Raised by her beloved grandmother, small town gal Nina Bryant accepts early admission to NYU after an embarrassing incident with her intended prom date, the popular and wealthy, Harrison McCall. Fast forward 15 years, both are successful professionals suddenly thrown together for the up-and-coming nuptials of their two best friends. Fueled by bitter resentments of the past and dealing with concerns of both family and friends–some with their own subversive agenda (i.e a controlling father with gambling issues and some shady exes)–Allison Jones’ multi-faceted storyline in MY TURN draws readers into the calm and conflict of Nina and Harrison’s lives.
While well-paced intertwining plots keep readers invested, here the shorter chapters that fluctuate back and forth between Nina and Harrison’s perspectives also prove beneficial. Moments where each of these central characters directly address the audience prove an added opportunity for drawing the reader in. Jones’ use of a sassy grandmother to keep Nina grounded and offer up sage advice amidst life’s debacles provides a clever dose of humor throughout the story. This grammy’s spitfire attitude is smartly detailed in her flirtations with Harrison, the huge down home meals she prepares for Nina and her friends outside the health conscious NY trends of kale salad, and the announcements she makes about her latest speed-dating antics. While some of this elder’s actions may seem over the top, ultimately they prove the strength of family and the power of unconditional love.
Younger individuals facing the challenges of Down syndrome and autism are also creatively included in the large secondary character mix. The openness and acceptance exhibited in their differences lends an authentic and refreshing vibe to the story dynamic. Nina’s own autistic cousin offers some profound advice in reference to her muddled love life dilemma when he wisely declares, “Humans are fallible.”
There is a certain element of cliche present, particularly in the general premise of the shy protagonist who makes her way in the big city, then years later is faced with the opportunity to reconnect with a crush she originally thought out of her league. Likewise when Nina and Harrison each venture into some online dating, the results are predictable. Fortunately in the realm of romantic comedy, sometimes predictability is part of the charm.
For reader’s who enjoy the romantic comedy genre and its “second chance at love” theme, Allison Jones’ MY TURN will provide a fun roller coaster ride revved with some unexpected twists, and a few predictable turns.
~Carol Davala for Indie Reader