I really love flawed characters and challenging topics, so I had a feeling I’d like this one. But gosh, it was even better than I expected. The story follows Emma, an alcoholic who has just reached one year of sobriety. While Emma can admit her life is undeniably better and richer than before, it very thoughtfully explores how sobriety isn’t the blissful experience she had imagined. 

It was such a raw, real look at alcoholism. And I like that it didn't rely on external conflicts to threaten Emma's sobriety. Instead, the focus was on Emma embracing her new life, seeing the world through a different lens, moving on from her mistakes, and learning to open up the most messy parts of herself to others.

It was both wonderfully emotional and funny, with Emma navigating newfound friendships, major family challenges, and even the expectations within her AA group. The romance with Ben, the charming IT guy at her office, was beyond sweet and perfectly placed within the story. I truly loved everything about this one!

(heat level: one open-door scene, mild details. language throughout)