Unveiling Secrets and Scenic Roads: ‘You, With a View’ by Jessica Joyce – Book Review

‘You, With a View’ is a great debut novel from Jessica Joyce. Her writing style is engaging and flows smoothly, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

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From The Publisher:

Noelle Shepherd is unemployed, living with her parents, and grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother when she discovers decades-old photos of Gram and a smitten man, tucked alongside a love letter. She creates a TikTok to search for the mystery man, which goes viral, and she’s shocked when his grandson responds—a man who happens to be her high school nemesis, Theo Spencer.

Noelle refuses to let Theo’s annoying accomplishments in adulthood—or his sexy smirk—stand in the way of meeting his grandfather and unlocking the secrets he knew about her gram as a young woman. When she learns that their plans to elope were thwarted, Noelle decides to take the honeymoon road trip they planned but never got to carry out. There’s a catch, though: Paul, Theo’s grandfather, asks to come with her, and he insists that Theo join them.

It’ll be a miracle if they make it through the trip without Noelle throwing Theo out of the moving car—or the bed they end up sharing. As the miles tick by, the tension simmers hotter between them…until she discovers that Theo’s hiding a secret that could cause their tenuous relationship to end before it can restart.

My Thoughts:

‘You, With a View’ is a delightful tale that blends humour, romance, and family secrets into a heartwarming road trip adventure. Noelle Shepherd, the relatable protagonist, is grappling with the challenges of unemployment, grief, and living back with her parents. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon old photographs and a love letter that once belonged to her beloved grandmother.

What sets this story in motion is Noelle’s decision to use the power of social media, creating a TikTok account to seek out the mystery man from her grandmother’s past. The TikTok goes viral, leading to an unexpected response from none other than Theo Spencer, her high school nemesis. From this point on, the book takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as Noelle and Theo embark on a road trip together to uncover the secrets of their grandparents’ past.

The idea of following the trip that was originally planned by Noelle’s grandmother and Paul adds a layer of nostalgia and poignancy to the story. It’s a touching tribute to the past, showcasing the enduring power of love and unfulfilled dreams.

However, it’s worth noting that the book includes a significant number of steamy scenes, which might not be to everyone’s taste. While they add depth to Noelle and Theo’s relationship, readers who prefer a more subtle approach to romance might find these moments somewhat overpowering.

At its core, the book explores the theme of the pressure to be successful, even at the cost of staying true to oneself. This theme resonates strongly throughout the book as both Noelle and Theo grapple with their own ambitions and the expectations placed upon them by their families. It’s a relatable and thought-provoking aspect of the story that adds depth and substance to the characters.

In conclusion, ‘You, With a View’ is a captivating debut novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, love, and family bonds. It skillfully weaves together humour, romance, and mystery against the backdrop of a memorable road trip. While some readers may find the steamy scenes abundant, the overall story, characters, and themes make it a compelling and enjoyable read. Jessica Joyce has certainly made a noteworthy entry into the world of fiction with this novel.

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