This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Maria Imbalzano will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on a tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
After devoting eleven years of marriage to Ben, her high school sweetheart, and stepping off the corporate ladder to raise their three children, Denise is ready to seize the reins of the career she always dreamed of. But as soon as she commits to step back into the professional world, Ben drops a bombshell that disrupts everything. Suddenly, this once rock-solid couple finds themselves in a battle over ambition, identity, and whose turn it is to shine. As personal choices draw them further and further apart, they must confront their widening rift—a threat to the love they thought was unshakeable. Can they rediscover the passion they once shared, or will their divergent paths pull them apart for good?
Sworn to Collide, the fourth installment in Maria Imbalzano's Sworn Sisters series, is an emotionally resonant work of women's fiction that explores the complexities of marriage, trust, and personal growth. Although part of an ongoing series, this novel functions well as a standalone, providing sufficient background while rewarding returning readers with the continued presence of the close-knit Sworn Sisters.
The novel follows Denise as she navigates a pivotal period in her marriage to Ben, confronting challenges that test the foundation of their relationship. Told entirely from Denise's perspective, the story nevertheless presents both partners with empathy and nuance. Rather than assigning blame, Imbalzano allows readers to understand the motivations and vulnerabilities of each character, creating a realistic and balanced portrayal of marital conflict.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its well-developed characterization. Denise's emotional journey is compelling, and the interwoven memories of her relationship with Ben provide meaningful context for the decisions she faces in the present. These reflective moments deepen the emotional impact of the story while highlighting the joys and hardships that shape a long-term partnership.
The narrative maintains a steady sense of tension, making the outcome difficult to predict until the final pages. Imbalzano skillfully examines the everyday choices and larger life decisions that influence relationships, resulting in a thoughtful and engaging novel.
The enduring friendship among the Sworn Sisters adds warmth and depth to the story. Their unwavering support for one another enriches the narrative and will likely encourage new readers to seek out the earlier books in the series.
Recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven women's fiction centered on family relationships, marriage, enduring friendships, and emotionally authentic stories of resilience and self-discovery.
As Ben headed into the living room, the two younger kids shrieked and ran downstairs to greet him before jumping into his arms and giving him huge hugs. Bobby followed at a more reserved pace, but he joined in a hug as well. The noise was raucous as Ben tickled Jennifer and Johnny, riling them up, which was never a good thing when it came to Johnny. He was a cyclone all on his own.
I looked at my happy family while holding a basket of laundry. I couldn’t help but smile at this familiar scene from the past. A lifetime ago.
“Hi,” I said as I passed, heading for the laundry room. No kiss, no hug. Just hi. We had become adversaries who now each had an attorney to help us navigate through the issues inherent in the breakup of a marriage.
He stopped roughhousing with Johnny for a second and caught my eye. “I thought we could all go to the park. Feed the ducks, kick the soccer ball around. It’s a great day.”
Was he extending the proverbial olive branch or just trying to act normal in front of the kids, hoping I would follow his lead? But I couldn’t possibly carry on as if he hadn’t slapped me with his attorney’s letter.
“I can’t. I have laundry to do, and I’m meeting Alyssa for lunch.”
Disappointment curved his shoulders, but I was hurting too. I didn’t want to be reminded about our family life and how happy we’d been. It just made my heart ache more.
Maria Imbalzano is an award-winning contemporary author who writes about strong, independent women and the men who fall in love with them. She recently retired from the practice of law, but legal issues have a way of showing up in many of her novels. When not writing, she loves to travel both abroad and in the states. Maria lives in central New Jersey with her husband--not far from her two daughters. For more information about her books, please visit her website at http://mariaimbalzano.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
Awards
Maria is a member of New Jersey Romance Writers and has received many honors and awards for her work including the ACRA Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award, the Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers Award, The NEST (National Excellence In Story Telling) Award, the Carolyn Award, Book Buyers Best Award, The Stiletto Reader’s Choice Award, Long & Short Reviews Book of the Month Award (3rd Place for Book of the Year), and Still Moments Magazine Reader’s Choice Award.
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