Mallory was sometimes unlikable, but usually she was easy to understand and sympathize with. She went back and forth a lot on her life and what she hopes to accomplish. She was a bit of a roller coaster character, but that made her more real. She was always questioning herself and others motives. She had a hard time trusting herself and others after what happened in the past and she easily fell back into the emotions and troubles she was trying to escape from. While she felt more mature, she often backslid into her adolescent anxieties. However, ten years have passed and the distance and loneliness, as well as the time, has helped Mallory to review what happened, how it happened and how her actions or inaction lead to where she now is in life. She knows she is also to blame, that she made her own choices, and while she wishes that others would understand her more, in the end she has to understand herself. I completely disliked Sam and was tempted a couple times to skip chapters that he was heavily featured in. However, some of Mallory's best personal insights happened because of her relationship, or lack thereof, with Sam. Sam, as a character, was selfish, uncaring, judgmental, and cared more about appearance and money than he did about other people's hearts or emotions. Mallory and Sam sometimes made a good couple, but more often then not, he was not a good fit for her wild, homespun, friendly personality. It is with Sam she sees what a relationship really is, it is about connection, love, trust and being yourself. I loved Kelly and Tyler's characters. Both of them had deep insight into Mallory as a person, they were support for her, when she did not know it. They were both well developed and sympathetic. Kelly's life is hard, sometimes tragic, but she is determined, strong and deeply motivated to change her situation. Her friendship with Mallory was the gem of the book. How they broke apart and slowly came back together. I loved this look at how a friendship changes over the course of a life. From childhood best friends to almost just adult acquaintances, this is the reality of friendship. Sometimes we grow apart, and that is okay, but sometimes we can easily grow back together. Tyler was my favourite character and I wish he was in the book more. In fact, I hope there is a second book just for more Tyler. He was caring, carefree, and he really was just there to support everyone. He had dreams himself and he made them happen. He was a great shoulder for Mallory and he really pushed her to look deep inside herself and see what she really needs in terms of her future. He was funny as well, and he did not hold on to emotions like the others. He easily forgave and forgot, and just as easily gave his heart. This book was all about learning to love yourself, to overcome fears and assumptions and find your dreams and passion. It was about family, friendship, and how relationships help shape a person and create a foundation for happiness. Mallory's life in New York is lonely, because she has no group to rely on, and when she returns to her home in Paso Robles she begins to understand why that may be. Some of the best advice on relationships came from Mallory's father and have stuck with me. Here is a short synopsis (not as well written as in the novel) of his meaningful list: 1. We all need to let go of expectations, when we expect too much of others the relationship is bound to fail. 2. Don't be afraid to ask for help. When you ask someone for help you prove their worth to you, and they will ask for help in return when they need it. 3. The most important thing in life is relationships. The most meaningful conversations and happiest moments come from connecting with people you love and appreciate. I received this book from Harlequin Publicity Team in exchange for a honest review.
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