the setup…
Harper and Ben Foster thought they were just beginning the start of their happily ever after on their honeymoon when he suddenly became violently ill. They soon learn that he has stage four pancreatic cancer and though they valiantly fought to save his life, it’s now clear Ben is facing the end of that journey. But when the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature on his life, Harper comes face to face with with the only other man she’s loved, Liam Hale, the one she left in New York ten years ago. To make matters worse, Ben wants to help find her next partner in his final days.
the heart of the story…
Harper is currently an art teacher in Chattanooga but ten years ago, she set out to find success as an artist in New York. Her reasons for abandoning that dream are slowly revealed throughout the story, as well as what happened with Liam. The depth of her love for Ben, a successful composer, is never in question but clearly there was unfinished business in New York. The “what ifs” are tested when Harper finds herself in a parallel universe, contrasting her present life with what might have actually been.
the narration…
Jennifer Jill Araya was completely believable as the conflicted Harper, never giving away which direction she would choose. I also liked her storytelling as she made the unreal seem possible.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed the bit of magical realism, even with all the paradoxes that come with it. Though love triangles make my head and heart hurt, this isn’t that kind of story. It’s a mature and thoughtful examination of what one may want out of life, really, when given the opportunity to go back and change your choices. I fell a bit in love with this story, despite some of the weighty issues and complications.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 6, 2024
- Narrator: Jennifer Jill Araya
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 59 minutes
- Publisher: Harper Muse
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(Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own)
Blue Mood Café 
It feels like this is on the edge. I would be upset not being able to spend the time with the man I love and having someone else from the past would feel like interference. It would also be a very emotional time to be examining things.
Anne
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I won’t spoil anything but can promise you the story was handled maturely.
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This sound quite an emotional listen Jo, but I love the sound of the parallel universe story. Fab review!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 The parallel universe element was fascinating.
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Fab review! I’m normally not a fan of love triangles either, but I’m intrigued by the sound of the parallel universe element. xx
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Thank you, Yvo💜 Love triangles top my list of hated tropes so you know this wasn’t really that. There were times, however, where it felt it might?
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I hate them too, so I know what you mean… Sometimes if it is just the vibe instead of a full blown love triangle it ends up working for the story.
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This looks like a good but emotional read. Great review Jonetta!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 That it is!
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I do enjoy magical realism and this has that Hallmark feel to it. I will definitely need to be in the right frame of mind to read this one, as that was what my husband died from and yes, it is quick once it is diagnosed. Great review, Jo. I still want to read or listen to this one.
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Thank you, Carla💜 The author doesn’t sugarcoat anything so be prepared. It’s less Hallmark, though, and more of a Netflix movie. Everything was handled deftly.
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