A Whirlwind of Emotions: Review of I Hope This Finds You
When I picked up I Hope This Finds You by Ann Liang, I didn’t know I was about to dive headfirst into a delightful concoction of academic rivalry, tender romance, and enough culinary charm to make my heart melt. This novella whispered promises of love and mischief, and boy, did it deliver! I mean, who could resist a story about two rivals who are more than a little obsessed with each other?
The story revolves around Sadie Wen and her ever-enigmatic counterpart, Julius Gong. From their spirited competition to their whispered confessions, Liang keeps us glued to their dynamic with surprising ease. Sadie and Julius are not just mere caricatures of rivals; they embody the complexities and frictions of young love, wrapped in the familiar setting of university life. Liang’s portrayal of their relationship is nothing short of enchanting. I found myself rooting fervently for them, reveling in the romantic tension and passionate banter.
One of the key themes here is that of domesticity and love in everyday moments. There’s something so refreshing about how Sadie and Julius express their affection through acts of service and gestures that feel deeply personal. I found myself swooning over “Jealous Julius” and how he navigates his feelings without stifling Sadie’s independence. “If you’re going to kiss me like that whenever you’re jealous, I’ll have to make you jealous more often,” Sadie quips, encapsulating the playful yet deeply affectionate nature of their bond.
Liang’s writing style stands out as an engaging blend of humor and warmth, perfectly balancing the lighter and more poignant moments. I adored the pacing—fast enough to keep my heart racing, yet slow enough to linger on the moments that truly mattered. As I read through those 73 pages, I kept thinking, "How can something this short evoke such intense feelings?"
Some highlights from the novella simply took my breath away. The way Julius remembers Sadie’s birthday and the color of the skirt she wore on their first date? I mean, can we take a moment to appreciate how deeply romantic that is? He even carries her purse, for crying out loud! Ann Liang, you’ve got my heart—with every inch of Sadie’s quirks and every note of Julius’s devotion, I felt deeply seen.
But let’s talk about the end. That sweet, poignant conclusion had me tearing up! It’s bittersweet and beautifully resonates with the message that love thrives, regardless of the hurdles presented, and it left me pleading for more. Please, Ann Liang, I need an Iron Flame-sized portion of Sadie and Julius content. I simply can’t let go of these characters just yet!
This novella is a perfect fit for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance tinged with nerdy charm and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re a fan of rivals-turned-lovers or just someone looking for a warm, quick read to tuck into your evening routine, I Hope This Finds You has something for everyone.
In closing, my heartfelt plea to readers: indulge in Sadie and Julius’s world. Let their stories occupy your thoughts and your heart, as they did mine. You’ll find it hard to shake their delightful connection from your mind, and as you turn the last page, don’t be surprised if you find yourself dreaming of foot-twirling kitchen dances and delicious granola bars.
Let’s hope our paths cross again, Sadie and Julius, because I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet!
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