“Maybe Next Time” by Cesca Major is a Reece Witherspoon’s Book Club pick and reminded me of the movie, “Groundhog Day” but with some mystery and romance mixed in. It was a very quick read, and I liked it . . . but the repetitiveness almost had me stop reading about halfway through. I’m glad I kept on and finished the novel though!
Emma is a literary agent in a London firm, struggling with all of her work duties, motherhood, being a good wife and all of those ‘extra’ jobs that seem to pop up. Her husband, Dan is definitely a romantic. (The letters he writes to Emma all through the book are lovely.) He keeps trying to connect with Emma, but finds it hard to fit into her schedule. Poppy and Miles are the children, who seem to be having struggles of their own, but they are keeping them secret. One morning, Emma wakes up and finds that she is reliving the horrible day that just passed. And it happens again, and again, and again . . . Emma decides to change some choices to see if that ends the recurring day. Will she be able to end the time-loop? Will her marriage survive? Will anyone believe her?
Readers who enjoy magical realism will enjoy “Maybe Next Time.” The characters are appealing and well-developed. This novel might make a good Book Club choice – lots of subjects to discuss. Also a great book for women’s fiction readers who have had those days where everyday life just overwhelms a person!