Greyson East left his mark on me.As the young girl who first fell for him, I didn’t know much about life. I did know about his smiles, though, and his laughs, and the strange way my stomach flipped when he was near.Life was perfect…until it wasn’t, and when we were forced to go our separate ways, I held on to our memories, let go of my first crush, and wished for the day I’d find him again.When … find him again.
When my wish came true, it was nothing like I imagined.
I couldn’t have known when I took the nanny position that it would be his children I looked after, that my new boss would be that boy I used to know, that boy who was now a man—a cold, lonely, detached man.
The smile and laugh I had loved so much were gone, now distant memories. Every part of him was covered in a fresh pain.
When he realized who I was, he made me promise to do my job and my job only.
He made me promise not to try to get to know him, not to recall the memories I’d treasured all this time.
But, sometimes, I saw the boy I’d once known in his stormy eyes. I saw the Greyson who smiled and laughed, who had stolen a young girl’s heart, and there was no doubt in my mind that this boy was worth fighting for.
I was given a second chance with the one who’d left his mark on me. All I hoped was that somehow I’d leave a mark on his soul, too.
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Brittany Cherry never ceases to amaze me. There is so much genuine feeling in this book. I cried more than once while reading about the journey of Eleanor and Grey. The first part lays the groundwork for the friendship and love as Grey helps get Eleanor through a very tough situation as teenagers. Years later, Grey is drowning and fate brings Eleanor across his path to breath life into him again. An absolutely beautiful story.
This is one of the most beautiful, intense, emotional, and epic love stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I have found most of Brittainy Cherry’s books to be exceptional, and most have been rated 5 stars from me. But this one goes above and beyond. This book made my heart ache. I cried a million tears while reading it. But I also fell so hopelessly in love that I would read it and experience the pain all over again. My friends, if you read ANY romance this year it should be Eleanor & Grey . I can’t give it enough praise. This is a journey that everyone should be a part of even if it takes you on an emotional roller coaster.
This is a story about first loves, loss, and dealing with the debilitating pain living without the person who means the most to you. But this is also a story of healing, finding the light, and beginning again. Eleanor Grey is not just a love story. The romance is subtle but it speaks louder than it would had it been shown on every page. This is an epic journey that will test your heart, make you weep, and then build you back up again.
I won’t get into the plot other than the information I provided above. This is a book that needs to be felt. But I will say that this is the romance book that any readers of the genre won’t want to miss. It’s simply beautiful.
Eleanor & Grey by Brittainy C. Cherry is a book that will most likely stay with me forever. Known for her angsty romances, this author has hit it out of the park with this novel. I went in completely blind when reading, not even knowing what the blurb was. And boy, am I glad I did. I think going in blind, somehow enhanced the experience for me.
It starts off sweet and innocent, because children always are. Well they weren’t kids but teenagers but there was something about them at that age that felt so childlike. They become quick friends, such an unlikely pair, but if they have one thing in common, it’s knowing what it’s like to be lonely. It broke my heart. When things got a lot more heated, I was already bawling. I didn’t know how to cope with all the changes. And then fast forward, a decade later, fate makes their paths cross again and my heart at this point was beating out of my chest. It’s such a beautifully written story, and I can’t say anymore without spoiling it but guyyyysss…you HAVE to read this. It goes a little slow but it was so worth it. At the end of the book, my heart and soul were so happy, bruised and sore but so happy. I never wanted to stop reading this book and I think that’s why it took me so long to get this review up. But now I’m telling you, buy this book. Experience the life, soul and heart this book breathes into you from the very first page!
A beautiful story about second chances and new beginning…a must read
Angst isn’t my normal reading trope that I go towards but this author does an amazing job of breaking you apart and then putting you back together as she weaves these relatable, heartfelt, enduring stories that speak of strength and love.
This story was an amazing journey through time with so much hurt and yet the amazing love of not just one, not just two but many people that make one whole. I had to put this story down for a day or so because it made me feel so much and made my emotions come so close to the surface and I had to be able to process it.
What a beautiful journey and thank you Brittiany C. Cherry for brining us along. Well done!
I loved it. I always get all up in my feels while reading a Cherry book. It may not work for others, but I’m totally here for whatever she does. It’s the writing, it gets me every time.
So, I finally popped my cherry and read Ms. Cherry’s work, don’t know what took me so long, but I’m thrilled to have started with this story about life, friendship, loss, sharing, caring, respect, loyalty, kindness and most of all love.
Two people met in High School during those awkward awful times, they have very little in common but he finds a way to get to know her by reading her favorite book. He’s lonely in a room filled with people it’s very poignant in this story and something that is so relatable by everyone at one time or another. Friendship and kindness can last forever! A good deed is never undone and often transferable by paying it back or forward. Very well written, touching, and unexpected. Wow, thank you so much for writing this touching unforgettable story!
“Maybe all people needed sometimes was for someone to keep showing up for them during the hard days, even when they tried their best to push everyone away.”
I think that quote doesn’t just sum up this entire book, but it also sums up life in general. It’s such a true sentiment, I kept coming back to it. It’s the glue that holds any relationship together.
This book. Everyone has been raving over it, so I was a bit reluctant in reading it. Usually when so many are raving, I find myself being underwhelmed. I am so glad that didn’t happen with this one.
Will this book rip apart your soul? Will it leave you in an emotional pile you aren’t sure you can pull yourself out of? Yes to all of these, more than once. Everyone said to have my tissues ready. I didn’t need them, but I see why so many did. There were parts of this book that ripped me apart, but I held strong. Those tears held off for me.
The characters and writing in this book are everything. I can’t give this story enough praise. Their push and pull from start to finish is a fairytale that needed to be told. It’s such a great story of mishappen and happenstance. I can’t say enough great things about it.
The one thing that bothered me was Grey’s love for his wife. Well, it wasn’t his love for his wife itself. Going by the timeline, he didn’t meet his wife too long after he and Eleanor were forced to say goodbye. With his and Eleanor’s love so overwhelming at that point, I just couldn’t see how a boy who admitted to not be trusting fell so hard and fast for someone so quickly. It really threw me off. His all consuming love for his wife under other circumstances would have made sense.
I have never read any of this author’s books. I knew who she is though. I just hadn’t taken the leap. Now I know in the future when I want an emotional read that she is one I need to pick up.
4.5 Stars – Pain, love and the struggles of life at its best.
I experienced this book step by step, page by page, without knowing what’s going to happen. I didn’t read the blurb and I went in blind because hello?! it’s a Brittainy Cherry book, there’s no need to know beforehand what it’s about because I’ll read it anyway.
The book was split into two parts. The first one was the hardest to get through with bittersweet moments and the tough parts of growing up, but also with two adorable teenagers who found strength in each other and a reason to smile every day.
I’m not going to lie, this broke my heart so badly. It hit so close to home for me and I know that if you’ve experienced something similar in your proximity whether by yourself or through your family or friends, this story will have a big impact on you.
During this tough read, I asked myself why I did this to myself. Why I read this heartbreaking and painful story when I knew beforehand that it would shred my heart to pieces?! Well, I’m a sucker for those reads and I knew that if there’s one author who’s able to write a heartfelt story like that, so beautiful in its hurtful way, it’s Brittainy Cherry.
Her words are like air to breathe. Sometimes its hurt like when you take a deep breath in a freezing cold winter storm, not being able to draw a full breath but just small gasps for air which still hurt in your lungs. But then there are also times when the spring air greets your nose with the fresh smell of blooming flowers and trees and you know that you’re still here and able to draw lungful of clear air which makes you feel like being reborn.
Enough of being poetic, in short I just wanted to say that no matter how hard it seemed at times, there was enough light in the darkness to lead me through this beautiful story.
Needless to say how intense this book was. If you’ve read a book by this author before, you surely know of her writing that touches you deeply and goes straight to your heart.
As a reader myself I connected to Ellie’s young character instantly because she was just like me. We had so much in common and I adored her. And Grey! OMG wasn’t he the sweetest? AWWW!
Ellie was a nerd and so similar to myself. She kept to herself, felt safest in her bedroom, loved to read and to keep the outside world away with her headphones on.
When Greyson entered her life, everything changed. He was such a sweet, humble, caring and thoughtful young boy who had it tough at home with his constantly fighting parents. Ellie and Grey were adorable and I enjoyed their teenage crush so much. I loved even more how supportive he was, so incredibly thoughtful and considerate, and that he was always there for her even from a distance.
This was definitely one of my ugliest cries and although I knew what was coming, there’s just no preparing for anything like that. Grief is hard no matter what.
When Part 2 began, I was a bit thrown because while it’s been almost sixteen years since the characters have seen each other, it was only one page in a book for me. So I needed to adapt to the changes in Grey’s character first because they were very brutal and I missed the carefree and fun boy from the past. It made me cry even more to see how hard his edges had become and how cold and distant he was, swallowed by the grief and struggling with life. It was heartbreaking to see him at such a low point and I wanted to take him in my arms and squeeze him tight. My heart ached for him so badly.
Part I was a full on 5 star read. And as much as I loved and hurt with Part II, I couldn’t shake the feeling of there being another woman between Ellie and Greyson. Not in the flesh but somehow in between of what they had when they were kids. It didn’t seem as strong of a bond especially from his side and I felt that he needed her more because of his grief than because he wanted her for the love. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the story no matter how painful it was to read and I was crying so hard and so much during the story and my heart ached with the characters but I felt more chemistry between the characters in the first part than later on in the book.
It’s just that while for the characters almost sixteen years had passed, it was just a page and a second for me between their childhood and adult life. So when I experienced Greyson as the young, outgoing and sweet boy, and then shortly after met him as the closed-off, almost drowning in pain, grieving father, I had troubles of finding the love again between him and Ellie. Which was also understandable because he’s still in love with another woman and was grieving for his lost love, the person he had spent a long time with together with their kids. There was so much history between them and I couldn’t shake that no matter how much I loved Ellie and wished for her HEA.
Also, as beautiful everything was written, in the second half of the book, some thought processes from Ellie felt to be repeated and forced to have more beautiful words in it just for the sake of it. They didn’t have any more impact on the story because it was already heavily loaded with feelings and meaning. It just wasn’t necessary to overuse and overdue it like that but it was just a minor thing and not as bad as it sounds from my poor explanation of what I mean. I just think that sometimes less is more.
But everything considered, after this book gave me so much heartache and pain, but also love and hope, I couldn’t give this a different rating because I absolutely loved it.
Oh my gosh, my heart..
It’s been a while since my heart broke from reading a book, a long time since the tears escaped and fell constantly down my cheeks but Eleanor & Grey did exactly that to me. I was a mess but it wasn’t just heartbreaking, it was beautiful and lovely too.
Grey and Eleanor found each other when they both needed someone to help with their pain. Eleanor was heartbroken and grieving and didn’t realise just how much she would need someone until Grey came in to her life. She’s a book lover who enjoys having her nose buried in a book, especially her Harry Potter books. Grey was troubled, he didn’t have the kind of parents every kid should have, their relationship was toxic and grey needed more, so much more than came in form of Eleanor. But that’s not how their story ends, after being torn apart and loosing touch it’s 16 year until they meet again and Grey is a changed man, riddled with guilt and heartbreak over recent events. He’s cold and dark and it’s heartbreaking to see. Their story from that second meeting is incredible and one that you’ll have to read for yourself.
Everything in their story touches some place in your heart. It’s sad, it’s heartbreaking and yet extremely beautiful and you will love every single second of getting to know Eleanor and Grace the kids and adult forms of them.
Brittany C Cherry is a phenomenal writer, I absolute enjoy reading her books not only because they’re good but because they make you FEEL. They make you feel exactly what the characters are feeling. Her words suck you in to another world that is entirely the people in the book and always leaves you needing MORE.
Eleanor & Grey was captivating. Heartbreaking and beautiful all wrapped up in a ball of wonderful and most definitely one of my top reads of the year!
Eleanor & Grey by Brittany C Cherry was an unputdownable read, that I already want to go back and reread!
Even after reading this novel, I am unable to put into words just how incredible and amazing it is. I feel as though my words won’t be able to do this novel justice.
This novel was filled with so many emotional moments, that were both heartwarming, and heartbreaking, that my heart was all over the place while reading. Each of the characters have been through so much in their life. They each have a past, that are currently playing an influence on their future. With the help of one another, they are able to deal with their past, and more forward to an emotional, yet exciting future.
I loved every single detail about this novel. I honestly hope that everyone goes and picks up this novel for themselves. It deserves to be read by many many people!
5/5 Stars!
Such a wonderful, emotional, beautiful read. So, so much. Young love. Time. Life. Loss. Grief. Healing. New love. Family. Beauty.
Well edited.
We first meet Eleanor and Greyson in high school. Eleanor (Ellie) is the introverted book-lover. Greyson is the popular athlete. Ellie’s mother is dealing with cancer. Grey just lost his grandfather to cancer. They bond, become friends, and feelings grow. Ellie’s mother isn’t getting better, and in an effort to make her last weeks/months more, the family moves to Florida. There, her mother can see the ocean every day. Unfortunately, this move occurs just as Ellie and Grey contemplate labeling their relationship. They decided to stay friends until Ellie and her dad move back to Chicago. Only they don’t. Ellie and Grey try to stay in touch, but as with so many long distance relationships, they drift apart.
Years later, Eleanor is back in Chicago, working as a nanny. She interviews for a new job, only to find that it is for the daughter’s of her long lost friend, Grey. He has suffered a tragic accident that cost him his wife. Not only did Grey lose his wife, but his oldest daughter was severely injured in the accident. Grey hires Eleanor, but maintains a respectable distance. Slowly, Ellie helps the family learn to live again. Having lost her own mother, Ellie is able to understand what the girls are going through. Through it all, she encourages the girls to grieve as they need, and to remember the good that was their mother. Eventually, Grey begins to open his heart to the possibility of loving again. Will they find a way forward? Will Grey’s girls accept Ellie into their life?
This was a really moving story of love, grief, and healing. Nicole, the first wife, was good. This wasn’t a case of the first wife being someone we don’t like. She was a good person Grey met in college, fell in love with, and made a family with. Sometimes life doesn’t turn out like we thought. Life happens. We lose touch with people we never meant to lose touch with. Sickness takes people away. Tragedy occurs in the blink of an eye. Our hearts break. But, sometimes we are given a second chance. A second chance at the first love. A chance to love again. A chance to heal a relationship before it’s too late. This is a story about life. Enjoy.
This book was phenomenal!!! I cried my heart out over so many parts of this story.
And I’m pretty sure I found my newest book boyfriend.
Grey East is just everything. He said and does some of the most swoon-worthy things!
Eleanor is special… Her cardigans, braces and books totally spoke to me. She is a girl who is so confident in herself and I adore that.
It’s a second chance story if you will, that spans many years and a few tragedies.
It’s really a tale of the human soul, it’s resiliency and how we all deal with stuff differently.
It’s Just Eleanor & Grey.
1 like
Overall: 5/5
Steam: 2/5
Feels:
~REVIEW~
The Quick and Dirty: Ellie and Grey meet in high school. She’s a bookworm and he’s Mr. Popular but they bond over Harry Potter and kung-fu movies… and loss. Grey helps Ellie through a very difficult time in her life and while they remain close until right after graduation they eventually drift apart. Years later fate brings them back together and now it’s Ellie’s turn help keep Grey from drowning in grief.
Do you have tissues? No? Go get some before reading this book. ALL. THE. FEELS. I held it together even though I felt my eyes water in the first quarter of the book… by the last quarter I was openly sobbing. It’s a story about devastating loss and being so shattered that happiness seems like a pipe dream. It’s also a story about redemption. One about patience, forgiveness and the power of unconditional love.
Brittainy Cherry is one of those authors who make you FEEL things. I’ve read all of Brittainy’s books and without exception, when I’ve turned the last page, I need to take a minute to recenter my emotions. She shatters your heart and puts you back together better than before. I know I’m totally fan girling over here but she’s just THAT good. I love each book she writes more than the last.
Thank you for sharing your craft with us readers @bcherryauthor
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Tear jerker: Yes 3/5
Paranormal/Fantasy: No
Location: Primarily Raine, Illinois
Character age range: Teens then early 30s
Lead: Eleanor/Ellie Gable
Love interest(s): Greyson/Grey East
HEA: Yes
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Audible: No
Series: Maybe? Right now it seems like a stand alone but there are two ancillary characters that look like they could have their own book next.
~QD ~
Sex/kink type: manual, oral, penetrative
Possible triggers: Death of a parent, death of a grand parent, death of a spouse, cancer, child getting hurt, parental abandonment
Eleanor & Grey is a literary masterpiece, a journey through grief, a story of those who have survived the unimaginable; becoming Motherless Daughters. Through both Eleanor and Karla, Brittainy C. Cherry is able to articulate thoughts and emotions that I have been unable to voice for the last 10 years. There is an entire world full of us, whom due to chance or circumstance were made to stand in solidarity.
The story of Eleanor and Grey is essentially told twice throughout the book, each time with an unbelievable sense of realism. Their journey to love is a battle that neither of them realize they are waging. These two character’s destinies are so clearly entwined, yet “Forever” always seems to be just outside their grasp.
It’s not often that I leave a book feeling completely sated, every question answered, no stone left unturned. Though that is EXACTLY how I am walking away from this, I have yet to find another author with the ability to write such a fulfilling conclusion. Brittainy C. Cherry will forever be one of the few whom I read without question.
4.5 stars
Eleanor & Grey is, without a doubt, the most beautifully sweet and at times heartbreaking story of second chances, of family, love and friendship. Whilst it’s a very different story to what I was expecting, I nevertheless enjoyed it enormously. I’m not sure if, for most of the book, I’d necessarily want to call it a romance, although there’s definitely a romantic attraction between them. It’s more about how Eleanor and Grey navigate through life, their journey, both together and apart, each being what the other needs at challenging times in their respective lives.
The first third of the book focuses on the past, on the main characters’ teenage years and the wonderfully caring friendship they have. They each lean on each other for different reasons and Grey in particular is hugely supportive of Ellie. He’s so sweet and kind and I loved their time together, times which are both cute and funny. He’s everything a great friend should be. Unfortunately, circumstances eventually force them apart and, whilst the story is vague as to the reasons why, I can completely understand how easy it is to drift apart and to lose touch with friends when life sends you in different directions, even for those who were as close as Ellie and Grey. It’s sad but it happens and, for me, I’m not sure that having more details would have made any difference to my overall enjoyment of the story.
However, some things are meant to be and many years later fate steps in to bring them together once more, at a time when Grey is in great need. These chapters from the present are hugely emotional at times and, as I read on I felt such sympathy for this family, and will confess they had me in tears. Eleanor came into her own in this part of the book and I really liked her personality. Steadfast in her determination to help, nevertheless, she had quite a challenge on her hands. I have to say, though, that as time moved on, I did become concerned that the story was taking us in a direction I felt would’ve been unrealistic under the circumstances. However, I shouldn’t have worried as Ms Cherry knew exactly the path these characters needed to take, one which to me was real and relatable. I even had great sympathy when a slip of the tongue threatened to derail everything they were working so hard towards. It just proved that they needed more time to heal.
Whilst the first part of the book was very strong, if there was one thing I could’ve changed, it would’ve been the ending, which felt a little rushed. I would’ve loved for this part to have been expanded on and for there to have been an epilogue, as I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go. Although this may not be a traditional romance, it is definitely a love story and one which I enjoyed very much.
I wish that I could give this 100 perfect stars!!!
“You know those first few minutes after finishing an amazing book?
Those moments when you aren’t quite sure what to do with yourself?
You simply sat there, staring at the last words, unsure how to move on with your life.
How could it be over?
How could those characters just fade to black?
No, for you the characters are still soaked in your soul. Their actions, their dialogue, were still alive and strong in your mind. Your tears hadn’t even dried, and you craved another fix.”
How do you put into words a book that touches your soul, a book that reaches in and grabs your heart, breaks it, but also puts it back together??? This was a phenomenal read! I still have a book hangover. Brittainy C. Cherry’s books have a way of grabbing you and never letting go. Her words are brilliant and touching. You feel every emotion and see everything with her words. I cried multiple times!!! I mean just ugly cried. lol. Her characters are multi-dimensional, wonderful, unique, endearing, and so real and relatable. I love them! Eleanor and Gray was a BEAUTIFUL love story about friendship, love, endurance, and second chances! I don’t want to say more because it would be a sin to ruin such a beautiful love story for you. Just know that this is a MUST-READ! I highly recommend reading it! You don’t want to miss this one! It was truly a pleasure reading it. It is a prime example of why I love reading! <3
****Thank you so much for the generosity of gifting this ARC in exchange for an honest review.****
Eleanor & Grey
By: Brittainy C. Cherry
5 More of That Stars
When I pick up a book by this author, I know to prepare myself for a very emotional journey. Eleanor & Grey took me on a ride that was full of emotions.
These two met in High School and developed a relationship that was perfect at the time. They both needed someone. Someone to be there for each other.
As the years go by, life happens… Eleanor & Grey go from daily chats to monthly, to yearly, to crickets. One thing though, they are always in each others thoughts.
Now that they are brought together again, will their old habits of being there for each other be like it was when they were younger?
Absolutely loved this story. This author has a way with words that are not only beautiful but they are simple too. Everyday happenings that we all go through written into a page turning story.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
This book started with Part 1 and Holy hell this part of the book was heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved the way Grey and Ellie’s relationship went from nothing to something so freaking special, Greyson was so special and so was Ellie, Greyson has just been through something heartbreaking and his family life wasn’t the best but he knew he had to be there for Ellie because she was about to experience the biggest heartbreak of her life. In this part i loved the storyline and all the characters but i had a feeling that everything was about to change,
Well part 2 was everything and more the heartbreak the emotion it just all hit you in the heart. I don’t know whether it’s just me but I would have tears falling down without it even knowing it. The story is just beautiful and the way Brittainy C Cherry writes this story is just beautiful, he writing is just amazing and I can’t wait to read more of her books this is only my second and for the second time she just got me right in the heart.
Part 2 was Grey and Ellie all grown up and it was like they were meant to find each other again. I loved the fact the Ellie didn’t change she was still the most beautiful soul who loved with her whole heart and really took in consideration everyones feelings she was a favourite character of mine. Grey was another story he was a changed man and really was a dark soul which was so sad but I loved watching him come out to the light again and watching Ellie help him.
The whole family was such a joy to read Loreli was one of my favourite characters in this book she was such a fresh of breath air in the sad times and Karlas story was so heartbreaking I just wanted to help her it was just so sad.
I loved Shay as well she made me laugh and Landon was intriguing but I loved his character as well. Even the story with Ellies father was touching and got me in the feels swell. I know that every time I see a Dragonfly that I will always think of this boo.
This book was everything I needed and loved the writing was extraordinary and emotional and Brittiany C Cherry is one gifted writer of the word and I loved it. I loved how this was also a crossover of YA/NA but the book so well rounded
This story deserves so much more than 5 stars and if I could give it more I would but this has to be one of my favourites for 2019 and will a story that will stay with me for a really long time
There is beauty in this story. The loss is heavy for Grey and Eleanor. But what is beautiful is the unwavering support of a friend. Just being there. Just listening. Just a moment of light.
Time. The element of time in which your heart heals from loss is unwritten. But it does heal. The emptiness, the loneliness can be filled by those you love. Healing can be recognizing the beauty of seeing elements of the one you loved in the ones you’ve created. It can be painful, but seeing, truly seeing the one you loved and lost in the ones you hold dear can be a startling beauty. To wake up to a smile, her smile. To look into those eyes, her eyes. To see a dragonfly or a picture. It’s her. She’s there, always.
Beautiful.
(And a stunning cover!!)