Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick (review)

As her beloved grandmother lies close to death, Caroline Cabot is given a choice: maintain her bedside vigil and endure her sister's catty criticism for a fourth straight day or escape the heartache (and her sister) for one night of fun with her best friend. When that one night turns out to be her grandmother's last, though, Caroline's minor decision suddenly seems to make a life-altering difference. Over the course of two alternative plotlines (conveniently labeled "stay" and "go"), the novel follows Caroline down divergent paths as she navigates heartbreaking grief, strained relationships, and the possibility of a new romance. While it seems at first that one decision was absolutely the wrong one, both narrative strands ultimately allow Caroline to explore the consequences of big mistakes and lead her to realize that with the right attitude, the right guy, and a little self-forgiveness it's possible to overcome even the worst errors in judgment. With an effective mixture of pathos and humor, this journey of self-discovery emerges as an engaging, surprisingly fast-paced read. The novel really shines in its portrayal of Caroline's relationship with family and friends. Flawed but loving, they obviously want to help but often become overwhelmed with their own issues and mistakes, giving Caroline the chance to emerge from her self-involved shell and give as much as she receives. Readers looking for a Sarah Dessen-lite story will get caught up in this touching emotional drama.