Book Review: Just Destiny by Theresa Rizzo

Just Destiny

by 

Theresa Rizzo

Pub March 31st 2014 

By Author Self Pub 

ARC for Review 

Summary
What would you do if your whole world fell apart?
Jenny Harrison made some poor choices in the past, but marrying Gabe was the best thing she’d ever done. They had the perfect marriage, until a tragic accident leaves Gabe brain dead and her world in ruins.
Devastated by grief, she decides to preserve the best of their love by conceiving his child, but Gabe’s family is adamantly opposed, even willing to chance exposing long-held family secrets to stop her. Caught in a web of twisted motives and contentious legal issues, Jenny turns to best friend and attorney, Steve Grant. Steve wants to help Jenny, but he has reservations and secrets of his own.
When something so private and simple turns public and complicated, will Jenny relent? What is Steve willing to sacrifice to help Jenny?

The Way I See It

Out of the way Life Time channel Ms. Rizzo is in the house!! Just Destiny was a very solid very good read. This isn’t some fluffy pony prancing about…There are real issues and actual life events that occur in this novel. Okay its totally fiction but this story could be about real people in really messed up situations. Every character had flaws and it was okay because as people we are all flawed. This wasn’t a fairytale there are no pegasus, dragons, or magic wielding fairy’s flying about, this Sh%# is real. Gabe’s death was shocking and extremely painful, that speaks volumes about Ms Rizzo’s writing since his death happened so early on…I cried and then I panicked so naturally I skipped to the end of the book **don’t do that** just know that Ms Rizzo’s ending might not be a magical fairytale but the journey to the end was thorough, thought out, and perfect for each character. I found that everyone was where they should be by the end.

J-oy, Jenny has surprising news for her husband she plans on wooing him into submission.
U-nplanned, a romantic venture turns into a horrendous nightmare, Jenny’s life will never be the same.
S-tressful, a time when family is supposed to come together, Gabe’s uncle plans to destroy Jenny’s hope of healing.
T-ogether, Gabe’s ex-wife and children will come together with Jenny to help her and support each other in this time of need.

D-aring, Steve has always loved Jenny, now that Gabe is gone he hates himself even more. Forcing a life with his fiancé Annie seems like a good plan.
E-ncroach, Annie has everything planned out for her life with Steve but Ryan her children’s father will not be ignored. He has changed and will do what it takes to prove it to his broken family.
S-urprise, helping out a friend Jenny discovers a way to honor Gabe and keep his memory alive. Jenny will donate time and seek help from those willing to see this through.
T-rial, lives are exposed and challenged. What Jenny wanted to do out of love and a bit of desperation has been brought out publicly without regard for the many lives these proceedings will alter.
I-ndecision, through the hard work of her loved ones and council Jenny faces another difficult dilemma, wanting answers is different from discovering the answer deep within her heart.
N-ews, appointments have been made, declarations confessed, thoughts analyzed, and prayers answered. Jenny will accept what her heart has known all along.
Y-outh, with so many options Jenny might not know what the future holds but she knows her heart will not guide her wrong. It may not be perfect or ideal but her decision will bring peace to her chaotic world.

Sigh…like I mentioned before this is a great read, very complex and deep. Just Destiny contains life, love, loss, pain, rebuilding, truths, lies, deception, confessions, and the beautiful power of love and its resiliency. I look forward to seeing more from these complex and intricate characters. Ms Rizzo has a way of captivating and immersing the reader within this moving book. There are even discussion questions at the back where you could sit down with friends and go over the story…Like I said not fluffy this has very real and very hard decisions which we know are the makings of a great discussion. I def recommend this story.

My Favs

Jenny
She was young and insecure and made several mistakes but she loved…she love passionately and whole heartedly her devotion and loyalty was fierce. I enjoyed her character immensely.

Gabe
Wow we don’t get to know him very much but through his actions and the love people had for him his character has a very big impact on the readers.

Steve
YUMMY!! and so much more I don’t want to get into the particulars(spoilers and all that) but talk about sacrificing…tortured constantly his compass and loyalty will not let him stray. 

 My Rating

4.0 Positive Results, Bike Ride, Broken Helmet, Respirator, Restraining Order, Lawyer Shortage, Crushed Soul, Dinner Party, Hopeful Holidays, Broken Hearts, Trial, Confessions, Rainbow, Reenforced Love filled Decision filled Stars…For a detailed and captivating read that would be a great discussion topic pick up this book asap!

Purchase Through 

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About The Author

Theresa Rizzo is an award-winning author who writes emotional stories that explore the complexity of relationships and families through real-life trials.

Born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, she currently lives outside of Boulder, Colorado with her husband of thirty years. She’s raised four wonderful children who are now scattered across the country.

Theresa’s debut book, He Belongs to Me was a finalist in the General Fiction Category of The 2013 USA Best Book Awards!  Her second book, Just Destiny, will be released March 31, 2014.

Find Theresa on the web at www.theresarizzo.com, or connect via

 Facebook ✿  twitter ✿  Goodreads