Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Genre: Modern & Contemporary, General Fiction, Chick Lit, Woman’s Fiction, Romance
Year of release: 2022
Release Date: 16th March 2022
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis
Ari Abrams has always been fascinated by the weather, and she loves almost everything about her job as a TV meteorologist. Her boss, legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale, is too distracted by her tempestuous relationship with her ex-husband, the station’s news director, to give Ari the mentorship she wants. Ari, who runs on sunshine and optimism, is at her wits’ end. The only person who seems to understand how she feels is sweet but reserved sports reporter Russell Barringer.
In the aftermath of a disastrous holiday party, Ari and Russell decide to team up to solve their bosses’ relationship issues. Between secret gifts and double dates, they start nudging their bosses back together. But their well-meaning meddling backfires when the real chemistry builds between Ari and Russell.
Working closely with Russell means allowing him to get to know parts of herself that Ari keeps hidden from everyone. Will he be able to embrace her dark clouds as well as her clear skies?
Review
Ari Abrams a TV meteorologist living in Seattle Washington, she loves her job and is always being fascinated by the weather even from a young age. Ari’s boss is none other than the legendary weatherwoman Torrance Hale, who also happens to be Ari’s idol. If only she could have some time with Torrance, Ari could finally get the mentorship she has had her heart set on since childhood; if only Torrance could keep her head in the clouds and keep clear of thoughts about her turbulent relationship with her ex-husband who happens to be the TV stations news director.
The TV station holiday party doesn’t go to plan Ari and Sports Reporter, Russell Barringer can see things will only get worse at the station if they do nothing, so the pair team up in the hope that they can solve the relationship issues of their bosses’. In the process of pushing others together Ari and Russell begin to feel the chemistry they’re trying to nurture for others is growing between the two of them, will the pair be able to wait out the storm together or will something bigger than mother nature keep them apart?
This was an “I read the book for a cover and title” experience for me, the title was a perfect welcome to winter 2022, yes, I had also seen it all over Social Media reviews full of praise, and the praise it turns out was well deserved.
Author Rachel Lynn Solomon has crafted three dimensional characters in Weather Girl Ari Abrams makes for a wonderful protagonist, her sunshine and cheerful attitude is infections and a memorable character for this reader, I enjoyed getting to know the rest of the Abrams family too.
Solomon has crafted a love interest in Russell Barringer, I can truly appreciate praise to this author for a love interest that applauds the protagonist achievements, supports their dreams, and values their interests rather then brushing them aside to shine a light brighter on their own. Therefore, I give Weather Girl now and forever 5- stars. I didn’t always feel the chemistry for Ari and Russell but there was a strong friendship and appreciation for each other and mention of a 90’s classic so consider me sold!
“If anything could confirm that weather isn’t small talk, it’s this. Weather connects us. A shared experience, even when we aren’t in the same place.”
― Rachel Lynn Solomon, Weather Girl
The minor characters in Weather Girl have been well placed within this book, their roles are believable, and Torrance Hale makes for a great confidant for Ari.
Weather Girl is the perfect book to take your time with the plot isn’t slow by any means but spending time within this book felt like a joy rather than a chore to finish.
Some may say that Weather Girl is predictable and perhaps those people are right, but I believe there will always be something about these books that utilise tropes, friends to lovers and enemies to lovers that will always pull an audience and in this case rightly so.
But the element of Weather Girl I found drew me in more so than the above tropes mentioned was mental health and depression which gains a spotlight throughout this book and it’s not until you read it that you realise this is not a subject Fiction books cover often. The author covers the topic respectfully and with understanding.
Read as an audiobook which somehow made me love the book even more, I hope one day it comes to have a space on my shelf, If I had to describe this book it would be The Parent Trap (1998) meets You’ve Got Mail (1998)
The ending surprised me, I enjoyed how much detail was given to readers rather than just coming to an end leaving the reader with no other choice but to create their own, which is something this reader avoids doing at all costs, being a visual person you either show me or describe it to me but don’t leave me hanging.
Weather Girl is that one book that will provide you with much needed sunshine on a cold winter’s day, it’s hard not to be delighted after finishing this book, in fact this weekend I intend to watch the two movies mentioned above and just get swept away in the magic that was the 90’s, this book proves that without a doubt the 90’s vibe lives on.
I recommend this book to a mature audience, avid readers of the Chick-Lit and Romance Genre will no doubt flock to this book, Weather Girl is perfect if you’re in the mood for a light-hearted read with heart, but as of yet haven’t been swept of your feet by other titles in these genres, also if your hoping to escape the winter blues under a blanket with a hot beverage and a slice of cake look no further.