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A review by reading_historical_romance
Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Childhood friends turned sexy PhD historians are reunited after a decade-old argument on a university campus in this charming forced proximity, second chance romance with all the coziest fall vibes. I couldn't help but warm to the mutual pining of 31-year old Clara Fernsby and 33-year old Teddy Harrison who slowly progress from star-crossed lovers to the fated mates they've always been meant to be over the course of the book.
The absolutely delightful tall, dark, and handsome Teddy endeared himself to me immediately as a socially awkward young teenager who meets Clare at a sleepaway camp for homeschoolers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The narrative is split between present day and flashbacks that tell the story of how Teddy and Clara first fell in love largely long distance through their shared passion for learning, trivia, playlists burned onto CDs, and a deepening physical attraction that neither had the opportunity to act upon before their academic careers took off in completely opposite directions.
Clara is lovably neurotic, a perfectionist who can't stand the idea of falling short of anyone's expectations, especially her own. She is loyal to a fault, and doesn't realize until it's almost too late that she has never gotten over Teddy, and made sacrifices that never needed to be made to achieve happiness in her life. I did come away from the book thinking that Clara is a bit too immature for Teddy, but I was so happy for him that they were able to work things out it didn't really matter.
This is only the author's second novel, and there are some execution issues. The primary problem for me was the pacing, as the book falters and felt like it slowed almost to a standstill in the second act. The straightforward, single-layer plot doesn't help. The author's real talent here lies in her characterizations, dialogue, setting, and atmosphere. While there isn't anything mind-blowing about this book, it is a solid 3.5-4 contemporary romance that is perfect for a relaxing fall read.
Overall, I enjoyed this one very much, and I will definitely be picking up this author's next book.
Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.
The absolutely delightful tall, dark, and handsome Teddy endeared himself to me immediately as a socially awkward young teenager who meets Clare at a sleepaway camp for homeschoolers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The narrative is split between present day and flashbacks that tell the story of how Teddy and Clara first fell in love largely long distance through their shared passion for learning, trivia, playlists burned onto CDs, and a deepening physical attraction that neither had the opportunity to act upon before their academic careers took off in completely opposite directions.
Clara is lovably neurotic, a perfectionist who can't stand the idea of falling short of anyone's expectations, especially her own. She is loyal to a fault, and doesn't realize until it's almost too late that she has never gotten over Teddy, and made sacrifices that never needed to be made to achieve happiness in her life. I did come away from the book thinking that Clara is a bit too immature for Teddy, but I was so happy for him that they were able to work things out it didn't really matter.
This is only the author's second novel, and there are some execution issues. The primary problem for me was the pacing, as the book falters and felt like it slowed almost to a standstill in the second act. The straightforward, single-layer plot doesn't help. The author's real talent here lies in her characterizations, dialogue, setting, and atmosphere. While there isn't anything mind-blowing about this book, it is a solid 3.5-4 contemporary romance that is perfect for a relaxing fall read.
Overall, I enjoyed this one very much, and I will definitely be picking up this author's next book.
Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.