If You Could See Me Now: A Review

I love it! Love the magic, almost children's-book-like twist. Love all the characters (except Saoirse and Grainne). Love every moment shared between Ivan and Elizabeth. Love every word of it. I.Just.Love.It!

I was lucky to got the hard bound edition of this in book sale. The cover got my attention and it wasn't the typical pink-violet color of chic-lit so I thought this was something different.

They story was about a woman name Elizabeth--- who was a control freak, has a miserable past and a more miserable family--- and an invisible, Mr.Optimistic guy name Ivan--- whose job was to gave hope and happiness to children in need. Yup as in he was an imaginary friend. Cool right? I mean yes the story was a bit childish but i absolutely learned a lot from it. The words were just raw and straight-forward honest that would prick directly into your heart.

One of the writer's challenge in this kind of story was how to manage humor out of a sensitive situation. Ahern truly knows how to captivate readers with her choice of words and the characters she made. She had manage to make me laugh and cry at the same story and that makes this one into my 'favorite shelf'.

The main character, Elizabeth Egan, was really relatable. And oh my God! I know Ivan was a work of fiction but gees you gotta fall in love with this guy by his humor and character. He was a total ideal guy!

And I don't care if the story was a make believe (or if Ivan's place as it is; the words spelled backward was hilarious btw) but heck I had so fun reading the book. Plus the POV wasn't a one-sided and that made the story even fair and reliable.

The ending was satisfying even if Ivan and Elizabeth didn't get together (that's reality for you). It wasn't just a happy ending coined to love stories but an ending that would make you sigh and nod gravely. Twas like facing reality with a big, new hope in your heart. And I couldn't help myself but to say 'I believe' in the end.

PS I Love You: A Review

Third book that I've read from Ahern and I already feel like I know her style. Of course it's obvious that this is the young version of her that have mature in her two latest novels that I read--- Thanks for the Memories and Love Rosie. And know I should have read this first as it's already almost a decade old novel.

There were countless times that I've giggled and then sniffed. She knows how to touch a nerve. Although there were moments that I loved the book then hated it and back again. Maybe because there were times that the author herself was a bit unsure for her MC.

Whenever I read Holly's banter with her girlfriends, I kind of picture them as the girls in the Sex and the City (the movie, not yet read the book).

Then of course 'the list'. I have mixed feelings for each of the monthly 'request' from Gerry. But in general, it hadn't grip the necessary emotions for the story to be sympathetic enough. Yes, the story revolved around the list but I didn't feel much fond for it. At least not all of it.

And oh the ending quite surprised me, not really what I expected. I was sure myself that Holly would somehow end up with Daniel although when his ex returned and snatched him back, I was actually happy for Holly because Daniel's true color showed up in the last part. I thought he was this goody-goody guy who knows how to sympathized but when he 'forced' Holly to be with him and said that he's competing with 'the letter' (referring to Gerry) I thought 'oh he's an asshole. he and his beetch gf really should be together'.

Twas kind of a cliffhanger when Robbie suddenly appearing in the scene but nevertheless the ending underscored the story. With the possibility to love again, I'm very much happy for Holly.  

I put it in my favorite shelf since I'm sure that I will read this again.