Only Love Can Hurt Like This: an unforgettable love story from the Sunday Times bestselling author

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The title really says it all, this is going to hurt a lot. Every relationship seems to be strained, whether it’s family, friendship or romantic. I cried, I laughed and my heart completely broke for these characters. Only love can hurt like this. I really loved this book, it was both engaging and heartbreaking without being too soppy or dark. I loved the character of Wren and her reasons for travelling to America. Her summer staying with her Dad and his family was lovely to read about and made me feel like I was there and part of it. We are transported to rural Indiana, where Wren has gone to heal from her heartbreak. Staying with her dad, step - mother and half - sister, brings it’s own challenges. One day while on her way to meet her Fiancé she witnesses a look exchanged with him and his co-worker and Wren knows instantly deep in the pit of her stomach her relationship is over.

Only Love Can Hurt Like This | Paige Toon | 9781529157901 Only Love Can Hurt Like This | Paige Toon | 9781529157901

Paige Toon is one of my favourite authors, predominantly because she always puts a little bit of her heart and soul in to her characters and storytelling, and you just feel that instant connection so naturally and fluently through the books. Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a beautiful plot set mainly in the US around Indiana, which was a beautiful setting to be immersed in for the summer of peach harvesting and corn cropping on the family farms. When we first meet Wren she's in a bit of a rut, she's not really happy in her job and the direction it's taking her but it's whilst out for lunch that the rug gets pulled out from under her. She sees her fiance Scott at lunch with his colleague and what she witnesses makes her realise that they have strong feelings for one another although they haven't crossed that line yet. This brings about a conversation with Scott and the realisation that their relationship is over. Needing to get away from it all and take time out to think about her future plans, Wren decides to head to Indiana to visit with her dad, step mum Sheryl and sister Bailey. And it's whilst visiting them that her life plans will be turned upside down again... The setting is wonderful as well it’s like a British girls idealised version of America, long summer days, handsome strangers, country farms and fire flies at night.I mean sure they should have probably taken her off life support but Jesus Christ these people are insane. And the fact that everyone knew about the wife and just didn’t say anything??? TLDR: plot twist major red flag, moral dilemma. Should not be advertised as a romance book this book is just sad. I read this last September so, even though it was set in a place that was really warm, it felt right to be reading it in autumn with all the mentions of pumpkin patches and maize mazes.

Only Love Can Hurt Like This - Paige Toon - Google Books Only Love Can Hurt Like This - Paige Toon - Google Books

I was addicted to this story, I truly loved all the characters - literally the whole kit and caboodle! This was my first Paige Toon novel and definitely not my last. I’m missing Wren, Anders, his brother Jonas and sister Bailey already. I’m more than happy to recommend the adorable “Only Love Can Hurt Like This”, if this genre appeals to you. The fact that the main character has been dumped and falls for a complicated man not technically an affair compared to actual affairs Toon usually writes about. It's a picturesque story taking place in Indiana - think old houses that have been passed down generations, sunsets over corn fields, the smell, and smoke from barbecuing, and the late summer/autumn feeling when the corn and pumpkins are ready for harvesting. If you like American cutie-pie farmers then this is definitely your call. As an avid Paige Toon lover, I was so excited to read this book, and I have to say, it did not disappoint. I laughed, I cried, I loved. I feel like my heart is both full, and heartbroken at the same time. This was beautifully written.When Wren meets racing car engineer Anders, a ‘will they, won’t they’ relationship develops but with Anders still grieving over his wife’s accident four years ago, can she break down his barriers to love again? As the smouldering tension increases between them it makes for some steamy reading, until the reality of Anders’ heartache is revealed and then it became emotionally wrenching for them both. The moral dilemma Wren and Anders both face but from different perspectives, makes for a thought-provoking debate for reading groups. This book was so dull! I just could not get into it. I disliked the characters, and the plot didn't go anywhere. I didn't want to DNF as I kept hoping it would get better... it didn't! Even the 'twist' didn't grab me. If you like books by Mia Sheridan or Katherine Center, you will definitely enjoy Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Paige hits that perfect balance between heartwarming and bittersweet to create a story that will stay with you. I started reading Paige Toon books quite a few years ago and have never been disappointed. This one is probably my favourite have read. It takes you through every possible emotion you could feel. I particularly loved the exploration of the relationship between Wren and her younger half-sister Bailey, and how we navigate big life changes and emotions when we are younger differently to when we are adults. It was heartwarming to see their connection, and the wider implications, from them spending more time together, and how healing that became.