Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
Kindle Price: $3.99

Save $16.00 (80%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $12.78

Save: $5.29 (41%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

J.L. Berg
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Choices I've Made: A Small Town Second Chance Romance (By The Bay Book 1) Kindle Edition

by J.L. Berg (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,775 ratings
See all formats and editions

On one of the worst days of my life, he came back to me. Now, I must decide if our love is worth a second chance.

It is the kind of call you never want to receive.

When my fiancé, Dean is injured in a ferry accident, I race up the coast to see him, only to discover I owe his life to a man that haunts our past.

Jake Jameson was his best friend and my first love.

It was always supposed to be Jake and me. However, when Jake departed after graduation, he made it crystal clear that he was not returning to Ocracoke. He held true to his word, and I tried to move on. That was twelve years ago.

Jake has returned to settle his late father’s affairs and while I appreciate his heroic deeds, I keep my distance while he’s in town. But when he shows up at my family inn, asking for a room, avoiding him becomes impossible.

When my engagement abruptly ends, Jake and I find ourselves walking down a very familiar path. Staring into those piercing blue eyes feels like I’m tumbling back to a time when my heart was whole and love was effortless.

They say love is a choice—an action. But Jake never chose us; he walked away. How can I trust him with my heart, knowing that he might disappear once more?

And this time, my heart won’t survive.


***The Choices I've Made is a small-town, second-chance romance with spice (with no cheating). It is the first book in a series, but each book can be read as a standalone.***

Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 5
    By The Bay
  2. Print length
    318 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    September 28, 2017
  6. File size
    3019 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Next 3 for you in this series See full series
Total Price: $13.97
By clicking on the above button, you agree to Amazon's Kindle Store Terms of Use
More like The Choices I've Made: A Small Town Second Chance Romance (By The Bay Book 1)
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  1. Changing Tides (Sandcastle Cove Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    Just released
    $4.99
  2. Best Kept Secret (Colorado Black Diamonds Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    Just released
    $4.99
  7. Never Forever (Calico Cove)
    Kindle Edition
    Just released
    $5.99
  8. Blinding Echo
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  10. Reclaiming Home: Part of the Sandy Ridge Series
    Kindle Edition
    Just released
    $7.99
  21. Meant For Stone (Meant For Series 1)
    Kindle Edition
    Just released
    $4.99
  27. Hometown Hottie
    Kindle Edition
    Just released
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

"I tried, Molly. I tried."
"Tried what?"
"I tried to forget you."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This story is so real and the writing so sharp you can taste the saltwater of Ocracoke Island, and live inside Molly and Jake's hearts as they seek out their true happiness. A million, sand-covered stars for this heart gripping tale of destined love gone awry." - Rachel Robinson,International Bestselling Author

"The Choices I've Made is written with such heartfelt emotion, the words will leap off the pages, and you'll yearn for Molly and Jake's love to conquer all." RC Bolt, Author

"Beautiful, sexy, witty, and emotional... I couldn't stop turning the pages once I started. The Choices I've Made is everything you want in a second-chance romance. J.L. Berg's enormous talent shines through once again - this one is NOT to be missed." - Jennifer Van Wyk, Author

OMG!!! That was an emotional scream from me as the reader. The Choices I've Made by J.L Berg had me from the beginning when it comes to the pulling on my heartstrings. This is a story about running away from your feelings, staying for comfort out of fear, and having a second chance at love. Samantha, Books, Wine & Time Blog

"Trust me, you will be swept away!!!" Jennifer, Book Bitches Blog

"This story absolutely shredded me. It is not a "fairytale" romance. It is real and deep, angsty and gut-wrenching. And incredibly beautiful in its pain." Carvanz, Goodreads Reviewer

"J.L. Berg has completely stolen my heart!" Christie, Goodreads Reviewer

"JL Berg takes you on an emotional roller coaster from the very beginning." Michelle, Goodreads reviewer

From the Author

Grab the entire series! Each book can be read as a standalone.

Book 1 - The Choices I've Made (Jake and Molly)
Book 2 - The Scars I Bare(Dean and Cora)
Book 3 - The Lies I've Told(Aiden and Millie)
Book 4 - The Mistakes I've Made(Taylor and Leilani)
Book 5 - The Secrets We Keep (Macon and Marin) Coming Feb. 20th

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07628H3FZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ JL Berg, LLC (September 28, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 28, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3019 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 318 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,775 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
J.L. Berg

J.L. Berg

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series and has written over a dozen other novels in the past decade. She is a California native but currently calls Virginia home. When she's not writing, you will likely find her spending time with her family or watching Doctor Who. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC. Learn more at http://www.jlberg.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
1,775 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Sarah Arndt
5.0 out of 5 stars Bruised my heart in the most wonderful way.
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2017
Verified Purchase
The Choices I’ve Made was such a beautifully slow burn. GAH! I loved this book. Molly and Jake’s story tugged at my heartstrings, it bruised and damaged my heart in the most wonderful way. It completely warmed the deepest, coldest corners of my heart as they made the journey from shattered souls to people who were whole and complete in themselves.

This book drew me in from almost the very first page. After I read the prologue I NEEDED to know why Jake had made the decision he had, when obviously he was so very much in love with the girl he spoke of. From there each new revelation, each new devastation only served to further entice me into Molly and Jake’s lives.

It was obvious Jake had suffered some pretty devastating losses as a child and Molly was terrified of putting herself in a position to lose everything again. It was also obvious neither of them realized just how damaged they were, it was an interesting dynamic. Once they each realized what was going on with the other, and eventually themselves, it warmed my very soul to see them each make the decision to work on healing themselves, for themselves, before they made any promises to one another. Too often we see characters fix their broken pieces for someone else when that type of healing needs to come from within.

My only wish for this book would have been to see some of that healing journey they each went on in real time. It was nice to have the recap of what they’d realized and why, but I always hope to see those epiphanies in real time.

JL Berg did a fantastic job writing this book. Her words drew me in and made me care deeply for each character; well – there was one I just straight up hated, but evoking emotion is the goal here, right? I also appreciated how she built the story, particularly how she began Molly and Jake’s journey back toward one another in such an unexpected way. Stepping out of the typical romance structure box was a huge win for me, it made this book stand out in a sea of books where it can be difficult to find individuality.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mariisms
4.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt and emotional second chance romance
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2017
Verified Purchase
4.5 stars

I braced myself for an angsty ride this second chance romance sounded like it'll be one. I didn't realize it would be a compelling and complex story too. Set in a small island town of Ocracoke it what started as a childhood love story between Jake and Molly but eventually torn apart.

That tragic start was unexpected and what seems like a turn of events that will either bring these two reluctant and hurt twosome or drive them further apart. We slowly get a better picture of their past as well as the present. Jake is in town to settle odd ends after having to come back, facing his old demons. Molly has moved on or at least doing her best to, run an inn, and be independent do things her way.

Jake left behind a lot when he set out to a new life. He rose in his career as a doctor having that focus. It felt like a lonely existence to be that driven yet losing the someone closest to you. Beyond initial anger and hurt, the old feelings still linger Their interactions speak loud what with all that bickering, poking and banter. I liked seeing how time has change them both and still needed to. Rekindling that old flame will be hard, a lot of mending and healing what was lost will be a battle and the choices they need to make once more.

I found it easy to get submerged in this story despite all the heart break and sadness. JL Berg writing has always been emotional yet keeps you invested. What I like about this story the most is that the characters are everyday real, the problems and struggles they face, how they deal. Second chance romances can make one go through the wringer, I certainly felt that. I still loved it and look forward to Dean's story for sure!
13 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
carvanz
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this second chance, and I don't usually like second chances
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2017
Verified Purchase
This story absolutely shredded me. It is not a “fairytale” romance. It is real and deep, angsty and gut-wrenching. And incredibly beautiful in its pain.

It was always Molly and Jake from the beginning even as children. They had their whole lives planned and it was perfect. However, when life turns dark, Jake makes a choice that leaves them both shattered.

Fast forward twelve years and he’s returning to the island. A place he never wanted to be again despite the woman he still carries in his heart has remained in its protective bubble. When tragedy strikes, Molly and Jake are forced together again, both of them trying to move forward as though their hearts do not beat for each other when they obviously do.

I loved this couple and all their broken imperfections. Molly has never traveled the world and refuses to accept any help in her professional or personal life. Jake found a caricature of peace off the island and submerged in his medical practice. Together they again find the love they thought had been shelved years ago. But just because you love someone doesn’t mean you automatically find healing.

I wanted to consume this book but found myself taking it slow so I could absorb every nuance in the words. It is not lighthearted and playful but it is real and showcases the struggles of making a relationship work when it is so obvious it cannot. I don’t have a single fingernail left after chewing them while being tormented throughout this story. I never chew my nails! Thank you J.L. Berg for that! *sarcasm*

If you like real life romance with plenty of angst, tender heart rending emotions and a passion that has survived years, this is the book for you.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by the author.

Dual POV
Safety – both characters have relationships during their separation; no OW drama although there is just a tad of OM drama
No apparent triggers
HEA
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
My Book Filled Life
3.0 out of 5 stars Well...
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
I'm sorry to say, this isn't one of my favorite reads by J.L. Berg. I didn't feel any sort of connection with the characters, it felt like the characters themselves didn't feel any sort of connection with each other, and I just can't justify waiting all those years for someone. I was also confused with Dean's character, maybe just a way to introduce him into the series and he'll get his own book at some point?
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
LJ
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
A heart-wrenching story at times, featuring realities of life that are not always acknowledged in stories. Sometimes life is not straightforward and timing makes a difference, as does finding yourself. The last few chapters brought everything together beautifully.
I will definitely read things by this author again and suspect will re-read the book.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Canada on June 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
I loved this book. Some of it was kinda, sorta predictable - but not really. Berg made the characters livable and loveable. Dean showed incredible maturity and insight when he said he ‘missed’ his friend. Being with them as they grew was special. This was my introduction to this author, and I look forward to reading more by her!!
Report
raph
3.0 out of 5 stars Bon livre
Reviewed in France on December 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
Bon livre
Report
Shri
2.0 out of 5 stars Incomplete
Reviewed in India on October 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
I could not finish it.
Report
Jezzie
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it
Reviewed in Australia on June 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is the first book I have read of JL Berg and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so I could not put it down. Jake and Mollys story is not your typical romance. I loved JL Berg writting there was just enough drama, heartache and romance. I was really connected to the characters.
I loved it so much I'm now reading the next in the series - the Scars I Bare.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report