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The Project

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At the beginning of her college sophomore year in 1994, Sabella Pierce surrenders to her semester-long psych class assignment: volunteer as a companion for eighty-three-year-old nursing-home resident, May. Having grown up with a bitter grandmother and a well-earned lack of enthusiasm for old people, Sabella dreads this project.

But Sabella's anxiety about her assignment turns to fascination as she discovers May's vibrant spirit, life of independence, and stash of handwritten letters from the one who got away. Now Sabella is inspired to create a project of her own: reunite these two long-lost lovers while there's still time.

While visiting, Sabella also encounters Ted, the nursing home's grungy, flannel-wearing, alternative-rock listening volunteer coordinator. At first, she detests his nonconformist attitude and his constant ribbing of her wealthy upbringing. But as her longtime boyfriend, Ryan, is distracted by his jock friends and a flirty girl from his hometown, opportunities with Ted unfold.

Will the project spark love for Sabella and relight an old flame for May?

260 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2020

7 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Stacey Potter

2 books44 followers
Stacey Potter has been motivated to write stories about life’s challenging events and the strength and resiliency of women based on her graduate education in psychology. She describes her stories like a game of “two truths and a lie,” since she writes from personal experiences. Stacey lives with her husband and their four teens in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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5 stars
47 (46%)
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29 (28%)
3 stars
18 (17%)
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8 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Marisha (MarishaReadsALot).
835 reviews43 followers
November 21, 2020
I don’t know how a book can be simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking, but The Project pulls it off... largely because I found Sabella so relatable.

As an added bonus, the book takes place near my hometown, which is almost never referenced in fiction. To recognize my local scenery brought me so much joy!

Endless thank you’s to Hadleigh House Publishing and fellow West Fargo Packer Stacey Potter for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
2 reviews
November 25, 2020
Gen X Nostalgia, an interesting twist, and some tears shed; this was a really fun, and quite moving, read. The story moves quickly and in an interesting way, and the setting really put me back in that place in my life, remembering the absolute anguish of romantic heartbreak, and thrill of a new love interest in high school and college.

Since no one is perfect, I always enjoy stories where the characters are likeable but still somewhat flawed. All characters here are well-drawn and realistic, no one is flat or one-note, and there is something to root for in all of them. The relationship between Sabella, the main character, and May, her adopted grandparent, is especially touching and I really enjoyed the way it unfolded.

It was also fun to read something set in my hometown, which is rare. This is a great book to curl up with and immerse yourself in over a weekend.
3 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
I finished this on Valentine’s Day and it was the perfect book for the occasion. I live in Minnesota so there is some local pride in my review. Like Sabelle, I did not grow up in Minnesota but consider it my home. This is a lovely easy read and I look forward to more from the author.
1 review2 followers
November 26, 2020
This book really had it all and kept me engaged the entire time. I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed following Sabella’s journey, seeing her mature and really grow into a more confident young woman through so many challenges.
Growing up in the Midwest myself, I loved all the details right down to the tater tot casserole. It felt like I was right back at home.
I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Betsy Zarr.
40 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2021
Oh my goodness this is hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. I want all my girlfriends and family members to read this book. It’s heartwarming and heartbreaking all in one!!! I am shocked by what takes place in so many areas of the story and yet I have warm fuzzies about how it turns out. It’s a great book for those who like a little bit of drama, luster, feel good, romance and silliness. Also, being from ND it hits close to home in respect to location and understand of the weather. This author is awesome. I was totally drawn in from the beginning. Kudos to you Stacey Potter! Congratulations on a job well done!
Profile Image for Jennifer Davidson.
Author 4 books6 followers
January 10, 2021
This book brought me right back to college, especially how the main character struggled with love and how she saw herself. I also loved being reminded of life in the 90s! What a great time and a great read!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
596 reviews12 followers
February 1, 2021
The Project by @staceypotterauthor was a really enjoyable read for me! I devoured it in half a day ❤️

I love the elderly and believe they are full of so much knowledge and stories to share, so I always love novels that focus on characters who are interacting with older generations.

Throw in a complicated love story and a new love interest, and I am all here for this! The characters were believable and charming, and the timeframe just made me happy. Place me in the 90’s anytime! My inner young self jumps up and down with joy, side pony swinging!
Profile Image for Nikki Schneider.
339 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2020
Wow, what a debut novel! I loved how this book evoked such a range of emotions in me. This story follows Sabella through her sophomore year of college & her journey with one special project in her psychology class. I absolutely LOVED all the Midwest (mainly the Fargo/Moorhead area) references.
5 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2021
This book was so wonderfully heartwarming. I loved Sabella’s journey as a young woman. Discovering that life is messy and complicated is exactly what being 20 is about. I absolutely adored it and loved how quick of a read it was!
Profile Image for Avree Clark.
Author 1 book77 followers
December 8, 2021
One of my Top Reads of 2020

This book arrived at just the right time in my life when I most needed and benefited from a cozy, simple, leisurely read filled with such well-developed characters and some of the most accurate, beautiful descriptions and scenery to plop you right into the story. I especially enjoyed the nostalgia as a ’90s gal myself. The story has perfect pacing and intrigue and even some twists, some laughs, some tears, and a swoon-worthy ending.

This book has made it to my reread list! Which is a rather short list of books I’d deem worthy to spend time on again—when there are SO MANY others in my backlog (TBR) and many others destined to wind up there.

And if you’re looking for supplemental background on the inspiration for the story follow Stacey Potter’s Instagram where she posts about such things @ staceypotterauthor

She’s just so lovely and inspirational and I cannot wait to read more from Stacey Potter! And may she not take sixteen years to bring us another enjoyable Goodread!
Profile Image for Bedside Book Review.
76 reviews14 followers
November 23, 2020
The Project is the debut novel by Stacey Potter and is a lovely piece of women's fiction that will warm the soul on a winter's day.
The story focuses on Sabella Pierce, a college sophomore, in 1994, who is tasked with a project for her psychology class. Reluctantly she becomes a volunteer at a nursing home and adopts-a-grandparent. Something she really doesn't want to do as her perceptions of the elderly are narrowed to the experiences she has had with her own curmudgeonly grandmother.
She meets May, an eighty-three year old free spirit, who is completely different from Sabella's grandmother. Over the time they spend together Sabella becomes fascinated by May's independent life and the stories about the love that got away. She determines to seek out this lost love for May and at the same time gets tangled up in her own love drama.
This is such a sweet tale of unexpected love. Not just in the romantic sense but also with the love one can find for another human being through treasured time together and understanding of their situations.
Sabella, is a young woman struggling with the everyday stresses of studying away from home and having doubts about her long-term boyfriend, Ryan. At the beginning of the book I wasn't sure whether I particularly liked her character or not. She, ironically, is very much like the perception she has of the elderly; stubborn, has set opinions and is not happy about being told what to do.
However, it is through May and the reluctant friendship she forms with Ted, a college student who works at the nursing home, that Sabella's character changes.
In a world where we are hooked to our smartphones and computers and communicating in short, quick messages, it is easy to take for granted the value of sitting and spending quality time with another person, whatever their age. This book reminisces on times when a written letter could mean so very much and be treasured.
I'd absolutely recommend this debut novel to those who enjoy a story that makes you reflect and hopefully it will encourage us all to send an actual letter from time to time instead of just an electronic message.

Thank you to Hadleigh House Publishing for sending me an ARC to read and review ahead of release.
Profile Image for Kerry - Readkerryread .
1,388 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2020
I was so grateful to be able to talk to the author and get some answers to the questions I had after reading so I figured I would share them. 

While not a memoir, some of the situations in the book happened in real life. For example, she went to a Christian University, and the dorms were not co-ed as depicted. This tripped me up, I went to Ohio State which was a total party school, co-ed on my floor, we mingled as we wished. I mean I totally went for the academic experience. Cough cough. 

Also "Kari" was a real person, the windshield scene really happened. The author also participated in the adopt-a-grandparent program for a school assignment. She said it was life changing, and even sent copies of the book to the nursing home when it was published. Robert Smith from the Cure was a real crush of hers. This I had a hard time wrapping my brain around, but we do fall for the broody guys, right? Jared Leto in My So-Called Life, anyone?
 
 This story takes you through Sabella's sophomore year at college. She is dating Ryan whom she began dating at the age of fifteen. They have been having a bit of a slump, and it takes you through their journey. The main focus is her project for her Psychology class, she has to volunteer for 40 hours, and write on her experience. Through this she meets May. May is unlike her own grandmother who was bitter and mean spirited, and why she didn't want to do this project. However, May is quite different, she was a trailblazer. Educated with a Master's degree, an entrepreneur who owned her own business, and never married which was uncommon in her day. Sabella grows to enjoy her time with May and opens her heart to her life, perspective, and experiences. 

I think this book ended as it should, though Sabella did have to go through some hard moments to get there. While the beginning was a little hard for me to get into because my college life was so different, I am glad I stuck it out because it was worth the read in the end. 
Warning: There is some cheating in the book, however it wasn't the main character and it was handled well. 

Thank you to the author for giving me a copy to read, and answering all my questions. All opinions are my own. 
Profile Image for Michaella Dieter.
Author 13 books237 followers
November 28, 2020
The Project is Stacey Potter's debut novel - and what a debut! I'm shocked that this wasn't written by an experienced novelist. Although not the usual type of book I read (which worried me a little to start) I could barely put it down, and read it in one sitting. It is beautifully written, well edited, brought out all the feels, made me laugh and cry.

In my book - 5 star books should have the power to illicit emotions from you. Whether good or bad, whether laughter or tears...a good author is able to draw out emotions from the reader. Stacey has that magic!

Taking place in the mid-nineties, (high school Senior year for me), it was like taking a trip down memory lane. How on earth did I forget about coinkydink?? Parties at the roller skating rink and Boys II Men, hoop earring from Claire's...it was nice to have a nod to my teenage years.

I'll admit that I wasn't too fond of Sabella to start with. She reminded me a lot of Scarlett O'Hara's character. But I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the book, and by the end, was rooting for her.

I very much enjoyed this book, and definitely will be back to read any books Stacey releases in the future. Congratulations on an excellent debut! ❤

Profile Image for Ruzana Glaeser.
117 reviews
November 21, 2020
I read this book in two sittings for a couple of reasons: it was a nice escapism, and I wanted to know what happens next.

Stacey's characters are relatable, and I caught myself reminiscing about my younger years; about drama, passion, and confusion surrounding my high school and college relationships.

I particularly enjoyed parts of the story involving May, and couldn't get enough interactions with her. I was surprised by the turn of events in the book and liked the fact that I didn't see it coming.

I was rooting for Ted and wished there was more story between Sabella and him, and Ryan's character brought a whole lot of memories back of how attracted I was to bad boys in my youth.
Profile Image for Sara.
16 reviews
December 6, 2020
For the first part of this book, I strongly disliked the main character, Sabella, a college sophomore taking on an adopt-a-grandparent project for her social psych class. However, I immediately loved May, Sabella's adopted grandma. May's story mixed with independence and lost love captivated me. Thankfully, Sabella grew emotionally during the course of the novel, and by the end I was rooting for her and eager to finish the book to see how her story resolved. I also fell deep into nostalgia while reading The Project. It is set in my college town, in the mid-90s (when I went to college). The novel brought back memories of music I loved, places I went, and a time when email and the internet were new. It also brought back the drama of young love and the struggles of figuring out who you are. The Project is a solid debut novel by Stacey Potter.
1 review
December 13, 2020
I just finished reading The Project written by Stacey Potter. I literally couldn’t put the book down. I was laughing at times, crying at times and found myself relating to Sabella at times. I never imagined there would be such an amazing twist. My mouth literally dropped when I read about the twist and couldn’t wait to finish reading the book to see how everything played out. After I was done reading the story, I found myself wanting and wishing there were more chapters to read. From the beginning to the end this book keeps you engaged. I highly recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Rachel Stern.
1 review1 follower
November 23, 2020
The Project is a great read for anyone who loves romance and love triangles, old and new. Sabella’s character is relatable, she is a sophomore in college who has to work with an elderly woman as her “Project”. I used to work in a nursing home during high school so I totally related to this story. There were a few patients that I came to love through my work there, and I know May would have been one of them! I loved the use of the letters in the story, taking us back in time to when May was in her own romance. I can’t wait to read another Stacey Potter novel!
1 review
November 24, 2020
I read this is 48 hours! I loved the characters and could defiantly relate with the college relationships AND it’s set in my home town. I really wanted to see where they ended up and why. The end, I didn’t see coming, which is another reason I loved it! Settle in this winter with The Project, you’ll be glad you did.
1 review1 follower
November 25, 2020
I’m in the middle this book and not wanting it to end! Love the setting, love the characters, love the references, love the sweet story of the main character and her elderly friend, and love the angst of young love! I’m laughing, I’m cringing, I’m anticipating, and I’m crying! Must read!!
Profile Image for Erica.
5 reviews
December 29, 2023
While I liked the premise of the story, the writing style wasn’t for me. It was fun reading a story set at the college I attended.
Profile Image for Andreina Aquique.
3 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2021
This one caught me by surprise. Easy read and heartwarming story. Can’t wait for a sequel!!
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,313 reviews112 followers
December 6, 2020
First, I want to thank Stacey Potter and Hadleigh House Publishing for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

The Project is a sweet story written by Stacey Potter that will make you want to call your Gram. This book is so sweet, sometimes funny, and will make you shed a tear. However, it had oh so much drama, lying and cheating too!

This book is dedicated to Stacey’s Dad Don Kaufman. She misses you every day.

Stacey picked such a beautiful name for her main character I have never heard of before-Sabella. I love when authors think outside of the box like this. It shows how creative they are.

Sabella uses my phrase that I have used often in life-what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I think everyone at some point said this phrase this year.

The prologue was a great teaser to what was to come for the story. I really wanted to know who Ryan was and what he did to hurt her. Plus, who Ted was.

I had to chuckle when I saw the mention of Days of our Lives on the big screen TV as I once was a huge fan back in the day! In the book Stacey mentions they are escaping the real world by watching it. I now escape reality by reading and reviewing.

There were definitely some moments where I cracked up laughing. The banter between Sabella and Jaqee was too funny! Loved those two when they were together.

I loved learning how Sabella and Ryan met when she was 15 years old. I admit I didn’t catch that she was reminiscing about the time when she met him. So, I needed to re-read that section to comprehend that section of the story.

My heart went out to Sabella who didn’t have a positive role model in her Grandma growing up as she would fat sham her. Not only to her granddaughter but to her own daughter as well. It is no wonder she was hesitant to do her project with the nursing home residents.

The Adopt-a-Grandparent program seemed like a really great volunteer opportunity even if it was for school.

I am a huge Garth Brooks fan and The Dance is one of my favorite songs. I loved how Stacey picked that song for Ryan and Sabella to dance to at the Barn Dance.

There is one part in the story where Stacey had me tearing up. So, you might need some tissues handy.

I absolutely love how this story came about from Stacey’s own Adopt-a-Grandparent experience with her Grandparent Amy.





Profile Image for Jayne Norman.
Author 9 books12 followers
January 13, 2021
Wow this book was great. I couldn’t put it down. It brought back many memories of my younger years and I could resonate with a number of characters in the book. I wasn’t expecting that ending at all. I laughed and cried through the chapters. I liked that each chapter was shorter than a lot of books I have read. It allowed me to read 2-3 chapters at a time in between doing other activities. It is well written and brought back memories of my life and decisions I have made over the years. I felt like I was one of the characters in the book as I could get stuck into it so easily. I hope I grow old to be the kind of person May was. I’ve certainly had as colourful a life as her. Well done Stacey for persevering to complete this book. Your dad would be so proud of you. Can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Kelly Eddy.
1 review
December 27, 2020
The Project includes all the feels. Young love, heartbreak, friendship, love, tears but so enjoyable and not predictable! I hope Stacey Potter continues her writing journey!
Profile Image for Yesse ||   Within_the_Pages.
218 reviews19 followers
December 2, 2020
First I would like to thank Hadleigh House Publishing for the #arc in return for my honest review.

Sabella Pierce is a sophomore in college. This semester her psych teacher assigns the students with a project where they have to volunteer 40 hours of their time to a non-profit and they must journal their entire experience. After going through the list of options, the only position still available was at a nursing facility for the elderly, which is the last thing Sabella wants to do, but she really doesn't have another option.

At the same time, Sabella is dealing with the ups and downs of college life. Homework, studying, parties, boyfriend drama and friends.

This book took me back to my college days. And given that it's set in the 1990's, I was literally graduating High School and transitioning to college life myself during this time. The references to Swatch watches and phones. Land lines. The Cure. Definitely a trip down memory lane which I very much enjoyed.

To be honest.... I didn't really like Sabella's character at first, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching (reading) her grow. I felt that she was very needy and judgmental in the beginning and that never rubs me the right way, but her character blossomed. She grew, she matured and that was refreshing. Because to be honest at times I wanted to smack her and be like wtf are you doing and by the end of the book I kept saying.... "yes!!!!!! Thank you!!!! Finally!!!!" Her relationship with May, her Adopt-a-Grandparent, was probably what I loved most about this read. May's personality was hilarious and refreshing. Her character reminded me a lot of my own grandmother.

This story had me on a rollercoaster of emotions but it was nice to finally take a break from my go-to thrillers to read something a little more girly and with such a beautiful message. A few good messages actually. Definitely recommend. Really good debut novel Stacey Potter.
Profile Image for Emily Portman.
332 reviews45 followers
December 1, 2020
Wow, what an absolute delight this book is! It’s one of the most beautiful, meaningful and touching books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, and it really does put an awful lot of things into perspective. This book is the author’s debut and I can’t quite believe how brilliant it is for a first novel! I’m so so happy to be sharing my review on the book’s release day, I hope you’ll all take a look and support if you love women’s fiction!

This book is a thing of brilliance – a beautiful journey which brings two generations together. Sabella and May influence each other’s lives in such a way that brings out so much emotion and forces readers to become so immersed in their journey. The author’s talent is extraordinary and I would urge everyone to read this! Nothing I write will ever be able to do this book justice, and I’m already getting impatient waiting for another book! Be prepared to laugh, cry and have your life changed by reading this story – heart-warming and unforgettable to the very core.

You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/12...
Profile Image for Hayley Walsh.
Author 5 books36 followers
February 18, 2021
Great Read

A lovely read that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I really enjoyed it. An emotional journey that will keep you turning the pages.
Profile Image for Kate.
1 review
December 3, 2020
This was such a great find! I loved the characters, the setting, and the plot! It's sort of a mix of young love, coming-of-age drama, and poignant life lessons all wrapped into one beautiful package that will keep you turning the page until the very end! I can't wait to see what's next from this debut author!
Profile Image for Michelle.
5 reviews
December 5, 2020
Could be a fun choice for a GenX-aged mom book club. I don't want to add any spoilers but so many discussion questions come to mind!
1 review1 follower
November 29, 2020
This story drew me in with the nostalgia of the setting and kept me engaged with its story line. It brought me back to my college days during the 90’s in the Fargo/Moorhead area. The story provided romance, sadness, joy and surprise. It was a perfect weekend read to cuddle up on the couch with.
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