When I chose to read this book, I didn’t give the synopsis more than a cursory glance. I had fancied reading more books from ‘across the pond’ and thought the premise seemed interesting.
With hindsight, I’m glad that I didn’t know what was coming as the story unfurled like a flower catching the new dawn’s light. When we first meet Jill, she is living a seemingly charmed life, but without any real idea of her true identity or self-worth. The term gaslighting has become common in our vocabularies, yet it is still uncomfortable to realise the many forms that it takes.
As Jill moves to Dewberry Beach, intent on selling the house which is a monolith to her controlling ex-husband, the gentle changes in her outlook and self-confidence are evident. This new-found confidence brings about deeper changes both for her and for the people of Dewberry Beach.
Jills relationship with her best friend, Ellie, is a steadying factor in her metamorphosis from controlled ‘stepford wife’ to independent woman. Their relationship is quite special and serves to remind us all that true friendship can be the force that drives us forward.
There are many charming characters in Dewberry Beach, and each one delivers a special layer to the overall story. From the deli owner to the neighbour who has been left with a dying fruit tree. The sense of community is remarkable. It certainly provided a perfect escape for this locked down reader.

Heartfelt and emotional this story embraces you at its very core. You’ll dig deeper than imagined while imagining a picturesque scenario where this story takes place.

The Girl I Used to Be is the perfect beach book, and there is nothing I love more than a gooid, well written beach book. I fell in love with the residents in the sweet little beach town and cheered for Jill. Highly recommended.

All that glitters is not gold in this delightfully captivating story of one woman’s inner search for and journey back to her true self. There are plenty of pitfalls along the way. Lots of obstacles to navigate. Like a full-time jerk who’s a part time hubby (to put it charitably). Lost friends. Fake “friends.” A humble past Jill ‘s been told to not just forget, but to erase and be ashamed of. Also enough tangled webs, betrayals and duplicity to make Shelob look like a piker.

But in the end, friendship, solidarity, personal fortitude and a refusal to be pressed into someone else’s artificial, pre-fab mold win out. Lots of intrigue and unraveling along the way.

The story grabbed me in the first few pages and reeled me in! I was hooked by the end of chapter one! It's just a lot of fun, especially watching Jill take control of her own destiny and decide what to do with "the Monstrosity" and Marc. Delicious!

#TheGirlIUsedToBe #NetGalley