What do you think?
Rate this book
The Third Thing: A Novel
Love. Friendship. Weird Birds.
Xiomara (Xo for short) relaunches her artistic career with a bang—or rather, a crash—when she moves to small-town Lingen to paint birds. She's determined to get her life back on track by pursuing what she loves, which she's sure can be accomplished with a practical approach. But while Xo readily understands her avian acquaintances, humans have always been a bit of a conundrum.
Elliot is an unassuming photographer who is smitten when Xo disrupts his quiet existence. His penchant for attracting disaster has left him scarred by his past and tongue-tied when it comes to revealing his growing feelings for her. But this shy, unlikely hero can't help trying to protect her from anything that could harm her—including his closest friend.
Can Xo and Elliot find love in spite of themselves? Or will Elliot's past destroy their chances?
* * *
A slow-burn, old-fashioned love story set in the modern day, with quirky characters, a dash of suspense and adventure in the mountains, and a unique perspective on romance, friendship, and sacrifice.
Perfect for readers who enjoy a novel to curl up with over a long weekend, characters that you'll love despite—or perhaps because of—their oddities, and a few dire calamities thrown in for good fun.
Xiomara (Xo for short) relaunches her artistic career with a bang—or rather, a crash—when she moves to small-town Lingen to paint birds. She's determined to get her life back on track by pursuing what she loves, which she's sure can be accomplished with a practical approach. But while Xo readily understands her avian acquaintances, humans have always been a bit of a conundrum.
Elliot is an unassuming photographer who is smitten when Xo disrupts his quiet existence. His penchant for attracting disaster has left him scarred by his past and tongue-tied when it comes to revealing his growing feelings for her. But this shy, unlikely hero can't help trying to protect her from anything that could harm her—including his closest friend.
Can Xo and Elliot find love in spite of themselves? Or will Elliot's past destroy their chances?
* * *
A slow-burn, old-fashioned love story set in the modern day, with quirky characters, a dash of suspense and adventure in the mountains, and a unique perspective on romance, friendship, and sacrifice.
Perfect for readers who enjoy a novel to curl up with over a long weekend, characters that you'll love despite—or perhaps because of—their oddities, and a few dire calamities thrown in for good fun.
- GenresRomance
410 pages, Unknown Binding
Published April 28, 2021
3 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Sirkka Smith
1 book7 followersSirkka Smith lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she’s spent most of the last few years in Lingen or stuck on Mt. Arin somewhere.
Besides writing, common activities include puzzling over the peculiarities of human interaction, blurting out impromptu song lyrics, and getting robots to do her chores for her. She enjoys most caffeinated beverages.
See a picture of Sirkka and her biggest fan and view bonus material for The Third Thing at sirkkasmith.com
Besides writing, common activities include puzzling over the peculiarities of human interaction, blurting out impromptu song lyrics, and getting robots to do her chores for her. She enjoys most caffeinated beverages.
See a picture of Sirkka and her biggest fan and view bonus material for The Third Thing at sirkkasmith.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 15, 2024
conflicted
This was very hard for my mind to accept this book as a Romance. The fact that Elliot instantly fell in love with Xo and the amount of time for her to “fall in love” with him was just so pitiful to me. Although they’re both in their mid thirties neither one of them really had a real relationship, it really just seemed like a crush (at least from Elliot). Throughout the book I kept trying to reason with their actions but i couldn’t get over their ages! Their behavior was so juvenile and Xo’s character irked to me no end! The “romance” (if that’s what you want to call it) didn’t come until about 70% of the book.
Also I figured birds were going to be involved in the story but it was just a little too much , a bit overkill. There were many passages where I felt the author was repeating herself, like… word for word. The storyline took FOREVER to develop, I didn’t know where the author was going with it. Seemed like she wanted to write a romance in the beginning but switched it towards the end of the book and wanted to write a suspense? At the same time switching the characters’ character! I’m like…um this is not the same person! Thought I would like this book better than I actually did. Lots of 4 and 5 star ratings but it was pretty lackluster and it just annoyed me honestly.
Turns out Alec was my favorite overall, go figure.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Goodreads for gifting me with a copy of The Third Thing through the Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This was very hard for my mind to accept this book as a Romance. The fact that Elliot instantly fell in love with Xo and the amount of time for her to “fall in love” with him was just so pitiful to me. Although they’re both in their mid thirties neither one of them really had a real relationship, it really just seemed like a crush (at least from Elliot). Throughout the book I kept trying to reason with their actions but i couldn’t get over their ages! Their behavior was so juvenile and Xo’s character irked to me no end! The “romance” (if that’s what you want to call it) didn’t come until about 70% of the book.
Also I figured birds were going to be involved in the story but it was just a little too much , a bit overkill. There were many passages where I felt the author was repeating herself, like… word for word. The storyline took FOREVER to develop, I didn’t know where the author was going with it. Seemed like she wanted to write a romance in the beginning but switched it towards the end of the book and wanted to write a suspense? At the same time switching the characters’ character! I’m like…um this is not the same person! Thought I would like this book better than I actually did. Lots of 4 and 5 star ratings but it was pretty lackluster and it just annoyed me honestly.
Turns out Alec was my favorite overall, go figure.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Goodreads for gifting me with a copy of The Third Thing through the Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
May 5, 2021
Thirty-one-year-old Xiomara (Xo) wants a reset on life. She ditches her job and heads to the small town of Lingen where she accepts a part-time position doing what she loves: drawing and painting local birds for an upcoming field guide. As much as she would like a boyfriend, she feels awkward, uncertain and maybe a bit too practical when it comes to understanding relationships.
Until she sees Alec. He seems so nice. Is he sending signals that he’s interested?
Elliot is a photographer for the local newspaper. He is shy, insecure, and he hasn’t thought much about romance since his young wife’s death from the deadly mountainpox, nearly ten years ago.
Until he sees Xo. Unfortunately, she seems more interested in his best friend Alec. But Elliot is nothing if not noble, and he accepts friendship with Xo as the next best thing.
Alec offers to guide Xo and Elliot on a hike to nearby Mt. Arin in search of native birds, some of which are rarely seen away from the summit. Xo sticks with Alec, trying to figure out if he’s interested in a relationship or just being nice. Elliot feels left out and not a little jealous.
You know where this is going, right?
Every time Elliot feels brave enough to tell Xiomara of his affection, something happens to make him back off. When he finally gets the nerve to declare his love, it’s so out of the blue that Xo panics. Why on earth, she wonders, would Elliot ask her to marry him when they aren’t really even dating?
Of course, Xo finally comes around. But by then, an old rival of Elliot makes baseless accusations that Elliot killed his wife (the rival’s former girlfriend) by exposing her to the mountainpox that Elliot is immune to.
Elliot desperately wants to marry Xo. Xo desperately wants to marry Elliot. But he can’t rid himself of the nagging thought that maybe he did somehow infect his wife. And if it happened once, could it happen again? He loves Xo too much to risk infecting her, no matter how small the odds.
Together, Elliot and Xo try to figure out if it’s possible that he can be a carrier of the disease even if he doesn’t show any symptoms. They discover a local college professor who has done meticulous research ever since the outbreak that took Elliot’s wife. Can he help?
Will he?
I’m not a huge fan of romance, but I have to say I really enjoyed reading “The Third Thing.” You should too.
Until she sees Alec. He seems so nice. Is he sending signals that he’s interested?
Elliot is a photographer for the local newspaper. He is shy, insecure, and he hasn’t thought much about romance since his young wife’s death from the deadly mountainpox, nearly ten years ago.
Until he sees Xo. Unfortunately, she seems more interested in his best friend Alec. But Elliot is nothing if not noble, and he accepts friendship with Xo as the next best thing.
Alec offers to guide Xo and Elliot on a hike to nearby Mt. Arin in search of native birds, some of which are rarely seen away from the summit. Xo sticks with Alec, trying to figure out if he’s interested in a relationship or just being nice. Elliot feels left out and not a little jealous.
You know where this is going, right?
Every time Elliot feels brave enough to tell Xiomara of his affection, something happens to make him back off. When he finally gets the nerve to declare his love, it’s so out of the blue that Xo panics. Why on earth, she wonders, would Elliot ask her to marry him when they aren’t really even dating?
Of course, Xo finally comes around. But by then, an old rival of Elliot makes baseless accusations that Elliot killed his wife (the rival’s former girlfriend) by exposing her to the mountainpox that Elliot is immune to.
Elliot desperately wants to marry Xo. Xo desperately wants to marry Elliot. But he can’t rid himself of the nagging thought that maybe he did somehow infect his wife. And if it happened once, could it happen again? He loves Xo too much to risk infecting her, no matter how small the odds.
Together, Elliot and Xo try to figure out if it’s possible that he can be a carrier of the disease even if he doesn’t show any symptoms. They discover a local college professor who has done meticulous research ever since the outbreak that took Elliot’s wife. Can he help?
Will he?
I’m not a huge fan of romance, but I have to say I really enjoyed reading “The Third Thing.” You should too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2022
Sirkka Smith brings us a modern romance with wonderfully quirky characters in The Third Thing! Socially awkward Xo moves to a small mountain town to paint birds where she meets Elliot, a photographer with a touchy past. As love begins to grow between them, the two find themselves on a misadventure in the mountains where unexpected danger awaits. Smith adds a touch of suspense to an already engrossing romantic tale, drawing me in with every page! I especially loved how well-written and complex (and quirky) our main characters were. It really made The Third Thing fun, unique, and oddly informative about birds. If you love more lighthearted romance with a bit of adventure, definitely come bird watching in The Third Thing!
November 20, 2022
This ARC was provided by the publisher, via Voracious Readers, in exchange for an honest review.
Xo likes Alec. Elliott likes Xo. Oh ya, and there are birds…. Lots of birds….
This book was the epitome of a slow burn - I’d say at least the first 70% was basically internal ponderings about relating to the rest of humanity and external discussions about birds (I didn’t much care about finches before I started this book, and I can honestly say the feeling hasn’t changed now that I’ve finished this book). At the 3/4 mark, the HEA story starts barrelling on at full speed, combined with a bizarre segue of a killer virus and some random Mengele-esque doctor who may or may not have a cure.
For the most part, I’d say all the characters (major and minor) are somewhere on the ASD spectrum and, at the very least, mental illness issues are quite evident (anxiety, obsessions, avoidance behaviours). It wasn’t that the story was difficult to follow with the inner monologues that the characters were prone to (pages and pages of whys and how comes and woe is me’s)…. I just think it made the story less interesting as it stalled the progression of anything actually “happening.” Xo and Elliott, especially, are so wrapped up in their own heads and trying to avoid doing anything detrimental to the other one that their professed love, and all the wordy passion it evoked, was just not believable.
If this book were to be broken into segments - ornithology, romance, and mystery/intrigue - it may have read better than trying to combine all elements into a chapter story. The flow just didn’t work for me, and the a** over teakettle overtures of undying love were completely unrealistic (even for a piece of fiction).
I rate this book a 2.5/5, but rounded up for sheer generosity.
Xo likes Alec. Elliott likes Xo. Oh ya, and there are birds…. Lots of birds….
This book was the epitome of a slow burn - I’d say at least the first 70% was basically internal ponderings about relating to the rest of humanity and external discussions about birds (I didn’t much care about finches before I started this book, and I can honestly say the feeling hasn’t changed now that I’ve finished this book). At the 3/4 mark, the HEA story starts barrelling on at full speed, combined with a bizarre segue of a killer virus and some random Mengele-esque doctor who may or may not have a cure.
For the most part, I’d say all the characters (major and minor) are somewhere on the ASD spectrum and, at the very least, mental illness issues are quite evident (anxiety, obsessions, avoidance behaviours). It wasn’t that the story was difficult to follow with the inner monologues that the characters were prone to (pages and pages of whys and how comes and woe is me’s)…. I just think it made the story less interesting as it stalled the progression of anything actually “happening.” Xo and Elliott, especially, are so wrapped up in their own heads and trying to avoid doing anything detrimental to the other one that their professed love, and all the wordy passion it evoked, was just not believable.
If this book were to be broken into segments - ornithology, romance, and mystery/intrigue - it may have read better than trying to combine all elements into a chapter story. The flow just didn’t work for me, and the a** over teakettle overtures of undying love were completely unrealistic (even for a piece of fiction).
I rate this book a 2.5/5, but rounded up for sheer generosity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2021
A character-driven tale (think Brontes of the modern era) highlighting the interpersonal tensions of friendship, romance, disaster and art. And coffee.
July 4, 2021
L. M. Stoppard-jones
4.0 out of 5 stars Well written with a plot which takes a long time to develop.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 July 2021
This story has kept my interest and reading for a couple of weeks in the evenings. Iv had 3 review reminders and I’m only 75% through it.
It is enjoyable with an involved will she, should he relationship which hasn’t yet progressed (I hope it will become one soon!). The main characters are thoroughly portrayed as are their histories. They are interesting people within an country setting close to some easily imaginable mountains. The male character is riddled with doubts about progressing the relationship due to worries about infecting his longed for mate because of a disease he suffered when much younger. At this stage the plot becomes a little less credible. I’m hoping the last 25% of the story will be less tentative.
It is a very slow plot and in many ways I wish it would develop faster. I’m hesitant to use the phrase long winded because it is well written and has been properly edited. I will persevere to the end despite my mind occasionally wandering off elsewhere due to the time it takes to take the plot forward. This is a bit frustrating or rather tiresome perhaps.
Nevertheless I would read more from this author.
November 6, 2021
Thank you Voracious Readers for a copy of this book. I’m not going to lie, I could not finish this book. It sounded very interesting and most of the reviews are so good but I could not get into it. The main characters didn’t really seem so into each other. Elliot’s world shifted when he saw Xo but it’s like she didn’t even notice him for most of the book. It took me weeks to read 200 pages because I couldn’t get into it and I just could not pick it up again for the last 200 pages. I went into a reading block and couldn’t pick up another book for a week. Just because this book didn’t peak my interest doesn’t mean it won’t for others. I will try and read another book by this author and hopefully realize what I’ve been missing.
December 23, 2021
This was a pretty good read!
Xo and Elliot were sweet mains, and their awkwardness reminded me of that first "real" relationship when there's jealousy and miscommunication and parties not completely sure of their feelings. I liked that this wasn't a typical love story - there was definitely more to this than the stereotypical "insta-love". The twist of the incurable disease was a nice touch and added a layer to plot. At the same time though, the stumbling around only made them that much more endearing. I do admit I found this to be a little long - there were some scenes I felt were too drawn out and could have done with some slimming down. Still though, a very entertaining read!
Thanks you Voracious Readers and Sirkka Smith for my copy!
Xo and Elliot were sweet mains, and their awkwardness reminded me of that first "real" relationship when there's jealousy and miscommunication and parties not completely sure of their feelings. I liked that this wasn't a typical love story - there was definitely more to this than the stereotypical "insta-love". The twist of the incurable disease was a nice touch and added a layer to plot. At the same time though, the stumbling around only made them that much more endearing. I do admit I found this to be a little long - there were some scenes I felt were too drawn out and could have done with some slimming down. Still though, a very entertaining read!
Thanks you Voracious Readers and Sirkka Smith for my copy!
February 26, 2023
This was a complimentary book given to me by the author through Voracious Readers Only.
I fell in love with Elliot, a painfully shy, kind, newspaper photographer. From the moment Xo got off the train he was smitten. Unfortunately, Alec, his flirtatious and flaky best friend catches her attention. Elliot and Xo bond over their habits of overthinking and their lack of confidence. It's hard to constantly question all of your thoughts, feelings, reactions and to not trust yourself or others.
I enjoyed this story very much. From the sweet characters to the beautiful descriptions of the area and local birds, this was sometimes gut wrenching, but a beautiful story of love and perseverance.
Would read more from this author.
I fell in love with Elliot, a painfully shy, kind, newspaper photographer. From the moment Xo got off the train he was smitten. Unfortunately, Alec, his flirtatious and flaky best friend catches her attention. Elliot and Xo bond over their habits of overthinking and their lack of confidence. It's hard to constantly question all of your thoughts, feelings, reactions and to not trust yourself or others.
I enjoyed this story very much. From the sweet characters to the beautiful descriptions of the area and local birds, this was sometimes gut wrenching, but a beautiful story of love and perseverance.
Would read more from this author.
August 24, 2022
This book was an adventure but a great one! The love story was quirky and heartwarming and the book flowed really well. There were quite a few different plot lines throughout the book which might not be every person’s cup of tea but I ultimately really enjoyed this book. Plus there was a touch of mystery and sci-fi which you don’t often see in romance books. Xo and Elliot will make you say “aww” out loud multiple times and I love how smitten he was with her. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and I’m so glad I took a chance on reading this book!
May 20, 2021
This is a difference kind of romance. It has a warmth to it that is appealing and, along with that story, there is the tension involved with a deadly virus. This book has that current fearful issue along with the timeless one of two awkward people trying to establish a relationship. All this makes for an enjoyable read.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
January 23, 2023
* I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only *
Excellent concept!
I loved that this was a love story with a nice twist. It read well, and honestly got much better the more I read of it. With that being said, I think that the story felt rushed once I hit the middle. The two main characters collided in a way that made it almost unrealistic, and the plot twist also felt a bit rushed. However, I really loved how this story portrayed certain characteristics of anxiety.
Excellent concept!
I loved that this was a love story with a nice twist. It read well, and honestly got much better the more I read of it. With that being said, I think that the story felt rushed once I hit the middle. The two main characters collided in a way that made it almost unrealistic, and the plot twist also felt a bit rushed. However, I really loved how this story portrayed certain characteristics of anxiety.
August 19, 2023
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers. I was unsure if I would read this book but when I opened and started reading I found myself captivated. I enjoyed the quirky characters and different storyline than other books I have read. I was drawn into the village life and was surprised by the twists and turns towards the latter half. Great read and will recommend to my friends and family
March 13, 2022
This was an enjoyable read. I loved Elliot’s character. He was my favorite part. He seems like the kindest person even though he had way too many unfortunate tragedies and accidents in his life. A good story with some unexpected moments.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
May 27, 2021
Most enjoyable
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
June 29, 2021
A very engaging book. I loved the philosophical dialogue and watching as the internal workings of Xo and Elliot’s minds unravelled and revealed. Received as a complimentary review copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
November 12, 2021
This book was a surprise! I thought it was gonna be your typical boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love story. This book however took unexpected turns involving an incurable virus and a very unethical doctor. I was very pleasantly surprised.
March 31, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers. It was an interesting read. Unique storyline and characters. It was a slow start but then couldn’t put it down. Any age group would enjoy. I think it’s a stand alone book.
September 8, 2022
This wasn't my cup of tea. The premise of the story was good, but the style of writing just wasn't for me. I also couldn't connect with any of the characters. 3 "meh" stars.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
May 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
January 8, 2022
Was a brilliant book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2022
Very well written with so many turns I just didn't see coming. A lesson in speaking your mind, taking chances and not letting life pass you by.
March 9, 2022
Quirky characters, tension, romance, drama, I liked it a lot!
September 21, 2022
Romantic novel that is easy to read, though the characters can be a bit hard to connect with.
February 9, 2022
Love, and its deep complexities, is the main theme that runs throughout this novel posing the question all too often to the reader: just how far would we go for love? Would we give up everything?
The story centred around two main characters who were both very relatable as individuals. I adored the slightly flighty, spontaneous and passionate nature of Xo but also saw traits of myself in the cautious and vulnerable Elliot. They were at times a slightly unusual match but the tentative way that this novel unfolds proves that they do indeed share many qualities that make them right for each other. What I also appreciated was how intricately explored the character’s back stories were and these themselves provided a strong backbone for the novel and its many twists and turns. The subtle and slow way that the character revealed the hidden layers of Xo and Elliot also made for intriguing reading and I found myself gripped as I waited for answers as to what they were hiding or running away from.
As with any love story, there are many twists and turns but these aren’t unbelievable due to the aforementioned reasons. The sceptical side of me did question how quickly certain aspects of Elliot and Xo’s romance blossomed and certainly why there was a sudden rush; approximately two thirds of the way into the novel I began to wonder where the story was now actually going to go but Sirkka Smith swooped in and provided an excellent recovery. I would however, if I were to read this book again, treat it as two novels within one, which you will understand should you wish to read it yourself.
The Book Dragon had the wonderful opportunity to review this book from the Voracious Readers. With an indulgent mixture of teen fiction vibes and literary references, this novel fell into the brackets of easy reading and was the perfect novel to curl up with on a cosy Sunday afternoon. For this reason, I award the novel 4 stars.
Josephine
Official reviewer for The Book Dragon
https://www.thebookdragon.co.uk
The story centred around two main characters who were both very relatable as individuals. I adored the slightly flighty, spontaneous and passionate nature of Xo but also saw traits of myself in the cautious and vulnerable Elliot. They were at times a slightly unusual match but the tentative way that this novel unfolds proves that they do indeed share many qualities that make them right for each other. What I also appreciated was how intricately explored the character’s back stories were and these themselves provided a strong backbone for the novel and its many twists and turns. The subtle and slow way that the character revealed the hidden layers of Xo and Elliot also made for intriguing reading and I found myself gripped as I waited for answers as to what they were hiding or running away from.
As with any love story, there are many twists and turns but these aren’t unbelievable due to the aforementioned reasons. The sceptical side of me did question how quickly certain aspects of Elliot and Xo’s romance blossomed and certainly why there was a sudden rush; approximately two thirds of the way into the novel I began to wonder where the story was now actually going to go but Sirkka Smith swooped in and provided an excellent recovery. I would however, if I were to read this book again, treat it as two novels within one, which you will understand should you wish to read it yourself.
The Book Dragon had the wonderful opportunity to review this book from the Voracious Readers. With an indulgent mixture of teen fiction vibes and literary references, this novel fell into the brackets of easy reading and was the perfect novel to curl up with on a cosy Sunday afternoon. For this reason, I award the novel 4 stars.
Josephine
Official reviewer for The Book Dragon
https://www.thebookdragon.co.uk
January 31, 2023
I was provided with a free copy of this by Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a review.
I feel a bit mixed about this book. I like the plot of the story about picking up your life and taking the risk to start over somewhere new. However, I just felt it was a bit of a chore to get through this book. Xo’s indecisiveness started to drive me a bit mad & then when it looked like Xo & Elliot were finally on the same page after going round the houses then bam another issue crops up! Then the issues just keep coming! I guess this just wasn’t the book for me, I like to read books with a faster pace to the story.
I feel a bit mixed about this book. I like the plot of the story about picking up your life and taking the risk to start over somewhere new. However, I just felt it was a bit of a chore to get through this book. Xo’s indecisiveness started to drive me a bit mad & then when it looked like Xo & Elliot were finally on the same page after going round the houses then bam another issue crops up! Then the issues just keep coming! I guess this just wasn’t the book for me, I like to read books with a faster pace to the story.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews