Lisa Slabach

I received an ARC of this book as a LibraryThing Early Reviewer in exchange for my honest review. I felt for Kimberly in her struggles to put her life back together after she was blind-sided by her husband's abandonment. She works to figure out what she wants in her life and how she wants to be going forward. As she starts her new life and becomes more open to change, a new love comes into the picture to compete with her ex-husband's renewed interest. This was a quick read and focused a lot on Kimberley's journey of self-discovery, as it should have, but the end was a bit disappointing to me after investing in Kimberly. Bit of an age-gap with the new romance, just a warning in case that's not your thing.… (more)

*I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.*

I finished this book with an uneasy feeling and the more I reflect on the story, the more I dislike the tale. Kimberly, a 37-year old wife and mother, is surprised when her husband abruptly decides to divorce her. She slowly manages to pull together a new life - she pitches a new column for her writing, moves to San Francisco, and starts dating again. Just when things are looking up, her ex-husband reappears and wants to restart their relationship. Well, let me just say, I did not like how this novel concluded, I felt like the characters' motivations for their behavior were inadequate, and so many people behaved poorly or hurt others in this book that I just can't like any of the characters.… (more)

In the first chapter of Ten Thousand I Love Yous, Kimberly is blindsided when her husband leaves her following their daughter's high school graduation. They had married when Kim got pregnant when they were both 17 She had no idea he was unhappy. The book picks up about a year later when the divorce is just to be finalized. Her husband has moved on, but Kim had still hoped he would change his mind and they would get back together. The finalization of the divorce threw her for a loop and she finally faces reality and starts to put herself out there and move on. I can't say too much more without giving spoilers.

I have to say that this book was good, but I am SO conflicted with how it played out. Never having experienced what Kimberley did in the story, I have no idea how I would feel if faced with the same choices. There are some gaps in time that I would have liked to have seen more of what was happening and how she was feeling. The ending left me shaking my head. I can't say I hated the ending, but as I stated earlier, I am conflicted. I guess that is not a bad thing, because the author really made me ponder how I felt about it and I think that is a sign of good writing.

My sincere thanks to Lisa Slabach and Library Thing Early Reviewers for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my opinion of it. I'm interested to see how others felt about it, especially the ending.… (more)