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The Half of It
One perfect night. Forty years of buried hurt. One chance to make it right. Can the past ever be fixed? With humor, heart, and grace, USA Today bestselling author Juliette Fay delivers an immensely satisfying page-turner, perfect for fans of Josie Silver and Jojo Moyes.
“I’m wondering if we can be friends again.”
When fifty-eight-year-old Helen Spencer reviews her life, what she sees are the mistakes. Over the years, things seemed to go sideways incrementally, one little wrong decision at a time. She can even pinpoint where it all started to go awry: a wonderous, romantic night in the woods her senior year of high school with a boy named Cal Crosby. A night she would soon work hard to forget.
Forty years, one marriage, three children, and one grandbaby later, suddenly there he is—Cal (expletive) Crosby!—right in front of her with grandchildren of his own in tow. The chance to finally get some answers and sort out what happened is within reach. But Helen would much prefer to keep that night and all the fury, hurt, and sorrow that followed tightly locked away where she doesn’t have to face it.
Cal Crosby, however, is ready to talk. He has no idea of the can of worms he’s about to open. In fact, he doesn’t know the half of it.
A warm, poignant, propulsive novel about settling the past, rekindling lost friendships, and rediscovering love when you least expect it.
“I’m wondering if we can be friends again.”
When fifty-eight-year-old Helen Spencer reviews her life, what she sees are the mistakes. Over the years, things seemed to go sideways incrementally, one little wrong decision at a time. She can even pinpoint where it all started to go awry: a wonderous, romantic night in the woods her senior year of high school with a boy named Cal Crosby. A night she would soon work hard to forget.
Forty years, one marriage, three children, and one grandbaby later, suddenly there he is—Cal (expletive) Crosby!—right in front of her with grandchildren of his own in tow. The chance to finally get some answers and sort out what happened is within reach. But Helen would much prefer to keep that night and all the fury, hurt, and sorrow that followed tightly locked away where she doesn’t have to face it.
Cal Crosby, however, is ready to talk. He has no idea of the can of worms he’s about to open. In fact, he doesn’t know the half of it.
A warm, poignant, propulsive novel about settling the past, rekindling lost friendships, and rediscovering love when you least expect it.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2023
About the author
Juliette Fay
9 books788 followersJuliette Fay is the bestselling author of seven novels, including THE HALF OF IT, CATCH US WHEN WE FALL, CITY OF FLICKERING LIGHT and THE TUMBLING TURNER SISTERS, a USA Today bestseller and Costco Pennie’s Book Club Pick. Previous novels include THE SHORTEST WAY HOME, one of Library Journal’s Top 5 Best Books of 2012: Women’s Fiction; DEEP DOWN TRUE, short-listed for the 2011Women’s Fiction award by the American Library Association; and SHELTER ME, a 2009 Massachusetts Book Award “Must-Read Book” and an Indie Next pick.
Juliette is a graduate of Boston College and Harvard University, and lives in Massachusetts with her family. Follow her on Facebook: Juliette Fay author, Twitter: @juliettefay, Instagram: Juliette_Fay, and BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julie...
Juliette is a graduate of Boston College and Harvard University, and lives in Massachusetts with her family. Follow her on Facebook: Juliette Fay author, Twitter: @juliettefay, Instagram: Juliette_Fay, and BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
April 16, 2024
I laughed, I cried!
Why did I have to cry?!!! Waaaah!
Helen and Cal meet in high school when they join the track team. These two lovable, mismatched teens can't seem to catch a break: the timing is always off for them.
Helen evolves into an "unwitting badass" - as one of the other characters in this novel labels her. Life tosses her to the floor so many times, but she eventually gets back up and finds a different way to move forward in her life. I wish I could have danced with Helen in her living room along with her kids. What a great, supportive mother she made!
Life doesn't always hand you the life you dreamed of having as a teen, but Helen and Cal, respectively, made the best of what was given to them.
I turned to this book for relief from a darker novel that I was simultaneously reading for review. I needed something "lighter" in tone. Did I get it here?
Wellll! Some parts of the story had me laughing out loud, whereas other had me shaking my head in sorrow for poor Helen. But what a trooper she was!
I highly recommend this story - it is one of those slice of life stories you won't forget.
Why did I have to cry?!!! Waaaah!
Helen and Cal meet in high school when they join the track team. These two lovable, mismatched teens can't seem to catch a break: the timing is always off for them.
Helen evolves into an "unwitting badass" - as one of the other characters in this novel labels her. Life tosses her to the floor so many times, but she eventually gets back up and finds a different way to move forward in her life. I wish I could have danced with Helen in her living room along with her kids. What a great, supportive mother she made!
Life doesn't always hand you the life you dreamed of having as a teen, but Helen and Cal, respectively, made the best of what was given to them.
I turned to this book for relief from a darker novel that I was simultaneously reading for review. I needed something "lighter" in tone. Did I get it here?
Wellll! Some parts of the story had me laughing out loud, whereas other had me shaking my head in sorrow for poor Helen. But what a trooper she was!
I highly recommend this story - it is one of those slice of life stories you won't forget.
September 5, 2022
I was lucky to get an early read of this heartwarming novel about family and second chances. Add it to your TBR immediately!
May 29, 2023
I didn't have any expectations going into this one. I knew this was second chance with a large time gap. Let's get to it....because while this book didn't end up being for me, there were some things I enjoyed about it.
I really liked the build up of the relationship in the past timeline. I'm a sucker for that friends to lovers energy...these were two nerdy kids finding connection and friendship on the track team and I really loved their dialogue together. It's the reason I kept going and wanted to see what would happen. I also enjoyed having an older characters get a second chance romance and seeing their meet cute.
What didn't work for me: I just don't love books that center a timeline around Covid. I was there, I lived it, but I personally don't want to read about it and its mentioned a lot within the book. Secondly which is the biggest no for me was there there was SO much infidelity. Physical, emotional, and on multiple occasions and almost in every plot line/relationship. It felt a lot and then there were a couple other elements that felt like...why? Why was this necessary to add into an already dramatic story. So all in all this wasn't for me but i've seen some very positive reviews for this one so take my review with a grain of salt and personal preference.
I really liked the build up of the relationship in the past timeline. I'm a sucker for that friends to lovers energy...these were two nerdy kids finding connection and friendship on the track team and I really loved their dialogue together. It's the reason I kept going and wanted to see what would happen. I also enjoyed having an older characters get a second chance romance and seeing their meet cute.
What didn't work for me: I just don't love books that center a timeline around Covid. I was there, I lived it, but I personally don't want to read about it and its mentioned a lot within the book. Secondly which is the biggest no for me was there there was SO much infidelity. Physical, emotional, and on multiple occasions and almost in every plot line/relationship. It felt a lot and then there were a couple other elements that felt like...why? Why was this necessary to add into an already dramatic story. So all in all this wasn't for me but i've seen some very positive reviews for this one so take my review with a grain of salt and personal preference.
June 3, 2022
This book is outstanding!! Enjoy!!
April 15, 2023
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
I picked a great story to read on a fourteen hour plane ride. I loved the Helen, Francie and Cal characters and how their friendships grew and evolved through high school. Helen's family situation was drawn so well with all the love, kindness, and messiness you would expect, especially during the teenage years. This is the story of love and loss, rekindling of friendships, and exploring what might have been along with the reality of what is. It is a story about healing through honesty and what happens when you do. I am definitely going to read more by this author! Mar 2023 Pub Date.
I picked a great story to read on a fourteen hour plane ride. I loved the Helen, Francie and Cal characters and how their friendships grew and evolved through high school. Helen's family situation was drawn so well with all the love, kindness, and messiness you would expect, especially during the teenage years. This is the story of love and loss, rekindling of friendships, and exploring what might have been along with the reality of what is. It is a story about healing through honesty and what happens when you do. I am definitely going to read more by this author! Mar 2023 Pub Date.
May 4, 2023
Omg, all I'm going to say is this book is full of heart. Some won't vibe with it but those who do will never want to let it go. I really enjoyed it.
May 22, 2023
There is a lot to love about this character rich, second chance romance/women’s fiction novel featuring the more mature Helen and Cal. Told in both past and present timelines, I found myself very invested in their history and what ultimately tore them apart. The present tense storyline was charming and quirky, though it didn’t capture my attention quite the way the present tense did. All in all, a really fun, heartwarming read.
Thank you Getredpr and William Morrow for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Getredpr and William Morrow for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 20, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
“One perfect night. Forty years of buried hurt. One chance to make it right. Can the past ever be fixed?”
I thoroughly enjoyed this new release from Juliette Fay. While it took me a bit longer to read (I’m so slow with physical reads), I really enjoyed both the characters and the story. I love a dual-timeline story and found myself reminiscing about friendships and young love. I also enjoyed the current day interactions with Helen and her kids and their newfound appreciation of her as not just her mother but as an adult. The story felt like a breath of fresh-air.
This second chance romance does take place during the pandemic but I found that it suited the story and timeline.
Heartwarming and nostalgic, this new release makes for a great book pairing with Maggie Smith’s memoir.
“One perfect night. Forty years of buried hurt. One chance to make it right. Can the past ever be fixed?”
I thoroughly enjoyed this new release from Juliette Fay. While it took me a bit longer to read (I’m so slow with physical reads), I really enjoyed both the characters and the story. I love a dual-timeline story and found myself reminiscing about friendships and young love. I also enjoyed the current day interactions with Helen and her kids and their newfound appreciation of her as not just her mother but as an adult. The story felt like a breath of fresh-air.
This second chance romance does take place during the pandemic but I found that it suited the story and timeline.
Heartwarming and nostalgic, this new release makes for a great book pairing with Maggie Smith’s memoir.
April 26, 2023
3.5 Stars
This story tells about the burden of regret and anger we carry into adulthood when a single event shapes our future. It was heavy, compelling and certainly makes you look at what you may have not let go from your own past.
This story tells about the burden of regret and anger we carry into adulthood when a single event shapes our future. It was heavy, compelling and certainly makes you look at what you may have not let go from your own past.
April 16, 2023
Helen Spencer is a 58 year old grandmother when she runs into her first love, Cal Crosby. Forty years may have passed, but the way they parted ways still smarts as if it happened yesterday.
Present day Cal wants a chance to make amends, but Helen doesn’t want to rehash the past. Through flashbacks, the reader gets to see Cal and Helen through their ups and downs, and what led to their ultimate falling out. Can they learn to forgive one another, even if time will never let them forget?
A story of bad timings and questionable decisions, The Half of It explores how the choices we make in life ultimately shape who are. It serves as a written reminder that doing just one thing differently can change one’s whole trajectory. Without giving too much away, the ending is truly bittersweet. Fans of second chances and sweet serendipity will enjoy this later in life love story.
October 20, 2023
Needed a more interesting plot than "teens with a complicated relationship meet 40 years later, talk about the incident that split them apart, and realize they are still in love." Of course there are obstacles, including the fact that the MMC is married, but it's only a matter of time before that impediment is removed. Fay is capable of better, e.g., Catch Us When We Fall and The Tumbling Turner Sisters.
May 17, 2023
Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. Unbelievable, too predictable with a healthy dose of cringe.
This book does rate over 4 stars on Goodreads so obviously (“I’m the problem, it’s me.) 😉
This book does rate over 4 stars on Goodreads so obviously (“I’m the problem, it’s me.) 😉
August 26, 2022
" 'You need a dose of beauty,' Barb says. And she's right. There's something relentlessly uplifting about being surrounded my masterful works of art, no matter how bereft and loveless you feel."
Juliette Fay's THE HALF OF IT is, simply put, a dose of beauty. There's something so recognizable in this story of two old high school friends who owe it to themselves to forgive each other after all these years. It's in the way Fay crafts her dialogue, like you could pour yourself a cup of coffee and join the chat. The way she recounts a scene as if you've been there too, and you find yourself nodding along in agreement, or shaking your head in frustration. And the way she invites you in to a story where you feel so at home, you don't want it to end.
I'm a longtime fan of Fay's work, and it's no exaggeration to say I enjoyed every word of THE HALF OF IT. Much gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read early.
Juliette Fay's THE HALF OF IT is, simply put, a dose of beauty. There's something so recognizable in this story of two old high school friends who owe it to themselves to forgive each other after all these years. It's in the way Fay crafts her dialogue, like you could pour yourself a cup of coffee and join the chat. The way she recounts a scene as if you've been there too, and you find yourself nodding along in agreement, or shaking your head in frustration. And the way she invites you in to a story where you feel so at home, you don't want it to end.
I'm a longtime fan of Fay's work, and it's no exaggeration to say I enjoyed every word of THE HALF OF IT. Much gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read early.
August 1, 2023
Helen is strolling through the woods, granddaughter in a baby sling, when she sees a granddad and her grandson. She freezes. Is that…? Yes, it is: Cal F******* Crosby. He’s the One that Screwed Her Over, apparently, when they were high school kids. Soon they have a meet-up, and she gives him the verbal what-for. But it turns out he’s not such a bad grown-up. She might even have feelings for this…married…old flame.
So, it’s a romance of a different order, a unique trope I’d find hard to identify. It’s a make-up, but from a long, LONG time ago. What do you call that…redemption? Past-to-present? No matter what, it’s a unique storyline.
I can’t categorize this as “slow burn” exactly, but for about the first half of the novel, the timeline moves slowly. It goes back and forth from the present to the hurtful past. But before you roll your eyes, this is done very well. Fay makes you curious from the get-go what happened between the two, and in the course of just a day or so, we get the whole story. The nasty details are interspersed, for example, into the conversation between Helen and Cal, and sometimes Helen and Francie, her high school friend who also knows Cal (and what he did). It’s vivid and interesting, providing structure to the plot.
From there (about halfway), it’s a friendship-maybe-affair. There are roadblocks to the two getting together, not the least of which is Cal’s wedding ring. There’s also more stuff we need to know about Helen’s past marriage, and both hers and Cal’s relationships with their now-adult children. Quite a bit of history comes through as they hang out watching each other’s grandkids. Again, you might think, “Ugh, not a bunch of flashbacks,” but you’d be wrong. Just as she did with Catch Us When We Fall, she “shows” rather than “tells.” She tells us what we need to know through interactions and conversations, not inner monologue.
Now, it’s just me, but…Cal wasn’t my favorite character. Yes, he was a teen when he did what he did, but if I put myself in Helen’s place…is he really that great? I just felt I wanted more from him, more change, more maturity, more…appeal? There’s your book club question, I suppose. That said, the likeable, realistic characters get compact, compelling histories and mannerisms. It was a group I enjoyed getting to know. I found the ending a tad rushed, but satisfying.
Fay does a fine job with a tricky romance trope. It’s a sweet but complex love story for those of you who actually know who Leif Garrett is.
And yes, I do know who that is. But it’s not like I had his records.
Enjoy!
So, it’s a romance of a different order, a unique trope I’d find hard to identify. It’s a make-up, but from a long, LONG time ago. What do you call that…redemption? Past-to-present? No matter what, it’s a unique storyline.
I can’t categorize this as “slow burn” exactly, but for about the first half of the novel, the timeline moves slowly. It goes back and forth from the present to the hurtful past. But before you roll your eyes, this is done very well. Fay makes you curious from the get-go what happened between the two, and in the course of just a day or so, we get the whole story. The nasty details are interspersed, for example, into the conversation between Helen and Cal, and sometimes Helen and Francie, her high school friend who also knows Cal (and what he did). It’s vivid and interesting, providing structure to the plot.
From there (about halfway), it’s a friendship-maybe-affair. There are roadblocks to the two getting together, not the least of which is Cal’s wedding ring. There’s also more stuff we need to know about Helen’s past marriage, and both hers and Cal’s relationships with their now-adult children. Quite a bit of history comes through as they hang out watching each other’s grandkids. Again, you might think, “Ugh, not a bunch of flashbacks,” but you’d be wrong. Just as she did with Catch Us When We Fall, she “shows” rather than “tells.” She tells us what we need to know through interactions and conversations, not inner monologue.
Now, it’s just me, but…Cal wasn’t my favorite character. Yes, he was a teen when he did what he did, but if I put myself in Helen’s place…is he really that great? I just felt I wanted more from him, more change, more maturity, more…appeal? There’s your book club question, I suppose. That said, the likeable, realistic characters get compact, compelling histories and mannerisms. It was a group I enjoyed getting to know. I found the ending a tad rushed, but satisfying.
Fay does a fine job with a tricky romance trope. It’s a sweet but complex love story for those of you who actually know who Leif Garrett is.
And yes, I do know who that is. But it’s not like I had his records.
Enjoy!
July 16, 2023
No one does romance better than Juliette Fay. To be clear, I’m just as much as a sucker for the quick churn, simple romances that liter book-tok and instagram. That style of writing is certainly easy to digest and has almost an addictive quality to it. Leaves you wanting another hit of its uncomplicated kind of love.
But Fay isn’t interested in the quick, simple, shallow romance. She wants you to live in the characters homes, crawl inside their heads and look around. What do you find? Fully fleshed characters with flaws, pain, trauma, and dreams.
The Half of It does all this and more. This book takes everything you think you know about a good romance novel and turns it on its head. Rather than a slow burn, this is a slow bloom. The love and care the characters have for each other is palpable. Rather than feeling like I needed to speed through the book for the high of the first “I love you”, I was happy to wander through the thoughts and worries of Helen Spencer. By the end, she felt like an old friend.
Heart achingly tender and true, The Half of It is the novel equivalent of sitting in the warm sun after being stuck in a cold office all day. It warms you from your head to your toes and suddenly makes the mundane feel beautiful.
But Fay isn’t interested in the quick, simple, shallow romance. She wants you to live in the characters homes, crawl inside their heads and look around. What do you find? Fully fleshed characters with flaws, pain, trauma, and dreams.
The Half of It does all this and more. This book takes everything you think you know about a good romance novel and turns it on its head. Rather than a slow burn, this is a slow bloom. The love and care the characters have for each other is palpable. Rather than feeling like I needed to speed through the book for the high of the first “I love you”, I was happy to wander through the thoughts and worries of Helen Spencer. By the end, she felt like an old friend.
Heart achingly tender and true, The Half of It is the novel equivalent of sitting in the warm sun after being stuck in a cold office all day. It warms you from your head to your toes and suddenly makes the mundane feel beautiful.
April 13, 2023
I’ll admit, the pandemic storyline made me doubt early on, but this novel quickly turned into a beautiful read that I’m highly recommending to all the women I love most. Helen’s is a story about female strength. She is flawed and beautiful and easy to root for, and I think her story might make you think about your own life (and your own agency) in a new way.
May 30, 2023
After reading Catch us When We Fall, I was excitedly awaiting this new release. Big disappointment, entire story is hinged on one bad night. Saving spoilers, it’s not anything major. Book lacked purpose and was painful to finish. Wouldn’t recommend!
April 11, 2023
3.5⭐️Synopsis: At its core, Half of It is a story about two high school friends, who at now 58 years old, have the chance to reconnect and potentially get a second chance.
Thoughts: There was a lot of emotion packed into this book. I loved the themes of finding love later in life, learning and owning up to your mistakes and gaining second chances through forgiveness. The messy family drama felt realistic, and the side storyline with Helen and her childhood best friend Francie was heartwarming. While one of the two timelines took place during the pandemic (late 2021), I think Fay was gentle in her handling of this topic and referenced it in the same way I did with my friends and family during that time. Still, I do find it strange to read about it in books as there are so few that reference it.
Read if you like:
-Past/ present timelines
-Family drama
-Women’s fiction with a side romance storyline
-New England setting
Thank you William Morrow for the free copy of this book! Pub Date 4/11
Thoughts: There was a lot of emotion packed into this book. I loved the themes of finding love later in life, learning and owning up to your mistakes and gaining second chances through forgiveness. The messy family drama felt realistic, and the side storyline with Helen and her childhood best friend Francie was heartwarming. While one of the two timelines took place during the pandemic (late 2021), I think Fay was gentle in her handling of this topic and referenced it in the same way I did with my friends and family during that time. Still, I do find it strange to read about it in books as there are so few that reference it.
Read if you like:
-Past/ present timelines
-Family drama
-Women’s fiction with a side romance storyline
-New England setting
Thank you William Morrow for the free copy of this book! Pub Date 4/11
March 25, 2024
Someone help I stayed up too late finishing this book and I’m sobbing
May 11, 2023
A perfect blend of a coming of age story mixed with a view into their lives 40 years later.
Helen and Cal were the best of friends in high school, but it ended abruptly one night. Forty years pass until they see each other again.
The Half of It tells the story of current day, where Cal and Helen are grandparents, navigating their life with imperfect marriages, judgemental adult children and caring for the new littles in their life. It also reflects back on 40 years ago, following their friendship in high school, leading up to the tragic day that separated them for 40 years.
This is truly grown up love story. It was so REAL and emotional. I absolutely loved the ending. I couldn't see a way this could end well or right, but Juliette Fay did it perfectly and the final chapter was pure perfection.
Helen and Cal were the best of friends in high school, but it ended abruptly one night. Forty years pass until they see each other again.
The Half of It tells the story of current day, where Cal and Helen are grandparents, navigating their life with imperfect marriages, judgemental adult children and caring for the new littles in their life. It also reflects back on 40 years ago, following their friendship in high school, leading up to the tragic day that separated them for 40 years.
This is truly grown up love story. It was so REAL and emotional. I absolutely loved the ending. I couldn't see a way this could end well or right, but Juliette Fay did it perfectly and the final chapter was pure perfection.
April 26, 2023
The Half of It was an unexpected and emotional journey for me. I was so invested mentally and emotionally that I had a hard time putting it down.
One of the things I loved is that this book isn’t told from a “typical” point of view - it is told from the perspective of 58 year old Helen. Alternating between earlier in her life and present day, you quickly see things what transpired through a teenager’s eyes, and then the hurt and frustration that has been carried for many years.
Overall, it’s a beautiful book exploring the things we carry with us, and the possibility of growth and forgiveness. Is it possible to move on and not be burdened any longer?
And bonus points, the way it ended made me cry. That’s a rarity and really speaks to how amazing this book is start to finish.
A big “thank you” to @getredprbooks for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own opinions.
One of the things I loved is that this book isn’t told from a “typical” point of view - it is told from the perspective of 58 year old Helen. Alternating between earlier in her life and present day, you quickly see things what transpired through a teenager’s eyes, and then the hurt and frustration that has been carried for many years.
Overall, it’s a beautiful book exploring the things we carry with us, and the possibility of growth and forgiveness. Is it possible to move on and not be burdened any longer?
And bonus points, the way it ended made me cry. That’s a rarity and really speaks to how amazing this book is start to finish.
A big “thank you” to @getredprbooks for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own opinions.
April 11, 2023
Thanks to William Morrow for the copy of this book.
Helen and Cal became friends while running in high school, and quickly developed feelings that culminated in one night together that changed the course of their lives and caused them to part ways. Years later when they’re nearing 60, they unexpectedly run into each other while watching their grandkids.
I loved the first 25% of this book with its unique storyline going back and forth from a YA high school story to older adults experiencing the pandemic, going through life changes, and reuniting. After that, though, I discovered I’m not sure I’m the demographic for this read. I found the premise of their one night together in high school a bit over-the-top, especially since they were hung up on it for so many years. After they reunite, I was also frustrated by the marriage situation and advice Cal’s therapist gave him knowing the root of his deep shame - it was just bad advice. In the end, I was disappointed where this book ended up.
Helen and Cal became friends while running in high school, and quickly developed feelings that culminated in one night together that changed the course of their lives and caused them to part ways. Years later when they’re nearing 60, they unexpectedly run into each other while watching their grandkids.
I loved the first 25% of this book with its unique storyline going back and forth from a YA high school story to older adults experiencing the pandemic, going through life changes, and reuniting. After that, though, I discovered I’m not sure I’m the demographic for this read. I found the premise of their one night together in high school a bit over-the-top, especially since they were hung up on it for so many years. After they reunite, I was also frustrated by the marriage situation and advice Cal’s therapist gave him knowing the root of his deep shame - it was just bad advice. In the end, I was disappointed where this book ended up.
February 5, 2023
This was a cute, heart warming read that touched on getting a second chance at love, family, friendship, forgiveness and redemption.
This novel takes places over a span of 40 years, and follows Cal and Helen. They had one night together during their senior year, and then moved on and never saw each other again, until they do years later.
The premise of the book had a lot of promise, but this one just wasn't for me. I found it hard to get invested in these characters, and while I know Covid happened during our lifetime, it's still so strange to read about it in books.
It had some cute moments, some even sadder moments, but overall the ending left me unsatisfied.
Thankyou NetGalley and William Morrow or Custom House for this ARC. The Half of If is set to be released on April 11, 2023.
This novel takes places over a span of 40 years, and follows Cal and Helen. They had one night together during their senior year, and then moved on and never saw each other again, until they do years later.
The premise of the book had a lot of promise, but this one just wasn't for me. I found it hard to get invested in these characters, and while I know Covid happened during our lifetime, it's still so strange to read about it in books.
It had some cute moments, some even sadder moments, but overall the ending left me unsatisfied.
Thankyou NetGalley and William Morrow or Custom House for this ARC. The Half of If is set to be released on April 11, 2023.
August 4, 2023
Easy summer read. Refreshing to read about people in their late fifties since I always feel like I’m reading about the 30/40 somethings. Sometimes tough to keep track of the main characters’ children-didn’t feel like I needed to know much about them. Couldn’t figure out why some weren’t mentioned for more than a few lines or a page or two. The end though-she really needs to kill him off in the end? I don’t know-I had just gotten used to the idea that true love could conquer all and then the author goes and ends it for me on the very last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
I really enjoyed Juliette Fay’s writing and grew to really love the characters. The story centers around two high school friends who reconnect in their 50s, and while second chance romances haven’t worked for me in the past, I feel like I’ve read a few now that are making me a believer in them now.
𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵
🏡a story of family drama
💖second chance romance
🤝themes of friendship
📆dual timelines
❤️🩹themes of healing
Thank you @williammorrowbooks @getredprbooks #gifted 🧡
𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵
🏡a story of family drama
💖second chance romance
🤝themes of friendship
📆dual timelines
❤️🩹themes of healing
Thank you @williammorrowbooks @getredprbooks #gifted 🧡
April 12, 2023
“I’m wondering if we can be friends again" is the central question of Juliette Fay's The Half of It. Cal and Helen were high school best friends who were in love (though somewhat in denial about it). When one magical night between them goes awry, they carry the hurt and aftermath well into adulthood. At 58, Helen is a grandmother and bumps into none other than Cal, giving them a chance to reconnect and possibly get a second chance. As the two begin to talk, they begin to realize that they don't even know the half of what the other has endured since that night back in high school-- can they reach an understanding? Can they forgive?
This is a very well-written book that is largely character driven. It took me a while to settle into the story, but once I did, I was pretty immersed. At times, the story felt a little long, but I also understood that this needed to feel like a saga in order to fully appreciate the dynamic between Cal and Helen. The present timeline is set during the Covid-19 pandemic (2021), but I did not find this to be particularly triggering. Fay writes about members of family "bubbles," social distancing, and Zoom. Unpacking both Helen's and Cal's lives following that night in the woods was intriguing, and my heart ached for what they each had to endure. While I still preferred Catch Us When We Fall, this was a solid read about second chances and repairing relationships.
This is a very well-written book that is largely character driven. It took me a while to settle into the story, but once I did, I was pretty immersed. At times, the story felt a little long, but I also understood that this needed to feel like a saga in order to fully appreciate the dynamic between Cal and Helen. The present timeline is set during the Covid-19 pandemic (2021), but I did not find this to be particularly triggering. Fay writes about members of family "bubbles," social distancing, and Zoom. Unpacking both Helen's and Cal's lives following that night in the woods was intriguing, and my heart ached for what they each had to endure. While I still preferred Catch Us When We Fall, this was a solid read about second chances and repairing relationships.
April 6, 2023
Synopsis: At its core, Half of It is a story about two high school friends, who at now 58 years old, have the chance to reconnect and potentially get a second chance.
Thoughts: There was a lot of emotion packed into this book. I loved the themes of finding love later in life, learning and owning up to your mistakes and gaining second chances through forgiveness. The messy family drama felt realistic, and the side storyline with Helen and her childhood best friend Francie was heartwarming. While one of the two timelines took place during the pandemic (late 2021), I think Fay was gentle in her handling of this topic and referenced it in the same way I did with my friends and family during that time. Still, I do find it strange to read about it in books as there are so few that reference it.
Read if you like:
-Past/ present timelines
-Family drama
-Women’s fiction with a side romance storyline
-New England setting
Thank you William Morrow for the free copy of this book! Pub Date 4/11
Thoughts: There was a lot of emotion packed into this book. I loved the themes of finding love later in life, learning and owning up to your mistakes and gaining second chances through forgiveness. The messy family drama felt realistic, and the side storyline with Helen and her childhood best friend Francie was heartwarming. While one of the two timelines took place during the pandemic (late 2021), I think Fay was gentle in her handling of this topic and referenced it in the same way I did with my friends and family during that time. Still, I do find it strange to read about it in books as there are so few that reference it.
Read if you like:
-Past/ present timelines
-Family drama
-Women’s fiction with a side romance storyline
-New England setting
Thank you William Morrow for the free copy of this book! Pub Date 4/11
May 10, 2023
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and cozy read about second chances, marriage, motherhood, and friendship, The Half of It is the book to read! I just adored this book!
Told in dual timelines, we see when everything when awry for Helen her senior year of high school after one romantic night with Cal Crosby. Forty years later, a marriage, children, and a pandemic, and Cal Crosby is back in Helen’s life. It’s time for the two of them to talk and finally get answers about what happened back in high school.
Juliette Fay’s writing style was absolutely flawless! She captured me from the first page and I loved the alternating timelines and the build up throughout the book.
The Half of It is a beautiful story about second chances and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Told in dual timelines, we see when everything when awry for Helen her senior year of high school after one romantic night with Cal Crosby. Forty years later, a marriage, children, and a pandemic, and Cal Crosby is back in Helen’s life. It’s time for the two of them to talk and finally get answers about what happened back in high school.
Juliette Fay’s writing style was absolutely flawless! She captured me from the first page and I loved the alternating timelines and the build up throughout the book.
The Half of It is a beautiful story about second chances and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 15, 2023
I fell in love with the way Juliette Fay writes beautiful and layered characters when I read her book Shelter Me years ago (if you haven’t read it yet, it is an absolute must). In The Half of It, Fay shows her strength in writing relatable yet emotionally charged characters dealing with the challenges in everyday life and the remnants of possible past mistakes, but still keeping the story light with humor and witty dialogue.
Overall, this is a moving story that captures the challenges in marriage, families, friendships and how we handle loss and forgiveness.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Overall, this is a moving story that captures the challenges in marriage, families, friendships and how we handle loss and forgiveness.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
October 18, 2023
There are aspects of this book that I really enjoyed such as the dialogue which could be witty at times and poignant in others, a likable main character and the book is set during fall. However, there wasn’t a great deal of plot to this book and the pacing was too slow. I also didn’t feel a chemistry between the two leads, just a shared history.
As l've said in the past, no two people read the same book. What may or may not resonate with me may or may not resonate with you! Books are art, art is subjective and that is beautiful.
Thank you to @williammorrowbooks for this #gifted copy.
As l've said in the past, no two people read the same book. What may or may not resonate with me may or may not resonate with you! Books are art, art is subjective and that is beautiful.
Thank you to @williammorrowbooks for this #gifted copy.
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