Evvie Drake Starts Over

I had kind of penciled this in as a possibility for summer romance bingo (either as character name in title or next-door neighbor) and I didn't make it off of the library hold list in time, but it actually worked out well, since this isn't a romance novel, per se, even though that is definitely an element of the story. This was more about Evvie slowly learning who to let into her post-terrible-husband life, when she was keeping major secrets from even her closest (maybe only?) friend. I really liked Evvie and her growth throughout this book - Dean was a little less defined as a character for me. but was still an excellent romantic lead. And as someone who's gotten super-drunk and told a close male friend I thought he was secretly in love with me, I unfortunately identified hard with the super-cringey confrontation between Evvie and Andy. This wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed it, and I want to visit Maine and eat all the lobster now.

I received a copy of this book to review from NetGalley, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This debut novel is categorized as a romance and ‘chick lit', and it is, but it's more. It's about friendships, redemption, forgiveness of yourself and others, secrets, witty banter, and figuring out your path when you are an adult who has to find a new one. The main characters do fall in love (this is not a huge plot spoiler), but they also do the work to find themselves first, and I liked that. Great book! Great summer read! Would also be a good book club choice as there is a good amount to discuss.