HOLY MOLY. You are so talented. I didn’t know what to expect going into this after reading your psychological thrillers, but it completely blew my mind. The nostalgia in this book brought me back to my own childhood years and I could visually see certain things in my own home. I bawled like a baby through certain parts of this book and I’m not sure why, maybe it’s the nostalgia and the idea of being a kid again sounds great? Maybe it’s the fact that life used to be so simple and I took it for granted? It’s an eye opener for sure when you really take the time to read this book. Makes you really think about how things have changed since 2002!! I hope there will eventually be a sequel to this but if there isn’t, just know that this book has opened my eyes to be a lot more appreciative of the little things in life.

So this was totally unexpected from jeneva rose. It was a time travel coming to age romance. I loved the ending and how it all came together. I never expected her to write a romance so I was pleasantly surprised. :)

Such a thought provoking book’ As she states; this is not her typical genres but it is so so good. Jeneva has a talent for writing books that suck you in from page one. Thank you for choosing me to review this ARC’

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for the eARC of The Girl I Was! Let’s just say, this book healed me, broke me, and then healed me again. 😭

This was my first time reading a book written by Jeneva Rose, although, I do have The Perfect Marriage in my Kindle library, I just haven’t gotten to it yet (don’t yell at me, my TBR pile is taller than Mount Everest at this point). Jeneva Rose surely knows how to write! I found myself laying in bed later in the day, and thought to myself, “what was that movie I was watching earlier today? Oh wait, it definitely wasn’t a movie.. it was the book I’m reading!”. There were many parts in this book where I literally laughed out loud, and I loved it so much. This book was a refreshing palate cleanser to read between all the dark/heavy books I find myself reading lately. I would love to read more witty and heartfelt books like this, I genuinely think I would benefit from it. 😮‍💨

The majority of this story is based in 2002, and I was only 4 years old at that time. But holy schmoly, did I LOVE the 2000s references. Music, movies, even the clothes! Don’t tell anyone, but I still have two pairs of Juicy Couture sweatpants.. 🤫 I had yet to read a book that made me feel nostalgic, but The Girl I Was absolutely checks that off the list.

I was surprised at how relatable it all felt. Well, aside from time travel, I’ve never done that. Can’t relate. But self-sabotage? Been there, done that. The Girl I Was made me wish I could time travel back to the past and do things differently too. This novel actively made me reflect on my own personal female friendships, my family, and how important they were/are towards molding who I am today. I may or may not have shed a tear or two towards the end of this book.. it felt so personal even though it’s a work of fiction. This book made my eyes misty from both sincerity and laughter. 🥹

This is, by far, one of my favorite reads of 2025. I had fun reading it and felt disappointed when it ended, only because it ended and there wasn’t anymore to read!


**disclaimer: I received this eARC through NetGalley from Harlequin Trade Publishing and am leaving this review of my own accord. All thoughts are my own.**

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. I love everything I have ever read by Jeneva Rose and this book is no exception. I absolutely loved it. This book is very different from the normal Jeneva Rose books. This book is not a suspenseful thriller. This book is a journey of self discovery of the main character via a time travel journey. The second half of this book brought all the emotions. I hope we get more books in this genre by Jeneva Rose. She is a master of story telling. I highly recommend this book.

What a beautiful way to reflect on life, and the choices we make. I loved the "time travel" aspect, and I kept picturing the author, Jeneva Rose as the main character writing this book loosely based on her own life in some aspects. It makes perfect sense after reading the acknowledgements that this was her first book. I didn't find the story repetitive, and devoured the book in a few days.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Girl I Was is a powerful and emotionally resonant story that dives deep into the complexities of personal growth, forgiveness, and the long road to healing. From start to finish, this novel is heartfelt, authentic, and profoundly relatable.

What makes this book so special is how real it feels. The main character’s journey is raw, messy, and full of hard truths—but it’s also filled with strength, growth, and hope. Jeneva doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s what makes the story hit even harder. She captures the emotional weight of regret and resilience with such grace that you can’t help but root for the main character with everything in you.

The writing is clean, direct, and deeply emotional. Jeneva knows how to craft a narrative that feels both intimate and universally relevant. Whether you’ve faced hardship, made mistakes, or simply questioned who you are and where you’re going—this book speaks to that inner voice we all have. It’s about coming to terms with the past, learning to forgive yourself, and finding the courage to embrace who you’ve become.

With themes of second chances, personal growth, and starting over, this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that feel grounded in real life. It’s not flashy or over-the-top—it’s beautifully human. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.

The Girl I Was will leave you thinking about the person you used to be, the person you are now, and the version of yourself you’re still becoming. An honest, emotional, and ultimately uplifting read that I highly recommend.

This book is so different from her other books that I loved but I loved this one too! It has that 13 going on 30 movie vibes and was so fun. The main character was funny, total chaos and yet you were rooting for her to get it together. I was shocked at how emotional I was during the Thanksgiving scenes and thought the author really shared grief in such a honest and relatable way. I recommend reading this one, you’ll love it

This book was so different than the typical Jeneva novel, and I absolutely loved it!
Very much “13 going on 30 vibes”
It was cute, it tugged at your heart strings ( a lot in some spots), and i seriously couldn’t put this book down!

I did really like the story of this book. It’s a little cheesy, a little sappy, but being 30 it hit home when Alexis goes back to her parents house. Also the whole chapter when she first goes back in time really made me laugh.

The writing as mostly subpar and uneven. Some spots moved along and some were so clunky. The first part is way too heavy on the exposition that could’ve been sprinkled throughout the book. Lexi and Alexis just did not feel like real people and I think the author intended for them to feel real. It doesn’t really make any sense. Lexi is a party girl for two months of college and then somehow graduates even after her mom dies and then struggles with getting a job. And the ending is so unfortunate. Her savior is a man. A man we spend almost no time with.

The Girl I Was by Jeneva Rose is a delightful blend of women’s fiction and light fantasy that delivers a heartwarming, introspective, and often humorous journey through time travel and self-discovery. Published in November 2021, this novel stands out as a departure from Rose’s typical thriller genre, showcasing her versatility as a writer with a story that’s both emotionally resonant and entertaining.

The novel follows Alexis Spencer, a woman in her 30s grappling with a string of personal failures—job loss, a breakup, and lingering college debt. After a night of heavy drinking, Alexis wakes up in 2002, back in her college town, where she encounters her 18-year-old self, Lexi, a carefree, party-loving sorority girl. The premise sets the stage for a quirky and poignant exploration of self-reflection, as Alexis must navigate the early 2000s (complete with nostalgic pop culture references like Juicy Couture and flip phones) and convince her younger self to work together to rewrite their future.

Rose excels at balancing humor and heart. The dynamic between Alexis and Lexi is both hilarious and touching, with their clashing personalities—Alexis’s jaded pragmatism versus Lexi’s reckless optimism—driving much of the story’s charm. The novel’s emotional peak, particularly during a Thanksgiving scene where Alexis reconnects with her late mother, is a tear-jerker that hits hard, offering a profound meditation on grief and regret. Many readers, myself included, found this moment deeply moving, as it captures the ache of wanting to relive moments with loved ones.

The time-travel element is handled with a light touch, avoiding heavy sci-fi mechanics in favor of a feel-good narrative akin to 13 Going on 30 or Oona Out of Order. While the plot doesn’t always tie up every logical thread (time travel, after all, invites some suspension of disbelief), Rose keeps the focus on character growth, making the story accessible and engaging. The Wisconsin setting, with references to places like Oshkosh and Lake Geneva, adds a grounded, personal touch, especially for readers familiar with the area.
Some may find Lexi’s initial unlikability a hurdle, as her brash, party-girl persona can feel grating. However, this serves the story’s purpose, highlighting Alexis’s growth and the ways our younger selves shape who we become. By the end, I was rooting for both versions of the character to find peace and purpose. The audiobook, narrated by Hillary Huber, enhances the experience with a lively performance that captures the story’s emotional range.

Overall, The Girl I Was is a compelling mix of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt reflection. It’s a quick read—around 300 pages—that’s perfect for a cozy weekend, offering both laughs and tears while reminding us to embrace and forgive our past selves. Jeneva Rose proves she’s not just a thriller author but a storyteller who can tug at the heartstrings. I highly recommend it to fans of women’s fiction or anyone craving a feel-good story about second chances.

A must-read for those who love emotional, character-driven stories with a touch of whimsy.

Loved this so so so much! We meet Alexis on a very bad day. Her life hasn’t ended up where she wants it to be at this point and she just wishes things could be different. Who doesn’t want to play the “if I could change one thing in my past that would make my life better today” game? The journey she takes of self exploration, self love, and self acceptance is incredible. I totally cried multiple times and couldn’t stop telling everyone about what I had just read.

Unfortunately DNF'd. I love Jeneva's thrillers and was extremely excited to read this even though it wasn't a thriller.

The premise sounded great. I think we can all agree there are moments where you wish you could go back in time and shake your younger self and tell them not to make certain decision, regardless of how big or small.

I had a hard time connecting with Alexis. A woman in her 30's who blames literally everything wrong in her life on her the decisions she made when she was younger instead of just...working on herself now? She blames her lack of drive, career, even her failing relationship on decisions she made when she was 18. When she ends up face to face with 18 year old her, she's unkind to her, saying because of her decisions she's a mess now. Which is fitting because Lexi is equally unkind, not only body shaming Alexis but essentially 'pranking' her roommate into getting fat like it's a bad thing.

I couldn't keep reading after that. I'm sure this will hit all the right marks for some readers, but unfortunately it didn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for a free ARC in exchange for a free and honest review

30-year-old who is struggling in life and believes her current difficulties stem from the poor decisions she made when she was 18 and in college.
After having a tough break-up and losing her job, Alexis is transported back in time to 2002, and she confronts her 18-year-old self, Lexi, who is a notorious party girl who skips classes and is just looking to have a good time.
Alexis and Lexi initially appeared self-absorbed and found blame in each other for how their lives turned out. It was so fun and emotional to see their transformation throughout the book.

I’m used to reading thrillers from Jeneva, this book was a fun change of pace
and truly shows off her amazing storytelling. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Jeneva Rose.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me a copy of The Girl I Was to read and review.

Note: video review will be posted to YouTube and TikTok July 1st, link will be added upon upload

Thank you Harlequin for this early review copy! This book is available from Harlequin Trade Publishing on July 15, 2025

This was very different from anything I've read by Jeneva Rose before. It was cute, funny, and wacky, while still being able to discuss difficult topics like grief, eating disorders, and anxiety. She said in the author's note that this was her first novel and was unsure about publishing it. It was inspired by some of her own experiences. I'm glad she decided to publish. It was a very enjoyable book. Thank you for sharing your story, Jeneva.

It’s kind of funny how the universe works. I received this updated ARC of The Girl I Was at the exact moment I needed it—without even realizing it. What makes it even more special is that this isn’t my first time with this story. I had already listened to the audiobook twice before, but as soon as I started reading again, I felt this familiar, emotional pull. I realized—oh wow—I’ve been here before. And somehow, it hit even deeper this time.

The story follows a woman trying to make peace with her past: the people she loved, the hurt she carried, and the questions she never really got to answer. It’s raw, honest, and so incredibly human. Every character feels layered and real, like someone you’ve known or maybe even been at one point in your life.

There’s something truly beautiful about revisiting a story like this. It reminded me how far I’ve come, and yet, how certain pieces of the past still live within me. This isn’t one of Jeneva Rose’s typical thrillers—it’s more of a heartfelt, reflective journey. And honestly? I loved that about it. It brought back memories I didn’t even realize I’d tucked away.

The added chapters in this updated version made the experience even richer. I found myself smiling more than once, and by the time I turned the final page, I felt lighter. Seen. Uplifted. The ending stayed with me, just like before, but this time it felt like a warm hug from the universe—a reminder that healing is possible, and that it's okay to look back as long as we keep moving forward.

If it didn’t resonate with you the first time, I encourage you to give it another shot. It’s one of those stories that finds you when you're ready for it. Jeneva Rose has such a beautiful way with words, and The Girl I Was is a perfect example of her gift for writing stories that truly touch the heart.

This book is hands down the best book that I have read this year! This book really had me in my feels the whole time. I cried so much and just thoroughly enjoyed it from page one until the very end.

I’ve been an avid Jeneva Rose reader for years so I was thrilled to get the ARC of The Girl I Was on NetGalley. There’s a little blurb in the front explaining that this is a completely different vibe from her usual twisty suspense novels, which peaked my interest right away. Now I know that Jeneva Rose can write just about anything.

When Lexi’s near-perfect boyfriend Andrew is about to propose, Lexi lets her negative thoughts ruin the moment and potentially the rest of her life. After a night of drinking, she travels back in time to her college-age self and has to relive some of her most memorable and traumatic moments. The big question is whether she can fix her shortcomings and set the path that her life is meant to take - and if the younger version of herself will be willing to listen.

♡ thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Jeneva Rose for an ARC of this book via NetGalley ♡

5/5 ⭐️

it's the way i would PAY to read Jeneva's GROCERY LIST. everything she writes is just.. pure excellence & this book was NO DIFFERENT. this was an emotional rollercoaster full of nostalgia & i shed a few tears during this one!!

📖 plot & pace: after losing her job and a breakup with her dream man, alexis grabs a bottle of alcohol & wakes up in her old college town.. in 2002. she's convinced she'd been sent back to stop herself from essentially ruining her life. this was a "read in one sitting". it was funny, heartwarming & super bingeable.

👥 characters: alexis (and young lexi) are SO relatable in their own ways. watching them interact was wild at first LOL but i admire the emotional growth & the self-reflection along the way. we see how the characters in young Lexi's life truly shaped her future self.

🤩 tropes: time travel, dual timelines, second chances, self-discovery, emotional healing

i also really enjoyed the acknowledgments of this book. i typically don't read them but something told me to this time.. i felt like i could truly understand jeneva 💕

this book is nostalgic, beautifully written & hits you right in the heart. if you love emotional fiction with a magical/sci fi twist, add this to your TBR asap!!

Such a good book. I couldn't put it down. So good. Thank you for letting me read in advance. Five stars.