“Given Our History” by Kristyn J. Miller – A Review

⭐ Rating: 4.25/5

Year Published:  2024
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Page Count:  340

Quick Summary

Given Our History is a heartfelt second-chance romance that follows Clara Fernsby and Theodore "Teddy" Harrison, two history professors with a shared past. Once childhood best friends who met at a sleepaway camp, their relationship dissolved a decade ago due to miscommunication and unspoken feelings. Now, fate brings them together at the same liberal arts college, forcing them to confront their unresolved history and the possibility of rekindled love.

What I Loved

• Nostalgic Setting: As a millennial who attended a liberal arts college in the Northeast, the depiction of campus life during the 2000s and 2010s felt comfortingly nostalgic, transporting me back to my own college years.

• Authentic Character Dynamics: Clara and Teddy's journey from friends to estranged acquaintances to potential lovers is portrayed with depth, reflecting the complexities of real-life relationships and the challenges of reconciling after years apart.

• Relatable Themes: The narrative touches on the common experience of reevaluating past friendships and relationships in one's 30s, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing meaningful connections amidst career pursuits.
  

What Didn’t Quite Work for Me

• Single POV Limitation: The story is told solely from Clara's perspective, and I found myself wishing for Teddy's point of view to add more depth and complexity to the narrative.
  

Who Should Read This?

This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy second-chance romances set in academic environments, especially those who appreciate narratives rich in nostalgia and character development. It's particularly resonant for millennials reflecting on past relationships and the passage of time.

Final Thoughts

Given Our History is a poignant exploration of love, missed opportunities, and the courage to reconnect. Despite the desire for a dual perspective, the story offers a satisfying and relatable journey that will resonate with many readers.