I've read several books written by Allison Winn Scotch and I'm a big fan of her work. Which is why when I had the chance to read and review In Twenty Years (links are affiliate links) for TLC Book Tours I took the opportunity.
Winn Scotch has a way of writing that leaves you connecting with her characters and feeling as though you know them really well. The men and women of In Twenty Years are no exception.
Whether you like them or you don't (some I did, some I didn't like quite AS much), you will find yourself feeling like you're friends with Bea, Catherine, Owen, Annie, Colin and Lindy. Or you're saying to yourself that you totally knew someone JUST like them when you were in college.
People seem to be referring to this book as a reunion book. I suppose it is - but to me it more represents the growth that we go through once we pass into a new stage of life. When kids (because we really were kids, even though we didn't feel like it!) graduate from college and go their separate ways so many things change. And whether it's high school or college you look back on, we all have those friends we were inseparable from, the ones attached at the hip. The ones we lived with, ate every meal with, did every-single-thing-imaginable with - and no longer speak to. The friends of In Twenty Years didn't all grow quite as well as many of us believe or at least hope we have.
Some of them are stuck in a rut. Some have lost track of their dreams. Some have simply put on a happy face and moved forward. We learn more about them as they each tell snippets of their story. As I have shared before, I am a fan of books written from the differing perspectives of a number of characters. Seeing things come together through each person's voice or thoughts often strengthens the story.
Each character has lived their own life over the years, distancing themselves from the group for one reason or another. But it was Bea's death that ultimately shattered the relationships they once held dear. Don't worry - her death is not a surprise - I normally wouldn't say it straight out, even though it's a huge part of the story - but it's importance is relevant here. It is Bea, after her death, who brings them back together.
We learn that each one has his or her secrets. Each has their own hurdles to bear. We share in their memories and their new moments. We watch them reconnect. And we find ourselves wrapped up in the conclusion, though - since I'm being 100% honest - they leave us wanting a little bit more.
So while I'm not aware that Winn Scotch has a sequel in the works, I do have a handful of questions I'd like answered ... I think I'll hold onto them until I know for sure.
If you're looking for the perfect beach read, order yourself a copy of In Twenty Years on Amazon right now. It'll be on your Kindle or in your hands before you know it - just in time for your next trip to the beach, the lake, or simply your local coffee shop when you have a minute to escape.
And if you're looking for more reading recommendations, I have several posts available that will help you out:
* As indicated, I was provided with a copy of this book to facilitate my review. All expressed opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way for my review. *
I'm around the age of these characters at the time they get back together so there's probably a lot that I could relate to in this book. I'm looking forward to finding out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour.