The day Scarlett dies should have been one of the most important of her life. It doesn't feel fair that she is dead before she had a chance to fulfill her dreams, before she even turned thirty. And now she's still...here...somehow, watching the ripple effect of her death on the lives of those she loved the most. But her journey is not over, and as she finds herself pulled into reliving her most defining memories, she starts to realize that maybe she didn't have everything quite as figured out as she once thought.
Evie cannot contemplate her life without Scarlett, and she certainly cannot forgive Nate, the man she blames for Scarlett’s death. But Nate keeps popping up when she least expects him to, catapulting Evie’s life in directions she’d never let herself imagine possible--ways, perhaps, that even those closest to her had long since given up on.
Becky grew up in Berkshire, UK, and has loved reading since before she can remember. After studying social sciences at Cambridge university, this love of reading led her to a career in publishing, where she worked as a book publicist in London for several years before taking a career break and moving to Mozambique to volunteer with horses. It was here that she decided to give writing a proper go, though it was still a few years, a few more destinations, and a couple more jobs before she had the idea that would become ONE MOMENT, her debut novel. (source: amazon.com)
“One decision; it hits me how one decision has the power to change everything.”
How could I resist this advanced reading copy that was donated to my Little Free Library Shed? The book cover was enticing with its bright colors of green, purple and blue with a scene of a lone woman staring across at a bridge. And then, the title of the book left me curious. So, I began to read.
Oh no, my heart is breaking!💔 And, I had barely started. Can I take this?
“The morning that I die I’m in a rush to leave the flat.”
What?
This is a story of two long-time, beloved friends, Evie and Scarlett, who have been there for each other through every life opportunity. Both with such promising futures. And then, the inevitable happens.
Scarlett is one of our narrators, who leads readers through their friendship as she continues to watch over Evie. Sparking a bit of magical realism by letting readers in to places we would not otherwise know. And, it is Evie’s own destiny in the aftermath of that devastating event, that also tells the story.
What role does Nate play in all of this? And, how does his presence affect Scarlett? And, will Scarlett and Evie be able to move on?
Friendship. Love. Chosen family. Grief. Loss. Major illness.
A thought-provoking, compelling, heart-moving, and, wonderfully touching story that will no doubt have readers appreciating the importance of moments, and, how they help guide us through this precious, messy life.
“One day at a time…Because that’s all you could do, wasn’t it? One moment after the next, making the best decision you could at any given time.”
Scarlett and Evie are best friends. One moment takes Scarlett away as she is killed in an accident in the first chapter. Evie wasn’t doing well before that - she is depressed, having been dealing with a diagnosis of MS that is keeping her from her lifelong dream. This is their story- both before and after the accident and how certain moments can be defining in our lives.
There can be joy and happiness even when you are experiencing grief. Becky Hunter did a wonderful job of showing this.
First of all, thank you to @readforeverpub for this surprise book mail! This is my first ever hardback book mail from a publishing company, so it’ll be memorable.
I love supporting debut authors.
“We are all a product of the choices we make.”
Author Becky Hunter examines the above statement and the possibility that we are also the product of other people's choices. To do so, she explores the butterfly effect and shows us that life is full of multiple strings of this effect, all knotted together and virtually impossible to untangle.
I’ve always been a big believer that we are all only one decision away from a completely different life. One of the characters in this novel also discovers that one decision has the power to change everything. When presented with an opportunity to revisit a choice, she chooses rather to accept what happened and understands that each choice is really just “one thing in a chain of many events.” In doing so, she realizes that having a meaningful life and ‘mattering’ to someone else is what life is all about.
This book is about celebrating female friendship and those who make our life experience just a little bit brighter. It’s about those defining moments in life and the fact that we can’t predict which one of them has the power to change our lives completely. I finished this book thankful for those who have walked this journey beside me and have influenced the steps I have taken. This emotional read will stay with me for quite some time.
One Moment does not read like a debut novel. Congratulations, Becky Hunter.
Content guidance: f-bombs, grief, tragic death, MS diagnosis
I am so excited about this introduction to a new author and have immediately placed her on my radar.
This is a story of friendship, love, loss, and the grief that follows. Two best friends since childhood, Scarlett and Evie, and an accident that changes everything.
This is a debut, although it doesn’t feel like it, the story flows effortlessly while at the same time feeling authentic. It is a poignant, but lovely story that covers friendship, love, loss, grief and honoring the memory of loved ones lost.
A story that is shared separately between the two friends after the accident, each from their own perspective. Scarlett watches over Evie as Evie tries to come to terms with the loss of the one person she knew she could trust to be by her side. Evie has depended upon Scarlett as her own health problems seem to be getting worse as time passes, which adds to Evie’s sadness. With few people she considers to be friends, who is there that she can turn to?
A young girl who recently moved with her mother into her building begins to bring Evie out of her shell a little at a time, and helps her see that she still has a life worth living, and soon she begins to embrace the life she has.
A lovely and moving debut.
Pub Date: 12 Mar 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Forever, (Grand Central Publishing), Forever
I love a book that makes me cry as much as it makes me smile, and this is one of those books. It’s such an incredible read that I’m not sure any words I write can ever do it justice. This is a story of loss, love, growth, hope, and friendship. I loved Scarlett and Evie as characters, and to see their development throughout was incredible.
This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. I laughed, I cried, and I hugged this book so tightly to my chest I thought it might have fused onto me.
Everyone needs to read this one ASAP.
Thank you to Atlantic Books for sending me a proof of this one.
Ahhhh!!! This book left such a lasting impact on me emotionally and has been so hard to review. I feel like anything I say could take away from a first-time reading experience, so I will keep it short and sweet so as not to spoil it. Through Scarlett and Evie, we see friendship and its impact, even in those small unremarkable moments. if you are looking for a book that will take you on an emotional journey in the best way, then this is it. I will be looking for more to come from Becky Hunter.
There are so many things I loved about this book. The narration from dead Scarlett, the friendship that she shared with Evie, teenager Astrid who lives opposite, heart breakingly wonderful Nate and that spectacular ending. But the thing that got me the most, that ripped my soul apart was how the author has perfectly captured everything about being diagnosed, living with and other peoples reactions to an incurable progressive illness.
I was diagnosed twelve years ago with systemic scleroderma and I have never felt so seen. People complaining about a minor illness that they will quickly recover from, the bone weary fatigue that makes simple tasks feel like a marathon and having to give up the life that you knew before for a new one.
That may make this book sound really sad and depressing (it did make me cry) but I promise you it is also hopeful and joyful. While the title One Moment can be taken as Scarlett’s death for me it was also the moment your life is changed by illness.
Tomorrow isn’t promised for anyone so climb that wall, dance as if nobody is watching and grab life and the people who stick with you and hold on to them tightly.
One Moment is at it’s core a story about the butterfly effect; how tiny moments can end up having a big impact (both good and bad) in your life overall. It’s also a story about love, life, friendship, and loss. It is written from two POVs and mainly takes place in one timeline, with a handful of flashbacks. It revolves around hard and heavy topics, but the overall tone feels hopeful. Both character and plot driven- but leans more heavily towards character.
I was hooked into the story from the very first page. It has just enough mystery to keep you turning pages at sonic speed to figure out what’s happening and how it will all play out. I love all of the characters. They are well thought out and feel extremely realistic in their ways of thinking and reactions. Without giving anything away, I love how Scarletts voice remains throughout the novel. It‘s a unique choice and super impactful to the story. It leaves you pondering well after the final page! I’m still deciding how I feel about the final chapter.
Highly recommend to everyone. Will definitely be checking out other works by this author!
Thank you Netgalley and Forever publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In one moment ANYTHING can happen and your life can change in an instant! What a debut this was!! Loved all the characters and how it was so well written! I really enjoyed it. Books NEVER make me shed even the smallest tear, but this one did at the end. Loved the ending!!Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review. To be published March 2024.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Very good prose. An imaginative book that deals with some heavy issues. I actually find myself thinking about the 'one moment' idea a lot in my own life.
Anyone who has lost a close friend will (might?) find this book interesting. It is the story of Evie and Scarlett, long time close friends and roommates. Evie mourns her friend while Scarlett has been in limbo since she died, keeping her eyes on Evie and flashing back to events of her life,
It's a unique concept that works for this book. We learn about the past, mostly through Scarlett's flashbacks. We learn about their close friendship. We also see Evie struggling to come to terms with losing Scarlett.
I think the storyline is well thought out. The writing style makes it easy to read. But, for some reason, I was not able to connect with either Evie or Scarlett. It's just one of those things, just like when you meet a new person: sometimes you know right away you'll be friends, other times you know there's just no chemistry.
I'm glad to see many good reviews for this book. Maybe it was just the wrong time or the wrong place for me at the time of reading. It just left me feeling “meh!”.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
This book was right up my alley! Though a tragic accident leaves Scarlett dead, she is somehow still present. Given a chance to see the impact of her death on those around her, it's a beautiful story of friendship (and romance) that transcends time.
Left behind is Evie, Scarlett's best friend, who is struggling with a semi-recent MS diagnosis. And also Nate, the stranger who Scarlett blames for her death. I loved the way this played into the ripple effect of a single moment. It's an incredibly sad situation, yes, but it wasn't overpowering. There's a hopeful tone throughout, a collection of happy connections created by this one tragedy.
And what a clever concept to have Scarlett, now a ghost, experience her own journey of self-discovery. I loved the added flashbacks, seeing her acknowledge her mistakes, and ultimately ending in a very heartfelt yet bittersweet conclusion. Happy tears!
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Scarlett and Evie have been friends forever. They have been thru so much together. Evie is diagnosed with a progressive disease. Scarlett is suddenly killed. One single moment changes everything. How does life go on without your best friend? How do we move on? How do we forgive? Would you change that One Moment if you could?
I was first drawn to this book by the beautiful, vibrant colors on the cover. The write up was intriguing. Oh, the feels this book gave me! I smiled, I cried, it made me think. So many layers…friendship, grief, disappointment, acceptance, and always love. The author took me on a journey thru Scarlett’s eyes overseeing her loved ones, while looking at her past and taking accountability for actions taken. Watching Evie grow, coming to terms with her loss and finding her strength and worth was fulfilling. She was so much more than her illness. While sad, this book is also hopeful. The magical realism is a driving force in this book, which I loved. Sometimes in a book of this nature we find the final pages predictable, but this ending was so satisfying and insightful. Ms. Hunter is a new author for me and I look forward to her next book.
Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for the opportunity to read this eARC.
This one surprised me. Initially, I was drawn to the book because of the beautiful illustration on the cover, though it is not necessarily the sort of book I would usually go for, in terms of the genre. However, this really lived up to the cover, and surpassed any expectations I might have had.
This is a story of grief and loss, and of female friendship. Told through alternating POV's of two best friends - Evie and Scarlett - we follow the aftermath of Scarlett's death; except she's not gone, not really. Stuck in limbo, Scarlett watches as Evie grieves, praying for her best friend to be able to get through this, and also relives some of the most important moments of her life. Evie, struggling with a diagnosis that she is letting define her without meaning to, feels the loss of her best friend like a hole in the head. How can she possibly go on, when she's lost the one person who has always been there for her?
Effortlessly poignant, and with moments that will make you cry and laugh (and sometimes both at the same time), One Moment is a really wonderful debut. There is a lot in this book that most people can relate to, and it's a super honest portrayal of grief. The guilt, the sadness, the blame and the anger that both parties experience with regards to Scarlett's parting are cycled through candidly, and I think it was just very realistic throughout. I loved seeing the characters growth - even Scarlett's, despite her being dead! - and it was just a really lovely story, with a heartwarming ending and a healthy dose of closure.
A beautifully moving story about female friendship and love with a unique magical realism twist. Ooof that ending!! This book was a surprise delight. Evie is devastated when her best friend Scarlett dies suddenly in a tragic accident and it takes the help of a complete stranger who witnessed things to help her learn to live life to the fullest even with her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.
I really enjoyed this book! It was heartwarming with great disability rep, a unique form of dual perspective narration told from both Evie's POV and the spirit of Scarlett who witnesses her friend fall in and roots for her to move on with her life. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Rebecca Serle and Josie Silver.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! This great on audio read by Heather Long and was written by a new to me author. I can't wait to read more of what Becky Hunter writes next!!
Steam level: kissing only
CW: past death of a sibling from suicide (off page), depression/mental illness
Scarlett and Evie have been best friends for years. They share a flat together in London.
The day before Scarlett dies, the two friends have an argument.
On the day of her death, Scarlett helps a cyclist, Nate, who fell off his bike. Her act of kindness turns horribly wrong and Scarlett dies as a result.
Scarlett might be dead, but she isn’t gone, she can see see the events that unfold after her death: Evie’s grief and how Nate seems to pop up in her life more and more…
I simply adored this book from the beginning to the end.
I loved the dynamics between the characters. A friendship of such strength is a rarity and Evie and Scarlett were lucky to have had each other.
Evie was angry about her MS diagnosis and she felt bitter about it and life in general. After Scarlett’s death, she started to live again, all thanks to Nate. I totally got the bitterness as I have a family member with MS, who after receiving their diagnosis, totally changed from this fun, life loving person to an unhappy one.
This book made me really think whether Evie would do the same thing had Scarlett lived. I’m thinking that probably not.
It’s such a moving and wonderful story. I definitely recommend it.
I absolutely loved this book! It gave me such Josie Silver vibes, which is a compliment. The speculative twist with Scarlett being able to watch over her loved ones, specifically her best friend Evie, after her death was so well done and I loved the romance between Evie and Nick. I just truly enjoyed this book. It was a love story to female friendship.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to @hachetteaudio for the #complimentary audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
What happens when your best friend dies helping someone else? The one person who’s always there and your best and only companion? Scarlet leaves a big hole in a big way and Evie struggles to accept Nate’s role. But he keeps showing up and things look brighter in an unexpected way. I knew going in this may require tissues and I geared up with plenty of fluff ahead of time. It was so good! And I didn’t even ugly cry as I expected (although I probably would have if I read it physically...) The friendships, the grief, the romance were all so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Ein Roman, der genau das ist, was er verspricht: eine bittersüße Geschichte um den Wert von Freundschaft. Meiner Meinung nach hier und da etwas zu doll auf der Tränendrüse und doch mochte ich das runde (rührseelige) Ende. Es gibt kaum Überraschungen. Alles geht sehr flüssig seinen Gang ohne viele Ecken und Kanten. Wenig aufregend, aber perfekt für nebenbei.
One Moment is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a spectacular debut.
Hunter’s writing is fluid, engaging, and easy to read; the characters are well-drawn and relatable, and I was immersed in their heartwarming story from beginning to end.
The dual narrative of Evie and Scarlett works brilliantly, and the chapters flow seamlessly from one to the next. I particularly enjoyed reading Scarlett’s chapters — finding out how the two became friends and her thoughts on what it was like to see her family and friends carrying on their lives without her.
One Moment is a poignant, touching story of loss and grief, but it’s also a beautiful, uplifting story of friendship and love. It made me smile and it made me cry.
A wonderful, thought-provoking read.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Corvus Books for approving me for an ARC of this book.
🚗 We have all read those books about sudden death and the lasting effects it has on those left behind. What Becky hunter has done is taken this moment and given it a unique twist. Getting Scarlett’s thoughts as she watched her loved ones navigate their new reality was interesting and I liked how she visited moments from her past too. It very much had a Christmas Carol ring to it (minus the festive season).
🩺Evie was, at times, a frustrating character. I wanted to reach in and help her find her feet. It was clear that her MS diagnosis had played a huge part in her outlook on life, which was understandable. She was hiding her fun and electric personality under a cloud of fear and grief but the moments when it did break through were golden.
🎻Being a musician myself I could completely relate to the music side of Evie’s story. How it soothed and shaped her resonates with me deeply. I loved that she and Scarlett had a song and some of my favourite quotes from this story are from a musical perspective.
💫This was without a doubt a quick listen with fun and engaging characters. Whilst the undertone of grief was there we also had moments of pure joy. The only downside for me was that I didn’t cry! Don’t get me wrong, I welled up and had a lump in my throat on a few occasions (I’m not that cold-hearted) but I didn’t feel the tears flowing as I had expected.
This is one hell of a debut fiction! The butterfly effect is basically about how one action, no matter how short or irrelevant, can change the tracks of your life. Scarlett and Evie are childhood besties, and now they share a flat in London. After an unimportant argument, Scarlett leaves Evie to meet that married guy she's been seeing for months, when she gets accidentally killed on the road when picking up the scooter of a guy who didn't have his eyes on the road and fell off right in front of her while she was waiting at the red light as a pedestrian. A car hit her and she crashed on the floor, cracking her skull. She is pronounced dead at the hospital. This book takes us on a beautiful ride on how to overcome the loss of a best friend, and how one learns to forgive the person who unintentionally caused the accident. Evie also has to deal with her recent MS diagnosis, and love and new encounters/friendships open her eyes to what's important in life. No need to dwell on the negative. A beautiful life lesson. I totally devoured that book. And let's not forget to mention the adorable love story! A total win! The ending was chef's kiss!
This story. I was not expecting the amount of feelings I’d experience as I read it. From the depths of grief to hilarious laugh out loud moments and absolutely everything in between, One Moment is a lovely story, and both Scarlett and Evie are such well-drawn and sympathetic characters. It’s also a brilliant illustration of how much in life can hinge on one moment, and how many can be effected by the ripples outward, in ways both good and bad.
Thank you Becky Hunter, Forever -Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Firstly thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is beautiful and emotional and I dont think I've ever read anything like this before. I love everything about this, the characters, the disability rep, the connection between certain people. It just felt so real and I loved the fact it was told from different perspectives too. I really enjoyed getting to know both Evie & Scarlett and their friendship is an incredible thing.
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: The day Scarlett dies should have been one of the most important of her life. It doesn't feel fair that she is dead before she had a chance to fulfill her dreams, before she even turned thirty. And now she's still...here...somehow, watching the ripple effect of her death on the lives of those she loved the most. But her journey is not over, and as she finds herself pulled into reliving her most defining memories, she starts to realize that maybe she didn't have everything quite as figured out as she once thought.
Evie cannot contemplate her life without Scarlett, and she certainly cannot forgive Nate, the man she blames for Scarlett’s death. But Nate keeps popping up when she least expects him to, catapulting Evie’s life in directions she’d never let herself imagine possible--ways, perhaps, that even those closest to her had long since given up on.
My Thoughts: This story moved me in ways that are hard to express. Two best friends since childhood, Scarlett and Evie. Scarlett dies in the first pages of the book, except she doesn’t “cross over” immediately, she is flung between her past memories and current important events, to ensure that her best friend finds her peace. Enter Evie, the best friend. Evie does not know what life looks like without Scarlett. Evie certainly does not forgive Nate, the person that she blames for Scarlett’s death, even if was truly an accident. Nate keeps popping up in Evie’s life, upbringing her life into directions she never knew she needed. This is a story of friendship, grief, loss, and love, all rolled into a beautiful story. This follows the tropes of grief, loss of best friend, friends to lovers, and adventure.
The story is narrated by Evie and Scarlett, in their respective perspectives. Scarlett is independent, loyal, caring, and lived an amazing life, even after her uneventful demise at an early age. Evie is caring, insecure due to her illness, and loyal, even to a fault. Nate is independent, tenacious, fierce, and charming. The characters were well fleshed out, well developed, had witty banter, chemistry, were creatively done, and were intriguing. The supporting characters were just as important as the main characters. The author’s writing style was closed door, funny, endearing, thought-provoking, and beautifully brilliant, as well as well written. The pace and flow of the plot was perfect, and everything was laid out as it should. I really loved the message of this story, how moments in time, even small moments, can be so defining, so critical as it has the potential to change us. How one choice can lead down one path, while a different choice could lead us down a completely different path. The author’s balance of grief and love was expressed in such a way that was beautiful to read. Food for thought: What if Scarlett had made a different choice that faithful morning?
TW: Grief, loss of a best friend, mental health, and MS. For a debut novel, this was outstanding. Hunter really has made her mark in the contemporary romance genre and she is one to watch. Sometimes I feel like debut authors really pour everything they have into a debut novel, and it really shows in this novel. This book will evoke many emotions from you, such as sadness, happiness, hope, inspiration, and joy. This was a chick lit combined with contemporary romance. The author does an amazing job at balancing some really hard topics with some funny, lighter moments for a very balanced read. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. I would highly recommend this book.
One Moment is fabulous and everyone should buy a copy immediately.
That’s it. That’s the review! Mind you, I suppose I ought to say why I feel this way.
The plot in One Moment is constructed so engagingly; especially through the deceased Scarlett’s first person narrative, because it feels fresh and innovative whilst being so perceptive, educational and compelling. Evie’s story is just wonderful too as she comes to terms with what is happening in her life. I don’t want to spoil the story by saying too much more, but this thread is completely convincing. Indeed, Becky Hunter deals with some challenging and profound themes in One Moment, all of which feel assiduously researched and accessibly presented so that the reader gains real understanding of the characters. I loved the fairly small cast list too as it enabled me to get to know Evie and Scarlett intimately. These are not two dimensional characters, but warm, flawed, human beings whose friendship is at the heat of the novel and whom I came to love unconditionally. I was pretty fond of Astrid and Nate too!
What is so effective and so affecting is the consideration of ‘what if?’ in One Moment. What if we had our time over again? What if we had made a slightly different decision at any point in life? What if we replied to a text or answered a call? Said what we really meant? Had a different job? Becky Hunter explores with sensitive and humane skill the futility of regret and the way we can move on in spite of everything. She illustrates so accurately the way life is there for the taking – without hurting others along the way. She also shows how we make assumptions about others and define them in ways that might not be fair but perhaps can influence how they see themselves both positively and negatively. I thought this aspect was so beautifully handled. One Moment may deal with the deepest grief and with negative emotions like sadness, anger and regret, but it leaves the reader feeling uplifted, engaged and connected to the very essence of who they are themselves as people. There may be sadness in this story, but there’s joy, happiness, connection and pleasure too.
In One Moment, Becky Hunter has distilled love, friendship, grief and hope into diamond bright perfection that touches the reader’s soul because the story is emotional, funny, realistic and totally absorbing. I absolutely adored One Moment because whilst it absorbed me completely and entertained me totally, it also made me laugh and made me cry. I found it simply glorious and it has gone straight on my list of books of the year. Whatever you do, don’t miss this one!
I am so pleased the postman didn’t deliver a parcel today as I was a mess after that ending! But in a good way!
Evie and Scarlett have been friends since they met and bonded when they were young in A&E. Going to the same school then both going to Manchester for their respective uni courses; Evie for music and Scarlett for fashion, they were inseparable.
Whilst sharing a flat in London, Scarlett dies when she is hit by a car whilst helping a stranger.
Evie is devastated, already having her MS to cope with then the death of her supportive best friend.
What happens next is a story of friendship, of the support of a stranger with his own sad past, and an unexpected love story. With a very unexpected and emotional ending.
The story follows Evie but we also have Scarlett as a second narrator, who is able to watch events as they unfold after her death, and she goes back to visit old memories.
The author depicts living with MS and also writes about a suicide, which I felt were both dealt with sensitively. Evie, living with MS, overcomes some of her fears of not being able to do things by just going for it. You never know what you can achieve if you don’t try.
Certainly a book to make you think about what is important in life and shows Becky is not only a fabulous publicist but also a very talented author!
Thank you Becky for gifting me a beautiful signed copy of your book which I will be recommending far and wide.
"Depression hates a moving target." ------------------------- Evie and Scarlett are longtime best friends and roommates. Evie has been going through a hard time and is uncertain where her life is headed. She and Scarlett have just gotten into a massive fight when Scarlett is in a tragic accident. Now Evie is left to pick up the pieces and figure out how to go on. The strange new constant in her life is the man who was involved in the accident with Scarlett. He is also a bit broken and looking for meaning.
This one definitely has some seriously depressing moments so please make sure you read the synopsis and are in the right frame of mind to take this one on. It is a real exploration of grief and suffering and finding meaning in life. There is a message of hope within but it takes some dark moments to get there. It was definitely nice to see a main character with a chronic disease as our focus, the challenges of her daily life were well balanced with perseverance. The second half is more of a traditional romance which made for easier reading but it hits some familiar tropes.
Read this one if you liked Me Before You or Sweet November.
Thanks to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.
“Totul se poate schimba într-o clipă” este o poveste despre cum să mergi mai departe după o pierdere, cum să te acomodezi schimbării majore și cum să înveți să trăiești. Căci nu știi niciodată când este ultima zi…
Evie jelește moartea prietenei sale cele mai bune, dar și a colegei sale de apartament, și i se pare foarte greu să-și continue viața fără prietena ei. Iar când Nate, bărbatul căruia Scarlett i-a acordat ajutorul, apare în viața lui Evie, nu știe ce dorește de la ea și de ce tot caută să-i invadeze spațiul și-i caută atenția. Spiritul lui Scarlett nu este “plecat” încă, este prezent și privește de sus viața prietenei sale, schimbările care au loc și interacțiunile care au loc.
Mi-a plăcut tare mult ideea poveștii, lupta lui Evie cu doliul, dar și boala care o macină puțin câte puțin, dar ceva în execuția acțiunii nu a funcționat cum trebuie pentru mine. Am fost captivată la început, curioasă de cum va evolua povestea, dar pe parcurs mi s-a pierdut interesul și nu mai eram atât de investită pe cum am pornit. Aveam impresia că se repetă unele idei, mai ales în perspectiva lui Scarlett, fusesem copleșită la un moment dat de detalii și nu mai știam a cui perspectivă o urmăresc, frustrându-mă și încet, încet, nu mai eram atrasă de poveste.
Din păcate, nu a fost ce trebuie pentru mine, deși începutul a fost promițător, pe parcurs a început să devină repetitivă și plictisitoare, pe alocuri 🤷🏻♀️. Mi-am dorit să-mi placă…