I enjoyed this book! I thought it was an interesting storyline. I would read more by this author and I would recommend it to friends.

Thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Good Part is not the first Sophie Cousens book I’ve read and it won’t be the last. There’s something about your favorite writers that every time you see a new book drop, you know you’re in for an amazing new read. It’s comforting like a weighted blanket or a favorite cozy sweater.

Th Good Part is a time travel, Big, 13 Going on Thirty, kinda story, except Lucy, the main character is in her 20’s, longing for the good part of her life to really begin.

Through in some best mates, a crappy job, dismal dating prospects, dodgy roommates and a leaky ceiling and Lucy has had enough. When she makes a wish at a mysterious machine at a news agent’s she just might end up skipping to the good part.

The writing is both engaging and lyrical, with vivid descriptions that transport you into the characters’ lives and settings. This novel isn’t just about romance; it’s about the journey of finding oneself through love and connection.

This was my first of Sophie Cousens' books and it definitely won't be my last! I love a book that messes with time, so this was right up my alley (in some ways, this is what I had hoped The Midnight Library would be, but with more romance). It was also nice to read a romance with a female protagonist over 40, and one who grappled with aging. If you like books about second chances, figuring out who you are, and getting a peek into what would have been, this is for you.

I really enjoy this author - this isn’t the first book I’ve read by her. Ever wonder what would happen when you skip to the “good part” of you life? So did Lucy, but after she wonders this she wakes up to a life she didn’t realize. After living her new life, she’s wondering if what she skipped is worth missing or if this is truly the best part.

I read the ARC for this book a bit late (apologies!), but still want to thank the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read a copy via NetGalley (Thank you!).

Unfortunately, I was a bit dissapointed with this book as I really enjoyed This Time Next Year (which was adorable!). I felt the dialogue (and internal monologue) in this novel, however, was a bit too juvenille and felt forced most of the time, which made me see the main character as more of a characature than a character. I often felt like I was reading a novel about an overtly dramatic pre-teen, not a young woman in her mid-twenties and early forties. The concept of the novel was great but should have probably been released as a YA novel, with the character as a teenager??

[I only shared a copy of this review on Goodreads.]

Finally went back and read this!! I have loved every Sophie book I've read so far. This book is such a good reminder to live in the moment!

This book was an emotional roller coaster. Laugh out loud moments mixed with moment of deep sadness. Love it though! Would love to listen to the audio, too, at some point.

Since reading Same Time Next Year, which had a scene I will never forget, I will read anything Sophie Cousens writes. .I loved the "what if" theme of this book. We all think that at one time or another.

Book Review:
Title: The Good Part
Author: Sophie Cousens
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4 stars

Who else hears AJR's "The Good Part".... can we just skip to the good part, ahhhhhhhhhh ahh ahh ahhhhh 🎵🎶? It's such a great song and such a great book!

This book really makes you think. Think about your life, the highs and lows, the heartbreaks, the joys you encounter as you live and learn and grow. But when things just seem stuck, when maybe your life is in no way going the way you want it to, would it be worth it to just skip ahead? Would you regret missing out on those things that brought you to where you end up? Personally, I would regret it. This book really makes you grateful for the crappy parts. Maybe not grateful, but humble. Instead of thinking, "I wish I had never done that, made that choice," think, "I'm grateful for the knowledge I learned from such a tough experience." I don't know, maybe I read too much into this book but I'm kinda at that period in my life (mid-life, yes 🤣) where I'm tired of the regrets and living in the past. I want to enjoy my good part now!

So, while I really shared nothing about the book itself, it clearly had an impact on me! That in itself means it was a good one!!

Published: November 7th, 2023

Thank you, @netgalley and @putnambooks, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

At the age of twenty-six, Lucy finds herself at a wishing machine and desperately asks to skip forward to the good part in life. The next day she wakes up sixteen years in the future, with a amazing husband, two adorable kids and a career she's always dreamed of. As she falls more in love with her future life she begins to wonder if she'd actually go back, given the chance.

This was a quick read that was easy to follow. I would of loved to know more about Sam, his character was intriguing. Although his story with Lucy seemed complicated, he had such a calm and loyal presence.

I really wanted to like this book and there are definitely parts of it that I enjoyed but overall the plot was not well conceived and I desired so much more from it.

Wah! This is definitely a book I’ll think about for a while. It caused me to reflect on my life & what I want from it, while encouraging me to be more present. It also may have given me a little anxiety because it doesn’t always feel like there is enough time.

Thank you Net Galley & to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was like a warm hug for me. I laughed, I cried and it just made me feel good. loved the characters and their development.

This was my first Sophie Cousens book, and it will not be my last! The humor was so specific, the characters so heart-warming, and the conceit of jumping ahead to the "good part" of your life (spoiler: you'll miss all the good things along the way!!) left me truly teary eyed and moved. I'm still thinking about this one, and can't wait to read more of Cousens's work.

Ive read a handful of books by this author and Ive enjoyed each one. This book is no different. Lucy wishes that she can 'skip to the good part' at a wishing machine. When she wakes up, she realizes she's skipped to 16 years into the future. As she tries to navigate her future self's life, she is faced with the decision to either go back to her 26 year old self so that she can experience her life, or stay where she is having only her 'memories' of the 16 years she missed. #TheGoodPart #NetGalley.

How many times in life have we wished we could just skip to the good part? The idea of this book definitely drew me in and the storyline was one I really enjoyed, but the ending let me down. The author did a good job of drawing me into the story quickly and I found myself wanting to know how things played out. The characters are easy to like and I found myself wanting to have a kid just like Felix! I understand what the author was trying to do with the ending, it just felt rushed and was a little awkward for me. With that being said, this is still an author I will definitely read again because the overall experience was positive!

***I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.***

Imagine skipping to the good part? That’s what Lucy thinks she wants, doing so far as to wish for it! But doesn’t she know that wishes really do come true? And that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side?

This story is a sweet, quick read. Follow along as Lucy gets the more she was seeking and realizes she might have had it all to begin with. Cousens fans will not be disappointed!

What a delight of a book. I'm a sucker for a good time travel idea and this mixed with a classic light romance was just what I needed. If you are in a reading slump, this would take care of it!

I absolutely love time travel! This gave me such freaky Friday/ 13 going on 30 vibes. I loved the bond that Lucy created with Felix after a few weeks together. My favorite character was Mr. Finkley and I loved that he was invited to Felix’s birthday. Light romance, mild fantasy. Fun read!