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.

This book was such a fun read! Everything Jeneva writes I will eat up! I can’t wait for the special prayer edition to come out

The early 2000s nostalgia that I relived while reading this book was heartwarming! Low rise jeans, boys with frosted tips, Nelly, dial up internet, and a world without social media. Take me back!
Newly fired and dumped, thirty something Alexis downs some homemade voodoo vodka and finds herself back in 2002 and face to face with her collage freshman self. Determined to shake some sense into the teenager and alter the course of her life, she does everything she can to change her young self. But young Alexis, or Lexi as her friends call her, is fiery and stubborn and just wants to party. Alexis is hit in the feels when she comes face to face with long lost friends and family and issues of her past.
I loved this book. It was very touching. We can all learn a little about ourselves when we face our past and own up to our mistakes. Grab this book and some tissues to go with it.
Jeneva has become one of my favorite authors. I cannot wait to see what she puts out next for her gaggle of geese.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins for the ARC. I received this book for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.

I love Jeneva. She writes the BEST books and always has a fun twist. I would say it was not my favorite by her, but it was still good and enjoyable.

I received this as an ARC as it has added chapters and was edited and re-published. Coming from the authors usually twisty books I read, the time traveling element of going back and seeing how you lived. I did have a hard time enjoying the main character, I just couldn’t connect with her and I found her rather annoying 🫣. I couldn’t get fully invested in the story because of this which was disappointing but it was an overall good read and I’ll still recommend it.

This book had me in my feelings in the best way. I absolutely loved it. The time travel element was so well done l, it never felt confusing or over the top, just magical in all the right ways.

The characters felt so real, especially Alexis. I saw so much of myself in her, and watching her grow throughout the book was honestly really emotional. She made mistakes, learned from them, and became someone stronger and that journey hit hard.

And the 90s/2000s nostalgia? YES. The references, the vibes, the music… it gave me so much joy. I laughed out loud more than once, and yes, I definitely cried too. The ending was perfect, not too neat, but just right. And then the author’s note at the end? That sealed the deal for me. It made everything feel even more personal and powerful.

This and It's a Date - Again were my first reads from this author. Which is ironic since I love thrillers and I know that's what she's known for. But I love Jeneva's writing style!

This book was relatable and It made me reflect on my own life. Cried a little but overall it was a fun read! As soon as I finished it the first time, I ordered a physical copy so I can come back to it when I'm feeling a little defeated in life.

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc copy! I already preordered and I can’t wait!
Now, time to read the other books from this amazing author!

I really wanted to like this one, the premise really intrigued me but unfortunately, I ended up DNFing it.

I just couldn't connect with the character, she was very hypocritical and unlikeable. Maybe that was the point and I just need to work on my tolerance when it comes to characters with similar traits.

I've heard great things about Jeneva Rose, this was my first book of hers but it didn't turn me off. I have a few on my TBR and I will gladly read those.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!

4.25 stars ⭐️ I love that we get 6 brand new chapters this publication! I’ve loved everything Jeneva Rose has written so far and this is no exception. I loved the magical realism in this book and the ending was unexpected!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own 🫶🏼

I had such a good time with this book! I think we all at some point have wanted to go back and have a conversation with our younger selves at least once! This book lets you do that! Super fun, a lot of pop culture references and had me laughing throughout! Highly recommend, especially if you are entering your 30s!