Andi's Book Reviews: Review of 'Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace' by Becky Monson

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Review of 'Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace' by Becky Monson

If there’s one thing that Bridgette Reynolds has learned recently, it’s that the perfect shoes, the perfect hair, and the perfect dress do not make for the perfect proposal. In fact, sometimes they make for the not-so-perfect breakup.

Now, Bridgette must do everything in her power to win Adam back. She knows they are meant to be. And nothing will stand in her way—not her friends, not her grandmother, not even the fact that Adam is now engaged to Serene after a whirlwind romance.

Focused on her plan to win Adam back, Bridgette isn’t expecting Ian—her college best friend, her love, her big regret—to come back into her life. They sink back into their comfortable friendship as if no time has passed at all, making Bridgette start to question her feelings for Adam. But Ian has a few secrets of his own . . . secrets that could shatter their friendship once and for all.

Bridgette has to make some major decisions—should she speak now? Or forever hold her peace?

**My thoughts**

It's official. Becky Monson is my favorite contemporary chick lit author. This is her third book, and the second one that I have read. (I swear I am going to get to that other one soon!) Reading her books is like reading about myself in a parallel universe.

Bridgette is slowly trying to get herself put together. Her world came crashing down when Adam dumped her. She is determined to fight her way back into his life. She holds onto his family by still hanging out with his mom (something I may or may not have done). She has these fantasies of how they will end up back together. She tries to make him jealous. Come on, how many of us have *not* done something like that? Maybe we haven't gone to the same extremes, but we have at least entertained the thoughts.

And then there is the Ian wrinkle. How many of us have that unrequited love from the past? The One That Got Away. What would you do if he suddenly reappeared in your life? Would you go for it, or would you keep on with your life as it is?

I found myself pondering my own situations while reading this book. I reminsced about similar men and similar situations in my past. I found myself melding with Brigette, and some of those past loves of my life blending with Adam and Ian. Isn't that the mark of a great book? Feeling like you are one with the characters?

You also get the hints of Bridget Jones moments (or insert your favorite Brit chick lit character here) that keep you laughing and also hanging your head in embarassment. (Is the name an homage to everyone's favorite chick lit character that started this wave?) You cherish her triumphs and mourn her losses. You may think you know exactly how this book is going to pan out, but I promise you there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing all along the way.

I just loved this book, and I can't wait for the next one!

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About the author:

By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.