Release date: April 16, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis:
After a tumultuous childhood, Christa Liddle has hidden away, both figuratively and literally. Happily studying sea snails in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Christa finds her tranquil existence thrown into chaos when her once-famous father—long thought dead after a plane crash—turns out to be alive, well, and ready to make amends. The world goes wild, fascinated by this real-life saga, pinning Christa and her family under the spotlight. As if that weren’t enough, her reunion with an old childhood friend reveals an intense physical attraction neither was expecting and both want to act on . . . if they can just keep a lid on it. When her father’s story starts to develop cracks, Christa fears she will lose herself, her potential relationship, and—most importantly—any chance of making it back to her snails before they forget her completely.
Review:
I have really enjoyed several of the authors books, her style is funny and charming and she always writes memorable characters with plenty of quirks and this was no exception. Everything about this one was unique, maybe to the point of some silliness but I didn’t even care because it was so much fun. A believable plot? No, not exactly. But believable characters and authentic reactions and family dynamics? I think so. I would say this is mostly a complicated family drama steeped in humor that doesn’t take itself seriously whatsoever with a side of romance. While all the quirky characters won me over at first meeting I was most charmed by Christa herself. She’s funny, a mess, introverted, nerdy, intelligent, interesting and self deprecating. As the sole narrator of the story she was wildly entertaining and the author did a great job of showing character growth with her by the end. Overall this one was a delight and I think it would make for a perfect vacation read.
Overall rating: 4/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Novelgossip 