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Making It Through
“I will always be there for you, Mady, always.”
One month later, I was slammed with the realization that there were some things you just can’t count on being true.
College sophomore, Madelyne Stewart, has it all—a wonderful home, a close-knit family, and great friends. But when tragedy strikes, it flips her world upside down. She struggles to deal with the chaos of her crumbling life.
On the brink of failing her classes, Mady reluctantly agrees to study with a tutor. Max Granger drifts into her life like a breath of fresh air. Not only is he intelligent and an excellent tutor, he’s funny, laid-back, and has the amazing ability to soothe her troubled soul. His striking looks top off a complete package any woman—Mady included—would want. Except, she isn’t looking to add anything else to her broken plate.
Can Mady find a way to make it though her pain and see what is in front of her? Will she take chance on Max? Or will the pieces of her heart be too broken to mend?
One month later, I was slammed with the realization that there were some things you just can’t count on being true.
College sophomore, Madelyne Stewart, has it all—a wonderful home, a close-knit family, and great friends. But when tragedy strikes, it flips her world upside down. She struggles to deal with the chaos of her crumbling life.
On the brink of failing her classes, Mady reluctantly agrees to study with a tutor. Max Granger drifts into her life like a breath of fresh air. Not only is he intelligent and an excellent tutor, he’s funny, laid-back, and has the amazing ability to soothe her troubled soul. His striking looks top off a complete package any woman—Mady included—would want. Except, she isn’t looking to add anything else to her broken plate.
Can Mady find a way to make it though her pain and see what is in front of her? Will she take chance on Max? Or will the pieces of her heart be too broken to mend?
- GenresNew Adult
ebook
First published June 1, 2016
About the author
Erin Cristofoli
15 books140 followersErin was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, where she resides with her husband and two children.
She found her love of writing as a teen, when she wrote a series of stories for her friends. It became a dream that she would one day publish a novel of her own.
Erin has a passion for creativity in many forms. Aside from writing, she is a photographer, and enjoys painting, playing guitar and crocheting.
She found her love of writing as a teen, when she wrote a series of stories for her friends. It became a dream that she would one day publish a novel of her own.
Erin has a passion for creativity in many forms. Aside from writing, she is a photographer, and enjoys painting, playing guitar and crocheting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 24, 2016
4.5 Stars
Wow, there is so much I could say about Erin Cristofoli's Making it Through. This book will have you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The way she described the grief experienced by Madelyne and her family was so realistic and definitely had me wondering if this book was written from first hand experience.
Madelyne, has a pretty awesome life, she has the best friends a girl could ask for and an even more supportive brother. When the unexpected happens, Madelyne alienates herself from everyone around her and she finds herself in the unwanted but peaceful company of Maxwell.
I recommend this book to everyone, it is such a beautiful story with an even nicer ending. Yes, most of it is about grief and how it effects everyone around it but, it also shows how you can persevere and move on when you have a solid foundation of friends and family.
This book was given to me from the author in exchange of an honest review. Thanks Erin!
Wow, there is so much I could say about Erin Cristofoli's Making it Through. This book will have you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The way she described the grief experienced by Madelyne and her family was so realistic and definitely had me wondering if this book was written from first hand experience.
Madelyne, has a pretty awesome life, she has the best friends a girl could ask for and an even more supportive brother. When the unexpected happens, Madelyne alienates herself from everyone around her and she finds herself in the unwanted but peaceful company of Maxwell.
I recommend this book to everyone, it is such a beautiful story with an even nicer ending. Yes, most of it is about grief and how it effects everyone around it but, it also shows how you can persevere and move on when you have a solid foundation of friends and family.
This book was given to me from the author in exchange of an honest review. Thanks Erin!
July 30, 2016
5 Breathtaking Stars
Hooked from the first chapter, I knew this book would be amazing! So amazing, that I devoured it in a few short hours. And now I'm left begging for more.
This is a story that will grab you right in the feels, one that will keep you hostage right until the very last word! A true roller coaster of emotions and damnit, I want another ride!
It's heartbreaking.
It's perseverance.
It's addictive.
It's sweet on swoon and angst.
It's perfection *dreamy siiiiigh*
*insert book hangover here*
Hooked from the first chapter, I knew this book would be amazing! So amazing, that I devoured it in a few short hours. And now I'm left begging for more.
This is a story that will grab you right in the feels, one that will keep you hostage right until the very last word! A true roller coaster of emotions and damnit, I want another ride!
It's heartbreaking.
It's perseverance.
It's addictive.
It's sweet on swoon and angst.
It's perfection *dreamy siiiiigh*
*insert book hangover here*
May 31, 2016
3.5 stars
Making it Through is the first book I have read by Erin Cristofoli. It is a story about friendship, moving on, and finding love after a tragic loss.
A few months ago Mady had a life that seemed perfect. She had a loving family, great friends, and a new boyfriend. She was enjoying her sophmore year of college and thought things in her life were right on track. That is until tragedy strikes and turns her world upside down. Everything begins to fall apart around her and she begins to drown in her grief. Her family is fighting, her boyfriend breaks up with her, and though her friends want to be there for her she finds herself pushing them away. She doesn't understand what went wrong and why one of the most important people in her life didn't keep his promise to her.
Mady's life is in ruins as her family falls apart and her grades plummet. She feels so alone and just wants her heart to stop hurting. To try to find a small sliver of peace, she takes a walk, and when she finds herself on a bridge she meets a guy names Max who sits with her and gives her a calm moment she hasn't had in a while. They soon part ways, never expecting to see each other again.
Returning to school is difficult and soon Mady's adviser tells her she needs a tutor if she is going to pass her classes. Much to her surprise the tutor ends up being Max, the guy that has been on her mind the past week.
While spending time during tutor sessions, Mady and Max start to form a friendship and she begins to trust him. It is apparent that Max is interested in being more than just her freind but she refuses to acknowlege it when she feels like she doesn't have much to bring to a relationship. As the story progresses, Max slowly begins to bring her back to life. He starts to get her to do the things she used to enjoy but shut out after the tragedy and has been too afraid to experience again. With help from Max, can Mady find herself again and move on?
I really liked Mady. I thought she was funny and I found myself giggling at all the things she said that came out the wrong way and not at all how she meant them to sound. My heart broke for her and everything she went through and I felt that Erin did a great job showing her grief. She felt so alone in her struggles and I was upset that some of the main people in her life weren’t there for her when she needed them most. Her family fell apart and nothing seemed to be able to make it better except for Max.
I loved Max! He was absolutely wonderful. He was handsome, kind, patient, swoon worthy, and said and did all the right things. He was almost too perfect and I found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop. Max was the sweetest hero and always had her best interest in mind. He constantly picked her up from her dark moments and supported her fully.
Though I loved Max and Mady together, when a bit of angst appeared it did not affect me like I thought it would. I knew how it would play out and I found I was not completely invested in how things would go. My stomach wasn't in knots and my heart wasn't racing in this book like it has a tendency to do when the same thing happens in other books and I am not entirely sure why why that is.
Making it Through was a sweet book about moving on and finding love after a tragic loss. Though it was not my favorite take on this theme, it was still enjoyable. A bit more angst and a not so perfect hero may have been just what it needed to bump up my rating.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Making it Through is the first book I have read by Erin Cristofoli. It is a story about friendship, moving on, and finding love after a tragic loss.
A few months ago Mady had a life that seemed perfect. She had a loving family, great friends, and a new boyfriend. She was enjoying her sophmore year of college and thought things in her life were right on track. That is until tragedy strikes and turns her world upside down. Everything begins to fall apart around her and she begins to drown in her grief. Her family is fighting, her boyfriend breaks up with her, and though her friends want to be there for her she finds herself pushing them away. She doesn't understand what went wrong and why one of the most important people in her life didn't keep his promise to her.
“I will always be there for you, Mady, always.”
Mady's life is in ruins as her family falls apart and her grades plummet. She feels so alone and just wants her heart to stop hurting. To try to find a small sliver of peace, she takes a walk, and when she finds herself on a bridge she meets a guy names Max who sits with her and gives her a calm moment she hasn't had in a while. They soon part ways, never expecting to see each other again.
Returning to school is difficult and soon Mady's adviser tells her she needs a tutor if she is going to pass her classes. Much to her surprise the tutor ends up being Max, the guy that has been on her mind the past week.
While spending time during tutor sessions, Mady and Max start to form a friendship and she begins to trust him. It is apparent that Max is interested in being more than just her freind but she refuses to acknowlege it when she feels like she doesn't have much to bring to a relationship. As the story progresses, Max slowly begins to bring her back to life. He starts to get her to do the things she used to enjoy but shut out after the tragedy and has been too afraid to experience again. With help from Max, can Mady find herself again and move on?
I really liked Mady. I thought she was funny and I found myself giggling at all the things she said that came out the wrong way and not at all how she meant them to sound. My heart broke for her and everything she went through and I felt that Erin did a great job showing her grief. She felt so alone in her struggles and I was upset that some of the main people in her life weren’t there for her when she needed them most. Her family fell apart and nothing seemed to be able to make it better except for Max.
I loved Max! He was absolutely wonderful. He was handsome, kind, patient, swoon worthy, and said and did all the right things. He was almost too perfect and I found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop. Max was the sweetest hero and always had her best interest in mind. He constantly picked her up from her dark moments and supported her fully.
“I know you’re hurting a lot of the time, babe. But I can see you beyond all that. I see a beautiful and smart woman, who has a love for so many things. I’m not goung anywhere. I’ll be here through the dark patches when you need me, because that means I get to have you in the light, as well. You are worth it.”
Though I loved Max and Mady together, when a bit of angst appeared it did not affect me like I thought it would. I knew how it would play out and I found I was not completely invested in how things would go. My stomach wasn't in knots and my heart wasn't racing in this book like it has a tendency to do when the same thing happens in other books and I am not entirely sure why why that is.
Making it Through was a sweet book about moving on and finding love after a tragic loss. Though it was not my favorite take on this theme, it was still enjoyable. A bit more angst and a not so perfect hero may have been just what it needed to bump up my rating.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
July 25, 2016
Title: Making It Through
Author: Erin Cristofoli
Published By: Erin Cristofoli
Publication Date: May 30, 2016
Pages: 171
Genres: Romance
Audience: 18+
Source: Given by author in return for an honest review.
Stars: 5 out 5
Madelyne Stewart is college sophomore who has the perfect life—wonderful home, close-knit family, and amazing friends. However, once tragedy strikes, her world is flipped upside down. Mady feels like her life is crumbling around her. She reluctantly agrees to take on a tutor because she is one the brink of failing her classes. She wasn’t expecting the amazing Max Granger to come into her life. He has the incredible ability to soothe Mady’s troubled soul. Max is the perfect guy for her, sadly, she doesn’t think she can add anything to her fragile plate. Will Mady be able to find a way to make it through her pain and see what is in front of her? Will she break down and give Max a chance?
This book was wonderfully written; the author defiantly knew what she was doing. This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The pain and grief that this family experienced made me wondering if this was possibly written from personal experience. Making It Through really hit home for me. I’m also the youngest of three, I have an older brother and sister. I don’t know what I would do if what happened to Mady’s family happened to my family. I think that Mady handled this tragedy the best anyone could have. I was so happy that Max came into Mady’s life and appeared to be able to help her heal. I loved that the author didn’t make Mady too whiny, I’m use to some authors making their main female characters to be very whiny without a head on their shoulders. Mady suffered a tragedy, however, she never let it turn her into a sobbing, whining mess. She tried her best to keep herself together and with the help of Max, she was able to slowly move on with her life.
There wasn’t really anything in the book that I could complain about. The only criticism I have is that I spotted a couple grammatical errors, but nothing big. Overall, this book was well written by someone who knew what they were doing.
I truly enjoyed this book and would love to read this author’s other work. I gave this book five stars because the author was able to make her audience feel the powerful emotions that their characters felt. It’s hard to make me emotional, but this book hit home and accomplished the nearly impossible. My complements to the author, Erin Cristofoli, you did an incredible job. I suggest for all of my readers to check out this talented author’s incredible work, you will not be disappointed.
Review By: Angelina Daniel
Author: Erin Cristofoli
Published By: Erin Cristofoli
Publication Date: May 30, 2016
Pages: 171
Genres: Romance
Audience: 18+
Source: Given by author in return for an honest review.
Stars: 5 out 5
Madelyne Stewart is college sophomore who has the perfect life—wonderful home, close-knit family, and amazing friends. However, once tragedy strikes, her world is flipped upside down. Mady feels like her life is crumbling around her. She reluctantly agrees to take on a tutor because she is one the brink of failing her classes. She wasn’t expecting the amazing Max Granger to come into her life. He has the incredible ability to soothe Mady’s troubled soul. Max is the perfect guy for her, sadly, she doesn’t think she can add anything to her fragile plate. Will Mady be able to find a way to make it through her pain and see what is in front of her? Will she break down and give Max a chance?
This book was wonderfully written; the author defiantly knew what she was doing. This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The pain and grief that this family experienced made me wondering if this was possibly written from personal experience. Making It Through really hit home for me. I’m also the youngest of three, I have an older brother and sister. I don’t know what I would do if what happened to Mady’s family happened to my family. I think that Mady handled this tragedy the best anyone could have. I was so happy that Max came into Mady’s life and appeared to be able to help her heal. I loved that the author didn’t make Mady too whiny, I’m use to some authors making their main female characters to be very whiny without a head on their shoulders. Mady suffered a tragedy, however, she never let it turn her into a sobbing, whining mess. She tried her best to keep herself together and with the help of Max, she was able to slowly move on with her life.
There wasn’t really anything in the book that I could complain about. The only criticism I have is that I spotted a couple grammatical errors, but nothing big. Overall, this book was well written by someone who knew what they were doing.
I truly enjoyed this book and would love to read this author’s other work. I gave this book five stars because the author was able to make her audience feel the powerful emotions that their characters felt. It’s hard to make me emotional, but this book hit home and accomplished the nearly impossible. My complements to the author, Erin Cristofoli, you did an incredible job. I suggest for all of my readers to check out this talented author’s incredible work, you will not be disappointed.
Review By: Angelina Daniel
May 28, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Having read the blurb but not ever experiencing any of Erin Cristofoli's work, I expected Making It Through was going to deal more closely with the heart and be on the sweeter side. Erin creates a moving story of a young woman trying to pick up the pieces of her life and move on after a tragedy that has left her family ripped open and bleeding with little hope of recovery. Erin's journey is one of grief, heartbreak, resilience, and a love that pushes boundaries and sends walls crashing down.
Madelyne Stewart is a twenty-year-old college student who at one time had a normal life full of family and friends until it was brutally taken from her in a moment's notice. Now she is drowning in a sea of overdue assignments, a divided family, and whole lot of anger. Little did she know that while sitting on a bridge wallowing in her own sorrow that she would find the one person who would help her live again. Mady touched my heart but at times I just wanted to shake her out of her self destructive path and send her straight into Max's arms.
Maxwell Granger is the epitome of patient, kind, and intelligence wrapped up in a smokin' hot muscled package that all the girls wish they could get their hands on. After encountering a forlorn beauty on the bridge, he is on a mission to help this broken girl and bring her to back to life again. Max grabs a hold of both Mady's heart and the readers without letting go. Throughout the story he has a chameleon like quality of being whatever Mady needs at that moment to help her make it through. I couldn't help but love him and cheer him on as he took on the insurmountable task of freeing Mady from her sadness and opening her eyes to the love that was right in front of her.
Erin Cristofoli delivers a poignant tale of finding yourself and love again after loss. Max and Mady take us to the depths of despair, then bring us out of the darkness back into the light. She conveys that through melancholy we can find passion and be able to feel again when we least expect it. I highly recommend for a romance that is touching and sweet with a little bit of heat.
Having read the blurb but not ever experiencing any of Erin Cristofoli's work, I expected Making It Through was going to deal more closely with the heart and be on the sweeter side. Erin creates a moving story of a young woman trying to pick up the pieces of her life and move on after a tragedy that has left her family ripped open and bleeding with little hope of recovery. Erin's journey is one of grief, heartbreak, resilience, and a love that pushes boundaries and sends walls crashing down.
Madelyne Stewart is a twenty-year-old college student who at one time had a normal life full of family and friends until it was brutally taken from her in a moment's notice. Now she is drowning in a sea of overdue assignments, a divided family, and whole lot of anger. Little did she know that while sitting on a bridge wallowing in her own sorrow that she would find the one person who would help her live again. Mady touched my heart but at times I just wanted to shake her out of her self destructive path and send her straight into Max's arms.
Maxwell Granger is the epitome of patient, kind, and intelligence wrapped up in a smokin' hot muscled package that all the girls wish they could get their hands on. After encountering a forlorn beauty on the bridge, he is on a mission to help this broken girl and bring her to back to life again. Max grabs a hold of both Mady's heart and the readers without letting go. Throughout the story he has a chameleon like quality of being whatever Mady needs at that moment to help her make it through. I couldn't help but love him and cheer him on as he took on the insurmountable task of freeing Mady from her sadness and opening her eyes to the love that was right in front of her.
Erin Cristofoli delivers a poignant tale of finding yourself and love again after loss. Max and Mady take us to the depths of despair, then bring us out of the darkness back into the light. She conveys that through melancholy we can find passion and be able to feel again when we least expect it. I highly recommend for a romance that is touching and sweet with a little bit of heat.
October 24, 2016
I was lucky enough to read this book as part of Quirky Blind Date With A Book's bonus challenge for the month of October. I'm so glad I did. I don't know if this was a book I would normally pick for myself just from the blurb.
This book is about loss of a loved one and how it can affect a family and how Mady learns to, not get over the death of her brother by suicide, but how to survive it. And all with the help of Max. As Mady struggles to make it through her daily routine of classes, she is falling behind, but doesn't give up. When she is assigned a study partner to help her get caught up, Max becomes a lifeline. He is there for her during her dark moments of grief, he helps her to find her way back to the things she enjoyed with her brother and he is there when she starts finding the joy in living again. Even though Max develops strong feelings for her, he doesn't push her into anything, he doesn't rush her, he is just there for her, supporting her however he can. He is her rock.
Beautifully written. I cried, I sighed, I smiled, I chuckled. I felt all the emotions Mady was dealing with. Loved every page of it.
The only issue I came across was at one point when Mady was having a conversation with her Dad about what was all going on with the family, they started to discuss Mady's relationship with Max (which at the time was in trouble). During that conversation her Dad mentions that Max came to see him about 3 months prior. When Mady asks, he tells her it is Max's story to tell. We never do find out what that conversation was about and it left me feeling like something just wasn't quite finished. But even that did not deter me from giving this book, a very well deserved, 5 stars. You need to read this book!
This book is about loss of a loved one and how it can affect a family and how Mady learns to, not get over the death of her brother by suicide, but how to survive it. And all with the help of Max. As Mady struggles to make it through her daily routine of classes, she is falling behind, but doesn't give up. When she is assigned a study partner to help her get caught up, Max becomes a lifeline. He is there for her during her dark moments of grief, he helps her to find her way back to the things she enjoyed with her brother and he is there when she starts finding the joy in living again. Even though Max develops strong feelings for her, he doesn't push her into anything, he doesn't rush her, he is just there for her, supporting her however he can. He is her rock.
Beautifully written. I cried, I sighed, I smiled, I chuckled. I felt all the emotions Mady was dealing with. Loved every page of it.
The only issue I came across was at one point when Mady was having a conversation with her Dad about what was all going on with the family, they started to discuss Mady's relationship with Max (which at the time was in trouble). During that conversation her Dad mentions that Max came to see him about 3 months prior. When Mady asks, he tells her it is Max's story to tell. We never do find out what that conversation was about and it left me feeling like something just wasn't quite finished. But even that did not deter me from giving this book, a very well deserved, 5 stars. You need to read this book!
June 1, 2016
I absolutely love this story, it's the 1st book I have read of Erin Cristoli's ,
II can relate to Mady's grief and how one minute life was great with no problems to it being turned upside down with grief and a Brocken family,
I felt every bit of grief Mady was feeling. Her character was written so well,
I loved Max from the very start when they met on the bridge,
He was a all rounded guy with a lovely heart and knew how a woman should have been treated , and great book boyfriend material, all you wanted to do was swoon over him, he was that type,
When Mady get the Devastating news about one of her Siblings her world crumbles around her, and her family falls apart,
Riddled with grief Mady just want to get out of her house away from all the screaming and arguing her Parent seem to be doing on a daily basis and try to get her mind back on her school work,
With all the time they have given her to grief she has fallen behind and need to catch up or she will fail her courses,
Mady has a brief encounter with Max on a bridge not giving him her name they sit on the bridge and just listen to the noise of the traffic that help to clear Mady's mind,
Has Mady is so behind with her work her advisor
Tells her she has to have a tutor, to Mady's displeasure she has no say in weather she needs one or not, the choice had already been made, this is where Maximus Granger walk back into her life ,
Will Max be able to get Mady to live her life again and help her through a grieving no cess ?
Will Mady ever open up her heart again ?
II can relate to Mady's grief and how one minute life was great with no problems to it being turned upside down with grief and a Brocken family,
I felt every bit of grief Mady was feeling. Her character was written so well,
I loved Max from the very start when they met on the bridge,
He was a all rounded guy with a lovely heart and knew how a woman should have been treated , and great book boyfriend material, all you wanted to do was swoon over him, he was that type,
When Mady get the Devastating news about one of her Siblings her world crumbles around her, and her family falls apart,
Riddled with grief Mady just want to get out of her house away from all the screaming and arguing her Parent seem to be doing on a daily basis and try to get her mind back on her school work,
With all the time they have given her to grief she has fallen behind and need to catch up or she will fail her courses,
Mady has a brief encounter with Max on a bridge not giving him her name they sit on the bridge and just listen to the noise of the traffic that help to clear Mady's mind,
Has Mady is so behind with her work her advisor
Tells her she has to have a tutor, to Mady's displeasure she has no say in weather she needs one or not, the choice had already been made, this is where Maximus Granger walk back into her life ,
Will Max be able to get Mady to live her life again and help her through a grieving no cess ?
Will Mady ever open up her heart again ?
August 11, 2016
Making it Through by Erin Cristofoli is a standalone novel about a girl named Maddy, who’s life is falling about around her after her brother commits suicide. This is a book of loss and rebuilding.
Maddy is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her brother. Her family has broken down and life at home is bad. She has missed weeks of school and is in danger of failing.
During a particularly bad night at home, Maddy decides to take a walk to her favorite place, a bridge, and decompress. A strange man sees her and decides to keep her company until she feels ready to leave.
That man, Max, later becomes her tutor in charge or helping her catch up and pass her classes.
Max can’t comprehend her loss, but he feels a need to be there for her. He is also falling in love with her.
As her family life continues to break down, Maddy finds herself spending more and more time with Max.
I could not imagine living in a household like Maddy’s. This book does an amazing job at showing how loss especially sudden loss can change people. It also touches on the subject of depression and suicide.
It’s not completely depressing though as it also shows what a functional, close family can be like. Max’s family is both large and close. It is the complete opposite of Maddy’s and she feels overwhelmed and jealous at first meeting them.
This was a great read! The characters were believable and story had a great flow to it.
Maddy is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her brother. Her family has broken down and life at home is bad. She has missed weeks of school and is in danger of failing.
During a particularly bad night at home, Maddy decides to take a walk to her favorite place, a bridge, and decompress. A strange man sees her and decides to keep her company until she feels ready to leave.
That man, Max, later becomes her tutor in charge or helping her catch up and pass her classes.
Max can’t comprehend her loss, but he feels a need to be there for her. He is also falling in love with her.
As her family life continues to break down, Maddy finds herself spending more and more time with Max.
I could not imagine living in a household like Maddy’s. This book does an amazing job at showing how loss especially sudden loss can change people. It also touches on the subject of depression and suicide.
It’s not completely depressing though as it also shows what a functional, close family can be like. Max’s family is both large and close. It is the complete opposite of Maddy’s and she feels overwhelmed and jealous at first meeting them.
This was a great read! The characters were believable and story had a great flow to it.
August 5, 2016
Making it Through by Erin Cristofoli is a standalone novel about a girl named Maddy, who’s life is falling about around her after her brother commits suicide. This is a book of loss and rebuilding.
Maddy is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her brother. Her family has broken down and life at home is bad. She has missed weeks of school and is in danger of failing.
During a particularly bad night at home, Maddy decides to take a walk to her favorite place, a bridge, and decompress. A strange man sees her and decides to keep her company until she feels ready to leave.
That man, Max, later becomes her tutor in charge or helping her catch up and pass her classes.
Max can’t comprehend her loss, but he feels a need to be there for her. He is also falling in love with her.
As her family life continues to break down, Maddy finds herself spending more and more time with Max.
I could not imagine living in a household like Maddy’s. This book does an amazing job at showing how loss especially sudden loss can change people. It also touches on the subject of depression and suicide.
It’s not completely depressing though as it also shows what a functional, close family can be like. Max’s family is both large and close. It is the complete opposite of Maddy’s and she feels overwhelmed and jealous at first meeting them.
This was a great read! The characters were believable and story had a great flow to it.
Maddy is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her brother. Her family has broken down and life at home is bad. She has missed weeks of school and is in danger of failing.
During a particularly bad night at home, Maddy decides to take a walk to her favorite place, a bridge, and decompress. A strange man sees her and decides to keep her company until she feels ready to leave.
That man, Max, later becomes her tutor in charge or helping her catch up and pass her classes.
Max can’t comprehend her loss, but he feels a need to be there for her. He is also falling in love with her.
As her family life continues to break down, Maddy finds herself spending more and more time with Max.
I could not imagine living in a household like Maddy’s. This book does an amazing job at showing how loss especially sudden loss can change people. It also touches on the subject of depression and suicide.
It’s not completely depressing though as it also shows what a functional, close family can be like. Max’s family is both large and close. It is the complete opposite of Maddy’s and she feels overwhelmed and jealous at first meeting them.
This was a great read! The characters were believable and story had a great flow to it.
June 5, 2016
This book... as I started to read it I knew it would be a book worth reading. I was hooked from the start. If I could I would have read it while working and I didn't even have to sleep. This was not the first book I have read from this author. She had already made me a fan with her first book that I have beta read for her. It was a really great book and I loved it.
This book though....I didn't know what the book was at first because I didn't have to know because I knew this author and loved her book. I'd read anything by her. This book struggled with a difficult subject. Suicide. Although I haven't been the one that had the event with suicide, my mom had and it left a lot of problems and pain behind.
This may have been the event that had 'started' it the book went on so perfectly. The writing is great and I simply can't say enough about this without giving away the important details. Well, the suicide is an important detail but it's also important to know before reading this book.
It's totally worth reading though. Trust me.
This book though....I didn't know what the book was at first because I didn't have to know because I knew this author and loved her book. I'd read anything by her. This book struggled with a difficult subject. Suicide. Although I haven't been the one that had the event with suicide, my mom had and it left a lot of problems and pain behind.
This may have been the event that had 'started' it the book went on so perfectly. The writing is great and I simply can't say enough about this without giving away the important details. Well, the suicide is an important detail but it's also important to know before reading this book.
It's totally worth reading though. Trust me.
May 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this story! This story spoke to me. I totally empathised with Mady and I felt her grief as if it were my own. Max was such a beautiful specimen of man... I loved him. He was good looking and totally all round wonderful and swoon worthy. He knows how to talk to and treat a woman. I'd like a real life Max please.
The writing style was easily read. I found myself wanting to get back to my book when life got in the way. Always a sign of a good story.
After some devastating news, Mady is left reeling. Her family is falling apart and life is bleak. Enter Maxwell. He finds her on a chance encounter and there is a connection but they part ways. Due to circumstances Mady is falling behind in her college work. She is given no choice but to have a tutor. Re-enter Max. So, not only is he adorable, he is also smart!
She is not ready to be in a relationship but can Max talk her around?
If she doesn't want him, I'll have him.
I've never read anything from this author before, but I will now.
The writing style was easily read. I found myself wanting to get back to my book when life got in the way. Always a sign of a good story.
After some devastating news, Mady is left reeling. Her family is falling apart and life is bleak. Enter Maxwell. He finds her on a chance encounter and there is a connection but they part ways. Due to circumstances Mady is falling behind in her college work. She is given no choice but to have a tutor. Re-enter Max. So, not only is he adorable, he is also smart!
She is not ready to be in a relationship but can Max talk her around?
If she doesn't want him, I'll have him.
I've never read anything from this author before, but I will now.
June 1, 2016
Erin Cristofoli delivers a moving story about grief, heartbreak, love, and the journey it takes to overcome your world crashing around you.
Madelyne is a college student whose had a normal life full of family and friends until it was all tragically taken from her. While on a bridge contemplating her life and drowning in her sorrow she meets a person who would help her feel alive again. Madelyne is one of those characters that you love and hate all at the same time. You want to shake her to make her wake up and smell the coffee as well as wrap her up in a bubble and make it all better for her.
Maxwell is a guy who is not only smart but has a body of a man created for women to sin over. After meeting Madelyne on the bridge he is on a mission to help her fix her brokenness. Max will grab a hold of your heart and not let go through this entire book. He does all that he can to make Madelyn see that she is worthy of love.
Will his efforts be wasted or can he make her see that she needs to live?
Madelyne is a college student whose had a normal life full of family and friends until it was all tragically taken from her. While on a bridge contemplating her life and drowning in her sorrow she meets a person who would help her feel alive again. Madelyne is one of those characters that you love and hate all at the same time. You want to shake her to make her wake up and smell the coffee as well as wrap her up in a bubble and make it all better for her.
Maxwell is a guy who is not only smart but has a body of a man created for women to sin over. After meeting Madelyne on the bridge he is on a mission to help her fix her brokenness. Max will grab a hold of your heart and not let go through this entire book. He does all that he can to make Madelyn see that she is worthy of love.
Will his efforts be wasted or can he make her see that she needs to live?
October 21, 2016
WARNING: MAY CONTAIN TRIGGERS!
I was lucky enough to read the book as part of Quirky Blind Date With A Book's bonus challenge for the month of October.
This book was a roller coaster of emotions; heartbreak, love, happiness, and sadness. It also covered a lot of relatable topics; friendship, unhealthy relationships, trauma, trust, connection, and resilience. This was not done in a way that made the storyline feel crammed but in a smooth and relatable way for the story to progress.
Maddy and Max were interesting characters to meet and explore in the books journey. I loved how Max was a caring, supportive and
reliable friend throughout the story. There was something about Maddy I didn't like, I felt for some of the story she was using Max to keep her grounded. Understandable, I know but still irked me at times. A part from that, I found Maddy to be resilient, relatable and a well-developed character.
I cannot wait to read Max room mates and Maddy's friends in future stories. Loved the book and will definitely look out for more works in the future from Erin.
I was lucky enough to read the book as part of Quirky Blind Date With A Book's bonus challenge for the month of October.
This book was a roller coaster of emotions; heartbreak, love, happiness, and sadness. It also covered a lot of relatable topics; friendship, unhealthy relationships, trauma, trust, connection, and resilience. This was not done in a way that made the storyline feel crammed but in a smooth and relatable way for the story to progress.
Maddy and Max were interesting characters to meet and explore in the books journey. I loved how Max was a caring, supportive and
reliable friend throughout the story. There was something about Maddy I didn't like, I felt for some of the story she was using Max to keep her grounded. Understandable, I know but still irked me at times. A part from that, I found Maddy to be resilient, relatable and a well-developed character.
I cannot wait to read Max room mates and Maddy's friends in future stories. Loved the book and will definitely look out for more works in the future from Erin.
June 6, 2016
College sophomore, Madelyne Stewart, has it all a wonderful home, a terrific family, and great friends. But when tragedy strikes, it completely turns her world upside down. She begins to struggle to deal with what the aftermath of it is doing to her life and her family.
Beginning to fail her classes, Mady reluctantly agrees to study with a tutor, Enter the ever so handsome Max Granger. Not only is he intelligent and a great tutor, he’s funny, laid back, gorgeous and has the ability to look past her troubled soul and see her for the truly wonderful woman she is. But will Mady let Max in even though she believes she is too broken?
A beautiful story full of heartache, love, hope and friendship and full to the brim with romance.
While this is a romantic read it wasn't full of sex scenes, but with the beautiful storytelling it didn't need it. A chance encounter that leads to a blossoming friendship then to love, this is truly a beautiful heartwarming read.
Beginning to fail her classes, Mady reluctantly agrees to study with a tutor, Enter the ever so handsome Max Granger. Not only is he intelligent and a great tutor, he’s funny, laid back, gorgeous and has the ability to look past her troubled soul and see her for the truly wonderful woman she is. But will Mady let Max in even though she believes she is too broken?
A beautiful story full of heartache, love, hope and friendship and full to the brim with romance.
While this is a romantic read it wasn't full of sex scenes, but with the beautiful storytelling it didn't need it. A chance encounter that leads to a blossoming friendship then to love, this is truly a beautiful heartwarming read.
September 12, 2016
Great read!
June 5, 2016
Making It Through Erin Cristofoli
This is my first book by Erin Cristofoli and I was not disappointed. This is a beautiful story with a lot of feeling. A story of loss, hope and love. Mady's family suffers a great tragedy and it tears them apart, leaving Mady alone to sort through it. Mady retreats into her own shell and loneliness. Then Max comes into her life and helps her walk through the difficult moments. Their relationship develops at a good pace. Max is patient and caring with Mady; caring for her even when she is not ready to reciprocate. Mady is strong and sweet. The writing flows easy; I finished it in one day. My heart was touched. A very nice read.
This is my first book by Erin Cristofoli and I was not disappointed. This is a beautiful story with a lot of feeling. A story of loss, hope and love. Mady's family suffers a great tragedy and it tears them apart, leaving Mady alone to sort through it. Mady retreats into her own shell and loneliness. Then Max comes into her life and helps her walk through the difficult moments. Their relationship develops at a good pace. Max is patient and caring with Mady; caring for her even when she is not ready to reciprocate. Mady is strong and sweet. The writing flows easy; I finished it in one day. My heart was touched. A very nice read.
July 22, 2016
Making It Through is a gut-wrencher - but in a good way. Mady is living her life as normal until tragedy strikes and shakes her whole world - and not in a good way. I won't say what happens, just know it's a doozy. And something that is very tragic to go through - as I have been through it twice personally.
At Mady's lowest point, she meets Max. Or rather Max meets her. And he is exactly what she needs at this point in her life. He's kind, smart, thoughtful and just a generally good guy. And he is a HUGE help to Mady in this trying time in her life. He listens, cares, and is just there for her when it seems like no one else is.
I loved this book. It was emotional, sweet, heart-wrenching and just a very insightful book. Max is the perfect balm to soothe Mady's tortured soul.
At Mady's lowest point, she meets Max. Or rather Max meets her. And he is exactly what she needs at this point in her life. He's kind, smart, thoughtful and just a generally good guy. And he is a HUGE help to Mady in this trying time in her life. He listens, cares, and is just there for her when it seems like no one else is.
I loved this book. It was emotional, sweet, heart-wrenching and just a very insightful book. Max is the perfect balm to soothe Mady's tortured soul.
June 7, 2016
This book is so emotional it had me crying almost immediately in it. Some of the things we have to go through in life can make your whole world flip upside and you wonder how you are going to make it. Then someone comes along and helps you heal and you don't feel like your drowning. That's what this books is about and how sometimes you just have to accept help. I really enjoyed this book through the tears and the laughs. The characters where very well developed and you felt like you knew them. I read this book in a day and didn't want to put it down. The only reason it's not a 5 star is I felt that there was a couple things that were brought up and then wasn't answered,minor things but I still would have like no have known. But otherwise this was a great book. This is the first book I've read by Erin Cristofoli but won't be the only or last. I highly recommend this book.
June 9, 2016
4 stars
This book is so emotional it had me crying almost immediately in it. Some of the things we have to go through in life can make your whole world flip upside and you wonder how you are going to make it. Then someone comes along and helps you heal and you don't feel like your drowning. That's what this books is about and how sometimes you just have to accept help. I really enjoyed this book through the tears and the laughs. The characters where very well developed and you felt like you knew them. I read this book in a day and didn't want to put it down. The only reason it's not a 5 star is I felt that there was a couple things that were brought up and then wasn't answered,minor things but I still would have like no have known. But otherwise this was a great book. This is the first book I've read by Erin Cristofoli but won't be the only or last. I highly recommend this book.
This book is so emotional it had me crying almost immediately in it. Some of the things we have to go through in life can make your whole world flip upside and you wonder how you are going to make it. Then someone comes along and helps you heal and you don't feel like your drowning. That's what this books is about and how sometimes you just have to accept help. I really enjoyed this book through the tears and the laughs. The characters where very well developed and you felt like you knew them. I read this book in a day and didn't want to put it down. The only reason it's not a 5 star is I felt that there was a couple things that were brought up and then wasn't answered,minor things but I still would have like no have known. But otherwise this was a great book. This is the first book I've read by Erin Cristofoli but won't be the only or last. I highly recommend this book.
June 11, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had the privilege of beta reading Making it Through by Erin. This story follows Max and Mady. Mady is in college and is faced with a loss so big that she is struggling to keep it together. Her family is falling apart, she isn’t doing great in school and her emotions are all over the place. I had a lot of mix feelings about Mady but overall she grew on me and I appreciated her struggles and her up and down emotions.
Max is my hero. I enjoyed his sense of humor, caring and loving personality.
Making it Through has a good pace, characters that I fell in love with (Max is my favorite) and a story line that had me reflecting on my life and the loss I experienced. A really good story that will have you teary eyed, shouting and cheering for both Max and Mady.
I had the privilege of beta reading Making it Through by Erin. This story follows Max and Mady. Mady is in college and is faced with a loss so big that she is struggling to keep it together. Her family is falling apart, she isn’t doing great in school and her emotions are all over the place. I had a lot of mix feelings about Mady but overall she grew on me and I appreciated her struggles and her up and down emotions.
Max is my hero. I enjoyed his sense of humor, caring and loving personality.
Making it Through has a good pace, characters that I fell in love with (Max is my favorite) and a story line that had me reflecting on my life and the loss I experienced. A really good story that will have you teary eyed, shouting and cheering for both Max and Mady.
October 28, 2016
Mady is a sophomore in college who has the perfect life—wonderful home, close family, and wonderful friends. However, tragedy strikes, and her world is turned upside down. Mady reluctantly agrees to take on a tutor because she is one the brink of failing her classes. She wasn’t expecting Max to come into her life. Max is the perfect guy for her, but she doesn’t think she can add anything to else to her life. Will Mady be able to find a way to make it through her pain and see what is in front of her? Will she break down and give Max a chance?
This book was wonderfully written; the author defiantly knew what she was doing. This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The pain and grief that this family experienced was so raw. I truly enjoyed this book, you will not be disappointed.
This book was wonderfully written; the author defiantly knew what she was doing. This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The pain and grief that this family experienced was so raw. I truly enjoyed this book, you will not be disappointed.
June 19, 2016
ACTUAL RATING: 3.5 stars
For my personal taste, this book was not as eventful as I had hoped, but this author is clearly talented. and Making it Through is a great story about love, loss, and new beginnings. This book is thankfully well-written, I've read a lot of books lately with grammar and typo errors, but that is certainly not the case here. Recommended for contemporary readers. I would categorize this book as New Adult and also recommend it to readers who do not like their books dominated by "bedroom scenes." However, there is some of this hot action found in this book. I would read another book by this author. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
For my personal taste, this book was not as eventful as I had hoped, but this author is clearly talented. and Making it Through is a great story about love, loss, and new beginnings. This book is thankfully well-written, I've read a lot of books lately with grammar and typo errors, but that is certainly not the case here. Recommended for contemporary readers. I would categorize this book as New Adult and also recommend it to readers who do not like their books dominated by "bedroom scenes." However, there is some of this hot action found in this book. I would read another book by this author. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2016
Maddy seems to have the perfect life. Then suddenly everything changes. Her brother makes a choice that makes their family fall completely apart. Maddy is left to deal with the repercussions alone. She's not communicating with her friends, her boyfriend breaks up with her, and she's not doing well in school. Then she meets Max and things start to change for the better. This book was literally an emotional roller-coaster, but so good. I only hated that it wasn't longer. The writing seemed very personal, as though the author had experienced this situation first hand. I received this book as a #QuirkyBlindDate. It wasn't a book that I'd normally read, but I'm so happy that I did.
November 12, 2017
Having never read Erin Cristofoli works before, this one brought back the pain of losing a loved one. She did a great job at writing this story from Mady's POV and what her and her family went through after losing her brother Matt. It was a struggle for Mady every day until she met Max. He was a tutor that the school gave her to help her get caught up in her classes. Max stuck by her side through all of her ups and downs.
This was a great story and I can't wait to read more of Erin's writing. She has a way to keep a person there within the story. I would recommend this story to those who love a great love story/tearjerker because to me that is what it was.
This was a great story and I can't wait to read more of Erin's writing. She has a way to keep a person there within the story. I would recommend this story to those who love a great love story/tearjerker because to me that is what it was.
June 5, 2016
Grief can be a difficult thing to deal with. It's how we make it through that funk that shows how strong we are.
Mady lost her brother and best friend, when she goes somewhere to just let the noise wash over her a stranger finds her and agrees to just sit with her until she is ready to go. This stranger ends up being her school assigned tutor to help get caught up in the classes she is behind in.
Can a bond be created while going through grief?
Can Max help her see how strong she is?
This was a very nice read. The book flowed very well. I couldn't put it down.
Mady lost her brother and best friend, when she goes somewhere to just let the noise wash over her a stranger finds her and agrees to just sit with her until she is ready to go. This stranger ends up being her school assigned tutor to help get caught up in the classes she is behind in.
Can a bond be created while going through grief?
Can Max help her see how strong she is?
This was a very nice read. The book flowed very well. I couldn't put it down.
November 12, 2016
I got this book through the Quirky Blind Date with a book.
This book was a roller coaster of emotions. I really enjoyed the characters, and felt an instant connection to them. I especially loved Max though, he's the perfect book boyfriend ;) I loved how the characters met, and Mady's journey to finally regain her happiness after her family's tragic loss. The story was beautiful and well told. I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.
This book was a roller coaster of emotions. I really enjoyed the characters, and felt an instant connection to them. I especially loved Max though, he's the perfect book boyfriend ;) I loved how the characters met, and Mady's journey to finally regain her happiness after her family's tragic loss. The story was beautiful and well told. I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.
October 27, 2016
Beautifully touching story about love, loss and hope. Mady and Max are a beautifully written, complex couple. Mady us having a hard time coping with the loss of her brother. Max is there for her as a friend and a tutor, it's not long before the two become so much more. I loved this story, especially Max, who was such a genuine, caring person. Everything he did was in Mady's best interest.
I voluntarily reviewed this book and was not compensated in any way.
I voluntarily reviewed this book and was not compensated in any way.
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November 14, 2016This book really squeezed my heart! I had to stop.... and try again after a time. there are things that hit me so close to the heart that I physically hurt but this was so worth it! one of the best blind dates ever!
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June 2, 2016I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review - 14% in - going good - well written - full review to follow. ~Happy Reading!
July 4, 2016
This is the second book by Erin I have read. Another 5 stars.
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