A review by nglofile
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters
4.0
4.5 stars. I was in precisely the right place to appreciate this wacky cinnamon roll of a story.
Funny, self-aware, and sweet, Winters' debut is a real charmer. It may not offer many surprises, but one of the strongest appeals of this genre is the stubborn possibility that a far-fetched premise will develop in such an entertaining way as to make the viewer (or reader) a believer in possibility. We expect banter, slapstick, misunderstandings, and wrong partners, but the most powerful draw is the wistful, heart-squeezy moments that put dreamy hope in the eye of the right audience.
True to form, some of the best characters are supporting players. Young Anette is as precious as she is precocious, and she lifted the story each time she appeared. Evie's trio of friends - each distinct on own but also fabulous fun in combination - reminds strongly of Bridget Jones' pals in a way that pays homage without parody.
I may be in the minority, but I find this novel's "rom-com that is also a celebration of rom-coms" premise both more successful and more fun than [b:Waiting for Tom Hanks|40969415|Waiting for Tom Hanks (Waiting for Tom Hanks, #1)|Kerry Winfrey|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1544730803l/40969415._SX50_.jpg|63916403]. I have no hesitation about offering the other to readers, but this will be the one I reach for with most enthusiasm.
Funny, self-aware, and sweet, Winters' debut is a real charmer. It may not offer many surprises, but one of the strongest appeals of this genre is the stubborn possibility that a far-fetched premise will develop in such an entertaining way as to make the viewer (or reader) a believer in possibility. We expect banter, slapstick, misunderstandings, and wrong partners, but the most powerful draw is the wistful, heart-squeezy moments that put dreamy hope in the eye of the right audience.
True to form, some of the best characters are supporting players. Young Anette is as precious as she is precocious, and she lifted the story each time she appeared. Evie's trio of friends - each distinct on own but also fabulous fun in combination - reminds strongly of Bridget Jones' pals in a way that pays homage without parody.
I may be in the minority, but I find this novel's "rom-com that is also a celebration of rom-coms" premise both more successful and more fun than [b:Waiting for Tom Hanks|40969415|Waiting for Tom Hanks (Waiting for Tom Hanks, #1)|Kerry Winfrey|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1544730803l/40969415._SX50_.jpg|63916403]. I have no hesitation about offering the other to readers, but this will be the one I reach for with most enthusiasm.