Member Review

Piper grew up hearing the magical love stories of all the women in her family and dreaming of her magical fated love. She's already feeling different due to her physical disability when her parents decide to go against the family lore of eternal love and divorce, which makes Piper feel like she has to work extra hard to prove she's part of the family. Finally finding her fated love might change things, except she messes up the meet-cute and can't figure out how to fix it. Enter her best friend Leo, a love expert who knows everything about Piper but who asked to take a break from their friendship. Can Piper convince Leo to help her? Will she find her happily ever after with her fated love? Can she get her parents back together? But most importantly, will she settle for what fate decides or forge her own path?

First of all, I loved how Schreiber handled Piper's disability. It's her reality and it affects some of what she can do, but it doesn't define her. The fact that it's a part of her, her past, and what's shaped her is evident without always being the main thing the reader is pushed to notice about her. It's my favorite way to see representation, showing that there's so much more to the character.

The story is slightly predictable but no less enjoyable because of it. The fact that it follows a pretty established path that leaves no room for surprises doesn't take away from the engaging characters and real emotions. You get pulled into the story and want Piper to realize what will really make her happy. Her parents also get a pretty solid character arc that shows a very mature stance on love and growing apart. It's a good thing to show younger readers.

Overall, the story itself didn't blow me away, but the way Schreiber handles topics is top-notch.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the thought-provoking romance!