2.5/ 5 stars

The Roxy Letters is a book told entirely through letters from Roxie to her ex-boyfriend/friend Everett. I would classify this book as sort of a combination between Women's Fiction and Chick Lit.

This book is set in 2012 in Austin Texas. It is the story of 28 year old Roxie. She works at Whole Foods and is an animal lover and struggling artist.

I really struggled with this book. I would say my main issue is the way that the story is told. It is told entirely through letters that Roxie writes to Everett. But it is only letters. And it is only her letters to him. I just didn't enjoy this format at all. A lot of the story was her telling funny stories about her day. But I would rather just experience the stories vs her telling/writing about them.

Also I found it a bit confusing as there is quite a bit of dialogue in this book. So she is writing letters with full blown dialogue.

There were definitely things that I did like about The Roxy Letters. Some of her stories were funny. I loved her friends Annie and Artemis. I loved Texas the drummer. And the stuff with her boss Dirty Steve was amusing.

There is some romance in this book. Her love life is definitely a key part of the story.

But overall I just struggled with this book. I don't really understand why the story was set in 2012. Except for maybe it would not be believable that Everett did not have a cell phone in 2020. It was unfortunately too easy for me to put this book down. But the book did have some charming aspects.

Letters written in 2012-13 by Roxy to her ex-boyfriend, Everett, reveal the story of her life in Austin Texas.

The first 75% of this book was a struggle. I couldn't relate to a whiny, lazy, 28 yr old. The last 25% of the book was enjoyable and the ending left a pleasant memory.

I received this book through Netgalley. It was an easy read. The book had some interesting plots and some shocking components to it. I learnt about things I had no idea existed that I blissfully did really need to know... The books was a funny and told the story of an underemployed woman.

I found this book very hard to get into. The premise sounded interesting, which is why I requested to read an advanced copy, but I found Roxy to be obnoxious and insanely irresponsible/immature for a 28 year old. I had to force myself to finish the entire book. I really wanted to like it, but I just kept getting annoyed at Roxy's flightiness and complete selfishness. If the character had been 20-21 or something, I think I might have had a bit more patience for her ridiculous behaviour. It wasn't a book for me, but probably teenagers or early 20-somethings might enjoy it more than someone who is almost 40.

What a fun read! Roxy is a struggling single, under employed, woman in Austin Texas. Her passion leads her into mishap and adventure that made me laugh out loud in places. Along with a crazy cast of family, friends and pets Roxy blossoms into her true self. Written in a fun letter format to her ex-boyfriend and with hints of Bridget Jones, the book was very enjoyable. The book did not question our intelligence by having every zany thing somehow magically turn out perfectly. Consequences and characters felt real and yet there is a lighthearted feel to the book where you find yourself rooting for everything to work out wonderfully for everyone.

'"..I need you to respect that hooking up with an ex is akin to a Fleetwood Mac reunion - comforting, but lacking the original energy and magic."

"Oh why, oh why did I let myself think getting my honey where I make my money was a good idea???"

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for an early version release of the book.