by Julieann Dove
Series: Amy,
Genres: Chick-Lit, Women's Fiction
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Amy Whitfield is blindsided when she comes home and finds a note on the fridge from her husband, Wesley, stating that after four years of marriage, he’s leaving her. Amy was in the midst of trying to spice things up, to bring life back to their boring marriage. It seems now that she was too late. As Amy sits with her head between her knees, trying to figure out what to do next, a call comes from Mercer General Hospital. The ER nurse is telling Amy’s answering machine that Wesley has been in a car accident. When Amy arrives at the hospital, she finds her husband in a coma. The doctors say there is no sign of brain damage, and Wesley will eventually wake up. Relieved, Amy sees this as her second chance: the chance to get it right this time. To channel the girl Wesley won’t leave when he regains consciousness… She just needs some help to pull it off. After all, she was voted girl most likely to die a virgin in high school. Amy would never figure on getting that help from Mark Reilly…Wesley’s doctor! He’s a non-committer, too-cute-for-his-own-good bachelor, and completely the guy Amy begins falling for. It’s a race against time to see who wakes up first—Amy or her husband.
Waking Amy by Julieann Dove is the first in a three book series called Amy. Dove provided a wonderful story of self-discovery, weaving in humor and romance. The tale that unfolds is one that I easily slipped into and devoured in two-sittings. Filled with heart, growth and promises Waking Amy is the perfect novel for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Amy Whitfield world is shattered when she comes home to find a Dear John note on the fridge from her husband. Before she can even process the information, a call comes in that her husband has been in an accident. When she arrives at the hospital, she finds that Wesley is in a coma. The tale that unfolds shares self-reflection, discovery and growth as Amy navigates her feelings and grows when two unexpected friendships develop.
Dove shares a compelling story and aspects of it felt like a contemporary romance. I classified this as Chick-Lit because while there is “romance”, and “romantic moments” the tale truly focuses on Amy discovering her own self-worth. I must state for those who read the synopsis that there is no cheating.
I loved Amy and could see a aspects of many young woman in her. Dove seamlessly shared her story, her marriage with Wesley, and her journey. As she peeled back the layers we realize Amy has played it safe, doubts her own worth and really went from one sheltered home to another. Amy’s story in Waking Amy felt genuine and through her friendships with Mark and others, we see her grow confident, and make progress in finding her own happiness.
I loved the humorous moments, the spontaneous moments, and the awkward moments that developed in Waking Amy. Amy was brave and funny but she was also equal parts awkward and serious. I laughed at her as much as I laughed with her.
Despite the struggles Amy endures, the book was not depressing or overly dramatic. The reader and Amy share many ah-ha moments. Secondary characters such as Mark, Amy’s sister, Wesley and Amy’s friend Tom were fleshed out and unique. Can you believe I even felt a tad sorry for Wesley? Mark was an interesting character who drew Amy out and in the process began to heal himself. I enjoyed his story and felt connected to him. Tom freaked me out a little when I first met him, but Dove quickly had me falling for him. I could totally see myself being BFF’s with him.
Waking Amy ended on a happy note and I am quite curious to see what the next book in this series delivers.
If you are looking for a story of self-discovery, friends, love and character growth with a nice mix of humor, tears and satisfaction then I recommend Waking Amy.
*I work as a VA for this author, and received this book for free. The opinions in this review are my own.
Read an Excerpt
I looked at him, amazed that fate had such a sense of humor. I laughed.
“What’s funny?” He sipped the drink the prompt bartender had sat down in front of him.
“It’s just that we’ve already danced together, had a heated discussion in a bathroom hallway, and here we are again. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
He moved closer to me, situating his entire body to mirror mine. He couldn’t seem to get close enough. My eyes fell on the stitching of the inside seam on his pants. “Fate is funny like that.”
“My thoughts exactly.” I tried on a look that would best soften the blow of what I was about to say. “I don’t mean to be a buzz kill, Tom, but have you missed the fact that I’m wearing a diamond on my left ring finger? I don’t want to give you the wrong impression of me.”
“I did see it. I see it now. But when it didn’t bother you, I thought, why should it bother me? When I didn’t see one on your friend’s finger, I figured there was a story behind you, and a ring wasn’t the main component.”
I laughed as though I had just seen the wolf’s tail hanging out from my grandma’s nightgown. “It’s not that it bothers me or not. I’m married and I’m not out looking for anything. The guy I was with last night is just a friend.”
He tilted the glass back and finished off his drink. Was he playing a dial tone in his head during my speech about not being interested in bed sheets and notches?
“So, you’re here to just have a drink?” His tone questioned my honesty.
“Sadly, yes. I lack alcoholic beverages at my house.”
“And last night? Were you there because your home doesn’t have a dance floor and a bride and groom? Who was the guy? By his tone and sense of ownership toward you, he was obviously someone who also didn’t care about your ring finger.”
My story suddenly had more holes than a hooker’s stockings. Or so I imagined. “He is a friend. And we were just out.”
“I see.” He signaled for the bartender to refill his glass.
“I know it looks and sounds like I’m some type of confused, married call-girl, but I assure you, last week I didn’t even know that guy or own this dress.”
“Have you eaten dinner?” Again, am I invisible here? Are you missing a hearing aid?
“I haven’t. I’ll probably eat later. Did you hear me?” I leaned over to him, waiting for recognition. I could smell his aftershave and it trapped me momentarily.
“Would you like to grab a table and we get something to eat?”
Suddenly, I remembered where I was, or rather who was likely to be dining there. Talking to Tom and inhaling his manly smell had taken my eye off the door. For all I knew, Mark and Ashley could be here already. I tried to see through the fuzzy partition to the other side. The smell of food from the kitchen taunted my appetite. I was starving, but to have dinner with this guy would give him the impression I didn’t mean that gibberish I had just said. And it would jeopardize my plan of not seeing my sister in the main dining room. “I think I’m going to pay my tab and go.”
“Please don’t.” He put his hand on top of mine. Sincerity somehow found its home on his face.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to have dinner.”
“Because you don’t eat, or you don’t think it’s a good idea to eat with me? I’m harmless, I assure you. Just ask that table full of people over there. They’re my friends, and they can vouch for my reputation. I’m nothing but a gentleman. Now, what do you say? Sit across the table from me and eat. I promise not to cross the center line.”
He was too charming for his own good…or mine. I found myself basking in the attention of this fascinating, older gentleman. Enjoying his infectious smile and wondering why he seemed to be enamored with my company. It wasn’t as though I wasn’t supposed to be out. So what if I picked the same restaurant as my whore sister and her choice in hand-me-down men. Served both of them right to see me having a little fun.
“Well, if you put it like that, I’d be ridiculous if I didn’t. I guess I could share a table.”
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jess
This sounds like a great read. Always fun to have a book that can be read in a day. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
It was and I just got a peek at the tagline for the next book and eep!
Lorna
Since there are three books in the series, there is plenty of time for a love triangle to happen is what I am thinking. Or not, since the husband was leaving her in the first place, but maybe he won’t remember that part. Oh, there are plenty of ways this could go isn’t there? Glad it was a good read for you, I’ll be interested to see how the next one is for you 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I do not see a triangle, but her story is far from over, although I was happy with where it ended.
ShootingStarsMag
Sounds really well done! I like that it’s not a purely romance novel, but rather focuses well on Amy as a character.
kimbacaffeinate
i did too, it is more of her journey and I like the humor weaved throughout.
LeKeisha
Great review, and thanks for sharing the excerpt.
Sophia Rose
Wow! That’s quite an opener. I can definitely see why you enjoyed it. I think I’d like it if for satisfying my curiosity as to where it goes and to see Amy triumph.
kimbacaffeinate
It hooks you to be sure. I was satisfied where it ended, but curious to see what else happens in Amy’s life.
Angela Adams
Sounds like a plotline from a soap opera. That’s my kind of novel. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Ha, a little but thankfully not so dramatic.
Katherine
I was a little hesitant on this one because cheating is one of my deal breaker issues but now I’m really intrigued! I love watching characters really learn how to hold their own and gain confidence and that sounds like a primary plot for this book. It definitely sounds like one I’d enjoy! I’m adding it to my TBR and am looking forward to reading it!
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same, but honestly through most of the book Amy is trying to save her marriage.
Debbie Haupt
Wow great concept and a new to me author thanks Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Debbie, this is her debut novel.
The Bibliophile Babe
This does sound good!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get a chance to try it 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I do love the sound of her healing herself more than the romance between her and the doc.. I do often like growth in a character and seeing them become stronger and their own hero. Brilly review!
kimbacaffeinate
Her story will continue into the next book Melissa, I agree I like the direction of growth
Lover Of Romance
I do love a good self discovery story!! Sounds very unique.
kimbacaffeinate
It was. I found myself wanting to shake Amy a little, but I got her 🙂
Braine
What an interesting conflict. A DearJohn letter followed by a grim accident. How do you even react to that?
Amy and I will get alon just fine. I can feel it!
kimbacaffeinate
Right. Now me, I would have killed him but Amy has some growing to do.
Mary Kirkland
At first it seemed like a book not really for me but then I read the excerpt and I liked it. Might have to give this one a read.
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with this, Amy is an interesting character and I loved the growth in her.
Kristin
Color me confused but who the heck is Tom?!?! He sounds so “interesting”! I have to ask… cliffhanger??
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, Tom is one of the unexpected friendships that develop and the man mentioned in the excerpt. Cliffhanger..not really we know what she decides but her story does continue in the next two books.
Heidi
This sounds like a different second chance romance. I am glad it isn’t overly dramatic and that it ends happily.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, well really more of a second chance. I
kindlemom1
It has been forever since I’ve read chick-lit. This sounds great!
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun Ali, I liked Amy and the growth we saw in her.
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed the humorous moments and tender ones as well Candace
Candace
I’m glad this wasn’t depressing and has humor in it. It sounds like it has a good balance of things for sure.
AngelErin
Wow this sounds really good! I’m glad to hear it wasn’t too depressing though. I’m adding this to my to read list! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Right, it had a fun humorous tone that made it fun despite all that was happening in Amy’s life
Bookworm Brandee
You have me very intrigued, Kimberly. I love journeys of self-discovery and stories where the character(s) show incredible growth. I like the sound of how Amy peels back layers and really discovers herself even if the impetus was not so pleasant. I’m going to check out this book. (after this month!) 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad I piqued your interest, I am curious about the continuation of her journey in book two
Laurel-Rain Snow
I do enjoy books about self-discovery, and that excerpt promises some great dialogue. Humor is always something I’m up for. Thanks for sharing.
sherry fundin
Is it really a second chance or will she move on to the hunky doc? 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, let me say it is a second chance for Amy and leave it at that.
Jenny
This sounds like a winner for sure Kim, and not my usual read which I’m trying to embrace more this year. I definitely want to meet Amy and laugh with her as she tries to sort through the Dear John note and the accident!
kimbacaffeinate
I liked the humor, and Amy is a unique bird who really has some self doubt but yearns to fly.
Tyler H. Jolley
Great review, thanks for the excerpt. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Tyler.
blodeuedd
Sounds good 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was, thanks Linda 🙂
Melliane
it’s great that despite the topic the books isn’t despressing as we could expect it.
kimbacaffeinate
It had some serious tones, but the humor, growth and friendships made it light and I had fun reading it.