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lacrimaeignis's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I absolutely adored this story! Is it cliched? Yes. Is it predictable? Most definitely. Is the development of the plot unbelievable? Yes but that's kind of the point as this is intended to be a comfort read. Was it still a fun read? For me, yes.
While the book is a Contemporary Romance/Rom Com, it is probably more accurate to call it a Slice of Life book. Which is to say if you're expecting a book with a lot of plot or exciting events, you'll likely be disappointed. Character development is also focused more on the side characters rather than the main couple.
I very much identified with our protagonist Evie - and not just because she decides to rent out and run a bookstore in England to escape her everyday life (which is totally something I would do and frankly would love to do right now). I really enjoyed taking this relaxing trip to England with Evie. It was nice to see her interactions with the various villagers and how even in a seemingly perfect village everyone still has to deal with their own issues (some way worse then others). But what I loved most was how supportive the majority of the characters were to each other.
I do wish that Roane had been given more flaws because the "flaws" he had weren't even really flaws especially because it had nothing to do with his personality but were based on arbitrary circumstances. I loved Roane but he was too perfect and therefore felt very unrealistic. And while it wouldn't have changed much about the story I wish the "spice" had been a bit more... well spicy. Not to say a romance story can't be good without it. But the tension that had built up between the characters and their chemistry was great but then when they finally got together, it felt like they had completely lost that spark.
While the book is a Contemporary Romance/Rom Com, it is probably more accurate to call it a Slice of Life book. Which is to say if you're expecting a book with a lot of plot or exciting events, you'll likely be disappointed. Character development is also focused more on the side characters rather than the main couple.
I very much identified with our protagonist Evie - and not just because she decides to rent out and run a bookstore in England to escape her everyday life (which is totally something I would do and frankly would love to do right now). I really enjoyed taking this relaxing trip to England with Evie. It was nice to see her interactions with the various villagers and how even in a seemingly perfect village everyone still has to deal with their own issues (some way worse then others). But what I loved most was how supportive the majority of the characters were to each other.
I do wish that Roane had been given more flaws because the "flaws" he had weren't even really flaws especially because it had nothing to do with his personality but were based on arbitrary circumstances. I loved Roane but he was too perfect and therefore felt very unrealistic. And while it wouldn't have changed much about the story I wish the "spice" had been a bit more... well spicy. Not to say a romance story can't be good without it. But the tension that had built up between the characters and their chemistry was great but then when they finally got together, it felt like they had completely lost that spark.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Racism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Classism, and Lesbophobia
lizzieb29's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual content, Homophobia, Addiction, and Racism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Death of parent
mswarning's review against another edition
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? Yes
4.0
I don't know, this was just sweet. Both characters were likeable. I checked out two different romances set in a bookstore, and I liked this one more. It made me feel like I was in north England, which would be pretty nice right about now.
Also liked the non-petite/short protagonist. This year I've read romances that have featured characters of different ethnicities, various sizes and shapes, chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, etc. Representation does matter.
Also liked the non-petite/short protagonist. This year I've read romances that have featured characters of different ethnicities, various sizes and shapes, chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, etc. Representation does matter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Child abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death and Child death
readswithnatalieb's review
2.5
If you enjoy Hallmark or cheesy romance movies, this one is for you! But for me, this is just not my cup of tea.
Did y’all ever watch “Falling Inn Love” with Christina Milian on Netflix? It’s verryyyy similar and just as well, cheesy. I cringed while reading this book, mouthed “COME ON EVIE” with about every scene, so it was a whole lot in not enough book for me.
I really don’t like not liking books. I always try and find one piece of goodness in each story, avoiding the fact I’d have to write a negative review. So it wasn’t a bad book, but definitely copy and paste of a Hallmark movie.
Evie takes the opportunity to vacation on the north-east coast of England after rage quitting her job because she was overlooked for a promotion. It’s a three month vacation and the package she finds includes a part-time position at the bookshop below her apartment. Her dream, yay!
In the short three months, she gets involved with the town drama, tries to resolve a multiple decade long family dispute, set people up, tell herself she won’t date but is obviously tempted with the hot farmer Roane, she bartends, and also helps Roane’s cousin get the courage to stand up for herself and her life. Yes, it was a bit exhausting.
Evie is early 30’s and claimed to be mature, but the book starts with her being so upset after being ghosted by a guy she’d been snap-chatting for a month. I’ll just leave it there.
With that being said, I’m sure you can guess the ending, but that’s what happens when it’s a cheesy romance, right?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Alcoholism
lexa's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I have so many mixed thoughts in this book. I love the premise (kinda gave The Holiday vibes), I love the small town cozy feel, I love the main characters (and the dog). However, there were so many side stories and adjacent dramas that it was distracting. Also, the main conflict was predictable and made me roll my eyes. Overall, it was fine. A cute, cozy story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Child abuse, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Animal death, Car accident, Infidelity, and Vomit
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