When agent Nora Stephen's agrees to a month long vacation with her younger sister Libby, she discovers her nemesis happens to be in the same small town as them.This was one of my most anticipated reads this year. The synopsis and cover reminded me of Henry's Beach Read, which I enjoyed several years ago. Imagine my surprise when I opened this book and struggled to get beyond the first few chapters. There was something about the writing style, or perhaps the characters, that just did not click with me. I eventually switched to the audiobook to finish it. While my opinion of the book fluctuated wildly as I read, I have to give all the props to Julia Whelan's narration. I would not have finished this story if not for the audiobook version.
My biggest issue is Nora. I really wanted to love her. In some parts, I did. However, her codependent relationship with her sister was hard to read. I don't necessarily blame her sister for Nora's behavior - much of the trip Libby attempts to create a more healthy relationship between the two of them. But the more into Nora's head we ventured, the more I though this story should be less driven by the romance and more driven by Nora coming to terms with her unhealthy behaviors and past mistakes.
While the story delves into Charlies' backstory, it never gets the same time and attention as Nora's story. They had a cute, yet ultimately forgettable, romance. Perhaps their romance would have been more memorable if Nora's issues had not been so overwhelming. The more reflection I give it, the more I believe this story would have benefited from it being women's fiction rather than romance. Overall, I felt emotionally wrung out and tired after reading it (and not in a cathartic way).
Rating: ⭐⭐
Read if you like: 💕 Enemies-to-lovers | 🏡 Small town | 👭 Sisters
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon
Read if you like: 💕 Enemies-to-lovers | 🏡 Small town | 👭 Sisters
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon
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