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The Girl I Was (Deluxe Limited Edition) From the New York Times Bestselling Author of the Perfect Marriage
4.5 (2 ratings)

The Girl I Was (Deluxe Limited Edition) From the New York Times Bestselling Author of the Perfect Marriage

From New York Times bestselling author, Jeneva Rose, comes a fully updated and expanded edition of THE GIRL I WAS, the first book she ever wrote, featuring six brand-new chapters from a fresh point-of-view.



ORDER NOW to get a Deluxe Limited Edition with sprayed edges--available only on the first printing! This special first edition hardcover will include a gorgeous jacket, beautifully illustrated endpapers and sprayed edges.



"While packing a delightful punch of nostalgia, The Girl I Was delivers one of the most satisfying character transformations I've read in a while...Jeneva Rose's latest is witty and tender." --Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures



"With The Girl I Was, Jeneva Rose proves she's not just a master of thrillers, but also matters of the heart." --Colleen Oakley, USA Today Bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise



"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."



Alexis Spencer will use any inspirational quote to rationalize her failures and shortcomings. Her closest friends are a distant memory, and her college debt is still as high as the day she left. But that's all fine and dandy, because "whatever will be, will be."



However, when Alexis loses her job and her relationship on the same day, there's no quote strong enough to get her through that. In typical fashion, she blames the world for her problems, including her younger self, who should have tried harder.



Feeling sorry for herself, Alexis finds a bottle of vodka from her college days and goes on a bender, blacking out in the process. Only this time, she doesn't wake up at home, or in the right city. In fact, she isn't even in the right year.



Alexis is back in her college town in the year 2002.



Convinced this is her chance to do things over, she heads to her dorm--and comes face-to-face with her eighteen-year-old unruly self, who goes by Lexi because it's "sexier." Getting acclimated to life in the early 2000s is the easy part. Dealing with Lexi is where things prove difficult.



They might be the same person, but they couldn't be more different from one another. Now Alexis and Lexi must learn to get along and come to terms with the fact that alone, they will never make things right, but together, they could change their life for the better.

Published: July 15, 2025

Pages: 304

ISBN: 9780778387480

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Available in: Hardcover

Reader Reviews

4.5

2 ratings

Matt D.

Feb 8, 2026
This book hit all the emotions. I laughed with Alexis. I cried with Alexis. I felt it all. What would you do if you could go back in time and speak with your younger self? This book feels light, but under the surface it is full of deeper meaning. So good!

Carla B.

Feb 8, 2026
Get ready for a hilarious journey through time with Jeneva Rose's revamped novel that'll make you laugh, cry, and seriously question your past self! The book follows a woman who magically gets the chance to revisit her younger self, armed with all the wisdom and sarcasm she's accumulated over the years. It's like a self-help book met a comedy special and had the most incredible book baby you could imagine.

Let me tell you about the absolute gem that is "The Girl I Was" by the one and only Mother Goose (aka Jeneva Rose). This isn't your typical thriller that Rose is known for creating. Instead, it's a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud adventure that'll have you questioning every life choice you've ever made.

First off, this book is a total glow-up. Originally published in 2021, Rose has now added six brand new chapters that totally transform the reading experience. And let me tell you, those additions are like the secret sauce that takes this book from really, really good to "I can't put this down" amazing.

Rose's wit is absolutely next-level. I found myself cackling out loud multiple times, much to the confusion of anyone within earshot. Her writing style is so delightfully snarky that I want to be her best friend. Case in point: My absolute favorite quote that had me dying: "My guess is he thought I was a diamond in the rough that needed time to develop. Turns out, I was actually just a dirty rock." I mean, come on! That's comedy gold right there.

What truly sets this book apart is its incredible character development. Rose takes us on a tender journey of self-discovery that's both hilarious and deeply touching. It's like a time-traveling therapy session with your funniest friend giving you life advice.

The Vibes It Brings: