What If

By: Rebecca Donovan

Narrated by: Noelle Kayser

Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

A new novel by the USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The Breathing Series...

What if you had a second chance to meet someone for the first time?

Cal Logan is shocked to see Nicole Bentley sitting across from him at a coffee shop thousands of miles from their hometown. After all, no one has seen or heard from her since they graduated over a year ago.

Except this girl isn't Nicole.

She looks exactly like Cal's shy childhood crush, but her name is Nyelle Preston and she has no idea who he is. This girl is impulsive and daring, her passion for life infectious. The complete opposite of Nicole. Cal finds himself utterly fascinated - and falling hard. But Nyelle is also extremely secretive. And the closer he comes to finding out what she's hiding, the less he wants to know.

When the secrets from the past and present collide, one thing becomes clear: Nothing is what it seems.

©2015 Rebecca Donovan (P)2014 Hachette Audio

I liked the story but listening to it was hard for me.

There are lots of time jumps in this novel as well as memory flashbacks so it was confusing at times. I felt that there could have been more emphasis during some of these parts especially the memory flashbacks so that it's easier to recognize when listening. Overall the story was good but didn't blow me away like her "breathing series"

Great

Far exceeded my expectations which were high. Just as good as the Breathing series. Pure joy to read. Didn't expect the ending. Well done and good narration.

Great Story!

I didn't think this story would be as good as it was. The author does a great job at keeping readers on their toes. Even though the story is ultimately a love story, It's driven by the mystery of who Nyell is, and what happened in the past.
It started slow, but I was engaged through most of the story and very entertained!

Utterly Thought-Provoking and Magical

I have loved every book I've read written by Rebecca Donovan, and this one is no exception. This story made me laugh, think and cry as I fell in love with the characters and each of their stories. I really connected with the messages about friendship, love, and self-discovery. The intricate tale was carefully woven together and forced me to devour each page in search for the answers at the end.

"There are so many times I think about a decision I’ve made and wonder, ‘What if I had done it differently? Who would I be? What would my life be like? What if…?' "

How many times have you asked yourself the same question? How different do you think your life could have been? This theme was one I connected with the most because my biggest 'what if' could have lead to an entirely different life, one that could have easily been either better or worse. But as Cal struggles with this question often throughout the book, it made me think about how important even the small decisions we make each day are.

_
"Have you ever been in love?"
There's a silence for a moment, I'm not exactly prepared for the question.
"No. Have you?"
"No. I wonder what it's like." Her voice sounds like an echo in the stillness. "I think it will be like falling backwards in the dark. Terrifying. Exhilarating. Having to trust that there'll be someone there to catch you."
-

For Cal, Nicole was the girl who got away. But Nyelle is NOTHING like Nicole was, yet Cal falls for everything that Nyelle is. She's a free spirit, does what she wants, cares for those who are often forgotten, and has a list of tasks she must accomplish in life, including falling in love. There is definitely a love story here, but not just between Cal and Nyelle. This story also shows how powerful friendship, and the love between friends, can be.

We can always ask the 'what if's, but the underlying current of this story is living with the choices we make. Each moment we live in has the power to change our life, no matter how small that decision we have to make is.

And maybe, just maybe, your wish will come true. Maybe you'll get a second chance. What if you had a second chance to meet someone for the first time?

Also, the narrator did a great job at voicing all of the characters. Listening to this book really brought it to life more.

Another GREAT Rebecca Donovan book!

I love her books!! She has such a gift for writing and this one continues to prove that! Highly recommend this book!

Unexpected Enjoyment

If you like teenage love stories. This book is for you. Starts with a mysterious girl who you will enjoy learning about.

Good book<br />

This was a really sweet story. Interesting characters. I didn't enjoy it as much as her Breathe series, but still well written.

Love

I loved this story! Sort of reminded me of "Losing Hope". It's sweet and romantic and heartbreaking at times, and I loved the mystery surrounding Nyelle. Rebecca's characters are honest and real and I was hooked from the
start. I listened to it in 2 days. So good!

Intriguing story

Noelle didn't quite get Cal's voice masculine enough & I had trouble catching the breaks in the story & when the characters were changing. The story had me riveted & had trouble going to sleep without finishing the story.

Can't quite describe...a good solid enjoyable book

Would you listen to What If again? Why?

Yes. It had depth, you could easily pick up something you missed the first time round.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nyelle, filled with mystery but life. She doesn't ask "what if" questions, she just does it, she goes with her heart and yes it might be for the wrong reasons but she loves her life how she wants.

Which character – as performed by Noelle Kayser – was your favorite?

Probably Cal. He's such a nice genuine guy. Doesn't try to act macho but is a strong, caring, sensitive, guy who speaks his mind and doesn't mind feeling.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes but it would be a total spoiler!!!

Any additional comments?

A great read! I loved Rebecca Donegan for her first series which I've listened to about 4 times! When I saw she had another I was weary it wouldn't live up to my expectations. It wasn't as good as the Breathing series but it certainly was a strong contender. At the end of the book I was left with a smile on my face and still wanting more!