I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this book thinking it would be one of those magical, second-chance romcoms, and while that’s not what I got, I still found this to be a heartwarming and charming story about love, fate, and second chances.

The book focuses on protagonist Carla Carter. Carla is a practical woman – unlike the other women in her family who carry Tarot cards and crystals because they believe they are cursed when it comes to matters of the heart. After an awful marriage and divorce, Carla believes that people can find the perfect mate with a little logic, science, and math, so she starts a company called “Logical Love.” Since its inception, Carla and her staff have managed to match up hundreds of people who have gone on to discover their happily ever after. Carla even met Tom using her algorithm, and the two are set to get married in a few weeks.

But when a fortune teller reveals that her true happiness lies with someone from her past, and her future husband prioritizes a work trip to the USA rather than their honeymoon, Carla wonders if maybe the fortune teller was on to something. Just to be sure, Carla embarks on a journey to revisit all the men she dated during her gap year twenty-one years ago.
As Carla travels from England to Spain to Amsterdam and eventually to Paris, she not only reconnects with her former flames but also rediscovers herself in the process.

The author does a fantastic job of bringing each location to life with vivid descriptions and a keen eye for detail. I felt like I was right there with Carla as she navigated the ups and downs of love and was reminded of why she didn’t end up with some of these men (as well as kicked herself for not settling down with others). I also appreciated that we got to spend plenty of time with Carla and her former flames and were really able to understand who they were 21 years ago versus who they are now and why they weren’t meant to be.

Patrick’s writing is engaging and heartfelt without being overly sappy. As Carla revisits her past relationships, she not only learns from her mistakes but also realizes that love can come in unexpected forms. The message that it’s never too late to rewrite your own story is powerful and uplifting. I especially appreciated that the book ended logically and not in your standard Hollywood, “everything is wrapped up in a pretty bow” kind of way, which left me feeling hopeful for Carla’s future without rolling my eyes.

What truly makes the book work is its cast of lovable and relatable characters. Carla is a protagonist I could connect with and root for from the moment I met her. Her journey of self-discovery is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking as she learns to let go of her control issues and embrace the unknown. The supporting characters, from Tom, her fiancé, to her eccentric family members, add depth and humor to the story, making it a joy to read. I also really loved her connection with her sister Jess and her mother’s best friend.

Overall, I found this to be a charming and feel-good novel that reminds us of the power of love and the importance of taking chances. This is the perfect summer beach read. Whether you’re a fan of love stories or simply enjoy a well-crafted tale of redemption, this book might just be what you’re looking for.