Amy Lea’s latest novel, Something Like Fate, weaves a captivating tale that challenges traditional notions of destiny while celebrating the complexities of modern love. Following the success of her previous works like Woke Up Like This, Set on You, and Exes and O’s, Lea continues to demonstrate her talent for crafting authentic romantic narratives that resonate with contemporary readers.
Plot Overview
Lo Zhao-Jensen comes from a long line of Chinese fortune-tellers gifted with the ability to foresee their soulmates. As the only woman in her family without psychic abilities, Lo has resigned herself to navigating love through trial and error—until she suddenly receives a vision. Convinced she’ll meet her destined love in Italy, Lo embarks on a backpacking adventure with her best friend, Teller Owens. When she’s dramatically rescued from a runaway trolley by the charming Caleb, it seems fate has delivered on its promise. However, as their journey through Italy unfolds, Lo finds herself increasingly drawn to Teller, forcing her to question everything she believes about destiny and love.
Strengths and Notable Elements
Cultural Integration and Family Dynamics
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its seamless integration of Chinese culture and fortune-telling traditions. Lea masterfully incorporates these elements without falling into stereotypes, creating rich family dynamics that feel authentic and lived-in. The relationship between Lo and her aunts, Mei and Ellen, is particularly well-crafted, offering moments of both humor and profound wisdom.
Character Development
Lo’s journey of self-discovery is compelling and relatable. Her struggle with feeling inadequate compared to her family members and her gradual realization about what she truly wants makes for an engaging character arc. Teller, with his endearing quirks and steadfast loyalty, emerges as a wonderfully complex character whose growth parallels Lo’s own journey.
Setting and Atmosphere
The Italian backdrop serves as more than just scenery—it becomes a character in its own right. From the romantic canals of Venice to the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Lea’s descriptions transport readers while avoiding tourist-guide clichés. The setting enhances the story’s themes of discovery and transformation.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing
While the novel maintains reader interest throughout, the middle section in Tuscany occasionally drags. Some scenes could have been condensed without losing their emotional impact.
Secondary Character Development
Although Caleb serves his narrative purpose, his character sometimes feels more like a plot device than a fully realized person. A deeper exploration of his motivations might have added more complexity to Lo’s ultimate choice.
Predictability
While the novel subverts some romance tropes, certain plot developments might feel familiar to seasoned romance readers. However, Lea’s fresh approach to the friends-to-lovers trope helps mitigate this predictability.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Lea’s writing shines brightest in dialogue and emotional moments. Her ability to capture the awkward, tender, and humorous aspects of relationships creates an immersive reading experience. The alternating perspectives between past and present are handled skillfully, providing necessary context without disrupting the story’s flow.
Themes and Deeper Meanings
The novel expertly explores several compelling themes:
- The tension between tradition and personal choice
- The nature of fate versus free will
- The importance of self-discovery in finding love
- The value of friendship as a foundation for romance
- Cultural identity and family expectations
Impact and Resonance
Something Like Fate stands out for its thoughtful examination of how cultural traditions and modern sensibilities can coexist. The story validates both the romantic notion of destiny and the importance of making active choices in love.
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary romance with cultural elements
- Friends-to-lovers tropes
- Travel narratives
- Stories about family relationships
- Explorations of tradition versus modernity
Final Verdict
Something Like Fate is a good read for its engaging storytelling, well-developed main characters, and thoughtful exploration of fate versus choice in love. While not perfect, it’s a worthy addition to the contemporary romance genre and Amy Lea’s growing bibliography.
Recommendation
Fans of Emily Henry’s Beach Read and Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners will find much to love in this charming romance that perfectly balances humor with heart. It’s an ideal read for anyone who enjoys stories about love, self-discovery, and the beautiful chaos of finding your own path.
Something Like Fate proves that sometimes the best love stories aren’t written in the stars – they’re written in the everyday moments we choose to share with someone special.