How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

How to Walk Away

by Katherine Center

* * * The New York Times bestseller * * *

If your life fell apart . . . could you start again?

How to Walk Away
is a heartbreaking, joyful story of learning to live and love again from internationally bestselling author Katherine Center.

Maggie Jacobsen is just about to step into the bright future she’s worked so hard and so long for: her dream job, a fiancé she adores and the promise of a perfect life just around the corner. But on what should have been the happiest day of her life, everything she worked for is taken away in a single catastrophic moment.

In hospital Maggie is forced to confront the unthinkable. First there is her fiancé, Charlie, wallowing in self-pity while demanding forgiveness. Then there’s her sister Kit, who shows up after pulling a three-year vanishing act.

Finally there’s Iain, her physical therapist, the one the nurses said was too tough for her. Iain, who won’t let her give in to her despair, who makes her cry, but also manages to make her laugh . . .

Maggie’s new life is nothing like she expected. But could it be more than she had ever dared hope for?

* * *

'I can't think of a blurb good enough for this novel . . . poignant, funny, heartbreaking' - Jenny Lawson, bestselling author of Furiously Happy

'If you read just one book this year, read How to Walk Away' - Nina George, author of The Little Paris Bookshop.

Reviewed by kymmiejournals on

5 of 5 stars

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I'm on the edge of my seat!

This is my first impression based on the excerpt provided by the publisher and author. Full review will be posted once I'm done reading the whole book.


I have to know what will happen to Margaret and Chip! Knowing Margaret, she has issues flying or riding a plane, contrary to his long-term boyfriend's job which is a pilot - well still working on his license. On Valentine's day, Chip surprises Margaret by showing her the plane he wants to fly, then the next thing she knows, she's on the plane with Chip as the pilot. Scared isn't the best way to describe what she's feeling but a mix of emotions - terrified, excited, adventurous - all wrapped in one. She knows it's time to face her fear of heights but she can't hide the fact that she's trembling with fear of what might happen to them.

Chip's surprise involves asking her to marry him and it was the most romantic and sweetest proposal Margaret experience, being with the man she trusts and loves while facing her fears. And then something happens, it's so fast that it only happened in a matter of seconds. I really like Chip, he's good to Margaret and I hope they'll survive the turbulence that hit their plane.

The writing style is actually engaging. I really like it! It was easy to read and really had my eye glued on what will happen next.

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  • 13 March, 2019: Reviewed