The Purpose of Erie: Curveball

Jane Neagley’s debut novel, “The Purpose of Erie: Curve Ball”, offers an engaging story that captures the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth. At the heart of the tale is Cassidy Banker, a 25-year-old navigating life as the only sister among four brothers—Alex, Matty, Ben, and her twin, Eric. Despite their twin bond, Cassidy and Eric never seem to see eye to eye.

The story takes a turn when, during a monthly family dinner, Eric announces his upcoming wedding, catching Cassidy off guard. Being a girl, Cassidy always imagined she’d be the first to tie the knot, and the news leaves her feeling quite surprised. After the dinner, she confides in her roommate, Marissa. The two friends decide to go to the club, where they meet Pete and Brandon. Could one of these men be the one Cassidy is searching for? And who is the mysterious man from Johnsonburg that catches her attention? The answers await readers in this heartfelt novel.

As someone who experienced similar feelings when my younger brother married before me, I found Cassidy’s emotions relatable. The writing is vivid, pulling readers into each scene, while the book’s cover art and fitting title add to its appeal. Neagley delivers an impressive debut, and if you're seeking a romance filled with personal discovery and family ties, this book is a comforting and enjoyable choice.

_sassy_39 - goodreads

I went into this not realizing that it’s actually the first part of a series… and I am not (usually) one for series. With that being said, however, I will probably end up reading the next book because I want to see how things play out with Cassidy and her twin. I have always been interested in twins, so that storyline resonated with me.

The thing I liked most about this novel is the banter between Cassidy’s parents. It was so real and very much reminded me of my own parents. (It also reinforced that I don’t ever want a husband who’s in my space and getting all grouchy when food isn’t on the table when he happens to be famished.)

Last but not least, I appreciated the vulnerabilities of Jake and Cassidy’s willingness to look at, and work on, her own flaws.

Hannah Rae - goodreads