A Life Without Regrets by Marci Bolden is the third book in Carol Denman’s journey of finding a way to live a life without regrets. While the first two books gave more insight into her childhood, this novel shows the impact that her early years had on how she dealt with the tragic events she endured an adult.

It is a shattering yet ultimately hopeful story of painful self-discovery that demonstrates how adverse childhood experiences influenced coping skills later in life. Sensitive while extremely enlightening shows the process of Carol recognizing her ability to withdrawn into herself as a way to deal with her grief. Unless she can find more positive ways to cope her fears are always going to hold her back from the life she wants to embrace; one without regrets.

Strangers, old friends, and family are helpful to a point but this is a journey that Carol must take. Carol’s story dispels the misguided and misinformed concepts that are all too often prevalent in public opinion concerning mental health issues. While I have not had the devastating events in my life as Carol has had I felt as if I was on this journey with her. There can most certainly be streams in the desert to give life again.

Read this series from beginning to end with a box of tissues nearby. Not just for women fiction fans but for everyone who enjoys a heroine who digs deep to find the ability to survive and flourish with grace. The epilogue in A Life Without Regrets will be worth it all.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the third and last book in the A Life Without Water series. I'm really sad about that and really happy at the same time. I'm sad that the fantastic story of Carol and her recovery from personal losses is ending, but I'm also happy because Ms. Bolden has just wrung me out like a limp dishcloth with this series. I have cried more during these books than with any other books I've read in a long time. If the sign of a good author is one that can make you feel strong emotion, than Bolden is one heck of an author! I am happy to say that this last book has happy moments as Carol works through her past traumas and begins to find herself again. It's a long arduous journey, but she works hard at working through her feelings so that she can live "A Life Without Regrets".
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Is this an easy read? Not even close. If you've suffered true loss, suffered true trauma and suffered multiple losses and traumas, this may very well be the most difficult yet the most rewarding story you read. If you've read the previous two books, you've been on Carol's journey already. The loss of her child, the mending of seriously broken relationships and the loss of her husband. This story is that of her healing, which is in absolutely no way an easy task because of other underlying traumas in her life. My close friend lost her husband this year, and I can completely understand those around Carol feeling inept in helping her. I've learned what not to do and maybe what I CAN do when it is needed. I thought of her every time Carol had a thought about her loss and to me, that is a sign of a great author. One who can pull my thoughts into the story. Carol's path is not an easy one, but in the end, she will find the healing she needs.

This is the final book in A Life Without Water Series and it continues the poignant life and story of Carol Denman. This is not a standalone book you need to read the previous two books to understand Carol's history and everything that she has gone through and lost. Carol is still trying to overcome what she has lost and she feels like she is drowning in her grief and needs professional help to be able to move forward with her life and she is hoping that the trip she is taking to tick of some things on Tobia bucket list that he never got to do but how will things go. You can feel all of Carol's pain as if you are going through it yourself and it breaks you heart and as it is so emotional and you hope that she can eventually find happiness. This book and series was absolutely amazing and I couldn't put it down as I had to keep reading to see what would happen next to Carol and omg she really went through the ringer and the ending was just what she needed. I have been fortunate to read all of Marci Bolden's books and I have loved every single one as she is an amazing author and writer but this series has been my all time favourite and a true masterpiece. Thank You so much Marci for writing this series and I know that Carol's story will stay with me and other readers for a long time. I definitely recommend you read this series and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this book and series.

A Life Without Regrets is a beautiful conclusion to A Life Without Water series. You must read these in order. Carol is finally working on herself in this one. She is still trying to grieve her husband Tobias, her daughter and even her ex husband. This is a book full of healing and revelation's. I love how Carol is building her relationship still with her mom and trying to overcome some fears. Carol grows so much stronger as this one goes on. She recognizes what needs to be done to get her looking to the future. There is this beautiful connection with Simon that will melt your heart. He is so caring and patient when it comes to Carol. You feel how much he truly cares for Carol from the very beginning of their backstory. A Life Without Regrets gives you everything you hope that Carol needs. It is just such a beautiful emotionally healing read. You will not be crying sad tears but happy tears with this one. Couldn't put it down. Loved this one so much.

This is the story of Carol Denman. A woman who has had many horrific losses in her life and, has survived by living inside her head. When her husband, Tobias is killed, that is what finally breaks her. Carol cannot figure out how to get past this one. She has always had people to depend on before but, now she's starting to realize that she finally has to deal with this life altering event on her own.
Carol travels around the country then, visits Tobias' family, then her Mom and Aunt then, her best friend where she realizes that the one man who has always been there for her, no matter what, is where she is finally ready to be.
This book talks about dealing with the mountains, cliffs and valleys of life and, how to come out on the other side.

I am sorry this book is not my cup of tea. I had not realised that it was part of a series. I do not think though that this is my type of story. It felt very self centred and depressing.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

When I read the description for this book I thought I was about to read an emotion packed book where I would feel mounds of compassion for the main character but this was not the case. This book was a very slow and boring read and I found myself skimming the pages. Carol came across as a self centred woman. The character just seemed like a completely different character then the one in the first book. I thank Pink Sand Press for the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley but I can’t give it a good review. Others seem to like the book but for me it was a disappointment.

A powerful ending to this amazing trilogy! Carol Denman has dealt with so much tragedy in her life, the death of her young daughter, the destruction of her first marriage and her ex-husband’s death and finally the death of her beloved second husband just thirteen months ago. She is on a journey to find herself and what lies ahead. Travelling the country in her RV, she meets people along the way and thinks off and on about her friend, Simon Miller. He was an important part of life during her first marriage and thoughts of him intrude as she wanders the country. Planning on time with Tobias’s family for Thanksgiving then on to her mother’s in Florida, where will she go next? She is slowly coming to terms with what will be…to grieve…to recover…and to live again. What will be the next chapter in her life? (As with all three books in this series, have a box of tissues near). An absolutely wonderful and thought-provoking series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I received an ARC from Pink Sand Press for an honest review. Carol has lost so much, even parts of herself. When her husband Tobias died in a tragic accident, Carol was in so much pain. Her family and friends tried to tell her how to heal but she knows in order to heal she has to travel alone. She sells her and Tobias's house and buys an RV. She goes on the road and thinks the way to move forward is to do what she thinks Tobias's bucket list. The first stop is when she decided she will go white water rafting because her husband always wanted to do it but didn't because of her fear of water. She is signing the waiver when she meets an elderly gentleman, named Harold, who stops and talks with her. He convinces her to wait until tomorrow or another day to try to face her fear of water by going white water rafting. As they became friends in the RV park, he told her about his late wife and how she collected stones. He gave her a stone that said No Regrets. sketched in it. She put it in her pocket and carried it with her, oftentimes bringing it out and rubbing the stone and found it comforting.
While she is on the road she went online and found a therapist, Dr. Baxter. The therapist doesn't let Carol bury her feelings, disconnect, they work through what Carol is dealing with. Dr. Baxter finally had a diagnosis for what Carol was dealing with. With the diagnosis, comes hope and she heads to see Tobias's family for Thanksgiving and then her mother's for Christmas. Her mother and she never had a good relationship, but things were getting better.
Marci Bolden takes us on Carol's journey and sometimes it was difficult to read but I couldn't stop reading it because she was so broken, that I had to know what happened to her.
Her old friend Simon who helped her when she lost her daughter, was still in touch with her. Carol knew he wanted more than friendship but if friendship was all he could have then that was good enough. That was all she could offer him because needed to heal herself before she could move on with someone else. As I continued to read, I saw glimpses of healing. Working with her therapist, knowing what was wrong with herself, gave her the courage to take steps and she always had the stone that said No Regrets.
The story shines a light on losing people you love, grief, and how difficult grief is. One thing I learned from reading this book, is no one can do it for you, you have to go through the process alone. People can be there for you, and sometimes they help some, and sometimes they don't. I am glad I read the book because I have a better understanding of what grief does to people, and also sometimes, the best thing to do is be like Simon, listen, just accept what they can give, and just let them know if they need you, you are there but will give them the space they need.

Carol Denman, has sold her home, and after renewing her relationship with her mother has embarked on a journey to honor her late husband, Tobias. Carol's idea of honoring her husband is to partake in what she felt would've been Tobias' bucket list.

Her first attempt is far from a slam dunk, and as she sits with regret, her savior comes in the form of Harold Chu. An elderly widow, who has his RV parked in the spot next to hers. Harold convinces her to give it a go some other day.

Harold shares about his late wife, and how she collected stones. Before Harold leaves to his next stop, he gives Carol one of his wife's stones, a rose quartz with 'No Regrets' etched in it, because he felt Carol needed it. Harold reminds Carol that, yes, twenty years of marriage went fast, but so can the next twenty years and you don't want to look back with regrets.

Carol is still grieving the loss of Tobias, despite finding forgiveness for her first husband, reconnecting with her mother, carrying on without Tobias is a heavy burden that she doesn't know how to let go of. Carol is very practiced at hiding and bottling her emotions. It's something she's done since she was a little girl.

Everyone, from Tobias' family, Carol's mom, Judith, and her Aunt Ellen are deeply worried about Carol and convey what they think is the best way for Carol to heal. Carol knows that no matter how much everyone may want to help, they can't, that she's got to find her own way.

Another person concerned about Carol is Simon Miller, an old flame who saved her once. It's clear that Simon wants more than friendship, although, he'll accept friendship, but Carol knows she hurt him the first time, and doesn't want to mislead him and hurt him again. Their paths seem to cross at inopportune times.

In her quest to find herself and how to move forward without Tobais, Carol makes an appointment with a therapist, Dr. Baxter. The therapist, is good at calling Carol out on her bad habits, forcing Carol to take note and try to correct them. The therapist puts a name to what Carol is experiencing, which brings a sense of peace. A name means a plan to work on overcoming. Along with the therapists help, Carol breaks down and agrees to have lunch with Simon; it is during the lunch, that Simon makes Carol realize what she misses most and what she can have again.

Another beautifully written story that ties up ends with Carol's story. I, absolutely adored the ending where Carol had come full circle in her journey from the first book of forgiveness, to the second book of understanding, to now, hope of something better.

I requested a complimentary ARC from NetGalley by Pink Sand Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

SYNOPSIS:
She could not look into the future until she’d let go of the past.

Since losing her husband, Tobias, in a tragic accident, Carol Denman has been on a journey of self-growth. She’s taken steps to finally grieve her daughter’s death, forgive her first husband, and mend her broken relationship with her mother. The one heartbreak she can’t seem to come to terms with is losing her husband.

As Carol continues her travels, family, old friends, and new confidants want to help her heal. However, this is a path Carol must travel alone. She knows her husband would want her to be happy again. She just has to figure out how to move forward.

Carol must dig deep to find a way back to the peace and happiness she once had in her life with Tobias. Coming to terms with being a widow isn’t going to be easy, but with the support from her loved ones and a few strangers, Carol embarks on her most poignant journey yet—finding a life without regrets.

MY THOUGHTS

All I can say is it's very hard to read when your eyes are watering so bad. When tears are streaming down your face. This book.. It's good but so sad. I was afraid of this. Hubby looks around and says what wrong. I tell him and he has the nerve to suggest I stop reading said book... I can't. It may be very emotional. It might make me weep bit heavy tears... But it's still good. It's about feelings. About the heart. About learning. It's about reading.

This is the third and final book in this trilogy. Carol/Caroline is on a quest to find closure. From so many losses. She's had way to many for any one person to live with. From the first book you get to know her life with her daughter, Katie, and her husband, John. That book will leave you in sobbing heartbreaking tears from the start to the finish. Then you read the second and get to know more. More about Carol's second husband, Tobias. He's such a likable person and losing him is beyond comprehension too.

This book takes you on Carol's journey to find out how to move on after losing so much. How to come to terms with the idea that she deserves to be happy. She deserves to have a full life again. Loss can floor the best of us. Take us down a dark highway and make it almost impossible to find the light again. But it can be done. Carol goes to on such a journey and comes out the other end a mush stronger person. She finally finds peace in her life. She gets in touch with herself. She understand that she is not to blame for any of the losses.

This series deals with so many topics. Loss, alcoholism, anger, understanding, moving on again, forgiving. Forgiving not only others but also yourself. I was happy to find out that Carol/Caroline will be ok. She can move beyond such sadness. She can find happiness again.

All the characters from the first two books are brought back here. I love them all. I even like Judith, Carol's mom. She had to grow on me but she finally did. I actually started liking her in the second book but more in this one. The characters feel so real and like family. All the places Carol goes to make you feel right at home.

Marci Bolden has created a wonderful series here. A very emotional one, but still, very good. Makes you stop and appreciate life better. Don't take anything for granted.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #MarciBolden, #PinkSandsPress for this arc. This is my own heartfelt thoughts.

5/5 stars and the highest recommendation. Be sure and read A LIFE WITHOUT WATER & A LIFE WITHOUT FLOWERS first.
I'll post on the links on December 8th when the book publishes.

I want to make it clear that I had read the previous two books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed both, gave high 5-star reviews and was so looking forward to this one. They had love, loss, humor, lots of heart and so much going for them and I knew it would be hard to keep the momentum, unfortunately, the momentum slowed to a crawl in this one. It was all I could do to finish.
Carol, the main character, previously had been headstrong, determined and I loved the banter between her ex husband and her mother. There was no banter here. This is the second series I’ve read lately where the 3rd installment basically fell flat, at least for me.
If you haven’t read the previous two, take your time, enjoy. And even though this wasn’t my cup of tea I’m sure others will see it differently.
I want to thank Pink Sand Press and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest unbiased opinion. This is a 3-star review.

This the third and what I think will be the final novel in the 'a life without water series by Marci Bolden.
This book does not disappoint. Follow the healing of Carole after the many traumas she has been through and live though it with her. All the painful but hopeful steps she has to do get eventual pace with an old love.
This book is full of hope, love, forgiveness and healing.
Many thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
#ALifeWithoutRegrets
I loved it. And lived through it with her every step of the way.

n A Life Without Regrets, the final book in Marci Boldens A Life Without Water series we travel the road with Carol as she learns you need to let go of the past before you can move on into the future. This final book was not as emotionally charged for me as the first two books it was still a great end to this wonderful story.

Carol's beloved husband death was the last tragedy. But it was not the only one. Her life had been hard. And since she's missing Tobias so much and knowing he would have loved to see her smile again, she find the strength to hit the road looking for some of the adventures they had planned to embark on together. Perhaps the perspective of the road would help her navigate through her pain.
This is a beautiful story, full of hope and redemption. The characters are undoubtedly human and absolutely lovable. I enjoyed the reading very much.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is full of emotions. It will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. It's a wonderful ending to a great series. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Thank you Pink Sands Press and Marci Bolden via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Carol Denman is continuing her search fo find herself. Since accepting her daughters death, forgiveness for her ex and reconnecting with her mother, she is still trying to move on from the death of her second husband. She has taken trips in her RV and has been overcoming some of her fears but unable to come to terms with Tobias’s death and move forward. Her once lover and friend Simon loves her and wants a relationship but Carol must accept her husbands death. Can she finally realize that she deserves to have a life and be happy. This was a great series and seeing Carol face all the heartaches of her life can hit home with a lot of us!

Thanks Marci Bolton and Pink Sands Press

The perfect ending to a beautiful emotional journey. This book, and this series is simply outstanding. Following along with Carol through the grief was inspirational and one of the best reads I've read in a long time.. I've always been a fan of Marci's but, this book and series is one of her best. As Carol continues on her journey in the RV, she continues to miss Tobias and her sense of purpose. Seeking out a psychiatrist to help her through the pain, she is faced with a diagnosis. Learning to deal with the grief and find her way forward was wonderful to watch. (read). Healing old wounds and learning new ways to cope is not easy for her but, putting the pieces of her life back together leads her to the most beautiful and perfect ending to this book. I was in awe. At least when I wasn't crying my heart out. Marci put her heart into this book so that she could tear yours out while reading it. So have your tissues handy and continue on with Carol's journey. You definitely won't regret it. I had no Regrets :)

A Life Without Regrets by Marci Bolden is the third book in her Life Without Water series. Carol is in the process of learning to live with the loss of her husband Tobias. Her family and friends are trying to help with the loss but she realizes she will have to come to terms with the loss in her own way. Although I enjoyed the book, it is an emotional read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Pink Sand Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.