Recent Reads: The Unplanned Life of Josie Hale by Stephanie Eding

Source: From Soucebooks Early review program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Unplanned Life of Josie Hale by Stephanie Eding
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date:  May 3, 2022

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

If you're looking for:

Found family who always look out for you

A second chance romance with your high school crush

All the fried food that'll take your mind off your troubles

A chance to start over and do things your own way

Then The Unplanned Life of Josie Hale is exactly what you need!

When Josie discovers that she's unexpectedly pregnant with her ex-husband's baby (darn that last attempt to save their marriage), she seeks comfort in deep-fried food at the county fair. There she runs into her two old friends, Ben and Kevin. While sharing their own disappointments with adult life, they devise a plan to move in together and turn their lives around. Soon Ben and Kevin make it their mission to prepare for Josie's baby, not least by making sure Josie always has the food she's craving. Maybe all together they can discover the true meaning of family and second chances in life...

Review: 

This book is all about chosen families and I can really appreciate that. It was a cute rom-com of sorts about a woman named Josie. She is getting a divorce from her cheating husband but as soon as she leaves him and starts to settle in, she realizes that she is pregnant. Now with no partner, a baby on the way, no job because she moved, and now her parents are downsizing and kicking her out, she is in a pickle. Luckily she is home and she makes contact with some old high school friends who make a pact with her that they are all going to get it together.

This book made for a funny at times read. Kevin, Ben and Josie are great together and their little house is so fun. Overall the story was enjoyable but not super relateable for me. The most impact I got emotionally, was from the mother/daughter interactions. They were properly cringe and I really felt for Josie. The romance was a little far-fetched, high school crush come full circle... while pregnant. So at times the book felt a little dragging. It was cute though and I think it made for a fun read.

If you are looking for a light romance, with no spice, this is a good one to pick up. It became a feel-good, chick-lit feel by the end for me, so if that is to your liking with a little love thrown in, this could be for you.