*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an E-ARC of this novel!*

A few summers ago I read and fell in love with Center's previous novel, "Happiness for Beginners." Since then I have found myself periodically checking to see whether or not anything new was coming out. When I got wind that "How to Walk Away" was being released and I could put my hat in the ring for an E-ARC via NetGalley I, obviously, jumped at the chance!

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
For the first third of the novel many of the characters felt very flat to me. I hard a hard time connecting to the story because of that, but I'm happy to report that the remaining two-thirds more than makes up for all of that. As the story progresses it also becomes clear that the reason everyone felt flat is because their lives up to that point had shaped them to be that way. For example, Margaret is essentially someone who is just checking off boxes for all of the things that she thinks she should be doing, but she doesn't realize this for herself until much later on in the novel. When she has that realization, that is the moment the novel begins to get interesting.

WHAT I LIKED:
I like that there is humor and hope interwoven throughout the entirety of the novel. It's the kind of tale that makes you examine your own life and all that you take for granted. It's most definitely a book deserving a spot on my limited shelf space.

WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS NOVEL?
Fans of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and romantic comedy fans would likely enjoy this novel the most, but I'd also say that anyone looking to insert more hope and an overall feeling of positivity into their lives would also find value among these pages.

Margaret hated flying and her boyfriend Chip knew that but he was one flight away from getting his pilot’s licence and he desperately wanted to show her something from the air. She thought he might propose up there...and he did. But on landing they were caught in a terrible crosswind and Margaret’s fears came true. The plane crashed and while Chip walked away with barely a scratch, Margaret’s life was changed forever.
Margaret’s journey was tough and there were family dynamic issues with her sister Kitty reappearing in their lives on hearing of Margaret’s accident. It was all easy to read but sometimes it just felt too light for the severity of Margaret’s injuries, I was after something a bit more hard hitting.
<spoiler> I must admit that I did get quite angry when everyone in the family was invited to Chip’s wedding overseas (even Kitty) but not Margaret and her mother just brushed it off ‘as an oversight’.....just rude from Chip’s parents (mothers) end without an explanation I think!</spoiler>
I was looking for an emotional read and all the great reviews were promising but I was in the minority here. I liked the book but didn’t love it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC to read.

Every now and then, I pick up a book that makes me laugh and cry in equal parts, and I finish it feeling like I could read it over and over again for the rest of my life without getting tired of it.

This is a book like that.

Margaret is 28, for her MBA, has been unofficially offered a fantastic job, and is about to get engaged to her dreamy boyfriend. A day short of earning his pilot’s license, he takes her on a romantic flight and pops the question. Instead of landing the plane, the weather plays a role in helping him crash it. Thus begins the most difficult year in Margaret’s life.

She wakes in the hospital to find that she has burns on her face and body, some that requires skin grafts, and she is paralyzed below the knees. Her relationship disintegrates, the job is pulled away before she could even get it, and her daily concerns become using the bathroom on her own. Her entire life has changed.

This book chronicles her journey in the hospital mostly, focusing on her healing primarily and her relationships with family and friends alongside. The end of the book rounds out her year and gives readers a glimpse into the future.

It’s hard to say exactly what I love so much about this book. The quirky characters kept me invested in all parts of their lives, so even when the focus wasn’t on Margaret, I still kept turning pages. Her moments of triumph made me fist pump, and I got goosebumps and tested up when things were extremely challenging. I felt as emotionally invested in this book as it’s possible to feel about fictional characters.

I definitely recommend this book. It is one of my favorites I’ve read so far this year.

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

Brief Summary: Margaret has it all; she secured an impressive and cushy job and just became engaged to the love of her life. In the blink of an eye, this is taken away. This is a story of resilience after tragedy. It begs the question: how do you move on when your life will never be the same. Full disclosure: I am a rehabilitation psychologist and have a spinal cord injury (SCI) myself. I am very grateful that Center chose to write about SCI and that her protagonist Margaret was both realistic and resilient, who shows that life after SCI is still worth living.

Highlights: This inspiring novel offers practical solutions for coping with multiple losses and making the best of a bad situation, which I think will resonate with readers who have dealt with adversity. Margaret is a very realistic and likeable protagonist who I found myself rooting for. I am grateful where the author kept her recovery and prognosis; which allows Margaret’s resilience to shine and inspire. Many of the things Margaret experienced after her SCI are very realistic and well portrayed by the author. I appreciated that she didn’t shy away from even the most intimate and painful topics. I also liked the love story. This was an easy to read page turner. When I wasn’t glued to my Kindle, I was thinking about Margaret and I’m pretty sure I’d remember her even if I wasn’t intimately familiar with her journey.

Explanation of Rating: 4/5: I really enjoyed this book. My only disappointment is the lack of psychology representation in a novel where the characters emotions ran high.

Psychology Factors: Margaret is told by a social worker that “depression is pretty common for situations like yours.” This is not accurate; as only 30% of people with SCI experience depression. I also wish that a rehabilitation psychologist would have been a character in her book, especially since she had several other disciplines represented and Margaret’s emotional mind set and resilience are a huge part of this storyline. Margaret, her mother, and readers would have all benefitted from the wisdom that a rehabilitation psychologist could have offered.

Favorite Quotes: “If you want to help yourself; do something for someone else.” This timeless wisdom can help anyone who is struggling.

This is a great read for book clubs, medical professionals, mental health professionals, and anyone who’s ever wished that JoJo Moyes Me Before You ended differently.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center is the story of one woman’s journey from one life to another. Margaret’s life had been plagued with the fear to fly. Her boyfriend, Chip, had earned his pilot license and to celebrate, much to Margaret’s dismay, he decides to take her for a flight. During the flight, Chip proposes, she accepts, then tragedy happens. The plane crashes and Margaret is left horrible injured. As Margaret spends months in the hospital recovery, her estranged sister, Kitty, reenters her life to support her. During her stay, Margaret learns of deep secrets which were kept from her and threatens to tear apart her family. Meanwhile, she is assigned to a surly physical therapist, named Ian, who’s sour demeanor hides a a deep hurt. Will Margaret fully recover? How will she accept the information she learns about her family’s past? And how will she look to the future?
I enjoyed How to Walk Away a lot more than I thought I would. I requested to read this book based on the brief description which I can say didn’t do the story justice. It was so much more than the description gives it credit. It was deeply emotional, dramatic, inspirational and proof that sometimes life has to give you a tragedy to open your eyes to its beauty and a life so much more than you had planned. I highly recommend How to Walk Away.

How to Walk Away
is available in hardcover and eBook

This book had it all! Tragedy, humor, romance, heartbreaks, and the love of family. It was a fast paced read that had me hooked from the very beginning. This was the first time I have read anything by this author, so I am so glad I gave it a try. I’ll definitely be checking out her other books. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me a free digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a heartwarming novel with characters that I loved and a *spoiler alert* happy ending.

Having just binged on the "Me Before You" series by JoJo Moyes, I was ready to read a similar book, and as a fan of Center's previous books, this piqued my interest.

Margaret Jacobson has it all- a handsome boyfriend as well as a bright future in her chosen career- when it is all ripped from her grasp in an instant. Trying to come to terms with the details and aftermath of the accident that she was in, she turns to Ian, her handsome yet aloof physiotherapist, to be honest with her about what is in store. Adding to everything is the reappearance of her wayward sister Kit, and the family secrets that come to light. The Jacobson family will never be the same.

How to Walk Away was an absolute pleasure to read, and it shed light on the very real plight of those who find themselves suddenly disabled after a lifetime of being able bodied. Center handled that topic with grace and sensitivity, and managed to make her readers fall in love with all of the members of the Jacobson family at the same time. I enjoyed reading this novel from start to finish!

The ending wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking as I enjoy a few loose ends here and there at the conclusion of a story that I have loved so much, but overall this is a book well worth reading and one that I hope many people choose to enjoy.

I was actually hesitant on whether or not I was going to read this book. It was up for an auto-download on NetGalley and since I had read and loved two other Katherine Center books, I thought "why not?" But then when it came to reading it, I still wasn't sure - was it going to be as good as her other books? Would I still like her style of writing? 

The answer? Yes and yes! 

This book, as I started getting into it, reminded me of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, but Margaret, who is in the hospital after a plane crash, is similar to Louisa Clark, and her romantic lead was similar to Will Traynor. It was such a fun and perfect match! 

Now, I had read some reviews on this book claiming that it was unethical and that there were major issues in the romance department, BUT I disagree. People, this is FICTION. In real life, events from this book might not happen, but in fiction they can. In real life, events can be unethical and wrong and just against any rule book of any workplace, but again, FICTION. I like to read fiction to escape real life and a book like this was just fun to read. It was sweet, heartwarming, romantic, and a lot of fun. 

This is a book that really reminds the reader that life can change in an instant - and not necessarily for the good. Margaret was the perfect character for this role - she was so funny and so determined. She would have me laughing in one moment and then bring tears to my eyes in another. 

Of course, the story isn't just about the plane accident, but about the fallout of something so horrific, family secrets, familial relationships, romantic relationships, and so much more. Katherine Center writes in such an accessible way that you can't help but fall in love the instant you start to read. She's honest and real and optimistic. It really was the story that I needed in that moment. 

It's so hard to write a review for this book and not go into specifics, but case in short: I loved it. I will read anything Katherine Center releases in the future and am eagerly looking forward to reading the books of hers that I haven't read. Definitely recommend this one if you're looking for something fun, full of witty characters and lots of hope and courage.

This book is very predictable story but still a page turner. Margaret is thinking Chip will ask her to marry him on Valentines Day and he does but it goes all wrong. Margaret is scared to death of flying but Chip is getting his private pilots license and basically bully's her into going on a flight. When they crash and he escapes without a scratch, her life is changed forever. With the help of her sister and a moody physical therapist she starts focusing on living. Even though you can pretty well guess what's going to happen you still keep reading to find out for sure. The book doesn't have a perfect ending but it is a happy one. Lots of information on spinal injuries. I discovered Katherine Center's writing with her book, The Lost Husband. I enjoy her style and outlook. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Absolutely LOVED this book. I truly loved the character of Margeret. I think she spoke to me because I got her. I understood her feelings, her outlook on life after the accident and her determination to live in the moment. As someone who spent time in the hospital with a serious health issue that had life-altering effects, I understood Margaret's journey. This book to me is one of the most inspiring books I've read recently. It was one I could not put done. As for the other characters in the book well the parents were quite a pair and kitty was a hoot. Miles was a jerk as was her fiancé, Chip. Then there was her therapist who you know has a story of his own. SO he intrigued me. Overall one of the most inspiring, life-changing books I've read in a long time.

I'll start by saying I have read everything Katherine Center has written and have NEVER been disappointed - and this book even exceeded my already high expectations!
At the center (no pun intended, hardy har har) of this book is Margaret, a very likeable, relatable character who is in a terrible accident. She wakes up in the hospital and so starts her journey of mourning her life pre-accident and developing the strength and resilience to move on to a new "normal". I was rooting for Margaret from the start! I honestly could not put this book down until I was finished. It was witty, intense and emotional. I strongly recommend it!!
Thanks to Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful book!

I received an advanced reader copy from Netgalley for a review of this novel.
How to Walk Away is that book you've read already. It is very cookie cutter, it could be any romance novel. I am actually shocked at how generic this book was.
I generally don't like reading books I feel I could write and I am not a writer. I basically figured out the plot within the first two chapters. I saw everything coming.
I'm really trying not to be mean but I get very hard on books like this because I think of all the other books I could have read instead of reading this.
If you are looking for a super light, beach read, this is it.

Everyone on the bookternet seems to be reading this book. For the last few weeks, it has been popping up all over social media, and the gorgeous cover makes it impossible to scroll past. I decided I couldn’t be left out and requested a copy from NetGalley.

Now, I have to admit that I hadn’t read any reviews or even the summary before I opened the book, so I had no idea what to expect. By the end of the first chapter, the main character, Margaret, is gravely injured when a small plane piloted by her fiancé, Chip, crash lands during a storm. Center deals with wrenching emotional situations—and Margaret faces a lot of these—with grace and nuance. Margaret must mourn the life she dreamed of—the perfect lakeside wedding, the handsome husband, an impressive career in business—and learn to make the most of her new life. On the way, she travels from denial to despair to determination, and ultimately finds hope and fulfillment. After leaving the hospital and moving back in with her mother, Margaret breaks plates on the driveway in frustration, and those shattered plates become a poignant symbol. She must find a way to take those broken pieces and make them into something beautiful and whole.

“The crash all those years ago shattered the life I had, but the pieces wound up making a pretty good mosaic.”

Probably because of my medical background, I would have liked a bit more detail of the physical challenges Margaret overcomes as a paraplegic, but I know other readers may not feel that way. Additional characters include Margaret’s estranged sister, her parents, Chip’s mother, and last but not least, Ian, her sexy Scottish physical therapist, and their side plots add depth and interest to the story, keeping me turning the pages. I devoured this book in less than a day, and the descriptions about hope and new beginnings at the end left me deeply satisfied.

“I would never tell you that the life you wanted couldn’t have been exactly as great as you planned. But you have to live the life you have. You have to find inspiration in the struggle, and pull joy out of the hardship…Because that’s all we can do: Carry the sorrow when we have to, and absolutely savor the joy when we can.”

We meet Chip and Margaret, a young couple who get engaged while Chip, a soon to be pilot is flying his plane. Margaret, of course says yes. I loved all the characters especially Margaret and Kitty. This book has by far been my favorite this year. It resonated with me on so many levels. This has been my first book of Ms. Center’s but certainly not my last.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved all the characters.

St. Martin's Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of How to Walk Away. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

There is nothing that I like more in a novel than a female main character with inner strength, determination, and a strong spine. Margaret Jacobsen possesses all of those qualities and more, after her life is forever changed by a horrific accident. Margaret's struggles, both mentally and physically, are realistically drawn. The author does a good job of balancing a little bit of levity with the heavy story, leaving the romance aspect in the background. Chip's reaction to Margaret's new future seems on point, as the challenges of helping a loved one through an illness or injury can be overwhelming. Although the book was a bit transparent, I truly enjoyed getting to know Margaret and going on her journey with her. Surprisingly, despite each character having their own side plot, the author does not lose sight of her main character. I would recommend How to Walk Away to other readers and I look forward to reading more by author Katherine Center in the future.

Margaret Jacobsen is a heroine for the ages. Margaret, the main character of How to Walk Away, gets engaged to the man of her dreams and wakes up in the hospital unable to walk. Her life will never be the same, but could it be better? Margaret's family rallies around her and these characters are very authentic. Her fiance Chip quickly disappoints Margaret. Her physical therapist Ian is equally tough and attractive. Is his interest in Margaret purely professional? This novel is entertaining and inspirational-the perfect combination.

I thought this book was great. Just a really full story filled with love and loss, challenges and redemption. I absolutely loved Margaret's voice and have recommended this book to several people already!!

Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading HOW TO WALK AWAY by Katherine Center. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! I have never read a book by Katherine Center before but I know HOW TO WALK AWAY won't be the last! I'm so excited to read more by this author that as soon as I was finished, I placed all of her other books on hold at my library! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Margaret after so much heartache! Wow! What an awesome story.


Margaret has the perfect life! A new job, a fiancé she loves, and a future that looks extremely bright. That is until Valentines Day when her fiancé, Chip, takes her up in his plane, when he doesn't have a license. Margaret is terrified f flying and against her better judgement she goes with him. Tragedy strikes and Margaret's life will never be the same. Now she is in the hospital with life threatening injuries and her future looks anything but bright. Chip seems to have pulled a disappearing act and Margaret doesn't understand why. He walked away from the accident without even a scratch! Why isn't he in the hospital with her trying to comfort her? Begging for her forgiveness? HOW TO WALK AWAY will have you wishing Chip would just run away from Margaret! He is not what she deserves at all!


I don't want to say too much for fear of giving away all of HOW TO WALK AWAY but once I started reading this beautiful and heart breaking story, I could not stop! Everyone should have this unforgettable book on their summer reading list. The dialogue between Margaret and her sister, Kitty, who she hasn't seen in three years, is just hysterical. When Margaret meets Ian, her new physical therapist, we'll let me just say, I prayed her would be able to help her. There is so much pain in this story and in Margaret's family that I was crying like a baby while reading but mostly when I was finished! I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters from page one and I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

This novel was wonderful! I enjoyed the way that the story was told from the beginning that leaves you breathless to the very end. Margaret is engaged and about to start her dream job. Then one day, there is an accident, and everything changes. Margaret’s emotions and feelings are depicted as her story is told about what happens during the days after the accident. At the same time, we get to know the stories of the people closest to her. Author Katherine Center has written a powerful and emotional novel. She details the difficult days of Margaret’s recovery, with some humor and inspiration along the way.

How best to describe this book? I consider it a must read for anyone wise enough to look beyond the “chick lit” label because it is so much more than that. It encompasses just about every emotion starting with sadness and near hopelessness after Margaret is severely injured in a small airplane accident while her new fiancé walks away relatively unscathed. There is family strife with her perfectionist mother and easy-going father as well as her quirky sister Kit who has been estranged from her family for several years. There are family secrets that will be uncovered but to her credit Kitt comes to her sister’s side and refuses to leave-she is a breath of fresh air and is humorous (I must admit she was my favorite character)while being the best medicine for Margaret. Enter the taciturn physical therapist with an agenda of his own. It isn’t difficult to figure out where the story is going but there are a few curveballs along the way. I thought a lot about ( and continue to think about) the epilogue which I think was spot on in every way. I will end with a quote from the book: “If you can’t do something for yourself do something for someone else”. A great read-honest, raw and a hard look at people with physical disabilities.