ONLINEBOOKCLUB.org review: 4 out of 4 stars

Annie completed graduate school, endured a failed engagement, and fled to the Costa del Sol in Spain. She is seduced by Franciso, a local musician and is totally smitten by his charms. That was in the summer of 1980. Twenty years later, Annie's teenage daughter searches for Francisco, as she backpacks through Spain. Mariella's search is successful, and Francisco's reappearance brings powerful feelings back into Annie's life.

This Nearly was Mine, by Nancy Farkas, centers around Annie's love and devotion to her present husband, Matthew, and the life she has fantasized about with Francisco for over twenty years. Farkas has written an emotional, romantic novel filled with characters that are memorable from the beginning of the book. It reads like a deeply personal and honest narrative. Annie doesn't seem to be able to leave behind memories of the people and times she spent in Spain. Her husband, Matthew, appears to be an acceptable mate, but is nothing like her seductive Francisco. She has had an all-consuming romance with him. Even though her affair did not last, the memories of their passion fill every page of this delightful romance novel. You can feel the anguish she endured for twenty years of her life.

I found this book to be moving and endearing. This romance has had a lasting effect on Annie's life, even though time and distance have separated her from the one she still loves. The book does appear to read as a travelogue, and the scenes are so real and beautiful. You can actually picture each countryside area that Annie and Francisco visited together. I did find the plot a little odd, however, considering it was Annie's daughter who went in search of her mother's long-lost love. It was also strange that Annie would take her husband to Finland so that he and Francisco could meet. I cannot see that happening in today's society. It did make for a delightful plot, however. 

This is definitely a girly book, and I did find it difficult to put down. It makes you wonder if things could have turned out differently for the lovers. I'm certain some readers will relate to some part of the love story and relive some of their own life experiences. 

I really did enjoy this book, as it was funny and heartbreaking at the same time. It is about first love, old love and never-dying love. I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to young adult readers. It is filled with bittersweet tales, and the characters are indeed memorable. I look forward to another Nancy Farkas romantic tale.