A Life Worth Living by Monica McCallan is an opposites attract, workplace, slow-burn romance set in Philly.
Gray Ferris is bubbly, conversational, and extroverted. She’s trying to make the most out of a life that hasn’t always gone according to plan.
Nora Gallagher has closed herself off to the world and exists solely for her job as a top real estate agent at Philly Finds. Nora refuses to engage with any of her coworkers and when she’s sent on a corporate vacation with the newest addition to Philly Finds, she’s less than thrilled because Gray Ferris is bubbly and outgoing, and they have absolutely nothing in common. While on their voyage, Gray’s kindness through a hurricane helps Nora realize that for the last five years, she’s been merely existing.
When they finally start really getting to know each other, they realize they may have more in common than they knew. If they can only leave their baggage at the door, they may find their way to a life worth living.
Writing
Jenna: It is apparent that Monica McCallan infused her heart and soul into this book. It’s emotional, deep, and raw, yet written in such a positive way that it’s hard not to love every moment. She not only incorporates descriptive details but also many fun pieces of figurative language that I couldn’t help but highlight. There are many profound nuggets of wisdom interspersed throughout which really spoke to me. McCallan’s love of Philly is apparent as she takes readers through neighborhoods and local hot spots along Gray and Nora’s journey.
Tara: Yes, I agree, Jenna! I would add that she also did a great job of balancing Nora and Gray’s very different vibes, as well as balancing the ways that trauma surfaces with more lighthearted moments. Those can be difficult lines to walk sometimes, but it’s so well done in this book.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Jenna: At this time, Nora begins to open herself up and when she returns to Philly Finds, she starts cultivating relationships with her coworkers, much to their delight. It’s admirable because when Nora says she’s going to do something, she’s all in, and the bonds she begins to form with not only Gray, but also Callie, Trent, and even Julian of the microwave fish lunches.
Tara: I found it especially interesting to see the way other people react to Nora’s change because they clearly had no idea that Nora had made a conscious choice to close herself off. Those moments of surprise or confusion were especially great, because they were followed by moments of forgiveness and connection.
Jenna: Initially, I thought that Nora’s character arc was going to take precedence, but I quickly found Gray’s to be paramount to this book. Gray is bubbly and outgoing, as well as kind and compassionate, but deep down she feels like she isn’t enough. She is, however, totally wrong and it takes her blooming relationship with Nora and facing her past to help her see that being vulnerable and letting someone really see the real her is totally worth it. I honestly just want to hug her and tell her that she’s amazing and intelligent and that her sister, Willia, is so lucky to have her. The sticky notes Gray leaves on Nora’s desk play such an essential role in her character development.
Tara: With Gray’s arc, I most appreciated the way it shows that even the most gregarious, happy person can be carrying a huge amount of trauma below the surface. Gray learns the hard way that keeping everything bottled, putting on a happy face, and white-knuckling her way through life not only doesn’t avoid problems, but creates new ones, and I appreciated seeing her acknowledge that she needs to make some changes. I sincerely hope Gray goes into therapy after the events of the story, so she can truly thrive.
Jenna: The relationship development between Nora and Gray is perfectly paced. Gray’s sweetness chips away at Nora’s gruff exterior during their Bermuda trip, especially when the hurricane makes landfall, which paves the way for those deep, meaningful conversations. The slow burn is delicious and their first kiss is absolutely spectacular!
Tara: I also appreciated how settled their relationship feels by the end. Although I wish some romances would show a little more relationship development so I can believe in the happily ever after, I fully believe that Gray and Nora are in it for the long haul.
Narration
I adored reading the book so I was thrilled to listen to the audio which is narrated by the talented Lori Prince who is able to bring Monica McCallan’s dynamic characters to life. Her timing is perfect with engaging voices that carry consistently throughout the book. I absolutely love the inflections she used to emphasize sarcasm, humor, and questions. Highly recommended!
Heads Up
Trauma from childhood neglect is a major theme.
The Conclusion
Jenna: A Life Worth Living is a superbly written workplace romance that has so much heart that it’s definitely on my reread pile. Nora and Gray’s characters are well-developed and the supporting cast of characters really helps to enhance the overall storyline. If you’re looking for a slow-burn, opposites attract, workplace romance, then this book is definitely for you!
Tara: Despite trauma being a key theme of the story, I found A Life Worth Living fun and heartwarming. I agree with all of what Jenna says and would add that if you’ve been meaning to check out Monica McCallan’s writing, this is a great place to start.
Excerpt from A Life Worth Living by Monica McCallan
After about thirty seconds of indulgent staring, like she was watching a creature she’d never seen before, Gray made her way over to the gate and cleared her throat. “Morning.”
When Nora looked up at her, the soft, easy features on her face were already gone. “Morning.”
“Do you mind if I sit next to you?” She pointed at the chair two seats down, as Nora’s smaller bag was already resting on the one to her left.
Nora shrugged. “I assume we’re sitting together on the plane anyway.”
“Makes sense.” Gray shuffled her roller bag next to her and placed her backpack between her feet.
And then they sat, silence enveloping them as it clung to the recycled air circulating through the building. It was cloying in a way that made it hard to focus on browsing on her phone. Nora went back to reading her book, and even if Gray wanted to ask what she was reading, she knew she never would. The best thing, as far as she could assess, would be to let Nora take the lead. Maybe she’d have to chime in if things became desperate, but her grand plan was to try and act like a completely normal human and hope it all worked out.
Gray made it about five minutes before all her best laid plans crumbled. “Can I ask you something?”
Nora’s sharp, blue eyes stared at her for long seconds before she answered. “Yes?”
“I know you weren’t expecting me to be on this trip. I wasn’t expecting to be on this trip, so I don’t want you to feel like I’m intruding or anything. I’m just hoping we can both have a nice vacation, regardless of how much or little interaction we have.”
For the briefest moment, she thought Nora’s lips turned upward in a slight smile when she said, “I don’t remember hearing a question.”
Gray waved her hand, flustered. Heat crept up her neck, and she shifted in the uncomfortable chair. “Fine, call it a comment on the reality of the situation. I just don’t want you to think I expect anything of you.”
It mesmerized Gray how Nora’s brow lifted up on one side, her features open and almost amused for the first time in Gray’s memory. “Expect things of me?”
“Like hanging out. Or going to dinners. Or acting like we’re friends or something.” Gray fumbled through her words. They were surprisingly hard to get out with Nora’s focus entirely on her.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 979-8375022857
Publisher: Indie Author
Audiobook Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrator: Lori Prince
Run time: 10 hour 36 minutes
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