readingpapillon 's review for:

A Good Book by Jewel E. Ann

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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Oh the innocence of Gabriella and the unrequited love of Ben.  I fell in love with this book from the beginning.

They have the sweetest best friend relationship, but Gabby is clueless as to Ben’s feelings for her and he will keep his feelings to himself to make her happy.

Gabriella Jacobson is the golden child and the baby of the family.  Her older sisters were both disappointments to their preacher father and god-fearing mother.  Gabby strived to keep her title as the good child, the good girl.  Her innocence was endearing.

And Ben, sweet, protective, fun loving Ben.  Gosh this young man will do anything for his Gabby, including choosing the same college she attends, keeps her laughing, making sure she is always safe and listening to her endless dreams of marrying Matthew Cory (her oldest sister Sarah’s ex-boyfriend).  Ben is a master at hiding his feelings for Gabby.

When tragedy strikes and Ben gives up college and goes back home, Gabby feels guilt and loss.  She’s grieving her friendship, missing her best friend and slowly realising that she has feelings for Ben.  He is the one that taught her how to kiss after all and that kiss awakened something in her.

Ben and Gabby’s story was emotional, perfect, endearing.  I read this throughout the night because I loved it so much.  I felt the emotions in this book deep in my soul.  These two really put on a show for us.

I met Matthew Cory in Sarah’s book and thought he was a good guy and he is, but while he was a good guy, I felt he kind of used Gabby in some way.  Thank goodness, he took his cues from her body language when she was too afraid or didn’t know how to express her feelings in words.

I couldn’t stand Olivia.  I felt like while she was a good enough friend for Gabby, she also used Gabby to get to her “guy friends”.  I’m glad she didn’t get her way with Ben.

I’m sorry to see this series end.  This is a series I can see myself reading again.  

I gave Gabby and Ben a well deserved 5 🦋