Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This romantic story of hope, chance, and change from the author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is one Jenny Han says is filled with all of her "favorite things," Morgan Matson calls “something wonderful” and Stephanie Perkins says “is rich with the intensity of real love.” Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least, not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes.

At first, it seems like a dream come true, especially since the two of them are no strangers to misfortune. As a kid, Alice won the worst kind of lottery possible when her parents died just over a year apart from each other. And Teddy’s father abandoned his family not long after that, leaving them to grapple with his gambling debts. Through it all, Teddy and Alice have leaned on each other. But now, as they negotiate the ripple effects of Teddy’s newfound wealth, a gulf opens between them. And soon, the money starts to feel like more of a curse than a windfall.

As they try to find their way back to each other, Alice learns more about herself than she ever could have imagined . . . and about the unexpected ways in which luck and love sometimes intersect. 

A Top Ten Summer '17 Kids Indie Next List Pick!

Praise for Windfall:

Featured in Seventeen Magazine's "What's Hot Now"

“Windfall is about all of my favorite things—a girl’s first big love, her first big loss, and—her first big luck.” —Jenny Han, New York Times bestselling author of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before   “Windfall is perfectly named; reading it, I felt like I had suddenly found something wonderful. It’s a story about love, and luck, and the way our lives can change in an instant. I laughed and cried and bought a lottery ticket the very next day.” —Morgan Matson, New York Times bestselling author of The Unexpected Everything   “Windfall is rich with the intensity of real love— in all its heartache and hope.” —Stephanie Perkins, New York Times bestselling author of Isla and the Happily Ever After 

"If you’re looking for your next great read, then you’re in “luck!” Smith combines humor and emotion to capture these characters’ life-changing story, while teaching us all a bit about luck, love, kindness and the true meaning of home." â€”Justine Magazine

"Windfall is an absolutely brilliant story...you will def want to add this gem to your TBR pile." —Susane Colasanti, bestselling author of When It Happens

Why Did I Listen To Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith?

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith basically continues the pattern OF EXCELLENCE that I’ve come to experience from Smith’s books. I mean, when I want a book that reminds me of falling in love for the first time, I check out her books. When I want books about nice kids who are genuinely good, interesting people, I check out her books. And so, I decided to give this book a listen because I wanted something a little bit lighthearted with a touch of serious. Also, I sense a mini trend about teens who win the lottery, and I want to be right on the money.

What’s The Story Here?

This book is about a girl named Alice. Her parents died one year apart, so she lives with her aunt and uncle and cousin. She’s best friends with this guy named Teddy (also my son’s name!). She and Teddy are on the verge of something, when on his eighteenth birthday she buys him a lottery ticket. His ticket hits the jackpot. He ends up spending like he’s never spent before, constantly. He spends his money in smart ways and in not so smart ways. It changes everything between Alice and Teddy. At points, the money sort of feels like more of a curse than a blessing. Still, let’s be real. This money is just life changing and so, the story follows how it impacts Teddy and Alice and if they hook up or not.

How Did I Like Windfall?

Well, it’s been awhile since I listened to Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith. I remember really liking it. I remember that Alice was a character I really cared about. She’s someone you feel for, because she lost her parents. However, she’s got this great relationship with her aunt and uncle. It’s interesting too, seeing her learn some long buried things about her parents as the book unfolds. Also, I thought the way Teddy spends his new money came across as really realistic. Also, the ending was wonderful too and made me smile.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook is narrated by Tonya Cornelisse. Cornelisse is a totally new to me narrator. I listened to this via the Volumes app and I think at 1.5 speed as I do most audiobooks. Cornelisse doesn’t have a bad voice at all. But also, not a super memorable voice as I can’t even recall the tone or the actual sound of her voice. Still, this was a good listen and one that made my drives go by much faster. I would recommend the audiobook of Windfall for sure.

Other reviews of Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith:

• The Young Folks – “it’s a great light read“
• The Nocturnal Fey – “It’s a very light, entertaining, and easy read“

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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