I had a chance to spend Sunday at home, Christmas tree lights twinkling, snowflakes slowly drifting in the air outside. Perfect day to stay home and read, and that's exactly what I did!
Laurie is on a crowded bus, on her way home to her flat after a long day working as a hotel receptionist. At a bus stop, she sees a handsome young man sitting, reading a book. Somehow, someway, he sees her, and BAM! It's love at first sight. Does she get off the bus, or does he get on the bus?
NEITHER. Off the bus goes, and Laurie spends the next year looking for "bus boy", along with her best friend Sarah in every bar and every place she goes. Finally, after a year, she's given up ever finding him. At their annual holiday bash for friends, Sarah finally introduces Laurie to her new boyfriend. Yep. It's bus boy. Jack is his name, and he's in radio. Stunned, Laurie pretends she's never seen him before. Devastated, she keeps her mouth shut, since it's obvious her best friend is completely bonkers over Jack. Jack also recognizes Laurie, but pretends, too. Neither acknowledges that special, life-changing glance. Poor Laurie.
The novel moves over the next ten years, as Jack and Sarah, and Laurie form a close friendship. Laurie still yearns for Jack, but knows it will never, ever happen. She makes a big change in her life, and meets a man who sweeps her off her feet, is easy to fall in love with, and wants to build a life together.
Meanwhile, Jack and Sarah's relationship has highs and lows, and it's hard to dislike Sarah at all, she's such a gem of a friend. Jack is a good guy, too, but has some issues. And the backdrop to all of this is the quiet yearning of unrequited love between Jack and Laurie. Will they ever get together, of will they both be the one that got away? Do you take the person who's 90% of what you want, or do you keep looking for that 100% person?
This was a great holiday read. It spans ten years, but I think that's necessary, in order to see each of the characters grow from college graduates into their 30's; loving, losing, and experiencing those growing pains we all have as we grow up and figure out what makes us happy. There is some heartbreak, for sure, and some pretty tense moments, but I don't want to give them away so you'll have to read to find out.
This would make a great gift for anyone who loves British rom-coms, holiday novels, and contemporary love stories. It's reminiscent of Jojo Moyes and reads quickly. I enjoyed reading from Jack's perspective, and Laurie's, too.
Rating: 4/6 for a really good read. I was pleasantly surprised at the serious issues addressed, the solid friendship between Laurie and Sarah, and that dangling carrot of Jack and Laurie--will they have a happy ending? Oh--and the wine. These ladies love to drink wine!! Have a glass or two and enjoy this book. 🍷🍷🍷
Available in paperback, ebook, and audio.
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