Review by Booklist Review
Struggling with grief after losing her boyfriend a few years before, Bennet is trying to live the life they'd planned in New York City. She attempts to go on a blind date but chickens out and gets drunk instead. Realizing she left her wallet, she returns the next day, only to meet the date she ignored, Henry. She tells him about her fears and why she is having trouble, and he proposes that they meet weekly to take fun excursions to search for Bennet's passion in life. Their friendship evolves in humorous adventures, from designing tattoos to building a rooftop oasis. Bennet realizes she is falling in love with Henry and that she no longer wants to push away everyone who tries to connect with her in her grief. Traveling to her former boyfriend's sister's wedding with Henry forces her to come to terms with the future she wants. Bennet's journey out of grief is painfully realistic, while her connection with Henry and her roommate offer hope and positive rungs on a ladder to a better future in Sperry's richly layered debut.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Sperry's big-hearted debut finds Bennet Taylor grieving the death of her first love two years earlier. She feels like a shell of her former self, with no interest in her career or hobbies and no desire to date. "It's like my grief has tethered me to myself," she muses, "the walls of sadness like shrink-wrap surrounding all sides of me until I can barely breathe." Her friends insist she get back out there, however, and arrange for her to go on a blind date. On the way there, she has a panic attack and bails on the guy to drink her feelings away, only to later end up vomiting on the very stranger she was being set up with. Henry Adams sees a woman in distress, not in need of pity, but of compassion and friendship. He offers to help her rediscover her lust for life by taking her on a series of excursions throughout New York City until something sparks a passion. Sperry crafts a poignant and deeply empathetic tale that doesn't shy away from the messiness of grief but balances the pain with humor and joy. Henry's patience and steadfastness make him a swoonworthy hero, while Bennet's rich interiority invites readers into her heavy emotions. Abby Jimenez fans should snap this up. (Apr.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
DEBUT Sperry's debut delivers a poignant exploration of grief, healing, and the unexpected ways love can reenter one's life. It follows Bennet Taylor, a young woman struggling with the death of her boyfriend and drifting through temporary jobs in New York City, and takes an engaging turn when she reconnects with Henry Adams, a date she previously ghosted. Sperry crafts a thoughtful narrative around Henry's unique proposal to Bennet: that they go on weekly adventures to discover new passions in life. Through these experiences, Bennet's journey from emotional isolation to self-acceptance unfolds. Sperry excels at portraying the complexities of grief without overwhelming the story's hopeful undertones. While romance blooms between Bennet and Henry, the novel's true strength lies in its profound character development. Henry's patient, understanding approach to Bennet's healing process creates a compelling dynamic that feels both realistic and emotionally satisfying. VERDICT A skillful debut that balances emotional depth with moments of joy and discovery. Ideal for readers who appreciate romance novels that delve deeper into personal growth and healing. Sperry establishes herself as a promising voice in contemporary romance with this touching exploration of love after loss.--Michelle Mistalski
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