I was drawn into this book from the first page. I really liked the idea of the two pathways that diverged based on her choices. Lucy was an interesting and engaging character and she had a strong voice in both narratives. It was fascinating to see the small differences and how seemingly small events triggered such drastic changes in the way the story went. I liked the back and forth between the two timelines--it's clear which story line is being followed and the story flowed very well, even with the back and forth, which might be expected to affect the clarity of the story. It did not--the stories both propelled the narrative and by the second half of the book I could barely put it down.

The writing is lush. The descriptions in some parts of the narrative read like poetry--so evocative I had to reread some paragraphs just to savor them.

I also liked that the side characters were complex, multifaceted, so many shades of grey, nothing truly black and white. That felt so real. Being conflicted over choices, behavior, past experiences, betrayal, loss--all of that rang fairly true throughout. I don't know that I liked all of them or that I agreed with the path Lucy was taking at certain points in the story but I still found the ideas fascinating and the story compelling and believable.

I was uneasily expecting a bit more from the big reveal that ran as a thread through both stories. I think with the way the narrative built it up I was expecting it to be even more shattering than it was, but I am content with the way the author handled it.

Overall this was a very good book. It kept my attention, to the point I could barely put it down, and I found the writing exceptional and lyrical at times, realistic and compelling throughout.

Much to think about, as far as choices and the idea of the butterfly effect--one small change having so many ramifications.

Highly recommended.

This author can somehow capture your attention from the first page and before you know it your at the end of an awesome book!.
The characters here I couldn't help but love.