Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young

Author(s): Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young
Publication: August 27, 2013
By: Simon Pulse
5 STARS!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
 

Caroline is at a crossroads. Her grandmother is sick, maybe dying. Like the rest of her family, Caroline's been at Gram's bedside since her stroke. With the pressure building, all Caroline wants to do is escape--both her family and the reality of Gram's failing health. So when Caroline's best friend offers to take her to a party one fateful Friday night, she must choose: stay by Gram's side, or go to the party and live her life.

The consequence of this one decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths--and she's about to live them both.

Friendships are tested and family drama hits an all-new high as Caroline attempts to rebuild old relationships, and even make a few new ones. If she stays, her longtime crush, Joel, might finally notice her, but if she goes, Chris, the charming college boy, might prove to be everything she's ever wanted.

Though there are two distinct ways for her fate to unfold, there is only one happy ending...

My intial reaction to this book...

How I feel about Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young...

Batman's thoughts on the ending...

  

I picked this gem up at BEA and was really excited to read, not only because it's written by two fantastic authors who I had the privilege to spend a little time with, but it was touted as a "Sliding Doors" for teens. (Sliding Doors was a super cool movie from the late 90's starring Gwenyth Paltrow.) 

What I Loved: This is one of those stories that sucked me in, pulled at my heart-strings and punched me in the feels, and I loved every minute of it! (Okay, so there were a few stressful moments and some that made me cry, but still.) I was intrigued by the concept of two different fates because how many times do we go through life second guessing our decisions or asking, "What if?"

Life for Caroline is anything but awesome. Her Gram's is sick, her familial relationships are strained and she's been crushing on the same tall, dark and broodilicious boy for as long as she can remember. Then her BFF presents her with an opportunity that could change everything, all Caroline has to do is decide whether to stay or go. Seems simple enough, right?  Riiight.

I'll admit it took me a couple pages before I caught on to the "Stay" and "Go" flow of the chapters buts that's because my cupcake doesn't always have the most sprinkles. *shrugs* Once I figured out that the dual fates was much like a dual POV, I was good to go. 

Caroline's journey is filled with laughter, heartache, romance and tall, blond and utterly charming. But she learns a few lessons too, like how it's entirely possible (and normal) be angry with someone yet still love them. There are consequences to every choice and while mistakes are unavoidable, they don't have to define us for the rest of our lives. Caroline also learns that what we think we want may not be what we actually need. (Yes, there is a difference. Trust me on this. I'm old, I know stuff.) 

There were several nail-biting, chest-clutching, full-on freaking out moments where I wasn't sure how this could possibly end well. But it does, with everything tying together beautifully and leaving no unanswered questions.

 

What Left Me Wanting More: Nothing. Unless, of course, Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young would like to write an entire book about a certain Batman - with pictures. ;)

Final Verdict:  An engaging look at the choices we make with equal parts humor and heart. Read it!

Favorite Quote(s): "I forgot the corsage," he says smiling. "But we can still take photos if you like." <-- I think is where I fell in love with him - the first time.

"Ready to be immortalized?" he asks. 

"As long as you aren't planning to bite my neck." 

Review also posted at YABC.

And because I would be remiss if I didn't mention him, THIS is how I felt about Christopher...