SPLENDID EXPERIENCES

_{…‘Love is crushing. Love is something you let yourself feel at your own peril, despite your better sense’…} 

I read this book on a Saturday, and I couldn’t put it down, it was that good. A deeply moving story with an intricate throuple.

The story follows a young woman nicknamed Daisy, later known as Jordan – a name given to her by Sam and Yash, her classmates in a literature course. The novel follows Jordan’s life from her senior year of college to adulthood, where she is married with children.

During her college years, Jordan spends most of her time with Sam and Yash, sharing long discussions about literature and bonding over card games. Friendships evolve into romance, introducing emotional complexity and difficult choices. These decisions, deeply influenced by questions of faith and life’s complexities, shape the course of their futures.

As the story shifts to a married Jordan, the impact of those formative years becomes clear. The choices made in college echo forward, altering their lives in ways that cannot be undone. When long-buried secrets resurface amid a terminal illness, Jordan, Yash and Sam are forced to confront the lasting consequences of their past.

Heart the Lover ripped my heart in half and left me shattered. This was my first Lily King book, and I loved her writing style; this story is told from a narrator’s perspective. The characters were memorable and the story telling gripped me from the first chapter. I fully understand the hype around this book and why it became a favourite for so many readers in 2025.

2. Before We Were Strangers – Renee Carlino

• 5 Stars

_{‘We were victims of bad timing. But here we are again.’}

As I read Matthias and Graceland’s story, my heart ached for them in the best possible way, and I found myself cheering for them. Their bond felt like a once‑in‑a‑million kind of love, destined to endure every challenge and hardship that was thrown their way.

Matt and Grace meet in college on their first day at Senior College and become ‘Fast Friends’ – they become inseparable. Matt is an aspiring photographer, while Grace is a music major. Their bond is magnetic; they inspire and nurture each other’s creative gifts, and over time their friendship deepens into love, both believing it will last forever.

But when they’re each offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Matt accepts his without any hesitation, while Grace has her reservations. As they navigate the next phase of their lives, things fall apart – everything begins to unravel, there’s communication breakdown – time passes and life goes on.

3. Twice – Mitch Albom

• 4 Stars

_{‘You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.’}

Twice is packed with so many meaningful moments, I could not put it down.

The book begins with Alfie (Alfred) Logan in Nassau, being interrogated by a detective for allegedly cheating and winning millions at a casino roulette wheel. During the interrogation, he reads from a notebook and relays the intriguing story of his life – spanning his time in Africa and America. We also discover that Alfie has a unique ability to go back and do things a second time, altering the outcome for better or worse. His love story pulls you in; it’s earnest, compelling, and filled with valuable lessons along the way.

When I was reading this book, I had a few moments of reflection and wondered; if I had the ability to go back, what moments would I choose to do twice? For me, there are two pivotal moments, and both involve using the time I had with people who were once dear to the fullest.

This is the third Mitch Albom book I’ve read. The first was Tuesdays with Morrie, which I discovered while navigating life with a terminally ill sibling. That book became the therapy I needed. Twice was just as profound for me, and it served as a powerful reminder to cherish the time we have with the people we love- real life has no do-overs.

4. The First Time I Saw Him – Laura Dave

• 3.5 Stars

The First Time I Saw Him is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me, it was selected as one of Reese’s Book Club picks for January and the novel generated significant interest, following the release of the Apple TV series trailer which will air on the 20th February 2026.

The book is a continuation of the story from Last Thing He Told Me. Although I haven’t read the original, I watched the TV series and found it gripping. Naturally, I was intrigued by The First Time I Saw Him and wanted to read it before the start of the TV series.

The story starts five years after Owen’s disappearance and focuses on Hannah and her stepdaughter Bailey, now living in Southern California. When Owen is spotted, Hannah quickly understands that their safety is at risk, and life begins to unravel for them. Hannah mission is to keep Bailey safe. The story delves into the past, I enjoyed getting to know all the other characters and the intricacies of their connections. The one theme that stood out for me in this book, is family and the lengths people go to protect their loved ones.

The book is fast paced and easy to get into. I’m still on the fence on whether reading the book before the TV series will have an impact. I guess I’ll have the answer once I’ve watched the TV series.

5. An Almost Perfect Summer – Jill Mansel

• 3.5 Stars

I’m a sucker for books set in small towns, I enjoy the escape and picturing the setting and getting lost in it. This book was fun to read from that perspective but felt the multiple characters that get introduced make it hard to stay engaged.

The story opens with Nella and Nick bickering over the last bunch of roses at a farm shop. Nick is a charming and attractive man who manages luxury holiday homes in a Cotswolds village, while Nella is a highly organized local whose life is abruptly disrupted when she loses her job due to circumstances beyond her control. From there, the novel unfolds through a series of events that gradually draw the two characters together.

Following her redundancy, Nick offers Nella a position at the retreat. Although there is an undeniable spark between them, Nella is determined to resist her growing feelings. As she begins working at the retreat, the reader is introduced to a range of intriguing characters, each with their own storyline. These narratives are thoughtfully interwoven, adding depth and variety to Nick and Nella’s developing relationship.

My only criticism is that I would have liked to see more development in Nick and Nella’s romance. That said, the novel remains thoroughly enjoyable, light-hearted, and entertaining.

6. The Beginning of Everything – Jackie Frase

• 3 Stars

Even though I found the premise of the story in the beginning slightly unrealistic, I enjoyed the unfolding story of Jess and Gethin’s relationship. Jess has escaped a bad relationship and is homeless. She finds shelter and becomes a squatter. Gethin, the owner of the house, a kindhearted man, finds Jess in his home and lets her stay. Jess and Gethin get to know each other, and they become friends who develop feelings for each other.

I was proud of Jess for her bravery for leaving her abusive relationship. Gethin’s patience and kindness towards Jess was commendable.

This is a character-driven story, easy to read and get into. The pacing was good. If the premise wasn’t so unrealistic, I would have given the book 4 stars.