Book:  Sometimes It Happens
Author:  Lauren Barnholdt
Release date:  July 12, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages:  320
Source:  Publisher

On the last day of her junior year, Hannah’s boyfriend Sebastian dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah’s side…until it’s time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava’s boyfriend, Noah, who’s such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah’s good conversation and their fun times at the diner. But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction–and one night, into a passionate kiss.

The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Sebastian, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think…

SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS is another fabulous book from Lauren Barnholdt.  She is one of my favorite authors and this newest book from her did not disappoint!  In fact, it may be my new favorite!

Hannah should not be dreading her senior year.  She should be ecstatic.  Instead she is hiding from three different people and trying not to die of guilt.  She never thought she would fall in love with her best friend’s boyfriend and she really never thought he would feel the same way.  Oh and now that she doesn’t want him back, her scummy ex-boyfriend Sebastian won’t leave her alone.  Will Hannah make it through the first day of her senior year?  More importantly, will she have any friends left if she does?

I never thought I would feel bad for a girl who is in love with her best friend’s boyfriend but I really did.  Hannah was a very hard character not to like.  Same with Noah.  He was funny, sweet, and super cool.  Ava, on the other hand, was easy to hate.  She seemed very mean and always belittled both Hannah and Noah.  I couldn’t feel much sympathy for her.

The way SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS was written was very unique and I really liked it.  Each chapter was either the first day of senior year or the summer when Hannah fell for Noah.  It helped my understand what went on and why everything happened.  It was a fun way to tell Hannah’s story.  I don’t know of any other way that would have worked as well as this one did.

Overall, SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS is a great book for chick-lit lovers.  Lauren Barnholdt has done it again and I can’t recommend her books enough.  And just in time for summer too!

First line:  I really should not be so scared.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A++