This book was amazing. I will definitely be reading more by this author. I am still thinking about the characters and the storyline months after having read it and having read many books in between. Amazing! Was recommended to me to read from a book group I belong to and highly recommend others read it as well.

Still on shaky footing after an affair rocked their marriage, Claire Powell finds herself following her husband to Atlanta for a job, leaving behind her own dream job, and getting saddled with a mansion she never wanted. Will this move push them to their breaking point?

A gripping and gritty read, that pulled me in with it's flawed characters and raw emotions. Claire is a woman trying to do the best with what she's been given, trying to act in faith when a deep trust has been broken. I was drawn in by her unreliable narrative, her humanity, and I could feel her every heartbreak. I loved the new friends that she makes in Atlanta, especially Beatrice.

A powerful read that had me in a strangle-hold reading until the early hours, and this isn't even my preferred genre! I loved how the author dealt with a difficult and painful topic realistically, with faith showing that restoration is a painful process, weaving in a rich history as well. Highly recommend this powerful read!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Million Little Choices is simply amazing! I've loved every book I've read by Tamera Alexander and this one is no exception. This story starts with Claire and Stephen and their marriage that is on the rocks due to a "near affair" on his part. After they move from Colorado to Atlanta for a fresh start things only seem to get worse. One day while Claire is working on their antebellum home she discovers an old leather bound book in a trunk which was written by Charlotte Thursmann who lived in the home in 1863. That is where the story goes from present day to 1860's.

Hard topics such as infidelity, domestic violence and losing one's child abound in this story. It's not always easy to read but it's so so good!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 7 November 2023

I was engrossed in this story! Every night had me saying "One more chapter!"

I love the depth of the main character. I felt like I knew her. Tamera Alexander faced hard things with authenticity, never shying away from addressing topics that some Christian authors gloss over (or leave out completely.) It was done tactfully and in a way that felt real.

The historical element surprised me, but it was woven in so well that I fell in love with a new set of characters, always eager to know what happened next.

The Bible truths were gently woven into the story, just as the main character discovered them and made them her own. It was lovely and I only hope for more stories like this from Alexander!

This book was a little hard for me. I really wasn’t enjoying it in the beginning but it is well-written so I kept at it and I’m glad it did. When the Civil War timeline part of the story got going I was really drawn in. I really liked this thought provoking quote that became a theme: “What if I lived from a perspective of how my choices might help or hurt others in the light of eternity?” What a difference living life from that eternal perspective could make. Both timelines are emotional and sometimes heart wrenching but layered with love, forgiveness and redemption.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndall Publishers for the opportunity to read for honest review.

An intriguing, very challenging, if a bit difficult to read.
Why do I say difficult? It is because it deals with infidelity, broken marriages, abuse, and some other hard topics.
I really enjoyed both of the time frames in this dual timeline story, but I especially enjoyed reading the present day one. Clair's life was pretty near perfect, when her husband admits to "almost" having an affair. Obviously, this changes everything. They move to the south, into a house she doesn't want, and she is forced to deal with that yet, too, on top of everything else.
But then, she discovers something very fascinating about her new home. And finds herself headlong in a forgotten story, with a bit of mystery woven in.

This story was captivating, and a good read, but I would offer a word of caution. This isn't for young readers. Could cause triggers.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

What a brilliant book! The author writes so vividly that I felt in was right with the characters, involved in what they were doing and feeling what they were feeling!
There are several significant quotes in the book. One is, '"How different might my life be if I chose to live from eternity?" How awesome is this thought that even though what tomorrow will hold, Who holds them is known.
I loved this quote in the book from Edward Bear, Winnie the Pooh, in '" If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart. I'll stay there forever."'
Finally, the book starts with Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote that,
"We sow a thought and reap an action.
We sow an action and reap a habit.
We sow a habit and reap a lifestyle.
We sow a lifestyle and reap a character.
We sow a character and reap a destiny."
The book title comes this thought of a million little choices. Read it and you will see why!
This book might possibly be triggering for subjects of infidelity, sexual abuse and physical abuse.
I have much gratitude to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy. The thoughts expressed are my own.

Claire Powell reluctantly moves to Atlanta to follow her husband, Steven, to his new high-power attorney job. Claire must leave behind her college-age daughter, her own interior design job, and the grave of her young son. They take with them the baggage of that untimely death plus the aftermath of a "near affair" of Steven with a young woman.

In the fresh start Claire wants to hope that they can mend the past and make a future. Steven must work on his own issues, including the escape he takes in working long hours. The choice of a house in Atlanta is key to the story. I don't want to reveal on that front.

It was a powerful story of hurt, resentment, strength and overcoming.

Straight into it! and I can picture her right away; this lady speaks from the heart. Involving from the word go, it is hard to imagine the author hasn’t been through all of this herself - she knows so surely just what it feels like. It is also hard to believe these aren’t actual people, they seem so real. The writer takes us on a journey, not just across country but a journey of the soul. A reminder that none of us is perfect, even though we may be the ‘wronged’ partner. And that although we may have a plan for our life, God may have something even better planned for us. If we insist on our own way, what greater things might we be missing out on?
This story is powerful, powerful writing & not to be missed.

This was a first time author for me.
I wanted to get into it but the book just didn’t catch for me. I felt like I was thrown into a story with no backstory.

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The pacing of A Million Little Choices is medium-paced.

POV: A Million Little Choices is told from 1st person POV (Claire and Charlotte). There are journal entries written by Claire (and, towards the end, Nettie) that are in 2nd person.

Trigger/Content Warning: A Million Little Choices has trigger and content warnings. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

Sexism & Misogyny
Slavery
Rape
Infidelity
Domestic Abuse & Violence
Divorce
Alcohol Consumption
Involuntary Pregnancy
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Childbirth
Blood
Death of a child
Death of a spouse
Grief & Loss Depiction
Sexual Content: There is no on-page sexual content in A Million Little Choices. There are scenes where rape is implied, and there is a scene where Claire finds out her husband sexually cheated (nothing graphic).

Language: A Million Little Choices uses no swearing or offensive language.

Setting: A Million Little Choices mainly takes place in Atlanta, Georgia. The first few chapters are set in Denver, Colorado.

Age Range: I recommend A Million Little Choices to anyone over 21.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

When Claire’s husband, a successful attorney, announces he is taking a job in Atlanta, Georgia, Claire is upset. She gets even more upset when she finds out he purchases a historic Southern home without her knowledge or permission. With her marriage already rocky due to her husband having an emotional affair, the move and the house purchase push it to the brink. The final blow comes when her husband confesses to a sexual encounter with the same woman he had an emotional affair with. Forced to divorce, Claire questions if God is steering her in the right direction and prays for His guidance. But, when she discovers the house she now unwillingly lives in, it could be the guidance she has sought.

Charlotte Thursmann is living a hellish existence. Forced to marry when her beloved husband died a couple of years earlier, she deals with an abusive husband. As a stop on The Underground Railroad, she is committed to helping enslaved people escape their abusers and have their freedom. Pregnant and her beatings becoming an almost daily thing, Charlotte is determined to get her servants out of the house. She is also determined to get herself out. But that is easier said than done. Will Charlotte save herself, her servants, and her child? And how does Charlotte’s story tie into Claire’s? Will Claire be able to forgive her husband?

Main Characters

Claire Powell: I didn’t like Claire. She acted like a spoiled brat when it came to Stephen taking the job in Atlanta. And when they were house hunting, she was awful. Now, I did feel bad for her when it was revealed that Stephen had an emotional affair and again when he confessed to sleeping with that same woman. But, simultaneously, I felt that she had brought it all on herself. Oh, and blaming him for the death of their three-year-old was the biggest thing for me. It was an accident. It would have happened regardless of whether she had been home, and to punish Stephen (and their daughter) was out of line. She did not deserve the ending that she got. I wanted Stephen to sign the divorce papers and be happy with someone other than her. But, since I knew it wouldn’t happen, I had to settle for what I got.

Stephen Powell: I liked Stephen, and I liked that he was willing to rock the boat so he could get ahead. Taking the job and buying the house weren’t the most brilliant things to do, but he did them with Claire in mind. Also, cheating on his wife wasn’t that smart either. But in this case, Claire pushed him into doing it. Claire blamed him for things out of his control and punished him for years. All he wanted was to be treated with love and affection, and he got it from the woman he cheated with. I did like that he fought to win back Claire (not that she deserved it). But, as I said above, I would have rather him find true happiness than work things out with that shrew.

Charlotte Thursmann: I wish more chapters were written from her perspective. Despite the living hell she found herself in, she was a sweet woman. The scenes where her husband beat her were some of the more awful scenes in the book. But she was strong, and she was determined to not only protect her child but do the right thing for the enslaved people in and around her house. And she did, right up until her storyline ended.

My review:

I do not usually review Christian books. I often struggle with relying on God to help out with life issues. Also, I am not very religious (more spiritual/agnostic) and find that most Christian books do lay it on very thick with the religious angle. So, I was surprised when I started reading A Million Little Choices and realized it was a Christian romance. I had skimmed over the blurb before accepting the widget, so there’s that (note to self: read the blurbs more carefully!)

The main storyline of A Million Little Choices revolves around Claire, her husband, his cheating, and the discovery she made. While I didn’t like Claire, I thought the storyline was well-written and well-fleshed out. The author did a great job of bringing many dynamics into how Claire and Stephen’s relationship fractured. It was messy and honest, and I enjoyed reading it.

The storyline with Charlotte, her pregnancy, and her drive to help her enslaved people escape was raw. There were times when I thought that Charlotte’s husband killed her, only for her to recover. I also worried about the baby. I was heartbroken at the end of that storyline. It gutted me. But I liked how the author used that to tie Charlotte to another character in the book. I honestly can say I didn’t see that coming.

The author did lay the religious angle on the book a little thick. But, surprisingly, the author didn’t shove it down my throat. The author made the case of the main characters being reborn (or Redeemed) in the eyes of God. But in no way did she suggest that everyone had to do it. I liked that, and honestly, I don’t find much of that in Christian-based novels.

The end of A Million Little Choices was interesting. I liked how the author resolved everything (even if I disagreed with it).

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers, Focus on the Family, NetGalley, and Tamera Alexander for allowing me to read and review A Million Little Choices. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

A Million Little Choices was intriguing and thought-provoking, a history of trials and betrayal that stretched through time. It was also a story of healing and trusting in the only One that can bring that healing. Highly recommended.

When Stephen has a “near affair”, his wife, Claire is devastated. Trying to save their marriage, Stephen takes a prestigious partnership at a law firm in Atlanta, somewhere Claire has never wanted to live. Leaving their college aged daughter behind in Denver, the two make the move from Denver. Upon arrival Claire learns that not only did Stephen take the job without telling her, he’s also purchased an antebellum mansion, a place that Claire is not excited about at all! when trouble follows in Atlanta, Claire is done with Stephen and her marriage, it has been irretrievably broken, “but even though things may look one way, God is doing something completely different “. In a fit of despair, Claire makes an incredible discovery in the manse, something that’s about to change everything! The story is seamlessly told in two timelines by two women living 150 years apart. The journal of Charlotte, written during the civil war was quite riveting making the pages turn extra fast. Heartbreaking and heart healing, this book carries a hope in Christ that only He can give! Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

A Million Little Choices
Tamera Alexander
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The lives of two women from different centuries are beautifully woven together in this dual time novel by Tamera Alexander.

Claire Powell is reeling from her husband's admission to a “near affair.” When he accepts a job offer far from their life in Colorado and purchases an historic Southern home without even discussing it with her, their marriage is at the breaking point. Claire finds herself in Atlanta - a city she had no desire to move to, in a marriage she no longer wants, and living in a home she did not choose.

Charlotte Thursmann lives in that same home in 1863. Expecting a child and bound to an abusive husband, she struggles to protect herself, her baby and the enslaved members of her household. Determined to right the wrongs going on in her own household and those around her, Charlotte puts her life in danger in order to help others find freedom.

What impact do the daily choices of our lives have on our relationships? This book was an unveiling of how important they can be. True forgiveness is a difficult thing because it isn’t just one choice. It’s a choice we must choose to make over and over again. That’s why Jesus told his disciples they must be willing to forgive 70 times 7 when they’ve been wronged. Isn’t that at the crux of our bitterness or stubbornness? When we’ve been wronged, we feel justified in withholding forgiveness. Thankfully, God chose to extend His mercy and grace to us. He then commands us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. But God, (Those words are very important in this story.) in His boundless love toward us, knows what this act of obedience can do. He restores and redeems what human actions have destroyed. Tamera Alexander’s book is a beautiful example of how God can take the ashes of our lives and turn them into beauty. We recommend having tissues at hand as your heart breaks and is once again amazed at God’s goodness.

We received an advance copy from NetGalley. This is our honest review.

“Live like you’re looking back from the threshold of eternity.”

I have long been a fan of Tamera Alexander’s historical romances, so I was eager to read A Million Little Choices because, while there is an important historical thread, this novel is mostly contemporary. Oh man, y’all. Tamera Alexander rocks a contemporary writing voice! I mean, I knew it would be a fabulous novel because I don’t think she could write a bad one lol, but I do admit to being a little nervous because it was women’s fiction and that typically isn’t my preferred genre. (I need my KissingBooks lol) But, given how many phenomenal women’s (or general) fiction novels I’ve read lately – this one included! – I think these writers are going to make me a fan of the genre yet. This is truly a book that captured me, heart and soul.

There are so many wonderful elements to A Million Little Choices that I’m not sure what to start gushing over first. At the same time, I want you to discover each of them for yourself so I’m going to try and not delve into too many specifics but still hopefully convince you that you NEED this book in your life, post haste. For starters, I loved how the contemporary and historical timelines are intrinsically linked in ways that go deeper than we first realize. Claire and Charlotte are separated by over 150 years and their situations are very different, but their most painful layers collectively have a lot to teach us about ourselves and how we respond when life doesn’t turn out the way we wanted. I also appreciated that the author used a shattering scenario (literally and metaphorically) to introduce the historical story that would ultimately help mend what is broken. That really touched me as a reader who’s in awe of an author’s talent & the power of great storytelling but also as a believer who has seen God work that way in my own life too.

And the characters. Oh goodness, they undid me. This whole story undid me. The redemption undid me. Claire is my age, and she and Stephen have been married just a year less than my husband and I have, so it was easy for me to put myself in her shoes and empathize with her situation. Charlotte’s strength and courage impacted me as much as it did Claire, and her perspective on living from the threshold of eternity is one I’ll be pondering for a while. Without Stephen and Nettie, though, Claire and Charlotte’s stories wouldn’t be nearly as redemptive, and while I wanted to purse whomp Stephen on more than one occasion I was also deeply touched by his transformation. And then there’s Bernice who is hands-down my favorite character – oh, how i adored her! What a picture of grace she is!

Bottom Line: A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander takes readers on an emotional journey of spiritual restoration that runs parallel to the physical restoration taking place at Claire & Stephen’s historic Atlanta home. The author’s warm writing voice draws readers in, and the multilayered characters quickly become friends. At one point in the story, Claire’s best friend tells her, “Please don’t discount God’s ability to redeem this whole mess in ways you might not think possible,” and this proves true in both the contemporary & historical timelines in beautifully poetic ways. A must-read for fans of book club fiction and stories wrapped in grace!

Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are some themes in the novel that could be triggering to some readers – marital infidelity, death of a child, domestic abuse, and slavery. While handled with lots of grace and discretion, please be aware of your own personal boundaries if needed.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This was such a beautiful story! Heartbreaking and heartwarming! Great storytelling.
Will definitely be reading more this author.

Have your tissues nearby when you read this book... you are absolutely going to need them. This book was so well written that I found the emotions that Claire was feeling coming right off the pages. While that certainly speaks to the quality of the story, I have to admit that I had to step away several times for that same reason--- as I tend to prefer lighter hearted reads these days for my own mental health. Still, despite that, I really liked the story of these two women. I loved the history of the old house and thought it really tied together their two stories quite well. It was messy and emotional dealing with the tough topics of infidelity, loss of a child and abuse... but there was also a realness about it that made it all that much more beautiful too. It's certainly one that will stick with me for a while.

This is a Christian fiction book and does have some beautiful messages of forgiveness, but I will repeat again that this deals quite frankly with the topic of infidelity. While nothing happens on the pages or is described in graphic detail, it's very much not sugarcoated either. While this did not bother me personally and added to that realness, I could see where some readers might be uncomfortable with it and as such is something to consider.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

It is hard not to read this book and not have an indelible mark.

The story was one of the most touching and life changing stories I’ve read in a very long while. As someone that is married, I know I will always apply lessons I gleaned from this book.

I’d give it a ten star if I could.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

This book spoke to my heart and brought me closer to Jesus. So many great lessons within these pages. This book would be great for book clubs, the questions at the end are timely. Claire in the present time learns so much from Charlotte and Nettie during the Civil War. Claire has been wronged by her husband, Stephen who has a near affair. Claire firmly sets her mind upon divorce. She then finds Charlotte’s journal, meets a dear new friend, Bernice and sees an amazing infidelity counselor. There are so many moving parts to this story and Mrs. Alexander seamlessly moves between them. Such a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. Tissues are needed. Highly recommend. Loved the ending. Definitely will be reading many more by this author.

Wow. This book drew me in from the very beginning. I loved the dual storylines and the historical aspect of the house. As someone who loves to tour old homes with stories, this book was right up my alley! I couldn't put this book down and I was quickly drawn into all the characters. The struggle the current characters are going through was real and raw and really resonated with me. I loved how both stories wrapped up. Pick up this book! You won't be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.