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surlamer7803's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I’ll preface this review by saying I have loved almost all of TJRs books and my review here is more a reflection of what I like and dislike in a story and not the quality of the book itself. In addition I read this as part of a book club and never would have chosen to read it on my own (and in fact actively avoided it for years) because of my own avoidance and discomfort for reading a story about losing a spouse. Additionally I loathe love triangles in all their forms and this is no exception.
This was just a sad and heartbreaking version of a trope I already can’t stand. The underlying theme throughout this book for me was just sadness and heartbreak and disappointment. It was painful to read for so many reasons - the heartbreak and grief and losing someone you love so suddenly followed by the heartbreak, uncertainty and confusion of them returning just as suddenly once you’ve already pieced yourself back together into a new version of yourself. I just wanted to get through this book as fast as I could because at no time did I feel hope or joy or relief. I just wanted it to be over.
I’ll say I was glad with the way it played out and the ultimate resolution but was not worth the ache of having to endure the story itself. It had some wonderful themes about finding yourself, growing with someone and knowing who you are and choosing the version of yourself you love the most. I appreciated those themes and think they’re applicable beyond just this story. That being said it still wasn’t worth the read, for me personally.
My own perspectives mostly aside - as with all TJR books it was beautifully written with care and heart, characters you care about and the story was well crafted - albeit somewhat rushed at the beginning. Trying to fit two whole love stories into the first half of the book and then trying to deconstruct and then reconstruct them in the 2nd half all while building and then rebuilding the main character is a tall order - not saying it was done perfectly by any means but TJR certainly did it the best of anyone I can think of.
Overall - if you love having your heart ripped out a few times and are ok being frustrated by the (I’m sure realistically depicted) whiplash of loving one person one second and thinking they’re the right fit to loving the other person just as much and thinking THEY are actually the right fit - back and forth for chapters on end - and if you enjoy a story that at its heart is about discovering who you are and being open to the fact that that person can change and grow and the beauty in that fact then this is certainly a good read for you.
If the idea of reading about someone going through one of the most painful experiences a person can endure and the heartbreak of that as well as the uncertainty and discomfort of then having to decide between two peope you truly love makes you want to run for the hills like it does for me - then skip this and pick up a different TJR book - for the most part you really can’t go wrong.
This was just a sad and heartbreaking version of a trope I already can’t stand. The underlying theme throughout this book for me was just sadness and heartbreak and disappointment. It was painful to read for so many reasons - the heartbreak and grief and losing someone you love so suddenly followed by the heartbreak, uncertainty and confusion of them returning just as suddenly once you’ve already pieced yourself back together into a new version of yourself. I just wanted to get through this book as fast as I could because at no time did I feel hope or joy or relief. I just wanted it to be over.
I’ll say I was glad with the way it played out and the ultimate resolution but was not worth the ache of having to endure the story itself. It had some wonderful themes about finding yourself, growing with someone and knowing who you are and choosing the version of yourself you love the most. I appreciated those themes and think they’re applicable beyond just this story. That being said it still wasn’t worth the read, for me personally.
My own perspectives mostly aside - as with all TJR books it was beautifully written with care and heart, characters you care about and the story was well crafted - albeit somewhat rushed at the beginning. Trying to fit two whole love stories into the first half of the book and then trying to deconstruct and then reconstruct them in the 2nd half all while building and then rebuilding the main character is a tall order - not saying it was done perfectly by any means but TJR certainly did it the best of anyone I can think of.
Overall - if you love having your heart ripped out a few times and are ok being frustrated by the (I’m sure realistically depicted) whiplash of loving one person one second and thinking they’re the right fit to loving the other person just as much and thinking THEY are actually the right fit - back and forth for chapters on end - and if you enjoy a story that at its heart is about discovering who you are and being open to the fact that that person can change and grow and the beauty in that fact then this is certainly a good read for you.
If the idea of reading about someone going through one of the most painful experiences a person can endure and the heartbreak of that as well as the uncertainty and discomfort of then having to decide between two peope you truly love makes you want to run for the hills like it does for me - then skip this and pick up a different TJR book - for the most part you really can’t go wrong.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
blonde_bombshell's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so good! It was so warm and fuzzy and heartwarming! I loved every second of it!
prettypious's review against another edition
5.0
This book was better than I expected. I read Seven Husbands and then Malibu Rising and thought they both were amazing and they made me admire her writing style, but I wasn’t necessarily interested in any other Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books based off their titles and descriptions, including Carrie Soto is Back, I felt she had built enough credibility with me to at least give it a try without commitment to finish. Well, of course I loved it and then committed to reading her full catalog recognizing that it might possibly be true that I will love everything she writes because even if I don’t love the story I love her talent. Her author’s craft including her ability to tell a story in both the briefest and longest way possible, the symbolism and her use of language, are so appealing to me. Her books make me better understand things, more clearly articulate other things, and question things I’ve never even thought possible. Anyways I highly recommend this book if only because despite how I felt going into the book, by the end I realized I hadn’t even thought of Maybe in Another Life once. This was a great story and the writing was orgasmic oh and the set up for Malibu Rising, was *chef’s kiss*z
megan51773's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.75
ananya2112's review against another edition
3.0
The first 60 percent of the book was very interesting, and then it went downhill. I'm still so pissed off about certain things.
With that being said, Taylor Jenkins Reid is a wonderful storyteller, and her writing is exquisite.
With that being said, Taylor Jenkins Reid is a wonderful storyteller, and her writing is exquisite.
lediona's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
charlottep0402's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Loved the writing style and even saved a couple of quotes that really captivated me. TJ Reid's is a fav author for me so I knew I'd like the flow of things. The pacing and structure was great. 🙌
Only reason it's not 5 stars is because I don't know if I agree with who she picked! I was rooting for the other guy but I understand why she picked the second. I think if more had been included about getting to the decision I could have been more understanding but it felt rushed? 🥹
Ultimately a nice ending for all characters which I do like ❤️
Only reason it's not 5 stars is because I don't know if I agree with who she picked! I was rooting for the other guy but I understand why she picked the second. I think if more had been included about getting to the decision I could have been more understanding but it felt rushed? 🥹
Ultimately a nice ending for all characters which I do like ❤️
anjalisudarsan's review against another edition
5.0
The premise of this book was really interesting; the idea of having a husband and a fiancé, loving both of them in such an intense manner, and navigating through various emotions - all of these themes were well executed by the author. Gripping story, yet the emotions that were so complicated were beautifully written. I think it’s how love is, that you can be a different person when you’re in love with someone, and change when they leave. When they leave so abruptly, the grief can mould you into something else.
I also liked how well grief was discussed, and how Emma grew around her grief - it was super realistic. Loved the ending, it really awoke the romantic in me.
I also liked how well grief was discussed, and how Emma grew around her grief - it was super realistic. Loved the ending, it really awoke the romantic in me.