⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Stars
First I want to say that Kristan Higgins is hilarious. I spit out my drink more than once while reading this book. Hysterical. Her witty internal dialogue cracked me up too.
This was my first Kristan Higgins book and it was amazing. If it’s any indication of how well written her other books are, then she’s a new favorite author.
Here’s a little synopsis…
Poor Nora Stuart. Growing up her life was tragic for so many reasons, so she immersed herself in academics, determined to excel and thus win the coveted Perez scholarship to Tufts University, wherein she’d be gone from the town that ignored and taunted her. If that weren’t enough, she finds herself the most hated citizen of her native Scupper Island, Maine, through no fault of her own. But she eventually got her life together and became an attractive, successful doctor with a swoon-worthy boyfriend, great friends and an apartment she loved. Things were going great in her adult life until a “big bad event” happened and turned her safe, comfortable little world upside down. In addition, Nora has been devastated by her boyfriend, Bobby, when she overhears him talking about their imminent breakup while flirting with a colleague as Nora lay semi-conscious in the ER after being hit by a van. Hurt (both mentally and physically) and discouraged, she immediately ends the relationship and takes a trip back to Scupper Island, where her mother still lives, and where the folks still remember what happened to make her the most hated citizen there. Nora plans to convalesce on the island while attempting to forge a bond with her taciturn, stoic mother. Nora’s beloved father left their family when she was a young girl, never to be heard from again, and she hopes to get information that will lead to his whereabouts after all of these years, and hopefully come to finally understand from her mother why he left. Her teenage niece, Poe, lives with Nora’s mother, since Nora’s sister, Lily, is in jail. Poe isn’t the least bit enthused about her aunt’s visit. Undeterred, Nora presses on, determined not to allow her niece or her sister, who has made it clear that she’s not interested in hearing from her, or Scupper Island’s residents, further ruin her stint there. Can Nora find her true self and the love, acceptance, security and happiness she so desperately craves?
The highly-developed characters, which is what I loved most about this book, along with the vivid scenes bring this story to life in a way that will make it dwell indelibly in your memory-bank long after you’ve finished reading it. It was poignant, yet simultaneously humorous, suspenseful, and emotional. There was a bit of zany romance too. It seemed to have a little of everything, and it all fit together perfectly. Kristan Higgins is one hip lady, and she writes in a way that anyone, regardless of background, could easily relate to her storytelling. It was unputdownable and never dragged. I highly recommend it.
Thank you so much, Netgalley, and HQN Books, for a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
Have you read any books by Kristan Higgins? What did you think? Thanks, as always, for visiting. And have a wonderful day!
I’ve been hearing great things about this one so I’ll have to add it. I haven’t read any of her books yet but it’s always fun to discover new favorite authors – thank you!
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It was my first one and it entertained me thoroughly. Now I have to read more of hers.
Thanks for commenting. 😊
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I have never read Kristan Higgins’ books, but I did downloaded one of her audiobooks! I cannot wait to read this one, too ❤
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It was my first and won’t be my last for sure. 🙂
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Oooh. Lovely review. I love character driven books.
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Thank you. This was character driven for sure.
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yeah 5 star!
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Have you read this one Jay? I wonder if men read her books. 🤔
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I have not. It was new to me when I read your review.
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Ohh. It just made me think whether or not men read these sort of books.
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I’m an odd duck. I read all over the place! 🙂 lol
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I recently downloaded this book, which I hope to read soon; and I also have her previous book (If you Only Knew)…again, not yet read. But judging from the writer’s style and touches of humor, I know I am in for a treat. Thanks for sharing!
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I also have If You Only Knew. Now I want to read that one too. But still finishing up book review commitments. I am making a promise to myself to get to my tbr pile this year. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
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Oh I’ve been dying waiting for this book as I love Kristan Higgins! I’ve read every one of her books and don’t mind rereading them:)
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I’ve heard many say they re-read her books. I could see myself rereading this one, especially for the laughs. I loved it so much. I’m sure you will too. 😊
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I love Kristan’s books! I’m so happy you discovered her, Laurie. I can’t wait to read this one!
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I have a few of her books but never read any. I’d intended to but kept putting them off to read books that I’d been asked to review. So glad I read this one from Netgalley. I truly enjoyed it (minus the cussing though). 😉
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