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Now That You Mention It

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love stories that blend humor with heart and dive deep into family dynamics, "Now That You Mention It" is an absolute treat. Kristan Higgins brings her signature wit, a relatable, resilient heroine, and a dash of New England charm to this character-driven tale. Fans of women's fiction, coming-of-age stories for grown-ups, and readers who enjoy journeys of self-discovery with a side of family drama will find a lot to savor. Prepare to root for Nora, laugh out loud, and maybe get a little misty-eyed too.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may find the tone unexpectedly serious compared to Higgins’ earlier, lighter romances - there are darker and heavier themes at play, including trauma and strained family relationships. If you’re looking for a pure romance or need your stories to avoid mention of tough subjects, this one might feel a bit heavy. There are also a few medical details and minor inaccuracies that could annoy anyone familiar with the field.

A thoughtful, emotionally rich, small-town story - equal parts funny and heartfelt. Perfect for anyone who loves messy families, strong female leads, and second chances.

About:

Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins follows the story of Nora Stuart, a Boston medical specialist who, after a series of setbacks, returns to her small hometown in Maine. The book delves into Nora's past struggles with mean girls, family dynamics, and self-discovery as she navigates through difficult relationships and unresolved issues. The writing style, as described by readers, captures Nora's journey with humor, tenderness, and poignant moments, making the characters come alive and the story engaging till the last page.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Nora portraying resilience and strength amid family complexities, while her mother and sister contribute to the narrative's emotional weight.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by engaging first-person narration that balances humor with emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot delves into complex family relationships and the protagonist's journey to reconnect with her estranged family while confronting her traumatic past.

Setting:

The story is set in a small-town environment in Maine, which enhances its themes of belonging and community.

Pacing:

The pacing is well-balanced, combining action and reflection to keep readers engaged throughout the protagonist's journey.
It was a quiet night at Boston City Hospital—for me. It usually was. While I worked at New England’s biggest and busiest hospital, I was a gastroenterologist. Most of our patients were diagnosed in th...

Notes:

The novel explores themes of family relationships, especially between sisters.
Nora Stuart, the main character, is affected by her father's abandonment, which shapes her challenges in life.
The story balances darker themes with humor, something Kristan Higgins is known for.
The setting is in Maine, specifically the fictional Scupper Island.
Nora faces struggles with body image and social interactions stemming from her teenage years.
Her mother's distant nature adds complexity to Nora's family dynamics.
Nora's journey home is triggered by a traumatic event where she gets hit by a truck.
The narrative shifts in time, providing insights into Nora's past and present.
There are serious topics discussed, such as personal trauma and mental health, while still being a relatable read.
Higgins writes complex female characters who face real-world issues and challenges.
Nora aims to mend relationships with her sister and mother after years of distance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Includes content warnings for physical assault and themes of trauma.

Has Romance?

The romance is present but is secondary to the exploration of family relationships and personal growth.

From The Publisher:

The kind of book I enjoy the most-sparkling characters, fast-moving plot and laugh-out-loud dialogue. A winner -New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips on If You Only Knew

New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins welcomes you home in this witty, emotionally charged novel about the complications of life, love and family

One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There's only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn't necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who's always been distant, a wild-child sister in jail and a withdrawn teenage niece as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was, Nora has her work cut out for her if she's going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family. Balancing loss and opportunity, dark events from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise...and the chance to begin again.

December 2017
401 pages

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