Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around

After listening to and loving Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4525649187 last year, I was more than pleasantly surprised to see that Ready had written a sequel. In my mind, I’d already filled in all the blanks of where their story would go after the end of the first book … a happily ever after, of course: marriage, a new baby, happy hearts and a smooth ride.  What I didn’t expect was that enormous pothole in the middle of their HEA road! 

Josh and Gemma, who’s eight months pregnant, are finally at the altar getting ready to exchange their long-anticipated vows when their world goes sideways and all plans for their future are put on hold.  Three months later, the world isn’t the only thing that’s changed. The person Gemma was and how she sees the world and everyone in it has too, and it will be the biggest test of her relationship with Josh yet to see if they can find their way through these new challenges and get back on the road to their happy ending.

I’ve seen some reviewers say this sequel wasn’t necessary, and I get where they’re coming from. Most of us read romance for the “feel goods”, right? If you’re looking for escapism and warm fuzzies, this may not be your book.  If you want a satisfying emotional arc that shows a couple having to deal with real-life problems and find their way through them, it’s perfect! I also loved that it tied up from story threads from the first book - particularly a redemptive arc involving Ian Fortune who everyone loved to hate in the first book.

Despite the heavier topics, there’s a lot of warmth, fun and laughs in this story, a surprising amount of emotional depth and a deeper appreciation of what makes commitment and lasting love work! I loved the audio, once again narrated by the brilliant Erin Mallon. I’d strongly recommend reading the first book before this one, as other readers have discovered it’s harder to feel invested in Josh and Gemma’s relationship without seeing their backstory. If Ready decides to keep their story going, I’ll be right here waiting for the next book!

★★★★ 

Thanks to Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, NetGalley and author Sarah Ready for this ALC to honestly review. It’s due for publication January 26th, 2023.