Sometimes you have to save someone from themself. During the Fall of 1975, Isla Samuels and Geni Jasinski are in their final year of college. But staying on the same path is starting to feel like a trap. Isla’s story was written years ago, mostly by her parents. Although, through the years, she added a happily-ever-after with a man she’s never dated. Meanwhile, Geni isn’t interested in love stories at all. Especially not the suffocating triangle she’s been written into. As the year comes to a close, they each must figure out where their story is going, which path they want to take, and whether they’ll be friends in the new year. Or enemies.
As an Aries, Rachel is always dashing toward her next passion project, often tripping over her own feet. After working as a licensed therapist since 2008, she decided to write books about characters who are flawed, but trying. People that make toxic decisions but realize it and course-correct. Her debut novel BROKEN STRINGS is the first published work from a family saga that follows the Tempest and Bennett families. When not writing, Rachel is probably playing on the floor with her kids or wiping cat hair off her clothes.
This book is a genuine and authentic example of friendships and the depth, growth, support, love, and forgiveness they require. I identified with the various aspects of the relationships featured in the book and it made it easy to connect my own experiences to them. You run through all of the emotions with the characters and you end up battling yourself over everyone’s perspectives. I enjoyed the way the book was wrapped up and felt it was full of reminders and lessons for everyone. It left me feeling emotional, uplifted, and inspired. It also reminded me of how grateful I am for my own friendships, past and present.
The three books that are connected make a great dramatic coming of age story. There are definitely some parts that seem drawn out or not important, but overall, the experience was great. Getting to know the characters and what makes them "them" in a way almost reminiscent of This Is Us was an awesome way to read.