really good, actually

By: Monica Heisey

RECOMMEND

TLDR: Maggie is going through a breakup, and trying to figure out a new plan for life without the person that she thought she’d share everything with. This is a comedy, and a (mostly) lighthearted read.

The Longer Review: Maggie lives in Toronto with her husband Jon, until that is – she decides that she and Jon no longer ‘work’. Following Maggie’s eratic and emotional journey post-separation feels very authentic to the human experience when going through a divorce. The author is witty, and brings levity to an otherwise tumultuous scenario.

No life lessons or emotional awakenings here; just the relationship grieving process brought to life. For a moment, likely because the separation was her idea, Maggie tries to cling to the idea that she’s doing really well actually. Her friends and family know her better than that though, with one friend eventually calling Maggie a “little garbage tornado”. I identified with Maggie’s tendency to overthink things and even her desire to over-communicate (though I admittedly lack her bravery to hit ‘send’). I also think that the author channeled every woman’s inner critiques beautifully in this novel (‘I hate my arms’, ‘If I could just get rid of that forehead wrinkle’, etc.), even if Maggie may occasionally take even those to another lever.

really good, actually by Monica Heisley

Georgie All Along

By: Kate Clayborn

RECOMMEND

TLDR: This is a RomCom that’s slightly heavier on the [fairly steamy] Rom – which was unexpected. All in all, it’s a quick, cute read so if RomCom’s are your thing I say go for it. Georgie is an endearing main character and I also found myself interested in the story lines of several of the secondary characters.

The [slightly] Longer Review: Georgie All Along follows a newly laid off Personal Assistant to a big-time movie Producer as she heads back to her hometown to visit her very pregnant best friend while she attempts to figure out what’s next. If the words “Hallmark Movie” are flashing in your head right now, let me say – I get it. And also you’re not entirely wrong. The author actually makes mention of the topic a couple of times; not sure if this was to throw the reader off the scent or because the author genuinely believes that this isn’t the same thing.

Regardless, this was a fun and easy read. The character development and writing were nice, and I do think it offers some unique story elements even if not entirely realistic. I like a story that makes me feel like I might know some of the people in it. Again – if RomCom’s are your thing then Happy Reading! 🙂

Georgie All Along, by Kate Clayborn