The Story of Us
Page 41
‘What about your father?’
I couldn’t find my voice.
‘Rachel honey, you’re scaring me. Can’t you just tell us what’s the matter?’
‘Is there something wrong with your father, Rachel?’
I turned to the doctor to reply to his question and then back at my only parent. My newly empowered eyesight took in his plump cheeks, his bright eyes – albeit clouded now in concern – the small paunch he was always planning on joining a gym to lose. There was no sign of the haggard, prematurely aged, cancer-raddled man I had last seen three weeks ago.
‘No! That’s what’s the matter. There’s nothing wrong with him at all!’
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Notes for your Book Club
The novel opens with Emma stating that she believed she was in love with two men at the same time. Do you feel that was true? Is it even possible?
Whose act of betrayal is worse, Richard’s or Amy’s?
If the accident had never happened, do you think Emma would or should have been able to forgive Richard and become his wife?
Was there any one act of Richard’s throughout the novel that changed your perception of him?
Emma and Jack have both been badly betrayed by people they loved. How much do you feel this contributes to the intensity and strength of their relationship?
What do Jack and Richard represent in terms of Emma’s future? Did you find yourself rooting for one man more than the other? If so, why?
Acknowledgments
I have come to realise there is a lot you can learn about writing acknowledgments for a book by watching awards acceptance speeches. What you don’t want to do is to forget someone important. And what you really don’t want to do is to ramble on thanking every single person who has ever crossed your path since you left school. And crying, like an emotional idiot. You don’t want to do that either (so embarrassing). So with dry eyes but an enormous smile of gratitude I would like to thank the following people:
My wonderful agent Kate Burke from Diane Banks Associates, who is my ambassador, travel guide, passport and visa in this strange new country I am visiting.
For my brilliant editor Laura Palmer and the astounding team at Head of Zeus for the hundreds of things that are done behind the scenes, which allow me to claim all the glory (so unfair!)
For all my amazing friends who stood by and proudly applauded and have shared the excitement with me over the last twelve months, with a special nod to Debbie, Kim, Sheila, Janet, Gillian, Christine and Hazel.
Thank you and a sad farewell to two old and trusted friends. You were there when I wrote this, heard me practise the dialogue out loud, and never once laughed at the plot, criticised, or stopped purring. Minty and Chip, I miss you both.
When I look down and see how far I have come, I know I wouldn’t be here at all without the love and support of three amazing people: Ralph, Kimberley and Luke. You are my story, and I wouldn’t re-write a single word.
About this Book
Emma Marshall can’t wait to marry her childhood sweetheart, Richard. But then a tragic accident changes everything – and introduces a stranger, Jack, into her life.
Gorgeous and mysterious, Jack is like no-one Emma has met before.
But Richard is the man she loves…
Two different men.
Two different destinies.
How will Emma end her story?
Reviews
‘I loved this book! I was captivated the entire time and then completely blown away, left reeling afterwards.’
Chick Lit Central
‘This was such a well-written, enjoyable novel. Atkins is a fabulous writer and I hope this book reaches the audience it should as it’s brilliant.’
Girls Love to Read
‘Fractured shines with brilliance! It is delicately written, emotional, heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. If you are going to buy and read any book this year make it this one!’
Reading in the Sunshine
‘As I turned the last page I found myself broken as it was time to say goodbye to a book that warmed my heart and intrigued my mind.’
The Love of a Good Book
‘Wow! What an amazing, amazing book! Heartbreaking, magical and completely and utterly gripping! If you only read one book this year, read this.’
Laura’s Little Book Blog
‘This book was so amazing that I don’t even know which parts to mention first.’
CosmoChickLit
‘This thought-provoking and tear-jerking story left me not only with a tear-stained pillow but in absolute awe of the author’s incredible talent. It will make you laugh and cry and leave you wondering what if?’
Jenny Never Land
‘It’s so incredibly compelling and truly beautiful. It’s a love story that will stay with you forever. It was just so brilliant, without a doubt I could read this again and again. You MUST read this.’
Victoria Loves Books
About the Author
DANI ATKINS was born in Hertfordshire and has lived there all her life. She worked for many years as a secretary in London, and books were her constant companions on the daily commute. She never let go of her secret dream that one day she too might become an author.
A long and happy marriage, two children and a great many much loved pets later, Dani wrote Fractured, which became a bestseller in 2013. The Story of Us is her second novel. Dani still has to pinch herself to realise that she is now, quite literally, living her dream.
Twitter: @AtkinsDani
Facebook: DaniAtkinsAuthor
Also by this Author
Fractured
The night of the accident changed everything…
Now, five years on, Rachel’s life is crumbling.
She lives alone in a tiny flat, working in a dead-end job, desperate with guilt over her best friend’s death.
She would give anything to turn back the clock.
But life doesn’t work like that… Does it?
~
The night of the accident was a lucky escape…
Now, five years on, Rachel’s life is perfect.
She has a wonderful fiancé, loving family and friends around her, and the career she always wanted.
But why can’t Rachel shake the memory of a very different life?
Can two different stories lead to the same happy ending?
Or will Rachel stay fractured forever?
Fractured is available here.
An Invitation from the Publisher
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The story starts here
First published in the UK in 2014 by Head of Zeus Ltd.
Copyright © Dani Atkins 2014.
The moral right of Dani Atkins to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
9 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Paperback ISBN: 9781781857144
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sp; eBook ISBN: 9781781857120
eBook converted by Palimpsest Book Production Ltd, Falkirk, Stirlingshire
Head of Zeus Ltd
Clerkenwell House
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Table of Contents
Cover
Welcome Page
Dedication
The End – Part One
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
The End – Part Two
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
The End – Part Three
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
The End – Part Four
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
The End – Part Five
Chapter 18
The End – Part Six
Preview
Notes for your Book Club
Acknowledgments
About this Book
Reviews
About the Author
Also by this Author
An Invitation from the Publisher
Copyright