Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the chance to read an ARC of Nora Goes Off Script. I am sharing a review voluntarily.

From the first page, I was curious. I’d been drawn to a story of a woman experiencing love closer to my demographics and experiences than I often read. I loved the rawness of this story. I was worried we’d have to get through her first break-up to get to the real story, the new romance with Leo. I was relieved to learn that the story starts after the break-up and in the middle of a new space. I enjoyed the flashbacks and retrospective on Nora’s relationship with Ben, though it did feel a bit suffocating at points. I had this overhanging sense that Nora needed to stop the comparison to fully let go and move on. I’m sure that’s easier said than done after a long relationship.

The romance with Leo felt both unexpected and predictable and I liked how it unfolded. He had an air of chaos to his decisions and movements and it was totally plausible though baffling that he’d just evaporate. I didn’t see the twist/resolution coming at all and was satisfied by it.

The dialogue was punchy and sarcastic and I enjoyed it so much. Sometimes some of the narrative was a bit dry but I think that reflected Nora’s affect. I also love that the kids were age appropriate and had personalities. They weren’t schmaltzy caricatures of children, much like a made for tv romance.

This story really was a delight to read and reflect on. I am so glad I read it.