Tuesday 20 October 2015

Review: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Usborne Publishing
Publication Date: August 14th 2014.
My rating: 4 stars 


Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on brooding artist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And, after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer break, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to face uncertainty about their futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. Set against the stunning backdrops of New York, Paris and Barcelona, this is a gorgeous, heart-wrenching and irresistible story of true love, and the perfect conclusion to Stephanie Perkins's beloved series.

There’s nothing that beats picking up a cute read which leaves you with all the warm fuzzies and gets you out of your holiday blues. Honestly I was feeling like crap about being back home and so not having read a single book in a month! I needed something that would keep me distracted, absorbed and get me back into reading once again. And Isla and the Happily ever after was just the sort of read. Before you knew it I was over 40% in and not wanting to go to sleep (this hasn’t happened to me in a long time.) I have I have to admit I was a little wary at first with the mixed ratings I had seen before, but Perkins adorable characters and whimsical writing helped me get lost into a world where I could forget everything else around me.

Perkins has always had this fantastic knack for giving us beautifully written romances, yes Josh and Isla did seem to fall quite quickly for one another, bur their relationship was made to feel believable and realistic. I could connect with the strong feelings they had for one another and the gut wrenching emotions they had to go through when separated. When I’m able to feel more emotion from a relationship, the relationship always seems to work for me. Also I appreciated the MC that Perkins gave to us in Isla. She wasn’t your typically confident MC, but had her self- doubts which could hold her back at times. I know some readers may have been frustrated with the blips that these made along the way, but being a person who has constantly being checked herself to make sure what I’m doing is right or even doubting my abilities, I liked how Perkins illustrated not everyone can have that confidence down.

Josh and Isla’s relationship had it’s up and down moments, but because their feelings for each other were so genuine and strong I knew that they could get through it. Even though I’ve always said that nothing could top Anna and St Clair’s relationship, I think Josh and Isla may have just done that. I loved how fierce and raw their feelings were for each other, how when they were together nothing else mattered, but each other. But most of all I liked it when the characters in the relationship are willing to take risks and be open about their feelings for one another. Isla could be a bit resistant at first, but with the hurt and separation that both Josh and Isla had to go through, this really broke me too.

Overall the wait for Isla and the Happily Ever After was a long time coming, but totally worth it in the end. Once again Perkins was able to sweep me off my feet with her beautiful writing and swoon worthy characters and relationships she introduced. I’m quite sad about having to let these characters go, but I’m grateful that they’ve managed to leave such a huge impression with me.





18 comments:

The Readdicts said...

Wow! You found a couple that beats Perkins' Anna and St. Clair. Well, almost! I've been wanting to read Isla and the Happily Ever After for so long, but somehow that doesn't happen. It's so lovely that you didn't just end up loving the book, but that it got you back to reading. I really appreciate how Isla isn't the typical confident girl- that already makes her so easy to relate to. Great review, Jasprit! I'll be sure to get to this one soon enough. I hope. *winks*

Sarika @ The Readdicts

Jenny said...

Ooooo these two might top Anna and St. Clair for you Jasprit? Then I need to read it immediately! I was so impatient to read this one before it came out, but somehow I got distracted and even now still haven't read it. Fail. Definitely need to remedy that!

Anonymous said...

I still haven't read this one, Jasprit. I adored the first two books, but I wasn't sure about this one. I know Nereyda didn't like it very much and I had read excerpts and I was disappointed. I'm glad you were able to enjoy this so much though. The romance sounds like it was fantastic for you. I need something swoony in my life right now. :)
Wonderful review!

Piecraft Bucharest said...

I must try Perkins for sure. She seems to conquer almost everyone with her writing, so she must be worth it :) I like the sounds of Josh and Isla! Wonderful review, Jasprit :)

Unknown said...

This is definitely my favorite book of the series! I love the trajectory of Josh and Isla's romance - the first 40% was the most adorable thing ever, and then of course I couldn't wait to see how they'd find a way to make their relationship work. I'm glad it was the right book at the right time for you, Jasprit!

Lovely review as always!

Carina Olsen said...

Awesome review Jasprit :D So glad that you liked this book so much. <3 Sigh. I have seen so many people read and love this series.. but I will not read them, lol :) Well, I read the first one many, many years ago, and I did not like it :p Wouldn't like this one either. Though you are making it sound pretty exciting :) Thank you for sharing sweetie. <3

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I really enjoyed this one as wel. I am glad you like it too. I can't wait to see what Perkins does next.

brandileigh2003 said...

Wonderful to hear that it was worth it in the end

brandileigh2003 said...

Wonderful to hear that it was worth it in the end

Unknown said...

ahaha that awesome, glad the lack of sleep was worth it :)

Joy said...

Yay! You finally read this one! Isn't it just so addicting?! Could not put this down!

Keertana said...

I'm so, so glad you enjoyed this, Jasprit! It was my favorite read of 2014 and I connected with Isla in so many ways that I read it and re-read it and have read it again this year as well. It's such an emotional read and Perkins has this way of making you really fall head-over-heels for her characters. Gorgeous review, dear--like you, I miss saying goodbye to these familiar heroines!

Faye M. said...

I'm glad that you were able to find a book to get you out of your slump, Jasprit! I have yet to try a Perkins book because I didn't really like the small traces of cheating in the first installment, but I may try this one if the romance was especially fierce and raw. Emotional reads are the best!

Faye at The Social Potato

Leanna Elle said...

I loved this one too, Jasprit! I may have enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss just a bit more - that is my perfect five-star swoony book - but I thought Isla and Josh were great. And Josh is probably the guy I would fall for in real life out of the three guys in these books. Ha!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I'm glad you really liked this one. I've heard mixed things too, but I loved Isla and Josh. :) I felt like I could relate to Isla the most out of all the girls too. Plus, after Lola, it was nice to be back in Europe. :)

-lauren

Jasprit said...

This was exactly me Jenny, I even pre-ordered my copy too! I hope you end up loving it as much as I did!

Ksenia said...

I’m sorry to hear you were still feeling down, Jasprit. I can relate so much, sometimes it’s hard to go back to your routine after wonderful holidays, and I’m often sad when I’m back home. I glad this book managed to awake your blogging spirit! I haven’t read this series yet, if only I had time to read all the books I want… The romance sounds wonderful. “When I’m able to feel more emotion from a relationship, the relationship always seems to work for me” – I’m the same way. Fantastic review, Jasprit!

Obsession with Books said...

I am such a big fan of this series, I'm pleased you enjoyed this as well.

A great review! Sharon – Obsession with Books

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