val_theburrowofstories's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Medical trauma, Infidelity, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Medical content
Moderate: Fatphobia, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, Child death, and Body shaming
Minor: Sexual content
sophs_mood_reading_room's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The concept of this book was great. A sliding doors retelling where we dive into two alternate universes of Hannah’s life based on one decision: go home or stay at the bar.
I really enjoyed the storyline’s of the book and found the different paths her life took a great read. However there was way too much repetition.
When describing a story or a conversation it was great to have it in full in one life path but seeing we had read it the chapter before when it’s repeated in entirety in the next it’s very much over done. Something that could easily have been referenced.
And oh my gosh if someone mentions the word cinnamon roll or high bun to me I may hit them! What is with authors creating female characters who’s personalities are based around a hairdo and a type of food. It’s annoying and somewhat condescending.
However if you get past the repetition, breakfast pastries and hairstyle requirements. It is a good read into the possibilities life can take you on. And I must say I don’t think after reading it I could choose which life path I would choose for her.
I really enjoyed the storyline’s of the book and found the different paths her life took a great read. However there was way too much repetition.
When describing a story or a conversation it was great to have it in full in one life path but seeing we had read it the chapter before when it’s repeated in entirety in the next it’s very much over done. Something that could easily have been referenced.
And oh my gosh if someone mentions the word cinnamon roll or high bun to me I may hit them! What is with authors creating female characters who’s personalities are based around a hairdo and a type of food. It’s annoying and somewhat condescending.
However if you get past the repetition, breakfast pastries and hairstyle requirements. It is a good read into the possibilities life can take you on. And I must say I don’t think after reading it I could choose which life path I would choose for her.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Car accident, Infidelity, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
thatswhatshanread's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a sweet book, but I found it majorly lacking in personality. Predominantly in the main character, Hannah, which made it difficult to really connect with the story. As its told in two alternating timelines defined by a single choice (stay out with her ex or go home early with her best friend, Gabby), that sort-of only added to the disconnect I felt like.
The one relationship in the book that I really loved was the only constant in both timelines—Hannah and Gabby’s friendship. I liked one MMC far better than the other, though neither had me in my feelings, as they say. Pretty predictable story arcs on both sides.
However, this is a really optimistic, hopeful read. Good if you’re wanting something light complete with not one, but TWO happily ever afters. It read quite fast, too, so that was a plus.
The one relationship in the book that I really loved was the only constant in both timelines—Hannah and Gabby’s friendship. I liked one MMC far better than the other, though neither had me in my feelings, as they say. Pretty predictable story arcs on both sides.
However, this is a really optimistic, hopeful read. Good if you’re wanting something light complete with not one, but TWO happily ever afters. It read quite fast, too, so that was a plus.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Medical content, Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abandonment, Cursing, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Blood, and Medical trauma
Minor: Abortion
xmeganlowe's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a heartwarming and inspirational book! I really enjoyed the writing in alternate timelines, and how the author explored each possible outcome to Hannah’s decision.
I was really thinking that in each timeline, Hannah would end up in the same place/situation/with the same person/etc. and in some aspects, everything I suppose was meant to happen still happened. But it was still nice to have an ending that made you question how your decisions really impact the course of your life, and make you question if fate and destiny and soulmates really exist. It was definitely a book that gets you thinking!
But overall still makes you feel good and inspired that even if bad things happen or you’re lost, your decisions are leading you to the right place at the right time and everything happens for a reason, even if that reason doesn’t seem clear to us at the time.
It also has greatttt character development, and I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the female friendship along with the romances.
I was really thinking that in each timeline, Hannah would end up in the same place/situation/with the same person/etc. and in some aspects, everything I suppose was meant to happen still happened. But it was still nice to have an ending that made you question how your decisions really impact the course of your life, and make you question if fate and destiny and soulmates really exist. It was definitely a book that gets you thinking!
But overall still makes you feel good and inspired that even if bad things happen or you’re lost, your decisions are leading you to the right place at the right time and everything happens for a reason, even if that reason doesn’t seem clear to us at the time.
It also has greatttt character development, and I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the female friendship along with the romances.
Content Warnings
Minor: Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Sexual content, Car accident, and Grief
lily_rumley's review
that was literally so good, it was a really interesting concept for a book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
its_j's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
jfield351's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
TJR you’ve done it again. This book was so good and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The writing style is just so wonderful and the story and the ideas are so beautiful. The only thing holding me back from giving it a five stars was that I didn’t relate to the character, which isn’t necessary, but it meant i wasn’t as emotionally invested. It was still a brilliant book. When it was revealed that my jaw dropped and I had to stop reading for a bit, in a good way!!! Definitely such an interesting book!!!!
Spoiler
Hannah was pregnant , Hannah got hit by a car, and that Mark was cheating
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Car accident and Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion, Blood, Cancer, Death, Cursing, Medical content, Miscarriage, Sexual content, and Vomit
marybsimp's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Sexual content, Medical trauma, Car accident, Pregnancy, Abortion, Miscarriage, Death, Infidelity, and Injury/Injury detail
jillkaarlela's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Taylor Swift songs: “lover”, “invisible string”
This book just fills my heart with so much warmth and joy. I absolutely loved this book. There is something about her books, that I just love so much. It’s like there’s crack in these books, I swear, they are so addicting. Her writing is just so honest, and genuine, and captivating. How did she make two differing stories/paths of the protagonist equally genuine and believable and perfect for the story? She made me root for/love two different love interests EQUALLY! Like who else can do that but Taylor Jenkins Reid? Her writing is just unmatched. I just love everything about this book. Please, do yourself a favor by reading this book. I would like to read a million more books like this. I’m gonna read all of her books now.
Update: this is my second read of this book, and it is just as good if not better the second time. I have not been able to stop thinking or talking about this book for the past six months, and I don’t think I ever will.
This book just fills my heart with so much warmth and joy. I absolutely loved this book. There is something about her books, that I just love so much. It’s like there’s crack in these books, I swear, they are so addicting. Her writing is just so honest, and genuine, and captivating. How did she make two differing stories/paths of the protagonist equally genuine and believable and perfect for the story? She made me root for/love two different love interests EQUALLY! Like who else can do that but Taylor Jenkins Reid? Her writing is just unmatched. I just love everything about this book. Please, do yourself a favor by reading this book. I would like to read a million more books like this. I’m gonna read all of her books now.
Update: this is my second read of this book, and it is just as good if not better the second time. I have not been able to stop thinking or talking about this book for the past six months, and I don’t think I ever will.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Miscarriage, Cursing, and Injury/Injury detail
I would say maybe 14+maddiet425's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual content, Car accident, Miscarriage, Infidelity, and Vomit
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Abortion