Sandy M’s review of Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
Contemporary Romance published by Montlake Romance 10 December 19

This book has it all – young love, friendship, betrayal, second chances and so much more. Two generations are affected from beginning to end, no heart left un-rended, but love does conquer all in the end. But what a way for these characters to suffer before that ending. So since it’s been a very long while since I’ve read Colleen Hoover, I am now going to be pulling up more of her books for the near future.

The story begins with four friends: Morgan, Chris, Jenny, and Jonah. Morgan and Chris are a couple, as are Jonah and Jenny. They have carefree days together, contemplating the future as their high school days come to an end. Morgan discovers she’s pregnant, so she and Chris suddenly have their future sewn up. Jonah and Jenny go their separate ways when Jonah suddenly leaves without explanation or goodbye.

Fast forward about fifteen years when the teenage angst now belongs to Clara, Chris and Morgan’s daughter. Life is good for them, even when Chris demands Clara stay away from that Adams boy. But Miller Adams is one of those cute, polite, and irresistible kids who even stole my older heart as I got to know him in this story. About this time Jonah returns after reconnecting with Jenny, and they find themselves in the family way after all these years. The gang is back together, but something seems a bit off and unsettled.

Then the most unthinkable tragedy occurs, leaving behind betrayed feelings, unanswered questions, and an open way to what is truly meant to be. But there’s still plenty of heartache, vulnerability, and uncertainty to be had. I really can’t tell you much more, because anything else would spoil so many parts of this book. Clara and Miller have a sweet young love that is almost – almost – like her parents, but after difficult realizations you know that’s a bit of a stretch. Jonah steals your heart at every turn, especially once his son is born. Those scenes during all that uncertainty kick you sideways, and the difficulties for everyone are just beginning. More sideways kicking will ensue, trust me.

This is a wonderfully written book that keeps you reading and sends your emotions soaring every which way, with no end in sight until the last minute. All of these characters are real and you can’t help but feel everything they go through as you read. This one gets my highest recommendation.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Morgan Grant and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Clara, would like nothing more than to be nothing alike.

Morgan is determined to prevent her daughter from making the same mistakes she did. By getting pregnant and married way too young, Morgan put her own dreams on hold. Clara doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her predictable mother doesn’t have a spontaneous bone in her body.

With warring personalities and conflicting goals, Morgan and Clara find it increasingly difficult to coexist. The only person who can bring peace to the household is Chris—Morgan’s husband, Clara’s father, and the family anchor. But that peace is shattered when Chris is involved in a tragic and questionable accident. The heartbreaking and long-lasting consequences will reach far beyond just Morgan and Clara.

While struggling to rebuild everything that crashed around them, Morgan finds comfort in the last person she expects to, and Clara turns to the one boy she’s been forbidden to see. With each passing day, new secrets, resentment, and misunderstandings make mother and daughter fall further apart. So far apart, it might be impossible for them to ever fall back together.

No excerpt available.