Review: I’ll Get Back to You by Becca Grischow
Rating: 4/5 Stars
I really enjoyed this sapphic holiday romance. Both Murphy and Ellie are likable and relatable characters, each navigating their own life challenges. Murphy juggles her barista/marketing job while attending community college, all in hopes of joining her best friend Kat at U of I. However, Murphy’s devotion to Kat felt a bit excessive—almost as if she was chasing something more than just friendship. This dynamic frustrated me, even after Ellie entered the picture. Thankfully, by the end, Murphy realized she didn’t need anyone to guide her and embraced her ability to pursue her dreams independently, though it took her until the last chapter to figure it out!
I appreciated the focus on community college, as not everyone can or needs to attend an Ivy League school. Education is important, but it’s also crucial to recognize that college isn’t always the endgame; sometimes, it’s just a stepping stone toward your desired career. For Murphy, this path worked out well. As a baseball fan and former softball player, I loved that Murphy was named after a bar across from Wrigley Field, and the scene where she taught Ellie to throw a ball was a definite highlight.
Ellie, on the other hand, is a typical art school student, determined to pursue her passion despite her mother’s disapproval. Society’s skepticism toward the arts is frustrating, but Ellie’s decision to defy her uptight mother and go after what she wants was inspiring. She even influenced Murphy to follow her own dreams. However, the chemistry between Ellie and Murphy fell flat for me. Their romance lacked the sparks and deep connection needed to make it truly compelling.
Kat and Daniel’s characters added another layer to the story, though Kat’s manipulative behavior toward Murphy was frustrating. If Kat were truly a good friend, she would have encouraged Murphy to focus on her own dreams instead of constantly making plans that kept them together. Daniel, despite being described as sweet and funny, didn’t get much development, leaving him as a background character overshadowed by Murphy’s complaints and jealousy.
The supporting characters, particularly Ellie’s dad and Aunt Carol, were delightful. Ellie’s dad was the stereotypical sports-loving, clueless yet endearing father figure, while Aunt Carol provided warmth and understanding. I appreciated that Ellie’s family eventually came around, even if Murphy’s parents took a surprising and frustrating turn later in the story.
As for the fake dating trope, it’s my favorite, I enjoyed I’ll Get Back to You overall and would definitely recommend it.
