ONLINEBOOKCLUB.org review: 4 out of 4 stars

This nearly was mine is a fictional novel narrated in the form of a memoir by Nancie Farkas. The story is about a romantic struggle of broken relationships and emotional obstacles on Annie's journey through her romance and marriage life. It goes back and forth as Annie recalls her life-changing summer which had a lasting effect on her life and relationship.

Annie, a social worker in New York City, recalls the romantic relationship she had while on a summer trip to Spain where she meets Francisco she fell in love and dive into a whirlwind affair with him. She had earlier promised herself to only be in love with Spain rather than in love with him. As the summer came to end Annie left her Spanish lover behind as she returns to New York City where she eventually marries and settles down with her husband. After leaving Spain, the author takes us through the relationship and decades of Annie's life through a series of flashback and flash-forward. This gives the reader a glimpse of what is happening in Annie's life as she remembers and relates her experiences.

The book has an exciting and educative story based on Annie's experiences. The story portrays the choices Annie makes and the effect she experiences based on them. This story teaches the reader that the kind of options we make shape us as individuals. The story also exhibits that people have a vast capacity to love as many people as they can throughout their lives. I liked the novel because of these lessons. The author did a splendid job in character development especially Annie and Francisco who happened to be the main characters. The story narrated in Annie's perspective which engages the reader as he/she can get a sense of her heartfelt struggles and conflicting emotions.

What made me dislike the novel is because the author states it as a romance thriller yet it has no romantic elements as the main points of the story. Except for Annie's romantic encounters, the story focuses mainly on her emotional distress. The book also has a time jump which makes the story hard to follow.

In conclusion, I will give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The earlier stated demerits will not prevent me from giving out this rating. I enjoy the book, and it is why I will recommend to everyone especially those who are intrigued by memoirs or fiction based on real life.