Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 7/21/23 - 7/21/23 

    Olivia, a greeting card writer, meets a charming actor in a coffee shop on February 4, 2003. They make a pact to reunite in ten years if they find success. However, she forgets his name, only remembering his face and the date. Over the next decade, Olivia's life is full of coincidences and romantic entanglements. She becomes fixated on the idea that the actor is now a famous Hollywood star. But as time passes, she risks missing the real-life romantic comedy unfolding around her.

    I absolutely loved this. The story was so heartfelt and beautiful that I found myself tearing up at the end. Throughout the book, there were many moments that had me laughing, which was unexpected but delightful.

    One aspect I appreciated was the way the author skillfully incorporated pop culture references into the narrative. Usually, I'm not a fan of such references, but they were done so well in this book that they added to the overall charm of the story.

    I originally thought we would be following Olivia and the stranger, but I loved the way it was so much more. The focus was mainly on Olivia and her journey. Her friendships with Fiona and Liam, the ex-boyfriend and longtime friend, were central to the narrative. Olivia's decision-making process and her resistance to change were intriguing, and she carried a significant secret that added tension to her relationships.

    While I mostly enjoyed the story's progression and conclusion, there were moments when both Olivia and Fiona's actions irritated me. Olivia, at times, came across as stubborn and frustrating in her life decisions, and I couldn't help but want to shake some sense into her.  The relationship between Olivia and Fiona was a highlight of the book. Their dynamic was well-developed, and I loved witnessing their bond throughout the story. The back-and-forth between Olivia and Liam, from being a couple to close friends after their breakup, evoked both heartwarming and frustrating feelings in me as a reader.

    One minor critique is that Olivia's character didn't exhibit significant growth and maturity from her 30s to her 40s. However, the "plot twist" at the end added an intriguing element to the story, making the book a worthwhile read, especially to discover what unfolds on February 4, 2013.

    Overall, the novel is a mostly lighthearted and enjoyable read. It's funny, it's sweet, and I really liked the way it was told year by year. I highly recommend and will definitely be reading more from Bethany Turner!