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The Almosts
A long-term relationship at a crossroads.
A new love that can never be.
An unexpected pregnancy.
A decision that changes everything.
And all Lizzy Sutter ever wanted was a simple life…
This new companion novel to Leaving Green Island follows the characters you love to places you never would have imagined.
** NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON **
http://www.amazon.com/Almosts-Em-Barr...
{As a heads up, this book contains small amounts of underage drinking, explicit language and sexual content.}
A new love that can never be.
An unexpected pregnancy.
A decision that changes everything.
And all Lizzy Sutter ever wanted was a simple life…
This new companion novel to Leaving Green Island follows the characters you love to places you never would have imagined.
** NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON **
http://www.amazon.com/Almosts-Em-Barr...
{As a heads up, this book contains small amounts of underage drinking, explicit language and sexual content.}
- GenresRomance
ebook
First published January 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Em Barrett
3 books56 followersBios are so tough...! Let's see, I grew up outside Detroit and then went to college and grad school at the University of Michigan. After almost six years in Chicago (which I loved), I just relocated back to the Detroit-area. I'm very excited about the move back home, especially when this is such an innovative and unique time period for Detroit!
I just finished my second book, The Almosts, which is the companion novel to Leaving Green Island. I'm very excited about the January 2014 release of this book and look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts on the story.
Big fan of fountain Cokes and hoodies.
If there's anything else you want to know about me - send me a message :) And, be sure to add me as a friend on Goodreads and check me out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmBarrettBooks
I just finished my second book, The Almosts, which is the companion novel to Leaving Green Island. I'm very excited about the January 2014 release of this book and look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts on the story.
Big fan of fountain Cokes and hoodies.
If there's anything else you want to know about me - send me a message :) And, be sure to add me as a friend on Goodreads and check me out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmBarrettBooks
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 19, 2014
As a big fan of Em Barrett’s first book, "Leaving Green Island," I couldn’t wait to read "The Almosts." It’s not exactly a sequel but it does feature many of the same characters that I loved from the first book. "The Almosts" focuses on Lizzy Sutter and features plenty of Brecken, Nevada, and Reed Whalen. In "Leaving Green Island," we followed Brecken as she struggled with difficult relationship decisions. This time around it’s Lizzy who must wrestle with tough choices and relationship drama. I feel like I can’t say too much more about the plot without spoiling the story, but there were definitely a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming and I always like that when I’m reading.
The action in the story takes place in Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco (and even Green Island!), and I thought Barrett really captured the essence of each city as well as all the tiny details and nuances that locals will recognize and appreciate. The story does get pretty intense at times and I liked that Nevada was often there to lighten the mood with a little humor and/or tough love. There were also several pop culture references which I found very funny (just wait until you find out what Nevada thinks about "Girls").
By the middle of the book, I really had no idea where the story was going to go, which made me read through the second half of the book as fast as I could. I liked Lizzy in Leaving Green Island, so it was really interesting to be able to get inside her head and see what she thinks about different people and situations. She definitely changes over the course of the book and it is not a sudden shift, she grows and evolves throughout the story in a very realistic way, which is a credit to Barrett’s writing.
Lots of times I feel like sequels or followups leave me feeling unsatisfied, but if you loved Leaving Green Island, this book will not disappoint you. It hooked me in from the first pages and had me reading furiously until the final page. My only question is – how long do I have to wait for a book about Nevada?
The action in the story takes place in Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco (and even Green Island!), and I thought Barrett really captured the essence of each city as well as all the tiny details and nuances that locals will recognize and appreciate. The story does get pretty intense at times and I liked that Nevada was often there to lighten the mood with a little humor and/or tough love. There were also several pop culture references which I found very funny (just wait until you find out what Nevada thinks about "Girls").
By the middle of the book, I really had no idea where the story was going to go, which made me read through the second half of the book as fast as I could. I liked Lizzy in Leaving Green Island, so it was really interesting to be able to get inside her head and see what she thinks about different people and situations. She definitely changes over the course of the book and it is not a sudden shift, she grows and evolves throughout the story in a very realistic way, which is a credit to Barrett’s writing.
Lots of times I feel like sequels or followups leave me feeling unsatisfied, but if you loved Leaving Green Island, this book will not disappoint you. It hooked me in from the first pages and had me reading furiously until the final page. My only question is – how long do I have to wait for a book about Nevada?
January 21, 2014
I'm so freakin' obsessed with Em Barrett, it's not even funny. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. It's well written and witty and the characters are amazing. I loved the glimpse into Brecken and Reed's life but was totally smitten with Lizzy and Griffin. This book did a real job on my heart. The Almosts made me giddy and then cry and then totally melt for these guys. I'm guessing Nevada will have her own book too? Pretty Please! I've been telling everyone and their mother about "Leaving Green Island" and now this book will be added to my sales pitch as well! Not to come across stalkerish but I feel like Em Barrett and I would be really great friends! I have the same thoughts on the ear piercing topic and multiple others brought up in the book. I found myself thinking, "That sounds just like me!" Em Barrett, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU for writing another amazing story that was so fun to read. Please don't wait too long too come out with your next book!!! :)
January 19, 2014
I loved Leaving Green Island and had high hopes when I got my hands on an advance review copy of The Almosts. Em Barrett's style is so fluid and familiar; I couldn't wait to finally reconnect with Brecken, Lizzy and Nevada.
Her sophomore effort - a companion to LGI told from the perspective of meek Lizzy Sutter rather than beloved Brecken Pereira - did not disappoint. My favorite aspects of Em's writing from LGI abound (excellent character development, attention to detail, pop-culture infused, vivid scenery), but she's clearly sharpened her craft as well. LGI, while an entertaining and very well-written story, slowed from time to time, whereas The Almosts punches you in the gut on the first page and never gives you a moment to catch your breath (in a good way). I can't even give much of a plot summary in this review because anything I write would be a spoiler! Also, it was refreshing and extremely relatable to see the world (and to see Brecken and Reed) through Lizzy Sutter's eyes; filtered by her insecurities and self-doubt. She just comes across as a very real person, and that is a rarity in in most books I've read, especially in this genre.
I encourage anyone that likes LGI to pick this book up immediately, find a comfy chair, and get ready to read it in one sitting. You will not be sorry.
Her sophomore effort - a companion to LGI told from the perspective of meek Lizzy Sutter rather than beloved Brecken Pereira - did not disappoint. My favorite aspects of Em's writing from LGI abound (excellent character development, attention to detail, pop-culture infused, vivid scenery), but she's clearly sharpened her craft as well. LGI, while an entertaining and very well-written story, slowed from time to time, whereas The Almosts punches you in the gut on the first page and never gives you a moment to catch your breath (in a good way). I can't even give much of a plot summary in this review because anything I write would be a spoiler! Also, it was refreshing and extremely relatable to see the world (and to see Brecken and Reed) through Lizzy Sutter's eyes; filtered by her insecurities and self-doubt. She just comes across as a very real person, and that is a rarity in in most books I've read, especially in this genre.
I encourage anyone that likes LGI to pick this book up immediately, find a comfy chair, and get ready to read it in one sitting. You will not be sorry.
February 12, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. I finished it in 2 days; I was just itching to know what happened next. I was pleasantly surprised twice in this story--don't worry, no spoilers here. I got so wrapped up in the love story and was rooting for the two characters the whole way. The only thing I think I wanted to know more about was Brecken and Lizzy's friendship. It seemed to fall off course a little in this book--but, I guess every friendship does... Anyway, it's a beautiful read. I just wish I was on the beach while enjoying it!
January 23, 2014
Loved it!! Perfect chic lit!! Wish I would have slowed down a little bit but couldn't wait to find out what happened! Hope the next book from EM Barrett comes out quickly!
January 21, 2014
Loved, loved this sweet book. Em Barrett is quite talented, and I look forward to reading more from her.
March 12, 2014
I really enjoyed The Almosts. However, I thought Leaving Green Island was better and catching your attention and making you pull for the characters.
March 4, 2015
Loved this book. I'm not a fast reader and I finished this in record time. Perfect love story.
May 27, 2014
The Almosts. I was so curious about the title of the book. Once it was explained, I loved the meaning behind it and more importantly, I fell for this story. This is one of those books that you just become involved in. The kind of book you think about when you aren't reading it.
I really enjoyed Leaving Green Island earlier this year, but I couldn't remember much about Lizzy's character. I loved getting to know her in this book. She's smart, sweet and a very good friend. She's just the kind of person that's truly genuine. What I liked the most about her though is that she handles stress well. I don't mean to say she isn't affected by what's happening to her, but she rolls with it. She adjusts and moves forward. There is a quiet strength to her that I admired.
Lizzy goes through a lot in this book. From a cheating boyfriend, a relocation, an unplanned pregnancy and finally an unexpected love, Lizzy had some big decisions to make. I loved watching her go through it all. What hooked me in though, was her relationship with Griffin.
Griffin is Brecken's brother. Brecken is Lizzy's best friend. They've all grown up together, but Griffin was a few years younger. However, there were moments when they were growing up that Griffin and Lizzy really connected. When Lizzy moves out to San Francisco temporarily, she and Griffin reconnect. She soon finds out that Griffin has always had a crush on her and a relationship soon develops. But then, the pregnancy happens and she's left feeling like she should do the right thing and try to make things work with her ex.
I don't mean to recap the story, but I don't think I'm spoiling too much. The story lies in how Lizzy handles it all. She learns a lot about herself through it all and I felt her character grew significantly. She was no longer the girl who just accepted her life, she made choices that were best for her and her baby. Some of those decisions were tough, but she handled it all incredibly well.
What didn't work for me was that I felt the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly. I think I would have like to have seen a bit more time in the end with Lizzy and the person she ends up with. The epilogue helped with that, but I think I just wanted a little more. Possibly because I became attached to these characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Almosts. The characters were terrific and it was great to see Brecken again. I'm hoping that their friend Nevada gets a book. She's feisty and sure to have a great story!
I definitely recommend this one if you're looking for a good romance. Just thinking about this story makes me smile. Give it a try!
Note: This is a romance and there are some sex scenes, but they are fade to black.
Quotes:
~It is all so wrong on so many levels, but nothing has ever felt so right.-Loc 1590
~"I mean it Lizzy. I'm in this. I know we're just starting here, but I want this. I want you. I've always wanted you. So, I don't care about what my sister thinks or what your ex-boyfriend or Lydia or our parents think. I just want you. That's all that matters to me."-Loc 1631
~"Stop pushing me away. Stop assuming you know what I want or what's best for me. I want you. I've always wanted you. That's all I want. Everything else is nothing."-Loc 3232
I really enjoyed Leaving Green Island earlier this year, but I couldn't remember much about Lizzy's character. I loved getting to know her in this book. She's smart, sweet and a very good friend. She's just the kind of person that's truly genuine. What I liked the most about her though is that she handles stress well. I don't mean to say she isn't affected by what's happening to her, but she rolls with it. She adjusts and moves forward. There is a quiet strength to her that I admired.
Lizzy goes through a lot in this book. From a cheating boyfriend, a relocation, an unplanned pregnancy and finally an unexpected love, Lizzy had some big decisions to make. I loved watching her go through it all. What hooked me in though, was her relationship with Griffin.
Griffin is Brecken's brother. Brecken is Lizzy's best friend. They've all grown up together, but Griffin was a few years younger. However, there were moments when they were growing up that Griffin and Lizzy really connected. When Lizzy moves out to San Francisco temporarily, she and Griffin reconnect. She soon finds out that Griffin has always had a crush on her and a relationship soon develops. But then, the pregnancy happens and she's left feeling like she should do the right thing and try to make things work with her ex.
I don't mean to recap the story, but I don't think I'm spoiling too much. The story lies in how Lizzy handles it all. She learns a lot about herself through it all and I felt her character grew significantly. She was no longer the girl who just accepted her life, she made choices that were best for her and her baby. Some of those decisions were tough, but she handled it all incredibly well.
What didn't work for me was that I felt the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly. I think I would have like to have seen a bit more time in the end with Lizzy and the person she ends up with. The epilogue helped with that, but I think I just wanted a little more. Possibly because I became attached to these characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Almosts. The characters were terrific and it was great to see Brecken again. I'm hoping that their friend Nevada gets a book. She's feisty and sure to have a great story!
I definitely recommend this one if you're looking for a good romance. Just thinking about this story makes me smile. Give it a try!
Note: This is a romance and there are some sex scenes, but they are fade to black.
Quotes:
~It is all so wrong on so many levels, but nothing has ever felt so right.-Loc 1590
~"I mean it Lizzy. I'm in this. I know we're just starting here, but I want this. I want you. I've always wanted you. So, I don't care about what my sister thinks or what your ex-boyfriend or Lydia or our parents think. I just want you. That's all that matters to me."-Loc 1631
~"Stop pushing me away. Stop assuming you know what I want or what's best for me. I want you. I've always wanted you. That's all I want. Everything else is nothing."-Loc 3232
May 26, 2014
Great follow-up to Leaving Green Island!
Get this book for the beach or backyard ASAP. As a fan of Leaving Green Island, I was excited to find out what Em Barrett had in store for us in her second novel. She certainly did not disappoint! The Almosts is written from the perspective of Lizzy Sutter, Brecken Pereira’s shy but sensible best friend and confidante in LGI…and my favorite character from that book to boot. In The Almosts, we find Lizzy and the crew two years later as they deal with the ups-and-downs of life on the brink of 30. For her part, Lizzy has a comfortable job as an accountant in Chicago and a stable relationship with boyfriend Pete. Or so she thinks....
I don’t want to reveal too much, but do know that you’ll be richly rewarded with plot twists, extensive development of previously-minor characters, and difficult challenges for established ones as Barrett takes us on an emotional journey that spans the coasts. The story races from Chicago to Green Island to the new settings of New York City and San Francisco and back to where it all started for Lizzy and Brecken in the suburbs of Detroit—all in a dramatic yet realistic fashion. Barrett’s knack for weaving commentary on pop culture, family, and relationships in the twenty-first century into the dialogue, one of the aspects of her writing I appreciate most, is on full-display throughout The Almosts. And I especially enjoyed Barrett’s handling of Lizzy. The way she describes her emotions, vulnerabilities, and, above all, her resilience all resonated with me as a reader. So I’ll just say it: book two is even more of a pleasure than the first!
Get this book for the beach or backyard ASAP. As a fan of Leaving Green Island, I was excited to find out what Em Barrett had in store for us in her second novel. She certainly did not disappoint! The Almosts is written from the perspective of Lizzy Sutter, Brecken Pereira’s shy but sensible best friend and confidante in LGI…and my favorite character from that book to boot. In The Almosts, we find Lizzy and the crew two years later as they deal with the ups-and-downs of life on the brink of 30. For her part, Lizzy has a comfortable job as an accountant in Chicago and a stable relationship with boyfriend Pete. Or so she thinks....
I don’t want to reveal too much, but do know that you’ll be richly rewarded with plot twists, extensive development of previously-minor characters, and difficult challenges for established ones as Barrett takes us on an emotional journey that spans the coasts. The story races from Chicago to Green Island to the new settings of New York City and San Francisco and back to where it all started for Lizzy and Brecken in the suburbs of Detroit—all in a dramatic yet realistic fashion. Barrett’s knack for weaving commentary on pop culture, family, and relationships in the twenty-first century into the dialogue, one of the aspects of her writing I appreciate most, is on full-display throughout The Almosts. And I especially enjoyed Barrett’s handling of Lizzy. The way she describes her emotions, vulnerabilities, and, above all, her resilience all resonated with me as a reader. So I’ll just say it: book two is even more of a pleasure than the first!
February 2, 2014
This author does not disappoint. This is my third read by her and I have enjoyed each and every one, and would highly recommend all three. This one is a continuation from one of my favorites from a year ago, Leaving Green Island where I fell in love the Brecken and Reed; however this time the focus in on Lizzy, Brecken's best friend. It was actually Brecken's friendship with Lizzy that initially connected her to Reed and Green Island, so her presence in Breckens' life is extremely important. Even with the focus on Lizzy, we still get some great glimpses into the lives of Brecken, Reed and Nevada.
One of the many gifts of this author, is her ability to make the characters real, dimensional and engaging. Her attention to detail and pop culture draws you into the story and makes you actually feel like you are right there in the midst of all the drama. It is hard to talk about the plot without giving away the magic of the story, but it will keep you turning the page with your heart scattered all over the place wanting the right and only resolution. There are twist and turns that let you know the plot was well thought out and wonderfully executed. We had some ups and downs, but in the end, it was perfection. Love was lost and found, friendships are forged and tested, dreams and desires are questioned and explored, and the unattainable is achieved. Even though this could be a stand alone, to enjoy the fullness of the story, you need to read Leaving Green Island first to have the full richness of this experience. Highly, highly recommend.
One of the many gifts of this author, is her ability to make the characters real, dimensional and engaging. Her attention to detail and pop culture draws you into the story and makes you actually feel like you are right there in the midst of all the drama. It is hard to talk about the plot without giving away the magic of the story, but it will keep you turning the page with your heart scattered all over the place wanting the right and only resolution. There are twist and turns that let you know the plot was well thought out and wonderfully executed. We had some ups and downs, but in the end, it was perfection. Love was lost and found, friendships are forged and tested, dreams and desires are questioned and explored, and the unattainable is achieved. Even though this could be a stand alone, to enjoy the fullness of the story, you need to read Leaving Green Island first to have the full richness of this experience. Highly, highly recommend.
January 30, 2014
Another winner from Em Barrett! I loved "Leaving Green Island" and was excited to see what else Barrett would write. "The Almosts" is a wonderful companion to LGI, taking the reader deeper into the life of Lizzy Sutter. Lizzy's story is one that almost every woman can relate to and I found myself connecting with her as if she were a real friend - I couldn't stop cheering for her through all the ups and downs she experiences in this story. "The Almosts" captured my attention from the first page and I couldn't put it down. It's a beautiful story about friendship, motherhood, survival, love lost, cheating, and more! PHEW - no wonder I finished it 3 days. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heart-warming and thought-provoking read that will stay with you even after you turn the last page.
April 11, 2014
The Almosts, second book to Leaving Green Island, is a heartfelt book,that just as book number 1, makes you want to cuddle up in your favorite chair forget obligations, responsibilities and just sit and read it through. The characters are just so relatable, down to earth. They know who they are, virtues, defects,accepts them and make them work in their lives. Love, Friendship is paramount between the characters, whom have known each other for decades. It is a story line, characters that stay with you even after you finish reading.
I am just waiting and hopping there is a third one. You'll see when you read the two wonderful books.
I am just waiting and hopping there is a third one. You'll see when you read the two wonderful books.
August 27, 2016
I read, Leaving Green Island and loved that book. I think I loved this book more. It is so well written, the characters are well developed and the story line is good. Love that it concludes and that the story focuses on another character from the first book. Although you don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, it certainly is nice that the characters from Leaving Green island are mentioned in this book. I think that the author should write a book for the character Nevada....
February 26, 2014
Absolutely loved it!!!! This book had me in tears when Brecken was struggling. I finished this book in 4 days and could not be happier. Em Barrett has done it again with The Almosts! Absolutely wonderful!
February 19, 2014
Loved the title! Really liked the book. Just better than Green Island, but read that first. Character development was good, characters believable. Story line was great, but left me wanting more.
June 12, 2014
I loved both this book and Leaving Green Island! The characters were great, and I loved the description of Green Island! Now there needs to be a book about Nevada!!
June 27, 2014
Really cute book. Looking forward to more from this author.
September 10, 2015
Follow-up to "Leaving Green Island", but focusing more on Lizzy & her life.. it does bring into all the other characters.. another well written, good read.. I enjoyed this just as much..
October 9, 2015
I will give it a three and 1/2. A little too predictable for me.
April 18, 2015
Was not sure if I would love it as much as her first book, but I did!! Now I'm ready for her next book and hope the same people are in it. Em, if you see this, I hope it cleared everything up. I would give it more stars if possible. You did not disappoint and I'm sorry again for the error on my end.
February 16, 2014
3.5 stars
February 24, 2014
Heartwarming
Heartwarming
True romance. Great story about love and friendship. Sometimes you just don't know who your true soul mate may be.
Heartwarming
True romance. Great story about love and friendship. Sometimes you just don't know who your true soul mate may be.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews