Review: Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes

Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Publication Date: February 9th 2017
My rating: 4 stars.

Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She's never even been in a romantic weekend away - anywhere - before. Travelling abroad isn't really her thing. But when Nell's boyfriend fails to show up, she has the chance to prove to everyone - including herself - that she can be independent and intrepid. Alone in Paris, Nell finds a version of herself she never knew existed... In ten other stories, Jojo Moyes introduces us to more strong, relatable women in the midst of their everyday lives. In Honeymoon in Paris, featuring characters from her bestselling novel, The Girl You Left Behind, Liv and Sophie - though decades apart - both find that marriage is only the beginning of their love stories. In Crocodile Shoes, a businesswoman's blossoming confidence emerges from a fateful changing-room mix-up. And in both Love in the Afternoon and A Bird in the Hand, two couples dance around the trickiness of long-term marriage. In this irresistible collection, readers will be whisked from elegant perfume shops to taxis to five-star hotel rooms and beyond.

I’m typically not a short stories sort of reader, but when I heard about Paris for One and other stories by Jojo Moyes I knew I had to read it, Moyes just has a way of getting under your skin with her writing, so I couldn’t wait to dive right in. With this book featuring quite a few stories I thought with my review I would focus on a few of my favourites. 

Between the Tweets 
This story was totally unexpected; we have a well known actor who has come under intense scrutiny when a random lady pops out of nowhere accusing him of having an affair. Declan has a wife and kids, so is taken aback by these accusations, he gets somebody to look into who this lady could be especially as she claims to know details about him that only someone who has been intimate with can know about. I was all for discovering who this person could be and to be honest I was fully on Declan’s side, but the two big blows towards the end of the story completely took me by surprise. In the end I was left slightly gobsmacked, but also with a smile on my face with the way things ended up. 

A Bird in the Hand 
This story I really ended up enjoying, it was about two people who ended up finding a connection whilst working together. They’d tried to keep their relationship under wraps, more so because Beth was married. We’re not fully told the back story of Beth and Ben’s relationship, so I sort of appreciated the way that we’re given their story with their chance meeting at an event. Both are there with their respective partners, and the way they’re forced to interact with one another and reminisce of what could have been because of miscommunication was done beautifully. I’m not going to say how this short story ended, but although it wasn’t how I would have wanted it to, I was still left happy with it. Also this story really left me wanting a full story from these characters. 

Holdups
This story was an absolute delight to read. Alice finds herself caught up in a break-in at her place of work at the jewellers. Instead of being scared by the big guy looming over her, she finds herself connecting with the guy with the strange accent and tights on his head. This interaction between Alice and her captor was totally bizarre, but done really well! It was clear that this guy really didn’t want to be in this situation at all, Alice was so easily able to take so much information from him in a short amount of time and would a criminal really allow his hostage destroy a painting they didn’t like? Despite this story being kind of farfetched, I really liked it, Alice was such a funny character and the way things ended up I absolutely loved as I totally didn’t expect it at all! 

Honeymoon in Paris 
I was totally confused at when first reading this, as I thought the story of David and Liv had come to an abrupt end and we’d be thrown into the world of another couple straight away. To be honest I was kind of annoyed, as I needed to know what was happening with David and Liv; they were on their honeymoon and David’s work was clearly taking a priority over his honeymoon, I understood that it was a big deal for him, but you only went on your honeymoon once, so I totally felt for Liv. And then when we were just in the middle of their story we’re introduced to Edouard and Sophie, yes their story and what was going on with their lives were interesting enough but I wanted to go back to David and Liv, I needed to know what was going to happen to them, would David finally put his love for Liv before his love of work? But seriously it was kind of neat the way Moyes mingled these characters stories together, although at the beginning it didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, it was cleverly done. So much so that this book ended up being my absolute favourite from all of the stories!

Review: The Boy is Back (Boy #4) by Meg Cabot

The Boy is Back (Boy #4) by Meg Cabot
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks 
Publication Date: October 18th 2016
My rating: 5 stars 

Sometimes to move forward, you have to go back… One post. That’s all it took to destroy the care free, glamorous life of pro golfer Reed Stewart. One tiny post on the Internet. Then again, it’s not like Reed’s been winning many tournaments lately, and his uncle isn’t the only one who says it’s because of the unfinished business he left behind back home in Bloomville, Indiana—namely Reed’s father, the Honorable Judge Richard P. Stewart, and the only girl Reed ever loved, Becky Flowers. But Reed hasn’t spoken to either his father or Becky in over a decade. Until that post on the Internet. Suddenly, Reed’s family has become a national laughingstock, his publicist won’t stop calling, his siblings are begging for help, and Reed realizes he has no other choice: He’s got to go home to face his past . . . the Judge and the girl he left behind. Becky’s worked hard to build her successful senior relocation business, but she’s worked even harder to forget Reed Stewart ever existed—which hasn’t been easy, considering he’s their hometown’s golden boy, and all anyone ever talks about. It was fine while they were thousands of miles apart, but now he’s back in Bloomville. She has absolutely no intention of seeing him—until his family hires her to help save his parents. Now Reed and Becky can’t avoid one another…or the memories of that one fateful night. Can the quirky residents of Bloomville bring these two young people back together, or will Reed and Becky continue to allow their pasts to deny them the future they deserve? This warm, thought-provoking book, told entirely in texts, emails, and journal entries, is as much about the enduring bond of families as it is about second chances at love, and will delight as much as it entertains.

Time and time again I have to pick up a book by Meg Cabot, she’s my go to author when I’m feeling down and had a crappy day, when I need to lose myself in her crazy funny worlds with her bubbly characters. She always guarantees a laugh out loud read that you find yourself up until the early hours finishing off even though you have to get up early the next day. I’ve lost count from the times that one of her books has become my new favourite, it was originally the Princess Diaries series, then Queen of Babble, then the Heather Wells series, but now Meg’s Boy series has become my favourite once more. I adored these books when they first came out, and so when Meg announced that there would be a new addition to this series, I was over the moon and once again Meg didn’t let me down with The Boy is Back. I love the format Cabot gives us with the emails, text messages and group chats, you would think this sort of format would be difficult to get into, but once you get stuck into the story it seems to flow so well. Of course Cabot creates characters that you’re rooting for from the very beginning.  I love it when characters are reunited under awkward circumstances and try to hide their feeling away from 10 years ago. We’re never given the full story of what happened between Reed and Becky 10 years ago, but just given snippets over the course of the story and I really liked this. I’d made my guesses of what really went down, but was glad to be surprised that I was wrong. It was obvious from the beginning that there was still something between Reed and Becky and I adored the build up to their relationship, the misunderstandings and mistakes that they had to endure along the way. Reed was such an adorable character, watching him try and make sense of how to make things right was so cute. It was clear that even though Reed had messed up in the past, he was trying his best to make things right now.

Once again Cabot gives us a great set of quirky characters which bring so much entertainment to the story with their colourful personalities. I loved the interactions between them, how they were there for each other to offer extra encouragement and support when needed. But they were also those characters who you loved to hate, that were so infuriating, but also so entertaining at the same time. Even though I had inkling about how things would end I absolutely loved this book. The Boy is Back couldn’t have come at a better time for me; I was in the biggest reading funk ever, and feeling quite down to coming back home from holiday. So I welcomed these vibrant characters into my life with open arms. I also liked the small cross references that Cabot included to other characters in the rest of the Boy series, just this small amount of it made me want to re-read the entire series once more. I’m not normally a big book pusher, but if I can recommend one book that everyone should pre-order this year it is The Boy is Back. Cabot weaves a wonderful story of missed chances, family, friendships and love. It’s full with many scenes which will have you laughing out loud and swooning throughout! 

Review: After You by JoJo Moyes

After You by JoJo Moyes
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Publication Date: September 24th 2015
My rating: 4 stars 

Will and Louisa’s story in Me Before You literally broke me. I don’t think that I have been moved by a book so much. I hated the way Moyes had ended things, so when Moyes had announced a follow up book in After You I was over the moon. Although I wanted more from Lou and what was going on in her life, I wasn’t prepared for the feelings of heartache that would be dredged up again.

Lou was a character that had been through it all, that I really wanted her to end up with the happiness that she deserved. I knew it would be a big step to take after everything that happened. Lou would feel as if she was forgetting that somebody important and I would understand those feelings of guilt of moving forward and trying to enjoy life. (Highlight to view spoiler) Will was such a huge character, he had such a big impact in Lou’s life, in my life! That I could completely understand her not wanting to let Will go, whenever a memory of Will was recalled it totally broke my heart, but like Will had wanted I wanted Lou to be happy. I was thrilled with the characters that Moyes introduced in this story, they were such a funky bunch, they certainly kept Louisa pre-occupied when there was so much missing in her life. They encouraged her to look forward to life and take risks she may not have wanted to. I enjoyed watching Louisa develop as an individual, she was still the same person who was quick to drop everything for somebody she cared about, but I enjoyed the stronger willed individual that came out in the end. It was a characteristic that I knew Louisa had inside her, but just had been lost amongst the heartache.

After You was a beautiful read, even though there were a lot of tough times for characters to deal with, but I enjoyed how Moyes could easily sprinkle some humour into a scene and bring a smile to your face. Whether it be because of quirky characters such as Louisa’s parents or new characters such as Sam, Donna, Lily and Richard. I thought I would have a tough time getting accustomed to new characters, but Sam Donna and Lily were a delight to be around, that before I knew it I was yearning for more scenes with them.

Overall After You was the perfect follow up to Me Before You. A lot of sequels that I’ve been looking forward to this year have been bitterly disappointing, but I’m glad to say this was not the case with After You. I enjoyed every single minute of being back with Lou, of being part of her journey to grow strong and more forward in her life. The helping hands she got along the way in the most unexpected places was also a delight to see come about. My only real complaint about this book is the ending normally I don’t mind being left hanging and left to think about things to come, so I did expect a bit more from the ending. But despite this, I am truly grateful that Moyes gave us the chance to be part of Louisa’s life once more, it is one that I know I didn’t want to let go of. 

Review: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Narrated by: Laura Hamilton
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Length: 9 Hours 7 Minutes
Audiobook Publication date: April 14th 2011
My rating: 4 stars 

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you . . . "

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

My Thoughts:

Attachments was such a charming, perfect example of “chick lit” with wacky humor, and a sweet slow burn romance.   

Lincoln is stuck in a life rut at twenty-eight. He’s back at home living with his mother, stuck in a job that pays well but is completely unfulfilling, and still hung up after a bad college breakup.  Part of Lincoln’s job is to monitor the company email for improper usage and to hand out warnings to abusers.  When Beth and Jennifer’s emails wind up in his flagged folder he finds himself captivated by their messages, and this inspires Lincoln to launch out of his rut. Lincoln slowly falls for Beth, just by reading the email exchanges, and he begins to fall in love with her sight unseen. 

“Lincoln?” she asked.
“Yes?”
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”He made himself look at her face, at her wide-open eyes and earnest forehead. At her unbearably sweet mouth.
“I don’t know,” he said. “Do you believe in love before that?”

Beth spies Lincoln in the break room and falls for her “cute guy” as she calls him, without knowing anything about him.  I wondered how this romance would work out, especially in light of the fact that Beth has been in a relationship for the past eight years.

I really felt for Lincoln. He’s the kind of guy who falls hard and so it ripped his heart to shreds when his college girlfriend broke it off, and he’s never quite moved on.  I felt for Beth, too. She’s in a stagnant relationship with Chris who’s emotionally unavailable most of the time. Chris wants space and doesn’t hold the same life goals important, so instead of being married with children at this point in her life, everything is in a holding pattern. Chris was a total loser, IMO, and most people around Beth thought the same thing. It just took a while for Beth to catch up.

As the story plays out, Lincoln, Beth and Jennifer go through some major changes all the while learning and growing from their experiences.  I feel like Beth and Lincoln’s romance was the centerpiece of Attachments, and I was rooting for it the entire time.

I loved this unique story which reminded me so much of the popular ‘90s chick flicks, You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle.  This would’ve been a solid 5 stars for me if I didn’t have to wait quite so long for this couple to actually get together.  The reason for Lincoln holding off was not quite the big deal as the story made out, to me, but other than that Attachments was great fun!  The narrator was upbeat and cheery in her delivery which suited the story perfectly.

Favorite Quote:

“I didn't know someone could love me like this," she said. "Could love me and love me and love me without...needing space."
Lincoln wasn't asleep. He rolled on top of her.
"There's no air in space," he said.

Review: Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger

Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns (The Devil Wears Prada #2) by Lauren Weisberger.
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: June 4th 2013
My rating: 4.5 stars. 

Everything's in place for the season's hottest launch: Tall latte (with two raw sugars)? Check. Gucci trench (draped over desk)? Check. Outrageous, unreasonable demands? Check. Andy has just turned thirty and is an incredibly successful magazine editor, working closely with her best friend Emily, another Runway survivor. She's about to get married - life's on track and she's been careful to stay clear of Miranda Priestly, her dreadful first boss. But Andy's luck is running out. Miranda Priestly isn't the kind of woman who hides in the background. She's back...and more devilish than ever.

I admit to being not a huge fan of The Devil Wears Prada book, it was a decent chick lit read, but after watching the film again recently (I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve watched it) that when I heard about the follow up book I felt really encouraged in giving it a go. And I’m so glad that I did because it was the best chick-lit book I have read in a long time.

In Revenge Wears Prada, we find ourselves back with Andy ten years after she left Miranda Priestly hanging at Paris fashion week. For Andy that was the worst year of her life, she didn’t expect that ten years later when Andy was actually happy with what was going on in her life that Miranda would once again threaten to have an impact in her life once more.

I adored Andy’s character, despite everyone saying that she had made the biggest mistake of her life those ten years ago; she was actually leading a successful life. Her magazine The Plunge had been bringing in a steady income for nearly the last three years and they had been having great success with big name stars lining up to feature in the magazine. And she was about to marry the love of her life Max. But then all of a sudden things started getting pretty stressful.

Andy had so much to deal with so early on that I found myself immediately backing her corner, the Andy we once knew had matured into an even more confident woman. It was easy not to form such a strong connection with her character as all she wanted to achieve was the best out of life. She was always one to think things through carefully and not make selfish, impulsive decisions like a lot of other characters did. I think this is one of the reasons I wasn’t able to rate Revenge wears Prada 5 stars, I absolutely adored this book, but a character who I really became to like over the course of the book, they had literally won me over made the biggest mistake possible. I think I was truly left heartbroken for a few days afterwards after things had gone down.

Weisberger did a brilliant job in creating new characters that were easy to fall hard and fast for. Max was an absolutely wonderful inclusion to this book; he was considerate, sweet and had some swoony moments. I admit that he did completely win me over with his gentle side that I didn’t pay attention in the slightest when some ex’s showed up on the scene. It was also great getting to know returning characters once more. Miranda once again was a difficult character to get my feelings around. Whereas I detested her immensely in The Devil wears Prada, she brought out a whole another side to her, that at times I was confused about whose character to believe.

Revenge Wears Prada was a wonderful follow up to the Devil Wears Prada. The wait for this book I would have to say was definitely worth it, with Weisberger bringing another entertaining story. There were some crazy stressful times, a pinch of heartbreak along the way (I am seriously still not over this betrayal!) but overall a whole lot of fun. If you’re in the mood for a fun read or a quick pick me up when feeling low, this is the perfect book to go to.

Mini-Reviews: The Stag and Hen Weekend and On Every Street

The Stag and Hen Weekend by Mike Gayle
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Publication date: 14th February 2013.
My rating: 3 stars

The Stag and Hen Weekend is the story of Phil and Helen, a couple in their thirties about to commit their lives to one another . . . that is of course if they can just manage to get through their respective stag and hen weekends (his: Amsterdam; hers: a country house and day spa in the Peak District) without falling apart. Told in the unique form of two separate stories that have common characters as well as themes and conclusion, The Stag and Hen Weekend can be read from front to back or from back to front putting the reader in the driver's seat as to which story they wish to read first.

The Stag and Hen is two separate stories told from Phil and Helen on their stag and hen weekends away. I randomly started with Phil’s stag, he and the lads decided to go away to Amsterdam. Phil and Helen had been together for nine years, so Phil knew for a long time coming that Helen was the one for him. I had a hard time connecting with Phil’s story, maybe because he was an older character than what I usually read my pov’s from. But it was fun getting into the lads mind set and watching them having a good time. The only thing that didn’t work for me was how all of Phil’s mates didn’t really give encouraging messages to Phil to get married. He was getting married next week and all of his friends had stories where they just got married for the sake of it or their partner didn’t want to get married, way to put self-doubt in the grooms head a week before his big nuptials. Then as more self-doubts started trickling in, Phil decided making erratic decisions and listening to random strangers instead of his gut instinct about his feeling towards Helen. Phil’s story started off as good fun between a group of lads but unfortunately trailed into several unwanted secrets being discovered and the groom getting cold feet.

Now with Helen’s story I much preferred, after what had gone on in Phil’s story I was eager to know whether the assumptions Phil had made were true or not. With Helen also I felt I could connect more with her character and understand the situation she was going through. Helen’s weekend in comparison was also a lot more fun, she had attitude from future sister in law and an ex-boyfriend confusing her feelings to deal with. Both Phil and Helen had individual important decisions to deal with which could affect their future in a big way. With both characters I thought I knew the decisions they would make, but both stories were left wide open with me having no clue what they would do.

Despite some issues, The Stag & Hen weekend was a decent rainy day comfort read.

On Every Street by Karina Halle
Publisher: Metal Blonde Books
Publication date: March 9th 2013
My rating: 4 stars

When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she's set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.

The fact that I was up until 1:30am finishing this novella off gave me the biggest insight into why so many other readers are currently encumoured by this series. I’m always a little wary to jump on the current book bandwagon, as I always end up being in the minority of readers who end up being burned. But from just reading the On Every Street novella, I knew it was exactly what I needed.

Ellie White is hell bent on revenge, ever since her parents used her as bait and ruined her life, she wants to get back at those who did this to her. Travis however is not an easy man to crack, he’s wealthy and dangerous, and so it will be tough getting close to him. Ellie knows the only way to do so is by getting close to somebody near him and that’s where Javier Bernal comes in *sigh*. Ellie’s sole goal was to take up another identity, get inside close enough to Travis, get her revenge and get back out. She knew it could be a long job, but she didn’t expect to fall for Javier in the process. But how could she not resist? He was charming, suave and made her feel protected like no other man could. Honestly this man’s smooth lines even made me dizzy. Ellie knew she was toying with a dangerous line; her feelings for Javier were getting more and more confused, until she no longer knew why she was there in the first place. 

Ellie and Javier’s relationship was a toxic one at most, but it was also so addictive. Both kept secrets from one another that could blow up in each other’s faces at any moment. And even though Ellie knew Javier’s life was dangerous, she still couldn’t get enough. How Ellie kept sane in this relationship I have no clue, especially with how close she came to meeting Travis. Despite their relationship starting on false pretences on both sides, I loved the relationship between Ellie and Javier, like I mentioned previously it was magnetic and at some points totally scary, but with Javier Bernal around; I couldn’t get enough. I was somewhat disappointed with the turn of events in the last part of this book. But I can’t wait to see how the story will unfold in Sins & Needles, where I hope there will be tons more of Javier. But I’ve also heard there’s a new guy on the block called Camden, so I’m positive there will be plenty of fun and danger to look forward to!

Review: You Don't Have to Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning

You Don't Have to Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning
Publisher: Corgi
Publication date: 3rd February 2011
My rating: 4 stars

Sweet, bookish Neve Slater always plays by the rules. And the number one rule is that good-natured fat girls like her don't get guys like gorgeous, handsome William, heir to Neve's heart since university. But William's been in LA for three years, and Neve's been slimming down and re-inventing herself so that when he returns, he'll fall head over heels in love with the new, improved her. So she's not that interested in other men. Until her sister Celia points out that if Neve wants William to think she's an experienced love-goddess and not the fumbling, awkward girl he left behind, then she'd better get some, well, experience. What Neve needs is someone to show her the ropes, someone like Celia's colleague Max. Wicked, shallow, sexy Max. And since he's such a man-slut, and so not Neve's type, she certainly won't fall for him. Because William is the man for her... right? Somewhere between losing weight and losing her inhibitions, Neve's lost her heart - but to who?(

Manning’s You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me is chick lit at its best. It was a book which reminded me why chick lit books were the only ones I used to devour; with its funny witty characters, predictable plot ending which I didn’t care about as I was having too much fun. It was a book which left a smile on my face and with warm fuzzies as it was such a feel good read. 

Neve has known William her student advisor has always been the one, he gets her enthusiasm about literary authors and has always been the guy that she can have proper conversations with. But William takes up an offer as a professor in California for three years. Neve takes this and another major event in her life as the wake-up call to lose weight; she used to be a size 32 but decides to become a size 10 by the time William gets back. Her sister Celia suggests Neve also needs some relationship experience which will help to build her confidence before William gets back and so tries to set her up with some guys from work. This alongside internet dating ends up being a huge failure, but then when Neve ends up going home with Celia’s editor Max, the work Casanova, they both end up getting more than what they bargained for. 

Max at the beginning was a complete arse, he was a guy know for his reputation with the ladies, always known to be with a new one every single night and so that’s why Celia warned Neve against being with him as she didn’t want her sister being used for one night and then flung out to dry. But Neve and Max came to a compromise, they decided to have a “pancake relationship”; a fake relationship where they get to have a lot of fun but also have a bunch of rules in place to remind them it’s just a pancake relationship, it’s not like they have a lot in common anyway, and it’s only so that Neve can get the experience she needs before William gets back.

Like Neve I was always constantly thinking over their time together what was in it for Max? He could get any girl that he wanted, but he decided to take Neve to all of his magazine events in the evening and when making his way around the room making sure Neve was part of the conversations too. Neve had self-esteem issues because of her weight, so Max did everything he could to help her. Mid-way through this book I didn’t really care why Max agreed in the first place to this pancake relationship, as it was clearly obvious that their relationship was quickly moving beyond the pancake stage. The time Max spent with Neve was clearly having a great effect on his character, the cocky player was soon disappearing and in its place was a charming considerate funny guy. I loved how he could make Neve feel so confident in herself too, how quick he was to cheer her up when she started having self-doubts. Max definitely won me over by the course of this book. 

William where do I even start with this guy? I could see why Neve thought he was the one; he was her intellectual equal and always expected much more of her. But through their phone conversations and letters, he came across as a bit self-absorbed and patronising. I’m glad that Neve decided to have some fun with Max as he definitely showed her what a good time was instead of being cooped up in the British library double checking references for William. 

You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me was a book that took me by surprise, because it was a book that I ended up in buying in the moment, leaving on my shelf unread for ages and then not being able to put it down once I started it. This book was another example of why I’m such a bad read-along partner, as I finished it days ahead of everyone else. I hugely recommend picking up You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me when you’re looking for a perfect rainy day comfort read, it has some great swoony scenes; it’s laced with the perfect amount of humour and will leave you with a warm glowing feeling for the rest of the day.

Review: Grace Grows by Shelle Sumners

 Grace Grows
 Author: Shelle Sumners
 Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
 Publication date: October 30th 2012
 Source: Netgalley
 My rating: 4.5 stars

 

Grace Barnum’s life is precariously balanced on sensible choices and uncomfortable compromise. She dutifully edits textbooks that, she fears, may be more harmful than helpful to kids. She is engaged to a patent attorney who is steady and reliable. She has a cautious relationship with her fascinating father, a renowned New York painter, and she prefers her mom slightly drunk.

Always a planner, Grace feels prepared for most eventualities. Until the responsibility-challenged Tyler Wilkie shows up. Fresh in town from the Poconos, Tyler has warm eyes, a country drawl, and a smile that makes Grace drop things. Worst of all, he writes devastating songs. About her.

Tyler reaches something in Grace, something she needs, but can't admit to. Something she wants, but won't succumb to. Tyler Wilkie loves Grace Barnum and ruins everything.  And Grace grows.

 Oh, the heartache!  The swoony, achy feel this story gave me!  I felt LOVESICK over a freaking book!!  I couldn’t stop reading. I was so bowled over with angsty feelings and I just had to know how it ended. This was another one of those books that I read long into the night.  I peeked at the clock at my bedside after I finished and it was 5:30 IN THE MORNING!  Even when I closed the book and my eyes I still couldn’t fall asleep because the scenes kept replaying over and over again in my head.  

This story begins with the quote:

“How Tyler Wilkie wrecked my life..”

The Grace we first meet firmly believes this statement.

Twenty-seven year old Grace is at point in her life where she thinks everything is on track and how it should be.  She has a job editing educational textbooks.  She’s been living with her steady boyfriend for more than half a year.  He’s ten years older and a successful patent attorney.  They have a comfortable relationship, nothing too exciting, and plan on getting engaged when they’ve lived together for one year.  Everything is figured out and well-ordered.  Or so it seems. 

On closer inspection, Grace’s “dream” editing job is not so much.  She’s often tasked with removing bits that are deemed offensive, questionable, or controversial.  The mention of condoms in a sex education text book must be removed.   In a story, fruit salad is substituted for ice cream, because you wouldn’t want to encourage unhealthy eating.  Then the ratio of male and female must be even for equality sake.      

These kinds of changes are slowly chipping away at Grace’s soul, but she plods along and doesn’t speak up, in fear for her job.   

Then there is her boyfriend.  What I noticed from the beginning is the sheer amount of time they spent apart, even when they could be together.  In my mind, if you don’t want to spend time with your boyfriend/husband, most of what they do doesn’t appeal to you or what you do doesn’t appeal to them, you’ve got problems.  He might tick all the appropriate boxes, like being able to provide a stable and secure future, but if you can’t meet with your passions and mind, someone else will creep in.  Guaranteed.

In spite of Grace’s intentions, this is what happens.  This is where we meet Tyler Wilkie, and this is where he wrecks her life. 

Tyler is twenty-seven, like Grace, but does not have his life ordered AT ALL.  He’s come to New York to try his hand a becoming a singer.  He definitely has an abundance of talent, but he’s a college drop-out and doesn’t even have health insurance *GASP*!  I have to tell you, if I were Grace, I’d be running far, far, away as well!  I'm so about responsible!  She runs into Tyler outside of her apartment, he’s a dog walker for a neighbor, and they strike up an unlikely friendship.  She’s drawn in by Tyler’s outlook on life.  He sees things with fresh eyes.  He wants more, but she continually pushes him away, and so she should.  She’s committed to someone else.   I hate cheating books so I was pleased that this wasn’t one of them.   This story takes you on their journey with obstacles a plenty, but I loved every single page!  There’s a slow change in Grace, and in Tyler, each changing and growing because of each other’s influence.   And oh, man, did I fall head-over-heels in love with Tyler Wilkie!!   

I found the writing of the story subtle, it didn’t beat you over the head telling you how you should view or think of a character or situation, and you’re left to make your own conclusions.   I felt like I made all the same discoveries or revelations at the same time Grace did.   There were a few times I did want to slap Grace upside the head and tell her to get a clue, but I could see her point of view.   I wanted these two to have their HEA after so many close calls and misses! 

Like I said, I couldn’t stop reading this until I knew what happened.  I have to give a high rating to a story that claims my attention so absolutely.  I’m still haunted and consumed.