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Resurrection

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Jenna:

My life was perfect. I’d had it all: a doting husband, a career on the rise, and great kids. When all that comes down around me—when I lose the one person I need— it feels like my world has been swirling around the edges of a black hole. A never-ending despair that is consuming me. The vows I had made to him still haunt me, still feel as fresh as the day I’d spoken those words. But he’s gone and I don’t know how to move on. I’m not even sure I could.

Until… I meet him.

Chase:

I was happy. So happy. There was nothing more that a man could ask for. I had the kind of fairy tale that few get. I worked hard and played hard, but my family always came first. But when it all crumbled around me, I didn’t know how to carry on without the love of my life at my side. They say, ‘till death do us part’. I just never thought she’d go before me. Now, all I do is exist because I must, and my children need me. But some days, I can’t push past the pain and misery. Sometimes, I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do.

Then she comes crashing into my life. And in that instant, I know… My life will never be the same again.

331 pages, ebook

First published March 10, 2017

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About the author

Maggie Jane Schuler

17 books108 followers
Maggie Jane Schuler is a wife, mother of three children who have flown the nest, and teacher by day. While she has always loved to read, the thought of writing her own prose did not strike until she was in the middle of writing her Master’s Thesis. From that point on she was hooked.


She resides in Southern California. Besides the family and books, she loves baseball. Since the Dodgers, Angels, and Padres are all within a short distance, and the Giants and Athletics a nice weekend jaunt away, she’s got plenty of games to take in during the season. Additionally, she enjoys cooking, movies, the beach, and the local mountains. She’s most content being with her family engaged in whatever activity they have planned.

Social Media Connects:
Website: www.maggiejaneschuler.com
FB: bit.ly/AuthorMaggieJaneSchulerFB
Twitter: bit.ly/MaggieJaneSchulerTwitter
IG: bit.ly/maggiejanenerdynovelistInstagram
Goodreads: bit.ly/GoodreadsMJS
Amazon: Author.to/AmazonMaggieJaneSchuler

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
606 reviews
March 15, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Resurrection
Author: Maggie Jane Schuler
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: March 10, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No

4 Stars

*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+

Synopsis:
My life was perfect. I’d had it all: a doting husband, a career on the rise, and great kids. When all that comes down around me—when I lose the one person I need— it feels like my world has been swirling around the edges of a black hole. A never-ending despair that is consuming me. The vows I had made to him still haunt me, still feel as fresh as the day I’d spoken those words. But he’s gone and I don’t know how to move on. I’m not even sure I could.

Until… I meet him.

Chase:

I was happy. So happy. There was nothing more that a man could ask for. I had the kind of fairy tale that few get. I worked hard and played hard, but my family always came first. But when it all crumbled around me, I didn’t know how to carry on without the love of my life at my side. They say, ‘till death do us part’. I just never thought she’d go before me. Now, all I do is exist because I must, and my children need me. But some days, I can’t push past the pain and misery. Sometimes, I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do.

Then she comes crashing into my life. And in that instant, I know… My life will never be the same again.

My Thoughts:
Wow! What an emotional roller coaster! I normally don’t do sad books and when I started reading this, I thought uh oh what the heck did I get myself into, but I pulled up my big girl panties and powered through. I was so drawn in by this book and went through so many feels that my heart clenched and my stomach tingled.

There is deep to the bottom of your soul sorrow. Jenna and Chase both deeply loved their spouses and it left them devastated, but both being single parents, they had to push on living their lives. They go through profound grief, anger, and felt emptiness. My heart hurt for them.

They were just going through the motions and they knew that their children needed more than that. They needed more than that. They needed to learn how to live again. But how?

By chance, they are brought together through a business meeting. They both felt that electric zing when they touched after Jenna caught her heel on the carpet and Chase caught her. They both felt extreme guilt for finding the other attractive.

This book really touches all aspects that a single parent of three children under the age of four goes through. Both had careers. Both had sets of twins. Jenna had twin boys that were a year old and a darling precocious three-year-old daughter. Chase had rambunctious three-year-old twin boys and an eight-month-old daughter.

Chase is an amazing man. He realizes he may be ready to move on when he meets Jenna. He wants to pursue a relationship with her. Jenna is hesitant and puts up barriers until Chase can talk her off the ledge. It was beautiful watch as their relationship developed. Jenna was a great heroine. She was strong even though she felt she was weak. She loved her children fiercely.

There is a lot that goes on in this story. There’s sadness, but it also was funny at times, the banter, the secondary characters and the everyday life things that happen to families. There are twists that you don’t see coming that just gets you in the gut. Characters are finding out that their lives were not as they thought. Lies and betrayal come to light.

I don’t want to give away what happens as I want you to read this well written touching book. I was surprised that this is a debut novel for this author as she did a great job of creating this story and its great cast of characters. I truly look forward to reading more of her work.

I highly recommend you give this book a try!

ARC kindly provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.



Profile Image for Bozica.
679 reviews21 followers
March 21, 2017
I received this book as a "blind date with a book" - not knowing the title, author or synopsis.
Its a great concept and I love the idea of it.

This is the authors debut novel and whilst the premise was good, and I was engaged in parts of the book, most of it fell short for me because she was telling me the story rather than showing me. I did not feel an emotional response to the scenes where it would be expected and I am emotional reader known to be brought to tears on page 1 of a book.

I am not a fan of "insta love" and in all four relationships here (the current relationship between Jenna and Chase and the previous relationship with their respective spouses) this was the case. Aside from the epilogue the book spans only 2 weeks which is too fast in my mind for such deep emotions and commitments to be made.

I liked the characters especially Chase and think the author has potential if she can get her readers more connected and engaged in the story and her characters.
2,040 reviews24 followers
November 17, 2020
It was going OK until around 80% then the author threw in that farfetched plot change which ruined a reasonable storyline. That twist spoiled this story for me and appeared to be thrown in without a real explanation. To rushed too much skimming over and there was a massive gap from that to their HEA.
275 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2019
Absolutely beautiful.....this story had me mesmerised, so beautifully told. I absolutely loved Chase and Jenna and fell in love big time with Lacey and all her very comical 4 year old sayings and words, she melted my heart. At one stage I was having a cry for the heartbreak that both Chase and Jenna were faced with and then I was sitting reading with the goofiest smile on my face, as a new attraction/ friendship was starting. This story will be forever a favourite read that I will pick up again and again. Loved it❤️
Profile Image for Book Buddies.
34 reviews
March 16, 2019
I love Resurrection, definitely hit the spot for me. I love the characters Jenna & Chase, I will definitely be back to read more by Author Maggie Jane Schuler :) A definite 5 Stars for me :)
Profile Image for Ashley .
1,086 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2017
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Wowza this gave me the feels! This book took me on a ride through happiness and sadness over and over. I was heartbroken and elated all in the same novel! That's how you know you're writing a great book. You inspire many emotions in your readers to come out.

Jenna and Chase both experienced such deep sorrow through the loss of a spouse. Being a single parent and being depressed is how they both start out. Then by chance they are able to find happiness and love again through each other. At first Jenna was hesitant, but Chase was able to draw out her feelings and their love grew slowly but beautifully.

I can promise that if you love Schuler you will not be disappointed with her new work. You will laugh, cry, get angry and scream at your book from characters being evil and dumb! And lastly you will be satisfied that you have read something that was able to take you through all these emotions in one novel.
Profile Image for Danielle Dickson.
Author 7 books486 followers
March 24, 2017
I received this book as part of a 'book blind date' for honest feedback and was eager to get started on it.

The story follows Jenna and Chase, a widow and widower trying to come to terms with the untimely death of their spouses. They're both just going through the motions with their kids until they meet each other. Not knowing the book title, blurb or author I didn't know what to expect, and when I read the first page I did find myself thinking 'Oh, another Cancer book,' I was so glad this wasn't the case.

Jenna struggles the most with survivors guilt while Chase seems put together a little more, he helps to keep her afloat.

I've given the book 4 stars because I did really like the story, but I did feel like the author was 'telling' us the story instead of 'showing' us sometimes so I didn't feel emotionally invested in the couple, but I did the kids because naturally I have a huge soft spot for kids in books. The ending was a little too rushed for me as well but that's just me being greedy because I wanted more Chase.

I understand this was a debut novel so congrats and thank you for letting me read as part of the book blind date :)
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews351 followers
March 20, 2017
description
Jenna is figuring out how to live and care for her three young children on her own. After losing her husband shortly after the birth of there twin sons, she's left to care for them and their three year old sister. Grief is strong, and she thought she'd be prepared, but nothing could prepare her for what it would truly be like.
Chase is in the same boat. He was living the dream. A perfect wife, three year old sons, and a brand new baby girl. When a tragic accident claims his wife, he has to be strong for his kids.
This book will break you right in the beginning. It will tear you apart, and spend a lot of time repairing the damage. I literally felt the pain these characters suffered. They handled their grief differently. Maggie wrote this book perfectly with life like emotions. Guilt for dating, thoughts of the other person being sent from your spouse so you could be happy. I loved seeing them help each other through. Loss is always hard. You not only hurt for yourself, but also your kids. This book was beautifully written and I love the dual pov by the main characters. I'm so happy I found another new author and can't wait to read more from her!
Profile Image for Margie.
106 reviews
October 29, 2017
The writing is beautiful, lyrical even. Not my normal go to type of book, but it sucked me in and gave me the 'feels'. A lovely story about loss and climbing up from the destruction it leaves in your life.
Profile Image for Jillian Mackenzie.
154 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2017
I was given this book as a "Blind Date" read. I didn't know who the author, title or even what the cover was. Looking at the cover now, and the title I know that I would have purchased this book from those things alone.

This book started strongly for me, I was really enjoying it until things started coming together a little too neatly. I like a bit of grit and toughness in my reads. This book is really quite sweet, and if you love second chance romances then I think it is definitely worth giving this first time author a try.

It was nice reading about a "nice guy" for a change. Chase is a true gentleman and an amazing father even after the tragedy he had been through.

I did enjoy this author's writing, even if there was too much detail for some parts of the book and not enough in others. I think the more she writes the better she will get and I really look forward to reading more from her and seeing how she will develop.
169 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2017
Read this on a recommendation , am I glad I did. Not really knowing much about the story made it an even more entertaining book. Resurrection is the story of Chase and Jenna - 2 people who have both suffered so much sadness in their lives. We meet them at the same point in both there lives, 6 months from the sad events that shape their family lives.
As you move through the book chapter by chapter you feel the emotion, the excitement ,the sadness the hope.
A lovely read, and one I thoroughly recommend
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
17.2k reviews208 followers
March 16, 2017
This is a debut novel from this author, and my goodness, what a fantastic job she has done! There is nothing I enjoy more than reading a new authors work, as going into a story totally blind is compelling and intriguing.
Chase and Jenna are both strong characters, who do what they have to in order to navigate through life after each of them enduring tragedy. This is an emotional and heartbreaking storyline, which is beautifully written.
I ended up reading this book in one sitting as I could not put it down. Hats off to Maggie on a stunning debut! I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Mardell Bonasso.
254 reviews
March 16, 2017
I wish I could give Resurrection more than 5 stars. I'd give 5 stars each to Jenna and Chase's characters. I was so into their stories I could not turn the pages fast enough. Maggie Jane Schuler took a very emotional storyline and turned it into a wonderfully written, amazing story! She definitely brought out all the feels, starting in the very first chapter and continuing throughout the entire book. An excellent debut novel. I highly recommend this book, with a box of tissues.
Profile Image for Vanessa (When Vane Reads).
660 reviews249 followers
March 21, 2017
3.5 stars!
I received an Arc as "Blind date", and it was better than I expected.
I liked the beginning very much, had a well developed argument and the truth made me wish I did not stop reading. Both characters have to go through very difficult situations and my heart was broken.
Chase is a very sweet character, with a great empathy, Jenna is a strong girl, that reaches your heart.
I also like the relationship between the characters, both main and secondary, as they interact.
I love certain scenes that are too tender and others make me laugh and I loved how the author handled the denouement of the book.
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,312 reviews144 followers
March 12, 2017
Started reading this book not knowing what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. When it starts I was thinking omg this is going to be one of those heartbreaking books and lets just say that's how it started with both Chase and Jenna receiving tragedy heartbreak . But then they learn to slowly move on with their lives they both have 3 kids each to look after all. When they first run into each other Chase saves Jenna from falling flat on her face and lets just say the pull and attraction was not just one sided. As they will be now working together things will be intresting but both think the other one is married so when truths come out and feelings start to develop things start to change but for some its not as easy to move on than others. When more secrets from the past are revealed Jenna has to decide is it time to finally let it all go and be happy? and will Chase be waiting while she does ? well your going to have to read it to find out. I loved the fact that all the kids were so involved in the book that you got to know them just as you got to know Chase and Jenna. Really enjoyed this book will be looking forward to reading more from this author...
March 20, 2017
This book was amazing....brilliant debut

I cannot believe the RESURRECTION is the debut novel for Maggie, it was brilliant. It flowed easily from scene to scene, the editing was perfect and the storyline itself was heartbreakingly beautiful.

RESURRECTION is a story that will tap into all of your emotions from the moment that you start reading it. This book opens with two families facing the ultimate tragedy - the loss of a parent and a life partner. Chase and Jenna's lives are torn asunder and they both must learn how to move on with their lives, they both have children that need them.

Chase and Jenna meet quite by accident, literally, and the attraction is instantaneous, but both are extremely wary. Their story is emotional and heartbreaking, but it also allows for a future with hope. Chase and Jenna have a second chance at happiness and love, and I, as a reader, felt so privileged to be able to review their story. I laughed, cried and raged along with them. Every emotion was a pure one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading many more from this author. A definite must read for those who enjoy a story about second chance love.

Read and Reviewed voluntarily for Reading Is Our Satisfaction Blog.

FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,311 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2017
I had the luck to read this book, not knowing the author or the title or even the book cover, it was a total blind read, thanks to the "Quirky Blind Date With A Book" a FB group of readers, I was so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. I will admit I have never heard of Maggie Jane Schular before? but I know she will be an author that I will be keeping an eye on to see what happens next? Here's hoping her writing career will be a plentiful one indeed!! ... I enjoyed her writing style. I will say it is a very deep descriptive read, in depth, most of my reading tends to be more light-hearted, easy breezy. It was fun to try something on new that is different to me. Loved it!! it is a bit of an emotional roller coaster ... bits of sadness and happiness throughout. I can't wait to read more from Maggie. Well done!! Must read in my book! Almost forgot to say, I love that cover, now that I have finally seen it. ha. ha!! ( ;
Profile Image for Lisa Mccrey.
361 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2017
Review: I absolutely adored this novel. This book, the first of what I hope to be many from this author, is a joy to read. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster from chapter 1 and by chapter 2 I was reaching for Kleenex and hoping that his book was NOT going to be a cry-fest. We all need one every now and again, but in the middle of a trying semester, I was NOT ready for that type of release. Luckily I was not subjected to much more tissue grabbing. Thank goodness.

I love Chase (H). He is such a joy to read. Told from alternating points of view, every time I was reading him I felt myself smile a little bit, and root for him just a little harder to get the girl. The only thing that bugged me about Chase, he had no problems leaving the babies and as a mom, I get anxiety about leaving my little even if it's with my sister.

Jenna (h)is a vulnerable mess, but she has every reason to be. I love how she cares for her babies and her commitment to them and work is admirable, but girlfriend needed to get laid. Bad. Enter my main man Chase (go get 'er tiger!). The push and pull between these two is romance novel gold. Especially in a second chance romance. You don't want to make the same mistakes as before so you're cautious AND when you have kids dating's even more complicated. I loved loved loved it because I could relate since my husband and I met when I already had a 9-year-old son. Anywho, the star of this book is and forever will be Lacey. The precocious three-year-old who stole every scene she was in. I fell in love with this cutie instantaneously. What she brings to this story is so innocent and precious you can't help but love her.

Now for the not so greats...it ended too soon. Just when all the juicy bits are coming to light we get and epilogue that jumps us ahead 7 years. WTF!!wedding-crashers-wtf My feelings were hurt because dammit I needed answers! It doesn't look like we are getting a second book so you will have to hit up the author for the answers to those questions. Maybe she'll be a gem and do a Q&A with me some time??? So, 4.5 stars for this wonderful debut novel by newcomer Maggie J. Schuler!
Profile Image for Pandora Spocks.
Author 22 books144 followers
April 13, 2017
Resurrection by Maggie Jane Schuler begins with heartbreak. Jenna watches as her husband slowly succumbs to the ravages of cancer, even as she struggles to work full-time and parent their toddler daughter and infant twin sons. After his death, she numbly moves forward, caring for the children and eventually returning to work.

On the other side of town, Chase is devastated at the sudden loss of his wife to a drunk driver. He can't imagine how he can pick up the pieces and raise their three children alone.

When Jenna and Chase meet, the attraction is instant. But can Jenna move past her grief and embrace another chance at love? And is there something else nagging at the back of her mind?

This book is emotional, heartfelt, and downright sexy--everything I love about a good romance! 5 STARS!
Profile Image for Stacey Broadbent.
Author 43 books242 followers
March 13, 2017
This was a fantastic debut novel for Maggie Jane Schuler. I went into this with no idea what to expect and I can say, it was so much more than I anticipated.
The absolute heartbreak that these characters both endured is something I wouldn't wish upon anyone. I couldn't imagine going through such heartache while at the same time trying to bring up three children. I loved seeing them grow and push through, letting go a little at a time so that they can move on, and find that love on the other side.
Chase is so patient and caring. He continues to support Jenna as she stumbles her way through both her heartache, and her confusion.

I found this book to be a breath of fresh air. It's so different to any of the books I normally read, and I absolutely loved it.
323 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2019
What a beautiful story!
My stomach sunk when I read the first line. Was I going to cope with reading this story?
And yes, I did find it difficult to read at first, imagining myself in their hearbreaking situations, but I persevered and I'm so glad I did as once I'd started, I couldn't stop. Talk about pulling on your heart strings though, this story was an emotional rollercoaster!! Just as I thought I was coping and their situation was lightening, something was thrown in to start the tears again.....but I suppose that's the true nature of what Jenna and Chase were living and Maggie has made it so real for her readers.
I absolutely loved little Lacey, who is a breath of fresh air and had me laughing out loud with some of her innocent comments.
Such a thought provoking read, making me reflect on what we value in life. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Joshua Smith.
Author 9 books57 followers
March 11, 2017
This is a fantastic first novel. I'll warn you that it starts out with a whole lot of death and sadness, which is a bold choice in the romance genre. But things brighten up, and it turns into a viscerally real story of what it's like to find love as a single parent. Times two. Schuler is a skilled writer, who knows how to paint a scene without burying you in detail. The story is told in dual first person, which isn't my favorite (I prefer a little less exposition about what people are thinking than a 1st person naturally leads to). But I enjoyed it nonetheless. People who love romance novels will love this book.

(I was provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,441 reviews82 followers
March 20, 2017
Reviewer: Lindsey
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Heartbreak is something we all go through, but Jenna and Chase world shattered around them and they didn’t think the pieces would ever get put back together again. This story will test your emotions and take you on a rollercoaster ride to last a lifetime. This book will take your emotions and leave you feeling lost when it’s all over. Maggie Jane Schuler gives a great story and I enjoyed every second of it. The chemistry between these two characters is strong and will drag you into the story full force. Chase and Jenna rollercoaster ride of a relationship and family life was just so crazy sometimes. Their relationship threw the good, the bad, and all of the downs and how strong they were was just so good .
This is a great story to relax to on a sunny day. There was passion, suspense, and just so much to love about this book. This is a must read book and I can’t wait to see what else she comes out with .This is a great story of a second chance at love .One that comes with a ready-made family with more love and forms a stronger bond .So if you love second chance romances you would love this story .
March 13, 2017
I would give this book 6 stars if I could.
I was given this book to read with no synopsis or title or the authors name so had no idea what to expect.
This one grabbed me in the first chapter and I couldn't put it down. So emotional with the characters sizzling chemistry bursting from the pages. I love Chase so sweet, romantic and hot but also pushy and persistent. Loved the story from start to finish. It's so well written and won't be my last read from this author. A new one added to my faves list..xx thanks so much xx
March 29, 2017
Jenna and Chase's story is a beautiful tell of what happens when the rug is pulled out from underneath you and you must move forward. Chase's determination to bring Jenna out of her shell provides all the feels and the subtle twist along the way are Easter egged nicely for the 'Ah ha' moments which ties it all together. Schuler does a great job in her debut and I'm looking forward to watching more from her.
141 reviews
March 31, 2017
Resurrection is a little bit of something different. It is a tender and heartfelt read. Chase and Jenna had both lost their partners and were striving to step out of the darkness that they were both left in. A chance meeting between the two set them both on the path to rebuilding their lives. The storyline was jammed packed with drama with some unexpected plot twists. A debut novel that is an entertaining easy book to read and become engrossed in.
Profile Image for Jen.
115 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2017
I got this book through a blind date with a book. I knew nothing when I started didn't even see the cover. I was hooked from page one! Couldn't put it down.

Jenna lost her husband, chase lost his wife, both find themselves single and heart broken not knowing where life would take them. By work or a guardian angel (read the book to find out - no not a paranormal romance) the two meet, does Great loves happen twice in your life?

The story is very well written and flows nicely.
Profile Image for Rebecca L..
Author 4 books44 followers
August 2, 2018
I received this book as a birthday present and although I usually prefer historical romances with ballgowns and horse drawn carriage rides, this tale of second chances didn't disappoint! The author doesn't shy away from describing the pain of losing a loved one and her descriptions of the bereaved children left me misty eyed. I appreciate the message that love always finds a way through the darkest and most troubling times. I found myself rooting for the protagonists and wondering if they would be able to find a happy ending. If, like me, you have a soft spot for romance, I'm certain you will find this story of the redeeming power of love to be utterly timeless.
Profile Image for Monique Tinline.
389 reviews
March 20, 2017
I got this book going in blind. Not knowing the title, author or blurb. It was something new and I quite enjoyed it.

Resurrection was a sweet story of second chances. When life throws you a curve ball, reality of being a parent never stops and you need to face up to it. Doesn't mean the grieving is any easier, but when you meet someone with similar circumstances it make life abit easier.

Jenna and Chase are a well matched couple. I enjoyed watching there insecurities and then overcome then.

I found the simplicity of some scenes abit hard and wasn't quite consistent through the book, but believe the more this author writes the more developed her writing will be.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,530 reviews48 followers
March 20, 2017
A beautiful emotional read

Pass me the tissues please. Wow this book was a truly beautiful emotional read. It had me from the first page. Chase and Jenna were simply beautiful. They draw you in with how they go through the stages of lost for each of their spouses all while both caring for multiple young children. It was wonderful to see how Chase never let Jenna run when it became a battle for her. I loved how the families seamlessly fit together. All the kids were simply adorable.

I really loved this emotional ride. It's one of the most wonderful books I've read in a long time. I cried and cheered with this one. Maggie Jane Schuler wrote one heck of a book and this is her debut at that. I have already recommended this one to several people because this just became a must read in my eyes. I really wish I could give it more stars. I'm anxious to see what Maggie has coming out in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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