The You I Never Knew

As novels go this wasn't the one for me. It was over melodramatic, at best but mostly tedious and oh so predictable. Yes, teenagers can be quite a handful, raising a child as a single parent more than difficult. Rifts between families, especially parent and child are always there lurking in the background and difficult to reconcile. And then there is the other parent, the one that somehow doesn't enter into the picture for eons! The man who is the father, but never knew! The anger, the shock, and in this case the drama. Really, page after page of this for what seems forever. I love books that are lengthy, so at over 500 pages I though I would settle down to a good read. Unfortunately, no. As far as I was concerned it could have ended about 150 pages shorter, given the story line.The fact that Susan Wiggs is one of my favorite author and I have read tons of her books, this one (for me) came up short and I was surprised. I've read the reviews before writing mine. I am well aware of those who love this genre and so there are stories out there for everyone and all are entitled to their opinion. This was mine.

While watching over my grand-dog, Sweet William, as he drifts away from this world, I needed something to read, and I came across The You I Never Knew. It is an older book, and I'm often jerked out of story in dated works, not because the writing isn't wonderful, but because there are often distinct clashes between that setting and the highly technological one of today with fast computers, e-books, smart phones, and tablets. I am so glad that I took a chance on this particular book. I never once found myself wondering why a character didn't just call someone on a cell phone.I don't want to write spoilers, so I won't go into the plot. I'll just say that this is one of the finest pieces of work that I've read recently, and describing it with only a few words, I'll say, "You absolutely must read it!" The author touched my heart and took me on an emotional journey with each of her characters. The interaction between them is realistic, the difficulties that must be overcome believable, and every nuance is masterfully crafted.

Wasn't sure I would like this book but Michelle is a character that will draw you into her world easily. Stubborn but thoughtful. She is almost too caring for everyone around her and neglects her own self needs and wants. Brad her boyfriend next door is too anal . Cody is a typical teenager, the son that needs more discipline but he is a sweetheart underneath that shell. Sam is a real heartthrob and every woman's dream of a man's man but .is just the best person that is there for the people that need him most. He and Michelle had a crush and young love that never really dies. You can't help but love all the characters including Michelle's Dad, the movie star of days gone by that Michelle feels obligated to help when he needs a kidney transplant. She leaves her upscale city life and returns to the life in rural ranch country that is small town but beautiful setting to donate her kidney when she finds out she is a perfect match.. This story is a must read if you love a story that you never want to end. Highly recommend..

While this story wraps itself around a love that began in Michelle and Sam's teen years, it so much more than a romance of love found again. It captures with poignant depictions of an angry 16-year-old boy who meets his birth father and his famous actor grandfather when Michelle never expected to make such an introduction. And it teaches Sam both the joys and pains of being a father when he must contend with Cody, his joy at working with the horses and his bad choices in so-called friends and reluctance to come clean, even after Sam's mother becomes collateral damage.If you're looking for an easy read, don't bother with this novel. The author's treatment of real issues doesn't hold back and you may not be comfortable after she's pulled you in. But if you want a story that reflects life's most important issues about parenting and yes, love, dive in and become involved. A great read, one I couldn't put down and will definitely read again!

One of my favorite books yet by this popular author. A serious health problem brings a daughter home to The Ranch in Montana with her reluctant, obstinate, teenage son in tow. His father, whom he has yet to meet, isa long, lost summer love, neighboring rancher and local doctor. This story handles many painful issues but the thread that runs through the valleys and windswept plains of this remarkable tale lies in the strength of a lonely, pregnant young girl and the sacrifices she endures for her child. 16 years later her father still tries to destroy a love that was so pure in youth but somehow has matured and survived. Her characters are real, sensitive and familiar. A very good read.

Instead of the usual mother daughter relationship problems, this book explores the father, daughter, boyfriend, son relationships. Michelle returns to her home town to help her sick father who needs a kidney transplant. It takes time but they finally come to a understanding that they both did what they needed to do at the time, seventeen years before. The most interesting relationship is between father and son who have never met before now. It only takes one look for Sam to realize that Cody is his. Michelle connects again with her father through a journal she wrote while waiting for his transplant. Cody also helps by reopening her old painting studio. There are many steps of healing involved but by the end of the book they are well on their way to being a real family.

Susan Wiggs has written well with the two main characters having to understand who they were when they were young and finding out what both had grown into but the one thing not changed "love". A good story about a lot of young people today

Susan With a always writes with twists that make her books interesting. This book was no different and it was a pleasure to read.

Very emotional yet I couldn't put it down. Read into the early hours of the morning, even though feel bleary eyed, as it was a very emotionally charged story, I did go to sleep content. Interesting story line, yet powerful emotions particularly with the organ donation.

As ever Susan Wiggs has written another book I couldn't put down. Time to download another to become a part of.

Fantastic read, this is the 10 th book I have read of Susan's, it is one of the best, enjoyed it from start to finish, couldn't put it down, would recommend.

Like all her books, quick reads, fluffy with happy endings. Variations on a theme. Good for airplanes, beaches or even the back garden

Great book am I optimistic wanting a series of this lovely saga? I enjoyed all the love and turmoil of the main characters

its a great light read and as usual with her books very hard to stop reading, keeps me up nights thanks

the you i never knew susan wiggs books are always great but did not this one to end

Excellent novel reading another of Susan Wiggs very good stories!

What a pleasant change to read a book that isn't full of sex. Will definitely read more by this author

Great story, left me wanting more.

Fantastic read as always!

A lovely story. I have read this author before and I wasn't disappointed. Good story line and I shall be reading some of her other books in due course.

Ich habe das Buch in zwei Tagen gelesen und es hat mir sehr gut gefallen.Michelle ist hin- und hergerissen zwischen ihrer Vergangenheit und der Gegenwart. Da ist ihr Vater Gavin. Ein berühmter Schauspieler. Für Michelle war er nie der Vater den sie sich gewünscht hat, denn er war so gut wie nie präsent in ihrem Leben. Und da ist ihre große Jugendliebe Sam, der an dem Tag aus ihrem Leben verschwindet, als sie entdeckt dass sie von ihm schwanger ist. Und da ist Cody, ihr 17jhr. Sohn, den sie über alles liebt und den sie mit ihrer Liebe fast erdrückt.Als ihr Vater schwer erkrankt zögert sie nicht ihm zu helfen und kehrt dafür nach 17 Jahren mit ihrem Sohn nach Montana zurück. Womit sie nicht rechnet ist, dass sie dort auf Sam trifft und so treffen Vater und Sohn zum ersten Mal aufeinander. Doch Cody ist rebellisch und Sam weiß nicht, wie er sich als Vater, der er so plötzlich ist, seinem Sohn gegenüber verhalten soll.Susann Wiggs hat in diesem Buch sehr schön das Gefühlsleben aller Beteiligten beschrieben:Michelle, die ihren Vater immer geliebt hat. Die auch Sam immer noch liebt und die ihren Sohn Cody liebt - und sie weiß nicht, wie sie all diese Gefühle ordnen soll.Und auch Gavin liebt seine Tochter. Doch Vater und Tochter wissen nicht, wie sie ihre wahren Gefühle äußern sollen.Sam, der seine Jugendliebe Michelle nie vergessen konnte, auch wenn das Schicksal sie getrennt hat.Und Cody, der aus seinem normalen Leben in Seattle herausgerissen wird, der plötzlich einen Vater, einen Großvater und eine Großmutter hat und doch mit all dem irgenwie überfordert ist.

Good light reading for the summer. I have read other books by Susan Wiggs, like "Table for Five" and "The Story of Us"/Ocean Between Us" and really enjoyed them. This was good but the characters a little less developed.

Excellent read....