This book surprised me. Elle frequently sacrifices her happiness for others and I wanted desperately to see her get her own happily ever after. It just wasn’t with the person I thought it would be.

Elle had plans to leave her small town of Haileybrook, to travel, and be a journalist in London, but life happened. In fact, every time Elle had an exciting opportunity to leave her hometown, something would keep her there. Be it love, illness, or just fear, her plans go by the wayside until she chooses her own happiness.

Elle is unlucky in love as she tries to work out her life and relationships. Her soulmate is out there, it just takes some time to find him. Her compliant nature is a little frustrating, but there is thankfully a point where she finally channels her formidable mother and grows a backbone. I enjoyed watching Elle grow and become more self-assured.

There are a number of compelling supporting characters. Elle’s friends, Lucy and Seth are over the top when it comes to wedding planning, Toby, Elle’s best friend, is brooding and playful, but sends mixed messages, Mrs. Cooper, Toby and Seth’s Nan is a sly matchmaker, and Zach, Elle’s college acquaintance, and pen pal is a hilarious KitKat fanatic.

I highly recommend this contemporary romance with relatable characters and compelling content filled with family, friends, love, and finding oneself.

Thank you to Ms. Huston for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.