A review by niffler_for_words
Back to Belfast by Emma L. McGeown

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

“Stacie had a way to make me feel calm. Like a floating leaf. Like the weight of the world was no longer pressing down on my shoulder.”

I was captivated by Claire and Stacie’s story from page one and read the book in less than 24H. I particularly loved how feelings are written by the author, and tears rolled more than once (I laughed a lot too).

Claire’s relationship with her family is beautiful (so is the description of mental illness, with a perfect balance), just as much as the relationship she develops with Stacie. All the “found family” characters are amazing, and particularly endearing. 

I adored that that romance was completely different in its structure, as both MC spend most of the book separated from each other, living in the other’s shoes. It was sweet, yet spicy, tender and that life-switch, in which both MC discover the other by exchanging their life, getting to know their friends, before meeting for good, was truly a great finding and I loved every page.

PS: Just so you know –if it might trigger you– there are some repetitive mentions of COVID and its impact on the economy at the beginning of the book. 

Thank you so much Emma L. McGeown, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for that arc. My opinions are my own