Hey all!
Have you ever gone to your public library, retrieved a book they notified you was ready for pick up, looked at it, read the back cover, and thought…”huh, I wonder how this got on my hold list” but then you took it home and read it anyway?
That’s what happened with this one. Turns out, it was just the dose of fun, fluffy fiction I needed to combat my anxiety and fatigue this week. Thanks, universe!
“Not Like the Movies” is the story of Chloe, a young woman in Columbus, Ohio. Chloe’s life mainly consists of her job as a barista, and tending to her father who is living in a care facility due to his progressing Alzheimers. She’s also taking online classes to finish her business degree, whipping up baked goods to sell in the cafe where she works, and helping her best friend plan and execute her dream wedding in record time. She’s exhausted, but reluctant to rely on anyone for help, as she is one of those people who is sure it’s just easier to do things yourself. As you read more about her background, you begin to understand.
Meanwhile, her best friend has written a rom-com, which is actually being made into a movie! But, it’s based loosely on Chloe’s life and heavily features her job at the cafe, and Chloe is getting rather tired of people happily assuming she’s really dating her boss. Even though he is super hot and, despite all of her protestations, probably into her. Witty banter and playlist battles take center stage in this one, readers.
Like the rom-coms before it (and referenced heavily in it), this book will just make you feel happy. Not all the time; people in rom-coms never just get it right on the first try. And for caretakers of aging or sick parents, there are a couple of scenes where Chloe’s despair and obvious desire to do the best for her dad ring may hit a little too on the nose. But the story of Chloe and her friendships, and in some cases more-than-friendships, is a fun, light, sweet, predictable-in-the-best-way escape from our current reality. I turned off the news, put down my phone, snuggled under my favorite blanket, and just enjoyed the story for a few quiet hours.
This is a follow up to “Waiting for Tom Hanks” but you don’t *need* to have read that to enjoy this one. It would add to the enjoyment though. Either way it’s a quick, easy read, and perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Beth Harbison, Christina Lauren and/or Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan.
There’s little alcohol swilling in this one, but lots of coffee. So I’ll recommend a favorite java-inspired standby, the Kahlua and cream. You’ll only need one though…the sweetness of this book goes a long way.
-Jaclyn