Review: Now and Then: Childhood crushes becoming a reality!!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 29, 2013
COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR HONEST REVIEWNow and Then by Brenda Rothert is a compelling story of two childhood friends reunited who became lovers. As with any love story, misunderstanding, fear of rejection, lies, and sibling rivalry stands in their way of happiness.When Emma Carson was a shy naive and awkward teenager, she had a major crush on the older boy next door, Cole Marlowe. Emma was simply infatuated and longed for the attention of Cole but was always overshadowed by her older beautiful spunky sister, Layla. Fast forward to the present, Emma always felt she couldn't compete with her sister since Layla was beautiful, smart, a lawyer and had men always fawning over her. When Emma accidentally bumps into Cole, memories and feelings of her teenage crush emerges. But this time around, Cole finally takes notice of Emma. Cole is instantly attracted to Emma and vice-versa. He sets his sights on Emma and pursues a relationship with her. Emma's once unrequited love becomes a reality when Cole and her makes a deep connection."You bring light into my life," he said. "I can't believe the most beautiful, smart, compassionate girl in the world lived across the street from me when I was younger and I was too blind to see it. I'm sorry."Emma secretly sees Cole behind her sister's back. She fears what would Layla think since she knows Layla is still interested in Cole. Mostly Emma lets the past history of Layla and Cole dictate her future romance with him. Her insecurities simply causes the rift and affects her relationship with Cole. So when Layla discovers her sister was lying to her for months, a cat-fight ensues between the two sisters. Hurtful words were exchanged.Personally, I know many readers find Layla simply as the mean girl or the manipulative bitch but I don't think Layla is all to blame. Emma could have avoided unnecessary sibling rivalry if she was simply straightforward with her sister from the beginning. Yes, I understand that Emma was afraid to hurt Layla's feelings or how she would react but to simply continue going behind her back and make Layla think she has a chance with Cole is also just as hurtful and mean. I'm not saying Layla is innocent but I can understand her since every sibling goes through a time of being jealous and selfish with one another.Overall, I enjoyed reading Now and Then. I was happy that the sisters were able to work things out and try understand each other from their perspective. It was sweet to see a girl's teenage crush finally coming to a reality. I am thankful that this book had no cliffhanger.I am looking forward to reading the next book, Now and Again to see what's in store for Layla. Behind the tough confident facade Layla puts on, I know deep down she just a vulnerable girl looking for love and I hope she finds it in the next book.