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A Place Like This
This sequel to A Girl Like You continues the story of still single Jessica Gabriel exploring her life choices by crashing her ex's beach wedding, learning dog yoga (aka doga), getting a tattoo, declining an offer from a potential FWB, taking water aerobics and falling on her ass while cross-country skiing. When her 22-year-old son moves out to join his father in a nomadic life, Jess suddenly has an empty nest. She relives the good old days when her kids were young and wonders how she ever got to a place like this. Jessica takes on a second job as an Uber driver, where she meets a "lumberjane" (female version of a lumberjack), a much older woman with a scorching sex drive, and a clown who creates X-rated balloon sculptures, among others. Fortified by blueberry scones, Chardonnay, and her fave takeout "Bucket of Spaghetti," as well as the continued support from her adult kids, new friend Nadine and old buddy Eddie, Jessica's journey leads her to understand she is, after all, in a very good place.
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 6, 2022
A PLACE LIKE THIS is the sequel to A GIRL LIKE YOU. So I recommend reading the first book prior to the second, that said, the author does recap some of the first book in A PLACE LIKE THIS.
Jess is now dating Sawyer and her ex, Bryan, is getting married. He has invited Jess to the wedding, but she is not sure she wants to go. Sawyer thinks Jess is still in love with Bryan, so he breaks up with her. She finds comfort in many of her friends and her children, Ian and Madison. She takes on a new adventure as an Uber driver and meets all kinds of people. She meets a few men, there are some steamy moments but they lead to nothing long term. The biggest life change is when her son Ian moves out, but she also gets a nice surprise from her daughter.
I really enjoyed A PLACE LIKE THIS. It was a fast-paced story that made me laugh out loud several times. I really appreciate that Cari Scribner can add humor to moments that can be so "real" in life. I have now enjoyed both of her book and highly recommend both of them.
Many thanks to Cari Scribner for my gifted copy.
I will be sharing this review on my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to pub date, November 1, 2022.
Jess is now dating Sawyer and her ex, Bryan, is getting married. He has invited Jess to the wedding, but she is not sure she wants to go. Sawyer thinks Jess is still in love with Bryan, so he breaks up with her. She finds comfort in many of her friends and her children, Ian and Madison. She takes on a new adventure as an Uber driver and meets all kinds of people. She meets a few men, there are some steamy moments but they lead to nothing long term. The biggest life change is when her son Ian moves out, but she also gets a nice surprise from her daughter.
I really enjoyed A PLACE LIKE THIS. It was a fast-paced story that made me laugh out loud several times. I really appreciate that Cari Scribner can add humor to moments that can be so "real" in life. I have now enjoyed both of her book and highly recommend both of them.
Many thanks to Cari Scribner for my gifted copy.
I will be sharing this review on my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to pub date, November 1, 2022.
October 29, 2022
A Place Like This by Cari Scribner. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After her divorce and whirlwind of dating, Jessica Gabriel, is ready to enjoy life. She meets some interesting individuals with her new job as an Uber driver. When her adult son moves out suddenly, she begins to lose direction.
I am not a big fan of sequels but when I saw Jess was back I had to read it. This book picked up where the first left off. While there is some back history in the beginning, I still recommend reading the first book before this one. I think you’ll appreciate it more. I liked this story because it wasn’t anything wild or crazy. It was true and honest real life… but with some hilarious moments. My favorite parts were the Uber rights and getting to know the passengers. There’s some serious steam too and as I mentioned in my review of the first book… I LOVE reading about some older women get some! It’s awesome to break those normative barriers and remind society that women above 39 still enjoy sex too!
“Raising kids wasn’t exactly a hobby. It was a life. It has been a whirlwind of activity, though, and I never planned for my life once they were grown up.”
A Place Like This comes out 11/1.
After her divorce and whirlwind of dating, Jessica Gabriel, is ready to enjoy life. She meets some interesting individuals with her new job as an Uber driver. When her adult son moves out suddenly, she begins to lose direction.
I am not a big fan of sequels but when I saw Jess was back I had to read it. This book picked up where the first left off. While there is some back history in the beginning, I still recommend reading the first book before this one. I think you’ll appreciate it more. I liked this story because it wasn’t anything wild or crazy. It was true and honest real life… but with some hilarious moments. My favorite parts were the Uber rights and getting to know the passengers. There’s some serious steam too and as I mentioned in my review of the first book… I LOVE reading about some older women get some! It’s awesome to break those normative barriers and remind society that women above 39 still enjoy sex too!
“Raising kids wasn’t exactly a hobby. It was a life. It has been a whirlwind of activity, though, and I never planned for my life once they were grown up.”
A Place Like This comes out 11/1.
December 26, 2022
This is a character driven story following 58 year old Jess, a twice divorced mother to twenty somethings Madison and Ian. The story follows Jess as she figures out who she is outside of motherhood and marriage. I think a lot of woman lose who they are in those roles and when our kids grow up or if our marriages end we are often left feeling like, "well now who am I?"
I enjoyed following Jess as she tries to answer this question. I appreciated her expressing her sexuality and learning to stick up for herself at work. Her relationships with her children and friends felt authentic. You share in the characters highs and lows. Cheer her accomplishments and share in her grief. I think this book is an excellent representation of aging as a woman and what life can be like for a single woman approaching 60.
I enjoyed following Jess as she tries to answer this question. I appreciated her expressing her sexuality and learning to stick up for herself at work. Her relationships with her children and friends felt authentic. You share in the characters highs and lows. Cheer her accomplishments and share in her grief. I think this book is an excellent representation of aging as a woman and what life can be like for a single woman approaching 60.
March 20, 2023
I liked this just as much as the first one! It was very realistic and relatable and I’m not even that old yet lol
I have fallen in love with the Jessica character, probably partly because my name is Jessica too!
It was a love story to me, but not your typical love story. It was more a love story in the sense that she learned to love herself and her life.
I have fallen in love with the Jessica character, probably partly because my name is Jessica too!
It was a love story to me, but not your typical love story. It was more a love story in the sense that she learned to love herself and her life.
February 9, 2024
"A Place Like This" by Cari Scribner is a delightful continuation of Jessica Gabriel's journey, picking up where "A Girl Like You" left off. As someone who enjoyed the first book, I was eager to dive back into Jessica's world and see where life would take her next.
The sequel follows Jessica as she navigates the ups and downs of her life, from crashing her ex's beach wedding to exploring the world of dog yoga and beyond. With her son moving out and facing an empty nest, Jessica finds herself reflecting on the past while grappling with the uncertainties of the present.
What I loved most about this book is its charming and relatable protagonist. Jessica is a lovable and authentic character who faces life's challenges with humor, resilience, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. As she embarks on new adventures and encounters a colorful cast of characters through her job as an Uber driver, I found myself cheering for her every step of the way.
Scribner's writing is engaging and heartfelt, capturing the joys and struggles of middle-aged womanhood with honesty and wit. While romance is a central theme, I appreciated the focus on Jessica's friendships and personal growth, adding depth to the story beyond just finding love.
As someone who doesn't typically gravitate towards women's fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this duology. Scribner's portrayal of Jessica's journey resonated with me on a personal level, and I found myself laughing and crying along with her as she navigated life's twists and turns.
Overall, "A Place Like This" is a charming and heartwarming read that will leave you rooting for its relatable protagonist. Whether you're a fan of women's fiction or simply enjoy a well-written story with plenty of humor and heart, this book is sure to delight. Thank you to Cari Scribner and Netgalley for providing me with review copies in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The sequel follows Jessica as she navigates the ups and downs of her life, from crashing her ex's beach wedding to exploring the world of dog yoga and beyond. With her son moving out and facing an empty nest, Jessica finds herself reflecting on the past while grappling with the uncertainties of the present.
What I loved most about this book is its charming and relatable protagonist. Jessica is a lovable and authentic character who faces life's challenges with humor, resilience, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. As she embarks on new adventures and encounters a colorful cast of characters through her job as an Uber driver, I found myself cheering for her every step of the way.
Scribner's writing is engaging and heartfelt, capturing the joys and struggles of middle-aged womanhood with honesty and wit. While romance is a central theme, I appreciated the focus on Jessica's friendships and personal growth, adding depth to the story beyond just finding love.
As someone who doesn't typically gravitate towards women's fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this duology. Scribner's portrayal of Jessica's journey resonated with me on a personal level, and I found myself laughing and crying along with her as she navigated life's twists and turns.
Overall, "A Place Like This" is a charming and heartwarming read that will leave you rooting for its relatable protagonist. Whether you're a fan of women's fiction or simply enjoy a well-written story with plenty of humor and heart, this book is sure to delight. Thank you to Cari Scribner and Netgalley for providing me with review copies in exchange for my honest thoughts.
March 12, 2023
A Place Like This is a character-driven novel full of emotional events, ranging from Jess spying on her ex-husband Bryan at his beachside wedding to her encounters with patrons as an Uber driver to her recaps of the conversations of her coworkers — the Three Stooges — at Town Clerk’s office. Jess is an endearing, authentic character with quirks and a lot of heart, and I enjoyed getting to know her better in this novel. The side characters, especially Jess’s friends Nadine and Eddie, are people I’d want to have in my own life.
Much of this book is about Jess mourning what could have been. Her first husband, Adam, left the family to travel the U.S. in an RV., unsatisfied with the stable family life that Jess treasured. Years after Adam left, Jess still questions what made him so unhappy and why he didn’t find comfort in the home and family time she embraced.
Then, Jess’s emotions are torn even further as her son, Ian, decides to join Adam on the road after finishing his college classes. Nearly every chapter of the book including Jess reminiscing about when Ian and her daughter, Madison, were young. The memories are sad yet heartwarming as they demonstrate how dedicated Jess is as a mother, and the inclusion of so many shows the impact of Jess’s feeling of loneliness.
A Place Like This is a quick, entertaining read with short chapters, engaging characters, and fun vignettes of Jess’s adventures, including some very steamy date nights. If you’re looking for a read that hits all the emotions and leaves you feeling satisfied, this is a book for you.
Much of this book is about Jess mourning what could have been. Her first husband, Adam, left the family to travel the U.S. in an RV., unsatisfied with the stable family life that Jess treasured. Years after Adam left, Jess still questions what made him so unhappy and why he didn’t find comfort in the home and family time she embraced.
Then, Jess’s emotions are torn even further as her son, Ian, decides to join Adam on the road after finishing his college classes. Nearly every chapter of the book including Jess reminiscing about when Ian and her daughter, Madison, were young. The memories are sad yet heartwarming as they demonstrate how dedicated Jess is as a mother, and the inclusion of so many shows the impact of Jess’s feeling of loneliness.
A Place Like This is a quick, entertaining read with short chapters, engaging characters, and fun vignettes of Jess’s adventures, including some very steamy date nights. If you’re looking for a read that hits all the emotions and leaves you feeling satisfied, this is a book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
Happy Pub Week to @cariscribnerauthor and thank you for my copy of A Place Like This! This is the sequel to A Girl Like You and I definitely recommend reading that one first. Plus it is hilarious!
The humor and crazy antics of Jessica are back and in full effect with this one. Cari just has a wonderful way of talking directly to the reader with her writing. You can visualize everything Jessica is going through. The way that Cari highlights the ups/downs and in-betweens of middle-aged women is done with such grace and wit it is just a fun ride. Jessica has such a great outlook on life even when it does not go her way. This book is slightly less steamy but I must say I may have enjoyed the Uber customers more than the sex-don’t be mad! I must also mention that this book will also make you STARVING because it mentions so many delicious foods I now need a bucket of spaghetti.
I really hope we get another book in this series or at least a look at what happens with Jessica’s children. We get a glimpse of them throughout and I would really like to see the direction Ian’s life goes and how Madison fares in the future.
The humor and crazy antics of Jessica are back and in full effect with this one. Cari just has a wonderful way of talking directly to the reader with her writing. You can visualize everything Jessica is going through. The way that Cari highlights the ups/downs and in-betweens of middle-aged women is done with such grace and wit it is just a fun ride. Jessica has such a great outlook on life even when it does not go her way. This book is slightly less steamy but I must say I may have enjoyed the Uber customers more than the sex-don’t be mad! I must also mention that this book will also make you STARVING because it mentions so many delicious foods I now need a bucket of spaghetti.
I really hope we get another book in this series or at least a look at what happens with Jessica’s children. We get a glimpse of them throughout and I would really like to see the direction Ian’s life goes and how Madison fares in the future.
March 6, 2023
A Place Like this , continues Jessica’s story and how at the age of 58 she is ready to change her life and enjoy it.
Jesse feels very lonely after her son moves out and takes a job as an uber driver where she meets many interesting people. I like it when a story focuses on women finding themselves again.
The most interesting thing for me was that Jesse tried everything from dog yoga to finding a new man around every corner. I found her approach as an uber driver very interesting. She got to meet new people and learn about their life stories.
I think this is a story to read and enjoy, it’s not a thriller or a history book, its just a good book about a middle-aged woman trying to enjoy her life. I really enjoyed how Cari highlights the enthusiasm of midlife here. Jesse is a character that you can’t not love. I hope there is another one in the series.
Jesse feels very lonely after her son moves out and takes a job as an uber driver where she meets many interesting people. I like it when a story focuses on women finding themselves again.
The most interesting thing for me was that Jesse tried everything from dog yoga to finding a new man around every corner. I found her approach as an uber driver very interesting. She got to meet new people and learn about their life stories.
I think this is a story to read and enjoy, it’s not a thriller or a history book, its just a good book about a middle-aged woman trying to enjoy her life. I really enjoyed how Cari highlights the enthusiasm of midlife here. Jesse is a character that you can’t not love. I hope there is another one in the series.
April 27, 2023
Oh Jessica Gabriel, what are you getting yourself into now?! 😂 I met her in book one (A Girl Like This) when she was newly divorced and found her way into the world of online dating 😅. Now, in book 2, she’s back (along with Eddie) and an empty nester. There’s definitely never a dull moment especially when she decides to attend her ex-husband’s wedding, then somehow finds herself as an Uber driver for some interesting characters 🤣
This book deals with difficult family relationships and Jessica rediscovering herself during middle age when everything she once knew turned on a dime. It’s funny, sad, hopeful, crazy, and entertaining.
Thank you for my gifted copy to review
This book deals with difficult family relationships and Jessica rediscovering herself during middle age when everything she once knew turned on a dime. It’s funny, sad, hopeful, crazy, and entertaining.
Thank you for my gifted copy to review
May 16, 2023
I absolutely adored A Girl Like You and just had to grab the sequel! Even though the story gives some background of the first book, I'd recommend reading them in order. You won't be sorry.
Jessica is in my age group so I think that's why I'm drawn to her, that, and her personality. The author does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, complete with quirks and humor. About the time Jess decides life couldn't get much crazier, she takes a job as an Uber driver. And bless her heart, shares all that society has to offer with us. The story never lacks action and spotlights humor in real-life situations. Another enjoyable book from this gifted author.
Jessica is in my age group so I think that's why I'm drawn to her, that, and her personality. The author does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, complete with quirks and humor. About the time Jess decides life couldn't get much crazier, she takes a job as an Uber driver. And bless her heart, shares all that society has to offer with us. The story never lacks action and spotlights humor in real-life situations. Another enjoyable book from this gifted author.
November 3, 2022
I enjoy how Cari Scribner highlights the vibrancy of midlife and women's lives; A Place Like This is a perfect read for a weekend away, a cozy Fall evening (with a bucket of spaghetti!). I appreciate her humor, her characters (well developed, real and relatable), and the deftness of how she gives voice to Jessica once again, honoring her many identities (sexual woman, ex-wife, dating woman, mother to grown children, worker). She never makes her characters seem simplistic and leans into the humor and joy of midlife, understanding that even when life is hard it is worth celebrating.
November 13, 2022
Definitely check out book 1 before diving into this one.
I was excited to continue on with Jessica as she continues her search to find her place in her changing life dynamics. I was not disappointed as the follow up lives up to book 1.
Jessica is such a real and raw character that it isn't difficult to picture going through everything she is facing.
I enjoyed the Uber riders and wanted some to make some repeat appearances! I enjoyed the new male encounters and bits of spice mixed in throughout.
Sign me up for the next chapter of Jessica's journey if a book 3 is in the works!
I was excited to continue on with Jessica as she continues her search to find her place in her changing life dynamics. I was not disappointed as the follow up lives up to book 1.
Jessica is such a real and raw character that it isn't difficult to picture going through everything she is facing.
I enjoyed the Uber riders and wanted some to make some repeat appearances! I enjoyed the new male encounters and bits of spice mixed in throughout.
Sign me up for the next chapter of Jessica's journey if a book 3 is in the works!
May 12, 2023
Jessica is back in this hilarious sequel to A Girl Like You.
A refreshing read of a middle-aged woman who is trying to figure out who she is as a person.
From her relationships with her children, to her friends and her work. My favorite moments are the Uber customers you meet through her job it’s such a hilarious part to the story, and it was fun to read about the ups and downs for Jess as she continues on her journey with grace and humor.
A refreshing read of a middle-aged woman who is trying to figure out who she is as a person.
From her relationships with her children, to her friends and her work. My favorite moments are the Uber customers you meet through her job it’s such a hilarious part to the story, and it was fun to read about the ups and downs for Jess as she continues on her journey with grace and humor.
May 12, 2023
A Place Like This is a follow up to A Girl Like You. It's about Jessica, a divorced mom of 2, who is trying to find her way through the modern dating scene. Now in her 50s, she reflects on times when her kids were younger and faces new challenges with aging children.
I could relate to many of Jessicas's thoughts and feelings regarding our attitudes as we age and found myself giggling throughout her adventures. Some of the spicy scenes were absolutely hilarious and quite vivid!
I could relate to many of Jessicas's thoughts and feelings regarding our attitudes as we age and found myself giggling throughout her adventures. Some of the spicy scenes were absolutely hilarious and quite vivid!
January 23, 2023
𝘌𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘯!
I had a great time reading A Girl Like You and it was fantastic to follow more of Jess adventures in this second part. It was funny, silly, refreshing, emotional and overall an enjoyable read!
I had a great time reading A Girl Like You and it was fantastic to follow more of Jess adventures in this second part. It was funny, silly, refreshing, emotional and overall an enjoyable read!
April 18, 2023
When you find a book you love, it’s even better when the author comes out with a sequel! So I was pumped to discover Cari Scribner wrote a sequel to A Girl like You, which was a hilarious read. The sequel did not disappoint, continuing with the story of Jess, a middle aged single woman just trying to figure out her life now that both kids have moved out and he ex-husband is remarrying. Her adventures are so funny, and her thought process so absolutely REAL. Loved it!
April 14, 2023
Review to follow
September 27, 2023
As someone who is in their middle years, this book hit home in a lot of ways. I really enjoyed the story and the writing! I need to go back and read the first book!
February 2, 2024
Jess is back again, this time dealing with Uber driving, ex husbands showing back up, kids leaving, and as always trying to find herself and possibly a romance along the way.
Although Jess is dealing with empty nest as I am currently filling my nest so I couldn’t relate to the struggles, the book was just so charming. Similar to A Girl Like You it was just so refreshing to see an older female main character and the hurdles of that stage of life written so candidly in a book.
Jess is just so lovable and real it’s hard to not cheer for her. Throughout the book you’ll laugh and cry with her as she navigates this tricky thing called life. And while romance is definitely a main focus, I also loved seeing the different friendships being maintained and started.
While women’s fiction is not one of my go to genres I am so glad I gave this duology a shot.
Thank you Cari and Netgalley for my review copies on exchange for an honest review!
Although Jess is dealing with empty nest as I am currently filling my nest so I couldn’t relate to the struggles, the book was just so charming. Similar to A Girl Like You it was just so refreshing to see an older female main character and the hurdles of that stage of life written so candidly in a book.
Jess is just so lovable and real it’s hard to not cheer for her. Throughout the book you’ll laugh and cry with her as she navigates this tricky thing called life. And while romance is definitely a main focus, I also loved seeing the different friendships being maintained and started.
While women’s fiction is not one of my go to genres I am so glad I gave this duology a shot.
Thank you Cari and Netgalley for my review copies on exchange for an honest review!
March 26, 2023
This is a strong follow up to Cari’s first book A Girl Like You. We continue on the journey with Jessica as she navigates her life as a divorced woman, with adult children, in the dating world. Some of the situations she gets herself into seem a bit extreme, but others will make you laugh out loud! This book has a range of emotions that the main character feels throughout the year in her life. While I enjoyed A Girl Like You better, I was still happy to continue to see what happens to Jessica in her journey!
Thank you so much to the author, Cari Scribner for sending me a gifted copy of this book!
Thank you so much to the author, Cari Scribner for sending me a gifted copy of this book!
October 2, 2023
Cari Scribner has done it again. Bringing us the sequel focusing on Jessica Gabriel's crazy life. This character is phenomenally written. I want to go over to her house for a bucket of pasta, a mojito, and some girl talk! Scribner is able to bring humor to hard hitting situations, that make you want to cringe and look away. It is laugh out loud funny and a super quick read. Make sure you have your Oreos and Chips Ahoy within reach before you open this one up.
Jess is back and she is ready to dive into anything. She finds new men seemingly around every corner. They have their ups, their downs, and some definite spice. Unfortunately, there are no clothes pins in this book. She is down for doga yoga, and trying to pass as a skilled snowshoer. Each man brings her something new to her life. But in reality, she just does not know how to be alone. Her children bring her joy and a never-ending supply of love. Along with her new pup, Lucy. Jess has also taken to Uber like a therapist on a mission. She has people telling her about their lives in no time flat. This book will brighten your day and slap you back to reality within the next chapter.
I have completely enjoyed this book. It made my snow day perfect, after I cozied up on my couch, buried in blankets. Blocking out the realities of my life, so I could take a break and transport myself to upstate New York. Thank you to Cari Scribner for my gifted copy and bringing Jess into my life!
Jess is back and she is ready to dive into anything. She finds new men seemingly around every corner. They have their ups, their downs, and some definite spice. Unfortunately, there are no clothes pins in this book. She is down for doga yoga, and trying to pass as a skilled snowshoer. Each man brings her something new to her life. But in reality, she just does not know how to be alone. Her children bring her joy and a never-ending supply of love. Along with her new pup, Lucy. Jess has also taken to Uber like a therapist on a mission. She has people telling her about their lives in no time flat. This book will brighten your day and slap you back to reality within the next chapter.
I have completely enjoyed this book. It made my snow day perfect, after I cozied up on my couch, buried in blankets. Blocking out the realities of my life, so I could take a break and transport myself to upstate New York. Thank you to Cari Scribner for my gifted copy and bringing Jess into my life!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews