read

I read this for the "A Beach Read" part of my 2019 reading challenge. This book was amazing, I fell in love at page 9 and it never let me down. It was absolutely perfect in a Hallmark special sort of way. Very romantic and predictable, but perfect. ( )

This may be my first five stars to a romance novel ever. And I may have had an emotional week, but ending this book with tears streaming down my face sealed the fifth star.

Now that my keyboard won't be in danger of being flooded... #AGoodCry #TooBeautiful

See the full review here!

Recommended: YES
For those who love the long play, a complex development of relationships between all characters, the pain of reality and trying to follow your heart, and for anyone who just wants to read something beautiful and is willing to get a bit weepy

Thoughts:
You know that trope in romance stories, where two people hate each other and then come to realize they love each other madly? That's not at all how the characters in this book feel about each other but it is how I felt about this book.

Since it's a love-at-first-sight story, the romance was a bit lacking for me at first, because there was no build between the characters where I could get to know them and fall in love too, and enjoy the anticipation of love. It was hard to buy in to how Laurie couldn't contain her grief when her bff Sarah started dating Jack, the love-at-first-sight target.

This isn't heavy on the steamy stuff, but it's mastery of emotions. Even if you're not typically a romance reader, this is likely one that will suck you in. Evidenced by the fact that the copy I got from the library was thoroughly worn in with spine cracks and page bends galore. And my god, do I understand why. That's exactly as this book should be. ( )

Charming characters, fun and easy read. ( )

I finished this one day before Christmas, and what perfect timing. Heartwarming, well-written, flawed characters that you still root for. Reminded me a lot of those holiday romance stories, Love Actually, The Holiday, etc, and that was definitely part of the charm. Wonderful story about meeting the right person at the wrong time.

The story spans 10 years in the characters' lives and it was a joy, and sometimes heartbreaking, to watch them evolve and grow throughout the years. It's told in first person, alternating between Laurie and Jack's POVs.

Although the HEA was expected, it was still a joy to read to the end! Kept me turning the pages and wanting to know how the next plot point developed.

The only issue I had was the ending. It ended too...abruptly? I would have liked a little more to close out the story at the end.

Otherwise, highly recommended if you're any kind of romantic! ( )