shut a book early.

I'm really glad I continued to the end. After a while I stopped being confused and started getting sucked into the story. I Slow start but worth finishing

I almost didn't finish this book for two reasons: first, it goes back and forth between the past and present, which I find distracting. Second, I found the first few chapters incredibly slow, confusing, and not very interesting. However, I continued reading because it didn't include any of the characteristics that make me shut a book early.

I'm really glad I continued to the end. After a while I stopped being confused and started getting sucked into the story. I found I liked the characters, who seemed believable to me, and the plot was complex enough to keep me turning the pages. I figured out the secret a ways before the end, but was fascinated by how it was revealed. While not the best book I've ever read, it was certainly worth finishing. ...more

4

Dec 29, 2018

A fascinating story with several surprises. I worked to figure out the story, but the author still manages to weave a tale with things to shock you a bit. I would love to see more about the family in future novels, as I wanted to know more and see them grow together more.

This book touches on the topic of adoption, adultery, and tragedy. It is mostly though, the tale of two best friends and their lives as they grew and changed as mothers. This is my second book by this author, but it will not be A fascinating story with several surprises. I worked to figure out the story, but the author still manages to weave a tale with things to shock you a bit. I would love to see more about the family in future novels, as I wanted to know more and see them grow together more.

This book touches on the topic of adoption, adultery, and tragedy. It is mostly though, the tale of two best friends and their lives as they grew and changed as mothers. This is my second book by this author, but it will not be my last. ...more

4

Jul 31, 2017

Really well written book that starts with Nadine remembering Seattle 1961 when she first met and fell in love with her husband. We learn that her memories have been stirred by receiving a letter from someone that could lead to a secret being revealed. A secret that could destroy her family. The story alternates between the present and Nadine's written account, as a letter to her children, telling them the secret she has kept for so long.

I was kept guessing right to the end what the secret was Really well written book that starts with Nadine remembering Seattle 1961 when she first met and fell in love with her husband. We learn that her memories have been stirred by receiving a letter from someone that could lead to a secret being revealed. A secret that could destroy her family. The story alternates between the present and Nadine's written account, as a letter to her children, telling them the secret she has kept for so long.

I was kept guessing right to the end what the secret was and how it could possibly rip this family apart. Will definitely recommend and reread! ...more

5

Oct 07, 2017

A Mothers Choice

Heartwarming and realistic! I love how the characters in this story resemble everyday things we would/could encounter. How Nadine decides after loosing her husband,daughter and grand daughter and her best friends son. She makes a difficult decision and decides to give her baby up to her best friend as a token of affection trying to make things right after what happened with the accident. Little does she or anyone know she has identical twins. Still she gives one up. Great read A Mothers Choice

Heartwarming and realistic! I love how the characters in this story resemble everyday things we would/could encounter. How Nadine decides after loosing her husband,daughter and grand daughter and her best friends son. She makes a difficult decision and decides to give her baby up to her best friend as a token of affection trying to make things right after what happened with the accident. Little does she or anyone know she has identical twins. Still she gives one up. Great read with an HEA and no cliffhanger!! ...more

5

Jan 24, 2019

Couldn't Put It Down!

This was such a wonderful story of friendship, love, emotions and overcoming difficulties. The friendship between Nadine and her lifelong best friend and her romance with Jude Kingsley is offset by switching the narrative back and forth to her future youngest daughter, Autumn. It's a story including friends and family that will keep you reading. This is one of the best books I've read recently. I look forward to future novels by Kristin Fischer.

5

Oct 09, 2017

Beautifully written that kept me wanting to read more

Beautifully written that kept me wanting to read more. I love it when I find a book where I can actually visualize the story unfolding before my eyes and feel the emotions as if experiencing them myself. This is the first book I have read from this author and will definitely not be the last. I cannot wait to get my hands on another exquisitely detailed book written by Kristen.