Title: Maybe This Time
Author: Kasie West
First published July 9, 2019
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781338210088 (ISBN10: 1338210084)
Rating: 3.7
Overview
One town. One chance.
One summer to…fall in love? Festivals.
Beach parties. Concerts.
Fourth of July parades. Name the summer event and Emma Johnson will be there.
Well, she has to be there. Emma works at the local ice cream shop, so she can be found at every big event in her small town, serving up scoops and managing family dramas.
Enter Blake Taylor. The son of the new mayor in town, Blake is suddenly required to attend all the same events as Emma.
Charming, handsome, and a bit of a troublemaker, Blake just wants to have fun and make the most of his summer. But every time he turns around, there is Emma, getting in his way and making his life more complicated.
Until one day he wonders if maybe complicated isn’t so bad after all… Told over the course of one summer and following Emma and Blake from event to event, this heartwarming novel from the queen of YA romance Kasie West shows how love can sneak up on you when you least expect it.
About the Author
Hey there! I’m an author who specializes in Young Adult fiction. When I’m not writing, you can often find me snacking on Junior Mints – and sometimes I even combine the two! Some of my popular novels include PIVOT POINT and its sequel SPLIT SECOND, as well as my contemporary works like THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, ON THE FENCE, and THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND.
I’ve also penned other titles such as PS I LIKE YOU, BY YOUR SIDE, LUCKY IN LOVE, LOVE LIFE and the LIST, LISTEN TO YOUR HEART, FAME FATE and the FIRST KISS, MAYBE THIS TIME, and MOMENT OF TRUTH. I’m fortunate to have the support of my talented and humorous agent, Michelle Wolfson.
Editoral Review
Kasie West’s latest young adult novel, Maybe This Time, is a charming and heartwarming read that will leave readers feeling uplifted and hopeful. West, known for her romantic and feel-good stories, has once again hit the mark with this contemporary romance novel that explores themes of growth, forgiveness, and second chances.
The novel follows high school senior, Sophie Evans, who finds herself working for her ex-boyfriend’s parents as a florist for their wedding business. While she initially grapples with the awkwardness of being around her ex, Andrew, and the unresolved feelings between them, Sophie eventually learns to let go of her past and embrace the present.
Along the way, she meets a charming and endearing boy named Andrew Hart who helps her navigate her way through her complicated emotions. West’s writing is easy to read and flows seamlessly, making it a quick and enjoyable read.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Sophie’s struggles and triumphs feeling authentic and grounded. The romantic chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the slow-burn romance will have readers rooting for them until the very end.
What sets Maybe This Time apart from other young adult romance novels is its focus on forgiveness and growth. Sophie’s journey is not solely focused on finding love but also on letting go of past hurt and learning to forgive.
West’s exploration of these themes is refreshing and adds depth to the novel. One minor critique of the novel is its lack of diversity.
While the story is set in a small town, the lack of diverse characters is noticeable, and it would have been great to see more representation. Overall, Maybe This Time is a delightful and heartwarming read that will appeal to fans of young adult romance.
West’s writing is engaging, and her themes of forgiveness and growth add an important depth to the story. It receives a solid four out of five stars and is highly recommended for anyone looking for a romantic and uplifting read.
