What do you think?
Rate this book
Flutter
Rainier lives a charmed life. She has a good husband, three wonderful children, a house overlooking Puget Sound and a teaching position at the University of Washington. However, many days she feels lost and alone. She longs to learn how to feel alive again without thinking about how to live. Like she did before her adoptive parents passed away and her husband became another fixture around the house.
In her search for happiness she replays the reels of her past trying to discover what made her once blissfully content. Her strongest memories always bring her back to college at the University of California, Berkeley. Topping her list of events is the day the Western Tiger Swallowtail successfully flew through the snow flurries. By her side were her boyfriend Josh, and Eric, their good friend. They witnessed the unheard of sighting together. Could something so beautiful have torn them apart? Rainier is deeply moved that day for several reasons, but she never imagined the impact it would have on all three of their stories.
In her search for happiness she replays the reels of her past trying to discover what made her once blissfully content. Her strongest memories always bring her back to college at the University of California, Berkeley. Topping her list of events is the day the Western Tiger Swallowtail successfully flew through the snow flurries. By her side were her boyfriend Josh, and Eric, their good friend. They witnessed the unheard of sighting together. Could something so beautiful have torn them apart? Rainier is deeply moved that day for several reasons, but she never imagined the impact it would have on all three of their stories.
310 pages, ebook
Published September 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 1, 2017
Flutter is one of those very rare books that takes you into the hypothesized state where the world around you fades away. Tara Jenkinson Cignarella writes a beautiful romance story that is totally unique and brilliantly creative. I felt like I was right there with Rainier as she goes through her journeys, and I absolutely adored Josh. I can not wait to read more from Tara Jenkinson Cignarella!
August 12, 2017
WOW! What a wonderful story Tara, you took me on journey about Rainier being lost and wanting to find herself again! This was one l didn't want to put down! You had my heart in a flutter, taking me down one road that made me happy, then we went down a totally different road and l must say it was the road Rainier was meant to take! This had so many feels for me! Looking forward to reading more by this author!
June 3, 2018
Intense and beautiful
This is a story about love.
Lost love.
Lost friendship.
Lost connections.
This is not a story I felt I could rush. I needed to absorb all that was happening at every stage as there was so many layers, not only to the storyline, but the characters also. Each time I picked up the story I would lose myself in it again.
This is not a story of 'instalove', nor is it the fairytale type of story. It is gritty, heartbreaking, thought provoking, beautiful and real.
It is about life.
It is about second chances.
It is about love.
Pure, simple, love.
I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book, as it is not what I would normally go for. However after reading the reviews (which I very rarely do before reading a book!) I knew I had to give it a try. I am so glad I did, because this book is special and beautiful.
This is a story about love.
Lost love.
Lost friendship.
Lost connections.
This is not a story I felt I could rush. I needed to absorb all that was happening at every stage as there was so many layers, not only to the storyline, but the characters also. Each time I picked up the story I would lose myself in it again.
This is not a story of 'instalove', nor is it the fairytale type of story. It is gritty, heartbreaking, thought provoking, beautiful and real.
It is about life.
It is about second chances.
It is about love.
Pure, simple, love.
I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book, as it is not what I would normally go for. However after reading the reviews (which I very rarely do before reading a book!) I knew I had to give it a try. I am so glad I did, because this book is special and beautiful.
September 28, 2017
This book was a joy to write and a challenge to finalize, I hope everyone who takes a chance on it enjoys it. Happy Reading!
November 19, 2017
So how many of us have seen an author post on social media about a reader who didn't like their book? I'm sure many of us have seen this & there are some authors who seem to have a hard time accepting that there may be some readers who don't take from their book what they feel a reader should get out of it. I'm of the mindset that every reader of each book reads a different story. Why am I telling you this? Because I actually read Ms. Cignarella's first book Lilac Sand & while I didn't hate it, it just didn't quite go where I felt as a reader it should & I left a 3 star review. So Ms. Cignarella contacted me & said I'd like to gift you a copy of my new book Flutter. I am beyond curious to see your review on this one.
I loved that instead of being insulted by my review she seemed to take it as a challenge. Well Ms. Cignarella you blew that challenge out of the water. I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing Flutter is. I will tell you I was nervous to start this book because what if I didn't like it. Well this book hooked me immediately. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know so many things.
This is a very deeply emotional book. It deals with a lot of different things, first love, heartbreak, divorce, reconnecting, second chances, death and so much emotional turmoil. You might think this is a lot of stuff in one book but it all just works together so well.
I absolutely loved Rainer (Rain). Her character was so strong & she really held together so many people, many times putting herself on the back burner to be there for someone else. Now Josh was another strong character & was doing all he could for his family & would stick it out no matter how tough things got. He was such a stand up guy that you just fell for him heart & soul. Then we also have Eric, another stand up guy who really gives it his all but some things can't be fixed. These 3 were friends in college and now are reconnected with each other. We get to see the struggles they faced back when they were young & the struggles they now have. And of course we get to see who Rain ends up with. I of course had the guy I knew she needed to be with but I can't spoil the story now can I.
So happy that I got to read this gem. Thank you Ms. Cignarella for letting me into your world once again!
I loved that instead of being insulted by my review she seemed to take it as a challenge. Well Ms. Cignarella you blew that challenge out of the water. I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing Flutter is. I will tell you I was nervous to start this book because what if I didn't like it. Well this book hooked me immediately. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know so many things.
This is a very deeply emotional book. It deals with a lot of different things, first love, heartbreak, divorce, reconnecting, second chances, death and so much emotional turmoil. You might think this is a lot of stuff in one book but it all just works together so well.
I absolutely loved Rainer (Rain). Her character was so strong & she really held together so many people, many times putting herself on the back burner to be there for someone else. Now Josh was another strong character & was doing all he could for his family & would stick it out no matter how tough things got. He was such a stand up guy that you just fell for him heart & soul. Then we also have Eric, another stand up guy who really gives it his all but some things can't be fixed. These 3 were friends in college and now are reconnected with each other. We get to see the struggles they faced back when they were young & the struggles they now have. And of course we get to see who Rain ends up with. I of course had the guy I knew she needed to be with but I can't spoil the story now can I.
So happy that I got to read this gem. Thank you Ms. Cignarella for letting me into your world once again!
August 17, 2017
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler free review **
Flutter is the kind of book that makes you think. It makes you re-evaluate your own decisions. It makes you reflect on your past loves. It begs the age old question: "what would you do?". Tara Jenkinson Cignarella's second novel takes readers on an emotional journey of love, loss, renewal and, ultimately rebirth. The story is not an easy one and I found myself constantly second guessing Rainier and her decisions. She is a strong character yet she was lost. As she set out on her journey of self-discovery and reawakening, we see flashbacks to her past. I loved Cignarella's use of past-present transition as it really helped to immerse me in Rainier's mind and experience what she was feeling right along with her. I did find myself frustrated with her at times, wondering why she'd say or do the things she did, but that is the beauty of the story. In the end, all of Rainier's waffling thoughts and actions led her to her ultimate happiness which is all anyone could really ask for. One or two of the characters I had a tough time connecting to but I think that may have been the author's intention as the ones I did connect to are the ones who stuck around throughout the entire story.
Flutter is not your average cookie-cutter story. It's the opposite of the type of story I typically pick up yet I'm so glad that I did not pass this one by. The plot is ever-changing as Rainier follows her path to happiness and just when you think she is going to go one way, she veers off in a different direction. The ups and downs of the story will keep you turning the pages and the reward is an HEA that will leave you feeling content with a smile on your face.
** 100% spoiler free review **
Flutter is the kind of book that makes you think. It makes you re-evaluate your own decisions. It makes you reflect on your past loves. It begs the age old question: "what would you do?". Tara Jenkinson Cignarella's second novel takes readers on an emotional journey of love, loss, renewal and, ultimately rebirth. The story is not an easy one and I found myself constantly second guessing Rainier and her decisions. She is a strong character yet she was lost. As she set out on her journey of self-discovery and reawakening, we see flashbacks to her past. I loved Cignarella's use of past-present transition as it really helped to immerse me in Rainier's mind and experience what she was feeling right along with her. I did find myself frustrated with her at times, wondering why she'd say or do the things she did, but that is the beauty of the story. In the end, all of Rainier's waffling thoughts and actions led her to her ultimate happiness which is all anyone could really ask for. One or two of the characters I had a tough time connecting to but I think that may have been the author's intention as the ones I did connect to are the ones who stuck around throughout the entire story.
Flutter is not your average cookie-cutter story. It's the opposite of the type of story I typically pick up yet I'm so glad that I did not pass this one by. The plot is ever-changing as Rainier follows her path to happiness and just when you think she is going to go one way, she veers off in a different direction. The ups and downs of the story will keep you turning the pages and the reward is an HEA that will leave you feeling content with a smile on your face.
August 15, 2018
Full of children and males with love and tragedies:
Really to much ups and downs, but confusing sometime with the characters. It's like the main character was to amorous :::::::::::Recommended
Really to much ups and downs, but confusing sometime with the characters. It's like the main character was to amorous :::::::::::Recommended
August 15, 2017
What a rollercoaster of emotions. Rainer is a mother, a professor and a lover of love. Rainer believes in love, gets crushed by love, and overall lives in love. This book gives you a look into the present and past of Rainer's life. I loved the back and forth, past and present views. We get to see her present situation and then her past that lead her to her present. It's a perfect blend. I never like to give too much away on reviews, but this book is smart, raw and frustrating (in all the good ways). I love taking an emotional journey while reading and this book gave life to my emotions. My heart fluttered numerous times while reading Tara's words and so will yours.
November 5, 2017
Tara Jenkinson Cignarella – Flutter
During the first part of the book I was like, “Gosh, this isn’t like the YA book before! This is for oldies!”. Plus, there a lot of men in the picture that I can’t tell who is really going to end up with Rain (female lead character). But as I go on reading I realized something – this book is too raw.
Raw, in a sense that it’s too real and fresh - not the fairytale-ish love story we often read in YA and NA books. This is something we see in reality – older couples going through a crisis. This is even personal for me since I can (sort of) relate; after being together with someone for so long, how can you go on if the there’s no more flutter anymore?
Rain’s character is genuine. I get her. I didn’t like some of the choices she made, but I get her. I get the reasons why she made those decisions. And she is all of us. If you guys read the book, you’ll know why.
Since this book was just released I won’t spoil it much. All I can say is that the emotions were too raw, the plot is a mess (a good mess because there’s excitement and drama), and the characters were all interesting to read.
Another raw and amazing book by the author! Thank you for another glimpse of reality we often just overlook. What I learned from the book is that, at the end of the day, do what makes you happy. Do what makes your heart flutter.
During the first part of the book I was like, “Gosh, this isn’t like the YA book before! This is for oldies!”. Plus, there a lot of men in the picture that I can’t tell who is really going to end up with Rain (female lead character). But as I go on reading I realized something – this book is too raw.
Raw, in a sense that it’s too real and fresh - not the fairytale-ish love story we often read in YA and NA books. This is something we see in reality – older couples going through a crisis. This is even personal for me since I can (sort of) relate; after being together with someone for so long, how can you go on if the there’s no more flutter anymore?
Rain’s character is genuine. I get her. I didn’t like some of the choices she made, but I get her. I get the reasons why she made those decisions. And she is all of us. If you guys read the book, you’ll know why.
Since this book was just released I won’t spoil it much. All I can say is that the emotions were too raw, the plot is a mess (a good mess because there’s excitement and drama), and the characters were all interesting to read.
Another raw and amazing book by the author! Thank you for another glimpse of reality we often just overlook. What I learned from the book is that, at the end of the day, do what makes you happy. Do what makes your heart flutter.
“Always, for an eternity, anything.”
August 23, 2017
I received this book and started to read it without knowing what it was about. I have never read a book written by this author. This story isn't your typical love story.This book gives you a glimpse of Rain's life pass and present. It talks about her journey and the journey of her loved ones around her. This story will suck you in. This story had my emotions all over the place and it had me questioning things in my life. I don't want to give to much away but I can say that if you like a story that grabs you this is a good book for you.
June 21, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!! Could relate so much since I went to college in the late 90s and went through some of the things that the main character did!! I loved the writing and the characters in this book. The ending was perfect!!! Love, love, love - a must read!!!
September 27, 2017
Enjoyable highly recommended book.
June 26, 2018
I really liked this book. It was sweet and makes you think. A woman falls out of love with her husband and it goes through her life while finding herself and going back to whom she was before. It is a good story with some twists and of course ups and downs of all the people.
September 26, 2017
Often times I know the end of a book from the beginning. Not with Flutter! It kept me engaged and wondering how it would end through the entire book! Great content and superb writing.
September 8, 2017
Have you ever had that "should have, could have, would have" but didn't kind of moment? Rainer did, but that's her past and nothing she can do about it but look for answers to help guide her into the next phase of her life. Now by opening her past into the present she will learn what it will do to her future.
This is a book unlike any other romance I've ever read. It is about love, life, motherhood, marriage, tragedy, divorce, and the unexpected. You are bound to be shocked (in the best way) by the turns this book takes. This is a stand alone, HEA story.
This is a book unlike any other romance I've ever read. It is about love, life, motherhood, marriage, tragedy, divorce, and the unexpected. You are bound to be shocked (in the best way) by the turns this book takes. This is a stand alone, HEA story.
November 10, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a journey going back to the past and present but worth the ride. This book really makes you question your own life. I really liked Rain for many different reasons. She's relatable in the sense that she's honest, strong, caring, forgiving and thoughtful. You may not agree with her but the way she's trying to weave her way back to herself is admirable. Who wants to be miserable in life. This is a beautiful story about moving forward, acceptance, divorce, forgiveness, love, taking chances, failing and success!
November 23, 2022
Rain has lost herself in a loveless marriage and has no clue how to find herself again. But with a reconnection to an old friend comes memories of a younger self full of life and love, a version of herself she will now do anything to get back. This book was so raw and real, and I felt like I was right there with Rain as she navigates her feelings and figures out what she really wants in life. Rain's story is proof that it's never to late to make the life you want for yourself.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews