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| One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid pub 6/7/16 by Washington Sq Press Adult - Contemporary Received via Netgalley |
She consistently writes love stories that are unique and powerful and explores important themes centered around choice, fate and what it means to love someone. One True Loves is no different and something about it resonated deeply with me. I've never been in Emma Blair's shoes, nor would I want to be once I tell you what she goes through, but I related to what she faced internally because it goes far beyond just romance.
Emma married her high school sweetheart, Jesse, when they were in their twenties and it was so easy to love them together. There was an immediate spark and understanding. They pushed each other to pursue their dreams, built a life out in California away from their hometown in Massachusetts and traveled the world. Then Jesse travels the day before their first wedding anniversary and his helicopter goes missing. He's presumed dead.. until Jesse is found years later. But by that time, Emma is in her thirties and a much different woman. Despite how impossible it seemed, she got a second chance at happiness. She moved back home to be closer to her family, found another job she could be proud of and fell in love with a old friend, named Sam, who she ran into by chance one day. And again, it was so easy to love Emma & Sam well. They too shared a spark, an understanding and a beautiful life together. But with Jesse back, Emma is at a crossroads. Who does she want? Who does she truly love?
What struck me about this story is that at the core, it's about Emma and who she is. Or more importantly, who she wants to be. Whether it's friendship or romance, different people bring out different sides in us. And I truly believe knowing and loving who you are helps you determine who you want in your life. But it's not easy and the author does Emma's turmoil justice as she struggles with the choice between these two men. She doesn't want to hurt anyone but the truth is, someone is going to get hurt despite how genuinely she loves them both. And I got it. I absolutely got it. Which is why it made my heart ache as she went through the painful process of finding the answers within herself.
Aside from that, it's an extremely thought-provoking book. It makes you wonder about how seemingly unimportant decisions, like going to the store, could have a profound effect on your life. It makes you think about first, second and last loves. It makes you wonder what life and what you want. I could go on and on.
Do I recommend?
I do! As I was reading, I kept stopping to highlight different passages and I know I'll be returning to them again. It's a book I highly recommend you check out.
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Giveaway!
2 COMPLETE SETS OF SIGNED TJR BOOKS
5 SIGNED COPIES OF ONE TRUE LOVES
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author and essayist from Acton, Massachusetts. She is the author of Forever, Interrupted, After I Do and Maybe In Another Life. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and her dog, Rabbit. You can follow her on Twitter @TJenkinsReid or Facebook.
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This novel was so, so, so brilliant. I really loved that Taylor Jenkins Reid made me think, yet again, about the different sides of such a complicated situation! She really does have the magic touch when it comes to telling stories with such incredible, thought-provoking themes. Loved this book!
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