Early Review - Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young

Title: Just Like Fate

Author: Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 304

Published:  August 27th 2013 by Simon Pulse 

ISBN: 9781442472716

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 Description: Caroline is at a crossroads. Her grandmother is sick, maybe dying. Like the rest of her family, Caroline's been at Gram's bedside since her stroke. With the pressure building, all Caroline wants to do is escape--both her family and the reality of Gram's failing health. So when Caroline's best friend offers to take her to a party one fateful Friday night, she must choose: stay by Gram's side, or go to the party and live her life.  The consequence of this one decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths--and she's about to live them both.  Friendships are tested and family drama hits an all-new high as Caroline attempts to rebuild old relationships, and even make a few new ones. If she stays, her longtime crush, Joel, might finally notice her, but if she goes, Chris, the charming college boy, might prove to be everything she's ever wanted.  Though there are two distinct ways for her fate to unfold, there is only one happy ending.. 

I Give This ..

The premise behind sounded great.  I really liked the idea that each fate would be written by a different author (at least that's what I am assuming happened).  I'm not really sure why, but I just wasn't as impressed with this book as I wanted to be.

I think my problem lies with Caroline.  It's painfully obvious that she's a runner.  It's easier for her to do that than to face whatever problem she might have.  Granted, I get that it is how some people cope.  But, there's really only so many times you can watch a character do it before you want to slap her.   I can't imagine having my grandmother on her death bed and choosing to leave her knowing full well she might pass away.   But, it's not the first time she has run...nor will it be the last.  

I did like the idea that no matter which fate she choose, she basically ended up at the same place.   I've always loved the idea that we might be fated to something, but the choice is up to us.  Caroline has two very different experiences to get to the end.  Although both fates definitely teach her things about herself and others.   I liked the fact that she ended up right were she needed to be.  But, I was surprised at the fate I preferred.  It wasn't the one I thought it would be.  

Overall, the story was just average to me.  I did like the idea it presents and the ending.  It just wasn't all that memorable.