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meridith_bex's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Minor: Child death and Grief
3eckyz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Minor: Child death and Dementia
Politicsschweibertsm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book. Early on there were parts that absolutely made me cringe, but Sophie Cousens nails what it's like to be a working mom. I've never felt more seen then the scene with Baby Amy being sick. By the end of this story you are rooting for Lucy and her family and the life she wants. How many times have we all wished our lives away? But life is found in the small moments and the mundane.
Moderate: Child death, Death, Sexual content, Vomit, Grief, and Pregnancy
jeannette_m's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Child death
bookish_leslie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Spice: 2🌶️
Romantic tension, under clothes groping, sex scenes that fade to black before anything explicit happens
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Romantic tension, under clothes groping, sex scenes that fade to black before anything explicit happens
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My Thoughts
This book wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but I liked it. The cover design had me expecting a typical romcom, and while there was a romance subplot, this book was no romcom. It was a character-driven story about choices, family, identity, grief, and self discovery; a story about regrets, acceptance, love in all its myriad forms, second chances, and the both/and of life.
I think what I loved most about this book was how thought-provoking it was. What makes us who we are? What truly matters in life? If I could forget the experiences that have led to my grief - would I? Or in doing so would I lose parts of myself I’d want to keep? What matters more - remembering or living? What are my current choices saying about what my future will be like? What bright spots in my life might I be overlooking amongst the grievances? What role does the philosophy of “fake it until you make it” play in personal and professional growth? These are just some of the many things this book prompted me to think about.
But the relationships between the characters really shone for me in this book, too. Sure, the main character, Lucy, acted questionably and immaturely at times, but I think her reactions to what happened to her were very real too. I especially loved her interactions with 7-year-old Felix, but it was heartwarming to see her grow into her relationships with Sam and Amy, as well.
This probably isn’t the book for you if you’re a plot-based reader, as it was largely character driven, but I do think it would be a good fit for people who like a bit of depth to their stories, philosophizing about life, or who are feeling nostalgic for old 90s movies like 13 Going on 30 (although in this case it was 26 going on 42).
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Dementia
Minor: Infidelity and Sexual content
oneillkd's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Minor: Child death and Dementia
dsforbus's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Minor: Child death and Death
acalla7's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Ahh just what I needed, a cute little romcom that is easy to read and leaves you thinking. This book reminds me of movies from the 90’s early 00’s which I loved. Feel good, re-watchable, comfort movies. 🥰 To name a few that this reminded me of- 13 going on 30, Freaky Friday, and Click. A fun time indeed!
Moderate: Child death and Grief
lanayagraham's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
British mash-up of 13 going on 30 and Freaky Friday. This magical realism was both laugh-out-lound funny with relatable humour and fun banter, but it also held really heavy elements of the true cost of skipping to "the good part." Overall, it was great, with a perfect ending. However, some aspects were cliché and a bit TOO fantastical for a pseudo realistic book... but in the end, worth the read.
Moderate: Child death and Death
katherine_alexis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Child death and Death