I just wanted to read romance.

Romance. You know, in that care-free chick-lit way, since I've had dissatisfaction towards the ending of other books recently.

Okay. You probably don't trust me. I've been throwing 4 and 5 stars around like it's Christmas. But I feel it's like Christmas, because I've suddenly been opened to a whole new genre that's not UF or PNR, and suddenly, everything is new and fresh and wonderful.

So did I get romance with Rachel's Holiday? Not really- not in the way I wanted. In fact, if I wanted to read romance, reading this book could possibly the worst way to go. Because... Because Rachel's Holiday was about a woman who suffered from a drug addiction.

I've seen no mention of a love interest, since the blurb mentions she was dumped by "a boyfriend she adores". How can that be? So, what happened was, instead of reading a nice light romance, I spent most of the book pissed off at Luke. He should be with her during the lowest time of her life. Even after discovering the horrors of her betrayal and her disloyalty, I was still determined to be pissed of at him. Yes, I find that I am disgustingly loyal to my main characters. So sue me.

I cried. In fact, it was more like weeping. I actually considered rating this 3 stars, because what I wanted was to read a book that would make me laugh, but what happened was the entire time I was reading, the tears just wouldn't stop. Until it was about finished. I mean, why would I rate a book that made me cry to much so high? Was I nuts??

Thinking more carefully, this book really was something. There has to be something special about a book that has touched me so deeply. So, this shall be the 5-star book not because it made me laugh so hard, but because it had made me cry so hard. It wasn't because it was particularly sad, but maybe because I feel as though I'd been with Rachel through her worst.

Now the ending. It more than made up for my expectations because my recent reads just didn't satisfy me enough. Rachel's Holiday's way of handling everything and the resolution just made me satisfied. Actually, I was horrified when I was close to the ending--you know, if the epilogue didn't happen, I would be horrified and traumatised for sure. Come on, she's got to be with Luke!

So that's it. Don't judge this book by its cover, it has depth. It may even change your life, you never know. It touches of issues of feelings of inferiority, being broke and unemployed and not knowing your direction in life. Rachel's story is one of heart-break, healing and finding your own personal success, and has personally, wormed its way into my heart.

Rachel’s Holiday is like an old friend, it never asks to much from me, it’s always there, and it never disappoints me. This is quintessential Marian Keyes, an expert blend of humour, light drama, and exploration of serious issues. Rachel, like all Keyes’ protagonists, is endearingly flawed and fallible. Her depiction of addiction and recovery is in compromised by the underlying humour and breezy tone of the narration. I’ll keep coming back to this, I’m sure.

first read: February 2011
re-read: December 2016

I still love this book! Rachel is not a person who is easy to like. She's selfish, judgemental, and doesn't live in reality most of the time. In spite of all that, I find her character and her story to be entertaining and funny. Rachel's growth takes a while but it is worth it.

Now, let's talk about Luke and his time-share pants. I love this man. I have for almost 6 years. He's such a unique, loyal character. Through most of the book I wanted to punch Rachel and take Luke for myself.

One thing I always wish for in Keyes' stories is more time with the couple together on the page. I know that's not how she rolls but I still always wish for it.

Thank god it’s over. 200+ pages longer than it needed to be. I couldn’t want to Rachel Walsh. I used to read Marian Keyes 20 years ago, maybe her style of writing isn’t for me anymore?