Review: I Thought of You by Jewel E. Ann

I Thought of You by Jewel E. Ann
Published by Self-Published on May 2, 2024
Pages: 335
Format: ARC
Genres: Contemporary, Women's Fiction


Amazon

I wanted to conquer the world.

She wanted to gaze at the stars.

It’s been twelve years since I last saw Scottie Rucker. A grim prognosis has upended my life, and no amount of my hard-earned money can fix it. So, after leaving a note on the nightstand, I search for my first love—I search for life.

When I find her in Austin, working at a quaint general store and living in an RV behind it, those twelve years vanish. She’s exactly how I remember her.

Scottie thinks our reunion is a small-world coincidence, and I’m not ready to tell her the truth. After we rekindle our friendship, she convinces me to work part-time at the store while she pursues her budding relationship with Koen, a welder and the grandson of a customer.

Scottie’s ability to live in the moment is exactly what I need. But how do I convince her new boyfriend that I’m not his competition? And what happens if my heart changes its mind?

In the words of Taylor Swift, “It’s me, hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.” My feelings about I Thought of You are a bit all over the place. I think my tepid response is partially due to my inability to focus on the different story angles equally. I’m a mood reader, so perhaps I just wasn’t in the mood. I don’t know, but it’s far from being a bad book.

Despite what the blurb implies, I would not call this a romance novel. It’s more of an emotional love story(ies). Ultimately, the book shines brightest when it embraces its contemporary fiction roots and avoids trying to force itself into second chance romance and love triangle molds.

Price, Scottie, and Koen are three appealing, well-developed characters. Scottie is a ray of sunshine, a free spirited underachiever, and also a bit of a hot mess. She’s the complete opposite of Price and Koen. I loved the easy friendship between Scottie and Price, but there is no chemistry there. I kept wondering if I was supposed to be rooting for them as a couple. Scottie and Koen have chemistry, but it was hard for me to believe Koen would fall instantly and deeply in love with her (see “hot mess” and “opposite” comments). I enjoyed the budding bromance between Koen and Price.

From the very beginning of the book there is a sense of impending doom, and it hangs over each page. I couldn’t wait for the full truth to be revealed. It’s a beautifully tragic story. Price’s storyline interested me the most. My favorite parts are chapters told from his perspective.

I Thought of You is a unique and heartbreaking story with many thought-provoking character choices. I recommend this as a book club selection.

I received an early copy to voluntarily read. Opinions are my own.

Recommended for fans of:
Airstreams
Tear jerkers
Juicing
General stores

 

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