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Unabridged Audiobook
Runtime: 7 hours, 48 minutes
Read by Ana Isabel
Most of us can tell stories about our first jobs—the fast food restaurants or retail store disasters. In the audio edition of Maybe This Time by author Kasie West, one teen’s part-time job brings her more than just spending money; it brings her inspiration and a little bit of romance, too.
The story follows small-town teen Sophie through a year’s worth of special events. Since she works for the local florist, she’s there for everything: weddings, funerals, Valentine’s Day bashes, and everything in between. She’s used to running into all of the same people there—especially her best friend, Micah, whose dad is the town’s caterer. But this year is different. This year, they’re joined by Andrew, the handsome but obnoxious son of the big-time TV chef who’s mentoring Micah’s dad. And throughout the year, Sophie finds herself juggling relationships, family drama, flowers…and her confusing feelings for Andrew.
In this charming Young Adult rom-com, Sophie’s story plays out from one event to the next. From Valentine’s Day through New Year’s Eve, she experiences ups and downs in her friendship with Micah. She finds that her long-time crush might not be such a great match after all. She’s frustrated by her flighty single mom, who belittles her dreams despite barely knowing her, and she misses the dad who left them behind. And she worries about whether she’s actually good enough to make it as a fashion designer in New York—the dream that she’s been sharing with everyone for ages.
It may take place over just eight days throughout the year, but the author does an excellent job of telling the whole story—of filling in the blanks between Sophie’s events. She develops Sophie into a character that readers will love, showing her personality through all kinds of situations at work. She surrounds Sophie with an interesting cast of characters—both teens and adults. And she brings drama, humor, and romance to the story in just the right amounts. And the result is the kind of light, entertaining book that you won’t want to set aside—because even though the outcome is predictable, the journey is definitely enjoyable.
While you’re running errands and racing from one thing to the next, this sweet Southern romance will bring a little bit of sunshine and laughter to your day. It’s an easygoing and undemanding rom-com that’s great for young readers—and young readers at heart.
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