Im glad I took the time to read this! Lily is the youngest sister in a family of high achievers, while she’s been struggling to find her way. She dreams of being an editor for children’s books but, is stuck in non-fiction publishing, working for an out of touch, bullish, rude woman, who is failing fast. Lily, routinely searches the internet for updates on her favorite author. She, and his fans, have been waiting years for him to write the sequel to his debut book. After a particularly bad day at work, she discovers he has started a website that includes a contact page. Introverted and awkward Lily, decides to risk it all, and shoots him an email to encourage him to write the next book. This starts what becomes a months long friendship between the two. Lily in New York and Nick, abroad, become pen-pals. When Lily presses Nick for a Zoom meeting, he agrees, but no shows and ghosts Lily.

Later, Lily, attracted to a new neighbor in her building, decides to ask him to her sister’s wedding. She doesn’t know the neighbor is Nick, the author that ghosted her months earlier. Nick finds himself head over heels for Lily but has no idea how to explain to her what he has going on and why he ghosted her. And what if she doesnt understand and forgive him? All could be lost!

Pros: I love a story that does not start off with insta-love or hate! Lily sparked a convo with her fav author, to express respect and ask when the next book was coming. She had no idea they would turn into pen-pals! I loved the written communication between her and Nick - it was a great representation of how friendships actually spark.

I enjoyed that Lily and Nick's characters represented backstory's I rarely see depicted in contemporary black fiction. Lily, narrates about struggling under the burden of 'Black Excellence'. Her 2 sisters, and parents, don't suffer the social awkwardness that plagues her, were successful academics, and have turned that into professional success in mainstream careers. While Lily, struggles socially, is insecure about her appearance, struggled academically, and is basically working class poor. Though everyone is supportive, her sisters do overreach. Lily feels like her family is disappointed in her and waiting for her to get it right. For her part, Lily recognizes she is stuck and we get to witness her successfully trying to get out of her comfort zone.

Full review: shesreadingnow.wordpress.com