Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez – A Book Review

Spoiler-Free Overview

Alexis Montgomery is not having a great day, week, or month when Daniel Grant finds her on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. While he’s far from the sophisticated crowd she’s accustomed to, some charm, grilled cheese and a baby goat are enough to draw her into his arms. 

However, Alexis and Daniel have more than a ten year age gap and a two hour drive keeping them apart. Alexis is a metropolitan ER Doctor with a family legacy hanging over her head. Not to mention the McShitty ex that she is forced to work with in the same hospital. Still, she can’t seem to get the rugged carpenter she met that night out of her head. 

Daniel is barely hanging on to his small town B&B. He barely has time to manage the place on his own and serve in his role as  town mayor, but he still manages to have time to think about her. 

Bringing their worlds together feels impossible, but with a little love and a little magic there might just be a way. 

Wiggle’s Thoughts and Feelings

So many small town romances miss the mark. Either they create a romanticized Stars Hollow type world, or reduce the inhabitants to ignorant hillbillies. The truth is most often somewhere in the middle. Abby Jimenez does a fantastic job of representing the rural world in contrast with city life, especially upper class city life. 

Though the book focuses most of its attention on the main characters, Jimenez weaves interesting and relevant characters through her story that demonstrate the differences between Alexis and Daniel. It’s in their interactions with their communities and each other’s communities that we understand Alexis and Daniel’s values and desires. When their arrangement can no longer be maintained, it is justified and believable that neither one of them can simply compromise. Each of the choices, characters, and obstacles in their path feel grounded in reality rather than blown up for dramatics. 

Another aspect of this book that is wonderfully successful is the incorporation of subtle and quiet magic. The only explanation for the magic is that the town provides for itself, but that’s all that’s needed. It works with the story in a satisfying and whimsical way. 

“Part of Your World,” goes beyond a simple love story and speaks about issues in the world. Everything from classism to medical deserts are discussed in a concise and effective manner. Jimenez delivers thoughtful lines like, “Grace, cost you nothing,” reminding the reader to approach life with a bit more kindness. 

Lastly, though certainly not least, the romance is good! Really good! You laugh with them, pine for them, and celebrate their happiness. Several times while reading the book my heart did backflips and I had to take a beat. 

I loved the experience of reading this book. I can’t wait to read all of her other books.