Thanks to Putnam and Netgalley for this advanced copy.

The Good Part is a fairly standard "person wakes up in the future, skips most of life" story, with a few notable twists. I initially didn't think much of this because Lucy, the main character, is really annoying, but that's the point right? We can't see growth if the character doesn't start out as the most frustrating version of herself. I appreciated watching Lucy grow, but what I really loved were the small changes that the author made to help Lucy along. I love that she was still into her husband, that their relationship hadn't totally soured. I also appreciated that the distance between them came from painful memories, not him cheating or anything. The kids were super cute too!

I wanted to like this book more than I did, but it was nice and fun at times and I appreciated a lot of what the author put into what could be a much worse novel.

Another amazing book by Cousens! I loved this book and especially the characters. I was surprised to find myself even liking Mr. Finkley by the end. Cousens does an amazing job of keeping me invested in her stories by writing not just great main characters, but interesting and well developed side characters as well. I really enjoyed how she tied this book up at the end.

I was grateful to read an ARC of Sophie Cousen's latest book. I recommend it and enjoyed the character development and was rooting for them!

One of my favorite books I read in 2023. So much heart and love. It is sooooo GOOOD! Sophie Cousens gives me everything I want in a book. Women's fiction, motherhood, romance, and magical realism. Read it!

Lucy, 26, is fed up with her life- her subpar apartment, obnoxious flatmates, meager paychecks, and lack of responsibility at work despite a recent promotion. On her way home after a particularly stressful day and terrible first date, Lucy comes across a wishing machine and wishes to skip ahead to the good part of her life.

The best comparison for The Good Part is a hug disguised as a book. There is so much kindness wrapped up in this story; it was truly a joy to read. When Lucy is thrown into her future life after she makes her fateful wish, she can’t remember anything from the previous 16 years. Her family and friends are so sweet as she works through her “amnesia.” And despite having her world turned upside down, Lucy continues to think about the people around her, even when she isn’t sure she’s really their mom, wife, coworker, etc. The story is full of genuine little moments that will make you smile.

The lesson Lucy learns is an excellent reminder for us all. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the present, but we should remember that life is a gift. All the ups and downs of daily life teach us and give us experiences that will impact what’s to come. Slow down, don’t wish away the time you have now, and cherish your loved ones.

I switched between reading and listening to The Good Part. I loved the audiobook and hope Kerry Gilbert narrates more books soon. This was my first Sophie Cousens book, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Thank you, @NetGalley and Putnam Books, for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for a copy of this book.

This was a rom-com meets Back to the Future Part 2! Honestly, I thought there would be a little bit more romance than it ended up being, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It was well written and Sophie really pulled off the concept. It was a cute read! The only thing I wish we got was a 16 years later epilogue. I mean, I guess with the shopkeeper's warning things may not have turned out exactly the same in the future as what we saw, so I guess it was left up to interpretation. Otherwise, this was a really cute and fun read!

This was a unique story line that overall I thought was creative, but wasn’t in my top reads from recently. I found it to be a slower read for me than I’m used to on this genre of book.

This was fine. I'd never read Sophie Cousens before and I don't usually like contemporary romances, but it seemed fun and had time travel (I'm a sucker for time travel). And...it was fine. It was a lovely little jaunt about regret and making your own luck, and all that jazz. I always read the acknowledgements at the end of a book and after thinking about it while I read reading it, I was glad to see that Ms. Cousens wrote how heavily influenced she was by movies like Big, Freaky Friday, 13 Going on 30, Vice Versa, etc. It clearly borrowed heavily from a lot of those books, and I think she must have been one of the five people who watched Hindsight before it was cancelled (unjustly!).

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin group for the ARC of this book.

The Good Part, by Sophie Cousens, is an absolutely impactful, engaging, heartfelt story and now a new favorite. This book is a joy to read and one that will stay with me.

Lucy Young is trying to get to where she wants to be in life, in her career, love life, and finances, and she’s working hard at it. Nonetheless, it feels like an uphill struggle. One evening, after a particularly frustrating day at work and then an evening with a date that was a bust, a dead phone and a rainy walk home because she’s too broke to call a cab, she escapes into a shop with a quirky woman offering a turn at a wishing machine. Lucy impulsively wishes to get to the good part of her life and suddenly, everything changes.

Lucy wakes up in a bed she doesn’t recognize, next to a gorgeous man and finds herself in a life much better than she could ever have expected, but it’s not hers and she doesn’t know how she got there. Discovering she’s sixteen years in the future and has missed out on a chunk of her life, she’s left with a dilemma. Will she enjoy the lovely, full life she’s achieved, but miss out on all of the memories and experiences it took to get there, or go back (if she can find a way) and savor the journey, both the good and bad, not knowing the outcome, but hoping for the best.

The Good Part is such a touching, thought-provoking, sweet story. The characters are lovable and the plot will grip you from the beginning to the end. I swooned, laughed, got teary and enjoyed every moment of it! Sophie Cousens is fast becoming an auto-buy author for me.

Have you ever felt stuck in a rut and wanting to just skip life to the good parts? I’m sure a lot of us can agree. And that’s exactly what Lucy Young wished for on a drunken night full of disappointments from work, flat living, and even dating. Waking up the next day hungover and in bed with a strange man, she realizes she is not the Lucy she was yesterday, but a Lucy fifteen years or so later with an awesome job, home, and a 100/10 relationship. Did her wish come true or is she suffering some mega memory loss? That’s it! That is all I am going to say; I went in completely blind as to what this book was about and I think that made the experience even better. You guys, just think of 13 Going on 30, which is one of my comfort movies (Love me some Jennifer Gardner) but set in the UK! This was such a feel good and relatable story about struggling to adult in your twenties with a sprinkle of romance. Which by the way, new book crush alert, Sam! Wow! All off the characters in this book were beautiful and I loved each any every one of them. Her friendship group was just heartwarming and even her crazy upstairs neighbor made me get emotional. I cried and I even laughed out loud many times (not a release of air kinda laugh no a real giggle). I am extremely disappointed in myself for taking long to finally sit down and read this book but damn do I now wish I can go back and re-read this for the first time. First book by Sophie Cousens and definitely interested in reading more!

Massive thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and author Sophie Cousens for sending me this arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

BOOK REVIEW: The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
2023 Publication Date: November 7

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

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T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
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Be careful what you wish for... Always wishing for what truly matters most...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
A Witty Take On The Fantasy Of Living The Good Part...
Have you ever wished to fast-forward your life, skip the challenging parts and just get to the beginning of the good stuff? In Sophie Cousens' latest novel, The Good Part, Lucy Young is tired of the struggles of her mid-twenties and wishes to do just that.

But what if skipping ahead means missing out on the important experiences and relationships it took to get there?

This romantic comedy fiction novel explores the idea of living the life you've always dreamed of and the consequences that come with it... And offers a fresh take on what it might be like to jump into the fantasy of living the good part. Taking readers on a journey of self-discovery and inviting them to question what they would truly want if only chance allowed us to do so.

Let's dive deeper into the title and explore the themes that make it a must-read for contemporary romance fans...

Plot Points
Lucy Young is a relatable protagonist for anyone tired of the monotony of everyday life. The first few chapters of the book capture the essence of Lucy's struggles as a twenty-six-year-old trying to make her way in the world. From her search for love to her quest for a fulfilling career, readers can easily relate to her disappointments.

However, when Lucy discovers a wishing machine that transports her to the good part of her life, she's left with a decision that will change her life forever.

Standout Features of The Good Part...
• Exploring The Concept of Happiness
One of the themes that make The Good Part a standout is the exploration of the concept of happiness. Lucy's journey forces her to confront the idea that happiness is not always about having the perfect life... But finding contentment in the little things that make life worth living.

As Lucy navigates her new life, she discovers that things are not always as they seem, and the good part may not be all that it's cracked up to be... Especially when you have leapfrogged over all the challenges you faced to get there.

Whether it is dreams of a boy, becoming a mother or just surviving college, fate will unfold... Will our wish to rush things along even result in what we expected?... Hmm... One of the great questions of life we can explore in a wonderful story such as The Good Part.

• Concept of Time Travel
Another aspect that makes The Good Part a standout romance novel is its witty take on the concept of time travel. Lucy's journey allows her to time-travel to her "good part," but the lack of control over how far into the future she travels adds a refreshing twist.

It puts Lucy's choices into question and asks readers to think about the consequences of living life without going through the challenges of getting there.

• Complexities of Relationships
The Good Part is also noteworthy for its exploration of relationships, particularly those between lifelong friends. Lucy's experiences with her friends offer an eye-opening perspective on the complexities of relationships.

Whether it's the joys of bonding with a female best friend or the struggles of dealing with the challenges that arise over a lifetime of friendship, Cousens' exploration adds depth to Lucy's story.

• Engaging Writing Style and Characters
Sophie Cousens has a witty and charming way of storytelling that keeps readers engaged from cover to cover. Her writing style brings life to the characters and their experiences in a way that is both relatable and humorous.

Lucy Young is a main character that many readers will empathize with as she struggles in her career and personal life. But once she wakes up in her forties with a high-powered job, a handsome husband, and two perfect children, she wonders if she's really living the dream or if she's missed out on important moments.

Cousens does an excellent job of immersing the reader into Lucy's journey and showing the ups and downs of her idealized life.

• Identity and Self-Discovery
The themes of identity and self-discovery are prevalent throughout the novel. Lucy must come to terms with the fact that her life is not what she thought it would be and decide whether she wants to stay in her new reality or go back to her old life.

Cousens delves into the idea of who we are and how our past experiences shape us... Making The Good Part not just a romance but a story of personal growth.

• Humor and Quirky Feel
One of my favorite aspects of this novel is the humor. Cousens' witty writing and incorporation of pop culture references add a lighthearted feel to the story. Her descriptions of Lucy's disastrous days and her quirks bring a smile to the reader's face.

The banter between the characters is also well-done, providing comedic relief during tense moments.

EPILOGUE:
The Good Part is a must-read for contemporary romance fans who are looking for an engaging and witty take on the concept of what it means to be "living the good life." It's a story that explores themes of happiness, choices, and female friendship relationships refreshingly and insightfully.

Sophie Cousens' writing style is engaging, and the captivating characters are entertaining and relatable, making it a page-turner.

Whether you're a time-travel romance fan, or on the hunt for a first book in a new contemporary romance subgenre, or just looking for a charming "feel good" read, The Good Part is definitely worth your time to travel immediately to your nearest bookstore and pick up your copy!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 367
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Time Travel Romance | Amnesia Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating: Closed Door Romance
Time Period: Contemporary | 16 Years in Future
Location: Surrey & London (England)
Publisher: Penguin Group Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Before I Do by Sophie Cousens ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: The Family Man ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucy Young, a weary twenty-six-year-old, is fed up with her mundane life. Tired of menial tasks and disastrous dates, she yearns for a change. Serendipitously, Lucy encounters a mysterious wishing machine. Hoping for a shortcut to happiness, she makes an earnest wish... To skip to the exciting chapter of her existence...

Astonishingly, Lucy wakes up to find herself married to a charming man, having a thriving career, and raising two picture-perfect children. However, the reflection in the mirror reveals a woman in her forties, causing Lucy to question the reality of her situation.

Has she truly fast-forwarded to the desired future or has she inadvertently erased a significant portion of her past?

As Lucy navigates new relationships and savors the advantages of maturation, she must grapple with the decision to return to her previous life... Or stay put where she has finally arrived?

Can she bear to abandon the newfound joy and fulfillment of the family she has discovered?

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The concept of time travel in the novel highlights the importance of living in the present moment and cherishing every stage of life... Explore what it means to slow down and appreciate the journey instead of constantly chasing after an idealized future.
• The complexities of relationships explored in the book shed light on the true nature of friendships and the effort required to maintain them... Reflect on your relationships and how you can prioritize and nurture them.
• The themes of identity and self-discovery in the novel urge readers to question their own sense of self and whether they are living a life that truly aligns with their values and desires... Take time for introspection and personal growth based on what matters most to you.

Reader's Guide Available (from Penguin Random House)

BOOK QUOTE:
"I don't need to be anywhere else'... And even though there are a hundred things I could be doing, even though there is never enough time, right now, it's true..." — The Good Party by Sophie Cousens

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This book was absolutely amazing. Sophie Cousens never lets me down and this one delivered. Such a great story and will be a book that I recommend to everyone!

I want to start off by saying, I loved the premise of this book. The characters were really great. I loved the relationship between Lucy/her friends, Lucy/Sam/the kids. This would’ve been a 5 star read for me but I really hated the ending. It felt rushed and very lackluster.

At 26, all Lucy Young wants is to eat pastries, crush it at work and go on a half decent date. Is that too much to ask? The next morning she wakes up with a husband, kids and is 42!?
Lucy takes us on a heart-warming adventure, reminding us of the importance of friends, family and love.
Fight through the hard days so you can live for the good days.

This was such a wonderful story about growing through the journey of life. I loved the ending so much!

Sophie Cousens NEVER disappoints me. This book was so good. I was pulled in from the very first page. I loved the freaky Friday vibe. By the time I got to the end of the book I could honestly not guess how it was going to end and I couldn't possibly choose an outcome. I wasn't sure I even wanted to know the ending, but it was worth it.

I adored this book!

Lucy is 26. She’s tired of her low paying job, living in a crappy flat with roommates and her non-existent love life. When Lucy comes across a wishing machine, she wishes to skip to “the good part” of her life. The next morning, she wakes up 16 years later in a strange house with an unfamiliar man in her bed, a ring on her finger and two children…

I couldn’t put this book down. The plot sounds familiar but the story was charming. There were so many laugh out moments especially when Lucy (in the future) is trying to figure out how to be a parent. Her relationship with her son, Felix, made my heart melt. I highly recommend.!

Sophie Cousens’ masterfully poses the question of “what if?” If one skips ahead to the best part of their lives, will missing the bumps along the way outweigh the benefits? Lucy Young is tired of the drudgery of her twenties, wishes on a wishing machine, and wakes up sixteen years later married to a gem of a man with two beautiful children. She can’t, however, remember anything from the intervening years. Cousens weaves in loss and achievement in equal measure so that when Lucy has to make the choice to stay or go, it takes some soul searching to make her decision. A beautifully written story with very likable characters, humor, and plenty of tugged heart strings.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this eARC! This is a long awaited review.

I love love love this book and it truly felt like a comfort book to me. Sophie did an incredible job of showing all of the different emotions in her writing and I just am obsessed with it. I feel like I’ll be talking about this book forever.

I cannot say enough good things about the newest from Sophie Cousens!! I adore the tone of all her stories - just a good ole classic book to keep you entertained and rooting for the characters, and this one was no different. The main character was extremely likable, the time traveling aspect was so fun and adventurous, and the ending was absolutely lovely.