What do you think?
Rate this book
Everything She Wants
Lucy Kappal can't figure out why she doesn't want to marry her sometimes-boyfriend, Charles. After all, he's perfect on paper: a returned missionary, elders quorum president, a professor at BYU. Instead of giving Charles an answer to his unexpected marriage proposal, she boards the next flight to London only to fall at the feet of the handsome pilot. The encounter leaves her heart pounding in a way it never has with Charles, and she becomes even more smitten when she sees the pilot again at her hotel.
Emerson James is in London to deposit the last of his mother's ashes in Kensington Gardens. And after a fifteen-year absence, he is attempting to return to the Church as a way to find peace with his mother's death. But the Church's culture feels foreign, and he's about to give up on ever becoming a "good Mormon" when he meets Lucy in the hotel lobby.
Lucy and Emerson's new friendship opens their worlds to new possibilities and leaves them wanting more. But Lucy is torn over her feelings for Charles, and Emerson isn't sure how committed he can be to the Church, even knowing how important it is to Lucy. Inevitably, the realities of life force them apart. If given a second chance, will they have the courage to risk everything for a once-in-a-lifetime love?
Emerson James is in London to deposit the last of his mother's ashes in Kensington Gardens. And after a fifteen-year absence, he is attempting to return to the Church as a way to find peace with his mother's death. But the Church's culture feels foreign, and he's about to give up on ever becoming a "good Mormon" when he meets Lucy in the hotel lobby.
Lucy and Emerson's new friendship opens their worlds to new possibilities and leaves them wanting more. But Lucy is torn over her feelings for Charles, and Emerson isn't sure how committed he can be to the Church, even knowing how important it is to Lucy. Inevitably, the realities of life force them apart. If given a second chance, will they have the courage to risk everything for a once-in-a-lifetime love?
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2018
11 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Alva
5 books53 followersSarah Alva lives in Salt Lake City but calls Arizona home. She graduated from the University of Arizona with degrees in creative writing and political science. In college, she once told a creative writing class she wanted to grow up and be a stay-in-bed mom. She is almost living that dream as a mom to two little boys who don’t like naps or sleeping in as much as she does. When Sarah’s not busy doing mom or wife things, she enjoys reading romance novels in excess, shopping online, and listening to National Public Radio. You can find her on social media at facebook.com/sarah.alva, @writerlysarah, or at sarahalva.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 4, 2018
I do not read Mormon romance; check that, I rarely read anything with a whiff of Mormonism because I am, as I like to say, a retired Mormon. But Alva transcends this niche where some will want to situate her debut novel, Everything She Wants.
As an homage to E.M. Forster's A Room with a View, Everything... is the best kind of intertwining of genre fiction and literary fiction (if such a distinction really exists). And Alva pushes back on the gender stereotypes of such fiction and Mormon culture. Emerson is drawn to Lucy because she is confident--she is no damsel in distress. Not to mention she is 30!!, a scientist, and unsure about having children. Lucy breathes the rarefied air of single LDS life, or at least what is perceived to be the standard. A brave choice by Alva.
In full disclosure, A Room with a View is the first film I saw with my soon-to-be wife and it is one of a handful of films I'm able to rewatch. This might predispose me to like Alva's novel but, as witnessed with my students in literature classes, we can be the harshest critics when an author or director tries to adapt or play off a story we love. Given my love of the film and Forster's book, I was a bit anxious.
But I shouldn't have been--I cared far too much and too soon for both Lucy and Emerson. I was in body and soul before the first kiss.
It will be a bit tame for many readers but it is sensual--the smell of Emerson's bedspread after the exchange for a room with a view and Lucy shivers "for a reason she didn't want to think of." I watch and read all manner of film and books; eroticism is an essential art, but I was completely content to read between the lines, situated just on the edge of engagement.
For those familiar with A Room with View, I think it will be a delight. It was for us as we anticipated each of Alva's reinterpretations and additions. And the reinterpretation makes sense as modern Mormon culture is, on some levels, similar to the early 20th century story of women traveling with chaperones and men waiting off-stage if perceived to be a threat to a potential betrothal. And yet Alva pushes back on stereotypical subdued and judgmental Mormon culture. In one Elder's Quorum (meeting of adult men) discussion Emerson defends the significance of his tattoos--a taboo akin to drinking or smoking for most mormons--suggesting, "Even the Son of God chose to leave marks on His body from His past life." Another brave choice for Alva.
I did leave wanting in small ways. I wanted more about the beauty and joy of the body expressed so viscerally throughout Forster's novel, perhaps represented best by an exuberant and playful scene where several of the men run naked around a pond as they throwing in each other's clothes until the women and Cecil (Charles) accidentally come upon them. And, if I remember correctly, there's even some Mormon doctrine laid out by Joseph Smith and later in a BYU talk in the 80s by Jeffrey Holland, now an apostle, that could support such views. Maybe something Alva would be interested in exploring in her next novel.
As with Forster's novel, I was left with a hope and faith that we can all be brave enough to choose to love the right person, and that the choice matters in this tenuous existence where meaning and love and purpose are fleeting.
p.s. let's get some men to read this book!
As an homage to E.M. Forster's A Room with a View, Everything... is the best kind of intertwining of genre fiction and literary fiction (if such a distinction really exists). And Alva pushes back on the gender stereotypes of such fiction and Mormon culture. Emerson is drawn to Lucy because she is confident--she is no damsel in distress. Not to mention she is 30!!, a scientist, and unsure about having children. Lucy breathes the rarefied air of single LDS life, or at least what is perceived to be the standard. A brave choice by Alva.
In full disclosure, A Room with a View is the first film I saw with my soon-to-be wife and it is one of a handful of films I'm able to rewatch. This might predispose me to like Alva's novel but, as witnessed with my students in literature classes, we can be the harshest critics when an author or director tries to adapt or play off a story we love. Given my love of the film and Forster's book, I was a bit anxious.
But I shouldn't have been--I cared far too much and too soon for both Lucy and Emerson. I was in body and soul before the first kiss.
It will be a bit tame for many readers but it is sensual--the smell of Emerson's bedspread after the exchange for a room with a view and Lucy shivers "for a reason she didn't want to think of." I watch and read all manner of film and books; eroticism is an essential art, but I was completely content to read between the lines, situated just on the edge of engagement.
For those familiar with A Room with View, I think it will be a delight. It was for us as we anticipated each of Alva's reinterpretations and additions. And the reinterpretation makes sense as modern Mormon culture is, on some levels, similar to the early 20th century story of women traveling with chaperones and men waiting off-stage if perceived to be a threat to a potential betrothal. And yet Alva pushes back on stereotypical subdued and judgmental Mormon culture. In one Elder's Quorum (meeting of adult men) discussion Emerson defends the significance of his tattoos--a taboo akin to drinking or smoking for most mormons--suggesting, "Even the Son of God chose to leave marks on His body from His past life." Another brave choice for Alva.
I did leave wanting in small ways. I wanted more about the beauty and joy of the body expressed so viscerally throughout Forster's novel, perhaps represented best by an exuberant and playful scene where several of the men run naked around a pond as they throwing in each other's clothes until the women and Cecil (Charles) accidentally come upon them. And, if I remember correctly, there's even some Mormon doctrine laid out by Joseph Smith and later in a BYU talk in the 80s by Jeffrey Holland, now an apostle, that could support such views. Maybe something Alva would be interested in exploring in her next novel.
As with Forster's novel, I was left with a hope and faith that we can all be brave enough to choose to love the right person, and that the choice matters in this tenuous existence where meaning and love and purpose are fleeting.
p.s. let's get some men to read this book!
May 1, 2018
I have to admit that sometimes I'm a little hesitant in reading these types of books because they can come off as preachy, but I loved the way that Sarah Alva incorporates the quirks of being an "older" LDS single into this delightful book. Everyone has a story and a past and she addresses the judgy attitudes in a way that is light, yet real, and oh, so adorable.
It was kind of hilarious that I started this book just as I was boarding a Delta flight home from a vacation and I wanted to take a peak at my pilot to see if he was anything like Emerson, who is a pilot. I fell head-over-heels with these characters and loved the way things kept lining up in serendipitous ways. I really should have been sleeping, but I could not put it down. As with most romances, the outcomes can be a bit predictable, but the road to get there never is and I had to know how things were going to turn out. I was shocked when I looked down and saw that I only had 7% of the book left to read.
Lucy has my dream job--she works with ice cream, discovering new flavors. The descriptions are amazing and made my mouth water.
I'm not kidding when I say the characters are fantastic. There are some to love, some to hate, some to roll your eyes at, and everything in between, but they are written in a life-like way that made them jump right off of the pages. The romance had me fanning the butterflies in my stomach. So, so cute!
Honestly, I'm surprised this is a debut novel and I've got my eye on this author. I can't wait for more!
Content: mild, swoony romance; mild innuendo
*I received a copy, which did not affect my opinion in any way*
It was kind of hilarious that I started this book just as I was boarding a Delta flight home from a vacation and I wanted to take a peak at my pilot to see if he was anything like Emerson, who is a pilot. I fell head-over-heels with these characters and loved the way things kept lining up in serendipitous ways. I really should have been sleeping, but I could not put it down. As with most romances, the outcomes can be a bit predictable, but the road to get there never is and I had to know how things were going to turn out. I was shocked when I looked down and saw that I only had 7% of the book left to read.
Lucy has my dream job--she works with ice cream, discovering new flavors. The descriptions are amazing and made my mouth water.
I'm not kidding when I say the characters are fantastic. There are some to love, some to hate, some to roll your eyes at, and everything in between, but they are written in a life-like way that made them jump right off of the pages. The romance had me fanning the butterflies in my stomach. So, so cute!
Honestly, I'm surprised this is a debut novel and I've got my eye on this author. I can't wait for more!
Content: mild, swoony romance; mild innuendo
*I received a copy, which did not affect my opinion in any way*
April 29, 2020
This is a very LDS-centric book and this review will reflect that. So I'm putting on my "Mormon" hat and will include things important to that community without defining terms or justifying background. That said, the romance aspect sucked as badly as the faith elements and in largely the same way so you may find it useful regardless.
Also, I'm not bothering marking spoilers up to the halfway point (where I closed this in disgust) because they're key to why I rejected this so very badly.
I nearly put it down in the first chapter where Lucy shows herself to be superficial, weak, and a bit immature. She broke off a year-long relationship with her Charles and two weeks later he proposes. And she fled without answering and is making a pro-con list on the airplane. You know what you need to know with two datapoints. The pros don't ever mention "I'm in love with him" or even "I love him". And she can't bring herself to list any cons because she doesn't want to hurt his feelings even in her imagination. The woman is thirty, for heaven's sake. And there isn't any mention of prayer or spiritual seeking despite them both being thoroughly LDS.
So I was ready to quit when we get a section from Emerson's PoV and I melted. Alva does an incredible job with showing the guy who is going through a crisis that includes exploring the religion he'd abandoned as a teen. He's uncertain and distracted by all the minutia, but you can see he's still reaching for that heart of faith he suspects might be the thing he needs. I loved this and wondered if Alva was going for a dual-conversion where Lucy would rediscover the heart of her faith along with him.
What we get for the first half of the book is even better than that, though. Lucy is strong, kind, and forgiving and is the guiding hand Emerson desperately needs. And he's there for her in a different kind of crisis and even though it's only a couple of days, the intensity and steady interactions clearly show two people falling very much in love. Alva really showed herself a capable writer here, despite some malapropisms and sloppy copy editing. And I loved, more than a little, that Emerson has enough family support that he understands how rooting his fledgling faith in another person (i.e. doing it for the girl) will crack and leave him stranded down the road. So I was okay when they parted at the midway point without any definite plans to stay in touch. Seriously, I'm beyond impressed by this first half with both the religious and romantic aspects of the story.
And that's where Alva threw the whole story in a bin, lit it on fire, and fed it to the dog. We pick up four months later with Lucy engaged to the phantom Charles. So this is a cheating book, if you want the romance betrayal side of this. I mean, she was clearly in love with Emerson and even acknowledges such in her internal dialogue. And I thought she meant it, but I should have remembered that first chapter and how Alva depicted her as weak and emotionally stupid. And that's bad enough, but her reasons for pulling the trigger and putting on the ring make it fifty times worse.
Because it turns out that she's a spiritual gold digger. And yes, I made that up, but bear me out. She accepts Charles because he can take her to the temple right now and he is, in her actual words, a safe bet. She didn't know if Emerson "would make it". I was appalled and had to break it down into material terms to figure out why and yes, that's where I got the gold digger analogy. Essentially, Charles has family money, a heritage and history of faith, so he's Mr. Moneybags with a job in the family firm and he's rolling in riches. She clearly didn't fall out of love with Emerson and in love with Charles. She's all spiritual-mercenary in her thinking—he has the dough she wants to glom onto. Emerson is the guy who threw away his inheritance, blowing it all on hard living and bad choices. Yeah, he's working to pull himself out of the gutter and he's clearly diligent, honest, and engaged in becoming a better man, able to provide for others, someday (probably soon from where we leave him). But he had been weak. Never mind that she loves him, he's "a bad bet". I mean, that riotous living sure turned out well for him, right?
So she betrays her love after a mere four months for a guy she couldn't say yes to in over a year of steady dating. I'd have found it bad enough if she had fallen in love with Charles because we see enough of her musings to know he's a bit of a judgmental jerk. But to be using him for his "safe bet"? Yeah, that's a hard no that threw me out of sympathy with her, the author, and everybody else associated with this train-wreck. She's cheating on her love because the other man has something she wants. This is not the Lucy I signed up for in the first half of the story.
I'm so sad because Alva showed she could do both the faith and the romance very well. I wish she hadn't had Lucy betray both for shallow and stupid reasons. Personally, I'm editing the last half in my head with Emerson finding her and wooing her as she struggles with coming to terms with her likely not marrying ever because she kicked Charles to the curb and faithful single women don't have great prospects after thirty.
Anyway, this is one star and I'm really sad about it. Seriously, I meant what I said about Alva being talented with both faith and love and I totally bought everything about them falling in love and being good for each other. Doing faith right is hard and Alva knocked it out of the park. But I hate the turn it took and know enough to quit while editing it in my head still works.
I have a review policy. Which is weird, I know. It turns out my first stab at it wasn't working out for me, so if you care, you might give it a look.
Also, I'm not bothering marking spoilers up to the halfway point (where I closed this in disgust) because they're key to why I rejected this so very badly.
I nearly put it down in the first chapter where Lucy shows herself to be superficial, weak, and a bit immature. She broke off a year-long relationship with her Charles and two weeks later he proposes. And she fled without answering and is making a pro-con list on the airplane. You know what you need to know with two datapoints. The pros don't ever mention "I'm in love with him" or even "I love him". And she can't bring herself to list any cons because she doesn't want to hurt his feelings even in her imagination. The woman is thirty, for heaven's sake. And there isn't any mention of prayer or spiritual seeking despite them both being thoroughly LDS.
So I was ready to quit when we get a section from Emerson's PoV and I melted. Alva does an incredible job with showing the guy who is going through a crisis that includes exploring the religion he'd abandoned as a teen. He's uncertain and distracted by all the minutia, but you can see he's still reaching for that heart of faith he suspects might be the thing he needs. I loved this and wondered if Alva was going for a dual-conversion where Lucy would rediscover the heart of her faith along with him.
What we get for the first half of the book is even better than that, though. Lucy is strong, kind, and forgiving and is the guiding hand Emerson desperately needs. And he's there for her in a different kind of crisis and even though it's only a couple of days, the intensity and steady interactions clearly show two people falling very much in love. Alva really showed herself a capable writer here, despite some malapropisms and sloppy copy editing. And I loved, more than a little, that Emerson has enough family support that he understands how rooting his fledgling faith in another person (i.e. doing it for the girl) will crack and leave him stranded down the road. So I was okay when they parted at the midway point without any definite plans to stay in touch. Seriously, I'm beyond impressed by this first half with both the religious and romantic aspects of the story.
And that's where Alva threw the whole story in a bin, lit it on fire, and fed it to the dog. We pick up four months later with Lucy engaged to the phantom Charles. So this is a cheating book, if you want the romance betrayal side of this. I mean, she was clearly in love with Emerson and even acknowledges such in her internal dialogue. And I thought she meant it, but I should have remembered that first chapter and how Alva depicted her as weak and emotionally stupid. And that's bad enough, but her reasons for pulling the trigger and putting on the ring make it fifty times worse.
Because it turns out that she's a spiritual gold digger. And yes, I made that up, but bear me out. She accepts Charles because he can take her to the temple right now and he is, in her actual words, a safe bet. She didn't know if Emerson "would make it". I was appalled and had to break it down into material terms to figure out why and yes, that's where I got the gold digger analogy. Essentially, Charles has family money, a heritage and history of faith, so he's Mr. Moneybags with a job in the family firm and he's rolling in riches. She clearly didn't fall out of love with Emerson and in love with Charles. She's all spiritual-mercenary in her thinking—he has the dough she wants to glom onto. Emerson is the guy who threw away his inheritance, blowing it all on hard living and bad choices. Yeah, he's working to pull himself out of the gutter and he's clearly diligent, honest, and engaged in becoming a better man, able to provide for others, someday (probably soon from where we leave him). But he had been weak. Never mind that she loves him, he's "a bad bet". I mean, that riotous living sure turned out well for him, right?
So she betrays her love after a mere four months for a guy she couldn't say yes to in over a year of steady dating. I'd have found it bad enough if she had fallen in love with Charles because we see enough of her musings to know he's a bit of a judgmental jerk. But to be using him for his "safe bet"? Yeah, that's a hard no that threw me out of sympathy with her, the author, and everybody else associated with this train-wreck. She's cheating on her love because the other man has something she wants. This is not the Lucy I signed up for in the first half of the story.
I'm so sad because Alva showed she could do both the faith and the romance very well. I wish she hadn't had Lucy betray both for shallow and stupid reasons. Personally, I'm editing the last half in my head with Emerson finding her and wooing her as she struggles with coming to terms with her likely not marrying ever because she kicked Charles to the curb and faithful single women don't have great prospects after thirty.
Anyway, this is one star and I'm really sad about it. Seriously, I meant what I said about Alva being talented with both faith and love and I totally bought everything about them falling in love and being good for each other. Doing faith right is hard and Alva knocked it out of the park. But I hate the turn it took and know enough to quit while editing it in my head still works.
I have a review policy. Which is weird, I know. It turns out my first stab at it wasn't working out for me, so if you care, you might give it a look.
May 22, 2018
Loved this book! It hit all the right notes: hero seeking redemption and a strong leading lady. I loved the twists this book took, too. I can't wait for more from this author!
April 30, 2018
Isn’t the cover of this one beautiful! It makes me want some ice cream. I loved this book from the beginning! I loved the characters, the way you felt as though you’d been on a whirlwind trip to London. And the plot! I really loved the whole thing.
First up, lets talk about Lucy. I loved the courage it took for her to have walked away from the man she’d been dating to go to England with her cousin. I really loved the way the book felt when it shows her falling in love in London. I loved the way she could tell from the way she felt that she wasn’t in love with Charles and needed to move on. Unfortunately, she didn’t end up trusting those feelings as she kept going forward with her life.
Then there’s Charles. He’s the man that Lucy runs from. You don’t see anything in the book from his point of view, but I have to say that I didn’t like him at all. He was not a nice person, even though he was the Elder’s Quorum president. He was just selfish, unkind and pushy.
And last there’s Emerson. Emerson is a pilot, he’s working on going back to church and getting his life back on track. I liked the way he sees things and all of the kind things he does for Lucy and her cousin while they’re in England. I really liked the way every time he needed someone to be there for him, Lucy just was and actually that worked the other way as well. He was there for Lucy many times when she needed someone.
The plot of this one is in a couple of different parts, there’s London. Rainy, romantic, perfect. And life after London. Less than perfect for Lucy. I was so worried about how it was going to end up, but I did love the ending!
This one is a contemporary romance that I loved! It’s got everything you need, great plot, great characters and even someone you love to hate!
First up, lets talk about Lucy. I loved the courage it took for her to have walked away from the man she’d been dating to go to England with her cousin. I really loved the way the book felt when it shows her falling in love in London. I loved the way she could tell from the way she felt that she wasn’t in love with Charles and needed to move on. Unfortunately, she didn’t end up trusting those feelings as she kept going forward with her life.
Then there’s Charles. He’s the man that Lucy runs from. You don’t see anything in the book from his point of view, but I have to say that I didn’t like him at all. He was not a nice person, even though he was the Elder’s Quorum president. He was just selfish, unkind and pushy.
And last there’s Emerson. Emerson is a pilot, he’s working on going back to church and getting his life back on track. I liked the way he sees things and all of the kind things he does for Lucy and her cousin while they’re in England. I really liked the way every time he needed someone to be there for him, Lucy just was and actually that worked the other way as well. He was there for Lucy many times when she needed someone.
The plot of this one is in a couple of different parts, there’s London. Rainy, romantic, perfect. And life after London. Less than perfect for Lucy. I was so worried about how it was going to end up, but I did love the ending!
This one is a contemporary romance that I loved! It’s got everything you need, great plot, great characters and even someone you love to hate!
April 12, 2018
Sarah's debut novel is one that can appeal to almost anyone. It has a beautiful, and beautifully written, romance at its core; however, Sarah manages to write every character (main and supporting) as distinct and knowable people that everyone will know and love (or hate!).
Also, a brief note from a non-Mormon to other non-Mormon readers: Sarah has written this culture, religion, and spiritualism so well that no one will feel as if they don't understand or it is too preachy. This is not just a Mormon/LDS romance; it is a pure, complicated, rewarding, and beautiful romance for everyone to enjoy.
Also, a brief note from a non-Mormon to other non-Mormon readers: Sarah has written this culture, religion, and spiritualism so well that no one will feel as if they don't understand or it is too preachy. This is not just a Mormon/LDS romance; it is a pure, complicated, rewarding, and beautiful romance for everyone to enjoy.
July 12, 2018
Holy freaking cow, I loved this.
Okay, so I read a lot of clean romantic fiction. And I'm LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints/Mormon) so it's not surprising that I read a lot of LDS romantic fiction. But this one really hit it out of the ballpark. Maybe it's because there were so many things that the character was dealing with that I've dealt with/am dealing with, too. Which, paired with a sincerity of emotion that respected the characters in their various struggles, packed a solid emotional wallop.
For starters, Lucy is 30 years old and single and is worried that with her on-again-off-again boyfriend proposing (currently they are very much "off", by the way...), if she says no then she will be single...eternally. Yet she is worried that if she marries him she will be settling for someone that can't make her happy.
Meanwhile, Emerson is going through his own struggles. He's trying to return to the faith he was raised in and rejected, and is fighting his way back through addictions and negative coping mechanisms. While also suffering under the weight of his mother's death.
Then, like a stroke of lighting, Lucy's sunshine breaks through the clouds of his fight, and they proceed to have a life-changing experience in London. Which may or may not lead to something more, depending on what happens when they get back to the States. (No spoilers but, honestly, it's a romance soooo... *shrugs and laughs*)
Now, it sounds pretty cheesy. Like a Rom-Com just waiting to happen. But I am SERIOUSLY impressed with Alva's writing.
She has managed to convey what it is like to have an addiction, to be buried under the weight of its effects until you feel like you are drowning. She has also captured the anxiety of feeling like you can never measure up, as though you are losing yourself when dating someone who constantly judges you.
Also, the dilemma of standing up for oneself, making choices as a mid-single adult, juggling multiple (non-romantic) relationships that pull you various directions, being willing to change, and learning as an adult to apologize for mistakes made in youth.
All in all, she's covered a broad spectrum of topics inherent to every day life!
On a faith-related note, this is an LDS book, and while many novels only briefly mention things related to the LDS faith (like serving full-time proselyting missions or having church responsibilities), this book does actively talk about Gospel topics at various points in the story! Which I am super-impressed with.
Because (wait for it) it is never preachy or self-righteous.
Nor does it feel like the characters are abruptly jerked out of an important moment in order to talk about God, simply for the sake of meeting some "Christian Romance" quota (do I sound bitter? Maybe I've experienced this one too many times. XD ).
In fact, the main characters (Emerson especially, with some mike-dropping effects) even call out those that are self-righteous or are preaching false doctrine that is more opinion than fact. So it is a book in which the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are portrayed as they really come up in our lives, applying to specific problems. You could even say that much of the plot is driven by these ideas of forgiveness, love and how Christ's Atonement applies to use individually and directly.
I really appreciated Alva's approach to sin and how we all make mistakes, and that we are just trying to fix them one day at a time. Also to judging, something we all do one way or another, which needs to stop. Emerson's words and journey especially hit home, and he shares his standpoint in a way that is real and bold. While Lucy shows us that anyone can be brave, and to be patient with ourselves as we go through that process.
Honestly, reading this was just one big tender mercy. I'm really grateful for, "Everything She Wants," and for being willing to give it some of my time. (Enough to check it out twice, even when there was a long waiting list, just so that I could finish it! XD )
It's a book I would recommend to anyone, especially to those that feel like they, "just aren't enough." Because we are all enough, just the way we are. And we aren't alone in our struggles.
Cheers. I hope you enjoy this one, too. :)
(As for me, I will be buying it as soon as I can. ;-) )
Okay, so I read a lot of clean romantic fiction. And I'm LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints/Mormon) so it's not surprising that I read a lot of LDS romantic fiction. But this one really hit it out of the ballpark. Maybe it's because there were so many things that the character was dealing with that I've dealt with/am dealing with, too. Which, paired with a sincerity of emotion that respected the characters in their various struggles, packed a solid emotional wallop.
For starters, Lucy is 30 years old and single and is worried that with her on-again-off-again boyfriend proposing (currently they are very much "off", by the way...), if she says no then she will be single...eternally. Yet she is worried that if she marries him she will be settling for someone that can't make her happy.
Meanwhile, Emerson is going through his own struggles. He's trying to return to the faith he was raised in and rejected, and is fighting his way back through addictions and negative coping mechanisms. While also suffering under the weight of his mother's death.
Then, like a stroke of lighting, Lucy's sunshine breaks through the clouds of his fight, and they proceed to have a life-changing experience in London. Which may or may not lead to something more, depending on what happens when they get back to the States. (No spoilers but, honestly, it's a romance soooo... *shrugs and laughs*)
Now, it sounds pretty cheesy. Like a Rom-Com just waiting to happen. But I am SERIOUSLY impressed with Alva's writing.
She has managed to convey what it is like to have an addiction, to be buried under the weight of its effects until you feel like you are drowning. She has also captured the anxiety of feeling like you can never measure up, as though you are losing yourself when dating someone who constantly judges you.
Also, the dilemma of standing up for oneself, making choices as a mid-single adult, juggling multiple (non-romantic) relationships that pull you various directions, being willing to change, and learning as an adult to apologize for mistakes made in youth.
All in all, she's covered a broad spectrum of topics inherent to every day life!
On a faith-related note, this is an LDS book, and while many novels only briefly mention things related to the LDS faith (like serving full-time proselyting missions or having church responsibilities), this book does actively talk about Gospel topics at various points in the story! Which I am super-impressed with.
Because (wait for it) it is never preachy or self-righteous.
Nor does it feel like the characters are abruptly jerked out of an important moment in order to talk about God, simply for the sake of meeting some "Christian Romance" quota (do I sound bitter? Maybe I've experienced this one too many times. XD ).
In fact, the main characters (Emerson especially, with some mike-dropping effects) even call out those that are self-righteous or are preaching false doctrine that is more opinion than fact. So it is a book in which the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are portrayed as they really come up in our lives, applying to specific problems. You could even say that much of the plot is driven by these ideas of forgiveness, love and how Christ's Atonement applies to use individually and directly.
I really appreciated Alva's approach to sin and how we all make mistakes, and that we are just trying to fix them one day at a time. Also to judging, something we all do one way or another, which needs to stop. Emerson's words and journey especially hit home, and he shares his standpoint in a way that is real and bold. While Lucy shows us that anyone can be brave, and to be patient with ourselves as we go through that process.
Honestly, reading this was just one big tender mercy. I'm really grateful for, "Everything She Wants," and for being willing to give it some of my time. (Enough to check it out twice, even when there was a long waiting list, just so that I could finish it! XD )
It's a book I would recommend to anyone, especially to those that feel like they, "just aren't enough." Because we are all enough, just the way we are. And we aren't alone in our struggles.
Cheers. I hope you enjoy this one, too. :)
(As for me, I will be buying it as soon as I can. ;-) )
April 3, 2018
Sarah Alva did a great job!! I bought this on a whim after reading the back. It sounded fun and i was not disappointed!!! Great humor, fun romance, and sweet spiritual journey. Very tastefully done. Loved it! Excited for more from this author! I would recommend getting yourself a copy of you haven't already!
May 14, 2018
Romance, clean, Christian faith elements. LDS setting
Lovely, clever retelling of EM Forester's "A Room With a View". Lucy's escape to London, her family, her ex-boyfriend/fiance, her work setting, clever modern adaptation, with the underlying subtleties of the original. So many little details that she incorporates into this retelling. Emerson and Charles were such great contrasts with personalities, lives, characters, and of course, most importantly, the chemistry with Lucy. The object or the loved cherished woman. I look forward to reading more by S.A. She will have to reach far to top this debut novel. So worth the read, and anyone who loves Classical romance adaptations would be wise to consider this book, even with the LDS setting and back ground. So worth the time and effort to read this novel. The small moments in this novel, the scent in the room, the moments when that scent returns with closed eyes, the flavor on the tongue as they taste the chocolates and ice creams, these moments in some ways, describe the novel, lovely, sensual (without being explicit or sexual in content), just lovely, lush, and a beautiful descriptive divine concoction of words.
I rarely give 5's. I will be waffling a bit to be sure, but just coming down off the read, I just am adoring this so much. I will be re-reading this when I need a fix I am sure! I don't often do that much any more with the quantity I read. This was a pleasure and a lovely diversion.
Lovely, clever retelling of EM Forester's "A Room With a View". Lucy's escape to London, her family, her ex-boyfriend/fiance, her work setting, clever modern adaptation, with the underlying subtleties of the original. So many little details that she incorporates into this retelling. Emerson and Charles were such great contrasts with personalities, lives, characters, and of course, most importantly, the chemistry with Lucy. The object or the loved cherished woman. I look forward to reading more by S.A. She will have to reach far to top this debut novel. So worth the read, and anyone who loves Classical romance adaptations would be wise to consider this book, even with the LDS setting and back ground. So worth the time and effort to read this novel. The small moments in this novel, the scent in the room, the moments when that scent returns with closed eyes, the flavor on the tongue as they taste the chocolates and ice creams, these moments in some ways, describe the novel, lovely, sensual (without being explicit or sexual in content), just lovely, lush, and a beautiful descriptive divine concoction of words.
I rarely give 5's. I will be waffling a bit to be sure, but just coming down off the read, I just am adoring this so much. I will be re-reading this when I need a fix I am sure! I don't often do that much any more with the quantity I read. This was a pleasure and a lovely diversion.
April 5, 2018
I liked the first part of this book. The second part not so much.
January 24, 2019
Wow! This book has it all! A brand new LDS author on the scene, and I had to read her book.
This did not disappoint. The chemistry between Emerson & Lucy is palpable. Both of them are in messy places. Considering the culture amongst the Church to marry young, and the emphasis on family it’s totally understandable that at the age of 30, Lucy is under pressure. The fear is acceptable. While Charles may be her last chance, this proves that settling will never be the answer.
Meeting in London this novel gets right to the heart of the story. Emerson’s history and emotional turmoil remnants of his recent loss of his mother. His decision to return to Church activity, led me to see that clearly, God would feature in abundance in this book. It was awesome. Without all the usual BYU cliches we normally are handed out in this market, this is perfectly done. I’m always hoping that LDS authors will have the courage to write as freely as the Christian authors do on the national market. It’s inspiring and needed to discover God in the books we read.
As the story progresses it’s clear there is more to the history for both Lucy & Emerson. It also becomes clear how controlling and intolerant Charles is. In fact, I started to loose patience with Lucy. I can understand ‘blindness’ to these things when in love, but she’s clearly not - and I’m not sure what is going on. Take Emerson out of the picture entirely and it’s still glaringly obvious what a disaster she’s about to encounter. Even after she understands that the constant re-evaluating felt a little tiresome.
Love this book though. Easily my favourite LDS contemporary in a long while. Totally recommend this!! Warning - don’t schedule anything else in your life once you start it!!!
This did not disappoint. The chemistry between Emerson & Lucy is palpable. Both of them are in messy places. Considering the culture amongst the Church to marry young, and the emphasis on family it’s totally understandable that at the age of 30, Lucy is under pressure. The fear is acceptable. While Charles may be her last chance, this proves that settling will never be the answer.
Meeting in London this novel gets right to the heart of the story. Emerson’s history and emotional turmoil remnants of his recent loss of his mother. His decision to return to Church activity, led me to see that clearly, God would feature in abundance in this book. It was awesome. Without all the usual BYU cliches we normally are handed out in this market, this is perfectly done. I’m always hoping that LDS authors will have the courage to write as freely as the Christian authors do on the national market. It’s inspiring and needed to discover God in the books we read.
As the story progresses it’s clear there is more to the history for both Lucy & Emerson. It also becomes clear how controlling and intolerant Charles is. In fact, I started to loose patience with Lucy. I can understand ‘blindness’ to these things when in love, but she’s clearly not - and I’m not sure what is going on. Take Emerson out of the picture entirely and it’s still glaringly obvious what a disaster she’s about to encounter. Even after she understands that the constant re-evaluating felt a little tiresome.
Love this book though. Easily my favourite LDS contemporary in a long while. Totally recommend this!! Warning - don’t schedule anything else in your life once you start it!!!
February 13, 2021
2 different people trying to find themselves and their path. They meet each other in London & enjoy the quick trip with emotional ups and downs together. After many months the two end up at the same apartment complex in Utah. I love that they both take time to figure out what they want both out of life and religiously. They rely on the Lord to lead them in the right places and both end up happy in the end. I am easily pleased with books as long as there is a happily ever after ending I am happy.
October 23, 2020
A sweet, fun, clean retelling of the book A Room With A View, set in a Latter-Day Saint setting. There were a few things rearranged, but nothing that detracts from the story. I really enjoyed reading it. I have read the original and seen the movie.
Also, I want her job.
Also, I want her job.
June 27, 2018
My friend's daughter-in-law wrote this book. It's a fun read. A sweet Mormon romance that's light-hearted and enjoyable. Well done!
July 9, 2018
A cute read. If you are not familiar with Mormon LDS culture, some of the book may seem alien with the cultural religious references. Light, chaste, and enjoyable!
September 19, 2020
Loved this book! Clean romance but great tension with the main characters. Gave me all the feels!!
May 14, 2018
This was such a fun read very clever and waiting for Sarah's next book to come out.
November 20, 2018
My Deseret News review can be found here: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/9...
July 17, 2018
Spoiler Alert: This book stinks!
What a waste of time!!!! I am so upset that I even read this book. I'm giving it two stars because it did make me want to keep reading, but I really just cannot stand it now. First off, lets start with the title, "Everything She Wants", hahaha, jokes on you because this guy is literally everything she wants but does absolutely nothing about it for 196 pages out of the 210 page book. She meets Mr. Right in London and he is everything that her wannabe fiance back at home is not. He is just getting back in the Church though, so he needs time. Anyways, she came to London because she got scared of her ex-boyfriend proposing to her. Honestly that is a warning sign of its own. The girl is 30 years old, she should know when to call it quits!
So she gets back from London after falling head over heals for Emerson. You would think she dumps the wannabe and moves on with Emerson when he is ready right? WRONG! Instead she gets engaged to the snobby loser! Her whole personality changes when she gets around him and he basically calls her mom stupid which she does nothing about! Boy, if you ever called my mom dumb you best believe your butt would be kicked to the curb and then some. Emerson shows back up in her life and everything goes crazy. She wants him, bad, but she still does nothing about it! Instead she tries to stay away from Emerson until ten pages until the end of the book! Are you kidding me? No! At this point I'm like you do not deserve him, get away you indecisive coward! Because that's what she ultimately is, a coward that takes 196 pages to woman up and let her fiance go and then asks for time from Emerson afterwards. Ugh! Then you get one measly page of them going to London after being married. It is all soooo unsatisfying and aggravating. Good riddance!
What a waste of time!!!! I am so upset that I even read this book. I'm giving it two stars because it did make me want to keep reading, but I really just cannot stand it now. First off, lets start with the title, "Everything She Wants", hahaha, jokes on you because this guy is literally everything she wants but does absolutely nothing about it for 196 pages out of the 210 page book. She meets Mr. Right in London and he is everything that her wannabe fiance back at home is not. He is just getting back in the Church though, so he needs time. Anyways, she came to London because she got scared of her ex-boyfriend proposing to her. Honestly that is a warning sign of its own. The girl is 30 years old, she should know when to call it quits!
So she gets back from London after falling head over heals for Emerson. You would think she dumps the wannabe and moves on with Emerson when he is ready right? WRONG! Instead she gets engaged to the snobby loser! Her whole personality changes when she gets around him and he basically calls her mom stupid which she does nothing about! Boy, if you ever called my mom dumb you best believe your butt would be kicked to the curb and then some. Emerson shows back up in her life and everything goes crazy. She wants him, bad, but she still does nothing about it! Instead she tries to stay away from Emerson until ten pages until the end of the book! Are you kidding me? No! At this point I'm like you do not deserve him, get away you indecisive coward! Because that's what she ultimately is, a coward that takes 196 pages to woman up and let her fiance go and then asks for time from Emerson afterwards. Ugh! Then you get one measly page of them going to London after being married. It is all soooo unsatisfying and aggravating. Good riddance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2018
4.5 Stars
Everything She Wants is a very impressive debut novel. Kudos to Sarah Alva for writing an entertaining story with great characters. My attention was captured right off and held throughout the story.
This is a good, quick read, and I was very interested in the decisions Lucy would make. She was torn between being herself and having the life she expected (and thought she wanted).
I really liked Emerson and his story was captivating. So many times it’s easy to be judgmental, but it was good to be reminded that we are all sinners and need the atonement.
The author did a great job of including faith and religion without it being disjointed or preachy. It was very much a part of the main characters' lives and the religious parts flowed well.
I don't always look for a message from the novels I read, but I came away from Everything She Wants thinking it was about doing the right thing for the right reason. That is definitely something to take a step back and consider in our lives.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Everything She Wants is a very impressive debut novel. Kudos to Sarah Alva for writing an entertaining story with great characters. My attention was captured right off and held throughout the story.
This is a good, quick read, and I was very interested in the decisions Lucy would make. She was torn between being herself and having the life she expected (and thought she wanted).
I really liked Emerson and his story was captivating. So many times it’s easy to be judgmental, but it was good to be reminded that we are all sinners and need the atonement.
The author did a great job of including faith and religion without it being disjointed or preachy. It was very much a part of the main characters' lives and the religious parts flowed well.
I don't always look for a message from the novels I read, but I came away from Everything She Wants thinking it was about doing the right thing for the right reason. That is definitely something to take a step back and consider in our lives.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 5, 2018
This book made me crave ice cream! Sarah Alva has a way with describing food in this book that just makes you hungry. foodies are going to love this book.
I also loved the characters and the story. I could relate to the pressure and fear Lucy felt as a "older" (not really that old) LDS single and I loved seeing the little quirks that make up Utah and Mormon cultural highlighted without judgment. (even though, yes, we all know they are a little weird. ) Sarah did a great job balancing the spritual and temporal sides to this story. I can't wait to read what she writes next!
I also loved the characters and the story. I could relate to the pressure and fear Lucy felt as a "older" (not really that old) LDS single and I loved seeing the little quirks that make up Utah and Mormon cultural highlighted without judgment. (even though, yes, we all know they are a little weird. ) Sarah did a great job balancing the spritual and temporal sides to this story. I can't wait to read what she writes next!
April 14, 2018
This Mormon romance novel was written by a childhood friend of mine! It's both fun and sweet. While the novel mostly covers relationships, it also talks about redemption through Jesus, some pitfalls of Mormon culture, and the best way to savor ice cream.
Lucy struggles with questions readers can relate to: How do you know when your feelings are enough to commit to marriage? What if by waiting, you miss out? And when does a kiss cross from sheer physical attraction to actual love?
I'd bet the author ate lots of ice cream while she wrote it.
Lucy struggles with questions readers can relate to: How do you know when your feelings are enough to commit to marriage? What if by waiting, you miss out? And when does a kiss cross from sheer physical attraction to actual love?
I'd bet the author ate lots of ice cream while she wrote it.
March 11, 2021
A fun, light read. I enjoyed the ice cream flavor exploration. I had a really hard time believing that Lucy could stay engaged to Charles as long as she did . . . . .the author made it so obvious to the reader that they were completely incompatible. It was mostly frustrating to wonder how long their terrible relationship would continue to last . . . . . And what was up with Ellie? I felt like there were a lot of gaps in the narrative with her (adoption? Poetry?) It was kind of an unfinished tangent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2018
(Genre:Fiction/LDS/Romance/Contemporary) When Lucy's longtime "on again, off again" boyfriend Charles proposes marriage unexpectedly, she panics and leaves the country. She likes Charles and he looks good on paper, but he can sometimes be irritating and unkind in the way he treats Lucy's family. Charles is the youngest son of a prominent family and he has definite ideas about how the gospel should be lived. He has chosen Lucy to be his eternal companion and he has been so patient with the cold feet she has been experiencing. But Lucy's just not sure that Charles is the man she should marry. Enter Emerson, a returning member of the church, who just happens to be the pilot on Lucy's flight and definitely catches her attention. Emerson is not the "perfect LDS guy" like Charles. He has lived a different lifestyle and was without faith and religion for a long time. But after losing his mother, he is searching for something more meaningful in life and Lucy can't help but feel drawn to him. But all vacations have to come to an end and Lucy will have to go back to her normal life. And Emerson isn't in her normal life--Charles is. Charles wants to marry her. And Lucy feels like her opportunities for a family are narrowing. And she does like Charles...
Cute LDS romance that hits on some more weightier matters about faith, judgement, testimony, appearances, love, family, dating, and marriage. 3.5 starts
Cute LDS romance that hits on some more weightier matters about faith, judgement, testimony, appearances, love, family, dating, and marriage. 3.5 starts
November 12, 2020
I liked the Midwife and the Doctor by the same author, so I thought I would try another book by Alva. However I found this one rather disappointing. I have to preface by saying contemporary fiction (I want to say LDS contemporary fiction, but what is the proper term? I think it is probably appropriate because so much of what is in these books really is just culture, which is not always based in the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). It bothered me that I never really knew what Lucy looked like. I know she is on the taller side with blond hair, fair skin and grey eyes. But I knew exactly how Charles looked, even down to his wardrobe. It just seemed weird to me that I knew so much about Charles, and so little about the main character. I didn't like how Charles was portrayed at all. Especially how when the first got engaged how amazing he was and then how we get to find out how awful he was as soon as the other love interest came around. It just wasn't my favorite book. But I did finish it, so I suppose that is one point in its favor.
July 10, 2018
I have never (and mostly likely will never again) read Mormon Romance as a genre. I'm a post-Mormon, and I was definitely reticent. I will happily admit that I found myself wanting to steal time to get back to this book, which tells me that Alva knows both her genre and her readers. Her story closely followed the stories I used to create in my young Mormon-girl mind of how I would meet "the one," filled with coincidences/god's guidance to bring us together. It was a flashback to a more simple time in my life, and I loved the reminiscent ride. Alva understands her culture -- the way young Mormons think, make decisions, and interact. But I love the way she pushes the culture...just enough: a young woman who wants to work after she has children, a guy who is proud of his tattoos, the disgusting nature of upper-level Mormon families. I'm hoping she pushes some young, female, Mormon readers to digest some new thoughts within their culture.
October 4, 2018
First of all, any book set in London automatically makes me happy. I love Kensington Gardens and actually visited the Peter Pan statue when I was going to school there. and wrote an essay about it. Ahh, memories!
But I digress. I thought our MC's were adorable. Strong, vulnerable, a little quirky and very lovable.
I could not figure out what Lucy saw in Charles. He tried to be more personable, but was so very full of himself. I loved that Emerson was trying to make changes for the better, but not losing himself in the process. His dad was so eccentrically likable! I feel like Ellie could have her own story, and I feel sorry for Charlotte.
And Lucy's job - fantabulous! Who wouldn't want to eat ice cream for work?! Emerson remembering how Lucy recommended he eat ice cream and actually doing it - so sweet. So often it's the little things that show we care.
Loved this book! Cute, clean and a fast read that wasn't complete fluff. I'm excited to read more by this author!
But I digress. I thought our MC's were adorable. Strong, vulnerable, a little quirky and very lovable.
I could not figure out what Lucy saw in Charles. He tried to be more personable, but was so very full of himself. I loved that Emerson was trying to make changes for the better, but not losing himself in the process. His dad was so eccentrically likable! I feel like Ellie could have her own story, and I feel sorry for Charlotte.
And Lucy's job - fantabulous! Who wouldn't want to eat ice cream for work?! Emerson remembering how Lucy recommended he eat ice cream and actually doing it - so sweet. So often it's the little things that show we care.
Loved this book! Cute, clean and a fast read that wasn't complete fluff. I'm excited to read more by this author!
April 25, 2018
Emerson's dad had said " Give yourself some time to just be brave " (205). I love this quote because there are times when you just need to be brave. This is a quote that everyone can relate to. Everything she Wants by Sarah Alva is about a girl who picks a boy she met in London over her very rude fiance. Initially, Lucy's off and on boyfriend Charles proposes to her and she escapes to London. Next, she meets Emerson and they fall in love. Finally, Lucy works things out with Charles and gets to be with Emerson. Overall, the main theme of Everything she Wants is to always trust your gut. I would definitely recommond this book to a friend because it's a book that you never want to stop reading. This book shows that we can all be brave.
April 6, 2019
This was really cute story. I loved reading about Lucy and Emerson. I felt like the character Charles wasn't consistent, clearly the author didnt want you to like him but his inconcsistencies made me feel sorry for him. At the beginning of the book, the author describes Charles with white hair (so I'm like is he really old?) But later he has blonde hair. It felt like sometimes Charles was autistic where he couldn't pick up social cues of what's rude or not, it would explain why he stuck around with Lucy.
November 4, 2018
This was a really cute story! Lucy was settling for a guy that she thought was perfect, but was only perfect on paper. Emerson was so sweet and fun, everything Charles wasn’t. And man did Charles bug me, he was so rude and conceited. Both Lucy and Emerson needed to figure out for themselves that they didn’t need to change how they were to find love, they needed to love themselves first! Loved the small epilogue though!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews