The One That Got Away

Leigh Himes' debut novel was a fantastic kick-off to my spring break a few months ago. It will make a perfect beach read for the summer and I can't wait to suggest it to the moms I visit with at the pool.

Abbey Lahey is easy to relate to. She is tired out from working all day long and then coming home to her husband and young children who need her attention and time.  She's still trying to lose some of her baby weight and right now finances are tight.

One day as she makes a stop at Nordstrom to return an impulse purchase, an overpriced purse that she can't afford, she trips on the escalator and falls, hitting her head.

When she awakens she is Abbey Van Holt, a rich socialite living a life very unlike that of Abbey Lahey. Although Abbey knows this isn't her "real life" she tries to fit in and understand what has happened to her.  

Through her memories as she narrates we learn more about Abbey Lahey, her husband Jimmy and two young children.  And despite their struggles their lives seem much happier than that of the Van Holts.

This parallel universe/exploring the path not taken in life type of story isn't new to me.  I enjoyed The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson and also What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty as well.  

Himes creates a likable protagonist in Abbey, and I couldn't help but relate to her and the working mom struggles she felt on a daily basis.

Fans of Katherine Center will also enjoy this novel.  So, add The One That Got Away to your summer reading list.