Summary:
Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least, not the good kind. However, she does believe in love, and for a long time, she’s harbored feelings for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday, just when it seems like they might be on the verge of something more, Alice buys him a lottery ticket on a whim. To their shock, Teddy wins $140 million. In an instant, their lives change forever.

Initially, it feels like a dream come true, especially since Alice and Teddy are no strangers to misfortune. Alice’s parents died within a year of each other, and Teddy’s father abandoned his family, leaving them to face his gambling debts. Through it all, Alice and Teddy have always been there for each other. But as they navigate the consequences of Teddy’s newfound wealth, a distance grows between them. What once felt like a gift begins to feel like a curse. As they struggle to rebuild their bond, Alice discovers more about herself and the unexpected ways luck and love can intertwine.

Release Date: May 2017
Age Group: YA (Young Adult)
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
Reviewed By: Nat

Review:
I set a goal this year to explore new authors, and Jennifer E. Smith has truly impressed me! Windfall is a brilliant read, showcasing Smith’s delightful writing style. The clever graphics, intriguing title, and even the ending are designed to captivate readers, drawing them into the world of Alice and Teddy.

To start, let’s talk about the title: Windfall—a term that refers to unexpected good fortune, often in the form of a large sum of money. I must admit, it’s a new word for me, but it’s perfectly fitting for the story. At first, I wasn’t sure this would be my type of book. I feared it might feel slow, especially since I typically enjoy dystopian stories. However, I was completely wrong! I fell in love with Alice, Teddy, and yes, even the lottery.

The characters are well-developed and unique, making it hard not to get attached to them. As the story unfolded, I found myself wishing for spin-offs or novellas about some of these characters! Who hasn’t daydreamed about what they would do if they won the lottery? (Although I don’t play the lottery myself, I might start adding scratch-offs to my Christmas cards—tacky or fun? You decide!)

Ultimately, Windfall is a refreshing YA novel filled with innocence, clean writing, and relatable themes. It touches on issues teens face today—from family struggles to evolving friendships—making it a book that resonates with many. Without a doubt, Windfall is one of my top five favorite books of 2017.

About the Author:
Jennifer E. Smith is the author of seven young adult novels, including The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and her work has been translated into thirty-three languages. Jennifer currently resides in New York City. You can follow her on Twitter @JenESmith or visit her website at jenniferesmith.com.

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