Sometimes it Happens - A Review

Sometimes It Happens - Lauren Barnholdt (S&S egalley program)

Synopsis:

On the last day of her junior year, Hannah's boyfriend Ryan dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah's side...until it's time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava's boyfriend, Noah, who's such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah's good conversation and their fun times at the diner. But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction—and one night, into a passionate kiss. The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Ryan, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think...

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this read. It was quick and easy and dealt with issues often seen while growing up. The growing attractions between friends and guys. Attractions that aren't supposed to happen but regardless, do anyways. The book touches around on the feelings that go with it. The guilt, shame, the other parties suspicions, generally all the feelings that come with either being directly indirectly involved or just and observer to it all.

While I liked the book, part of me wants to say you shouldn't glorify these kinds of behaviors, the other part of me believes she's not glorifying it just simply stating a fact. It happens, we don't mean it too, but it does and it's a part of life and growing up. Like the title of the book says, sometimes it happens. It's like having the devil and angel show up on my shoulders, that's how I feel about this book. A mixed bag of feelings to be honest. So I do recommend this book, just with the knowledge you may or may not agree with the subject matter.

Author's Website: Lauren Barnholdt