Lost Coast Literary by Ellie Alexander

 

I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book editor Emily Bryant finds herself unexpectedly in the charming town of Cascata on California’s Lost Coast, holding the keys to her grandmother’s rambling Victorian mansion. While sorting through her grandmother’s things, Emily learns that she must edit old manuscripts to inherit the estate. It’s a strange request from a family member who was basically a stranger.

Emily quickly realizes that there’s something different about these manuscripts. Any changes she makes come true. At first, she embraces the gift. She has a chance to help characters find true love or chart a new course for their future. But then things go terribly wrong. Her edits have the opposite effect. The sweet and funky seaside community of Cascata is reeling from the chaos Emily has created. Everything she thought she believed about her family and her past is in jeopardy, and no amount of editing can fix the damage she’s done.

Then she finds one last manuscript. If Emily can get this edit right, maybe she’ll have a chance to create a new narrative for herself and everyone around her. (Goodreads synopsis)

I have read Ellie Alexander novels before, and I normally love them. However, this novel was just okay compared to those others. 

It’s definitely a novel that most book lover’s dream about. The ability to edit novels and see those edits in real life. I also love the house and how its history assists Emily with her decisions. It is Emily and the family that made reading this novel so hard.

I couldn’t stand how Emily didn’t demand answers from her father and uncle. I’m angry that her aunt waited until late in the novel to give her side of the story. I’m angry that Emily didn’t ever reach out herself to her grandmother, especially once she reached adulthood, to ask what had happened. Ultimately, I am not a fan of the timid, wishy-washy, not sure of what she wants attitude that Emily has throughout the novel. 

Overall I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.