Genevieve Wheeler

In love . . .
For twenty-six-year-old Adelaide Williams, an American living in dreamy London, meeting Rory Hughes was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: this charming Englishman was The One she wasn't even looking for.
Is it enough?
Does he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he's fallen just as deeply as she has. Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together--even if it means losing herself in the process.
When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first?
With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it's like to be young and in love--with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.

A Novel

Adelaide

Coley T

For once, Adelaide didn't feel the need to shrink down, to make herself smaller.

Her sister Izzy had a mantra, one Adelaide had learned decades earlier: Pain is pain is pain. It was important to recognize your privilege, yes. To show gratitude, to count your blessings. But it was also important to acknowledge and accept your pain, to understand that no matter how large or small your problems, your losses, your wounds they are yours. And you're allowed to feel them. The hardest loss will always be your own.

What if she was broken, she wondered. What if she'd been broken as a teenager and was now incapable of eliciting adoration, affection? What if her heart-or whatever thing existed inside of a person that made them worthy of love-was irrevocably damaged?

Heartbreaking, sensitive, deep, raw story about love. I liked it very much.

Jana Barkova

         The year 2023 has garnered frightfully few five-star books for me.  I’m not sure if the quality just hasn’t been as great or if I’m just getting pickier (more picky?). I’m going with the latter, because all books are wonderful, but not all books are going to be loved by all readers.  This one genuinely spoke to me on many levels. 

            I was once a young woman who wanted desperately to be wanted, to be desired, and to be loved.  I remember going out to bars and clubs back when I was in college and I only had a GREAT time if I was sought after by men.  20-some-odd years later, I realize that self-worth is only valid when it comes from within, but like most people, I sought out external validation (to an extent I still do, but it’s different).  This young woman found a man that provided the tiniest bit of attention, and that was all she needed.  She threw herself into a relationship with a guy that genuinely cared very little for her.  While reading about the dynamics between the two, I wanted to throw the book across the room so many times, I lost count.  I feel like many of us have been there and were heartbroken to read this woman’s journey.  She experienced a level of emotional abuse that I personally feel society has decided is acceptable.  While reading some of the interactions she had, I cringed and became angry, because what she went through is far too common. 

            Thankfully, that terrible relationship ended.  Adelaide was able to get the mental health care she desperately needed, and she focused on those relationships in her life that were healthy and enriching.  This book was a page-turner in a way I normally only get with a thriller, though I suppose this one is a thriller in its own way.  Would Adelaide figure out how poorly she was being treated?  Would Adelaide get the assistance she needed?  Would Adelaide find self-worth from proper source?  It was intense.  It made me feel things, which is why this one earned that coveted fifth star.

Kristen Claiborn

         The year 2023 has garnered frightfully few five-star books for me.  I’m not sure if the quality just hasn’t been as great or if I’m just getting pickier (more picky?). I’m going with the latter, because all books are wonderful, but not all books are going to be loved by all readers.  This one genuinely spoke to me on many levels. 

            I was once a young woman who wanted desperately to be wanted, to be desired, and to be loved.  I remember going out to bars and clubs back when I was in college and I only had a GREAT time if I was sought after by men.  20-some-odd years later, I realize that self-worth is only valid when it comes from within, but like most people, I sought out external validation (to an extent I still do, but it’s different).  This young woman found a man that provided the tiniest bit of attention, and that was all she needed.  She threw herself into a relationship with a guy that genuinely cared very little for her.  While reading about the dynamics between the two, I wanted to throw the book across the room so many times, I lost count.  I feel like many of us have been there and were heartbroken to read this woman’s journey.  She experienced a level of emotional abuse that I personally feel society has decided is acceptable.  While reading some of the interactions she had, I cringed and became angry, because what she went through is far too common. 

            Thankfully, that terrible relationship ended.  Adelaide was able to get the mental health care she desperately needed, and she focused on those relationships in her life that were healthy and enriching.  This book was a page-turner in a way I normally only get with a thriller, though I suppose this one is a thriller in its own way.  Would Adelaide figure out how poorly she was being treated?  Would Adelaide get the assistance she needed?  Would Adelaide find self-worth from proper source?  It was intense.  It made me feel things, which is why this one earned that coveted fifth star.

I am unwell after reading this book. By the end I was ugly-crying but it was because it resonated with me so deeply and inspired hope (eventually!). Definitely check CWs if you are in a delicate space. I think I saw this book recommended in two posts - for when you need a good cry, and for when you try and you try but you’re not receiving the love you give in return. It definitely checks those boxes! There’s also female friendship, mental health, what it’s like trying to navigate boundaries between professional and personal life when everything is falling apart. It really was so good; I’m sure I’ll read this one again. 

"Adelaide" is a modern cautionary tale, or perhaps more accurately, a reflection of how women are conditioned to behave in relationships. Adelaide Williams meets Rory Hughes, falls head over heels, and ignores every red flag because she has convinced herself that he is "the one" -- and because she is equally convinced that nobody could or will ever love her, value her, or see her worth.

 This is a story for every woman who has ever felt like she is simultaneously too much and not enough.

Amber Gibbons

"Adelaide" is a modern cautionary tale, or perhaps more accurately, a reflection of how women are conditioned to behave in relationships. Adelaide Williams meets Rory Hughes, falls head over heels, and ignores every red flag because she has convinced herself that he is "the one" -- and because she is equally convinced that nobody could or will ever love her, value her, or see her worth.

 This is a story for every woman who has ever felt like she is simultaneously too much and not enough.

Adelaide A Novel

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