5 Stars: Incredible
Hardback: 236 Pages
Publication: January 2, 2012 by Poppy
Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan’s life. She’s stuck at JFK, late to her father’s second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley’s never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport’s cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he’s British, and he’s in seat 18C. Hadley’s in 18A.
Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver’s story will make you believe that true love finds you when you’re least expecting it.
I cannot put into words just how cute this story is! For the most part, I’ve had a ridiculously silly smile on for face. The story starts with Hadley (or the author) musing about how four minutes can change everything. Many different things put Hadley behind schedule on the day she went to the airport, causing her to miss her flight and be put on the next one, the one that Oliver is taking. Or maybe it was fate. Regardless, it is because of her missing her flight that she meets Oliver.
I went into this book expecting that it would center on Hadley and Oliver’s romantic development. I had a very pleasant surprise in store for me. The story is also about family issues and learning how to forgive and move on. Hadley hasn’t seen her dad in over a year; now, she is flying against her will to England to be a bridesmaid at her dad’s wedding to a woman that she’s never met.
It’s probably because Hadley found herself telling Oliver about her family problems and her negative views on marriage that, having jumped off the deep end already, they could be honest with each other. And because they could be honest with each other, they felt a connection while talking on the airplane. From Oliver’s reaction to Hadley’s problems, we know that Oliver has family issues of his own. While he won’t tell Hadley what’s going on, he does encourage Hadley to give her dad a chance. She does–and good things come out of it.
In fact, a lot of good things come out of their meeting. After Hadley and Oliver land on the other side of the ocean, they part ways only for them to find each other again. We learn more about the two–some things not so good. A couple times, I thought it was nearly over for them, and then chance (fate?) brings them back together again. Oliver is a mysterious guy with a fun sense of humor. We don’t know if Hadley and Oliver will get together, but there’s promise here!
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An ARC was provided by the publisher for review purposes
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Jennifer Messerschmidt says
I'm so glad it is cute and put a smile on your face. I'm looking forward to this one. I love that she meets Oliver and confides everything. It sounds like it is a lot more than just a love story which usually does make a book even better. aww I love a HEA but as long as there is hope I will assume they get together. Can't wait to read it. If you have time show my review some love Reign Fall
Crystal says
@Sana: I definitely recommend it!
@Ashley: Same here. You'll see how it ties into the story by the end! 🙂
Ashley Prince says
This sounds really good. I was very intrigued by the title. Even though I hate statistics, I found it admirable that the author used that as the title.
Sana says
OMG! I so want to read this book! =D
Great review you have here, Kris!
Sana @ artsy musings of a bibliophile