Our stop by Laura Jane Williams [Book review]

Our Stop by Laura Williams is a romantic novel about a relationship forged without even meeting each other. I really enjoyed this book! It was one I have had on my list for ages so when I saw it in the library I couldn't resist! (I am rekindling my relationship with the library and it is fabulous!)

Blurb

Nadia gets the 7.30 train every morning without fail. Well, except if she oversleeps or wakes up at her friend Emma’s after too much wine.

Daniel really does get the 7.30 train every morning, which is easy because he hasn’t been able to sleep properly since his dad died.

One morning, Nadia’s eye catches sight of a post in the daily paper:

To the cute girl with the coffee stains on her dress. I’m the guy who’s always standing near the doors… Drink sometime?

So begins a not-quite-romance of near-misses, true love, and the power of the written word.

My thoughts

I loved the premise of the tale, two protagonists writing to each other via the 'missed connections' section of the newspaper. In a world of dating apps and social media it was so refreshing to see the relationship develop via such an old school medium! It was lovely that the two actually didn't meet for a very long time into the tale, their whole 'romance' was through the idea of each other, messages and hopes that they formed. It was a beautiful tale of joy, hope and happiness.

I loved the fact that Dan was such an intense man, a hopeless romantic and not afraid to admit he was completely enamoured by a woman he had never spoken to. It was a nice twist on the male stereotype. He was neurotic, nervous but also assured in his own feelings towards Nadia, even though she had no idea who he was.

Nadias character was funny, romantic and strong despite her hardships and the fact that she didn't think she was remotely strong. I loved how her optimism grew throughout the story, she started so much more timid and hidden from the world, but just the act of a message in the paper started her on a journey of self discovery and growth.

Both characters had such a lovely journey and with the help of each other and the odd message written in the newspaper, they began to learn things about themselves and each other.

It was a lovely 'will they, won't they' that I highly recommend. I couldn't put it down and laughed out loud a number of times. If you are after a book to cheer you up and make you smile this is one for you.

I am looking forward to reading more from Laura Jane Williams.