## Book Review: *Pit and a Peach* by Anna Pollock

Anna Pollock’s *Pit and a Peach* is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and personal growth in the age of social media and self-discovery. The novel follows Conrad Sutherland, a dedicated but somewhat oblivious boyfriend whose life takes an unexpected turn when his influencer girlfriend abruptly ends their relationship.

At the outset, Conrad finds himself adrift, struggling to reconcile his identity outside of his ex-girlfriend’s shadow. Pollock deftly portrays Conrad’s journey of self-discovery with empathy and humor, as he navigates the complexities of modern relationships and personal fulfillment.

Central to the story is Conrad’s burgeoning friendship with a lively new associate editor at North Star Magazine. Their evolving relationship becomes a catalyst for Conrad to confront his past, embrace new possibilities, and ultimately find his own path forward. Pollock’s portrayal of their friendship is authentic and engaging, highlighting the transformative power of genuine connections.

The novel’s title, *Pit and a Peach*, serves as a metaphor for life’s dualities—the sweet moments of joy (the peach) contrasted with the challenges and setbacks (the pit) that shape our journeys. Through Conrad’s experiences, Pollock explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of letting go of the past in order to embrace the future.

Pollock’s writing is accessible and infused with warmth, making Conrad’s emotional journey relatable to readers navigating their own relationships and life transitions. The narrative is enriched by insightful observations on modern love and the impact of social media on personal identity, offering a nuanced perspective on contemporary romance.

The pacing of *Pit and a Peach* is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with lively dialogue and plot developments that keep the reader engaged. Pollock skillfully weaves together Conrad’s personal growth with a compelling storyline, culminating in a satisfying and hopeful conclusion.

In conclusion, *Pit and a Peach* by Anna Pollock is a charming and insightful novel that resonates with authenticity and heart. Pollock’s portrayal of Conrad’s journey from heartbreak to self-rediscovery is both poignant and uplifting, capturing the universal themes of love, resilience, and personal transformation. For readers seeking a contemporary romance that goes beyond clichés to explore deeper emotional truths, *Pit and a Peach* is a delightful and rewarding read.

It is a testament to Pollock’s storytelling prowess that she navigates Conrad’s emotional landscape with sensitivity and depth, creating a narrative that is as enlightening as it is emotionally satisfying. *Pit and a Peach* is a refreshing addition to the genre, offering a compelling exploration of love’s complexities and the courage required to embrace life’s uncertainties.

"PIT AND A PEACH" is a sweet and touching read! Conrad, fresh from a breakup, starts noticing his coworker Maeve and looks forward to driving her to work every day. The twist? Maeve has a boyfriend. I loved seeing the story from Conrad's point of view, getting to know him deeply as he navigates his feelings and stands up for what he wants.

Pit and a peach stole my heart! It was hard having to put this book down! Conrad’s journey throughout the book was beautifully written. Anna displayed every pit and peach of their complicated relationship. I fell in love with their love. Thank you Anna for writing one of my top books of 2024 :)

PIT AND A PEACH is a sweet, soft and juicy read that I more than adored! Conrad, bless his heart, is going through a breakup after a 6-year relationship. Although a very hard worker, he isn't the type to go out of his way to connect with his fellow co-workers. He goes from not taking the time to know Maeve's name to noticing himself noticing little things Maeve does that he can't stop thinking about. When it comes to Maeve, his peach is he starts looking forward to his daily commute after agreeing to drive Maeve to work, since finding out they live in the same apartment complex, and spending time with her... His pit is she has a boyfriend. (You're supposed to start with the pit and end with the peach, but in this case, I flipped it to make it dramatic and more enticing for you to read).

I really liked that the story was only told from the male's point of view which allows the reader to get to know Conrad that much more. I have a soft spot for Conrad, and I liked seeing Conrad stand up for himself and not willing to settle for less than he desires.

Also as someone who is from Minnesota and enjoys food, I simply ate this book up!!!

I appreciated the reminder that we are all alive right now and don't need to wait for start living. I am inspired to start implementing the "pit and a peach" exercise into my own daily life! So happy to have found this author and looking forward to reading whatever the author writes next!!

Many thanks to Braseberry Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I always find it refreshing when someone writes a story about love and life from the man's point of view. This book was just that. Well written and enjoyable. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I can not say enough good things about this book!! It was just such a sweet and honest story of someones love life. I loved the main character and the adventure he took the readers on.