Book Review – A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall
Book Review
The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. I am not a big fan of romance novels, but this book may have just changed my mind. It was such a sweet and cute read, it had me laughing, crying and really rooting for Lea and Gabe to get together.
There are fourteen POV characters, none of whom are the couple in question. Each brings their own personalities and perspectives to the relationship. Not all are supporters but most are. Some are passionately against, yet cannot help observing the cuteness that is Gabe and Lea. every single one of the characters in mention are delightful and quirky and it’s a pleasure to spend time in their heads. This includes the POV of a bench. A bench. You’d think it wouldn’t work but it does. I found myself relating to all the characters in some way, whether it was Gabe’s shyness, the protectiveness of an older sibling, the baristas frustration with annoying customers, the bus driver who loves to people watch. I saw a little bit of myself in each of the characters.
This book had me grinning like a fool within the first several pages (Buffy references?? Yes, please!) And kept the good feels coming all the way through. This is a very sweet story about two really good people who deserve to be together. It should be simple, right? They like each other, they have mutual interests and classes, and with many friends and others rooting for them. And yet it’s not simple at all. We are often our own worst enemy and this story proves that more than most. At its best this book is a funny, sweet and heartwarming examination of how our own perceived troubles and insecurities can get in the way of actual happiness. And what we can do about it.
A Little Something Different is exactly that - a romance story that is different from any I've read before, and one that leaves you with a silly smile on your face. The perfect rainy-day read, that's for sure! You just have to appreciate a book that includes a bench POV.
