Review | The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
CONNECT WITH A BOOK inspires today’s T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
“Be careful what you wish for... Always wishing for what truly matters most...”
*This page contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase from these links I will make a commission at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
2023 Publication Date: November 7
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️
Best Time Travel Romance Books
T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Books
Table of Contents
T.I.M.E. BEST BOOK REVIEW
A Witty Take On The Fantasy Of Living The Good Part...
Have you ever wished to fast-forward your life, skip the challenging parts and just get to the beginning of the good stuff? In Sophie Cousens' latest novel, The Good Part, Lucy Young is tired of the struggles of her mid-twenties and wishes to do just that.
But what if skipping ahead means missing out on the important experiences and relationships it took to get there?
This romantic comedy fiction novel explores the idea of living the life you've always dreamed of and the consequences that come with it... And offers a fresh take on what it might be like to jump into the fantasy of living the good part. Taking readers on a journey of self-discovery and inviting them to question what they would truly want if only chance allowed us to do so.
Let's dive deeper into the title and explore the themes that make it a must-read for contemporary romance fans...
Plot Points
Lucy Young is a relatable protagonist for anyone tired of the monotony of everyday life. The first few chapters of the book capture the essence of Lucy's struggles as a twenty-six-year-old trying to make her way in the world. From her search for love to her quest for a fulfilling career, readers can easily relate to her disappointments.
However, when Lucy discovers a wishing machine that transports her to the good part of her life, she's left with a decision that will change her life forever.
Standout Features of The Good Part...
• Exploring The Concept of Happiness
One of the themes that make The Good Part a standout is the exploration of the concept of happiness. Lucy's journey forces her to confront the idea that happiness is not always about having the perfect life… But finding contentment in the little things that make life worth living.
As Lucy navigates her new life, she discovers that things are not always as they seem, and the good part may not be all that it's cracked up to be... Especially when you have leapfrogged over all the challenges you faced to get there.
Whether it is dreams of a boy, becoming a mother or just surviving college, fate will unfold... Will our wish to rush things along even result in what we expected?... Hmm... One of the great questions of life we can explore in a wonderful story such as The Good Part.
• Concept of Time Travel
Another aspect that makes The Good Part a standout romance novel is its witty take on the concept of time travel. Lucy's journey allows her to time-travel to her "good part," but the lack of control over how far into the future she travels adds a refreshing twist.
It puts Lucy's choices into question and asks readers to think about the consequences of living life without going through the challenges of getting there.
• Complexities of Relationships
The Good Part is also noteworthy for its exploration of relationships, particularly those between lifelong friends. Lucy's experiences with her friends offer an eye-opening perspective on the complexities of relationships.
Whether it's the joys of bonding with a female best friend or the struggles of dealing with the challenges that arise over a lifetime of friendship, Cousens' exploration adds depth to Lucy's story.
• Engaging Writing Style and Characters
Sophie Cousens has a witty and charming way of storytelling that keeps readers engaged from cover to cover. Her writing style brings life to the characters and their experiences in a way that is both relatable and humorous.
Lucy Young is a main character that many readers will empathize with as she struggles in her career and personal life. But once she wakes up in her forties with a high-powered job, a handsome husband, and two perfect children, she wonders if she's really living the dream or if she's missed out on important moments.
Cousens does an excellent job of immersing the reader into Lucy's journey and showing the ups and downs of her idealized life.
• Identity and Self-Discovery
The themes of identity and self-discovery are prevalent throughout the novel. Lucy must come to terms with the fact that her life is not what she thought it would be and decide whether she wants to stay in her new reality or go back to her old life.
Cousens delves into the idea of who we are and how our past experiences shape us... Making The Good Part not just a romance but a story of personal growth.
• Humor and Quirky Feel
One of my favorite aspects of this novel is the humor. Cousens' witty writing and incorporation of pop culture references add a lighthearted feel to the story. Her descriptions of Lucy's disastrous days and her quirks bring a smile to the reader's face.
The banter between the characters is also well-done, providing comedic relief during tense moments.
EPILOGUE
The Good Part is a must-read for contemporary romance fans who are looking for an engaging and witty take on the concept of what it means to be "living the good life." It's a story that explores themes of happiness, choices, and female friendship relationships refreshingly and insightfully.
Sophie Cousens' writing style is engaging, and the captivating characters are entertaining and relatable, making it a page-turner.
Whether you're a time-travel romance fan, or on the hunt for a first book in a new contemporary romance subgenre, or just looking for a charming "feel good" read, The Good Part is definitely worth your time to travel immediately to your nearest bookstore and pick up your copy!... ✨😎✨
BOOK DETAILS
Pages: 367
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Time Travel Romance | Amnesia Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating: Closed Door Romance
Time Period: Contemporary | 16 Years in Future
Location: Surrey & London (England)
Publisher: Penguin Group Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Before I Do by Sophie Cousens ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: The Family Man ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MORE T.I.M.E. TOP BOOK PICKS from…
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Lucy Young, a weary twenty-six-year-old, is fed up with her mundane life. Tired of menial tasks and disastrous dates, she yearns for a change. Serendipitously, Lucy encounters a mysterious wishing machine. Hoping for a shortcut to happiness, she makes an earnest wish... To skip to the exciting chapter of her existence...
Astonishingly, Lucy wakes up to find herself married to a charming man, having a thriving career, and raising two picture-perfect children. However, the reflection in the mirror reveals a woman in her forties, causing Lucy to question the reality of her situation.
Has she truly fast-forwarded to the desired future or has she inadvertently erased a significant portion of her past?
As Lucy navigates new relationships and savors the advantages of maturation, she must grapple with the decision to return to her previous life... Or stay put where she has finally arrived?
Can she bear to abandon the newfound joy and fulfillment of the family she has discovered?
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
The concept of time travel in the novel highlights the importance of living in the present moment and cherishing every stage of life.
Explore what it means to slow down and appreciate the journey instead of constantly chasing after an idealized future.
The complexities of relationships explored in the book shed light on the true nature of friendships and the effort required to maintain them.
Reflect on your relationships and how you can prioritize and nurture them.
The themes of identity and self-discovery in the novel urge readers to question their own sense of self and whether they are living a life that truly aligns with their values and desires.
Take time for introspection and personal growth based on what matters most to you.
BOOK QUOTE
"I don't need to be anywhere else'... And even though there are a hundred things I could be doing, even though there is never enough time, right now, it's true..." — The Good Party by Sophie Cousens
Sophie Cousens | Photo by Max Burnett
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SOPHIE COUSENS worked as a TV producer in London for more than twelve years and now lives with her family on the island of Jersey, one of the Channel Islands, located off the north coast of France. She is a novelist and screenwriter who lives by the motto... "You’ll never regret ordering the cheeseboard or going for a swim in the sea..."
She is also the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year, Just Haven’t Met You Yet, Before I Do, and The Good Part.
Learn more online at Sophie Cousens
More T.I.M.E. Book Reviews on Sophie Cousens Books…
Before I Do by Sophie Cousens ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For More Best Book Recommendations…
Denise’s Reading List Directory
Updated daily as I read and post my T.I.M.E. Book Reviews… With recognition to the books who made it to “the top of the pile” with my T.I.M.E. Best Books To Read picks by category and genre.
Click on any link in the Reading List Directory below to “jump” right there in a snap!
➾ Have questions about how I review books?… See my complete overview on my book review policy…
SHOP MY SHOP for Book Accessories
MORE BOOK REVIEWS for Contemporary Romance
