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A review by me_alley
Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Absolutely loved this book and classic Elissa Sussman telling two stories in alternating timelines. But this time it isn't a second chance romance. It's a wonderful story with an unforgettable protagonist you will root for.
Lauren is a widowed single mom to teenager Lena, her husband Spencer died in an accident when Lena was only 1o. One timeline is about Lauren falling for her brother Gabe's best friend Spencer. The second timeline is after Spencer's death and Lauren falling for Ben, a famous movie star. The setting is the small town of Cooper, Montana.
Falling for Spencer involves them coming to terms with his faith tradition which seems like an evangelical type of Christian upbringing. Also she unfairly has a reputation born of small town life. There is a strong theme of being against purity culture in both timelines, Lauren's birds and bees lecture to Lena and her friend is excellent. All of the dialogue really rings true. Lauren must rationalize and understand how she can still grieve Spencer while being able to fall in love again.
"Love is a shape shifter. It will look different at 18 than it will at 40 than will at 80. It will feel different. You don't fall in love- it isn't something you trip and tumble over. Love is something you need to hurtle yourself into-- something you race toward heart first, even if you don't know what will happen. Especially if you don't know what will happen."
Read it. Save it. Re-read it. I can't wait until it is published so I can highlight my favorite parts.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for the ARC. Book to be published July 8, 2025.
Lauren is a widowed single mom to teenager Lena, her husband Spencer died in an accident when Lena was only 1o. One timeline is about Lauren falling for her brother Gabe's best friend Spencer. The second timeline is after Spencer's death and Lauren falling for Ben, a famous movie star. The setting is the small town of Cooper, Montana.
Falling for Spencer involves them coming to terms with his faith tradition which seems like an evangelical type of Christian upbringing. Also she unfairly has a reputation born of small town life. There is a strong theme of being against purity culture in both timelines, Lauren's birds and bees lecture to Lena and her friend is excellent. All of the dialogue really rings true. Lauren must rationalize and understand how she can still grieve Spencer while being able to fall in love again.
"Love is a shape shifter. It will look different at 18 than it will at 40 than will at 80. It will feel different. You don't fall in love- it isn't something you trip and tumble over. Love is something you need to hurtle yourself into-- something you race toward heart first, even if you don't know what will happen. Especially if you don't know what will happen."
Read it. Save it. Re-read it. I can't wait until it is published so I can highlight my favorite parts.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for the ARC. Book to be published July 8, 2025.