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smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
A heartwarming story of two lost people who befriend each other under the most unusual of circumstances but end up helping one another heal. If you enjoy stories of intergenerational friendships, grumpy older characters (think Ove), and middle-aged women dealing with challenges of identity and marriage, this story will be right up your ally. Throw in some endangered turtles and a hurricane, plus a hot artist and this would make an excellent beach read. Much more of a women's fiction story than a romance though so heads up for anyone making that mistake. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy. Great on audio with two narrators to voice each of the main characters.
CW: miscarriage, teen pregnancy
CW: miscarriage, teen pregnancy
marilynw's review
4.0
The Way We Weren't by Phoebe Fox
The Way We Weren't is such a sweet story. I can hear seventy year old Herman Flint snorting as I say that. There is nothing sweet about Flint, he not only doesn't care if you like him, he seems determined to make sure no one wants anything to do with him. People are not worth the time and trouble of acknowledging them. So Flint knew he was making a mistake when he rescued a woman who'd spend the day collapsed in from of his house.
The woman is forty three year old Marcie Malone, a married career woman who, after a huge loss, realizes her marriage wasn't what she thought it was. If only she could go back to any number of points in time, if only certain things hadn't happened to her to make her realize how much she may not want to be where she is in life. She knows now that her life was just a "giving in" and ignoring those things that meant so much to her.
Flint is running from his past and his mistakes, running while standing in place, in his home town where he's been except for his three years in the service. He's mired in his hurt, anger, and bitterness, and heaven help anyone who tries to disturb his reclusive life. He only cares about his books and the turtles now.
Marcie impulsively drove away from her life, her heartbreak and her despondence overriding her normal, sensible, safe thinking. And now she is stuck with Flint, or rather, Flint is stuck with her, while she gathers resources to make her next move. Both Marcie and Flint are dealing with things they have tried to ignore for way too long. Both of them need to change in order to save themselves and each other.
Marcie awakens in Flint all that he's closed off and tried to forget. And life with Flint, and those Marcie gets to know in this place that becomes more like a home than a place where she got stuck, awakens in Marcie the parts of her she set aside because she was afraid not to choose the safe path. This is such a hopeful, gentle story, where the risk of not taking the safest path may be the best way to live.
Pub: November 9, 2021
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.
The Way We Weren't is such a sweet story. I can hear seventy year old Herman Flint snorting as I say that. There is nothing sweet about Flint, he not only doesn't care if you like him, he seems determined to make sure no one wants anything to do with him. People are not worth the time and trouble of acknowledging them. So Flint knew he was making a mistake when he rescued a woman who'd spend the day collapsed in from of his house.
The woman is forty three year old Marcie Malone, a married career woman who, after a huge loss, realizes her marriage wasn't what she thought it was. If only she could go back to any number of points in time, if only certain things hadn't happened to her to make her realize how much she may not want to be where she is in life. She knows now that her life was just a "giving in" and ignoring those things that meant so much to her.
Flint is running from his past and his mistakes, running while standing in place, in his home town where he's been except for his three years in the service. He's mired in his hurt, anger, and bitterness, and heaven help anyone who tries to disturb his reclusive life. He only cares about his books and the turtles now.
Marcie impulsively drove away from her life, her heartbreak and her despondence overriding her normal, sensible, safe thinking. And now she is stuck with Flint, or rather, Flint is stuck with her, while she gathers resources to make her next move. Both Marcie and Flint are dealing with things they have tried to ignore for way too long. Both of them need to change in order to save themselves and each other.
Marcie awakens in Flint all that he's closed off and tried to forget. And life with Flint, and those Marcie gets to know in this place that becomes more like a home than a place where she got stuck, awakens in Marcie the parts of her she set aside because she was afraid not to choose the safe path. This is such a hopeful, gentle story, where the risk of not taking the safest path may be the best way to live.
Pub: November 9, 2021
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.
asha_reads's review
3.0
The Way We Weren’t is the first book I’ve read from Phoebe Fox. This contemporary novel explores unexpected friendship, moving on, and finding yourself. The author touches upon heavy subjects of miscarriage, death of a child, grief, family member abandonment. When I initially read the summary of this book, it kind of reminded me of A Man Called Ove and The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysuckle (both wonderful books and highly recommend reading if you haven't done so already) so I was intrigued to read this. Overall, I had mixed feelings about is book. I’m not sure if it was because I didn't expect miscarriage to be in this book which I don't mind, but I think there should have been content/trigger warnings either in the summary or in beginning of the book. Also I felt that something was missing or maybe the book just wasn't my cup of tea. I kept switching from reading the physical book and listening to the audiobook from the library book. In terms of characters, I really liked Flint and his backstory. I really loved the male audio narration and he brought Flint’s perspective alive. I really tried to like Marcie and tried to be sympathetic to her situation, but I found her unlikable and could care less about what was going on with her. I'd recommend reading this only if it's on your TBR and keep in mind of the content warnings listed above.
Thank you Berkley for the free finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Berkley for the free finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
susanthebookbag's review
5.0
Right off the bat, two things about The Way We Weren't made me want to read this book. First of all was the author Phoebe Fox. I'm a huge fan of hers and have loved all of her stories. She is definitely one of my must-read authors. The second thing was this cover! Isn't is beautiful? I fell in love with it the minute I saw it and it enticed me to find out more about the story. Isn't that an amazing blue?!
Well, let me tell you, the story itself blew me away. I loved everything about it! What an intriguing, compelling storyline and interesting, unforgettable characters. Such entertaining people and interactions and a story that didn't go the way that I thought it would.
Marcie hops in her car one day and just keeps driving, escaping her life and wanting to figure out some things about who she is and what she wants. Discovered on the beach in pretty bad shape by the old codger Flint, she tries to make a new life for herself, even as she knows its only temporary. She has to go back to her responsibilities at some point, right?
I absolutely loved the relationship between Marcie and the salty old guy, Flint. It still brings smiles to my face when I think about their interactions throughout the book and the way they treated each other. Such fun! And I loved the way that Marcie found her way in the community and earned the acceptance of the 'old timers'.
Like I said, I loved everything about this book and would give it more than five stars on a five star scale. How about 5++? I'm not typically a re-reader of books but this is definitely one that I will need to pull down off the shelf at some point and enjoy again. Well done Phoebe! I highly recommend The Way We Weren't!!
Well, let me tell you, the story itself blew me away. I loved everything about it! What an intriguing, compelling storyline and interesting, unforgettable characters. Such entertaining people and interactions and a story that didn't go the way that I thought it would.
Marcie hops in her car one day and just keeps driving, escaping her life and wanting to figure out some things about who she is and what she wants. Discovered on the beach in pretty bad shape by the old codger Flint, she tries to make a new life for herself, even as she knows its only temporary. She has to go back to her responsibilities at some point, right?
I absolutely loved the relationship between Marcie and the salty old guy, Flint. It still brings smiles to my face when I think about their interactions throughout the book and the way they treated each other. Such fun! And I loved the way that Marcie found her way in the community and earned the acceptance of the 'old timers'.
Like I said, I loved everything about this book and would give it more than five stars on a five star scale. How about 5++? I'm not typically a re-reader of books but this is definitely one that I will need to pull down off the shelf at some point and enjoy again. Well done Phoebe! I highly recommend The Way We Weren't!!
rochelleweinstein's review
5.0
I loved this story of unexpected friendship and healing. Fox's writing is just so lyrical and poignant. There's so much to learn from Herman and Marcie's journey of self-discovery. Grab this book if you're looking for quick wit and valuable life lessons.
hugbandit7's review
5.0
This story was heartwarming, sad, and hopeful. There are so many different emotions that engage the reader and will keep them engrossed in the story.
Marcie takes off driving after an incident that brings her to her knees. She doesn't know where she is going or where she will end up but she just knows she has to get away from her life to be able to breathe. She ends up in Florida, broken and lost, but perhaps that is exactly where she needed to be to heal and figure out what she wants from life.
Flint is a curmudgeon that lives on the beach who has his own set of issues. We learn more about him as the story develops and considering where his life was heading, maybe it is a good thing that Marcie ends up crashing his life. Actually, they are both good for each other as we discover throughout the book. Each brings out the best, and maybe the worst as well.
These two are unlikely housemates, but Flint takes pity on Marcie and realizes that she could have been taken advantage of in the beginning, and perhaps she needs to sort out her own demons before heading back to her real life. Marcie is a lost soul and this journey is the perfect time for her to reflect on what she wants or needs from life, her husband, and her marriage.
As the story progresses, we see both Flint and Marcie take stock of their life and realize that maybe there is more than what they have right now. I enjoyed watching them grow and become more comfortable in their own skin. There are moments of levity especially when it comes to the company holding Marcie's car hostage in the impound lot. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the portions with the sea turtles and everything that they did to save the eggs so that they could experience life. I'm not sure a lot of people would go to that much work for turtle eggs.
This was a lovely story and I enjoyed every word. I felt like each character realized their own worth and took measures to ensure that life would only improve from that point. We should all be so lucky to have that sort of time to reflect.
We give this book 5 paws up.
Marcie takes off driving after an incident that brings her to her knees. She doesn't know where she is going or where she will end up but she just knows she has to get away from her life to be able to breathe. She ends up in Florida, broken and lost, but perhaps that is exactly where she needed to be to heal and figure out what she wants from life.
Flint is a curmudgeon that lives on the beach who has his own set of issues. We learn more about him as the story develops and considering where his life was heading, maybe it is a good thing that Marcie ends up crashing his life. Actually, they are both good for each other as we discover throughout the book. Each brings out the best, and maybe the worst as well.
These two are unlikely housemates, but Flint takes pity on Marcie and realizes that she could have been taken advantage of in the beginning, and perhaps she needs to sort out her own demons before heading back to her real life. Marcie is a lost soul and this journey is the perfect time for her to reflect on what she wants or needs from life, her husband, and her marriage.
As the story progresses, we see both Flint and Marcie take stock of their life and realize that maybe there is more than what they have right now. I enjoyed watching them grow and become more comfortable in their own skin. There are moments of levity especially when it comes to the company holding Marcie's car hostage in the impound lot. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the portions with the sea turtles and everything that they did to save the eggs so that they could experience life. I'm not sure a lot of people would go to that much work for turtle eggs.
This was a lovely story and I enjoyed every word. I felt like each character realized their own worth and took measures to ensure that life would only improve from that point. We should all be so lucky to have that sort of time to reflect.
We give this book 5 paws up.
presaea's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
theoverbookedbibliophile's review
4.0
Marcie Malone married her high school boyfriend Will at the age of eighteen when an unplanned pregnancy derailed her plans for travel and college. Sadly, she suffered a miscarriage but her marriage to Will survived and they built a life together in Georgia. Unfortunately at the age of forty –three she suffers a second miscarriage that leaves her devastated and depressed. Needing a distraction from her overall discontent with her life, work and marriage, she deliberately changes course from a work engagement and drives to Palmetto Key, Florida where a combination of her stress and pain medication causes her to lose consciousness on the beach only to be discovered by a local resident – the "prickly” and “hostile” Herman Flint who has lived in the area for over seventy years and devotes his time clearing the litter from the beachfront and keeping an eye on the sea turtles and their eggs. He isn’t the friendliest sort, lives alone and has had his share of loss and disappointments, but he helps Marcie and gives her a place to stay in his home while she recovers and sorts out her issues. As the story progresses, Flint and Marcie become friends and their conversations lead to sharing and introspection which help them both gain perspective and contemplate the decisions that have governed their respective lives. It is now up to them to decide whether they want to continue as they were or have the courage to make changes and move forward. As the narrative progresses we also meet other members of the community and witness how everyone bands together in the face of a catastrophic hurricane making its way towards them.
“When your life was reduced to broken pieces, apparently the tiniest part of it that survived intact was cause for rejoicing.”
Phoebe Fox’s The Way We Weren’t is a beautiful story with an interesting cast of characters. The interactions between Marcie and Flint are entertaining and insightful, humorous and emotional and so full of heart. What I particularly liked about this novel are the characterizations- nobody is perfect, everyone is flawed but has his/her redeeming qualities and comes across as real and relatable. Relationships are complicated as are human emotions – it is not necessary to depict one person in a negative light to justify why relationships fall apart. The author does a commendable job of depicting the dynamics in the different relationships among the characters in this novel - in marriage, in friendship, in family and in the community. The story highlights the importance of pause and introspection when life overwhelms, re-evaluating priorities, overcoming complacency and taking charge of one’s life. The author also sheds a light on the importance of protecting nesting beaches for the conservation of endangered sea turtles which is a very important message. Overall, this is a very well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
“When your life was reduced to broken pieces, apparently the tiniest part of it that survived intact was cause for rejoicing.”
Phoebe Fox’s The Way We Weren’t is a beautiful story with an interesting cast of characters. The interactions between Marcie and Flint are entertaining and insightful, humorous and emotional and so full of heart. What I particularly liked about this novel are the characterizations- nobody is perfect, everyone is flawed but has his/her redeeming qualities and comes across as real and relatable. Relationships are complicated as are human emotions – it is not necessary to depict one person in a negative light to justify why relationships fall apart. The author does a commendable job of depicting the dynamics in the different relationships among the characters in this novel - in marriage, in friendship, in family and in the community. The story highlights the importance of pause and introspection when life overwhelms, re-evaluating priorities, overcoming complacency and taking charge of one’s life. The author also sheds a light on the importance of protecting nesting beaches for the conservation of endangered sea turtles which is a very important message. Overall, this is a very well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
mbladams's review
4.0
The Way We Weren't is the type of story which makes you think, this could be me. This could be my story, if things worked out a little differently in my life. And that makes for a touching, emotional read.
Marcie and her husband have been married for a long time. Their marriage began in their teens with a pregnancy that ended in miscarriage, and now, at the cusp of "middle age," their marriage might be ending the same way. When Marcie realized that, against all odds, she was pregnant, her husband Will was not thrilled. Now that she has lost the baby, he is more relieved than sad, and doing a pretty bad job of consoling her. When Marcie is driving in to work (as a hospitality manager at an upscale hotel) after taking a little time off to recover from her miscarriage, she makes a rash decision to keep driving.
She ends up in a small beach town on the Gulf of Mexico. There, she collapses on the beach in front of Herman Flint's home. Flint is a loner, a curmudgeon, and the last person you'd expect to open his home to a lost young woman. But he takes her in, grumbling, and even gives her a key so she can come and go as she needs.
Marcie decides to stay a few days (not only because she needs to heal, but also because her car was towed and she can't get to her purse, which is in the car, to pay off the tow yard). She picks up some shifts at a local bar, and rediscovers her love of art when she stumbles across an artist's workshop on her walk to and from work. She slowly gets Flint to open up and share some of his story and helps him (and others on the shore) prepare for a potentially catastrophic hurricane.
The characters in this book are so well-written and complex. They all have their flaws, and you may not agree with some of the decisions they make or made in the past, but you also can see how they got to that decision. It is a story of loss, of redemption, and of second chances, and the ending is just perfect.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this wonderful book.
Marcie and her husband have been married for a long time. Their marriage began in their teens with a pregnancy that ended in miscarriage, and now, at the cusp of "middle age," their marriage might be ending the same way. When Marcie realized that, against all odds, she was pregnant, her husband Will was not thrilled. Now that she has lost the baby, he is more relieved than sad, and doing a pretty bad job of consoling her. When Marcie is driving in to work (as a hospitality manager at an upscale hotel) after taking a little time off to recover from her miscarriage, she makes a rash decision to keep driving.
She ends up in a small beach town on the Gulf of Mexico. There, she collapses on the beach in front of Herman Flint's home. Flint is a loner, a curmudgeon, and the last person you'd expect to open his home to a lost young woman. But he takes her in, grumbling, and even gives her a key so she can come and go as she needs.
Marcie decides to stay a few days (not only because she needs to heal, but also because her car was towed and she can't get to her purse, which is in the car, to pay off the tow yard). She picks up some shifts at a local bar, and rediscovers her love of art when she stumbles across an artist's workshop on her walk to and from work. She slowly gets Flint to open up and share some of his story and helps him (and others on the shore) prepare for a potentially catastrophic hurricane.
The characters in this book are so well-written and complex. They all have their flaws, and you may not agree with some of the decisions they make or made in the past, but you also can see how they got to that decision. It is a story of loss, of redemption, and of second chances, and the ending is just perfect.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this wonderful book.
shandawg's review
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0