Summary:

Margaret Jacobson has it all- dream job, perfect guy…. everything a girl could want. On what should have been a happy day, it all came crashing down. After a terrible accident that left her broken, she must move forward the only way she can. Weeks of therapy, skin grafts, and getting through the craziness of her family. Secrets come out, relationships lost, and some strengthened. This is a story it about loosing everything and still finding your way to the life you want.

My thoughts:

This book was hard to get through at times. There’s a lot of depression, pain, and terrible characters. Not terrible as in under-developed, but as in “who is this God-awful person and why should I care?”. I hated Chip from the get-go. He was self-serving, childish, and never seemed to care for Margaret and her wants. He forced her into a situation she didn’t want, and then spiraled out of control when she was the only one hurt.

Now, I did like Kit. She was, perhaps, one of my favorite characters. She had a lot of issues, but loyalty both to her father and Margaret. I found her reaction to physical relationships odd to say the least, but also saw a lot of personal growth there. Margaret herself is very complex. She is in great pain, and I nearly saw her give up a couple times. It’s hard to believe in happiness and hope when you’ve been stripped of everything. Then there’s the way she reacted to Ian- noticing his obvious pain and reticence and trying to pull him out of himself. With all her issues- having lost her fiancée, job, looks and most especially use of her legs- and she’s trying to get a laugh out of this guy. I kind of loved that.

The plot was interesting, though slow in areas. I liked how the author portrayed the road to recovery. I loved the play between characters. This book really drew me in. For me it was a five star book.

On the adult content scale, there’s some language and sexual content. Nothing over the top. I would give it a five.

I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. My thanks.

This is just a wonderful story! Bad things happen but sometimes they have such an incredibly happy ending that I wonder why they happened in the first place. Great book. HOPEFUL

A very enjoyable and entertaining read. I appreciated the book's characters, the way the challenges were described and incorporated into the story, etc. You know a book is good when you don't want to take a break from it, and hide it in your lap under your desk to read while working!

Katherine Center does it again. Binge reading at its best. Maggie had the definition of "it all" before disaster comes to her life. Physically and mentally she is turned upside down. Maggie is not a heroine who has all the answers. She is a daughter, sister, friend, and most of all, one I could relate to. No one saves the day for her. She has to fight for it! That being said, her supporting characters are a blessing (or curse depending on the moment) and each serve their special moments of challenging her. Pushing her to see herself in a different way. This novel was for me about romance, family or drama. It was a wonderfully woven story of loving yourself no matter what, seeing past the pain and as expertly put in the book: When you don't know what to do with yourself, serve others. That isn't a direct quote but it sums up what you can walk away with from this book.

I loved this story so much!

Margaret Jacobson is a character worth rooting for. I loved the return of Kitty and the reforgement of their sisterly bond. Yes, I know I made up a word, but it works for how their relationship changed in the light of what Maggie needed. Secrets were unveiled in just the right time. I wish I had an Ian for my PT—no offense to mine, but she’s not near as sexy as Ian.

I loved that sometimes the things we think we know will make us happy—whether it’s a man, a job, a house---aren’t at all what we need or later, want.

I always enjoy a story about a character whose entire life is shook to the core and find that they have to fight their way back up to the happy. It’s the journey that makes a character great. And this is a spectacular journey and set of characters.

I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I won a copy of this book and it came in the mail today. As I was putting it away, I opened the cover and read the first page. I honestly had no idea what this book was about and went in blind. Five hours later, I came up for air as I read the last word. I absolutely loved this beautifully written, heartbreaking story!!

2.5 If you look at the average rating and glowing reviews of this book, you will soon realize I am definitely in the minority with my opinion. Excepting for one friend in the sisters group, everyone else loved it. Fluffy reads, feel good reads, they definitely have a place for many, after a heavy read, or sad read, we all need something to lighten our day. I can't say I didn't enjoy parts of this, I did. Some of the characters were great and I am always drawn to a good looking Scotsman. The author has z natural, easy flowing talent with words.

I felt, however, that the jovial tone didn't match some of the tragic happenings in the plot. Even in my lighter reads I need a certain amount of credibility, realism, need things to make sense and I had serious questions about some of the happenings here. For me this went beyond feel good, to over the top, it was just too, too everything.....The ending so beautifully packaged, tied in a big bow. Seriously, whose life follows this pattern?

So, yes I may be in the minority, but it's just how I felt. Don't let my review put you off reading this,unless your name is Irene, lol, I am probably just not the right reader for this type of book.

ARC from Netgalley.

Though this light novel is a bit formulaic and the ending predictable, it was an absolute delight to read. The characters are multi-faceted and well developed.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I thought this was good, mostly fun, somewhat poignant, and a bit funny. there were definitely pieces of dialogue that made me chuckle out loud, and most of you know I'm a sucker for the Scottish dudes, so it doesn't hurt that one shows up here. overall though, I'd classify this as "level 2 chick lit". it's not simpleminded or useless, by any means, and definitely touches on some deeper themes (injury, depression, recovery, betrayal, etc), but it's mostly a feel-good novel that's easy to breeze through.

I asked for the ARC of this book from NetGalley on a whim. I had seen it mentioned a few places so when I saw it I thought, what the heck, it looks good. I am pleased to say, that was the right request. This was such a great book. It reminded me of Me Before You. In an obvious way, because the main character is a paraplegic. But even more so because it has that same banter that you just can't help but chuckle at. And it is just a good story, like You Before Me is. I enjoyed the characters - Maggie who is so strong and courageous even though I am not sure she thinks she is. Her sister who barrels into the story full of ideas and hope. Her parents who, even though they have issues of their own, are so supportive and try to help. And of course her physical therapist, who is gruff and stand offish but knows just what Maggie needs. I would definitely recommend this one!

4.5 Stars!

HOW TO WALK AWAY by KATHERINE CENTER was an extremely uplifting, kind, and heartwarming novel that captured my heart and drew me in almost immediately. There is so much goodness within the pages of this book! This is a story filled with romance, forgiveness, hope, courage, love, and resilience.

KATHERINE CENTER delivers a well-written and engaging read here with interesting, honest and believable characters. I absolutely loved the voice of our main character, Margaret “Maggie” she was so strong-willed and at times comical. The witty banter that ensued between the characters was extremely enjoyable and made me smile quite a few times. Maggie’s sister, Kitty was also such a great character and I absolutely loved her resourcefulness and the love and support she showed to Maggie through her recovery.

This book was definitely an inspirational, entertaining, enjoyable, and unforgettable story that was a most welcome and refreshing read for me. The ending was bittersweet and very satisfying. This was my first novel that I have read by Katherine Center and it won’t be my last. Would recommend!

Publication Date: May 15, 2018

Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Katherine Center for the opportunity of reading an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!

So... funny for some reason I got the idea in my head that this book was about walking away from a break up? Well... not really haha.

How to Walk Away was my first read by Katherine Center and I can definitely see why so many readers love her books!

How to Walk Away is a very uplifting and powerful story about learning to move on from things that cannot be changed. I remember going through a very tough time in my mid 20's and I bought a journal that had the following quote on each page "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference." This book I think goes by this quote very very well.

Margaret has the ultimate dream job and her perfect fiance in tow. Unfortunately, this all comes crashing down by a terrible accident which resulted in her fiance Chip taking Margaret flying. Margaret is ultimately paralyzed by the accident and her fiance Chip doesn't even have a scratch on him. Margaret's world as you can imagine is turned upside in a matter of seconds.

The story explores Margaret's journey of growth, forgiveness, and healing. Even though the story is focused mainly on Margaret, I enjoyed the dynamics of Margaret's sister, her father, and mother that the author nicely weaves into the plot. And of course we can't forget Ian... who is assigned to be Margaret's physical therapist through her journey of healing.

This was a nice change of pace for myself... due to typically reading thrillers. It was a nice fluffy and easy/quick read for sure! I read this along side my lovely traveling sisters.

I wasn't over the moon in love with this story because I found some of the story to be pretty unbelievable especially with her injuries.

Overall, it was a nice fluffy feel good read.

3.5 stars for me :).

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.
Published to GR: 4/22/18
Publication date: 5/15/18.

This was a traveling sister read... please check out their blog! :)

Lovely little read. Quick, emotional and satisfying. Plus romance, how can you go wrong!

In the new Katherine Center novel How the Walk Away, everything looks perfect in Margaret Jacobsen's life - she is on the verge of having the perfect job, dating the perfect guy, and living the perfect life until she isn't.  While her long-time boyfriend is surreptitiously taking her on a joyride to show her the sights, he proposes, and all hell breaks loose.

While Margaret is left to pick up the pieces with her parent's help, she meets Ian, a no-nonsense, unsympathetic, and unconventional therapist that forces her to quit feeling sorry for herself and to take her life into her own hands.  While she goes through the grieving process of the life she loses and starts the process of healing from the inside out, others are starting the heal from their wounds as well.  Lives are changed, relationships healed, and new friendships take hold.  

As a person who works with medical records, I appreciated the time that Center took to really learn about Margaret's condition, the injuries she could and would have sustained in an accident of this type, and the availability of treatment to deal with those injuries.  

How to Walk Away was a page-turner and I had a very difficult time putting it down once I started.  Center is a compelling writer who pulls the reader in from the start and makes them love (or hate) the cast of characters.  Knowing what was going to happen next, you want to warn Margaret to go with her gut but once the damage is done, you also want to see her find happiness in her new normal.  

I highly recommend How the Walk Away as your next fictional read.   It's available for pre-purchase now!

Wow, what a fantastic book! I wish I could give it ten stars! "How to Walk Away" was not what I expected, and I absolutely loved every single page of this motivating rom-com style novel. The novel begins with Margaret celebrating Valentine's Day with her WASPy boyfriend, Chip- she just knows that this is the time, and he is going to propose. He is currently in training to get his pilot's license, and so instead of the proposal she was hoping for in a restaurant, he has set up a test of trust. Margaret's biggest fear is of flying, but she is willing to put all that aside and trust Chip on this day.

Although she gets the expected proposal, what she doesn't expect is the plane crash that follows- leaving her severely injured and Chip somehow unscathed. The word Margaret hears the most in the days following is "lucky," but she cannot feel lucky when her legs won't work and much of her body is burnt. Add that to the fact that Chip has fallen into a depression and won't come visit- and people are telling her to feel sorry for HIM, and Margaret has a tough road to recovery ahead of her. If she would listen to her mother, all she would need to do is "try" and then somehow everything will be OK- all the miraculous recovery stories her mother dug up off the internet say so.

Margaret knows that things will not be as simple as her mother wishes to believe, but this is her life, so she has to do what she must. The hospital assigned her to the only surly and unpleasant physical therapist, Ian- a Scottish man who makes Margaret's life harder- and insists on calling her Maggie. As time goes on, Margaret finds the cracks in his armor and finds her own reasons to push herself forward. While I was hesitant about the potential for relationships with the therapist-client dynamic, it really works here, and it is a slow build... just wonderfully written!

However, the best part of the book was the familial relationships that develop throughout the novel. Margaret's relationships with her mother and sister in particular really shine in the novel. Kit has been estranged from the family for 3 years after an intense party where she pushed their mother into the pool and then left for New York and saying she needed a break from the family. Margaret has tried to get in touch with her since but never gets a reply- so when Kit shows up to her hospital room at night and wants to hang out with her in the evenings (when their mother isn't around), Margaret gives an emphatic no. However, their relationship and that with their mother really develops as the book goes on, and they all become such real and wonderful characters. I loved reading the journey.

The book is an interesting combination of tragedy, comedy, and relationships- romantic and familial- that I found absolutely captivating. I could not put this book down; it definitely became one of my favorites! I would love to see this adapted for a movie, as I think it would be amazing as a rom-com! This book touched my heart, made me laugh, made me think, and made me want to reread it immediately! I can't rave enough about this fantastic story!

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Loved this book - uplifting and inspiring, not to mention funny. That combination is something that you do not find every day. Margaret Jacobsen is an interesting and memorable character to finds that she is stronger than she knew, after her life changes in a split second. Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved this novel, it was lighthearted and engaging.

Margaret's life is almost perfect. She has a wonderful boyfriend, recently finished her studies and has just  (unofficially) landed her dream job. Her life falls apart when she suffers an accident that causes her to end up in the hospital with a life-changing injury and facing difficulties she never imagined.

I was captivated from the beginning. The characters are likable, interesting, and made me smile throughout. This is a novel about overcoming obstacles, family relationships, and hope. 

Overall, I loved this book and recommend it to readers of contemporary fiction. 

I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley

How To Walk Away by Katherine Center is a beautiful book about loss, love, courage and hope that has a lot to offer to its readers apart from an exceptional story.

I am so glad that I read this book! It is a really, really good book and has taught me a lot of things about forgiveness – which definitely doesn't come easy, loss – which does hurt a lot, and hope – which, even though difficult to hold onto, can turn around one's life.

This book had a delightful mixture of a well thought-out storyline, a string of not only believable and realistic but also very relatable characters, very engaging yet simple writing with an exceptional sense of humour and an excellent ending.  

What I really loved about this book was that the author didn't sugarcoat things, she put things forward the way they are in real life, but she did it so without being overdramatic. I generally shy away from reading books with illness/medical situations because most of the authors present the pain in such horrific (sometimes honest, sometimes not) details and the overall experiences, more often than not, leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth. That said, if done right, these books are nothing short of magic because they have a lot of lessons and takeaways along with a good story (which, as a reader, is always the main thing for me.) For example, I loved John Green's The Fault In Our Stars, but I didn't really like Nicola Yoon's Everything, Everything.

I'd recommend this book not only to all the contemporary fiction readers but to anyone and everyone who wants to read a really, really good book.

3.5 lovely to read stars

There was so many things to like about this tale of a young woman, Margaret, who has everything going for her. Unfortunately life was about to hand her a basket full of lemons. Sometimes when everything seems so very sweet, things can and do turn sour in a heartbeat. For Margaret that moment has come when the sweetness of life becomes a nightmare of tragedy.

Magaret Jacobsen has it all, a gorgeous fiance, a soon to be dream job, and a loving family. She is beautiful, successful, and the world as they say is her oyster .What could be better really? The one thing Margaret (Maggie) fears is flying but when her soon to be fiance decides to pop the question while taking her flying, she acquiesces and reluctantly boards the plane. Chip is a new pilot, well almost a pilot but he is confident, he knows what he is doing and he has a plan. Things seem to be going ever so well and then turn and as life often does, and this dream becomes a nightmare.

Margaret finds herself in a hospital and as time progresses, she learns the extent of her injuries. It is devastating but her missing for three years sister. Kitty, arrives along with her free spirit nature, and endeavors to help Margaret cope. There is heartbreak in this journey for Maggie, a long road to recovery, a secret within the family , and a person Margaret felt was in a corner deserting her.

She is helped by not only family but also the hospital staff. In rehabilitation she to assigned to a therapist, Ian, a Scottish young man who is unfriendly, evasive, and bordering on mean. However, there is something about him that makes Margaret or as he calls her Maggie look to him for guidance and help. The sparks fly between them and one of the very positive things about this novel is the dialogue, attitudes, and feelings, and wit that are displayed by Maggie, Ian, and her sister. They make quite a trio! Her mother, a take charge person, tries to lead and direct, but Maggie's sister, a definite asset in the story,, wants Maggie to take charge of her own life, no matter which way it goes. We all need a sister like Kitty in our lives! She is the spark that ignites Maggie into action and Ian is the man who makes things come together and gives Maggie a reason to push forward.

Told with humor and a spirit of I can do, this story is a quick, fun read, one that surely will be a hit. My one criticism for this book which I truly did like is that the medical issues that Maggie went through seemed to be painted in a trivial manner. I know this was suppose to be lighthearted fun story, but at times the suffering, that one could be sure Maggie was going through, was pushed to the background.

However. I did enjoy this book and want to thank Katherine Center, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this touching novel.