What do you think?
Rate this book
Serendipity in Love #1
Emmaline Waters, This Is Your Life
Recent college grad Emmaline Waters’s “real life” is shaping up to be a bit too real.
Instead of a plum journalism job (or whatever bottom-rung drudgery in the news business she can drum up to get her too-tight dress through the door), she’s slinging cocktails to tipsy construction workers at Boston’s finest dive bar.
Instead of a sexy husband-in-training who worships the ground her wobbly heels clack upon, she’s muddling through a new relationship with a self-absorbed boyfriend who screens her calls and disappears at a moment’s notice for impromptu “business meetings.”
Instead of a luxurious, big-city address with a jovial doorman and expansive water views, she’s biding her time in a cramped garage apartment with an elusive PhD-candidate roommate who might as well be a ghost.
So when Emmaline lands an interview for a food-critic job at the Boston Sunday Times, she’s sure she has (finally!) stumbled onto the road to success. But soon an unexpected detour—in the form of Mark Loffel, her high school one-night stand—(re)appears, sending Emmaline careening in a whole new direction.
When the dust settles, will Emmaline have the life of her dreams? Or will her adorable little secret be revealed for every Tom, Dick, and Mark to see?
Instead of a plum journalism job (or whatever bottom-rung drudgery in the news business she can drum up to get her too-tight dress through the door), she’s slinging cocktails to tipsy construction workers at Boston’s finest dive bar.
Instead of a sexy husband-in-training who worships the ground her wobbly heels clack upon, she’s muddling through a new relationship with a self-absorbed boyfriend who screens her calls and disappears at a moment’s notice for impromptu “business meetings.”
Instead of a luxurious, big-city address with a jovial doorman and expansive water views, she’s biding her time in a cramped garage apartment with an elusive PhD-candidate roommate who might as well be a ghost.
So when Emmaline lands an interview for a food-critic job at the Boston Sunday Times, she’s sure she has (finally!) stumbled onto the road to success. But soon an unexpected detour—in the form of Mark Loffel, her high school one-night stand—(re)appears, sending Emmaline careening in a whole new direction.
When the dust settles, will Emmaline have the life of her dreams? Or will her adorable little secret be revealed for every Tom, Dick, and Mark to see?
248 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
511 people are currently reading
1649 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Bloom
10 books24 followersMaggie Bloom grew up in the ‘80s, under the influence of acid-washed jeans, hair bands, leg warmers, and John Hughes films. She currently resides in coastal Maine with her family (and the world’s smartest cat, Twinkle).
Maggie can be contacted at maggiebloomwrites(at)gmail(dot)com.
Maggie can be contacted at maggiebloomwrites(at)gmail(dot)com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 31, 2015
What bothered me the most about this book (other than feeling like it was incredibly slow despite it being so short) was Emmaline. She came off, at least to me, as such a tease. I don't mind romantic triangles (or quadruples- non-sexual) in a story, but I wasn't entirely sure who she would end up with until almost the end. And I don't mean that in the- it was so well written I was left constantly guessing in a good way. Her choices completely turned me off. In all honestly I was rooting for the wrong guy as it turns out (though I'm glad it didn't turn out to be him because he's too good for her). She was selfish and immature and I deeply dislike her. Another problem I had with this book was the chaos within the story. There were so many things, and people, that it became too muddled and irritating to follow. And then they just throw the big secret in out of nowhere without an explanation until later on. I also didn't believe that there was any real romance between the hero and heroine. It was too easy, and with the history that they share it had the opportunity to be much deeper. But it came off shallow and generic. Almost emotionless. One thing that I will say that was positive about this book was the humor. There were a lot of funny moments. Just not enough. I will not read the sequel and I do not recommend this book.
February 14, 2022
Utter nonsense.
February 18, 2021
2.5 stars.... Mainly due to my dislike of Emmaline
The way the book is written is a bit all over the place, thoughts and actions seem to meld so i was unsure a lot of the time if the character was battling with her inner monologue or acting out in real life.
Also Emmaline has to be the most selfish chick lit character i have ever read about!
At first I think Angie is a younger sister with a disorder the way its written its only about quarter of the way through i understood she was 4.... i was like eh? Then came the revelations... to be honest i think that could have been stated earlier on to stop all the confusion...
Two sentences that had me wanting to jump in the book and slap Emmaline!
"For the moment, I’ll forgo suggesting a change of custody. With Dad sick and he and Angie both acting out"
I think taking the kid giving the parents a break at this point would have been how a normal person would act... No not Emmaline
“See, the thing is, we can’t pay for your apartment anymore.”
WTF!!!! This working girl still has her parents paying for her apartment, while raising a 4 year old her dad having multiple heart attacks, she knows they are struggling... shouldn't she offer to be a bit more self sufficient... Not have her mum ask her in guilt then actually feel bad that she cant mooch off them anymore....
There was some real quick witted remarks and fun parts... That's why its not a one star, But instead of Emmaline learning a life lesson she trolls from one man to another finding her HEA
The way the book is written is a bit all over the place, thoughts and actions seem to meld so i was unsure a lot of the time if the character was battling with her inner monologue or acting out in real life.
Also Emmaline has to be the most selfish chick lit character i have ever read about!
At first I think Angie is a younger sister with a disorder the way its written its only about quarter of the way through i understood she was 4.... i was like eh? Then came the revelations... to be honest i think that could have been stated earlier on to stop all the confusion...
Two sentences that had me wanting to jump in the book and slap Emmaline!
"For the moment, I’ll forgo suggesting a change of custody. With Dad sick and he and Angie both acting out"
I think taking the kid giving the parents a break at this point would have been how a normal person would act... No not Emmaline
“See, the thing is, we can’t pay for your apartment anymore.”
WTF!!!! This working girl still has her parents paying for her apartment, while raising a 4 year old her dad having multiple heart attacks, she knows they are struggling... shouldn't she offer to be a bit more self sufficient... Not have her mum ask her in guilt then actually feel bad that she cant mooch off them anymore....
There was some real quick witted remarks and fun parts... That's why its not a one star, But instead of Emmaline learning a life lesson she trolls from one man to another finding her HEA
March 28, 2024
how did she have 4 men in love with her at once. how were they all just soooo okay with all of her behavior. how did it all move so fast … and the last chapter???? absolutely wild. so poorly written but made me giggle bc WHAT
February 11, 2024
Meh…not much romance not much of a story and the end eveything felt rushed the last few pages…not a fan
January 29, 2024
2/5⭐️: I really wanted to like this book, but couldn't. I picked it up during Stuff Your Kindle Day and decided to read it in the airport while waiting for my flight because I love a cute rom com, but this wasn't it. The writing was all over the place. Emmeline was frustrating to read. She was always complaining about something which didn't really float my boat. Also, character development was little to none for the rest of the people. I will say, Mark was pretty sweet, but also didn't show up until more than halfway through the book. This is my take on it and probably won't be picking up any other books by Maggie Bloom. It was not a good read. Others may like it, though. If you're looking for a quick romance airport read, this could be for you. It was just not for me.
March 13, 2018
Even though I did love the book, I felt I could only give it three stars for a couple of reasons... Firstly, I couldn't really picture any of the characters, even being Emmaline's POV I could only picture her as being a sex starved tease with a way with words (confusing words included... I admit I had to open a dictionary a few times as I'd never even heard a few of them). I couldn't really feel the emotion or the love blooming between Emmaline and Mark and it just felt like it was all about the sex and the fact the had a child together.
On the otherhand, I just love love love this style of writing, it was funny and creative I just wish it had more... feeling
On the otherhand, I just love love love this style of writing, it was funny and creative I just wish it had more... feeling
Want to read
June 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/24/2019)! 🎁
August 26, 2024
I have to stop being mad about disappointing stories from Stuff Your Kindle Day.
SPOILERS AHEAD.......
..........
...........
This one started like a rollercoaster. First I found Emmaline endearing and relatable (struggling college grad trying to find her first job--we've all been there). Then she was a trashy s*ut, then an irresponsible, trashy sl*t. She circles back to being an endearing character who made stupid mistakes and trying to make the best of the consequences, but I also find her to be incredibly selfish and entitled. Like, come on, Em, you're 22. Pretty arrogant to be mad at your boss for your mistake. Or to be frustrated with your parents for having to stop paying your rent while they've raised your secret baby. Or to be a jealous of how said secret baby loves them when YOU'VE been the one off living college life while your parent raise said baby.
There are brief moments in the story when I start to think maybe she isn't such a self-absorbed hag, but then she f's up again and ruins whatever sympathy I almost have for her.
There were times I wanted to DNF because she's so irritating. I'm pushed through hoping she would redeem herself or stop being a selfish brat, but it never happened. She whined at every difficult consequence of her own repeatedly immature and stupid actions.
SPOILERS AHEAD.......
..........
...........
This one started like a rollercoaster. First I found Emmaline endearing and relatable (struggling college grad trying to find her first job--we've all been there). Then she was a trashy s*ut, then an irresponsible, trashy sl*t. She circles back to being an endearing character who made stupid mistakes and trying to make the best of the consequences, but I also find her to be incredibly selfish and entitled. Like, come on, Em, you're 22. Pretty arrogant to be mad at your boss for your mistake. Or to be frustrated with your parents for having to stop paying your rent while they've raised your secret baby. Or to be a jealous of how said secret baby loves them when YOU'VE been the one off living college life while your parent raise said baby.
There are brief moments in the story when I start to think maybe she isn't such a self-absorbed hag, but then she f's up again and ruins whatever sympathy I almost have for her.
There were times I wanted to DNF because she's so irritating. I'm pushed through hoping she would redeem herself or stop being a selfish brat, but it never happened. She whined at every difficult consequence of her own repeatedly immature and stupid actions.
September 28, 2023
Frustrating
The writing was ok but Emmaline is an incredibly immature, selfish and unlikable person. None of the characters felt fully fleshed out. Her relationships were shallow and it made no sense that she just suddenly clicked with Mark and they fell in love. Some things just felt randomly thrown in for no reason whatsoever, unless it was just to show what an awful person she is, like what happened with her boss at the bar. The plot felt uncertain and haphazard. I won’t read the second book.
The writing was ok but Emmaline is an incredibly immature, selfish and unlikable person. None of the characters felt fully fleshed out. Her relationships were shallow and it made no sense that she just suddenly clicked with Mark and they fell in love. Some things just felt randomly thrown in for no reason whatsoever, unless it was just to show what an awful person she is, like what happened with her boss at the bar. The plot felt uncertain and haphazard. I won’t read the second book.
November 13, 2025
Star Rating: 2/5
Spice Rating: 3/5
"When I think of her, the phrase 'busier than a one-armed paper hanger' comes to mind."
Thoughts: The idea was solid, but the execution fell flat. There were too many plotlines happening at once, and it felt like the book lacked focus. Emmaline’s character seemed to self-sabotage constantly, and I struggled to connect with her. I needed more structure and clarity to enjoy this fully.
Favourite Moment: When she finally stands up for herself at the bar, a glimpse of growth.
Notes: This book needed a clearer arc and more depth in character development.
#emmalinewatersthisisyourlife #maggiebloom #couldbemore #serendipityinlove #growth #romance
Spice Rating: 3/5
"When I think of her, the phrase 'busier than a one-armed paper hanger' comes to mind."
Thoughts: The idea was solid, but the execution fell flat. There were too many plotlines happening at once, and it felt like the book lacked focus. Emmaline’s character seemed to self-sabotage constantly, and I struggled to connect with her. I needed more structure and clarity to enjoy this fully.
Favourite Moment: When she finally stands up for herself at the bar, a glimpse of growth.
Notes: This book needed a clearer arc and more depth in character development.
#emmalinewatersthisisyourlife #maggiebloom #couldbemore #serendipityinlove #growth #romance
August 30, 2023
DNFd at 28% 1 star is too much. I have nothing nice to say so I will not say anything at all.
August 5, 2023
What a nightmare!
I think this story is misclassified, it's neither chick lit nor romantic. This novel is based on telling you about Emmaline's misadventures haphazardly, without a solid plot and of course with a final surprise in terms of romance because there are too many romantic interests to be finding out. With constructive criticism I will say that if he was so clear who was the true romantic interest of El, the plot would have been clear, but perhaps fleeing from other similar novels he has ended up creating a Frankenstein.
I have never been able to identify with the protagonist, her actions seem questionable to me.
¡Qué pesadilla!
Creo que está historia está mal clasificada, ni es chick lit ni romántica. Esta novela se basa en contarte las desventuras de Emmaline sin orden ni concierto, sin trama sólida y por supuesto con sorpresa final en cuanto a lo del romance pues hay demasiados intereses románticos como para estar averiguando.
Con critica constructiva diré que si tan claro tenía quién era el verdadero interés romántico de El, la trama habría sido clara, pero tal vez huyendo de otras novelas parecidas ha acabado creando un Frankenstein.
Nunca he podido sentirme identificada con la protagonista, sus acciones me parecen cuestionables.
I think this story is misclassified, it's neither chick lit nor romantic. This novel is based on telling you about Emmaline's misadventures haphazardly, without a solid plot and of course with a final surprise in terms of romance because there are too many romantic interests to be finding out. With constructive criticism I will say that if he was so clear who was the true romantic interest of El, the plot would have been clear, but perhaps fleeing from other similar novels he has ended up creating a Frankenstein.
I have never been able to identify with the protagonist, her actions seem questionable to me.
¡Qué pesadilla!
Creo que está historia está mal clasificada, ni es chick lit ni romántica. Esta novela se basa en contarte las desventuras de Emmaline sin orden ni concierto, sin trama sólida y por supuesto con sorpresa final en cuanto a lo del romance pues hay demasiados intereses románticos como para estar averiguando.
Con critica constructiva diré que si tan claro tenía quién era el verdadero interés romántico de El, la trama habría sido clara, pero tal vez huyendo de otras novelas parecidas ha acabado creando un Frankenstein.
Nunca he podido sentirme identificada con la protagonista, sus acciones me parecen cuestionables.
January 25, 2025
This was okay. I really really wanted to like it better because I enjoyed the writing style. It was very chatty and fun. However, the main character is a horrible person. Completely immature and ridiculously stupid. She's constantly getting into messes but not because of anything other than her own immaturity and lack of ability to behave like an adult person.
I don't want to give too much away, but suffice it to say that she basically just sleeps with whoever happens to be around and never feels like she has to deal with the consequences of her own actions.
Even though she is an adult and already graduated from college, her parents still pay all her bills and take care of the illegitimate child she had 4 years earlier.
If the character had been a little more likable instead of just an absolute mess I would have enjoyed the book.
I don't want to give too much away, but suffice it to say that she basically just sleeps with whoever happens to be around and never feels like she has to deal with the consequences of her own actions.
Even though she is an adult and already graduated from college, her parents still pay all her bills and take care of the illegitimate child she had 4 years earlier.
If the character had been a little more likable instead of just an absolute mess I would have enjoyed the book.
July 30, 2024
This is your Life, Emmaline Waters was so hard to follow in my opinion. It’s such a short book, and we never really get to know a character enough to connect with them.
Emmaline’s life is such a mess. She’s trying to get a new job, she has a daughter who doesn’t know she’s her mother, her boyfriend doesn’t seem to care a whole lot about her .. do I need to go on?!
Truthfully, I am not sure where the story went wrong, it’s not like there isn’t a plot.. the plot is just random. Trent, Jung, Dex, Jimmy - none of these characters added ANYTHING, and just confused the flow.
Her and Mark’s relationship was fine, but rushed. The ending was rushed. I will not be reading the next book (see, rushed endings are weird?!)
Emmaline’s life is such a mess. She’s trying to get a new job, she has a daughter who doesn’t know she’s her mother, her boyfriend doesn’t seem to care a whole lot about her .. do I need to go on?!
Truthfully, I am not sure where the story went wrong, it’s not like there isn’t a plot.. the plot is just random. Trent, Jung, Dex, Jimmy - none of these characters added ANYTHING, and just confused the flow.
Her and Mark’s relationship was fine, but rushed. The ending was rushed. I will not be reading the next book (see, rushed endings are weird?!)
January 10, 2019
Fast-paced. Fun. Heartwarming.
Emmaline Waters is a young woman trying to get out of debt, and find her way through life. She's in a not-so-magical relationship, starts a new job as a food critic, and has a big secret accidentally revealed in the newspaper she's just been hired at. She's now faced with watching her life fall apart, and is wondering how she can salvage any part of it.
A great story with a few laughs, a few heartwarming moments, and wonderfully written characters.
Emmaline Waters is a young woman trying to get out of debt, and find her way through life. She's in a not-so-magical relationship, starts a new job as a food critic, and has a big secret accidentally revealed in the newspaper she's just been hired at. She's now faced with watching her life fall apart, and is wondering how she can salvage any part of it.
A great story with a few laughs, a few heartwarming moments, and wonderfully written characters.
October 4, 2023
keep it together
The starts with a nonstop series of unfortunate events.
From there alcohol is involved in a few not great choices.
The middle of the book consists of he wondered why she is unable to stop making out with people and unable to stick to her guns.
Well written and well told story. I like the running commentary, though sometimes distracting.
Not sure if I will read the second based on the exert. Though I might get curious enough to read it.
The starts with a nonstop series of unfortunate events.
From there alcohol is involved in a few not great choices.
The middle of the book consists of he wondered why she is unable to stop making out with people and unable to stick to her guns.
Well written and well told story. I like the running commentary, though sometimes distracting.
Not sure if I will read the second based on the exert. Though I might get curious enough to read it.
January 17, 2024
It was not good. The characters were unlikeable in the sense that we didn't even know them enough to decide if we like them or not. Their personalities contradict themselves. This woman is reliant on her parents for... everything and that made me really dislike her. The men in her story are there for ...idk what purpose. They don't need to be there. Many of the interactions seem unfinished and therefore the characters are unnecessary...too much happening.
June 29, 2024
At no point during this short book did I have any idea what was either going on in the MC's head versus in her reality, or what was going to happen next. This book is best described as straight chaos with little to no actual character development and an extremely ADHD series of storylines. I cannot decide whether I liked or disliked this book, and somehow I ended the read more confused than when I started.
March 9, 2025
FIRST ONE STAR AND DNF OF THE YEARRRRRRR. nothing was wrong with the plot line, I fact I think it was cute. But firstly, there were minimal scenes that made sense, the character was quirky and a bit too weird and not relatable. She pulled 4 guys but acted oblivious and told her daughter that she was her sister and forced her parents to pay for her apartment. By the way all through this she has a boyfriend! Anyhow she was kind of funny but apart from that ASS
July 4, 2019
Apparently my sense of humor is very different. Tried to read the book and got to of 70 and called it quits. In those first 70 pages the plot was all over the place. She runs out of an interview but gets the job??) She sleeps with her boss who is married but yet can look the wife in the eye without remorse?? Done
April 1, 2020
This book was such a page turner that I finished it in one night! I loved that it was such a quick and easy read. I only gave it 3 stars because sometimes it was hard to keep up with the plot line and I wish the main characters were developed a little more. I also felt as though the ending was very short and abrupt.
October 25, 2023
I so rarely write reviews, let alone say anything negative, but I got 49% of the way through this book and I have not a single positive thing to say. Emmaline is having her parents raise her child AND pay for her apartment?! Not to mention all the plot holes. 49% of the way through and there didn’t appear to be a light at the end of the long boring tunnel.
August 15, 2024
Yeah this is just not good. Had a laugh here and there but mostly about the ridiculous plot and the highly unlikeable main character. I commend the author for giving this a shot, but it needs heavy rework on the plot, coherence and character building. It’s an absolutely wild story that feels held together by silly string.
September 17, 2017
Lame
There is no depth of character to anyone. The plot is totally unrealistic. It is a fast read and a cute but unrealistic "love" lust story. I can't in good conscience recommend this book.
There is no depth of character to anyone. The plot is totally unrealistic. It is a fast read and a cute but unrealistic "love" lust story. I can't in good conscience recommend this book.
October 1, 2018
A very messy read. Jumpy plot and not many sympathetic characters. The big secret was so poorly revealed to the reader I had to read the sentence a few times to make sure I got it. Emm Aline was a mess and not in a Bridget Jones way. So much potential but failed to fully deliver.
December 27, 2023
This book was a hot mess from start to finish. It was all over the place and so confusing with all of the unnecessary side commentary and scenes. The plot was all over the place and was not clear at all. The romantic parts did not make any sense. Just a total mess.
December 30, 2023
While I did enjoy the book, and I personally am a fan of miss Emmaline Waters’ vocabulary, I really could not justify giving more than three stars. I think it was a quick, cute, read but definitely not extraordinary, unfortunately.
January 6, 2024
Cute story of self growth
A sweet story of growing up and facing your past mistakes. The steps toward adulthood are laced with challenges and Maggie bloom weaves an adorable second change store through the eyes of recent college graduate emmaline waters.
A sweet story of growing up and facing your past mistakes. The steps toward adulthood are laced with challenges and Maggie bloom weaves an adorable second change store through the eyes of recent college graduate emmaline waters.
January 15, 2024
Emmaline is a young twenty- something girl trying to get her footing in the real world. She’s only a couple years older than my oldest but applying for her first “real job”. Her life seems full of missteps, bad decisions, and chaos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews