An aspiring screenwriter has a chance encounter with an actor on his way to an audition. Over the next ten years, she’ll write the story . . . but will he end up being the star?
from Baker Book House
My Thoughts:
I do not think you have the time for me to truly tell you the depth of my feelings for this book. It’s a bit complicated–not so much a love/hate relationship as a love/what-are-you-trying-to-do-to-me relationship, if that makes sense. I love it and it also tried to kill me, but, like, in a good way.
Let me try to explain: have you ever read a book that was so full of angst that you actually clutched your hand to your chest in an attempt to relieve your poor heart? That was me, reading this book.
For reference, each chapter takes place on the same day each year. Readers do not follow the main characters throughout the year. We just meet up, like old friends, on February 4th and find out through context what the last year brought to the table. I kind of enjoyed it; it felt like it streamlined the story a bit, so I was able to hyperfocus on my babies GETTING THEIR ACT TOGETHER.
Olivia made me so mad I wanted to spit nails, but I also saw so much of myself in her. Believing that you’re born a sidekick, never able to rise to the role of leading lady in your life, seems a little dramatic until you realize how often you live like it’s true. Did I agree with all of her decisions? Psh, nope. Would I have made a better decision in the first few years and ended the book after three chapters? I mean, hopefully. But where’s the fun in that?
And that plot twist was somehow expected AND unexpected at the same time? I don’t even know. My heart was just aimed at one particular goal and it was all I could focus on, so maybe I was just too distracted.
Either way, this book is a rom-com through and through. If you walk in with certain spiritual expectations because of the publishing house, you’re going to be disappointed. It reads like a clean romance; you’re not going to find much spiritual content here. But taking it at face value, this book delivers exactly what it promises: a romantic comedy with a bit of a twist. It’s available now and it is the whole reason I now ask myself, “What would Meg Ryan do?”
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.
Purchase: Amazon | Christianbook | Barnes & Noble | Baker Book House
Book Boyfriend:
Liam. All day, every. Single. Day. I love him. He’s frustrating and dumb at times, too, but he’s loyal to his heart and secretly amazing. Which makes him the not-so-secret love of my heart.
Soul of a Librarian 