Very readable book - couldn't put it down.

Would definitely recommend.

I did want there to be another, 3rd time, though, in which there had been a few other options taken along the way - but I think that's what the character is now going to be creating.

Long & Short of It: Very engaging. Well laid out. Positive ending. Wraps up well.
Author: I'd read again!
Romance: Heart-warming
Spice Level: 0/5 stars

This alternate timeline story is a topic/genre that I love. I was very excited to dive into this one! My initial reaction was that a lot of information and backstory for Ellie was scrunched into the Prologue in a way that didn't feel natural to me. On the bright side I never felt like something wasn't explained well! Angela Brown's style of writing is very informative with a lot of context, which allowed me to get the full picture at all times, sometimes in excess detail.

The story itself is very interesting and engaging. There are parts that are painful, and brought up emotions in me that had me empathizing with Ellie quite a lot in relation to her marriage and parenting struggles.

Ellie is a very hands-on mother, and a dutiful wife. The way she is portrayed though, through her own inner dialogue and sometimes other's reactions to her, felt very "stereotypical middle-aged mom/wife who doesn’t have confidence in herself". While this is unfortunately the reality for a lot of moms and wives (as it was for me in the past), it did make me feel annoyed with Ellie at times throughout the story, which is told from her perspective. I found myself responding to her out loud saying things like "you're being over dramatic!" or "well you're not helping the situation!" ...

I was hit right in the feels though, when Ellie was talking about the fact that women often can't catch a break no matter which way they go with their life choices; a woman doing too much outside of the home and being too successful can be seen as selfish, while staying home and being a mom and wife can be viewed as inadequate and weak.

I would say the main struggle I had while reading was how flashbacks and memories were woven into the present moment without a clear cue, making me reread the page thinking I missed the segue into the past.

BUT THEN...PART TWO TOOK A TURN! AND THEN PART THREE…. such a shift… a good shift… I was locked in and almost sad the book would be ending soon.

This story will resonate with so many readers, especially those who wonder "what if?" It's a heartfelt love story of second chances, missed opportunities, growth, and connection.

Ellie’s introspection and growth throughout this extraordinary week are deeply engaging. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments makes this story resonate on many levels, offering a refreshing perspective on love, regret, and second chances. If you enjoy untraditional love stories with a touch of magical realism and plenty of emotional depth, this book is a must-read.

This was a wonderful read. As a mother with older teens I could so relate to Ellie and the struggles of where your place is in the world. I loved Jonah and Ellie and how it was obvious they were making a huge mistake. What a sweet second chance romance.