Helpful Score: 2
Hope in a Jar moves back and forth in time with the story of two friends - Olivia and Allie. They were friends in high school, had a falling out, and meet again at the twentieth high school reunion. The alternating chapters tell the story of what happened in high school and the current story. Unfortunately, the current story seemed to feel like the characters were still in high school. The plot centers around their male friend Noah and Vicki, the high school mean girl. Predictable and unfortunately because of its structure, immature characters.
When I read about the subject matter on the back of the book, I almost posted it immediately without reading it. I changed my mind though and am glad I read it. It's a story about two childhood friends who grew apart but come back together after a 20 year high school reunion. This book itself is like an old friend - old product references like Love's Baby Soft and Bonnie Bell Lipsmackers take me back. I grew up in the same time period. It was a quick read and the characters were likeable. I'll probably read another book by Beth Harbison.
Although I enjoyed this book I thought it would be more enjoyable. I would categorize this author in the same genre as Jennifer Weiner. Chick lit/romance. This story is centered around two friends, Allie and Olivia, who had a rupture in their friendship when they were seniors in high school. Fast forward 20 years and now Allie is a plump out of work woman who has just caught her boyfriend cheating on her in their bed. Olivia is a very beautiful and successful businesswoman living in New York. When Allie and Olivia reconnect at their high school reunion they realize that their friendship is worth salvaging. I liked the book but I felt that the friendship between the two should have been more developed in the present. There are a lot of flashbacks to the past but I think it would've been a stronger book if the present day friendship was solidified. Also, the romance between Allie and best friend Noah was a bit lackluster. Overall, good read but not great.
Very lightweight chick lit. Takes the author almost the entire book to get to the "mystery" talked about on the back of the jacket. And even then, it's breezed through in about 3 sentences. Disappointing.
Best parts are the ad taglines from the 80's for each chapter.
Best parts are the ad taglines from the 80's for each chapter.
I have not read this author before, but loved this book! It's an easy, fun read. I will definitely be reading more from Beth Harbison!
Good read, moves through time, with fun flashbacks from my childhood. (For mid-30-somethings)
Great book, easy read
I loved this book, it is funny and romantic. I read that some people found this story predictable but for me it was good and kept me guessing all the way until i read why the two best friend were mad at each other for 20 years.
Very cute, romantic, easy read. Funny at times too!
I really enjoyed this book. Something I cold see happening in real life.
Reviewed for www.chicklitclub.com
Allie and Olivia were inseparable all through their school years, with Allie doing makeovers on Olivia almost every night. Then one nasty rumour ruined everything. Olivia and her mother moved away without as much as a goodbye or a chance to let Allie explain that she hadn't been the one to spread it. Since that day in 12th grade, Allie and Olivia have not spoken or kept up with each other's lives. Now, on the eve of their 20-year high school reunion, the women have to decide if they want to face their past. With the help of mutual best friend, Noah, Allie and Olivia are coaxed into going to the reunion and even more surprising than seeing each other is the big bombshell that Noah drops on them: He's dating Vickie Freedman, their worst enemy and a bonafied bitch. Neither of them can figure out why sweet, sensible Noah would date someone as vile as Vickie, especially Allie, who is secretly in love with Noah. When Noah announces that he's marrying Vickie, Allie - not knowing who else to turn to - calls Olivia. Allie will take any help she can get to stop Noah from this seemingly rash and life-changing (not to mention life-ruining) decision. Allie and Olivia are brought together once again, just like it was 20 years ago. The one question that remains unanswered is if they will let their past get in the way of their future. The story deepens with flashbacks to important points in Allie and Olivia's high school days. The flashbacks are so genuinely written that they only make the story more wonderful. Allie and Olivia are two girls who both need one thing in their life - hope - which they find in their friendship with each other.
Allie and Olivia were inseparable all through their school years, with Allie doing makeovers on Olivia almost every night. Then one nasty rumour ruined everything. Olivia and her mother moved away without as much as a goodbye or a chance to let Allie explain that she hadn't been the one to spread it. Since that day in 12th grade, Allie and Olivia have not spoken or kept up with each other's lives. Now, on the eve of their 20-year high school reunion, the women have to decide if they want to face their past. With the help of mutual best friend, Noah, Allie and Olivia are coaxed into going to the reunion and even more surprising than seeing each other is the big bombshell that Noah drops on them: He's dating Vickie Freedman, their worst enemy and a bonafied bitch. Neither of them can figure out why sweet, sensible Noah would date someone as vile as Vickie, especially Allie, who is secretly in love with Noah. When Noah announces that he's marrying Vickie, Allie - not knowing who else to turn to - calls Olivia. Allie will take any help she can get to stop Noah from this seemingly rash and life-changing (not to mention life-ruining) decision. Allie and Olivia are brought together once again, just like it was 20 years ago. The one question that remains unanswered is if they will let their past get in the way of their future. The story deepens with flashbacks to important points in Allie and Olivia's high school days. The flashbacks are so genuinely written that they only make the story more wonderful. Allie and Olivia are two girls who both need one thing in their life - hope - which they find in their friendship with each other.
