Review | A Love To Last A Lifetime by Clare Swatman
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“When you have a choice to make, don’t forget to include the option to choose yourself...”
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A Love To Last A Lifetime by Clare Swatman
2023 Publication Date:
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T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Fiction Books
Table of Contents
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW
First Love... Lost Love... Love That Can Last For A Lifetime...
Romance novels are often a treat for anyone looking to get away from the stresses of daily life. But this book dives much deeper which is why I am categorizing it as Best Contemporary Fiction with strong contemporary romance themes.
In A Love To Last A Lifetime, Clare Swatman tells the story of Erin and Greg, a couple who have been together since university. But when Erin's first love Adam re-enters her life in desperate need of help, their relationship is put to the test.
It is a story about first love, lost love, and the kind of unconditional love that can last for a lifetime. It is a compelling read for anyone who has ever experienced the pain of unrequited love or had their heart broken by someone they thought was “the one.”
Let’s take a look at this book and find out if it’s a perfect book match for you...
What Is The Book About?
A Love To Last A Lifetime focuses on the complex relationship and intricate secret history between Erin, Greg, and Adam. Throughout the story, Erin has to figure out what it means to be true to herself while also being faithful to Greg... all while being tempted by the memory of Adam.
It’s an interesting exploration of relationships, how they evolve over time, and how our perspective of memory is diffused by the veil of emotional attachment.
The book also touches on themes such as family dynamics, grief, and loyalty... with a fascinating exploration of the healing power of music. All these themes are explored through the characters in an engaging way that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
The Characters
The main characters of this book are beautifully written and easy to relate to. Even though they are fictional, you can’t help but feel like you know them personally after reading this novel.
Each character has their own unique flaws and strengths that make them realistic and interesting to read about. The author does a fantastic job of showing us how each character has grown and changed over time without losing sight of who they really are at heart.
This is especially true for Erin who is forced to confront her feelings (since she was a young woman) for both Adam and Greg throughout the novel.
Greg is an affable everyman — he isn’t particularly flashy or exciting but he is reliable and devoted to Erin. He loves her with a quiet intensity that is both captivating and heartbreaking.
Adam Bowers is everything Greg isn’t — charismatic and confident with a rock star charm that draws people in like moths to a flame.
Both characters are fully fleshed out and believable — even if you don’t always agree with their choices or understand their motivations. Thankfully, the author makes character choices that create fully dimensional characters. Meaning there are no clear-cut villains or heroes in this love story. Just real people navigating the complexities of love as time goes by.
The Writing Style
Clare Swatman’s writing style captures the beauty of everyday moments as well as the intensity of pivotal moments in this couple's story. She does an excellent job of conveying her characters' emotions without resorting to overly sentimental cliches or purple prose.
Her story flows effortlessly from one emotion-filled scene to another without ever losing momentum or feeling rushed along its course.
I particularly felt like I was on a whitewater rafting adventure as I read. Finding myself often wondering "why am I even in this raft?" while simultaneously knowing how courageously authentic the writing is to explore the characters' journeys with such honesty... and rowing their raft with all their might. So yes... I picked up my oar and rowed as well!
♡ T.I.M.E. TIP
This book is an example of why I love reading books... Just when you find yourself faulting someone's choices, you discover an undeniable honesty. Making you wonder whether you would be brave enough to admit it in your own life.
Thank goodness we have wonderful books and characters who are willing to take us on that journey... until we are brave enough to do so ourselves…
A Love To Last A Lifetime is an engaging read filled with poignant moments, heartbreak, and ultimately hope for those who believe in lasting love even if it comes at unexpected times or under unlikely circumstances... or in a form we least expect.
Perfect for fans of contemporary novels from Sophie Cousens, David Nicholls, or Josie Silver... Highly recommended!...✨😎✨
BOOK DETAILS
Pages: 315
Genre: Contemporary Fiction | Best Contemporary Novels
Sub-Genre: Women's Fiction | The One That Got Away Romance
Time Period: Present
Location: England
Publisher: Boldwood Books
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♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
A Love To Last A Lifetime follows the main characters Greg and Erin as they navigate the tumultuous seas of young adulthood and discover what it truly means to commit yourself to someone.
When Adam Bowers, Erin’s handsome teenage flame, unexpectedly reenters her life after all these years, Greg is forced to confront his own insecurities and confront the idea that he may not be enough for Erin.
The novel offers an intimate look at how people can make it through tough times together (or apart) and come out stronger on the other side.
A Love To Last A Lifetime is an emotional rollercoaster ride filled with complex characters and plenty of twists and turns along the way.
If you’re looking for a modern fiction romance novel that explores relationships in depth then this book is definitely worth checking out!
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
Communication is key in any relationship... make sure you take the time to really listen and understand what your partner is saying.
No matter how complicated things may get between two people, love can be the ultimate source of strength and courage.
What challenges did Greg and Erin face?
Greg and Erin faced a variety of challenges during their relationship, from trust issues to insecurity to communication barriers. They also had to grapple with the idea that life isn't always fair or simple, as well as how to handle difficult decisions and challenges together. They also had to learn how to balance their relationship with their individual goals and aspirations. Most of all, they had to overcome fear to take the leap of faith toward whatever their future relationship will be.
BOOK QUOTE
"It was a flip of a coin in the end, only this time, the coin didn't fall and show me the answer, but continued to spin, revealing all of its faces and all its endless possibilities as it hung there, suspended..." — A Love To Last A Lifetime by Clare Swatman
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