I’ve experienced the ways love can change a poor man into a rich one, a sinner to a saint, and make people beg for redemption.Yet nothing I’d ever done was as profound as marrying the woman I love.Every mission I took was a risk worth taking knowing I’d go home to her loving arms.What I didn’t know was in my quest to right all the wrongs of the world, I was destroying the only part of it I’d die … die for – my marriage.The ripple effect of miscommunication and the sin of my omissions would change all of our lives.And it would be my wife who would pay the price.
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Wowsa! That was a wild ride! Cal and Libby’s story was so good. Just when i thought i knew what was happening. I was thrown through another twist and left wondering what the heck just happen. But in the end things turned out great and i loved the book. I was worried i wasn’t going to survived cause i heard this book would test my emotions. But i did and I’d read it again so so good. I hope you enjoy the book as much as i did.
OMG talk about all the feels from this book!! But honestly having read all of this author’s books now, I am not surprised. In Ripple Effect we have the amazing characters, a storyline that completely draws you in, emotions going all over the place and ultimately the beautiful love story. But even with all this, Cal and Libby’s story was so different. I am usually not a fan of the flashbacks or back in forth in time, but with this one, it brought so much to their story. I won’t go much into their journey, I don’t want to spoil it, but just know that a lot happens in Cal and Libby’s lives. Right from the very beginning I knew it was going to be amazing, I was preparing for some angst (because she does this so well!) but I knew it was going to be okay in the end. Don’t get me wrong, there were few times decisions made by the main characters had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room, but reading their journey and witnessing the deep love these two felt for each other, it was going to be worth it. A definite 5-star read!
It’s difficult for mt to express my thoughts for the book I just read….no, experienced. This book is an experience that everyone must read. There isn’t a thing about it I would want to be different. I’m just in awe. Every thought, feeling and word poured out on the pages is so raw and real, delivered fluidly and well spoken. In this story, we experience the life and relationship of Elizabeth (Libby) and Calhoun(Cal). How they meet, what they endure and how they find their HEA. Everyone can write a cute romance book, but sometimes we need something that has so reality to it, some depth to show us its not as easy to get to that HEA as some would think. Which is exactly what we get with this. A perfect example of how what life throws at us can cloud our minds into thinking a decision we think is best for someone could turn out to be their ruin. How sometimes the strength of love may not be enough to pull someone up from under the water. How one choice, one small decision can change your course so dramatically, you wonder if you will ever be the same. Is the magnitude of your connection with someone great enough to heal the wounds they inflict? Again I absolutely loved every minute of this story and it is a must read!
It’s no secret that I love love love Tracey’s writing. And her as an amazing person in general. I have to admit that I was nervous about this story. There aren’t a lot of romances out there where an already married couple is the focus. Reading the book made me think about my own marriage and the times that we haven’t communicated the best or at all and how we overcame that. At first I had a hard time with the story. It’s raw and emotional and so realistic that it was almost too much to read. But that’s part of the point. Sometimes books make us examine our own lives and think what if, how would I have handled this. And Tracey always writes about real life situations and doesn’t always cover up the hard side of love/relationships.
Cal and Libby’s journey to their happily ever after is not an easy one. I found myself wanting to reach into my Kindle and strangle both of them (more Cal). That’s almost always a good sign when it comes to books. I was feeling their emotions along with them, another good sign. I will admit that during the climax of the story, which was a little more violent than I’m used to in Tracey’s books, I had a pit in my stomach the entire time even though I was pretty sure of the outcome. At least I didn’t hurl the Kindle across the room.
As always, Tracey writes a story that runs you through a roller coaster of emotions. After all, it’s part of why I love her stories so much. Ripple Effect comes out tomorrow, February 3. Don’t miss it. And maybe have some tissues and blankets nearby for comfort. I’m just sayin’.
Ripple Effect is an amazing book full of angst and emotion. It is written in past and present tense but it flowed and was easy to follow. Based on Cal and Libby’s story, all the characters were well rounded with their own stories. Cal’s job had you guessing on what he truly did but kept you interested. Loved this book!
My goodness, I am flabbergasted and so overwhelmed with such emotion, that I know I can not put into words how profound Ripple Effect is. Ripple Effect is unlike ANY thing I have ever read before, and the journey that this author took me on is one I am seriously trying to fathom. I knew before I started Ripple Effect that this book was going to wreck me, and my assumptions were correct. The way that Tracey Jerald wrote Cal and Libby’s story from the back and fourth, and past and present was done with such grace and perfection. This author took the liberty of showcasing ‘great world building’ with so much depth and emotion, to navigating a work life with the family life, to the ups and downs, and the in betweens. This story has some serious angst, but the way this author developed the plots and subplots, made Cal and Libby’s story even more heart felt and relatable, Just when I couldn’t even fathom the thought of something, this author made me not only think about it, but made me feel like it was my life that I was living. So needless to say I am still reeling with emotions.
Cal and Libby are a force to be reckoned with. They have a love that can not be described, a love that could stand still with the test of time. They are the epitome of what I can only pray to God my marriage is. They compliment each other so well, I can not picture one without the other. So without further ado, I present to you 2020’s Most Inspirational Book!
*I recommend this book!
Tracey Jerald has a way of writing stories that grip your heart and suck you in and makes you a better person for reading them. Cal and Libby have the kind of love that everyone yearns for but they manage to stumble through their relationship. Their story is heart wrenching as incidents unfold that reinforce that we often times focus on the wrong thing and we just need to be grateful for what we have. Cal and Libby are characters you can relate to and you will find yourself thoroughly invested to hear their full story and cheer them to their HEA.
“If a kiss is a stone meant to disturb the sheen of life’s water. then the recovery of this one may wash me up on the shores.” ~ Elizabeth
So I really need to sit down and think for a bit so I can write a review that is worthy of this book. Ripple Effect is a unique story that gives you all of the feels, including a healthy dose of angst. The characters, Libby and Cal, are both strong and have depth. I am always a little leery of stories that go back and forth between the past and the present because I am worried that I might get lost. But, Tracey Jerald did this flawlessly. It flowed very easily and I was able to follow it without any trouble. I absolutely love her writing style and could easily read her stories all day long, every day. Ripple Effect was a beautifully written book and I absolutely loved it.
Tracey Jerald, how I love thee!! Ripple Effect is Tracey’s latest Standalone. I was unsure how to feel about a world without the Amaryllis series but in her second release since Amaryllis, Tracey has proved once again that there is life outside of that world. Fans of Amaryllis will be happy to know that she’s pulled in a few cameo visits from past characters!! Cal and Libby are the epitome of soul mates and love conquering all. Ripple Effect consumed me and kept me up until the wee hours. I just had to know what was going to happen next. Cal and Libby will leave you breathless and wanting to throw your iPad against the wall all on the same page. Ripple Effect has all the emotions. Love, angst, tears, humor and happy ever after. You won’t be disappointed. Grab a box of tissues, standard issue for any Tracey Jerald novel, and schedule some uninterrupted time to read this gem!! Thank You Tracey for yet another AMAZING read!!
I just wish my words could give this book the proper justification and accolades. The words were so intense. Each page I read the words pulled me in and embedded in my heart & soul . Calhoun “Cal” Sullivan and Elizabeth “Libby” (Akin) Sullivan’s journey through life will pull at your heartstrings. My love for these characters goes beyond their story. I have read many books written by author Tracey Gerald and have been feel in love with every book. This particular book not only had my emotions on a roller coaster ride but gave insight on how a break down in communication can effect a marriage. Growing up, Cal and Libby’s upbringing were completely opposite. Libby’s family are close, wealthy, great memories and a lot of love. Cal’s childhood memories had limited love, poor and memories he wish he could forget. When Cal met Libby in college, when was instructor and working for a company called Alliance. Libby’s smile alone made him want to smile again and have hope for companionship. While in college Cal started to recruit (a soon to be friend and Libby’s cousin)Sam for Alliance. Libby’s roommate, Iris has a major “secret” crush on Sam and soon they all began to hang out together. Cal and Libby’s relationship was a work in progress but once they had that first taste of each other, the world tilted on its axis! Their love making was explosive! As life would have it, the “ripple effect” of one major secret will put their relationship to the test. I’m telling you this may have been my “new” favorite book written by Tracey Gerald. IT WAS SO GOOD!!! Congratulations on another amazing book!
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’m looking forward to reading more. The book bounces between Cal and Libby’s POVs, both past and present, which was perfect for the emotional weight carried throughout. Cal and Libby’s struggles over the course of their relationship are completely relatable and this author did an excellent job of portraying the love, hurt, miscommunication, and forgiveness in their journey. While most readers will not relate to what ultimately lead to their reconciliation (no spoilers!), the underlying issues are the same for so many. I loved Cal from the beginning, despite the secrets. He loved Libby so openly and it was evident he’d do anything for her. Libby started off as such a force, but seemed to lose her identity as their lack of communication took its toll. In the end, I believe she discovered who she needed to be. The epilogue made me happy, if only because the cloud over their relationship was gone. I will say I was confused though, since I haven’t read Tracey’s other books, there were so many new characters introduced in the epilogue that I’m guessing I’ll meet once I read more. Overall, I’d recommend this book. It definitely packs an emotional punch, but love wins in the end.
This is the most intense and heartbreaking story of a broken marriage and second chances. Cal and Libby’s story is very realistic, from how they first met to how they fall in love with one another to their marriage to how they try to give their marriage another chance. It was all worth the read. I get really emotional reading this type of story, but I enjoyed every single thing about it and ended up loving it even more.
The setting of the story actually took place in a live studio where Libby and Cal was telling their story to a therapist in the present day, and the story of how they first met up to the point where they came back to give their marriage another chance all happened in the past. There was a lot of flashback scenes, it wasn’t just a short scene but a full one, and very much entertaining. It wasn’t like the flashback scenes in most books, this one is very different and more enjoyable in my opinion.
The whole time, I was wondering what actually happened that made Cal and Libby’s marriage nearly end, and who was at fault. There are so many questionable things in the story, and since this book has 80 chapters, trying to find the answer will takes time. And the answer was kind of predictable but also kind of not. It doesn’t surprised me that Cal’s job and their lack of communication regarding Cal’s job are mainly the reason why they had so many issues in their marriage.
There are so many lies, secrets, misunderstanding, and miscommunication in Cal and Libby’s relationship. Waiting for the reasons why their marriage was in trouble was very hard. I had to wait for so long to reach to the part where Libby finally touch on that matter. The anticipation of finding the answer was quite challenging. Since the beginning, she and the therapist keep on mentioning the Sea Force, and I was like, “what is the Sea Force? And what is the connection between it and Libby’s marriage?” I was confused actually, but then later on in the story, I can see why the Sea Force tragedy is important. That is the tragedy that brought Cal and Libby back together. I’ve been wondering the importance of it, I thought Libby work in the Sea Force and got into trouble then Cal saved her, oh how wrong I was!
This story focus more on the aspect of a broken marriage, or should I just say…an unsecured marriage that is ready to collapse any time because of too much problems in it. I loved that the author explored this aspect more and make it as the main theme of this book. This is why I find this book so unique than most books I’ve read.
The exploration of this aspect was deeper than I thought, and I gladly pay attention to it. It helps me understand how a compatible pairing and their beautiful marriage can collapse, and what was the reason behind it. It also showed that if you still love your partner, you shouldn’t give up on them but instead, listen to their full explanation first before making any decision that will leave you with full of regrets and guilt. This book does leave so many great messages for the readers.
Not only that, but this book also showed how Cal and Libby try to overcome their guilt, and how to deal with their broken relationship and their broken marriage in a proper way. What will it takes for both of them to reconcile and get back together again. Is their marriage worth fighting for? And what will happen to them once the truth came out? Will they be able to handle it or are they going to walk away from each other’s lives permanently? So many questions, but the answers are worth waiting for.
Cal and Libby are both great and flawed characters which is very realistic that makes anyone can relate to them. I loved the way the author written their character as. The whole problem in their relationship was already tough, and I don’t want to blame only one of them for what happened. But one thing for sure is that, both of them are at fault for different reasons.
Cal is a nice man, he was all good, but the moment he chose to keep a secret about what his job actually is and covered it with lies, I knew right then and there that it will become a problem. Well, I wasn’t wrong. I liked Cal’s character, he’s so charming, so romantic, and always try his best to fulfill his promises and be the best he can be. He’s a workaholic, and his job always come first. I literally had no problem with him being a hardworking person, but I was fuming that Libby doesn’t come first and that he chose his job over his wife on more than one occasion. He deserted his marriage with Libby because of all the tough mission he had to do, and I get why his job is important because he is a secret agent and the things he had to do are beyond normal people’s imagination. He’d been saving lives, and sometimes had to go overseas for weeks. Not that it was wrong, what he did was truly remarkable, but it was better for him not to make many empty promises.
Every time he did something wrong, he always went to a great length to prove that he can be better, and he always give a better gift to his wife in order to make up for his wrongdoings. Cal is the type of man who will never give up, and he always try to better himself and that’s why I love his character development. His character keeps on growing to be so much better than before.
Libby on the other hand is a very nice and wonderful woman. Her character went through so much changes in the story. It was nice to see her all happy and smiling, but then after having to go through a lot of painful things in her life, she just changed. She’s not the same Libby like in the early of the story, but instead Elizabeth the American heiress. She had two different sides; Libby the happy sun-flowery woman, and Elizabeth the heiress. She doesn’t put on her heiress mask for a lot longer, and for the majority of the book, she did stay as Libby. Seeing the shift in her character just shows how wonderfully-written her character is, it was like she can be any character. She truly pulled off the happy look and the serious look so well too.
The whole time I read the book, I could feel her pain, her sadness and loneliness. I feel bad for her because she spent a lot of time being alone than with Cal due to the all dangerous and secretive mission that Cal had to do. I get why she was upset, but I was wishing for her to understand Cal more, like truly understand that his job is complicated and that he cannot shore a lot more details since he is basically a secret agent as he already told her. Cal’s dishonesty is what makes Libby second-guessing everything about their relationship, and why she always demanded answers from him because she couldn’t come to an understanding about his job. I do get both of their reasons, but seeing Libby was the only one who had to suffer really breaks my heart.
Libby is a very vulnerable character. She easily get hurt, get sad, but despite all of that, she is still a strong and independent businesswoman who is also a workaholic. Her character might be weak but actually is strong, if you look closely and understand her more then you’ll know it. She’s too strong but she always underestimated herself, and when she realize her strength, she doesn’t easily back down from a fight. I loved that she’s not stubborn when she and Cal tried to reconcile their marriage, but instead willing to give their marriage another chance. She’s so unpredictable, I thought she already gave up and walked away forever, but thankfully she doesn’t.
Their romance was wonderful. Cal always showered Libby with a lot of gifts; buying sunflowers for her because it always remind him of her smile. And all their dates was beautiful. There wasn’t a lot of romance due to the story is focusing mainly on their broken marriage and the reason behind it. Despite there wasn’t a lot of romance going on, I still loved their romantic moments that was shown in the story. I loved that despite the ups and downs of their marriage, they still have a great and strong chemistry. But sadly, the more Cal was away on a mission, the more they lose their connection—not just physical connection, but also emotional connection—making their relationship slowly going downhill. This is the most heartbreaking thing for me to witness, and having to see how this wonderful couple struggling to repair what’s broken between them was so painful.
To me, the reconciliation was very well-written. After all, it always went back to the beginning of the story—the time Cal and Libby first met each other. I was swooning over how Cal knew where Libby was, and he doesn’t give it a second thought and just straight up pack his things to win her back and he never forget to buy her a bouquet of sunflowers. Also, I really like how the author made both of them have a full conversation regarding the issues in their marriage and made both of them be more open about everything.
This book, the whole story, the journey of Cal and Libby are all worth the read. I was glad to be able to witness everything and to follow them on their journey from the moment they first met up until the moment they’re back together again. This is the most heartbreaking, devastating and yet moving story about second chances and marriage in jeopardy, and so many great messages can be taken from this book. Cal and Libby’s story will break your heart in a lot of ways, but you’ll be happy once you reach the ending. This is the type of book that I would read more than once because of how beautiful the story was written and the experience is so out-of-this-world. I highly recommend this to those who loves reading a romance story about broken marriage and second chances.
This book of Tracey Jerald is a must-read especially for couples who lack time and trust with each other despite of undeniable love they have with each other. Cal might be a hatesome character knowing how he fucked up his marriage with Libby through lies and lack of time but I can’t argue that he deserves second chance which I normally don’t approve without heavy reasons. He truly loves Libby. His mistake was that he just didn’t trust her enough to tell the truth he’s been keeping for years which creates a ripple effect on their marriage. I’m just glad Libby is a smart woman, has a strong character and a genuine love which saves the marriage.
This was my first read from this author, and let me say it won’t be my last.
Let’s just say I loved it.
This book has all the feels… angst, tears, laughter, love and ending with a HEA.
What an emotional roller coaster, but loved every minute of it.
Must read
Solid 4.5 star
Firstly don’t start this book later in the day as it isn’t a short book and you will not put it down until the end. Be ready to laugh, cry, get angry, frustrated, devastated, elated , a mess and just all over the shows with your emotions. Cal and Libby are made for each other but boy Cal doesn’t make it easy, I get where he is coming from but hello, when you have multiple people telling you to do a specific something and you don’t it’s gonna come back and bite you! This is a love story like no other you have read, from when they first meet to well over 10 years later and you question if their heartbeats will still be in sync or will some devastating things rip them apart!!
Wow. This love story is one that ripes at your heart and soul for the characters, it’s unlike many I’ve read. The characters are so loveable, yet the hero might need a good beating every now and then.
Their storey is one told in a way of time lining, past and present, their meeting- their love- their obstacles -their day to day….i feel like theirs not much about these characters i don’t know about. Theirs love and laughter, hurt and heartbreak, pain and sorrow… And theirs doubts, doubts of the worst kinds, and things no-one wants to think about… And then, theirs acceptance and closure and love and peace and rightness…
I cried and I laughed and I screamed…and I smiled at characters from past books– because this is something I love for an author to do! This book brought all of the emotions, something I’ve learned to expect from this author. Her words flow so effortlessly through the pages, taking me on a journey I wasn’t quite ready for but feel I was right there through every step of.
Libby and Cal meet while she’s in college. Libby is a beautiful, smart, and strong woman. Cal is a very serious man had some issues growing up. A few go by and they meet up sparks fly and they married. Somewhere along the line there is miscommunication. Can they find there way back to each other. Great characters and storyline highly recommended. Amazing Book.
This book was such an emotional, intense read. Cal and Libby’s story was so heartfelt. This journey Tracey brings you on is a roller coaster ride of emotions. You go through all the feels. There is emotional pain, lies, sadness, happiness, joy and lots of love. It’s such a realistic journey that pulls at your heartstrings. Once again, Tracey pulls you in and doesn’t let you go from the first page till the last. I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.
There are those authors you know are going to take you on a journey far away from your life. They do it so well that you forget everything else and just bask in the book and it’s characters. You feel every prick to the heart. Every lie is a personal affront. Every pain is felt in your core. This author fits into that category. While this time she does give us some of the details of what goes on behind close doors she doesn’t over do it. The book sends us back and forth in time as we discover the love and troubles of Libby and Cal. Their story is one based on lies and half truths that end up being the factor that almost destroys them. The ripples causing them to drift to and fro, further and further away from their starting point, each other. They will both find solace but will that solace help them or will they have to let go.
This isn’t just a love story, just a romance, of course if it was it wouldn’t be written by this author. As she takes you back in time to share how they got to where they are you will float on their ripples, drown in their waves, be swept away on their tsunami. If you thought the Amaryllis Series was a one up for this author you will be pleased to know she just gets better with time. As in that series she will make you feel every emotion, every tear, every thrill, every disappointment. She will share their healing with words and actions that may reach beyond the book and into your heart. She will take you to a place where you will ride the ripples and let them lead you to the place where your heart belongs in this standalone read.
Absolute MUST READ!!!! This is one of those books that’s hard to put your take on it into words. This story will pull you in and you won’t be able to put the book down. You go on the emotional rollercoaster that is Cal and Libby’s life journey. Buckle up because this is an emotional ride but it is an amazing one, beginning to end.