One True Loves: A Novel Paperback – June 7, 2016

I fell in love with Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing the first time I read her debut novel, Forever, Interrupted, and have since read every book she's written as soon as I can get my hands on them. Needless to say, I had her newest, One True Loves, pre-ordered and dove right in as soon as it was delivered. I was once again absolutely delighted with the complex, emotional story she presented, one that had me not only eager to see how the characters would react to the impossible-seeming situation but questioning how I would react given the same.I think for me the best part of the story (save the interesting dilemma it presented) was the time taken to fully develop these characters. Without it, I don't think I would have cared as much about Emma's love story and, other than still being an entertaining story, it wouldn't have had the emotional impact on me it did (really as all her books do). As it is, Reid crafts these characters that are funny, flawed, emotive, and as relatable as they come. She then takes the time to really develop their relationships and experiences, making everything feel that much more understandable. Giving the reader a clear view into how Emma lived with and loved both men made it that much more complicated when trying to decide (or figure out) who she would end up with. I did, however, know who I wanted her to pick about half way through, and I somewhat surprised myself since it wasn't whom I initially thought I would have selected. I think that just speaks to how much she had me invested in each of their lives.While this is heavily a story about a woman figuring out which of the two loves of her life she should end up with, that isn't all this story has to provide. There's a complicated relationship between Emma and her sister (which most people with siblings will be able to relate to), a look at how grief and hardship changes people, as well as the idea that you never quite know where your life might take you, which might include going back to the very places you try so hard to get away from. There are a number of interesting threads running through the story, giving plenty to enjoy and ponder as the story progresses and long after it's done.I'm clearly a huge fan of this author and recommend her all the time. I'm always surprised at the complex situations she puts her characters in and the way they, somehow, find a logical and very satisfying conclusion. I laugh, I get a little misty, and I completely fall for her characters and their dilemmas every time. One True Loves and really all her books are perfect, especially for this time of year, and I can't recommend them enough if you want a thoughtful, satisfying read.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has never let me down with any of her novels. Each one is written in an extremely easy to read style that ensures readers will fly through the pages; each one also happens to be laced with themes that are universal and thought-provoking. One True Loves is certainly no exception, as Reid seeks to present her own answer to one question: Is it possible to truly love more than one person? Now, I know my answer to this question, but I was eager to discover how Reid would endeavor to address it in this novel. And quite frankly, I thought she did a spectacular job. Writing about something this complicated requires a capable, confident hand, and that is precisely what Reid possesses.One True Loves tells the story of Emma Blair. In her twenties, she marries her high school sweetheart Jesse, and together, they make a life for themselves that involves all sorts of spontaneous adventures. It is on their first anniversary when Emma’s life changes forever – because Jesse goes missing on a trip for work. In an effort to regroup, Emma quits her job and moves back home where she begins working at her family’s bookstore. It is there she runs into an old friend, Sam, and she finds herself doing the impossible: falling in love a second time. But when Jesse is found alive, Emma now has to face an impossible choice.It sounds really dramatic, and yet, Reid handles the entire plot with a surprisingly light touch. Don’t get me wrong – there’s plenty of heartache and sorrow to go around, which is not surprising considering the plot. But, as with her other novels, Reid injects humor and joy into the tale, and that certainly balanced things out. It helps that Emma is a likable character, and I immediately felt a kinship with her. Her struggles were really hard to read about, her triumphs were easy to cheer for and I really found it easy to understand and relate to her. And I liked the secondary characters – adventurous Jesse, thoughtful Sam, Emma’s sweet family specifically – a whole lot too.But more than anything, I really appreciated Reid’s approach to the romance. Readers are treated to time with both of the men in Emma’s life – from the start of the romance to the state of these relationships in the face of the current conflict. I loved the perspective that this provided when considering how Emma should react, and it was incredible how Reid managed to also make me like both men (as individuals and for Emma) for different reasons. It was such a raw, honest portrayal of what such a situation could mean for everyone involved! I’m really impressed by how Reid navigated her story, and even more impressed by how she wrapped it all up in the end. (And no, I’m not giving you even a hint. Or telling how I felt in particular about these guys. You’ll need to read it for yourself, and then we can talk about it.)Reid continues to put out novels that are guaranteed to be reads that are impossible to put down, extremely compelling (in spite of the emotional turmoil) and extremely thoughtful explorations of some big, personal questions. I really admire her ability to get me to see so many different aspects of any given situation her characters find themselves in, and the way that she constantly challenges me to really think about things when I finish one of her stories. I’m definitely a fan of One True Loves, and will certainly say that it’s an excellent addition to the already published work from Reid. (And I’m very much looking forward to the next one, whatever it may be about!)

Surprisingly engaging characters and a well-fleshed out if wildly improbable plot combine for a very entertaining book! Worth a read.

The book arrived in excellent condition, but the book itself was less than excellent.After reading several books by TJR, I think her writing style just skews too young for my liking. However, like most of her books it's an easy and occasionally enjoyable read.My main criticism is that the main character is unlikeable, other characters are poorly developed. The best part of the book is her dynamic with her family and descriptions of the town she calls home.