May 16, 2025
By Gabriella Cerreta
Staff Writer
“Picking Daisies on Sundays” by Liana Cincotti is a young adult romance about friendship, love and self-discovery. The book blends humor and heartfelt moments, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
The narrative centers around Daniella “Daisy” Maria, a 21-year-old in her junior year at New York City College for Fashion. A hopeless romantic, Daisy spends every Friday night watching a romantic comedy in her bedroom.
Daisy’s Friday night tradition serves as an escape and a reminder of her complex emotions. These films comfort her with idealized love and contrast reality, in which she has unresolved feelings for 22-year-old Levi Coldwell, her childhood best friend.
Through a flashback, readers learn that Daisy’s feelings for Levi developed in high school after they bonded over their fathers’ deaths. When Daisy accidentally confesses her love to Levi at their senior prom, he does not reciprocate her feelings. This leads Daisy to run away in tears, creating a painful rift between the pair.
Four years later, Daisy runs into Levi at a crowded bar in the West Village. That night, when Levi receives an unwanted flirtatious gesture from an ex, Levi pretends that Daisy is his girlfriend to escape the uncomfortable situation. Then, he asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend at his sister’s wedding so that he can continue the charade in front of his ex. Despite her skepticism, Daisy agrees, hoping to reconnect and repair their friendship.
This novel stands out in the young adult genre because of its honesty and insight, as it offers an authentic take on love and personal growth.
Daisy grapples with her true feelings for Levi as they navigate their fake romance.
A critical moment in their evolving bond is when Daisy discovers Levi’s handwritten poetry book during their fake dating arrangement. This helps Daisy see herself through Levi’s eyes and realize there could be a future for them.
The slow burn of Daisy and Levi’s relationship keeps readers intrigued and wanting to learn more. Even though it is told from a first-person perspective, the narrative provides insight into both characters’ emotions and thoughts.
Levi is a compelling character whose growth is both heartfelt and inspiring. He transforms from a reserved, uncertain young man into someone who confidently desires Daisy.
Daisy may frustrate readers by repeatedly overlooking Levi’s love. Despite his efforts, she convinces herself he cannot feel the same. Nonetheless, she remains an interesting and relatable character, shaped by her fears, longing and past heartbreak.
The title is symbolic, reflecting Daisy’s romantic idealism and the uncertainty of reciprocated love. The phrase recalls the childhood game of plucking petals–“He loves me, he loves me not”–reflecting Daisy’s longing for love and a connection with Levi.
This novel stands out in the young adult genre because of its honesty and insight, as it offers an authentic take on love and personal growth. It doesn’t shy away from life’s messy moments, making it moving and relatable.
At its core, “Picking Daisies on Sundays” testifies to love’s enduring power and the importance of second chances. It reminds readers that revisiting the past can unlock a brighter future.
