discover yourself
Learning to Bend
Jenna Moore thought her life was flawlessly planned—until her fiancé revealed a controlling side that shattered the illusion of perfection. In an instant, the future she had built with “the perfect man” began to unravel. Unsure of who she is without him and desperate to escape the confines of her predictable life in Boston, Jenna makes a bold decision: she’s leaving it all behind to start fresh in Bend, Oregon.
But starting over isn’t as easy as Jenna hoped. Her sense of security has vanished, leaving her confused and fearful about the unknown. With her past still haunting her and an uncertain future ahead, Jenna feels lost—until she meets Jackson, a former Navy SEAL battling his own inner demons. As their paths intertwine, Jenna learns that the courage to bend—rather than break—might just be the key to discovering the freedom and love she’s been longing for.
Through forgiveness, surrender, and trust, Jenna embarks on a transformative journey, facing the uncomfortable truths about her fears and limitations. With Jackson’s help, she realizes that life’s greatest rewards come from taking risks and embracing the unknown. What Jenna uncovers in Bend is more than just love; it’s a deeper understanding of herself and what’s been holding her back all along.
For fans of self-discovery and romance, Learning to Bend is an inspiring story of love, resilience, and the power to reshape your life. Will Jenna be able to let go of the life she thought she wanted and embrace the one waiting for her? The answer lies in the risks she’s finally ready to take.
Listen to my interview with Maggie Smith through the Women Fiction Writers Association's Debut Author Podcast:
https://wfwa.memberclicks.net/debut-author-podcast--michelle-davis
Amazon Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!
Just finished this impressive debut novel by Michelle Davis. Starting with the quote "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." We all face crossroads in our lives... will we continue straight ahead or take the road less travelled and learn to grow? Will we allow ourselves to be paralyzed by feelings of guilt, or will be able to forgive ourselves and move on?
Davis' characters are real and relatable, and her descriptions of Boston and Bend are so vivid (and a great promotional piece for Bend!). Loved the big reveal at the end. I look forward to Davis' next novel!
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful debut! AI
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2020
A deeply layered love story with the best kind of characters - complicated and real. When Jenna’s fiancé, Ben, makes some startling decisions (and statements) just before their wedding, Jenna finds herself re-evaluating all she thought she knew. And wanted. In a journey of self-exploration, Jenna finds herself in a new place, Bend, Oregon, re-connecting with an old friend, and making new friends. And maybe more. To find what she is looking for, Jenna will have to confront long buried secrets from her past, and help those she loves do the same. A beautiful debut!
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must read. LI
This book is a must read. The story is wonderful and so well-written that I couldn’t put it down. Jenna’s journey trying to find happiness and peace as she makes life-altering decisions is so relatable. She learns to face her fears as she takes many risks throughout the book. You will enjoy being part of Jenna’s journey as she decides her future with all the twists and turns. Enjoy!
4.0 out of 5 stars The ups and downs of finding yourself - Christine Woinich as Iron Canuck Reviews & More
This was an interesting journey. Jenna was made to look at her life and found that it was not to her liking. She struggled to find out who she really was and what she truly wanted in life. I loved her strength to move on with her life, to learn about herself, even when she was afraid of what might be. To top it off with finding the true "love of her life" in Jackson, the journey was a worthwhile one to take as these two worked through their problems and accepted life for what it was. I recommend this story.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.