Today I have a review of The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves. It’s official! I have a new author to L-O-V-E! I buddy read this book with the lovely Ashley at Ashley’s Books and Bobs. Ashley and I had the best time reading this emotional and uplifting book together. Please make sure to check out her phenomenal review. The Girl He Used To Know is available tomorrow, April 2, 2019, from St. Martin’s Press!
My Thoughts:
This is one of those reviews where I want to be succinct, but I’m worried I’ll blather on. There’s so much to love here.
Annika’s story is told in two timelines- both set in the past, ten years apart. She’s an English major at the University of Illinois. Right away, the reader can tell Annika is anxious and quirky. Maybe a bit confusing? Mostly, she prefers books and chess to people.
Jonathan recently joined the chess club where he meets Annika and completely falls for her. He finds Annika smart, stunning, and a touch awkward. When their relationship forms, he is up for every challenge Annika’s quirks throw at him. The two are inseparable until a tragedy happens, at which time they slowly grow apart.
Years later, they bump into each other in Chicago. Annika is now a librarian. Jonathan is recently divorced and starting over. The bond between the two is still there, and as they reunite, they work through their past relationship and face several obstacles to their happiness.
I am not a traditional romance reader, and this book is absolutely not a traditional romance (nothing whatsoever against traditional romances). The gist of what I want to say is don’t be worried about the genre. This is a book about a beautiful, loving, steadfast relationship. It’s about characters with hearts as big as you’ve known. It’s about love and sacrifice, understanding and sensitivity. Tracey Garvis Graves draws her characters with such love and care, you can feel the respect she shows them.
Overall, The Girl He Used To Know is about who Annika AND Jonathan have grown together to be. It’s a sensitive, compelling, and inspiring love story for all.
Thank you to my friend, Ashley, for the amazing buddy read. I’ll never forget the experience of reading this with you!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people’s behavior confusing, she’d rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.
Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game–and his heart–to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.
Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She’s living the life she wanted as a librarian. He’s a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.
Have you read The Girl He Used to Know, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
You both wrote wonderful reviews. I read On The Island many many moons ago and I really enjoyed that novel already but I think I’d love this one even more. I really want to read it! Great reviews girls!!
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Thanks, Inge! I really want to read On the Island now! Yes, I think you’ll love this. The characters…wow! I hope you get a chance to read it! ♥️
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Lovely review, Jennifer, of a book I too found special. I discovered this author years ago and this is typical of her style. I think you’d enjoy her backlist as there’s nothing traditional about any of her fictional relationships.
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Thanks, Jonetta, and I LOVE hearing that you loved this book and also what you said about her backlist. I’m going to have so much fun! ♥️
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This is one I definitely plan on reading. Who doesn’t like a well done second chance love story? Terrific review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! I think you’ll love this!
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This is such a beautiful review!! I had a blast reading with you too. It was so nice to break up the story and be able to talk about it!
I miss these wonderful characters!! 😍
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Thanks, Ashley! It was a terrific buddy read for sure! ♥️ I miss the characters too. I tell you- we need more Annikas and Jonathans in this world!
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I couldn’t agree more!!
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This sounds like exactly the sort of romance I enjoy, I’ll certainly be remember it when I’m in the mood for a contemporary 😁
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Thanks, Tammy! It’s perfect for when you are looking for that kind of read, but with something extra.
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I loved this one too. Now we’ll need to catch up on all her other books! 😂
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Yes, we will, Jaymi! Where should we start?! 😆 ♥️
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Great review Jennifer! I loved this one!!
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Thanks, Heather! It was SO good!
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Wonderful review Jen! I believe i have this one too read also. Happy Monday!🌞💙
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Thanks, Sus! I hope you love it! It’s a stunner! ♥️
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I’m not a romance genre reader…but yes to a love story! 🙌 this sounds wonderful! 👍
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It’s a wonderful love story, Carol! I hope you get a chance to read it! ♥️
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I’ve got it on the TBR mountain! 👍
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I love sensitive love stories. Wonderful review.
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Thanks, Chrissi! Me too! I wish more were written with this much care. ♥️
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Excited to read the one, Jen! Glad everyone’s enjoying the book. 😉 Excellent review as usual.
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…and I almost bought this book at Costco yesterday. Guess I will next time I go. 😆
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Yes, please do! This is one I want to put right in your hands!
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Oh, yes, this is totally your kind of book, favorite M! And guess what? There are some pop culture references for the timelines that you will find so much fun. I know I did! Just little touches! ♥️
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Awesome! I can’t wait. 😉👍
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I just ordered a copy of this one, and I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it!
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Thanks, Angela! You are going to be so happy to own it. I think I need to buy a finished copy too! ♥️
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I’ve not seen a single bad review for this book so I’m thrilled to see you loved it too. Definitely going to have to snag a copy to read soon!
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Thanks, Suzanne! You are absolutely right. I haven’t seen a bad review either. I hope you get a chance to read this one!
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I loved this book so much! So glad to see you did too. It will be in my mind for a long time to come. I had to fight back tears at one point, but I will leave it at that. Fantastic review!
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Thanks, Kim! It was so special. I completely know what you mean. I was telling another friend- we need more Annikas and Jonathans in this world!
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Lovely review and picture, Jennifer. I have read this one and it was amazing. Glad you and your buddy read enjoyed this one also. Happy Reading! 🌷🌷❤️📚🌻🌹🌻😍
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Thanks, Virginia! I’m so happy to hear you loved this book too. It’s pretty perfect! Happy reading to you too! 💗
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“She prefers books and chess to people” Oh I love her already. ❤ Gorgeous, gorgeous review, Jennifer. And those flowers seem like a PERFECT fit for the story (and the cover!)
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Thanks so much, Kathy! She is a character to love completely! She captures your heart! ♥️
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Well Jenni you certainly have me intrigued 🤔 You know I can be a bit funny about romance so if you say it isn’t a traditional romance and you loved it that much? I believe you!! 😆
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Thanks, Beth! Honestly, you have to read this! I would put it right in your hands if I could! I think you’ll love it. The only thing that makes it a romance is that there is a love story, but it’s so much more than that. And there’s so much LOVE and acceptance. Just beautiful! ♥️
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Such a lovely review Jennifer. It’s wonderful to have a buddy to read with, especially when you both enjoy a book so much.
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Thanks, Mackey, and I completely agree about the buddy read! ♥️
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First, I love the flat lay cover photo! 💜 But also, I feel drawn to Annika because I feel like I’ll be able to relate to her since I tend to appreciate quirky characters. Adding to my list!
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This is a terrific book to add, LP! I absolutely loved every bit and Annika is unforgettable! Thank you for the compliment on the photo. I was buddy reading it on a Saturday, and I completely forgot to take a picture (I had taken all my other pics early), so I grumbled and went downstairs in low light and completely threw that together. I never throw pictures together. I know I spend too much time on them. This one is one of my favorites and one I spent the least amount of time on! So thank you again! ♥️
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Great review Jennifer. This sounds good and I do love a quirky character. I also have another blog to follow. 🙂💚
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Thanks, Carla! ♥️ I have no doubt in my mind that you would love this book! It’s so special! And you’ll love Annika!
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