Many thanks to my friends at @foreverreads for this #gifted book.  

 

Part of Your World was one of my favorite reads last year.  The baby goat in pajamas.  The cozy, small town.  The perfectly magical romance.  I still swoon. 

But when you find the most perfect read, it’s difficult for the follow up to have the same magnetic pull.  

 

Of course, this is Abby, so I definitely found plenty to love in this read.  But those things felt a bit overshadowed by what didn’t work, especially towards the end.  

 

What I loved:

 

💌The letters- So sweet and tender!  I was totally smitten with the way Brianna and Jacob’s love story began.

💌The witty exchanges- I am a sucker for good banter, and the sarcasm level in the exchanges between Bri and Jacob were “chef’s kiss.” 

💌The safe word- Not only was this such fun to see executed in the varied scenarios, it also showcased Briana’s attention to Jacob’s needs.  Swoon.  

💌A man with plants- Listen, I love a rugged man as much as the next girl.  But a man who can keep plants alive?  This is next level.  

💌The mental health focus- Jacob’s anxiety felt real and genuine.  I think many people will find themselves identifying with his struggles.  I particularly appreciated the focus on calming techniques and seeking therapy. 

💌 The ending- The way she brought the story full circle! She totally nailed it.  

 

What didn’t work:

 

✉️The transplant narrative- This generous gift (and much needed representation) started to feel icky as it was intermingled with fake dating and family expectations.  For me, it confused the altruistic nature of the transplant.   

✉️Miscommunication trope- This is my *very* least favorite trope.  And the more it played out in the end, the more I began to dislike Briana after having appreciated her fierce and caring nature for much of the read.

✉️A 2nd last quarter breakup but 90% in- I hesitated to even mention this.  And yet, because it created such frustration in me as a reader, I felt I must.  In the last countdown towards a HEA, I was gobsmacked by this.  And ultimately, it interfered with my enjoyment of what really should’ve been the perfect ending.  

 

Overall, I enjoyed this read.  But it didn’t ooze romance magic like I had hoped.