Plot Twist

Turner (Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish) crafts an entertaining rom-com that spans 10 years and keeps the reader guessing who will claim the heroine’s heart. On Feb. 4, 2003, 30-year-old Olivia Ross, a greeting card writer and aspiring screenwriter, is saved from unwanted romantic attention at her local café by a struggling actor she dubs “Sexy Irish Guy.” The pair agree to meet at the same café in 10 years, when Olivia will have completed a screenplay for Sexy Irish Guy to star in. From there, the novel jumps forward a year at a time, checking in on Olivia every February 4 as she works on her screenplay; navigates her changing relationship with her charmingly dorky best friend, Liam Howard; and finally learns Sexy Irish Guy’s name—Hamish MacDougal—when he makes it big as a film star. Ten years risks feeling like a long time, but when the pace threatens to drag, Olivia’s delightful lifelong friendship with Fiona Mitchell provides rich comic relief. As the slow-burn romantic mystery of who Olivia will end up with builds to an amusing and satisfying conclusion, Olivia’s witty narration will hold readers’ attention. This is a treat. (June)