Virtual Strangers by Sam Canning Review

Title: Virtual Strangers

Author: Sam Canning

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Zaffre

Pages: 384

Release Date: 2 February 2023

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Hello fellow book lovers! I'm back with a review for Virtual Strangers by Sam Canning a heartwarming and utterly hilarious, rom-com debut, that was a delight from start to finish!

Synopsis

 Do you believe in love at first type?

When Ada set up her own PR firm from a coffee shop, she didn't expect to meet journalist Fraser. Also working there daily, he soon becomes a friend. Reporting on interesting things to do around Edinburgh, Fraser ropes Ada into accompanying him on his assignments.

As they work side-by-side Ada can't help but notice how attractive Fraser is, and how well they get along. But, Ada has been chatting to a guy she met on an Agatha Christie fan fiction site, and she can't stop wondering about him. His interests are the same as hers, and the anonymity helps them both be more honest and open. As Ada's messages with the mystery man become deeper, she thinks she's falling for him.

Ada is torn between Fraser and Myster-E - but can you have real feelings for someone when you're virtual strangers?

Review

From online heart to hearts to erotic pottery lessons, protagonist Ada’s You’ve Got Mail-style journey into love and friendship was thoroughly entertaining.

The writing was beautifully engaging and super easy to follow—and the descriptions of Edinburgh (as well as Ada and Fraser’s active itineraries) have me eager to visit.

The characters were all really likeable (except for Dan) and I really enjoyed the banter which made me chuckle for than once. The emotional development we see both through Ada, Fraser and several of the supporting characters was also really well done.

Especially with Ada’s friend, Amal and her deeply emotional arc, which sensitively explores her experience with post natal depression and had me wanting to give her the biggest of hugs. Another standout character was Ada’s mum who definitely has a wicked sense of humour—I’d definitely love to see more of her in a sequel (or maybe even her own spinoff.)

Overall a really fun, charming and utterly enjoyable read that’s perfect for fans of low stakes cosy rom-coms, Edinburgh or Nora Ephron.

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

About The Author 

Sam Canning is a Northern Irish born writer based in Edinburgh. Virtual Strangers is her debut novel. In her spare time, she can be found roaming the city to find the weirdest things she can and desperately trying to keep her one and only plant Stanley alive.

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