A review for Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

Posted by Donna
Published Date: July 12th, 2011
Finished Date: July 3rd, 2011
Source: ARC, Galley Grab
Format: E-Galley
Pages: 320
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The Blurb from Goodreads: On the last day of her junior year, Hannah's boyfriend Sebastian dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah's side...until it's time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava's boyfriend, Noah, who's such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah's good conversation and their fun times at the diner. But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction--and one night, into a passionate kiss. 

The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Sebastian, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think.

The Review: Sometimes It Happens is a fun, enjoyable and quick read that any girl is sure to love. I didn’t realise how quickly I flew through this book until I finished it. Honestly, it was a matter of hours. 

The story follows Hannah; a high school student who is catches her boy friend making out with another girl at a party on the last day of school. It’s safe to say, their relationship ends. While spending the start of her summer mopping around after her ex, Noah helps her get a job working at a local diner. Fast becoming friend, Hannah and Noah end up spending more time together, listening to music, going to concerts and finally, Noah soon becomes Hannah’s shoulder to cry on. When Hannah realises she’s starting to fall for him, she’s knows that a problem, a big problem. Why? Because Noah is her best friend’s boyfriend. And would she betray her best friend to get the guy of her dreams? 

I was surprised by how much I liked this story. I’ve read Lauren Bardholdt ‘The Witches of Santa Anna’ series and was praying this wasn’t like it. Not that I didn’t enjoy her series but the books are so small and you pay a bomb for each e-book and there’s loads of them, anyway, back to the point Sometimes It Happens really surprised me. I liked the style of writing, I liked the character and I loved the whole genre plot of the story. 

The story alternates from what happened over the summer between our main characters to the present day, starting back at school. As you’re going back and forth between each chapter, it’s like a mini cliff-hanger that leaves you dying to know what happens next. It’s full of suspense and I loved it. I also really enjoyed Hannah and Noah as characters. Both totally loveable. I wasn’t too keen on the best friend Ava, who I found really self-centred but I suppose everyone needs a character like her in a book. 

The main reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because I felt the ending just kind of….stopped. The story was nicely tied up but I felt there was room for a couple more characters on the romance. Or on Ava and Hannah’s friendship but hey, that’s just my view. 

Overall, Sometimes It Happens is the ideal summer read. Fun, lovable and totally swoon worthy. Read it, enjoy it, I did!