Surviving the Rachel by Aven Ellis

Blurb: Life after college graduation is not at all what twenty-one-year-old Bree Logan expected. Unable to find a professional communications job, dumped by the guy who was THE ONE, and stuck with a pricey city apartment she can’t afford, Bree ends up moving back home with her parents in the suburbs and working as a cocktail waitress at a posh Chicago hotel.

In a desperate attempt to get a fresh start, Bree goes to a hip salon and requests that the first available stylist chop off her long dark hair. Alarmed when the stylist suggests “The Rachel,” after the famous haircut from the show Friends, Bree is hesitant, but decides to go for it when she is assured it will be a “fresh, modern adaptation” of the infamous 90’s cut. Unfortunately for Bree, it turns out to be exactly the same cut, but with horrific heavy bangs added to it. Hideous doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Bree is convinced nothing will ever go right when she meets neighbor Jack Chelten, a twenty-five-year-old German translator. Not that Bree is looking to date anyone, but there's something quirky and intriguing about his freckle-splashed face and blue eyes. And suddenly Bree finds herself seeking out different opportunities and challenges . . . as well as the boy next door.

In her new adult life, Bree learns that sometimes you have to go through crises to get to where you need to be. And if you can survive The Rachel, you can survive anything, right?

*First of all I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: In the last year, Aven Ellis has become one of my favourite authors. She writes cute well thought stories that make you fall in love every time. And Surviving the Rachel is no exception, it put a smile on my face from the first page to the last. In the story, Bree is a bit lost after finishing college with no prospects for a job and a break up. Going back to her parents' hasn't helped either. But she is quite a positive girl and a hard worker so she is ready to take the world again, she just needs a new image. Here is where we find the first reference to Friends, she ends up with The Rachel, yes, the famous layered haircut that was so in in the nineties and is so out now.


Bree is a very lovable character, it's easy to relate to her and soon enough you find yourself really caring about her and cheering her on her job interview. And then there's Jack, the boy next door. He is a German translator and I loved his dedication to his job, his love for languages and especially his caring attitude. His chemistry with Bree was palpable and you could tell from the beginning that she was his lobster. Every scene with the two of them was a joy to read, even the most simple activity, like picking apples, sounded like the most perfect date.

One thing that always makes Aven's stories so especial are the details. She likes to describe the clothes they are wearing on especial occasions or the smell you can sense where the story is taking place and this makes you feel like you are also part of the story. I always love checking Aven's Pinterest as she always has boards with places, clothes or meals from her stories. 

If you are looking for a sweet romantic story with believable lovable characters, this is your story. And if you love Friends, you just can't miss it. It was great to read all the references to the show and see how Bree and Jack teased each other with them.

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