Java Girl's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 The One Real Thing starts off with an intriguing story--a tragic story of unrequited love that Jessica discovers in some old letters hidden in a library book at the Women's Correctional Facility where she is a doctor. On impulse, she decides to take her vacation in the hometown of the now deceased author of the letters, with the intention of taking the letters to their original intended recipient. I wanted a little more of this story, and was disappointed that it was all but abandoned once Jessica arrived in Hartwell. 
 There are so many characters that inhabit Hart's Boardwalk. Most are interesting, engaging, funny, loyal, hard working, friendly, and charming--a few are a little more mysterious than others. I did enjoy all the characters, even the villains. There's so much about them I need to know (why, Jack, why?). Much like her impulsive decision to travel to Hartwell, Jessica continues to impulsively make big life decisions and jump to conclusions, but she's still a very likeable character. The various relationships move at warp speed, but the book moves slowly. In fact, the story really started to drag. Ms. Young does an excellent job conveying emotions of the characters; the chemistry between Cooper and Jessica was apparent from the very start. The storyline involving Cooper's ex-wife worked at the beginning, and was useful for certain plot purposes, however, it continued on far too long. I could have lived with all of these minor issues, and really enjoyed this book, if not for the major conflict. The surrounding melodrama and hysteria didn't work for me, at all. I found myself rolling my eyes so hard, not something I've ever done while reading one of Ms. Young's books in the past. I found that entire plot thread unbelievable, overwrought, and frankly, ridiculous. 
 Having read and loved Ms. Young's On Dublin Street series, I know she can, and will, do much better than this. 
 Review copy provided for an honest review.