Consider Yourself Kissed: A Heartfelt Embrace of Love, Motherhood, and the Unpredictable Journey of Life
When I first stumbled upon Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley, I was immediately drawn in by its promise of authenticity and humor wrapped in a love story. With glowing endorsements from authors I admire—like Liane Moriarty and Alice Robinson—the book seemed like a perfect read for someone seeking warmth and connection in their literary journey. It didn’t just promise a romantic tale; it offered a window into the complex realities of love, motherhood, and everything that comes with it.
The novel centers around Coralie, a vividly drawn character whose life unfolds over a decade as she juggles the intricate challenges of family, identity, and professional aspirations. I found myself empathizing deeply with Coralie’s struggles—the endless labor of trying to be a perfect mother while also nurturing her own passions. Stanley navigates this territory with a deftness that makes her observations not only relatable but also profoundly moving. As one reviewer aptly put it, “Stanley captures all the tenderness and brutality of young motherhood,” and I couldn’t agree more.
What struck me most about Stanley’s writing was its blend of humor and poignancy. The way she intersperses laugh-out-loud moments with deeply heartfelt reflections is nothing short of masterful. One moment I was chuckling at Coralie’s antics, and the next, I found my heart aching with the weight of her responsibilities and aspirations. The pacing felt just right, allowing me to soak in Coralie’s experiences intimately, yet moving forward enough to keep the plot engaging.
Several endorsements from authors like Catherine Newman, who said, “I wish there were a fresher word than fresh,” resonated with me as I reflected on the book’s original take on relationships. The artful exploration of love in all its forms—romantic love, familial bonds, and self-love—makes this novel multifaceted. I particularly loved how the political backdrop of contemporary British society wove seamlessly into the narrative, showcasing how external factors shape personal lives.
Stanley writes about the quiet ecstasy and devastation of being a woman, and I found myself highlighted within those pages. Her characters felt strikingly alive, with each interaction crackling with authenticity. As Erin Riley mentioned, they were idiosyncratic and "the heartbeat" of the novel, and indeed, I felt bereft when I turned the final page, missing Coralie and her world almost immediately.
This book is not just for lovers of romance; it encapsulates a broader narrative that speaks to anyone navigating the complexities of love and identity. I would highly recommend Consider Yourself Kissed to mothers, sisters, friends, anyone wrestling with similar themes of love and commitment, or searching for a book that embraces both laughter and tears in equal measure.
In a world that often feels fractured, Jessica Stanley offers a narrative that reminds us of the beauty and messiness inherent in life and love. Reading it felt profoundly important; it resonated with a level of emotional depth that left me both reflective and inspired. As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but smile, grateful for the experience—and wishing I could dive back into those pages once again.
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