A review by reedalong
Finding Jessica Lambert by Clare Ashton

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is an unexpected delight of a novel, following the development of a romance while building each of the MCs into full characters themselves. (Unexpected because I chose it from the library on a whim.)

I love how Jess is neurodivergent, autistic specifically, without being written as a caricature. I also love that so much of the focus of what makes them work, as a couple, is their ability to listen and communicate. And, this is gonna sound odd, but I love how the development of Anna's character resulted in setting a firm, perhaps relationship-ending boundary with her mother. Great writing and, honestly, important. Sometimes a person's mental health is more important than pouring care into someone who hurts.

I will be adding Ashton to my list of authors to search out!