Everything after by Jill Santopolo

Book Review: Everything After

Everything After is a poignant romance novel; it is full of emotion and a beautiful story. This book exemplifies the power of choice, reminding us that we are each in control of our own lives. 

The novel follows the life of the main character, Emily Gold. She is married to a handsome doctor and has her own successful career as a therapist. We learn of her experience with loss, not only related to losing loved ones, but also the loss of her passion for music. After hearing a song on the radio, written by a former ex-boyfriend, Emily starts to reflect on her past. We learn of the trials and tribulations she faced while growing up, and the impact that these experiences had on her life, and the decisions that she made.

The themes throughout this novel are love, self-forgiveness, regret, and the power of choice. Throughout the book, Emily learns from her past decisions and recognizes that everything happens for a reason. In order to move on from the regret that she has carried with her for many years, Emily learns to practice self-forgiveness, and to do what is best for her mental health. During this time of personal growth, her passion for music is reignited, and Emily realizes what steps must be taken in order to compromise with her husband, and save her marriage. 

Overall, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel. At the very beginning, it was a little slow, but then it picked up considerably. I thought that this novel taught valuable lessons and was definitely worth the read! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that is real, relatable, and at times, heart-wrenching.