I am very appreciative to Leah and the entire team at Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to express myself, and accepting my neurotic need for perfection. In the end, it's all about the story.
I usually have a team of readers who help shape the story as I write. After starting over for the third time, I decided not to torture them any longer and held them off from reading What If until the story was complete. I am grateful for each and every one of these wonderful people who voluntarily read my words, even when I was struggling to form them. They kept me going when I questioned if I should have. It's because of them that I didn't give up. There was a great story to be told, and they knew it. Their belief in me is what makes them invaluable people in my life. As friends. As readers. As spectacular humans. So, I thank you Amy, Emily, Faith, Courtney and Carrie.
It can be intimidating to have other authors read my work. They look at it with a different perspective than other readers. They are creators themselves, so they understand the struggles, along with the rush that comes with getting it right. These authors listened to me conceptualize the plot. They advised me when I knew something was missing. I have the greatest respect and admiration for these women. Thank you for making me a better writer, Jenn. Thank you for wanting to read whatever I attempt to write even when it's not perfect, Colleen. Thank you for seeing the potential of greatness in this story, Jillian. And if it wasn't for you, Tarryn, this novel would never have been written. Thank you my talented and exceptional friends. This story is exactly what I wanted it to be because you understood me.
What If is a story about love, loss and friendship. Above all, it's about second chances. Recognizing those moments in life when a decision can change the course of your life. Embrace those moments. Live each day knowing there is a choice to make it better. You can begin again... every day. All that is important is your happiness, and being exactly who you are supposed to be. Be happy.
A passionate love.
A brutal betrayal.
Unwavering hope.
In a town where most people worry about what to be seen in and who to be seen with, Emma Thomas would rather not be seen at all. When she unexpectedly finds love, it challenges her to recognize her own worth - but at the risk of revealing the terrible secret she's desperate to hide.
An incredible novel that will leave readers breathless and desperate for more.
Unanswered questions.
Burning desire.
Heartbreaking consequences.
The amazing sequel to Reason to Breathe.
Those she trusted betrayed her.
Her broken heart still wounds her.
Only love can save her.
The explosive and stunning finale in the Breathing series.
THE BEGINNING
Let the conversation begin...
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PENGUIN BOOKS
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Penguin Books Ltd, Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
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First published as an electronic edition in the USA by Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group, Inc.), and in Great Britain by Penguin Books 2014
Text copyright (c) Rebecca Donovan, 2014
Cover photograph copyright (c) Oana Stoian/Trevillion Images & Shutterstock
All rights reserved
The moral right of the author has been asserted
ISBN: 978-0-141-35591-7
What If Page 29