Long Enough to Love You

by Kirsten Pursell

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org

*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Pub Date Jan 01 2023 | Archive Date Jun 23 2023

Atmosphere Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

Literary Fiction | Romance | Women's Fiction

Talking about this book? Use #LongEnoughtoLoveYou #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

Description

Jenn, fifty-something and empty-nesting, feels like a donut: whole on the outside but missing the middle. The deafening sound of silence in the picture-perfect, oversized home she shares with a husband who does not see her makes the voices arguing in her head hard to ignore. One voice tells her to stay because safe and simple is good; another says leave so you can be the version of yourself not defined by others. The thought of ever after without happily feels like purgatory.

The chance discovery of her long-forgotten diaries unearths memories of a first love long buried, reminders that the most beautiful love is sometimes wasted on the young. Her words become a very real reminder of everything first love had been when she reconnects with Tripp in unexpected ways.

Long Enough to Love You follows Jenn – a courageous yet vulnerable protagonist – as she dissects and unpacks her marriage in an emotional journey to stay true to herself despite societal norms and middle-age stereotypes that would suggest otherwise.

Jenn, fifty-something and empty-nesting, feels like a donut: whole on the outside but missing the middle. The deafening sound of silence in the picture-perfect, oversized home she shares with a...

A Note From the Publisher

ASIN: B0BRVFT44S

Advance Praise

"The charming book cover sucks you into Jenn's story, but it's Pursell's brilliant writing and wonderful storyline that compel you to stay, to follow Jenn's story as she purges her emotions, and struggles to find herself again. it's not just Jenn's story, it's yours too."

- Reader's Favorite (5 Star Review)

"Long Enough to Love You is in turn chaotic and cathartic and Pursell celebrates Jenn's willingness to be vulnerable, at times uncertain, and exhilarating...A poignant story written beautifully...It is authentic and unexaggerated, a gripping romance with clear prose and complex characters."

-The Book Commentary

"This gripping book delivered a good message: beauty is in every age, not just youth, and you can find love at any age...a lot of bombshells were dropped on the reader at the beginning making this one read that I couldn't put down."

-Literary Titan

"Raw, emotional and authentic in a way that is hardly seen for middle-aged characters; this book was quite the journey."

-Amazon Reviewer

"I gave this book 5 stars - It was difficult to put down, made so much sense, provided moments of clarity for me, connected with my life in a way many books don't." -DevouringABook Review

"The story that unfolds is gripping and is an all-consuming work of excellence. Because of this, I struggled to put the book down. I found myself compelled to read until there was nothing left to read." -Red Headed Book Lover

"Jenn's quest for meaning will resonate with any woman looking back on her life—or wondering what the future may hold. Her struggle to come to grips with a lack of purpose is powerful...The idea of finding yourself by losing yourself is intriguing here, and Jenn's willingness to sacrifice comfort for intensity is equally courageous and risky...but the overriding message that wholeness can be formed from imperfection is the essence that will stick with readers."

-BookLife Review

"Must read. Good enough: most of us unknowingly settle for it...This one tugged at my heartstrings. I constantly felt torn about Jenn's feelings and actions. But I think that goes to show the effectiveness of the writing of this book."

- Reedsy Reviewer

"The charming book cover sucks you into Jenn's story, but it's Pursell's brilliant writing and wonderful storyline that compel you to stay, to follow Jenn's story as she purges her emotions, and...