Story of My Life

Every now and then I get a hankering for a good Romance Novel.  I know the mention of romantic comedy might cause a few eye rolls, but sometimes, a girl just needs to kick back and enjoy a book without expending too much brain power.   Over the years I have suggested romance novels once or twice or maybe more often. 

With so many books in the romantic comedy genre, it’s clear that not all are created equal. For a book to make it onto my must-read list, it has to have the following elements:

• Great and witty characters - The author must develop both main and supporting characters well. I want to know them, relate to them, and feel invested in their story. A sense of humor and witty banter between them also helps.
• A strong story line.  Even if the best characters are well written they can't save a weak plot.  For instance, I just read a book, Something in the Water, that started out with two good characters, a good plot twist but the author did not follow through on some of the most important parts of the story. This book is more of a thriller, so my expectations of the story line was higher.
• Tension between the two main characters who will become love interests.
• A Happy Ending.  The happier the better.  In today's world where happy endings are few and far between a feel-good conclusion is a must.

I just finished a romantic comedy that I really enjoyed entitled Story of My Life by Lucy Score.

The main character Hazel Hart is a successful romantic comedy author whose confidence is shattered after very traumatic breakup.  Not only did her boyfriend leave, but he marginalized her writing capabilities, leaving her feeling incapable of picking up her pen again. Despite this, she promised her publisher another book who has made it clear to, "Get Us a Manuscript or Else!".

Synopsis of the Book Desperate for inspiration, Hazel acting on an impulse, buys an historic home sight unseen and leaves Manhattan for Story Lake, PA. There she meets a group of eclectic townspeople including the man who will restore her crumbling home to its former glory and who will serve as her muse, mentally and physically.  He is a ten out of ten on the hunky scale.

Before Hazel knows it, her creativity is reignited, and a new story just seems to pour its way onto the pages. She is back in business.

This book is a romantic comedy within a romantic comedy, ticking off all my must-have elements. Honestly, Hallmark should be looking to turn this into a movie—though they might have to dial down some of the heat.

If you are going to the beach or sitting by the pool, consider reading this book