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The Apology Project
Dear (almost) Can we be friends again?
Life is about to get complicated for Amelia Montgomery, a prominent litigator in Chicago. She’s been fired for not compromising her principles in a high-profile case and then punching her partner in the nose for the misogynistic comment he made in retort (not her finest moment). Leaving a career that gave her purpose, Amelia can only ask, What next?
Let it be better than her epic failure of a fortieth birthday an open bar full of no-shows except for John Ellis, a total stranger and the new associate at her ex-firm. As it turns out, though, he’s very good company—and a wake-up call. With the help of John and a lot of champagne, Amelia considers the people she’s wronged, from old besties to former boyfriends to coworkers. Amelia resolves to make amends—to those who really deserve it.
One apology at a time, Amelia’s looking at the choices she’s made in the past, the new ones she’s making with John, and those she’s making for herself. What next? Maybe a second chance she never expected.
Life is about to get complicated for Amelia Montgomery, a prominent litigator in Chicago. She’s been fired for not compromising her principles in a high-profile case and then punching her partner in the nose for the misogynistic comment he made in retort (not her finest moment). Leaving a career that gave her purpose, Amelia can only ask, What next?
Let it be better than her epic failure of a fortieth birthday an open bar full of no-shows except for John Ellis, a total stranger and the new associate at her ex-firm. As it turns out, though, he’s very good company—and a wake-up call. With the help of John and a lot of champagne, Amelia considers the people she’s wronged, from old besties to former boyfriends to coworkers. Amelia resolves to make amends—to those who really deserve it.
One apology at a time, Amelia’s looking at the choices she’s made in the past, the new ones she’s making with John, and those she’s making for herself. What next? Maybe a second chance she never expected.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
1544 people are currently reading
5989 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 553 reviews
August 14, 2021
What I hoped would be a thoughtful exploration of regret, self-reflection, and atonement ended up being an uneven, overstuffed romance where the female protagonist thought as much about what dudes were doing as she did what she had done.
I liked it but didn't love it. Sorry.
I liked it but didn't love it. Sorry.
August 4, 2021
Do you have any friendship regrets? Amelia is in her 40s, and when her fortieth birthday party is a sad showing (as in, only a stranger shows up), she begins to look at her career and the mistakes she’s made in relationships. Did she burn too many bridges, and now she’s alone as a result?
Taking this turning point in stride, Amelia sets out to apologize to one former friend at a time. That stranger may also become more than a friend, and second chances may just be in her future when she extends herself to make amends.
This is such a thoughtful and timely book. Maybe because we’ve moved often, or lost touch over time, our friendships aren’t as close as we’d like. Stressful times like in the middle of a pandemic help us recognize we need the support of our friends more than ever. I really loved the message behind this book and how Amelia took action to find contentment in her life. I could use a little of that myself.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Taking this turning point in stride, Amelia sets out to apologize to one former friend at a time. That stranger may also become more than a friend, and second chances may just be in her future when she extends herself to make amends.
This is such a thoughtful and timely book. Maybe because we’ve moved often, or lost touch over time, our friendships aren’t as close as we’d like. Stressful times like in the middle of a pandemic help us recognize we need the support of our friends more than ever. I really loved the message behind this book and how Amelia took action to find contentment in her life. I could use a little of that myself.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 1, 2021
You’d think it would be hard to like powerful attorney Amelia Montgomery, who knows her staff and colleagues refer to her as the She-Demon. She acknowledges she can yell when her staff doesn’t do what they’re supposed to, but her success is because she pushes herself and those around her hard.
It’s not until a couple things happen one after the other that gives Amelia both the time and impetus to reflect on her behavior. She’s the only female partner at this prestigious law firm, and the other partners want her to be the face of the defense for a powerful man accused of egregious activities that wealthy men have gotten away with for years. When she disagrees with her fellow partners about how the defense should go, one partner says something sexist that ends with her elbow in his nose and a substantial severance payment to go with her non-disclosure agreement as to why she parted ways with the company. Her sister convinces her to the throw a party and reconnect with old friends, but no one shows up to her party except a stranger, who was forwarded the message about her party because he started working at the firm that is now her nemesis. Since she already paid for the alcohol, they proceed to get sloshed, and she makes drunken declarations about making apologies to people she may have wronged.
Parts of this were really good and original. Other parts were repetitive, and it felt at times like I was reading more of a self-help book than a novel. Still, it’s worth the read.
It’s not until a couple things happen one after the other that gives Amelia both the time and impetus to reflect on her behavior. She’s the only female partner at this prestigious law firm, and the other partners want her to be the face of the defense for a powerful man accused of egregious activities that wealthy men have gotten away with for years. When she disagrees with her fellow partners about how the defense should go, one partner says something sexist that ends with her elbow in his nose and a substantial severance payment to go with her non-disclosure agreement as to why she parted ways with the company. Her sister convinces her to the throw a party and reconnect with old friends, but no one shows up to her party except a stranger, who was forwarded the message about her party because he started working at the firm that is now her nemesis. Since she already paid for the alcohol, they proceed to get sloshed, and she makes drunken declarations about making apologies to people she may have wronged.
Parts of this were really good and original. Other parts were repetitive, and it felt at times like I was reading more of a self-help book than a novel. Still, it’s worth the read.
July 20, 2021
This was book #100 for me this year. I'm so excited to say it was also a 5 star read!!
Amelia Montgomery has been fired from her job as a prominent litigator in Chicago. There may have been a punch to her partners face involved. The guy clearly had it coming, ha! With the swift exit from her long time position, the nickname she earned from her fellow co-workers (it's not a compliment), and the realization that being "retired" isn't all it's cracked up to be, Amelia is wondering what life will throw at her next. The answer comes during an epic failure of a birthday party ... and his name is John. From here The Apology Project is born.
I really loved this book. It's so relatable! The characters are great and the storyline is engaging. I want more Millie and John. The premise behind the story is a truly interesting one and got me thinking if there are people in my life I feel I owe an apology to. And though it may be a predictable read, the message behind it is such a beautiful one. I enjoyed Millie's journey of self discovery.
Thank you so much MBC Books and Lake Union Publishing for my gifted copy!
Amelia Montgomery has been fired from her job as a prominent litigator in Chicago. There may have been a punch to her partners face involved. The guy clearly had it coming, ha! With the swift exit from her long time position, the nickname she earned from her fellow co-workers (it's not a compliment), and the realization that being "retired" isn't all it's cracked up to be, Amelia is wondering what life will throw at her next. The answer comes during an epic failure of a birthday party ... and his name is John. From here The Apology Project is born.
I really loved this book. It's so relatable! The characters are great and the storyline is engaging. I want more Millie and John. The premise behind the story is a truly interesting one and got me thinking if there are people in my life I feel I owe an apology to. And though it may be a predictable read, the message behind it is such a beautiful one. I enjoyed Millie's journey of self discovery.
Thank you so much MBC Books and Lake Union Publishing for my gifted copy!
August 14, 2021
This story carries a woman through a defining moment in her life when no one shows up to her birthday party.
This was a hard one to like, mostly because the main character was so unlikeable in the first half of the book. It's unlikely she was that clueless about how disliked she was or that anyone would be interested in her given her abrasiveness. I almost stopped about halfway through with the decision to not finish it, but pushed forward.
Overall, the writing is good and the main character does have a lot of ah-ha moments as the story progresses. I just think that if she had displayed any redeeming qualities in the first half of the book rather than just being a B and using all the people in her life for her personal benefit, like rescuing dogs or something, I might have felt more connected and sympathized with her predicament. 2.9*
This was a hard one to like, mostly because the main character was so unlikeable in the first half of the book. It's unlikely she was that clueless about how disliked she was or that anyone would be interested in her given her abrasiveness. I almost stopped about halfway through with the decision to not finish it, but pushed forward.
Overall, the writing is good and the main character does have a lot of ah-ha moments as the story progresses. I just think that if she had displayed any redeeming qualities in the first half of the book rather than just being a B and using all the people in her life for her personal benefit, like rescuing dogs or something, I might have felt more connected and sympathized with her predicament. 2.9*
July 22, 2021
2.8. According to the high good reads rating, I’m the minority here. It’s probably a personality difference vs the plot/book being bad. I hate self help books, so if I don’t even like reading about how to improve my own life, I’m definitely not going to enjoy a self aware journey of a fictional character. The long monologues trying to define herself and her indecisive on who she is was maddening (but she’s written as “strong willed and confident”). Her decision to even want to apologize or not, shouldn’t take 300 pages. The end is silly and unrealistic/fairytale. Again, probably a “me” issue but wasn’t for me.
July 19, 2021
Seems to be an unpopular opinion, but I just didn't like it. Felt like a lifetime movie. I also got tired of her talking about her big butt.
July 2, 2021
A lot of food for thought here...
... in a package that is frustrating & funny at turns.
As strange as it may sound, the story has a feel reminiscent of "A Christmas Carol" in that the protagonist has been living for her work & is lost when it's unexpectedly taken from her. As a consequence, she finds herself reflecting on her past, present, and future, as well as seeking to live her life differently.
Amelia is a complex character & not always the most likeable. But she's been forced into a painful journey of self discovery - and that pain is so often where we find humor - and Amelia has some serious baggage to unpack with her wry sense of humor
The #metoo stuff is stereotyped rather heavy-handedly, but stereotypes are caricatures built on elements of truth, & it doesn't take the currently popular trip to misandry to make its point. There's some frustrating stuff, but the book's heart is in the right place. The ending had a twist that wasn't totally unexpected, but still warm fuzzied its way to my karma-loving heart
POTENTIAL CONTENT ISSUES:
*Secular attitudes toward sex; couple sleeps together, but while there's frank & sometimes gritty discussion about sex, there's no peeping tom graphic descriptions
*Language: Moderate to medium use of common swears, plus 2 f-bombs (& one that gets cut off on the way out)
*Religion: several dozen uses of the Lord's Name carelessly & trivially (ie disrespectfully in vain), but none as curses, fwiw
... in a package that is frustrating & funny at turns.
As strange as it may sound, the story has a feel reminiscent of "A Christmas Carol" in that the protagonist has been living for her work & is lost when it's unexpectedly taken from her. As a consequence, she finds herself reflecting on her past, present, and future, as well as seeking to live her life differently.
Amelia is a complex character & not always the most likeable. But she's been forced into a painful journey of self discovery - and that pain is so often where we find humor - and Amelia has some serious baggage to unpack with her wry sense of humor
The #metoo stuff is stereotyped rather heavy-handedly, but stereotypes are caricatures built on elements of truth, & it doesn't take the currently popular trip to misandry to make its point. There's some frustrating stuff, but the book's heart is in the right place. The ending had a twist that wasn't totally unexpected, but still warm fuzzied its way to my karma-loving heart
POTENTIAL CONTENT ISSUES:
*Secular attitudes toward sex; couple sleeps together, but while there's frank & sometimes gritty discussion about sex, there's no peeping tom graphic descriptions
*Language: Moderate to medium use of common swears, plus 2 f-bombs (& one that gets cut off on the way out)
*Religion: several dozen uses of the Lord's Name carelessly & trivially (ie disrespectfully in vain), but none as curses, fwiw
October 6, 2021
I absolutely adored this audiobook! It was included in my Kindle Unlimited subscription (I love that so many books are Read & Listen) and it was such a surprisingly good story and performance. Part life-reboot, part romance, I really enjoyed the kick ass heroine and her motley group of found family ❤️
December 26, 2021
I loved this book!
Amelia Montgomery is a powerful attorney, but after being fired for standing up for her principles, she is unemployed and friend-less (she might have not been the friendlier attorney on the firm...).
There are many things I loved about the book: first of all, the chemistry between Millie and John, their relationship is perfect even with its ups and downs (and it felt like a very real relationship because of said ups and downs). I also loved how the apology list evolved when Millie decided which people were worth the apology, because she hadn't wronged all of them. The relationship between Millie and her sister Nina was very sweet.And the ending was the best!!
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. **
Amelia Montgomery is a powerful attorney, but after being fired for standing up for her principles, she is unemployed and friend-less (she might have not been the friendlier attorney on the firm...).
There are many things I loved about the book: first of all, the chemistry between Millie and John, their relationship is perfect even with its ups and downs (and it felt like a very real relationship because of said ups and downs). I also loved how the apology list evolved when Millie decided which people were worth the apology, because she hadn't wronged all of them. The relationship between Millie and her sister Nina was very sweet.And the ending was the best!!
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. **
September 16, 2022
Kindlasti üks mõnus, positiivne, humoorikas ja kiiresti loetav lugu krimide ja tõsisemate teemade vahele. Omamoodi ka elust ja olust mõtlema panev.
Amelia on advokaadina tööd teinud peaagu 20 aastat, ta on väga edukas, ning iseloomult karm ja otsekohene. Teda kutsutakse tagaselga naissaatanaks ning ükski tema alluv et tahaks talle ette jääda.
Kuid ühel hetkel lahkub ta töölt, põhjus on kõigile teadmata ja arusaamatu, sest Amelia on teinud konfidentsiaalsus leppe ning ei saa kellelegi olukorda selgitada. Sel hetkel avastab Amelia, et tal ei ole sõpru ega tuttavaid, ka tema neljakümnes sünnipäev on läbikukkunud, sest sinna ei ilmu mitte kedagi, välja arvatud kontvõõras, kes hiljem selgub, on tema endises töökohas uus advokaat.
Siiski hakkavad neil mehega jutud klappima ning üks asi viib teiseni. Mehe õhutusel Amelia leiab end kirjutamast nimekirja inimestest, kelle ees ta peaks vabandama. Mudugi kõik ei ole nii lihtne nagu see kõlab ning Amelia õpib uuesti elama sellisena, kes ta tegelikult tahab olla.
Amelia on advokaadina tööd teinud peaagu 20 aastat, ta on väga edukas, ning iseloomult karm ja otsekohene. Teda kutsutakse tagaselga naissaatanaks ning ükski tema alluv et tahaks talle ette jääda.
Kuid ühel hetkel lahkub ta töölt, põhjus on kõigile teadmata ja arusaamatu, sest Amelia on teinud konfidentsiaalsus leppe ning ei saa kellelegi olukorda selgitada. Sel hetkel avastab Amelia, et tal ei ole sõpru ega tuttavaid, ka tema neljakümnes sünnipäev on läbikukkunud, sest sinna ei ilmu mitte kedagi, välja arvatud kontvõõras, kes hiljem selgub, on tema endises töökohas uus advokaat.
Siiski hakkavad neil mehega jutud klappima ning üks asi viib teiseni. Mehe õhutusel Amelia leiab end kirjutamast nimekirja inimestest, kelle ees ta peaks vabandama. Mudugi kõik ei ole nii lihtne nagu see kõlab ning Amelia õpib uuesti elama sellisena, kes ta tegelikult tahab olla.
July 20, 2021
Ugh. I found this very annoying to read. How can a high-powered lawyer be bested by Spanish 101 and a CityBike? Makes no sense. Whole story felt very shallow and not thought through. Another easy read that was a waste of time.
May 8, 2022
DNF at 10% Don’t waste your time
This heroine is so irritating, I couldn’t keep going. Best way to describe her is a bully who got bullied and decided to play the victim. Does she really expect people she treated like s#*+ to be sad she’s gone? How self-important and obtuse is she?
I literally didn’t care what happened to her in the rest of the book or if she ever redeemed herself (not possible if you’ve spent 20 years being an absolute narcissist jerk to everyone around you). Note to the author: find a way to include at least one likable or relatable quality in your MC and not just have her be detestable from every angle. It shouldn’t matter what she looks like or how many designer clothes names you can drop in a couple paragraphs. Be better.
This heroine is so irritating, I couldn’t keep going. Best way to describe her is a bully who got bullied and decided to play the victim. Does she really expect people she treated like s#*+ to be sad she’s gone? How self-important and obtuse is she?
I literally didn’t care what happened to her in the rest of the book or if she ever redeemed herself (not possible if you’ve spent 20 years being an absolute narcissist jerk to everyone around you). Note to the author: find a way to include at least one likable or relatable quality in your MC and not just have her be detestable from every angle. It shouldn’t matter what she looks like or how many designer clothes names you can drop in a couple paragraphs. Be better.
August 21, 2021
I'm not going to waste a lot of time on this. I concur with other 2 star reviews. Implausible plot and characters, stereotypes of lawyers, professional women, repetitive, and in need of considerable editing.
Time to get back to my stacks of history and biography (or a good dog story).
Time to get back to my stacks of history and biography (or a good dog story).
April 20, 2021
I can 100% relate to Amelia. She was funny and so strong but there was the vulnerability that is hard to convey in a story. Loved it.
October 3, 2022
I only started this to get an Amazon Original achievement in my Kindle app lol. I was expecting bad writing, a faulty story, and one-dimensional characters. I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it took me a while to finish it due to needing to finish 2 other books in the midst, I could always lose myself in the story. I see a lot of myself in Amelia and am inspired to consider an apology project of my own.
September 20, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero is about a forty-year-old woman trying to reimagine herself after two significant things happening to her.
Will Amelia Montgomery be able to go through with the Apology Project?
Amelia Montgomery went through a lot on her last few days, from being a thirty-nine-year-old lawyer to not being a lawyer anymore. She spent a lot of the book trying to figure herself out again and let herself be the person she was before. Amelia grows a lot throughout the book. It's an excellent progression to see Amelia change. Amelia's change is great since she goes from being a person that can come off as being cruel to being a person that apologizes. Retirement for Amelia seems to agree with her. She does many things that she usually wouldn't have the chance to do because of work. From learning Spanish to taking a trip to doing a lot of other things. Along with trying to figure out who she is now that she isn't a lawyer.
I wouldn't say I liked Amelia at the beginning, yet I was so rooting for her by the end. I found her courageous, and I like that she was able to find balance in her life.
Four Stars
The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero is a somewhat difficult book to get into, but once you do get into it, you won't be sorry. I am giving it four stars. I'm also recommending it to anyone that wants to give it a try. Ms. Escudero using first-person for a point of view is excellent as we got to see how Amelia changed. I also like how Ms. Escudero used her heritage for Amelia, as I thought that was clever.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Amelia Montgomery be able to go through with the Apology Project?
Amelia Montgomery went through a lot on her last few days, from being a thirty-nine-year-old lawyer to not being a lawyer anymore. She spent a lot of the book trying to figure herself out again and let herself be the person she was before. Amelia grows a lot throughout the book. It's an excellent progression to see Amelia change. Amelia's change is great since she goes from being a person that can come off as being cruel to being a person that apologizes. Retirement for Amelia seems to agree with her. She does many things that she usually wouldn't have the chance to do because of work. From learning Spanish to taking a trip to doing a lot of other things. Along with trying to figure out who she is now that she isn't a lawyer.
I wouldn't say I liked Amelia at the beginning, yet I was so rooting for her by the end. I found her courageous, and I like that she was able to find balance in her life.
Four Stars
The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero is a somewhat difficult book to get into, but once you do get into it, you won't be sorry. I am giving it four stars. I'm also recommending it to anyone that wants to give it a try. Ms. Escudero using first-person for a point of view is excellent as we got to see how Amelia changed. I also like how Ms. Escudero used her heritage for Amelia, as I thought that was clever.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
July 31, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this chick-lit contemporary novel that I downloaded as an Amazon Prime First Read. The main character is the Amelia Montgomery who is a 40 year old “She Demon” at a prestigious law firm. Amelia is a very flawed character.
The story is light and humorous. It includes a look at the world of cut-throat lawyers, a bit of romance and travel. In the end Amelia is still flawed, but now goes by the name Millie. I will leave it to the reader to see how she gets from Point A to Point B.
The author, Jeanette Escudero, is a lawyer by background. She is also a good storyteller
This book was an excellent switch from the serious books that I have read over the past several months.
I rate it 5 stars
The story is light and humorous. It includes a look at the world of cut-throat lawyers, a bit of romance and travel. In the end Amelia is still flawed, but now goes by the name Millie. I will leave it to the reader to see how she gets from Point A to Point B.
The author, Jeanette Escudero, is a lawyer by background. She is also a good storyteller
This book was an excellent switch from the serious books that I have read over the past several months.
I rate it 5 stars
January 7, 2024
I chose to read this without knowing what it was about or what the genre was. I’ll admit I didn’t love the way the book began, but as Amelia’s life unfurls and she’s forced to face emotions she’s hidden for most of her life, she suddenly became remarkably relatable and I couldn’t stop reading. Although the ending was a bit abrupt and predictable, I still enjoyed the ride there. It didn’t hurt that every John interaction made me smile!
September 16, 2023
Amelia/Millie had me so annoyed throughout 60% of this novel. John, Nina, and the extended Cuban family saved this book for me.
October 18, 2022
Unexpected
I had not heard or.read anything on this book, but I am so glad I found it. Along the way, while Amelia found herself, I found myself as well.
I had not heard or.read anything on this book, but I am so glad I found it. Along the way, while Amelia found herself, I found myself as well.
July 19, 2023
Fine quick read. Average. White woman with too much money. Sudden ending that is trite and predictable
August 9, 2021
2.5 stars rounded down to 2
(I didn't dislike the book, but I thought it was okay--which, according to the Goodreads rating system, is two stars. Though, I do think it deserves a little more credit than that, but I don't feel like I enjoyed it enough to round up to 3)
Amelia Montgomery is a high-powered lawyer and partner at her firm when she is presented with a moral dilemma that costs her her career. The firm ends up reaching a financial settlement with her (something in the realm of millions of dollars), and she realizes that she has allowed her job to push away people she cares about over the years, leaving her friendless and with no social life. This disturbs her, and she decides, on one drunken night, to rectify this by apologizing to people who she has wronged.
I realize the fact that I am likely not part of the target audience for this book. I am not a fan of romance novels, personally, and this book has some very clear elements of "romance novel" to it. I actually find it sort of fascinating, because these elements are just sprinkled throughout the text, so to me they stand out like a neon sign when they appear, and I don't just mean during the actual sex scene. In any case, I couldn't help by roll my eyes when a sentence like, "He flashed his annoyingly handsome, dimpled smile at me. Damn him," would pop up. I know, I know, but it's just not my thing. I find all of this so incredibly cheesy.
That being said, Amelia's journey of self-discovery is kind of interesting. I appreciated how she worked her way through the complexities of trying to become a better person. Admitting you are wrong--really admitting it, not just saying it out loud--is a difficult thing, and she struggles with it, but is ultimately accepting of it. The various people that come in to her life during the story are an important part of her reflection on the way she has lived her life and the way she decides to live it moving forward.
The writing itself is clear, and the style is very breezy. The prose is not particularly notable, but the straightforwardness of it makes it a quick and easy read. There is a lot of fluff in here, but there is also the story of redemption, in a way. Amelia has reclaimed her life, and that part is just significant enough for me to overlook the cheesy romance novel parts and the ending .
(I didn't dislike the book, but I thought it was okay--which, according to the Goodreads rating system, is two stars. Though, I do think it deserves a little more credit than that, but I don't feel like I enjoyed it enough to round up to 3)
Amelia Montgomery is a high-powered lawyer and partner at her firm when she is presented with a moral dilemma that costs her her career. The firm ends up reaching a financial settlement with her (something in the realm of millions of dollars), and she realizes that she has allowed her job to push away people she cares about over the years, leaving her friendless and with no social life. This disturbs her, and she decides, on one drunken night, to rectify this by apologizing to people who she has wronged.
I realize the fact that I am likely not part of the target audience for this book. I am not a fan of romance novels, personally, and this book has some very clear elements of "romance novel" to it. I actually find it sort of fascinating, because these elements are just sprinkled throughout the text, so to me they stand out like a neon sign when they appear, and I don't just mean during the actual sex scene. In any case, I couldn't help by roll my eyes when a sentence like, "He flashed his annoyingly handsome, dimpled smile at me. Damn him," would pop up. I know, I know, but it's just not my thing. I find all of this so incredibly cheesy.
That being said, Amelia's journey of self-discovery is kind of interesting. I appreciated how she worked her way through the complexities of trying to become a better person. Admitting you are wrong--really admitting it, not just saying it out loud--is a difficult thing, and she struggles with it, but is ultimately accepting of it. The various people that come in to her life during the story are an important part of her reflection on the way she has lived her life and the way she decides to live it moving forward.
The writing itself is clear, and the style is very breezy. The prose is not particularly notable, but the straightforwardness of it makes it a quick and easy read. There is a lot of fluff in here, but there is also the story of redemption, in a way. Amelia has reclaimed her life, and that part is just significant enough for me to overlook the cheesy romance novel parts and the ending .
July 18, 2021
I loved this book! I want a sequal.
July 19, 2021
The Apology Project is a lightening quick read. Amelia Montgomery is a nearly 40-year-old partner at a prestigious Chicago law firm when her life suddenly comes tumbling down. After giving decades of her life to her career at JJF she is unwilling to compromise her values in a high-profile sexual assault case. In standing up for herself she loses her job and throws some elbows (literally) in the process. With nothing to fill her days anymore she lets her sister talk her into a 40th birthday party, inviting old friends and colleagues, but when no one shows up she begins reflecting on her decisions, starting with a drunken endeavor to apologize to the people she has wronged.
I know what you are thinking “OMG a book where a female stands up for herself and now feels the need to apologize, a man would NEVER do that,” and yes I agree with you, but Amelia’s character was created to also be aware of this and addresses these feelings as she works through her list of apologies, crossing off a few she deems unworthy of a sorry in the process.
After recently reading another romance similarly including a strong female lawyer, I was hesitant going into this one. Missing from my last read, I wanted a romance that had more “meat” to the story. I wanted brains and brawn to be featured throughout rather than hidden behind steamy sex scenes, and I wanted the lead to have a life outside of the next “when will I see my man.” And, OMG did Escudero ever deliver! The Apology Project had it all, from learning to not be defined by your career to never being too old to start over, the message throughout this book was empowering. Escudero was not afraid to use a common female stereotype and address it head on while wrapping her lessons into a romance featuring middle-aged leads.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.
I know what you are thinking “OMG a book where a female stands up for herself and now feels the need to apologize, a man would NEVER do that,” and yes I agree with you, but Amelia’s character was created to also be aware of this and addresses these feelings as she works through her list of apologies, crossing off a few she deems unworthy of a sorry in the process.
After recently reading another romance similarly including a strong female lawyer, I was hesitant going into this one. Missing from my last read, I wanted a romance that had more “meat” to the story. I wanted brains and brawn to be featured throughout rather than hidden behind steamy sex scenes, and I wanted the lead to have a life outside of the next “when will I see my man.” And, OMG did Escudero ever deliver! The Apology Project had it all, from learning to not be defined by your career to never being too old to start over, the message throughout this book was empowering. Escudero was not afraid to use a common female stereotype and address it head on while wrapping her lessons into a romance featuring middle-aged leads.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.
January 31, 2022
I initially had an advance reviewer copy thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but I found an audiobook version, which this review is of.
I say this because the narration was quite fitting to the tone of the book and enhanced the experience for me.
Our leading lady in this book is Amelia Montgomery. She is a hard-working and sharp-tongued lawyer who is used to doing a great job and expecting the same from people around her. There comes a breaking point where she is forced to retire and then ends up taking a look at the choices she had made in her life. The first issue I had was that the breaking point was not self-explanatory. Amelia iterates at different junctions of the book that there was no special reason for her to have used that particular case/reasons to heart the way she did. On the flip side, it also makes sense for something like that to happen in real life. Sometimes people just snap without any underlying psychological hurdle. As you can see, I am confused as to where I stand on this idea myself!
Amelia then tries to find her internal Milly and apologize to those people who she feels she has wronged.
A love story, a growth arc, and a hereto unknown family history are added to the mix. The book could have been slightly shorter, and I would have rated it higher. The leading lady is strong and unapologetic about it, but that fact is repeated once too often for the length of the narrative. I liked the book, the overall tone, and how the characters were shown as multi-faceted. None of them changed entirely over the course of the story, even with new realizations that sort of impact more than an individual.
I would read another book by the author and recommend this book for anyone on the lookout for a slightly different narrative arc than usual for such stories, even if the book ends the way a romcom/chick lit does.
I say this because the narration was quite fitting to the tone of the book and enhanced the experience for me.
Our leading lady in this book is Amelia Montgomery. She is a hard-working and sharp-tongued lawyer who is used to doing a great job and expecting the same from people around her. There comes a breaking point where she is forced to retire and then ends up taking a look at the choices she had made in her life. The first issue I had was that the breaking point was not self-explanatory. Amelia iterates at different junctions of the book that there was no special reason for her to have used that particular case/reasons to heart the way she did. On the flip side, it also makes sense for something like that to happen in real life. Sometimes people just snap without any underlying psychological hurdle. As you can see, I am confused as to where I stand on this idea myself!
Amelia then tries to find her internal Milly and apologize to those people who she feels she has wronged.
A love story, a growth arc, and a hereto unknown family history are added to the mix. The book could have been slightly shorter, and I would have rated it higher. The leading lady is strong and unapologetic about it, but that fact is repeated once too often for the length of the narrative. I liked the book, the overall tone, and how the characters were shown as multi-faceted. None of them changed entirely over the course of the story, even with new realizations that sort of impact more than an individual.
I would read another book by the author and recommend this book for anyone on the lookout for a slightly different narrative arc than usual for such stories, even if the book ends the way a romcom/chick lit does.
July 20, 2021
This one was a bit of a diamond in the rough for me…the cover really doesn’t do this story justice, but I enjoyed the book!
I loved the tone, the pacing, and the characters were very well developed…this is a really well done fade-to-black rom-com!
I do think some readers will find the content a bit stereotypical, but I think the writing makes up for it. A solid 4 stars from me!
Thank you to MBC Books and Amazon Publishing for the gifted ARC!
I loved the tone, the pacing, and the characters were very well developed…this is a really well done fade-to-black rom-com!
I do think some readers will find the content a bit stereotypical, but I think the writing makes up for it. A solid 4 stars from me!
Thank you to MBC Books and Amazon Publishing for the gifted ARC!
July 4, 2021
Self awareness and humanity prevails!
We are never too young/old or in between to be thoughtful and considerate -no matter how smart or powerful -the road to self-awareness is bumpy but such a great journey -I hope they were more books in the works
We are never too young/old or in between to be thoughtful and considerate -no matter how smart or powerful -the road to self-awareness is bumpy but such a great journey -I hope they were more books in the works
July 30, 2021
Loved this book. Strong female character finds out getting to the top comes with a price. Her journey of apology makes me want to make my own list. Throw in some genealogy and romance, this book has it all. A really fun read.
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