Have you ever read a book that didn’t deliver in the end? Last night I finished a book I was excited to read. The author’s setting was intriguing, one I’ve been planning to use myself in the future. Her scenes were descriptive and intriguing, compelling. I read later than usual because I had to finish it. Then came the ending . . . the twist was satisfying, but otherwise it left me upset. Of the two lead female characters, the one had her happily-ever-after, but not the other. I’m not going to name the author or the title because some may find the ending just what they expected, what they believed it had to be.

I did not.

What do you do when this happens to you? My husband suggested I never read this author again, but I don’t think that’s the answer. Her other books could be perfectly satisfying to me. I merely don’t agree with this one. I was invested in this character and was cheering how she found happiness after a sad abusive childhood. Her death back in the place she had escaped all those years before made me angry. I won’t even leave a bad review. My emotions regarding the ending are mine and mine alone, and had nothing to do with the writing. I merely won’t recommend it to a friend looking for a good read.

As a writer, the ending we choose, and how it’s written, is as important as the beginning. Maybe even more so. With an almost endless number of writers and books available, we’re asking readers to choose ours. To give us their money and their precious time. I hate to think that one of my books might fall flat for even one reader.

So, for all of you who have read one of my books, or might read one in the future, I hope I did not disappoint.