ONLINEBOOKCLUB.org review: 4 out of 4 stars

This Nearly Was Mine: A Novel by Nancy Farkas depicts a work of fiction and an autobiography. The book offers the readers with riveting interrelationships among the characters. It clearly presents the importance of critical thinking and the difficulty of making choices in life. The story was full of emotions, genuine love, commitment, and conflicts. It could open the reader’s mind into another perspective, and it engages anyone from the different ages. An unorthodox story of family, traveling, and romance could bring enlightenment and inspiration in life.

The book follows the life of a woman, Annie who is fresh out of graduate school and flees herself from an engagement. One summer of 1980 in Costa del Sol, Spain, Annie admires the wonderful views of mountains and the sea. During this time, she was able to meet and have an affair for a short period to a talented local musician, Francisco. After 25 years, Annie has been successful in her married life and parenting three children. However, Francisco’s reappearance may cause involvement in her present life and could bring back memories of them together. What did Annie feel as she remembers her naïvety over the memories? How will Francisco’s presence affect the family life of Annie? What are the obstacles that she may face?

The author creates an intense and amusing atmosphere of the story. She writes it clearly and concisely. The tale of compassion and commitment were greatly emphasized. The sense of humor in every page makes it more captivating to read. Different feelings that the readers can perceive were wrapped up in one book. The author is a natural writer who can give an authentic and unique story that every reader wants to have. The storytelling was well-paced and in a pleasant tone.

The story was written from the point of view of Annie and there was flashback narration for the past events that happens in Annie’s life. The journey of the main character towards her first love, marriage, children, and disappointments makes it more fascinating to read. There are also a lot of lessons that you can get when it comes to different kinds of relationships.

I rated This Nearly Was Mine: A Novel 4 out of 4 stars. This book is thought-provoking and a page-turner until the very last page. It could be inspirational and relatable to any readers that have been in the same situation with the protagonist. Life greatest lessons are usually learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes. I highly recommend this book to those who like topics such as relationships, romance, psychological.