Reviews

I can always count on Nora Roberts to make me smile and laugh and cry in the span of a 6 hour reading session.

I don't really know what to say about this other than it is the definition of cozy romance. The story is sweet and funny and full of whimsy. It's got all the great lore of Ireland with a bit of the paranormal tossed in for good measure.

It also doesn't really take itself too seriously--we're not really here to learn any major life lessons or win any literary awards.

I've never been to Ireland (even though that's my heritage) but this book makes me nostalgic for it regardless. Obviously, this is romanticized to the extreme, but Ardmore's just the sort of place (where everybody knows everybody else and the village is basically one giant extended family) I want for myself--regardless of country.

I loved watching Jude learn what makes her happy. Watching her grow from this neurotic automaton to a woman who's not afraid to stand up for herself was refreshing.

Likewise, I loved Aiden. His confidence, and also his flaws.

And all the side characters--gah. I really just want to pick up and move to a small town now.

The paranormal/faerie stuff was a little confusing. And I'm hoping it's going to be a common thread throughout the trilogy, because that aspect of the story doesn't at all feel like it found any sort of conclusion.

Anyway, these are shaping up to be easy, comfort reads for me; 4 stars just for the vibes.

cmcdonnell's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

mothfae's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.5

Not something I would typically pick up but when lent to me I was charmed enough by faerie magic, folklore, and the beauty of Ireland that I did enjoy it.

Jude was a lovely, relatable character to follow and her growth throughout the book felt rewarding! I envy her cottage which was a character in itself alongside the countryside hills full of wildflowers and ruins.
The side characters were equally lovable, faerie Prince Carrick being the most intriguing of them all.
Sad to say the love interest initially put me off but he did win me over somewhat by the end.

Cheesy at times and yet comforting. While romance is not my favorite genre it did do itself justice!

joniallison23's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced

3.25

jra's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

gemstixs's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

adapting this into a script for the romcom starring paul mescal and ayo edebiri. walk with me here.

cjay1957's review

Go to review page

4.0

Not my favorite NR novel. Mostly because the lead female character really got on my nerves with her whiny, wishy-washy neurotic bearing. The ending was so predictable and the mystical story that accompanied the main story wasn't really wrapped up in the end as expected. Perhaps that happens in the 2nd or 3rd books. The Gallagher family was fun and interesting so perhaps I'll give them a go as long as Jude Francis has been relegated to the rear of the cast list.

More...