Piper Redding is a loner, but lonely. Everyone she loves has abandoned her and opening her heart to others is just asking for more pain. She can’t help but blame herself for her brother’s tragic death six years ago, and in her guilt, she shuts herself off from the world. No one could love her—not even the God who promised to be there for her but wasn’t. For paramedic Ezra Bryant, failure is not … failure is not an option. He’s had enough of it, and only by God’s grace is he able to put it behind him. But when a traumatic event brings Piper’s greatest fear and Ezra’s failures to light, can they use that event to allow God to mend their broken pieces? Can love triumph over fear, and grace over guilt?
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Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzy is a well-written novella. The characters are intriguing and even lovable despite their self-perceived shortcomings.
Ezra Bryant is a paramedic who is shocked to realize that his patient was none other than the little sister of his childhood best friend. When Ezra moved from his hometown, he left everyone and everything behind, including his best friend, Paul.
Without realizing, Piper Redding, Paul’s younger sister, moved to the same small town in which Ezra now lived. A myriad of lifelong hurts and rejections trail Piper, and she keeps to herself. When tragedy hits, Piper is determined to keep Ezra at bay, somewhat unsuccessfully. She’s not even sure he has recognized her and plans to keep it that way.
Ezra has no intention of being kept at arm’s length despite his own need for healing. Eager to learn more of his best friend, and his pretty younger sister, he is shocked to his core when he learns the truth. A truth that could divide them or bring Ezra and Piper into an unexpected relationship.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
For a novella, this book deals with heavier topics and carries a somber tone for majority of the book than I was expecting. Shootings, death, guilt and regret from each character’s painful pasts. The fact that the melancholiness kept reemerging made it hard to stay in this story. However, the author shines hope onto her pages with a beautiful faith element and thickly interweaves Scripture in the face of her characters’ harsh realities, which I thought was relatable and inspiring. This book is valuable – it has things that need to be said for people who need to hear it. It’s commendable that the author took such sensitive subject matters and handled them with truth and grace so wonderfully. The romance that developed between Piper and Ezra was sweet, although I felt more friendship than chemistry between them. I also thought the time jumps could have been narrated through with brief overviews instead of frequent skipped periods of time. But, overall, a good read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel. My thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
This novella packs a powerful punch, which is really speaking highly of the author because that is very hard to do in a short period of time. Piper and Ezra both have hurts from their pasts. Hurts that only the grace of God can remove from their lives. Yes this is a love story, but it’s also about the Great Love Story, and that was what I enjoyed most about reading it.
Sarah Grace Grzy was not afraid to weave a beautiful spiritual thread in this story. It was a big part of the story for me, but it wasn’t in your face. It was natural, and not forced at all. Seeing Piper and Ezra come together was sweet and tender – something I’d be okay with my teenage daughter reading. Ezra was patient, kind and understanding. Piper had a lot to overcome, even at her young age. But this story tells us that with the love of God, redemption is possible. And with a sweet, gentle man helping you out, well……that can mean only good things.
If you’re looking for a short, sweet and inspirational story then I encourage you to check this story out. I know I’ll be visiting these characters again in the future! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What can I say about this wonderful novella by debut author Sarah Grace Grzy. So true to life, to the point that at times it was frustrating. Piper and Ezra both carry a lot of emotional baggage, as many of us do, but as you see what the baggage is holding them both back from you want to read through the pages and shake them both, but that just shows how well written this book is. Well researched, as far as all the medical details, and characters you can’t help but identify with, this faith-filled, emotionally raw novella hits you right in the feels, and made this reader ponder her own baggage and what it could be holding her back from.
Simple, sweet, and straightforward, I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
I really enjoyed this novella! It’s focused more on character development than plot, which is totally fine as it definitely succeeds — I just was nearing the end when I realized not a whole ton plot-wise had occurred. 🙂
Ezra and Piper are both very likable, relatable characters, and their chemistry was palpable. Tyler was great comic relief, and Tom was the dad everyone would want to have. (In my mind’s eye, he bore quite a resemblance to David Strathairn … because I love me some mental casting!)
A quick read, one I finished in just a few sittings. Looking forward to reading more by this author!
I received a copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed Live without you. Its a story about dealing with pain and suffering and what the Lord’s role is in the midst of it all. This story is not filled with lots of drama but has enough that I wanted to know what happened next. Pepper and Ezra was well written and relatable. I enjoyed seeing them grow and change. I love that this book tackles the hard questions like why did God allows this if He is so loving. I believe that the reader will learn valuable truths right along with the characters.
I recommend this book to my family and friends.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
What a debut novella! Sarah Grace Grzy has created characters I immediately connected with, could empathize with, and could laugh and cry (I did both) with! Ezra, a knight in shining armor (who has fallen off the horse a few times), Piper, a broken yet strong young woman, trying to build a new life, and I especially loved Cecile, the “angel” who miraculously appeared when needed – all used cleverly by the author to weave her story of placing all of your trust in God. My favorite line in the book was “My momma said there ain’t nothin’ coffee and a lil’ bit o’ Jesus can’t fix.”
The novella offers a little medical thriller, a little romance, and a lot of inspiration. I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from JustRead Books and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This novella had some very deep threads running through it. The two main characters, Ezra and Piper, both dealt with incredible losses in their young lives. I felt like Ezra and Piper were well-developed characters that I cared about. Seeing Piper struggle with fear and guilt and nightmares was so sad. But I loved the way Ezra that was there for her emotionally, being the friend she needed.
Live Without You was a clean romance, appropriate for teens and adults alike. There was a clear faith message and a lot of spiritual growth, especially for Piper, in this story. I liked watching as Ezra and Piper reconnected after years apart. Their romantic relationship developed in the second half of the story and I would have loved to have read a few more scenes that actually encompassed their dating life. I enjoyed reading Live Without You. It was a very interesting and moving story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Oh, how the past can taunt. And when riddled with guilt, it cripples.
Piper Redding ran. But the memory of what happened remained on her heals like a rabid dog.
Ezra Bryant ran, too. Who knew they’d end up in the same town.
Human nature can be cruel, and days, weeks, years spent under the weight of self-inflicted guilt robs them both of love and happiness.
Ms. Grzy has taken the elements of grief and guilt, and crafted a heart wrenching story. A path too many people tread, a prison too many people never leave.
I appreciated how Ms. Grzy nudged both Piper and Ezra to breach their protective shell, how they both struggled to allow themselves to be free. To be happy.
Page after page, chapter after chapter, I couldn’t put this book down.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, Live Without You, Sarah Grace Grzy
If I were to describe this book to a random stranger walking down the road, I would say that it’s a very sweet, cute, Christian romance book.
I did enjoy this book while reading it. In fact, I devoured the second half in one whole day, which is really good for this slow reader. The beginning really intrigued me and I really wanted to know what happened and why. That part, however, kind of played out as more of a suspense/mystery book, so it was slightly misleading.
Like I said above, this book was very cute, the romance sweet and clean and it was a great, light read. I did, however, have a hard time believing that these characters were 27 and 30 by the way they acted and the things they said. They weren’t super immature, but they did come across as a bit younger.
All in all, I would give this book a 3 out of 5 because it was cute and sweet, but I did have a few problems with it, as mentioned above.
**I received a complementary copy of this book via JustRead tours, but that in no way affects my review or thoughts. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own. **
4.5 stars
This was a breathtaking book! Live without You is Sarah Grace Grzy’s debut novella. I had read the novel that comes after Live Without You, Never Say Goodbye, and I have been waiting to read it. Live Without You was such a touching book. Piper Redding is lonely, she is just trying to go through life drawing as little attention to herself as she can. Inviting people into her life can just open the door for more pain and she can’t handle that especially after the guilt of her brother’s tragic death. Ezra Bryant has had enough of failure and only by God’s grace is he able to put it behind him, but failure is not an option anymore. When Piper and Ezra are brought together, will they allow God to mend their broken pieces?
Piper had me from the beginning. I wanted to know more about her and learn her story. I loved her as a character, she felt so real and I just wanted to give her a hug. She was hurting and she needed hope. I liked reading about Piper as she grew and she learned to trust God. Ezra was super sweet, he also deserved a big hug. I liked him from the beginning and I wanted him to find his happy ending. I liked his growth as a character and how he needed to learn to draw closer to God.
Both Ezra and Piper had demons from their past that they needed to deal with. As they spent time together, they began to hope again. However, when tragedy strikes what will they do? I liked reading about Piper and Ezra together, they were super cute. I also really liked Tyler and Ezra’s dad, they were such fun characters!
I really enjoyed Live Without You and I would definitely recommend it! Live Without You is a clean, Christian book however it does deal with things like death and grief. Reading Live Without You is making me want to read Never Say Goodbye again. 🙂
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Even though this is a novella I think it was laid out very well and not rushed. Sarah Grace Grzy took the time to give background on the characters that really helped me feel like I had a vested interest in the outcome of the characters. It was a well-researched book in that facts were legitimate regarding the medical scenes and flashbacks that took place. I liked how both characters in this book were realistically flawed and that they acknowledged it and strove to do better. I also appreciated how Sarah Grace Grzy presented the gospel in this book.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for the great story layout, relatable characters, and for the realistic dilemmas that the characters faced. This novella did not read like an author’s first work, but that of a seasoned veteran. I am looking forward to reading more by Sarah Grace Grzy.
What I think you should know:
Live Without You, a Christian Romance is the debut novella for Sarah Grace Grzy. It is a perfect short read with well developed characters and story. Piper moves across the country to get away from painful reminders of her past only to run into one of the biggest reminders could, her brother’s best friend.
What I think about Live Without You:
Grzy has written a fascinating novella that captured me from the first pages. After a fast start to the story I was worried that the story wouldn’t be able to live up to the first pages, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not only are Piper and Ezra great leading characters, but I loved Tom, Tyler and Miss Cecile as well. I enjoyed the way the author showed the realistic way that grief can affect the lives of not only you but those around you. The story was sweet, heartbreaking and captivating all while being short enough to read quickly. Being a debut novel I can’t wait to see how Grzy develops with additional books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts on Live Without You:
Get ready to love this short novella! Live Without You is a fast read that will warm your heart and have you watching to see what this author will do next!
I love the author bio. I too would sit all day cozied up by my woodstove drinking coffee and reading if I could. Alas, my children say that they like to eat and I’d prefer they not tear the whole house down. So no reading all day for me.
This cover is goals guys. It’s gorgeous and is the reason I agreed to review this book. Luckily the story is just as gorgeous as the cover so I don’t have to regret my decision.
The characters are fun and loveable. Their banter will have you laughing. God’s love is evident. And there is romance!
More than just that though, there are some deep topics written about and delved into in this book. You’ve got death/loss, grieving, opening yourself up to others, and learning to trust.
Plus there are some just plain fun and funny spots. And the kitten is adorable!
Go grab a copy and settle down next to the woodstove for a quick read with a cup of coffee or tea.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
A debut novella sure to tug at your heartstrings, Sarah Grzy’s “Live Without You” invites readers on a journey toward healing and second chances. It may be a short read as far as page numbers are concerned, but it has the fullness and satisfaction of a novel. The author manages to successfully unite pacing and plot so that the action is continuous but not rushed. For the most part, I myself am not a fan of contemporary romance, and yet I could not put this book down, and the romance itself was delightfully tender without being saccharine. From the powerful opening scene, the narrative proceeds steadily, spiking with intensity at times and mirroring real life progression. Three-quarters of the way through, I thought that the story was coming to an end, only to have the most challenging conflict occur during the last section. In doing this, Grzy moves beyond a trite happily-ever-after to demonstrate how God works in all circumstances, even those that may take us into our darkest nights.
Although a work of fiction, this novella boldly confronts some of the lies that we tend to believe about ourselves and shines the light of God’s truth on them. Grzy constructs the characters with satisfactory backstories that explain their current struggles and complement their dispositions. Piper Redding lives as a loner, battling feelings of being abandoned and thinking that she bears guilt. She avoids establishing relationships because “[l]oving someone invariably meant that they would leave someday and leave her alone . . . again.” Ezra Bryant sees himself as a failure because of his past. As the author demonstrates, we cannot outrun God’s grace and love, and we need to learn to surrender all of ourselves to Him in order to be truly whole. He speaks to us in our pain, a fact that Grzy makes clear through the way in which Piper hears the Lord’s voice in her mind while she prays. We can live each day like the characters in this novella, “basking in the assurance that come what may, they would never have to live without Him.”
“Live Without You” is an inspirational read and one that will challenge you to examine your heart. Anyone who is struggling or who is recovering from trauma will find this novella illuminating, and if you enjoy contemporary romance with a few tear-jerker moments, you will not want to miss this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This book is a wonderful contemporary novella with great characters, sweet romance, and a plot that has many serious issues sprinkled with moments of humor. Piper Redding has suffered great hurt and experienced many feelings of guilt and she has lost faith in God. After all, ‘she’d realized the futility of praying to One who wouldn’t listen.’ Ezra Bryant is the guy who talks to God constantly and he is certainly a person that we all wish we could have in our lives because his concern and his great faith is wonderful to witness. As this story progressed I loved seeing Piper’s faith blossom and deepen and Ezra’s friendly concern deepen into much more but this story certainly isn’t all sunshine and roses. There are some serious issues and some heart-wrenching moments that filled me with so many emotions! I shed tears for the heartache and loss and felt joy for the forgiveness and grace.
Live Without You is Sarah Grace Grzy’s debut novel and she shows great promise as an author. She has penned many special words but I love these for the wonderful truth that they share: ‘Through much pain and heartache, God’s love triumphs over fear, and His grace over guilt.”
If you enjoy contemporary fiction and Christian romance, you will want to read Live Without You.
I received a complimentary PDF copy from the author through Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and I have shared my own thoughts and opinions.
To the ones who feel unworthy: May you know the Father’s great love for you. 1 John 4:10
As one who normally does not read contemporary romance, I was pleasantly surprised by this wonderful novella! It drew me in and I didn’t stop until I had read the whole thing, finishing with a satisfied sigh. The heartache portrayed by Piper and Ezra was real – you could feel the pain that they were trying to deal with – missed opportunities, broken friendships, apologies never spoken. Was it possible for Piper to ever trust that if she loved someone they would not be taken away? After all – even God had left her, or so she thought. Perhaps His great love could bring peace and forgiveness to her…
This ARC was received through Ichthus Family Publications and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Live without you
Live without you is a novella and those are my favorite kinds of books. One that doesn’t take long to read but has a complete story.
I love Piper and Ezra story. They are living in a different city now but they grew up together someplace else. He is a paramedic, she is shot and he comes to her rescue. He finds a kitten and brings it to her to take care of. I love reading books with pets, especially rescue ones.
This is a new author for me. From the first page of the book I was hooked on the story. A very inspiring book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
This has been such a beautiful story to read. The author is able to take readers into the hearts of characters and let us feel every emotion. The story is filled with heartache, searching for love, and forgiving yourself. Piper has had a very hard time getting over a tragedy in her life. The guilt she carries is eating away at her. I can understand how she feels that God has abandoned her. Why did He not answer her prayer? Why did He allow her to witness a death that took her hope away? Her search to understand will be a journey that you will remember for a long time.
Ezra is a man who has his own pain and guilt that he carries after losing someone very close to him. What I loved about him was how he continued to pray and seek God’s help. It was nice to read about Piper and Ezra’s back history and how it now has a chance for a fresh start. When Piper is injured you could feel how much Ezra cared for her. What I really liked was how Ezra and a very special lady share God with Piper and allow her to let God love on her.
I can’t say enough good things about this story. It captures the healing of brokenness and we get to witness someone giving themselves to God. That moment in the book was the most powerful salvation I have ever read. The author is definitely someone who can tell a story with words that soak into your heart and leave you with peace and hope.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This sweet, clean novella will touch your heart and, at times, almost move you to tears. Piper, one of the main characters in this book, has faced unthinkable tragedy in her life. She’s given up on her faith and feels as if she’s meant to live her life alone. That changes when, under distressing circumstances, she reconnects with Ezra, a friend from her past. Ezra realizes that Piper not only needs a friend, she also needs to reach out to God for restoration and hope.
The main themes of this book are these: Does God love us and walk with us through the darkest and saddest times of our lives? Does He hear our prayers? The author has done a great job of answering these questions through the stories of Piper and Ezra. I came away encouraged from reading this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.