If You Could See Me Now - Cecelia Ahern - 3 Stars

[Olivermagnus]

Thirty-four year-old Elizabeth doesn't have an easy life. Her younger sister is a careless, alcoholic who is always losing her job, then disappearing and leaving Elizabeth to do all the clean-up work. Part of this includes raising her 6-year-old nephew, Luke. Added to the mix is her reclusive and distant father, and a mother who abandoned the family when Elizabeth was thirteen. It's no wonder Elizabeth is constantly hiding away from people.

One day, Ivan, an invisible friend from the land of Ekam Eveileb enters Luke's life. Was he really sent to to help Elizabeth? This novel tells the story of a grown woman and her very own invisible friend. Like all fairy tales, this one involves quite a lot of belief suspension, but is generally well put together and the characters are full enough that we care about them.

The story is both uplifting and entertaining, but it drags on too long, and the premise gets worn out before the end of the story. For the most part it was a quick feel-good read, and perfect for a busy December.