Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

You know that feeling when you bite into the perfect grilled cheese sandwich? That gooey, comforting warmth that spreads from your taste buds to your soul? Well, Abby Jimenez’s latest rom-com, “Part of Your World,” is the literary equivalent of that ooey-gooey goodness. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even consider adopting a baby goat (more on that later). But beneath its cheesy exterior (pun absolutely intended), this novel serves up a hearty helping of real-world issues, all wrapped in a deliciously romantic package.

A Tale of Two Worlds

At its heart, “Part of Your World” is a modern-day fairy tale that asks: what happens when Cinderella doesn’t want to leave her castle, but Prince Charming can’t leave his village? Our protagonists, Alexis Montgomery and Daniel Grant, come from completely different worlds – and I’m not just talking about their age gap (though that ten-year difference does spice things up a bit).

Alexis is a 37-year-old ER doctor from a wealthy, prestigious medical dynasty. She’s got more degrees than a thermometer and a family legacy that weighs on her like a lead stethoscope. Daniel, on the other hand, is a 28-year-old small-town carpenter and the mayor of Wakan, a tiny Minnesota town that seems to have a touch of magic about it. He’s got a baby goat in pajamas (I told you we’d get back to that), a heart of gold, and a legacy of his own to uphold.

When Worlds Collide

Their meet-cute involves a ditch, a raccoon, and a tow truck – because of course it does. From there, we’re taken on a rollercoaster ride of steamy encounters, heart-wrenching decisions, and enough small-town charm to fill a Hallmark movie marathon. But don’t let the cute factor fool you – Jimenez isn’t afraid to tackle some heavy topics.

More Than Just a Rom-Com

While “Part of Your World” delivers all the swoony romance and witty banter we’ve come to expect from Jimenez (author of bestsellers like “The Friend Zone” and “Life’s Too Short”), it also dives deep into issues like emotional abuse, class differences, and the pressure of family expectations.

Breaking the Cycle

Alexis’s journey to break free from her emotionally abusive ex and her controlling father is particularly powerful. Jimenez handles this sensitive topic with care, showing the insidious nature of emotional abuse and the strength it takes to recognize and escape it. It’s a subplot that adds depth and realism to what could have been a fluffy romance.

Class Act

The exploration of class differences between Alexis and Daniel is also well-handled. Jimenez doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness and misunderstandings that arise from their different backgrounds. From Daniel’s awe at Alexis’s mansion to Alexis’s struggle to fit into small-town life, these moments feel authentic and add complexity to their relationship.

Character Development: A+

One of the strongest aspects of “Part of Your World” is its character development. Alexis and Daniel are fully fleshed-out individuals with their own hopes, fears, and quirks. Their growth throughout the novel feels earned and realistic.

Alexis: More Than a Princess

Alexis’s journey from a woman trying to please everyone to someone who stands up for herself and what she wants is particularly satisfying. Her struggle with her family’s expectations and her own desires feels relatable, even if most of us aren’t heirs to medical dynasties.

Daniel: The Charming Charmer

Daniel, with his dimples and his devotion to his town, could have easily been a two-dimensional dream guy. But Jimenez gives him depth, showing his insecurities and his own struggles with legacy and belonging. Plus, he’s got a talent for finding heart-shaped rocks – swoon!

Supporting Cast: Scene Stealers

The supporting characters are just as well-developed. From Alexis’s best friend Bri (who deserves her own book, hint hint) to the colorful residents of Wakan, each character feels like someone you might actually meet—and want to grab a beer with at the local VFW.

Setting: A Character in Itself

Speaking of Wakan, the town is practically a character in its own right. Jimenez has created a setting that’s both charming and slightly magical. From the mischievous Kevin Bacon (a pig, not the actor) to the mysterious dragonflies that seem to predict change, Wakan feels like a place you’d want to visit—or maybe never leave.

Writing Style: Smooth as Butter

Jimenez’s writing style is as smooth as the butter on one of Daniel’s perfect grilled cheese sandwiches. Her dialogue crackles with wit and humor, and her descriptions bring both the glittering world of Minneapolis high society and the cozy charm of Wakan to life.

Laugh-Out-Loud Moments

The humor in “Part of Your World” is one of its strongest assets. From Daniel’s failed attempts at suave text messages to the antics of the Wakan residents, there are plenty of moments that’ll have you snorting with laughter. I mean, there’s a pot-bellied pig named Kevin Bacon who wears a reflective vest – if that doesn’t make you chuckle, I don’t know what will.

Steamy Scenes

And let’s not forget the steam factor. Jimenez knows how to write a love scene that’ll make you fan yourself. The chemistry between Alexis and Daniel is off the charts, and their intimate moments are both hot and emotionally satisfying.

Themes: More Than Meets the Eye

“Part of Your World” explores several themes that give the story depth and resonance:

Legacy vs. Personal Happiness

Both Alexis and Daniel grapple with the weight of their family legacies and how to balance them with their own desires. It’s a theme that many readers will find relatable, even if their own legacies don’t involve world-renowned surgeons or historic bed and breakfasts.

The Nature of Home

The novel asks us to consider what truly makes a home. Is it a place, a person, or a feeling? Alexis’s journey to find where she truly belongs is at the heart of the story.

The Power of Community

The tight-knit community of Wakan shows the strength that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the often-isolated world Alexis comes from.

A Few Nitpicks

While “Part of Your World” is a delightful read, it’s not without its flaws:

Pacing Issues

The middle of the book drags a bit, with Alexis and Daniel’s back-and-forth about their relationship feeling repetitive at times.

Too-Neat Ending

The resolution to Alexis’s career dilemma feels a bit too convenient. While it’s satisfying, it doesn’t quite ring true to the complex issues set up earlier in the book.

Underdeveloped Subplots

Some subplots, like the domestic abuse storyline involving Liz, feel a bit rushed and could have benefited from more development.

Final Verdict: A Heartwarming Hit

Despite these minor issues, “Part of Your World” is a thoroughly enjoyable read that’ll leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling—kind of like cuddling a baby goat in pajamas. Jimenez has crafted a story that’s both a swoon-worthy romance and a thoughtful exploration of finding your place in the world.

If you’re a fan of authors like Emily Henry or Casey McQuiston, or if you’ve enjoyed Jimenez’s previous books, you’ll find plenty to love here. And even if rom-coms aren’t usually your thing, the depth of character development and the exploration of weightier themes make this more than just a fluffy read.

So grab a grilled cheese sandwich, curl up with “Part of Your World,” and prepare to fall in love with Wakan, its charming residents, and the love story of Alexis and Daniel. Just don’t blame me if you end up wanting to adopt a pot-bellied pig named after a 90s movie star.