Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez: Book Review

Yours Truly is a story of moving on after loss. It highlights the importance of family, friendships and trust. I loved it!

Acknowledgements:

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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From The Publisher:

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin’-seven on Briana’s “pain in my ass” scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter. 

And it’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet,” and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable—a kidney for her brother—she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy new doctor . . . especially when he calls in a favor she can’t refuse.

My Thoughts:

Abby Jimenez excels in writing moving stories with well-developed characters with interesting backstories. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of her previous books (The Friend Zone, The Happy Ever After Playlist, Life’s Too Short, and Part of Your World) and looked forward to reading Yours Truly.

The story is told in a dual narrative which worked very well. Dr. Briana Ortiz is an E.R. Physician whose life has been turned upside down. Her decade-long marriage has ended, her brother needs a kidney transplant, and she’s just found out the administrative role she has coveted is no longer part of her near future thanks to the newest physician that has joined the staff, Dr. Jacob Maddox.

Jacob’s long-term relationship has recently ended and he has learned that his ex is now planning on marrying his brother. His family has been divided since the two began dating so he aims to show that he has moved on so that his family becomes unified once again. Deciding to move to this new hospital was a big move for Jacob who suffers from social anxiety.

Briana and Jacob do not hit it off initially. But when Briana gives Jacob some advice to make him more likeable to the ER staff, he writes Briana a letter giving his thanks and explaining his condition. Briana is touched and so begins a series of letters, and eventually meetups.

Jacob learns of Briana’s brother’s need for a transplant, he arranges to be an anonymous donor. Briana inadvertently finds out and the two become closer than ever. She learns from Jacob of his need for a girlfriend to show his family that he is doing well. Briana offers to help and the two begin what each believes to be a fake romance.

The story is filled with family love, deep friendships and overcoming barriers. There are some very funny moments and many very tender ones. It is entertaining and a joy to read. I highly recommend it to those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction or Romance.

What I Liked:

• The well developed characters with interesting backstories
• The well-executed dual narrative
• The emotion and joy experienced while reading the book