Dear Michael,When we met, it was the summer of Shania Twain, Mocha Iced lipstick, motorcycle rides, and the summer I became a 17-year old mother. But then you left us. Now, you’re back to walk our daughter down the aisle. And you want a second chance?I survived medical school. I survived to raise our daughter alone. I survived never knowing what was better than us. I won’t survive to give you a … to give you a second chance. I’m no longer that lovesick 17-year old girl.
Jill
A second chance romance. Not all second chances are the same. Some, are heartbreakingly beautiful.
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One Emotional Journey After Another
An emotional rollercoaster barely scratches the surface when used to describe this book. Between the “Then” revelations and what’s happening with Tammy and others “Now”. It’s emotionally draining and tissues are required – several tissues. I was in a full-on sobfest a couple of times.
It also created a huge conflict for me. Do I wish for an HEA where Jill chooses herself? Or do I wish for the more traditional HEA where Michael really does become the man that deserves someone as good and caring as Jill?
I have to question if Michael had some sort of mental disease as I listened to this beyond his being completely self-absorbed. I know the cycle of being kind before being abusive – mentally, emotionally, and/or physically – is all too common but the way Michael is portrayed makes me wonder if there’s more to it. There are definitely triggers here between the several outlashings and the events of their wedding night.
I wasn’t surprised by the ending but that didn’t minimize the emotional pull that it had. The epilogue did leave me in a happy place.
I was so caught up in my emotional recovery, I nearly forgot to mention that I listened to the audio book. The narrator is the author and she does a really great job of making you feel every emotion, good and bad.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Jill And Michael’s Emotional Journey Is Devastatingly Beautiful. Sometimes Love Is Found At The Wrong Time With The Right Person, And The Consequences Are Crushing.
Jill Hudson, seventeen, was captivated by Michael Danforth when she first saw him in the parking lot of his apartment building. He was her brother’s friend from college and a full decade her senior. He was too old for her but common sense had nothing to do with her attraction to him. And when he looked at her she almost thought he felt the same. But she knew better, because as her brother Scott explained, Michael could and did sleep with any girl her wanted. It confused Jill when Michael flirted with her one moment and went on a date the next. But eventually they kissed, and later, despite the fact that he kept fighting his attraction to her, knowing it was wrong, he took her innocence as they consummated their relationship.
Michael had plans. He enjoyed late nights, women, and adventure. He had no plans for marriage. Professionally, he was an engineer. He was from nearby Indiana, but he met Scott at Michigan State where he received his master’s degree. A job at Whirlpool brought him to St. Jo, Michigan, but that was only ever a stepping stone for Michael. His goal was Seattle. Boeing was based there, and that was where he could get a job in aviation engineering.
Michael and Jill carried on a secret affair and he seemed crazy about her. But when Jill became a pregnant teen everything changed. Michael fought against anything that tied him down, and the last thing he wanted was to marry Jill or have a child. He didn’t want her to keep it. He reluctantly married her with the intention of helping her through nursing school then moving on, and everything after their wedding day became an arrangement.
Fast forward about twenty-five years. Monica Danforth is marrying Jordan York, the man of her dreams. Jill is so happy for her daughter and sees Jordan’s sincere love for her. The wedding day will be a dream come true for Monica, but for Jill the day will be a challenge because the man she and her daughter haven’t seen in twenty years, Michael, will be walking Monica down the aisle. And apparently he has done well for himself in their decades apart. He is now the owner and CEO of Danforth Jet Center. He has stepped into his father role, despite his complete absence from Monica’s childhood, and is paying for Monica’s wedding.
Jill never did remarry. She once considered marrying Drake Daniels, but it ended when memories of Michael got in the way. The damage their relationship had done to her colored her outlook on men and she had grown skeptical; she would not allow a man to destroy her again. It was easy to choose to make Monica the center of her life. It was a safer choice. So when Michael shows up at Monica’s wedding with the patience of a saint and declarations of everlasting love, Jill is rightfully angered because her Michael had never been capable of loving anyone but himself.
Jill and Michael’s emotional journey is devastatingly beautiful. Sometimes love is found at the wrong time with the right person, and the consequences are crushing. Some synchronicity is at play as the story unfolds. It is an emotional rollercoaster that will rip at your heartstrings and build you back up before its conclusion. It is almost impossible to imagine in the midst of it, but the story does end on a positive note. There are tears throughout (at fourteen points by my count). The story is nicely written. The plot is very complex. The story is powerfully woven, alternating between past and present. The characters are deep and well-developed. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
“Love, Michael,” is one of those books you keep thinking about long after you’ve read the last page. Maybe because it’s based on actual events which occurred in the author’s life, and the pain of desertion, infidelity and hopelessness she felt at the hands of her husband cut deeply through the pages of this book. But a second chance romance? Well, you’ll have to read this to see exactly how it plays out.
A story of true love and second chances, regrets, forgiviness and friendship of a lifetime. Jill and Michael’s story is a forever love. Gina makes an amazing job reading the book, it shows that she feels the word
I can’t remember the last time a book made me cry, or feel quite so much sadness as this one did. Love, Michael is a heartbreaking, second chance story of love, loss, and redemption. I have to say that I didn’t always like past Michael, but present Michael more than redeemed himself. It’s one of those reads that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. And Gina A. Jones is as fantastic a narrator as she is an author. I loved it and highly recommend!
I had read the book about a year ago and I have to say I got book hangover from it. I’m not going to restate the book’s story since the blurb gives away much of the tone. This is just one of those stories that really got to me and after I finished it I just couldn’t get into another book for awhile. It is so easy to relate to these characters. I really hated Michael for most of the book yet since I’m no teeny bopper anymore. I know how people change with time and regret. This book has so much emotion all the way through. I went through so many different emotions such as the love for a bff. How I handle adversity. How I handle loss. I have had so much advice and opinions all through Jill and Michael’s journey. I understand the story is based on the author’s experience and that makes me sad that she had to live through so much of this. She is so much stronger than I have ever been.
This time I’m reviewing the audio edition and not only did it do all the same for me as reading the story but it was even stronger since the author/narrator really brought the characters more to life. This is one of those stories I will always recommend and remember.
Oh My Gosh!!! This audio book of Love, Michael was absolutely fantastic!! I have tears in my eyes writing this. It is truly a heartbreaking account of a past regret and the wonderful opportunity for a second chance come true.It was based on a true story and that in itself was emotional and it was the author, Gina A. Jones that narrated it. As listening to the story unfold, you can hear the utter heartbreak of the past in the voice through Jill one of the main characters. Each chapter goes from the Past to the Present and Jill is telling the story of her and Michael’s past and present.
Jill is a senior in high school when she first meets Michael, her brother’s friend. But Michael is 10 years older and Jill is recounting her first times meeting Michael. Tammy is another main character and is Jill’s best friend since age 4. She plays a big part in the story. Jill and Tammy are nurses at the local hospital and Tammy really helps Jill through her life before and especially after Michael who is another main character. I don’t want to give spoilers, but Jill gets pregnant and is left to deal with that. Michael and Jill try to give it a go at parenting, but Michael feels trapped. As the story progress, I really don’t like Michael because he is not nice and Jill tries so hard because she loves Michael and their child. I liked listening to Jill’s telling of the story, because she is so honest and defeated about the relationship. There is so much detail in the book because it is audio and it gives you a picture of what is happening in that moment.
You will cry, and get angry with Michael and hope that things work out for Jill and Michael and their daughter. There are so many twists and turns within the story, and it is shocking and beautiful. But what I got from the story is that yes, you will have regrets. What person doesn’t have regrets, but what really matters, is if you do have that opportunity to get a second chance, please take it. Life is short and you have to live life to the fullest.
I highly recommend reading this!! It is another testament to getting a second chance. It was a beautifully written story told by the author in her own words. I am so glad I had the opportunity to listen to this audio book. It was fantastic and it yes I did cry because I got involved with the characters lives. I heard a quote once that said, “Life always offers second chances.” If you are open to them, please take it! Gina A. Jones, you have written a beautiful story.
I am speechless after this listen. Not only is this book heart breaking but heart warming all at the same time. Jill has a strength about her from the very beginning. I love how Jones takes us from the past to the present. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster but WOW what a ride. I am completely in awe – this has got to be one of the best books I’ve ever listened to. The nuggets of wisdom along the way, the character growth the tragedies the hope – there is nothing about this book that is not amazing!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review. (and I am so glad and thankful to have been given this opportunity)
*this review is based on the audio version of this book
If I could give more than 5 stars across the board for this one it would!!
As with all of Gina A Jones books this was one was beautifully written and so filled with emotions you will not want to put it down. I Cried my eyes out on quite a few occassions and I could so relate to some of the things Jill was going through!! It was so realistic I found myself at times wanting to scream about some of the situations.
Such an amazingly well written journey!! Loved it!
At the beginning of this audible book the author/narrator mentions that this story was inspired by life events. If they are hers or someone she knows I’m not sure, but I do have to say I admire her courage, bravery for writing this story. It is heartfelt, heartbreaking, tragic, but with some hilarious fun mixed in. Life is a fickle thing, it can lead us down so many paths, good or bad, we can’t always make the decision we want especially when there are others depending on us, and sometimes others make the decision for you and sometimes you get a second chance to right the wrongs, and get the HEA you deserve.
Gina both wrote and narrated this book herself, I am impressed with both.
Reviewed for Audiobook Obsession
This is my first book read by Gina Jones. I will give it to her that the tears came, and that rarely happens. I was emotionally invested from the beginning until the last page. The novel is based on some real life events. I appreciate her putting herself out there, and that is no easy thing.
Wow! What an emotional journey. If you ever had your heart broken by your first love, you know exactly how Jill feels. Second chances?
Very emotional. Philosophical. Idont think I could have forgiven or trusted Michael. Be prepared to be angry…..sad….puzzled….in awe….in love. Favorite part was a “Love is” speech near the end.
I listened to Audible version narrated by the author. She was perfect for this. Crisp, easy to follow.
Love, Michael
Redemption may be free, but oh, is it costly.
This book has a way of ripping your heart out. All the more so because portions of it is based on the author’s real life. The pain, the betrayals, the emotional upheavals seem too much for a person to handle, let alone experience.
It’s funny how regrets go unrealized until someone stares death in the face. Its then that selfish and callous choices made start implanting themselves into the mind and thoughts of the guilty. It’s then that they start reevaluating their life … past, present and future.
For some it will be too late… and for others, they will get a second chance to right their wrongs — or at least, try too. It won’t be easy.
Below is how I see the characters in this book:
Michael: He reminds me of the book, ‘The Two Faces of Eve’. He was literally two different men. First we meet ’young’ Michael. He was a pretty despicable man most of his life. He knew exactly what he was doing, who he was hurting and basically flaunted his betrayals in front of his wife. Then years later we meet ‘older’ Michael. He is forced to wake up and smell the roses. He realizes life is not one big party catering to his whims and desires. Older Michael is faced with reliving the pain, the anguish, the emotional torture he so easily dished out when he was ‘young’ Michael. He now becomes ‘remorseful’ Michael. He not only knows exactly what he did as Young Michael, but he feels the pain and anguish deep within his soul. But is it too late to right 20 years of wrong?
Jill: My heart went out to her. She not only was young, gullible and inexperienced, but had no support team at home. At 17 she becomes pregnant and basically is in a forced marriage. No nice, fancy wedding of a girl’s dreams for her. Michael may marry her, but he has no intention of honoring her. He blames his vey young teenage bride for everything. Mind you, she’s 17 and he is 27, but it’s all Jill’s fault. Her parents tend to do the same. Jill would be all alone if it weren’t for her best friend Tammy. It was easy to understand Jill’s lack of trust. No one but Tammy stood by her when it counted.
Tammy: What a beautiful woman, lady and friend. She was true family. She stood with Jill through thick and thin. And when the tables were turned, Jill stood with Tammy too.
Monica: Hats off to Jill for rearing such a wonderful daughter. I would like to know how Monica felt when Michael confessed ‘all’ to her. After all, it’s better to deal with resentments early on rather than be in denial and have them boil over later in life. I would liked to have heard Michael’s confession to his daughter, heard his remorse and pain in telling her. I just kept wondering how she just suddenly seemed to have that daughter-father love when he never, ever was around for her in those important growing years.
Cami: Honestly speaking, I saw her as trash. I know that’s harsh but she had absolutely no redeeming qualities. She had no qualms about luring Michael into a divorce. She was an entitled, scheming, manipulative phony who was cold and calculating. She needed a HUGE comeuppance. I so wish we could have seen, at least, a little of that in this book. And what on earth was she doing being on the BOD of Michael’s business?
Drake: Loved Drake. Didn’t understand Jill’s behavior after the proposal. Drake tried his best but Jill chose to not hear him or talk to him. She was wrong and suffered the consequences for it, but so did Drake and Monica. Talking would have nothing to do with trust issues. Her paranoia and stubbornness came at a high price.
OBSERVATIONS AND QUESTIONS:
Where were Michael’s parents? Family? Did they know nothing about their granddaughter? They never are mentioned. What sort of role did they play in Michael’s life?
Old Michael can make all the excuses in the world about Young Michael, but lets’ face it, young Michael cared nothing for her. His choices and actions were proof. So why now? How could he be in love with her? He didn’t care about the pain and hurt he caused and literally rubbed it all in her face…. his cheating, his callousness, his emotional abuse. And NOW, yeas later, he’s back saying he loves her????? I mean, how? He just didn’t wake up one day and say it’s time for me to love my wife. What happened? What was his story, his thoughts, his ‘come to Jesus moment’? You don’t spend 20 years ignoring someone you love. Love does not behave the way ‘young’ Michael behaved. Was ‘old’ Michael’s come to Jesus moment really out of fear, out of guilt? Yes, life and death issues will cause reevaluation, but it doesn’t suddenly restore love…. Actually restore is the wrong word here because you can’t restore what you never had. Remorse is good for redemption, but it’s a far cry from love. Yes, he could grow to love her, see her value and know his sins, but to suddenly confess love after 20 years of abandonment….. don’t think so.
I’d love to know more about Monica and Michael’s two year ‘meet ups’. More detail about how they grew to have such a loving father-daughter relationship.
And honestly, her dad was every bit as cruel as Michael.
I found my own heart bleeding for everyone in this book …. except Cami. I was left with many questions concerning her, especially her and Michael’s relationship after they parted ways. Yes, it was said it was all business…. but come on, really? You have a two+ year affair, divorce your wife and after the affair ends you let her stick around for business purposes?
Cami had her nerve bringing that letter to Jill. There were other ways to get that letter in Jill’s hands. After all, Jordan now was running the company. Also, did Cami read that letter before giving it to Jill? Did she know what was inside that letter? Nope, Cami wasn’t my favorite. She never sought forgiveness, never saw she did anything wrong. As I said earlier, she was callous, selfish and manipulating.
Book needs a good editor. Too many typos or misused words
This audiobook is based on the author’s life and narrated by her. Love, Michael tears you apart over and over again, but puts you back together again better than you were before. At times it was really hard to listen to what she went through in her life–the love, the losses and the heartaches. She was both fortunate and unfortunate to fall in love with Michael.
This really is a 5 Star audiobook. It’s well written, well narrated and makes you feel EVERYTHING! I’ll come back to this one again some day, but not anytime soon. It made me feel pretty raw. Magnificent book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
I do not even know where to begin! I fell In love with this author’s writing while reading the Secret series. Love, Michael brought it to a whole different level. Wow, just wow!! I could feel the emotions with each character. I felt the worry, the hurt, the sadness, the happiness, the hope, the regret.
I actually listened to the audiobook, which Gina narrates herself. She does an amazing job. I feel that it made it all the more special because she could express her own thoughts of how the story goes, the tones, the sound. I could feel that she put her everything into it.
If I could give this book 10 stars I would! it deserves it! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. it is a “must listen to” in my opinion!
Great Story & Audible Listen 4.5 Intense & Emotional Stars
Love, Michael
A Story of Regrets and Second Chances
By: Gina A. Jones
Narrated by: Gina A. Jones
Gina A. Jones penned another great story, this book is quite different then her “The Secret Series” which was another page turner. “Love, Michael” is also a page turner, I was hooked in right from the start and just had to know what happened next. The story moving and tugs at your heartstrings like no other. I enjoyed Ms. Jones’ writing style and how she laid out and plotted the time frame, alternating chapters between past and present. This story read like a real life drama. The characters are complex and well developed. Because of their actions and/or non-actions I had a love/hate relationship with the two lead characters, Jill and Michael. A 17 year old Jill crushed on her older brother’s friend Michael who befriends her, woos her leading to the two hooking up and she winds up pregnant. While it is not want he wanted he steps up and marries her. Were they doomed from the start? Jill is young and naive, she has ideas of what marriage should be and lives in denial when hers is nothing like that. Michael is just a selfish jerk, driven by goals and his own expectations he had no room in his life for anything else. He came off as a heartless prick and treated Jill like crap, disrespected her and their marriage. I was happy when they split. Jill raised their daughter, Monica, without him, she had help of her family and good friend Tammy. But while in college Monica reconnects with her father and he comes back into the picture for her wedding. Jill is unsure why, she holds a lot of angst for what he put her through, but he is determined to make things right. I had mixed feelings about her letting him back in. Can a person really redeem themselves? Many regrets are uncovered in their story, they both had their own. His biggest regret was taking 20 years to wise up and do the right thing. Jill had some several big regrets but they say things happen for a reason. This is one heartbreakingly sad story but it is also about second chances. And I just loved the ending, I was hoping for that but never thought it would really happen. Gina A Jones, thank you for another great story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Gina A. Jones is a terrific narrator and voice performer. She created these characters and brought them to life right off the pages. She gave each their own unique voice, personality and attitude. She did a great job projecting the emotions of the characters and the drama of the story into her performance. She is an entertaining author and storyteller. Thank you for the great listen