~Book Review - The Girl In Times Square by Paullina Simons~

Lily Quinn is struggling to finish college and pay her rent. In bustling New York City, the most interesting things seem to happen to the people around her - until her best friend and roommate Amy disappears.

That's when Spencer O'Malley, a cynical NYPD detective, enters Lily's world. Though he is wary and wrestling with his own demons, he and Lily are irresistibly drawn to each other.

But fate isn't finished with Lily. Two pieces of extreme, life-changing luck - one good, one bad - are on their way. And, unknown to her, Spencer's search for the missing Amy is heading for a revelation that will make Lily question her most dearly-held beliefs about both her friend and her family...~Back Cover

The night I started reading this book, I found it almost impossible to put down. I was immediately drawn into Lily's world as her boyfriend whom she thinks that she loves, is breaking up with her and moving out. To add to that, her roommate has gone missing. Lily doesn't think it is anything to be worried about yet, Amy has done this before and she always comes home. Lily's grandmother buys her a ticket to go to Hawaii...Maui to be exact. Lily's folks are retired there, and her grandmother says that Lily's mother is going through a difficult time and Lily must go and offer support. Lily goes, but cannot help her mother. Her mother does not want to be helped, and Lily's relationship with her has never been good. She stays a week in Maui, each day calling her apartment to see if Amy has come home. There is no answer. Amy is gone.
Detective Spencer O'Malley is investigating Amy's disappearance, and meets with Lily upon her return to New York.

My Thoughts - I have set the foundation for this book in my short review above, but I have only skimmed the surface. This is an incredible story. I fell in love with Lily. Her character is lovable and exciting...there is never a dull moment. Without giving too much away, this is a mystery/love/survival/luck story that goes beyond the boundaries of any other book I have read. I read this book all weekend and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.

There is one little thing that I did not like about this book and I hate to say it....the ending. This is how I felt...others may feel differently. I felt like I was left saying "What? It's the end? It can't be the end!"

I am giving this book 4.5 stars. It would have gotten 5 if the story hadn't ended the way that it did. (***The ending is not bad - This is just how I perceived it***)

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: Harper (March 6, 2006)
• ISBN-10: 0007118937
• ISBN-13: 978-0007118939
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1.6 inches