Title: When You Get the Chance
Author: Emma Lord
First published January 4, 2022
308 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250783349 (ISBN10: 1250783348)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Millie Price is determined to make her dreams of becoming a Broadway star come true, but she can’t do it alone. With her father hesitant to watch her leave home and her drama club rival causing tension, Millie needs an ally.
When she discovers her dad’s old LiveJournal from 2003, Millie decides to track down her long-lost mother. As she sets out on her journey, she meets a group of women who could potentially be her family.
But will finding a new part of her life disrupt her old one? And can she discover the past without jeopardizing her present?
When You Get the Chance is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and the importance of family ties.
About the Author
Meet Emma Lord, the talented author of two bestselling books, YOU HAVE A MATCH and TWEET CUTE. She is also a market editor at BuzzFeed, living in the bustling city of New York.
When Emma isn’t hard at work writing, you can find her either running or singing show tunes in community theater. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of Virginia, where she also mastered the art of discreetly updating her fan fiction from the back row.
Emma’s childhood was filled with love, glitter, and plenty of grilled cheese sandwiches.
Editoral Review
Emma Lord’s latest novel, When You Get the Chance, is a heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and self-discovery. Set in the charming town of Friendly, Utah, this book is perfect for fans of contemporary fiction and coming-of-age stories.
The story follows cousins, Asra and Liz, who have taken very different paths in life. Asra is a social media influencer in New York City, while Liz is a college student with a passion for activism.
When their grandmother passes away, they return to Friendly to attend her funeral and spend time with their extended family. Over the course of the summer, they navigate their conflicting priorities and learn more about themselves and each other.
Lord’s writing style is engaging and accessible, which makes it easy to become invested in the lives of her characters. She has a talent for bringing to life the small moments that make up everyday interactions, which gives the book a sense of authenticity.
Additionally, she explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional aspirations. The setting of the book and its depiction of small-town life adds a cozy charm to the story.
The character development in this novel is one of its greatest strengths. Asra and Liz are complex, relatable, and compelling, and the supporting cast is just as richly drawn.
Lord’s focus on family relationships is especially noteworthy, as she captures the nuances and complexities of these connections. The pacing is well-balanced, making it easy to keep turning the pages.
One potential limitation of When You Get the Chance is that it doesn’t break any new ground or offer any big surprises. While the characters are well-developed, the plot is fairly predictable.
However, the quality of the writing and the depth of the characters more than make up for any lack of originality. Overall, I highly recommend When You Get the Chance, especially for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with strong character development.
This novel is a touching exploration of family, friendship, and the search for one’s identity, and it will leave readers feeling warm and hopeful. I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.