More Than Words
By: Jill Santopolo
If you are looking for a lighter-hearted storyline, with real-life experiences, More Than Words should be the next book on your list. This novel focuses on the struggles of family legacy, love, betrayal, loss, and finding yourself. It really brings to life the complexity of societal expectations and how they may not always align with one’s dreams or desires. It’s about accepting that who you are and who you want to be may be completely different people, living completely different lives, and realizing that is okay.
The main character of this novel, Nina Gregory, is an heiress to a large hotel corporation. She grew up around the business and was expected to one day take over after her father was no longer able to run the company. Over time, she grows to find other interests as a speechwriter for a local mayoral candidate as well as other interesting career opportunities. As she explores other paths, she finds herself questioning if running her father’s business is what she really wants to do. She also wonders how this “change of heart” may affect her relationship with her father, her boyfriend, and others around her. Especially when a potential secret that could ruin her father, and their company, begins to surface.
Torn between fighting for what she really wants, and simply settling for what has always been expected of her, Nina finds herself, love, and happiness in unexpected places. Her eyes are opened to what could be, instead of what should be. She looks at life through a different lens and begins to realize the possibilities in front of her.
A quick and easy read, More Than Words was another book I had a hard time putting down. I found myself relating to Nina throughout several points of the book, and I have to say, it was refreshing and eye-opening. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone looking for something with tangible characters, themes, and experiences.
