Thank you to Berkley Publishers and netgalley for providing me an arc of Abbi Waxmans book Christa Comes out of Her Shell. I am a fan of Abbi Waxman and was happy to read her books it was the lighter book I needed to read. I knew nothing about the book but it was a happy light going read that I enjoyed about Christa whose father disappeared at a young age but then returned when she was an adult. Enjoy this book and you also might learn some science details.

3.5 stars

To start with, I had a hard time figuring out how to classify this book. It’s on me that I thought this was a Romance going in because I don’t think I was ever specifically told that. This is more general fiction with romantic elements. But I will say, for my Romance peeps, it does have a HEA for Christa. And the last half of the story is a lot heavier on the romance than the first half.

There are some terrible people in this story. Underhanded, narcissistic, greedy people who only pretend to care about what their actions do to their supposed loved ones. Fortunately, Christa’s mom and sisters are not those terrible people. This book is, at its core, about Christa and her sisters and mom healing their relationships. They love each other hard and deeply, but many mistakes have been made through the years. Especially in Christa’s childhood. Christa has her faults, but it’s much easier for her to admit to those faults once her family members address their past mistakes with her. I loved seeing them come together and display a united front over and over, even before they had stitched up the tears in their family.

Nathan and Leo are wonderful additions to that family team. I would have loved to see more of Leo, but he was always there holding them up when they needed him. Nathan is the love interest and he’s also a comforting present for the women in the family. He was witness to Christa’s greatest shame (in her eyes, anyway) and that was one of my issues with the story. It was kind of kept as a secret from the reader and I didn’t really see the reason behind the secrecy. Everyone who mattered in the story knew what happened so it was strange to keep it from the reader. Regardless, Nathan is amazing and it seems he always has been.

This is a new-to-me author so I’m not sure if this book is a good example of her usual writing style. I found the flow to work well and, for the most part, the story was engaging. It threw me off that she switched from first-person POV (Christa) to third-person POV a few times. Those third-person bits weren’t very long, but it was strange to have them thrown into a first-person story. I still enjoyed the story and, even though this isn’t my usual genre, I would read more from this author if the opportunity arose.

Christa appeared on many television screens as a child, but not out of choice. In fact, when her famous father went missing when she was quite young, she was often presented as the sad little girl who lost her daddy. As Christa grew older she had some difficulties, and this is when Christa ended up taking charge of her own life. Now a well-educated woman, working on a long-term research project on an isolated island, Christa is in her element.

However, this all changes when her father, certainly thought to be deceased, shows up alive and well. Christa and her family are now thrust into the spotlight. Christa gets more attention than her two sisters and even her mother because of how she was presented as a child. Avoiding the paparazzi proves to be a huge challenge and while the family is seeking answers, she cannot wait to get back to her little island and the marine project that she is working on.

Where is all of this going to lead? Where was Christa‘s father all of those years? What does that mean for her life and that of the life of her family even now? Beyond these questions, there is something else that this book offers readers. There is a second chance romance woven into the pages of this story that most certainly will affect Christa‘s future.

This was a delightful read and I love how the story evolved and how we got to see Christa’s life changing as the story progressed. This came to a wonderful conclusion and now I cannot wait to read the next book by this talented author.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Thank you Penguin Random House Audio and Berkley Publishing Group for this complimentary audiobook and gifted copy.

Sounds amazing right?
Well, it is amazing, Abbi did it againg, I loved this story. The best quirky characters, heartwarming, sweet and funny. I had the best time with this book.

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 by Abbi Waxman releases today April 16, 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

I just discovered Abbi Waxman a few months ago and have only read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, which I absolutely loved. Christa is nothing like Nina, and their stories couldn’t be more different, however Christa stole my heart. Her life is very unique - I loved her occupation and all the tidbits we learn about her beloved ocean and the snails she studies. Her childhood was even more unique, with all kinds of continued family drama. A shocker prompts her return home and starts her second chance love story with an old friend. Nate is a swoony dreamboat who is the perfect partner to stand by her side as she navigates the mess her family has found itself in. Themes of abandonment, addiction, avoidance, forgiveness, and all forms of love weave through Christa’s story. I am here for all of it. I cannot wait to continue reading Abbi Waxman’s backlist. I hope you give Christa’s story a try and I hope you love it!
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Scientist Christa is happy researching sea snails on a remote island far away from her family when she gets a call that her famous father (think American Steve Irwin—at least that’s what I did) who was presumed dead after a plane crash years ago is very much alive. Christa needs to come home to help her mother and sisters deal with the news and possibly reconnect with her father—a man she barely remembers, but one whose legacy ruled her childhood and teenage years. When she gets home, she’s also reunited with a childhood friend, Nathan, and the instant attraction she feels for him makes the already complicated situation even more complicated.

I loved so much about this book. I found Christa’s voice delightful and almost immediately connected to her even though we’re very different people (for instance, I have no interest in snails). And I loved the family dynamics in the book. Every one of the characters was really interesting in their own way. I was especially drawn to Christa’s mom who was a really strong woman forced to grapple with mistakes she made raising three daughters on her own.

Initially, I also really loved the romance. Nathan was a great, swoon-worthy character and I loved the scenes between him and Christa early on. By the end of the book he took a turn towards being a little too perfect, but I know that’s a hard line to draw in these stories. I still enjoyed their arc. This is my fourth Abbi Waxman book, and it was much steamier than any I’ve read before. I’ve definitely read steamier books, but I wasn’t expecting the open door aspect in this one.

The audiobook was fabulous. Jessie Vilinsky is the main narrator although there’s also a male narrator for the news coverage in the book. Vilinsky does a great job bringing Christa to life and her male voices are to die for.

I would absolutely recommend this one if you like family dramas and quirky characters.

I haven't read an Abbi Waxman book since The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. This one immediately caught my attention because it has one of my greatest female character weaknesses: the introverted nerd. If she is socially awkward (even anti-social is acceptable), quirky, super intelligent, or shy...count me in. All of the above? Even better! After many years of reading many variations of this heroine, IT has finally happened. I found one that unlikely unicorn that I don't like. Christa is a contradiction, an anomaly. On paper, I should like her, but for me but all of her flaws overshadowed the things that should have endeared her to me.

Christa Liddle grew up in the public eye because of her famous father. He had his own television show, and was co-founder of a copycat beanie baby toy company. He was a charming media darling until he took a flight to Alaska and disappeared. Christa was two the last time they all saw him off in that plane, so his absence is more memorable to her than his brief presence was. The media and internet were like a pack of wolves fighting over the bloody carcass of their lives, but Christa especially got the brunt of their unwanted attention. To lose a father is hard enough, but to try to work through everything emotionally while the world watches your every move is near impossible. She doesn't handle it well as a young adult, and her rebellious ways escalated until one traumatic event sends her running to isolate herself on an island in the Indian Ocean. There, she finds quiet, serenity, and only the snails she's studying as her companions. For four years, she was happy hiding away from her uncomfortable past, but her father had to go and "return from the dead."

From the start, Christa was rubbing me the wrong way. She's prickly, quick to get angry and defensive, pushes everyone away around her, and is emotionally closed off. I'm all for a socially awkward character, but when you throw rudeness into the equation, that's not a good side. Even her "crush" Nate is victim of her sharp tongue, but he can't see past the hearts in his eyes whenever he looks at her. These two grew up together, but there was an age gap as kids. Now, they discover an almost immediate attraction for each other, but I genuinely couldn't see why he was so enthralled with her so quickly. She doesn't spare him much attention, and when she does, she makes sure to emphasize that if they get involved, it will only be a fling until she jets back to her solitary life again. They go on one walk, and one date on the beach and suddenly are supposed to be on the fast track to falling for each other. I never saw any reason why they would feel this way. It all feels very manufactured based on their completely platonic interactions growing up. She never fails to dismiss him like his wants are unimportant when making decisions about where to take her life in the next stage. Even up until the last 15% of the book she's making decisions purely on her own needs making me feel that she hadn't grown at all throughout the book. I felt that he deserved someone who would make compromises and sacrifices for him some of the time, because he was all in, wasn't afraid to express that to her, and he deserved it.

Aside from the weak romance, the plot was a little out there. The disappearance, assumed death, return "from the dead", amnesia, and cartoonishly one-dimensional villain were very soap opera over-the-top for my taste. This came off as a rom-com rather than a women's fic that you would expect from this author, but without the humor or charm. For me, it really fell flat. There wasn't enough exploration into Christa's broken relationship with her family, and a lack of time spent of mending it. All of that was glossed over in a quick and tidy way, while the chaotic antics surrounding her dad were always the focus.

Personally, whatever story her dad was currently spinning, I never had any sympathy and I wouldn't have been so quick to let him back into the family. It was a little annoying how they just accepted the pain that he put them all through (let's just say that his original version of events didn't actually check out). Even Christa who was the only one giving any resistance, quickly caved and spent time with him without any discussion of the turmoil she suffered because of him. However, ignoring uncomfortable situations and conversations is on brand for her I guess.

My problem with Christa is that she needs character growth, badly, and I didn't see it happen. Her big flaw-running from her problems is not addressed. At all. At 90% in the book she runs from her uncomfortable feelings again. Nate shows that he is willing to uproot his entire life and fit his alongside wherever she decides to go. What does she ever do to show him that he is as important to her? I didn't feel any chemistry at all, and I wasn't ever really rooting for them. Overall, more time should have been spent on developing Christa's familial and romantic relationships rather than the OTT drama. While I was a fan of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, this one was a miss for me. Not every book can be a winner, and that's perfectly okay.

Happy Publication Day to Abbi Waxman for Christa Comes Out of Her Shell! I’ve been a fan of Abbi’s writing since 2018. Her novel, Other People’s Houses was a Book of the Month pick early that year, and I added it to my blue box on a whim. I ended up absolutely LOVING it, and have been reading her books ever since. This new one had a lot of bumps in my reading road. There were a lot of ups and downs. It didn’t grab my attention at first, but really gained momentum once the family drama got started. I went through spurts of inhaling it, then becoming a tad bored with the storyline, and then back to gobbling it up again. But by the conclusion, it lost most of its steam, and had me rolling my eyes a bit.

I adored the female protagonist, Christa Liddle and her quirky personality. I’d describe her as adorably nerdy. She’s an introverted scientist studying sea snails, and living her best life in the middle of the Indian Ocean. One day, she gets some shocking news about her father that makes her jump on a plane, and head back home to be with her family. This is where things really pick up and get moving. I loved all of the family drama, dysfunction, and strong focus on sisterhood. I especially loved the character growth displayed by Christa. No doubt about it, she comes out of her shell.

If Abbi Waxman is a new author to you, I highly recommend you start with a few of her earlier novels like Other People’s Houses and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. Sadly, this wasn’t my favorite from Waxman, but I’ll still read anything she writes! It still has the classic Abbi charm, quirkiness, and humor that I love, but just wasn’t as strong as her others. 3.5/5 stars for Christa Comes Out of Her Shell! Available NOW!

Abbi Waxman’s books are always like a mug of tea and a cozy reading chair, but in book form. Her stories blend family and romantic drama seamlessly surrounding a delightfully quirky heroine. In the case of Christa Comes Out of Her Shell, that magical mix also has a bit of animals and snails!

Abbi Waxman’s latest book veers further into “chick lit” and “rom-com” territory than I’m used to from her. There’s a lighter, sillier feel to this book, so if you’re looking for a book to brighten up your reading list, Christa Comes Out of Her Shell is a good one! Despite more than usual comedy, this book still has Waxman’s signature heartwarming feel to it.

Dr. Christa Liddle has her doctorate in marine biology and has traveled to an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean where she can conduct her research on sea snails in peace. Her childhood was a bit turbulent—she lost her father to a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness. As if that tragedy weren’t enough, her father Jasper Liddle was a famous conservationist and explorer with a hit television show and his own line of stuffed animals. Christa had to live in the shadow of public interest in her father and his death most of her life. Her mother and sisters found a way to move on, but Christa always felt stuck in that hazy spotlight that shined on her family.

Now, somewhat alone on her island, she can leave the paparazzi, drama, and emotions tied up in that part of her life behind. Christa relishes the solitude of her research, and prefers the company of snails to humans more often than not. But everything in her world (the one she has made as small and peaceful as possible) is upended once again when it turns out her father is alive after all. If the world was interested in the mysterious death of the famed explorer, they are even more obsessed with the Liddle family now that he has been discovered to be alive!

Back at her family home, Christa is surrounded by the very same family drama that she tried to escape from. The press won’t leave them alone, digging into every secret and buried truth they can find about the Liddle family. Christa feels like she’s trapped back in the same unhealthy relationships with her family that caused her to flee. To add to the emotions flooding back into Christa’s life, an old family friend Nate resurfaces, and their chemistry and attraction is undeniable. Can Christa ever return to her peaceful life away from the spotlight?

This book is definitely more of a love story than I imagined it to be. The description of the book has some raw themes—complicated family dynamics heightened by a media bananza, and then getting to know the father Christa lost as a child. These feel like weighty topics, but the book doesn’t read as weighty to me at all. In fact, it had more silliness to it than I expected. The story itself is rare for Waxman in that I personally found it hard to relate to and feel fully invested in. I’m not sure if that will be a challenge for other readers, but it was for me.

Nate and Christa have an adorable relationship blossoming in the book. A person like Christa needs someone to challenge her walls that she has built up as boundaries. This truly is a story of a woman coming out of her shell, much like the very snails she spends most of her time with! Halfway through, I was charmed by Christa. She is funny, endearing, weird, and a tad antisocial, preferring the company of snails who don’t talk too much or pay too much attention to her. Her story is sweet and lighter than expected.

The audiobook is narrated by Jesse Vilinsky and Jonathan Todd Ross, and I enjoyed it immensely. Villinsky captured the upbeat tone needed to match the feel of the story.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Penguin Random House for my copy. Opinions are my own.

Ever since I read Abbi Waxman’s Garden of Small Beginnings I have been a huge fan. Christa Comes Out of her Shell captures that same quirky real life effervescence that the first novel had. Right from the moment Christa is introduced while viewing her sea snails I fell in love and as the story moved along each moment had its own reveal about Christa’s character. She wasn’t perfect, but she was perfectly awkward and fun to read about. The story itself about a long lost father who appears out of nowhere after twenty-five years was a bit unrealistic but I’ve never let realism get in the way of great storytelling. This family who was angry but at the same time overjoyed to see their father had moments that rang true. Conflicting emotions, long held convictions, but overall a love for each other who saw and would see each other through difficult times. It was such an easy story to read.

When it comes to romance, I’m not sure it’s Abbi Waxman’s focus. She’s such a great storyteller that sometimes the romantic angle kind of feels like an add-on. I’ll admit that for me that was the case with the romance between Christa and Nate but I also loved how that romance was an escape from the press of responsibility for Christa. She didn’t know how to feel about her father but that instant connection with Nate was easy to figure out and explore. It made sense while at the same time felt like it wasn’t needed. See, I was conflicted too!

Needless to say, I’ve liked all of Abbi Waxman’s story’s and this one was no different. In fact, it’s my second favorite that she’s written. Cute, light, and an escape from reality.

Christa Comes Out of Her Shell is unlike any romcom I've ever read. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it completely breaks the romcom mold.

Something I've always liked about Abbi’s books is that they often don’t focus entirely on romance. They’re romcoms, sure, but with a wider plot—usually focused on bizarre friend and/or family dynamics. In this case, the family dynamic is beyond bizarre.

Imagine an alternate universe where Steve Irwin did not, in fact, perish by way of stingray, but instead, was alive and well for 25 years in a remote location, and then suddenly, he decides to make a comeback and shock his family and the world with his sheer existence. Oh, but there's more. Imagine if his daughter Bindi had gone slightly off the rails in high school and then done her own version of "disappearing," by taking her work to a remote island and only resurfacing after finding out that her father is alive and well.

Yeah, that's what this book is like... and then add some romance in there. WILD!

Needless to say, Abbi's unique style of storytelling opens up the story a lot more than a typical romcom would. Not to mention that this particular book included footnotes. Yes, you read that right. There are footnotes since the FMC is a scientist. Not only that, but each chapter begins with an illustration of a creature or object, its name, and its "Latin" name (sometimes as goofy as "backpackus giganticus" for an oversized backpack). These are the kinds of things that keep me coming back to Abbi's books over and over again!

There was a lot of hidden depth woven into this truly witty and humorous story. Typically, I'm someone who looks up trigger warnings in advance, but I didn't with this book and I wish I had. If you're a sensitive reader, I recommend paying close attention to the warnings included here, since the heavier themes can be overwhelming. However, I do believe the content was handled with a lot of grace and it gave the characters a lot of power over the narrative, which I appreciated.

My only qualm with this book was that the romance moved a little too quickly for my particular taste. I liked the chemistry between the characters a lot, but things escalated at a pace that occasionally made me feel like that element wasn't as fully fleshed out. Regardless, the way everything was wrapped up in the end felt quite right, so I truly can't complain. There were certainly some swoony moments as well as some absolutely hilarious ones and I absolutely loved that!

I can once again circle back to how I've never read another book quite like Christa Comes Out of Her Shell. It made me crack up, had me in tears several times, and I definitely didn't want to put it down. If you're looking for something that breaks the romcom mold, this will absolutely scratch that itch!

[CW: (Major) Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Alcohol, and Sexual assault, (Moderate) Drug abuse, Vomit, and Cursing]

This book was really cute and enjoyable! A great light read for a vacation! The reclusive Christa is a delight and her romance feels true to life. I've always enjoyed Waxman's books and this one is no different!

Christa was just two when her father disappeared. Her life continued but suddenly her father is back.
I can relate to Christa hiding out on a remote island because it sounds very appealing, at least for awhile.
I thought Jasper was an absolute ass. He only cared about himself and played up to the press.
Waxman accurately depicted the media and what vultures they are, very despicable.
Christa was a decent character, she just had to learn to trust herself more.
I thought Nate was terrific. I loved how he zeroed in on Christa and wore his heart on his sleeve. I love a man who goes after what he wants.
Lots to unpack in this novel.

When your father (who was presumed missing/dead) for 25 years suddenly appears again, you're entire life is going to turn upside down, it also doesn't help that he wants to do a tv show and the fact that it means you have to come back home....but at least you might fall in love with a childhood friend. Christa Barnet spends her time hidden away studying sea snails in the middle of the Indian Ocean. She likes being alone and having the tranquility... but when her once-famous father, who was long thought dead/presumed missing for 25 years, suddenly turns out to be alive, and is making a show about his return.... Christa and her entire family have to face the frenzy of it. Christa has to come back home to her family in Los Angeles and figure out where her father has been and what he wants. Not to mention she runs into an old childhood friend who just happens to be exactly her type. As Christa's father's story gets more media attention and more secrets are revealed, Christa fears that she will lose herself and she might make a run for it before it's too late. This book was a huge family drama mess and I think if you enjoy complicated family dramas, this would would perfect for you. There is a little romance in this but the real main thing in this story is the relationship Christa has with her mother and her siblings that really shines. Overall, the story has a ton of drama and is interesting if you like that!

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

CHRISTA COMES OUT OF HER SHELL – Abbi Waxman
Berkley
ISBN: 978-0593198780
April 16. 2024
Contemporary Fiction

Los Angeles, California – Present Day

Christa Liddle grew up in a childhood spent under a magnifying glass after her famous father mysteriously disappeared in a plane crash while flying in Alaska. She’d rather spend her time studying snails on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. Then, Christa’s father, Jasper, walks out of the wilderness after twenty-five years, very much alive. He claims that he has been living there and has only just found his way back to civilization. Of course, it causes an international uproar, and the Liddle family is suddenly back in the limelight. But Christa wants to remain in her shell and isn’t sure she wants to be reunited with her father. She is, however, curious about her father’s last twenty-five years. Is he telling the truth?

Christa is reunited with her mother and two sisters while they await the return of her father. They are a disparate bunch and one can understand why Christa has chosen to distance herself from them. It’s too bad the media mob won’t leave them alone to adjust to what happened. However, into Christa’s life is the return of an old childhood friend, Nate, and she soon realizes she is attracted to him. He is part of her Liddle past and another reason she wants to go back to her remote island. But Nate proves helpful, especially when cracks begin to form in her father’s story.

I will admit that I found CHRISTA COMES OUT OF HER SHELL confusing at times. There are several characters that pop in and out of scenes. Besides Christa’s sisters and mother, there is the sleazy PR manager, who seems bent on getting every drop of publicity from Jasper and his family. Jasper is not around much in this story. He’s too busy being a star once again. He is famous for being a wildlife expert and they even had a toy line, but business was going slow—until Jasper’s return. Christa feels like everyone is using her. She is set up to appear on shows and she is being hounded by reporters. For whatever reason, they think Christa Liddle provides a good soundbite. Nate tries to protect her, but it isn’t always successful.

CHRISTA COMES OUT OF HER SHELL is told only from Christa’s viewpoint and readers will know that she is skeptical of her father’s claim. But why would he lie and why has he been gone twenty-five years? Her mother is a bit of a scatterbrain, but she is the rock of the family. How does she feel about having her husband back? While Christa wants to leave, people around her are determined to force her to remain in Los Angeles. Will she finally get a chance to escape?

An intriguing tale that will have you wondering what the truth is and how it will affect Christa. Is she pulled out of the shell that she has kept herself in? Learn the answer by picking up a copy of CHRISTA COMES OUT OF HER SHELL.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

This is my first book by Abbi Waxman and I found it to be charming. At its heart this story explores complicated family dynamics and how humans respond to trauma. Christa is such a quirky lovable character and I enjoy how Waxman gives the reader Christa’s unique voice-complete with footnotes. This story also has a romance. True to her nature, Christa tries to deny her attraction to a childhood friend, which makes the story quite fun.
I laughter and I teared up and I laughed again. Thank you To Berkley for the opportunity to read an e-galley via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Romance, and PRH audio for the free digital and audiobook copies of this adorable, zany, heartfelt, and emotional book.

Almost twenty-five years ago, Christa’s father, a world-famous nature-exploration TV show host, died in a plane crash. Although Christa has no memories of him, his legacy has shaped Christa’s life and that of her mother and two older sisters. Now, news has broken that her father has been found alive, prompting Christa, now a research scientist, to return from her Indian Ocean-based snail study to the place she likes the least - her family home in Los Angeles. This time, she has to deal with her mother and sisters, a back-from-the-dead father, the media spotlight, and a new electric connection to Nate, an old family friend. But as questions about her father’s two-decade-long disappearance emerge, all hell is going to break loose.

Christa is one of my new favorite main characters. She is delightfully nerdy, and Nate is delightfully nerdy right back. Waxman wove this smoldering romance through an emotional story of family chaos and frustration. Christa feels a lot of righteous indignation about being let down by her family when she needed them most. There are positive messages about individual and group therapy. What may sound like a hefty book is incredibly light-hearted and funny, focusing on letting go of hate, keeping people you trust, and knowing that those you love will be there for you no matter where you are. There is also an adorably ferocious Weiner dog named Marcel.

I adore Abby's books, so I knew I wanted to get my hands on this one. This definitely not my favourite book, written by Abby, but I did enjoy it. The plot and the characters are unique and make for an entertaining reading experience. The pacing was perfect, and I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. I loved the little island of Voletta, and I wish that it was real so that I could visit it. This book is a unique and quirky read and I think it is perfect for those bookworms looking for a different kind of romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for access to this arc.

This is one which I sorta love it and sorta dislike it. Parts had me laughing out loud, or cringing, or upset. Most of the characters pissed me off at times and the one who didn’t piss me off felt too good to be true. But I sucked down roughly 400 pages in two days.

Given her background, I can understand why Christa prefers to be out of the limelight now. As a child and given no choice in the matter, she got dragged into a lot of stuff that she didn’t want any part of. She did finally bust loose and do things that were, unfortunately, caught on camera leading her mother to wake up and get Christa away from it all. As Christa tells mom Denny (Denise) when mom apologizes as she should have done years ago, this all led to Christa finding her passion in marine biology (and I loved the biology stuff!) so it wasn’t all for naught. There were times though when I wanted to shake Denny as she immediately starts committing Christa to doing public things (again!) with no consent from Christa. Mom is mostly good but has her moments.

Christa’s sisters are much older which caused some rifts in years past but they’re acting better now due to intensive therapy. But I felt that there was still a lot of old family drama that had never been quite worked out either. Both sisters also appeared fine with disappearing back into their lives and leaving Christa as the Liddle sister stuck with the machinations of dad and the agent who pulled no punches in manipulating Christa into doing what he wanted.

Jasper Liddle is one of those charismatic souls who can read a room, easily slip into friendships with total strangers but who really isn’t the nice guy he might appear to be. Jasper’s got some “‘splaining to do” about where he was for so many years and once that ugly truth begins to tumble out, I disliked him intensely. Christa, who has no memories of her father, probably has the purest response which has a lot of anger in it.

The romance in the story gets sprinkled into it in various places but I found I liked this the least. Nathan is quite frankly too good to be true. I’d love a man like this in my life but honestly, I don’t think they actually exist. His speech in which he spells out to her just why he thinks she’s the best thing ever in his life is lovely and a great “boombox” moment but I wanted him to finally get a little mad about something, anything in this book which he keeps getting dragged into.

There are some dark things that swirled through the book such as the power of social media, the hunger of the public for a piece of someone’s life, the price that some people are willing to pay to get what they want, the fact that all the women of the Liddle family have either already gone to or end up going to therapy to deal with the fallout of what Jasper did, the lack of consent for things Christa was made to do and the lack of support her family gave her for so many years. There is also a lot of funny stuff as Christa is an acerbic person who doesn’t worry about filters but yeah, dark places are visited here. The book works more for me as fiction and women’s fiction but less so as a romance. B-

This was fun, lighthearted and a bit quirky! It would make a great vaca read! Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review