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A Timeless Love

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Time seemed to stand still for Abigail, aka Abby, while growing up in Crescent City, Florida. She wanted out. She wanted to experience the world outside of her small hometown. As soon as Abby was able, she went on to live her life, experiencing college in Texas, then furthering her career in the always sunny Southern California. The one thing she missed while broadening her horizons was her best friend Kendrick. He was Abby’s confidant…her rock.

Kendrick always wanted the best for Abby. He wanted her to be happy. So, while his feelings for her ran deep, he knew he needed to let her fly. The best friend role would just have to be good enough for him. Staying in Crescent City, so far away from Abby, hurt, but it was his home.

When tragedy strikes, Kendrick and Abby end up back in one another’s presence. With emotions on high, and buried feelings coming to the surface, it seems as though their love for one another was placed in a time capsule. No amount of time or distance could break Kendrick and Abby’s connection. It was as if it were being preserved for the right moment. However, the right moment may not be what either of them expects. The universe controls more than just time; it also dictates our fate, which is inevitable and unpredictable. Fate, can also sometimes, be heartbreaking.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2022

270 people are currently reading
566 people want to read

About the author

Shanel

66 books143 followers

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5 stars
405 (76%)
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88 (16%)
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28 (5%)
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4 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,137 followers
October 31, 2022
“Time isn’t on our side, and we need to take advantage of what we have, and enjoy the people in our lives.”

This quote beautifully sums up this work of art that Shanel penned. She wrote this book with her WHOLE heart. To be honest, I don’t know how she wrote it because I had to stop and regroup several times reading this story. This book gutted me like a fish and will forever be engrained in my memory! Just wow!!!! My heart is so empty and yet so full at the same time!

This book was full of joy, pain, happiness and sadness. But most of all it was full of LOVE! I mean DEEP LOVE! The kind of love that one can only hope to experience in a lifetime! Whew 🤧😭

Abigail and Kendrick’s love story is one you never knew you needed. The level of intimacy written in this book was beautiful. You will cry reading this book and if you’re like me, you’ll cry several times but don’t let that stop you from reading this amazing story!
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
July 25, 2023
How am I supposed to sleep after this?!?

This was such an emotional read. I’m talking from start to finish. This was such a beautiful and painful story of love and friendship. Kendrick and Abigail’s story will stick with me for a while. If you read this- have your tissues ready.
Profile Image for Leshelle Rose-Brown.
97 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2022
Whewwwwww

I honestly don’t even know if I can properly articulate how amazing this book was. The characters, the plot, the different story lines just really took us on a journey. I cried from page 7 literally until the end. One thing about Shanel she will WRITE honey!! I love that she took us on her journey with her, allowed us a space of vulnerability is what makes this book stand out and be so special.

The love, intimacy, faith, strength, courage, determination, runs DEEP like this is the type of love you literally wish and pray for but think it only happens in fiction. To have someone love you UNCONDITIONALLY, is such a selfless act and I swear I hope to experience that one day.


This is a book I’ll forever remember and keep close to my heart and thank you to Shanel for being vulnerable with us and sharing this beautiful story. You can tell this was from the heart and I need the next book to be nothing but humour
Profile Image for Kirethia.
44 reviews16 followers
August 2, 2023
Here I am, past midnight. BAWLING. There are just too many emotions going on right now. This story, this love, wow I am blown away, broken on the road to healing. Ion know y’all. I resonated with Abby so much following her walk with Christ. I don’t know to many words to use for this but if you’re in need of a cleanse and need your struggles to be acknowledged in one way or another pick this book up.
Profile Image for KC.
109 reviews
August 5, 2023
What a beautiful story of family, friendship, love, fear, faith, and grief. Kendrick and Abigail’s love was truly pure and selfless – Ken’s last written words showed just how selfless he was (I cried because of the level of anticipation and preparation, my goodness). This story may have been fictional, but this is a real thing happening daily. Reading this story was so emotional for me, it took a lot longer to read than normal. Shanel put her heart on these pages and there was not a single disappointment.
Profile Image for Kaneisha.
18 reviews13 followers
February 14, 2024
If I’m being honest, I truly don’t know how to properly write a review for this book; but of course I’m going to try my best to give y’all a review.

A Timeless Love was the true definition of “time is of the essence, let’s not waste it.” So with that being said, I won’t even waste any of my time talking about Abby’s trash behind mother because chile Tracy isn’t even worth my energy. Now while I loved that Ma’dear took on the responsibility of raising her granddaughter, a lot of her decisions, did nothing but add fuel to the fire, because why would you add more hurt to the situation smh. Anyway, moving right along, the amount of tears I cried because of this book should honestly be a felony offense, because babyyyy the way I was hyperventilating while reading some of these scenes was just a downright shame! Kendrick and Abby’s story was a beautiful testament of how we should “seize the moment” and not waste time like not only Kendrick and Abby did, but also Franny and Harris. In my opinion, the moral to this book was that we should live life to the fullest, do what we love and love what we do. However, most importantly, we should make sure that we are making the most out of life because baby it is absolutely too short and often times unfair.

I will say, I wish that we could’ve seen more happier times with Kenny and Abby, because the little glimpses of happiness that we did get; such as the butterfly exhibit, was overshadowed by all of the grief and sadness, and at times it could be a bit much. This is for sure one of those reads where you have to take care of yourself, and while I will be respectful to the author’s decision to not provide specific trigger warnings, I will say this read deals with grief- A LOT OF IT, and if you are currently going through a hard time, save this one for later, until you and your heart are ready. This read isn’t for everyone, but whenever you do decide to read this one, make sure you have PLENTY boxes of Kleenex because baby you’re definitely going to need it!
Profile Image for Shikira Morris.
56 reviews10 followers
July 24, 2023
This is easily the best book I’ve read all year. It was beautiful and incredibly sad. This is a story of love, real love. The good, the bad and the ugly. Even in the saddest moments of this book, there is still the unwavering current of hope and faith. This story touched my heart in ways I didn’t know I needed. I cried through the entire thing but I’m grateful that I came across this book. I absolutely loved every tear-filled minute of it.
Profile Image for Ola.
42 reviews15 followers
September 10, 2023
Top 10 books of 2023

This has made my list for my top 10 books in 2023. The raw emotions, the tears, the joy, the pain…it all summed up to an amazing book!
Profile Image for Angie.
85 reviews14 followers
September 17, 2023
This book was so heartbreaking and had me crying so hard. What a story! I am emotionally exhausted.
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews23 followers
November 23, 2022
A Love for All Time

While I wanted to devour this read up quickly, I'm glad that I was able to take my time and soak this one up, bc it definitely needs to be read at a nice pace.

As much as I loved the story, it would've been great to get Kendricks thoughts and his pov. I absolutely loved him, in sickness and good health. The way he fought just so he could see his family come to full fruition was so loving. He loved Abigail with his entire being. You definitely only get one of those in a lifetime. A Love so pure and deep. One that penetrates every morsel, every tender spot yet still isn't enough. That was exhilarating and I'm so glad the author showed this height in Love, in such a ugly time in these characters lives.

I absolutely hated Abby's mom Tracy. Sick or not, she was despicable and I'm glad Abby washer her hands of her😒.

The family ties and bonds were so great to read as well. Being a southern gal myself, I could relate to the small town vibes and all the love being poured through the town. I love me a singing man, so I'm glad we got that from Kendrick.

This was an emotional read, definitely taking you up and down with the flow, yet I'm glad it worked out as it did. Sad, yet I would hate for Kendrick to suffer and be in pain.

Amazing read. Highly recommend.
112 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2022
a timeless love

Whereeeeeeeee do I starrttttttt…first off let me just give Shanel her flowers (roses, sunflowers and calla lilys) Shanel is one of my favorite authors and this book shows why their so many dimensions to her…as I told Shanel this was a hard book to digest and I stopped plenty of times which I don’t usually do but the details and love made my heart heavy; Abby dropped her life for Kendrick and through Kendrick’s fighting days he made sure that Abby was still a priority what a mannnnnn; I pray to find that in my lifetime!!!! Through all the emotions in this book I lost it mostly when I read his letter awww man heart wrenching…I don’t wanna give too many details in my review but Bravo Shanel every single picture you put on Instagram to showcase this book I felt from the crib for the daughter to the lake to the machines in the hospital to the country roads it gave me a vision( I love that you do that) I’m a reader so I have a great imagination but I love that you roll out the faces of ya characters…this book was great I smelled the soul food I saw the country and I felt their love…I value ya pen Shanel
Profile Image for Whit.
3,663 reviews52 followers
November 29, 2023
I absolutely loved this captivating, emotional, and beautiful journey that Kendrick and Abigail found themselves on. I cried through the middle and the end of this book. Now crying again, trying to write this review. Why? Because i had no idea what the book was about. So while reading, I realized that I too, fought the same battle as Kendrick, 28 years ago. Yes this became personal.

(OK Back to the story). Even though Abigail resides in California, living a highly successful life, she hops on the next thing moving, to get to her best friend, Kendrick, as he faces the biggest challenge of his life. They finally realize their feelings moved from friendship, to love, a long time ago.

What an awesome reminder that you can replace homes, money, clothes and cars, but once time is gone, it's gone! And you can't get it back, so don't waste it.

I loved Kendrick's parents and how they stood on their faith, because they knew that prayer changes things.
Profile Image for Flip The Script Ldn.
102 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2023
When I tell you I WAILED, I wailed as if something was happening to me, as if I lost a family member or something.

God, this book was soooooooo beautiful! Oh man, I thought the reviews were exaggerated but not one negative word about this book, NOT ONE.

This book was filled with so much love & heartbreak simultaneously. We went through Abigail & Kendricks journey, step by step through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Shanel dealt with such sensitive topics in such a beautifully delicate way. God bless her hands!

The way we followed Abby’s walk with God & her faith, we got to witness a family rooted in faith weather the storm of life and exercise their faith through the tribulations. There were sooo much topics but in a nutshell it was a Friends to Lovers trope, themes of Family Dynamics, Death, Terminal Illness & more, so check the trigger warnings!

My heart man. This book is so special, please read!

Fave character: Kendrick
Least Fave Character: Tracy - that b!tch!
Fluff rating: 10000/5 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Smut rating: no smut
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,013 reviews111 followers
October 22, 2022
So much love

I sensed the many watches on the cover had a special meaning. I had no idea this would explain an intricate part of this love story. Kendrick and Abby went their separate ways for college and never reconnected until later in their lifetime although, they'd been secretly in love with one another. I won't spill the beans and spoil the story, but I cried a lot during storytelling. Abby and Kendrick reconnected beautifully, but time passed too quickly for them to encompass the love they shared all those years together yet separate. As their love was displayed so eloquently in the writing, Abby's mother spewed venomous anger towards her only child. Although, Tracey's ruthlessness did not spread to others in the story, her dark cloud lingered too long. Abby's Ma'dear, covered the slack for her daughter in grand fashion. Mostly, the take away from this story was about loving for as long as He gives us the time together. I tearfully recommend this lovely story... Be sure to check your tissue box for extra coverage.
Profile Image for Anniscia Montanez.
77 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2022
OMGGGG, I really don’t know where to start. This book was everything and some. It gave me all the feels. This author has not let me down yet. Great read!
Profile Image for DOMINIQUE Davis.
499 reviews30 followers
December 25, 2022
wow

I wasn’t ready. This was so beautifully written. I was so attached to Kendrick and Abigail’s story. I cried I laughed the way their love was so genuine for each other. I love friends to lovers but this was so much more. Absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Kim’s Kindle Reads..
270 reviews13 followers
November 16, 2025
This was sad. From the very first chapter. Heartbreaking. Gut wrenching. Emotional. Beautiful. This was raw & intimate.
Profile Image for Aja Cornish.
Author 38 books76 followers
Read
November 2, 2023
WOW!!!

This book was so heartfelt. My emotions were everywhere as I read this book. I can’t stand Abigail’s mother Tracy! I’m not trying to give no spoilers so y’all read and find out why. I absolutely loved Kendrick… I loved the way he loved Abigail. One of the messages in this book was to maximize every moment with the people we love. Don’t take anyone for granted because time is of the essence. No one knows how much they have on earth. I loved the spiritual references in this book as well. When Abigail got her breakthrough I got chills. And I’m a sucker for a man who can sing under the anointing… Great Job, Shanel. I’ll definitely be reading more from your catalog. 🤎🤎
Profile Image for Latasha Kelly-green.
274 reviews5 followers
November 12, 2022
LOVE THIS BOOK ❤️❤️❤️

I had to take a few breaks while reading this book. It had my emotions all over the place.
My heart was hurting for Kendricks family. Abby is a strong woman. I love the friendship that Ken and Abby have . I just hated that they didn't realize that they were truly meant for each other until time was not on their side. This book shows that time waits for no one and to seize the opportunity or relationship when you can. My heart went out to Abby when it came her mother,but she definitely has a village surrounded her at all times. I am glad she finally stood up for herself when it came to her mother.
This book brought out some heavy emotions for me one being that I need to get my relationship with God back right. The next one is that even though I didn't lose my mother to cancer it still brought up those emotions that she is no longer here. Thank you Shanel for this book I didn't realize I really needed to read some of the things you wrote. Please keep up the fantastic writing and can't wait to see what is next for you.
Profile Image for jasmine ♡.
292 reviews
October 23, 2023
♾️⭐️
this book BROKE ME!! i knew it would be emotional but I went into it not knowing what it was about or what to expect. i immediately became immersed into Abby's character, her family, and her small town in Florida (I need to read more small town Black romances !!!). I absolutely fell head over heels for Abby and Kendrick's relationship. He treated her so well and I think the friends-to-lovers trope was done so well in this book. I think though the ending of the book is predictable to whoever may read it, for some reason I thought it would end differently. I cannot believe how much I cried. I don't think I've ever cried so much over a book. This absolutely broke my heart, and I am still thinking about it days after reading. Definitely one of the best books I have read this year.
Profile Image for Crystal Harrison.
25 reviews
January 20, 2025
Beautifully written

When I say this was a tough read it was a tough read. I have not had the experience of watching a loved one die but I was with Abby through this entire book on what she experienced spiritually. This book spoke to me in so many ways it was so unreal. I hated that she had to go through that type of pain not only with her husband but also with her mother. I knew once she came back home she wasn’t going anywhere. I love that she does travel though. The last few chapters broke me. Every time they cried I cried. I enjoyed my first book by this author and can’t wait to get into more.
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
654 reviews13 followers
June 12, 2025
This was such an amazing emotional read. I really had to sit in their story after finishing this. I was not prepared for the amount of tears I shed. The love between Kendrick & Abby was beautiful. Their friendship was genuine and I was so happy for the time they spent together. Absolutely read this book but be prepared to cry your heart out.
Profile Image for LaToya Brooks.
2,978 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2022
good read

This was a sad read! It literally brought me to tears more than once. I understand because it focused on real life issues. I just wished there was a HEA.. I mean there is but there isn’t. Sometimes there’s no happy ending.
Profile Image for RetroSuey.
23 reviews
October 6, 2023
I took so many breaks on this book because my emotions were high.. this book had me BAWLING 🥺🥺 this was so heartwarming
Profile Image for charlice.
40 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2024
So many tears!!!!! Kendrick & Abby’s love was so poignant it just oozed right off the pages. I have a headache from all the crying I’ve done but this story was so worth it.
Profile Image for Fatimah.
460 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2024
This was an amazing read for me. I enjoyed every bit of this book & it really had me in my feelings but I enjoyed that feeling.
Author 30 books22 followers
October 21, 2022
I don't know where to start

I battled with whether I wanted to leave a review or not because words fail me. This hit too close to home for me and dredged up a lot of painful memories and emotions, but I don't think that it was a coincidence that this released today of all days. Nothing could've prepared me for this story. Even sitting here writing this review, I still haven't digested it all. I still have tears spilling as I'm writing this. This is by far this author's best work to date. 5 stars just aren't enough. Great work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews

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