Scan barcode
katepm's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely cheesy (though better after the first quarter) and not all that well written, but felt like reading a feel good early 2000’s rom com, sucked me in and I loved it!
lbriss11's review against another edition
3.0
This was a charming read. Having read some of Christina Baker Kline’s more recent novels before coming to this earlier one, I found it a much lighter read than expected—though it certainly touched upon some deeper themes.
The book starts out a little silly, but picks up when the main character gets to Maine. There are some strong Felicity vibes (moving to a fantasy location for the idea of a fantasy man), and, as with Felicity, you’re satisfied to see her dreams evolve and mature. Add some cozy Italian cooking, and it’s a perfect late Fall “beach read.”
The book starts out a little silly, but picks up when the main character gets to Maine. There are some strong Felicity vibes (moving to a fantasy location for the idea of a fantasy man), and, as with Felicity, you’re satisfied to see her dreams evolve and mature. Add some cozy Italian cooking, and it’s a perfect late Fall “beach read.”
lopster9's review against another edition
5.0
Really good read.......nyc woman meets guy of her dreams online, moves to the coast of Maine to be with him. Turns out he is NOT what she expected (of course)--she stays in Maine, and learns much more about herself than all of her years in nyc. Love the Maine references, love the Italian recipes (tried one already)-----all in all, one of my favorite books of the year! A keeper......:)
clds86's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the story, but I feel like the ending was clipped. It could have easily wrapped up better.
ang0521's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
The Way Life Should Be follows Angela through a job loss, trying to find new love, and trying to find herself in a new place. I definitely did not love the beginning of the book and I thought it was a little slow. There are also some moments where I really did not care for Angela or the writing. A couple of times the way someone’s body was described (looking at you “his mammal self”) really threw me off and took me out for a hot minute.
Once Angela started to settle more into her new home and make connections, I was pretty hooked. I love the found family trope, and I think the author did a great job of highlighting that people may come from all walks of life, but they can still make meaningful connections. I especially enjoyed Angela and Flynn’s friendship and banter. I also enjoyed learning more about the other characters.
The book did not start out that strong for me. Some of the writing really fell flat and was not redeemable for a four star rating in my opinion. However, I did end up really liking the story and caring for some of the characters. The ending felt very hopeful and overall this was a good read.
The Way Life Should Be follows Angela through a job loss, trying to find new love, and trying to find herself in a new place. I definitely did not love the beginning of the book and I thought it was a little slow. There are also some moments where I really did not care for Angela or the writing. A couple of times the way someone’s body was described (looking at you “his mammal self”) really threw me off and took me out for a hot minute.
Once Angela started to settle more into her new home and make connections, I was pretty hooked. I love the found family trope, and I think the author did a great job of highlighting that people may come from all walks of life, but they can still make meaningful connections. I especially enjoyed Angela and Flynn’s friendship and banter. I also enjoyed learning more about the other characters.
The book did not start out that strong for me. Some of the writing really fell flat and was not redeemable for a four star rating in my opinion. However, I did end up really liking the story and caring for some of the characters. The ending felt very hopeful and overall this was a good read.
nikkiv73's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
ckfoster's review against another edition
4.0
An utterly charming book that is sophisticated fluff. Maybe I enjoyed that it felt like a food memoir, the best kind of memoir.
jennieamber's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a quick read, I read it in a day even though my time read says longer, it was just because I had other books checked out and was reading them more. That was my fault. lolThis book needs your entire attention! It's such a fun read, and has laugh out loud moments and lovely, rich, family moments and just...relatable content. Everything about it was fantastic and the only thing I hate is that it ended. This should be a series!! I love this author, I've read two of her other books. Highly recommend. :)
(I'm NOT docking stars for this but I wish it didn't have so much swearing. But that's my own personal dislike, but it didn't take away from the book.)
(I'm NOT docking stars for this but I wish it didn't have so much swearing. But that's my own personal dislike, but it didn't take away from the book.)