Wonderful story about unbearable pining
This debut novel by the author was wonderful to read. So intriguing that the story was played out for 20 years and you are moved between now and then and slowly get the full love story between Anna and Grace that is so frustrating at times. The writing is on point all the time, never dragging and the chapters just long enough. Since I am Swedish of course extra bonus points that the now story is played out in Norway and Sweden during a family trip.
The whole story is played out in Anna’s POV, and I cannot imagine her pining and heartbreak for 20 years when Grace is acting like she is, not ready to love Anna the way she deserves, but at the same time she loves Anna so much. It is so clear from the start they are so right for each other but sometimes life just is so complicated.
This book is really recommended if you like a book with some unbearable pining but at the same time such a fantastic love story.
This story was amazing & it was hard to believe it is a debut novel! Emotionally this story is a complete roller coaster, and you find yourself caught up in all the ups and downs and twists and turns along the way. Classified as a second chance romance, it's more a "several chances" romance but life keeps getting in their way. The attraction of the two MCs is immediate, but you begin to wonder if they will ever find their way. The story starts in 2002 and ends in 2022, weaving back and forth through time the whole way. As it unfolds you keep hoping and cheering, celebrating the highs and suffering the lows until eventually you do get your HEA. In the mean time, you will be totally invested in all the characters lives, experiencing the excitement and wonder of the family Arctic trip, the joys and sorrows of everyone's lives, as well as learning the family secrets as they are revealed. Start reading this fantastic debut and see for yourself - you won't regret it.
S
Sam HV
September 30, 2025
Verified Purchase
This is a tender yet layered story. It made me both smile and cry (Edith, IYKYK) and pulled me deep into my feelings. Anna and Grace are pure fire, even if it took them decades to reach that point. The pining and the tension were everything—can it even be called romance without them? A breathtaking debut novel.
What a great story. The back and forth of the times was a bit
Off-putting at first, but then You come to depend on it as the story unfolds. Great characters, remarkable tension, and finally, finally, a happy today and bring. Couldn’t put it down.
I cried so many times reading this story. Sometimes from sadness and other times from joy. A very well written book that alternates between the past and present with the love between Anna and Grace and their families.