First of all, I wanted to say that this book resonated with me in so many ways.
In this story we meet Emilie. When Emilie suddenly and unexpectedly becomes a widow after losing her husband to a heart attack, she finds herself reeling when her world as she knew it is turned upside down.
Emilie must navigate processing her grief, dealing with her anger, facing her fears, and finding a way forward, now she is on her own.
When she is set up on a disastrous blind date with Colin by a well-meaning friend, she discovers her date is gay. Despite the hilarious case of crossed wires, Colin and Emilie become close friends and he plays a major part in helping her heal.
She decides to start dating again with both funny and heartbreaking outcomes. She adopts a little dog called Pudding as a companion, and at times, the little canine steals the show.
Although the story deals with grief and loss, it is also light-hearted and uplifting.
The main character is likeable, strong, and resilient. Although I have not lost a spouse, I have suddenly lost people close to me, and decided to walk away from a 17-year marriage, so I could relate to many of the emotions she was experiencing on a personal level.
The pacing in on point and the story keeps the reader engaged and invested in the characters from beginning to end.
This is a feel-good story about grief, loss, and finding love again. A new normal. The fact that her little canine companion coming into her life led her to a happily ever after is simply the icing on the cake. A great read.
I give it four stars.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/73627266-new-normal