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cassie_books's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
_bookally_'s review against another edition
3.0
Release date 30 June 2021
The beach reads book club follows Lottie Watt, shes a 30 something, electrician, who is an avid reader and who is still kind of trying to get over her ex Henry who moved away to better his career. She is a member in a book club run by a strict and stuffy woman called Eve and Lottie just doesn't enjoy it anymore so she decides to start her own book club. She finds a home for the book club which is a little book shop that just happens to have a handsome new owner.
I don't know what i expected when I picked this one up, I was just interested to read a book about a book club. It ended up being about so much more. Yes it was pretty light hearted but it did touch on alot of tough subjects especially because the groups age range was so wide I felt like you really got to get a insight into some of the things each of the people in those age groups go through.
It also brought alot more fun to the group to have that huge age range gap and it had some hilarious parts in it and also some sad ones. The book club ends up being more of a little family and support group than just a book club and they all help each other out through some things. Also with Matt and his family there were alot of subjects dealt with revolving around a somewhat dysfunctional family dynamic.
Although the romance was pretty good it didn't feel like the main story line to me and I liked that. It was more about Lottie and the book club. Although you actually get Matt's perspective I feel like it still just adds to Lottie's story. It had a small bit of a trope that I love but I wont say what because it will be a spoiler. I did like Matt as a character, and you get alot of insight into why he is the way he is.
What I didn't like was the way Lottie and Matt were making assumptions so much about how each other feel and there was lots of miscommunication and I don't like that "trope" I felt like that part went on for too long and happened too many times. I get that it is kind of realistic but I don't know ifs its realistic to have happened that much, it just got a little bit annoying for me.
You also get a nice little bite size into every members life, I would have liked a little more but can see why that would have been hard to add in.
It was a nice light read.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for a honest review
The beach reads book club follows Lottie Watt, shes a 30 something, electrician, who is an avid reader and who is still kind of trying to get over her ex Henry who moved away to better his career. She is a member in a book club run by a strict and stuffy woman called Eve and Lottie just doesn't enjoy it anymore so she decides to start her own book club. She finds a home for the book club which is a little book shop that just happens to have a handsome new owner.
I don't know what i expected when I picked this one up, I was just interested to read a book about a book club. It ended up being about so much more. Yes it was pretty light hearted but it did touch on alot of tough subjects especially because the groups age range was so wide I felt like you really got to get a insight into some of the things each of the people in those age groups go through.
It also brought alot more fun to the group to have that huge age range gap and it had some hilarious parts in it and also some sad ones. The book club ends up being more of a little family and support group than just a book club and they all help each other out through some things. Also with Matt and his family there were alot of subjects dealt with revolving around a somewhat dysfunctional family dynamic.
Although the romance was pretty good it didn't feel like the main story line to me and I liked that. It was more about Lottie and the book club. Although you actually get Matt's perspective I feel like it still just adds to Lottie's story. It had a small bit of a trope that I love but I wont say what because it will be a spoiler. I did like Matt as a character, and you get alot of insight into why he is the way he is.
What I didn't like was the way Lottie and Matt were making assumptions so much about how each other feel and there was lots of miscommunication and I don't like that "trope" I felt like that part went on for too long and happened too many times. I get that it is kind of realistic but I don't know ifs its realistic to have happened that much, it just got a little bit annoying for me.
You also get a nice little bite size into every members life, I would have liked a little more but can see why that would have been hard to add in.
It was a nice light read.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for a honest review
aryelweasley's review against another edition
4.0
Right in the feels! This was a great slow burn romance.
Not so newly single Lottie is trying to find her place as she starts a new book club to read fun, light- hearted, and if Audrey has anything to say about it smutty books. Not only does she find her reading equals, she finds her tribe. Watching this group develop and each of their journeys throughout the story is incredibly satisfying. But Lottie finds far more than she bargained for with the pull she feels for the bookshop owner. Each time she see's him at their monthly meetings it becomes increasingly more difficult to ignore her growing feelings.
Matt was looking for a fresh start. After a messy divorce and the loss of his mother he moves his father and sister to a little seaside town in hopes of a better life for the family. Getting away from the chaos of the city, running a family bookstore together, and most importantly per the dying wishes of his mother watching out for one another. But nothing is going according to plan, and the one person that does brighten his day is the very last thing he expected. He was not looking for love or romance, personal experience told him he was awful at it anyways. But he can't seem to stop his growing attraction to the vivacious and lively Lottie no matter how hard he tries.
This book sucked me in early and kept me flipping pages as fast as I could. I loved the cast of characters and the charming town. I felt Matt's emotions right along beside him and oh man they cut deep. Lottie was wonderful (though she had a few moments where I was less than impressed overall she's great). I definitely recommend this as a fun summer read.
Not so newly single Lottie is trying to find her place as she starts a new book club to read fun, light- hearted, and if Audrey has anything to say about it smutty books. Not only does she find her reading equals, she finds her tribe. Watching this group develop and each of their journeys throughout the story is incredibly satisfying. But Lottie finds far more than she bargained for with the pull she feels for the bookshop owner. Each time she see's him at their monthly meetings it becomes increasingly more difficult to ignore her growing feelings.
Matt was looking for a fresh start. After a messy divorce and the loss of his mother he moves his father and sister to a little seaside town in hopes of a better life for the family. Getting away from the chaos of the city, running a family bookstore together, and most importantly per the dying wishes of his mother watching out for one another. But nothing is going according to plan, and the one person that does brighten his day is the very last thing he expected. He was not looking for love or romance, personal experience told him he was awful at it anyways. But he can't seem to stop his growing attraction to the vivacious and lively Lottie no matter how hard he tries.
This book sucked me in early and kept me flipping pages as fast as I could. I loved the cast of characters and the charming town. I felt Matt's emotions right along beside him and oh man they cut deep. Lottie was wonderful (though she had a few moments where I was less than impressed overall she's great). I definitely recommend this as a fun summer read.
caitatkinson_'s review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
umcrystal's review against another edition
5.0
An unbelievably cute, fun, and steamy book! Fed up with her current stuffy book club, Lottie decides to build out her own with the help of two friends. Who said book clubs have to be high literature? Certainly not them! Beach Reads Book Club seems a bit more like smut reads book club, but no one is complaining there. I absolutely adored the dynamic between the women and how important it is to have friends you can count on. The romance(s) felt a bit secondary for me (though I don't think they're necessarily meant to be) because I loved the friendships so much. I hope to see more from this group in the future.
5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
francica's review against another edition
3.0
A romantic and enjoyable read!!
The Beach Reads Book Club was a whole lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
Lottie, bored with the heavy books chosen by her book club decides to start a book club of her own called the Beach Reads Book Club. Upon returning a book at the bookstore by the Bay she is captivated by the book club's new owner Matt who apart from being a mystery is also very handsome. Meanwhile Matt is in the process of starting over, and thought that buying the bookstore will be a good place to start. Lottie with her golden curls has his attention, but is he capable of being happy again. As Matt deals with his past Lottie brings the Beach Reads Book Club to his store this changed everything..
I have always wanted to join a book club and honestly I had so much fun reading about The Beach Reads Book Club. I love the chemistry of the women in the club. Audrey was a hoot.!!! I loved the element of the book club being not like a literature class but as a place where readers can really discuss their love of reading.
I think Matt was an interesting and very relatable character, Ms. Freeman was skilled in her writing of his character because I really understood the impact that his past had on how he approached his relationship with Lottie. Oh and how could I forget the ex boyfriend Henry. His appearance in the book,,,,,
Well you can read it for yourself
I really enjoyed this book and now let me join a book club myself.
The Beach Reads Book Club was a whole lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
Lottie, bored with the heavy books chosen by her book club decides to start a book club of her own called the Beach Reads Book Club. Upon returning a book at the bookstore by the Bay she is captivated by the book club's new owner Matt who apart from being a mystery is also very handsome. Meanwhile Matt is in the process of starting over, and thought that buying the bookstore will be a good place to start. Lottie with her golden curls has his attention, but is he capable of being happy again. As Matt deals with his past Lottie brings the Beach Reads Book Club to his store this changed everything..
I have always wanted to join a book club and honestly I had so much fun reading about The Beach Reads Book Club. I love the chemistry of the women in the club. Audrey was a hoot.!!! I loved the element of the book club being not like a literature class but as a place where readers can really discuss their love of reading.
I think Matt was an interesting and very relatable character, Ms. Freeman was skilled in her writing of his character because I really understood the impact that his past had on how he approached his relationship with Lottie. Oh and how could I forget the ex boyfriend Henry. His appearance in the book,,,,,
Well you can read it for yourself
I really enjoyed this book and now let me join a book club myself.
onebookmore's review against another edition
5.0
The Beach Reads Book Club is a charming story that follows bookstore owner Matthew Steele and book club organizer Lottie Watt. When Lottie is thrown out of a stuffy book club, she decides to create her own with fun books and like-minded readers. Lottie asks the owner of a local bookstore if she can hold the meetings there, and her life is irrevocably changed. Matthew, the handsome and brooding bookstore owner, is a distraction Lottie didn’t anticipate, and as her book club takes off, so do her feelings for Matt. However, Matt sends mixed signals, and Lottie isn’t ready for a long-term commitment. Will Lottie and Matt find their happily-ever-after?
Lottie has such a positive impact on those she meets. Selfless, helpful, and observant, Lottie understands people and intrinsically knows what they need. She is funny and supportive and vibrant, and people are drawn to her. From the book club members to Matt and his family, Lottie changes people’s lives for the better and, ever humble, doesn’t even realize she is doing it. This is especially true with Matt.
At the start of the story, Matt is so withdrawn and emotionally closed off. Wounds and regrets from the past define his present. However, the more time he spends with Lottie, the more he sees what he really wants in life. He grows so much throughout the story, and his relationships and sense of self are improved because of it. Matt’s such a fantastic character and the perfect match for Lottie.
The love story between Lottie and Matt is the perfect balance of sweet and steamy. Two people who are still healing from past relationships, neither Lottie nor Matt are ready for a serious relationship, but they find it difficult to resist their growing feelings. I like how they learn from each other and step out of their comfort zones as they get to know each other. These opposites have a wonderful romance, and their chemistry is off the charts, much to the delight of the book club.
The members of the Beach Reads Book Club are fantastic! This group of women has a shared love of beach reads, and I can totally relate. I love a swoon-worthy romance and would love to join a book club like this. They are so fun and funny, and they become so much more than a book club. There is a found family dynamic in the club, and in extension the bookstore, that is heart-warming and hysterical.
I also love the chapter titles, which are the titles of the books the club plans to read. The titles often reflect what is happening in the story and are also a great way to introduce the readers to other beach reads as well as the main events and feelings of the chapter. This is a great book for readers who like heartwarming and fun contemporary romance or rom-coms with great messages, well-developed and relatable characters, and a fantastic love story. It’s a charming summer read with a little bit of steam and a lot of fun!
Lottie has such a positive impact on those she meets. Selfless, helpful, and observant, Lottie understands people and intrinsically knows what they need. She is funny and supportive and vibrant, and people are drawn to her. From the book club members to Matt and his family, Lottie changes people’s lives for the better and, ever humble, doesn’t even realize she is doing it. This is especially true with Matt.
At the start of the story, Matt is so withdrawn and emotionally closed off. Wounds and regrets from the past define his present. However, the more time he spends with Lottie, the more he sees what he really wants in life. He grows so much throughout the story, and his relationships and sense of self are improved because of it. Matt’s such a fantastic character and the perfect match for Lottie.
The love story between Lottie and Matt is the perfect balance of sweet and steamy. Two people who are still healing from past relationships, neither Lottie nor Matt are ready for a serious relationship, but they find it difficult to resist their growing feelings. I like how they learn from each other and step out of their comfort zones as they get to know each other. These opposites have a wonderful romance, and their chemistry is off the charts, much to the delight of the book club.
The members of the Beach Reads Book Club are fantastic! This group of women has a shared love of beach reads, and I can totally relate. I love a swoon-worthy romance and would love to join a book club like this. They are so fun and funny, and they become so much more than a book club. There is a found family dynamic in the club, and in extension the bookstore, that is heart-warming and hysterical.
I also love the chapter titles, which are the titles of the books the club plans to read. The titles often reflect what is happening in the story and are also a great way to introduce the readers to other beach reads as well as the main events and feelings of the chapter. This is a great book for readers who like heartwarming and fun contemporary romance or rom-coms with great messages, well-developed and relatable characters, and a fantastic love story. It’s a charming summer read with a little bit of steam and a lot of fun!
livinthebubble's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
3.5
This was a really fun read. I, in general, liked Lottie and Matt's relationship (exception later on), Matt being my favourite character. I also really liked the book club and their members. It was really fun to read, especially with Audrey's sexual commentary. I liked how they ended up being really close friends and talked about things other than books.
However, and the main reason I gave it a 3.5☆, was the conflict. I hated it so much, the more I think about it, the worse it gets. When the ex comes back and Lottie is very confused about what to do, and also meets up with him, making Matt feel terrible... no.
Overall, a fun and fast summer read (I read this during holidays and it was the perfect read).
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
However, and the main reason I gave it a 3.5☆, was the conflict. I hated it so much, the more I think about it, the worse it gets.
Overall, a fun and fast summer read (I read this during holidays and it was the perfect read).
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
bananatricky's review against another edition
4.0
Lottie Watt joined a book club and got a rescue dog when her long-term boyfriend Henry accepts a job with a newspaper in America, but as the months have passed she realises that she has begun to dread book club because the books are always so worthy and the discussions about the books are more like an exam. After being called out for failing to read My Sister, The Serial Killer and wanting to talk about more than just a book, Lottie decides to start up her own book club, a book club that likes romance novels, just the sort of thing you like to read on a beach holiday, and so The Beach Read Book Club is born.
Matthew Steele was a trader in the City, but after his mother died he left London and bought a house and a bookshop on the South Coast of England, hoping to make a new start with his father and his younger sister Amy. Unfortunately, neither his father or sister appears to be happy, especially not with him, and he doesn't seem to be able to let go of bad habits. Quiet and reserved, a recent divorce has left Matt feeling adrift.
Lottie persuades Matt to let the book club use the café attached to the bookshop once a month for two hours after closing time. Soon the club consists of Lottie, her pregnant BFF Sally, a pensioner with a penchant for gin and raunchy romances called Audrey, a lonely middle-aged married woman called Gira, and a divorced single middle-aged woman called Heidi. The book club reads books by [a:Jilly Cooper|37297|Jilly Cooper|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1277029190p2/37297.jpg], [a:E.L. James|4725841|E.L. James|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1549477398p2/4725841.jpg], [a:Christina Lauren|6556689|Christina Lauren|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1554664497p2/6556689.jpg], [a:Julie Caplin|17593777|Julie Caplin|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1590908849p2/17593777.jpg], and [a:Helen Hoag|15160456|Helen Hoag|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] to name just a few - which is great because I have read several of the books myself. However, whilst Audrey might rate the raunch factor, the book club is more about friendship and helping each other. Slowly but surely Matt and his family are drawn into the book club and Lottie sits at the centre, bringing people together and helping them find their way.
I really liked this book and it slightly reminded me of the film The Jane Austen Book Club, Kathryn Freeman is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.
I was offered a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Matthew Steele was a trader in the City, but after his mother died he left London and bought a house and a bookshop on the South Coast of England, hoping to make a new start with his father and his younger sister Amy. Unfortunately, neither his father or sister appears to be happy, especially not with him, and he doesn't seem to be able to let go of bad habits. Quiet and reserved, a recent divorce has left Matt feeling adrift.
Lottie persuades Matt to let the book club use the café attached to the bookshop once a month for two hours after closing time. Soon the club consists of Lottie, her pregnant BFF Sally, a pensioner with a penchant for gin and raunchy romances called Audrey, a lonely middle-aged married woman called Gira, and a divorced single middle-aged woman called Heidi. The book club reads books by [a:Jilly Cooper|37297|Jilly Cooper|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1277029190p2/37297.jpg], [a:E.L. James|4725841|E.L. James|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1549477398p2/4725841.jpg], [a:Christina Lauren|6556689|Christina Lauren|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1554664497p2/6556689.jpg], [a:Julie Caplin|17593777|Julie Caplin|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1590908849p2/17593777.jpg], and [a:Helen Hoag|15160456|Helen Hoag|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] to name just a few - which is great because I have read several of the books myself. However, whilst Audrey might rate the raunch factor, the book club is more about friendship and helping each other. Slowly but surely Matt and his family are drawn into the book club and Lottie sits at the centre, bringing people together and helping them find their way.
I really liked this book and it slightly reminded me of the film The Jane Austen Book Club, Kathryn Freeman is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.
I was offered a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.