Review: THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW by Tracey Garvis Graves

THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW

by Tracey Garvis Graves

Publication Date: April 2, 2019

Published by St. Martin's Press

Pages: 304

Source: Goodreads | Publisher

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Synopsis

Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people's behavior confusing, she'd rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.

Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game--and his heart--to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.

Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She's living the life she wanted as a librarian. He's a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.



My Thoughts

THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW deserves 5 stars and more! Annika and Jonathan experience a love so genuine that it spills from the pages. It is tender, almost ethereal. I hope that everyone could experience a love like theirs.

I was in a state of complete awe as I read it - the pacing is perfection. And when I was rapt with too much emotion (and the tears started to fall), . . . I never do this, but I had to flip to the end of the book to get just a glimpse of what was to come for Annika and Jonathan. I HAD TO know what was in store for the characters and prepare my heart for whatever was coming their way.

Favorite Quotes:
"Let's take a nap." (page 114)

"I learned that the closeness of two people had no limits.
Out of all of the firsts I experienced with Jonathan, that was the one I treasured the most." (page 167)

THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019. Tracey Garvis Graves left a mark on my heart with ON THE ISLAND and now with TGHUTK, she did it again. It is incredible. It's one of those books that you hope will conjure up the same feelings that you had the first time reading it.

I know I'll share this book with friends and readers for a very long time. It's a story that I will always remember.

Disclaimer:  I received this ARC from Goodreads and the publisher.  I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.