The Note, by Zoe Folbigg

Publication: Aria; May 8, 2018

the note

About the book:

Based on Zoë Folbigg’s true story comes an unforgettable romance about how a little note can change everything…

One very ordinary day, Maya Flowers sees a new commuter board her train to London, and suddenly the day isn’t ordinary at all. Maya knows immediately and irrevocably, that he is The One.

But the beautiful man on the train always has his head in a book and never seems to notice Maya sitting just down the carriage from him every day. Eventually, though, inspired by a very wise friend, Maya plucks up the courage to give the stranger a note asking him out for a drink. After all, what’s the worst that can happen?

And so begins a story of sliding doors, missed opportunities and finding happiness where you least expect it.

The Note is an uplifting, life-affirming reminder that taking a chance can change everything…

My Review

The Note is the debut novel (and based on her own true story), by author Zoe Folbigg. The story is based around daily train commuter Maya Flowers, her crazy career at FASH, and a man she sees on the train one morning. Maya spots this man and decides that it is absolutely love at first sight. Eventually, she musters the courage to give them a man a note saying that it is her birthday and she would love to get together for a drink. Thus begins ups and downs with Maya’s career, friendships, and odd connections.

I liked this book a lot, especially with it being based on Folbigg’s own experiences and romance with her husband, Mark. Anyone who is a fan of books about “the one” or if you’re a person who truly believes that we all have one soulmate out there, then this is for you. Maya is crazy about this man she doesn’t even know, and although she dates other men over the time since first seeing her train man, her heart knew at first sight that he was her special someone. Romantic? Yes. Somewhat crazy, extremely hopeful, and patient? Yes.

Anyway, there are several funny moments in the story having nothing to do with romance, but a lot to do with Maya’s horrible new boss. Moreover, there’s a lot of great banter between Maya and her friends, especially an older woman she befriends in a Spanish class she was teaching, Velma.

But, there is so much going on in this book.

First, there are a lot of characters, and I mean, a lot. There were several times I struggled with the introductions of yet, more characters, but Folbigg ties their stories together nicely. Except for Sam… It was suggested he had a thing for Maya, but it was only briefly touched on at the almost end of the novel. What was the deal there?

I also went through some confusion early in the novel because she’s given the note to train man, then it goes back to when she first saw him and was thinking of giving him the note. I honestly didn’t realize that we were back-tracking and thought there was a second trainman. The same thing happened regarding her interview and promotion. So things felt a little disjointed regarding timelines. Or maybe it was the third-person narrative? Not sure, but I was confused at times.

And then there is the best friend, Nena. Just because a wild girl falls in love and becomes a bit more “tame,” doesn’t mean you ditch your best friend! Of course, we have all been through that falling in love stage where we want to be with our guy and may not spend as much time with friends, but she took it to extremes and to be, made her very unlikable. She withdrew, kept secrets, and seemed selfish.

Anyway, moving on! This was a fun story and certainly romantic. It’s hopeful, whimsical, and almost has a fairy-tale quality to it. I can’t say I love Zoe Folbigg’s writing style, but I did love the premise of the story, the way that she developed the plot building suspense and wonder if they would ever really meet and get together. I especially loved the relationship between Velma and Maya and how it changed her, inspired her, and helped her gain the courage to do something that she loved. I’m wondering if Velma was real too?

This is light-hearted read that gives you all the feels, and I recommend it to all of the romantics out there that love a dash of humor. I can’t wait to read the follow-up to this one, The PostCard, coming out soon!

*Thanks to Aria publishing for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.