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bridgeca2's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A cozy story of a woman finding/redefining herself in a small town. Many of these friendships are quite simplistic, and unbelievable, in how they’re forged. The books talking to Sara seems the least unbelievable in comparison. But a lighthearted fast read/listen that gives hope for being able to turn hard things around.
beachbookbabe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
marcieh's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It was a light read, but I got lost in it. I never felt like I was reading long, but many pages passed. And OlI couldn't wait to pick it up again.
treasureboxofbooks's review
5.0
This book has the feel of a contemporary novel, but has a smidge of fantasy rolled in. Plus I love books, so obviously I just had to read it!
A cute story of a small-town charm softening a busy city girl's heart. I definitely recommend!
A cute story of a small-town charm softening a busy city girl's heart. I definitely recommend!
bunrab's review
3.0
Charming. Heartwarming and all that (heartwarming is not my preferred attitude, but that's just me.) A nice premise, books talk to Sarah; some plot holes large enough to drive a parking lot through, but if you like the kind of movies where a city girl has to return to a small town and then winds up staying (Hallmark, I'm looking at you) then this book should fit the bill.
carolann331's review
4.0
I chose this because it looked cozy and a bit magical with a librarian that gives books to people they don't know they need. I was completely taken by surprise at how emotionally touched I was by the story and characters. My jaw dropped when near the end it occurred to me how badly I needed this book. Did it choose me??? : ) Its magic certainly did work on me. It's a fun, engaging, small town read with charming characters facing some tough real-life circumstances. I agree with Jenny (Reading Envy), that it did feel very much like Gilmore Girls meets Parks and Rec, and I loved it. : ) Overall, it left me with warm feelings of family and community.
owlyreadsalot's review against another edition
5.0
I adored this book! Everything about it, made me fall more and more in love with it. I'm not one to read many books of this genre, or even complete them, but I found myself immersed deeply in these characters' journeys. And, enough love to want to pick up more books like it. Why not? Maybe, just maybe, I've been missing out on tons more like it.
Like I mentioned above, I don't normally read stories like this one, because they don't catch my attention as much. But, the minute I saw the cover, and read part of the synopsis, I said let's give it a go. Glad that I did, because I've never connected with as many characters as I did with in this novel (well, there's Harry Potter, but that doesn't really count, as almost everyone has found love with most of them).
What's not to love about talking books, and enchanting teas made especially for the person their given to, or color changing flowers that fill the town of Dove Pond. These are only a few things that are part of this quirky, cute, and whimsical read. The other parts that fill these pages, are the great characters that become lifelong friends, and even more so, family.
Mama G being my top fave, along with Sarah Dove and her belief in magic and those around her. The town of Dove Pond that come together in times of crisis, including setting out in groups through a crazy storm that looks to have no end, just to bring back one of their own. Then there are those little things like the town settings that join them throughout, including the town hall, the quaint restaurant of theirs, the main festival no one wants to miss, and so much more.
I can't recommend this novel enough, it's my first top five star of the year. And, yes, that might seem a little high, a little too much of a gush, but I really did love everything about this novel. It all came together when it was supposed to, and the magic was just the right amount to make it feel realistic enough, part of the Dove Pond charm you're going to want to be welcomed into. Even more so, Trav... yup, you're going to want to get to know Trav. Smiles for days!
***I received this copy from Gallery Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
Like I mentioned above, I don't normally read stories like this one, because they don't catch my attention as much. But, the minute I saw the cover, and read part of the synopsis, I said let's give it a go. Glad that I did, because I've never connected with as many characters as I did with in this novel (well, there's Harry Potter, but that doesn't really count, as almost everyone has found love with most of them).
What's not to love about talking books, and enchanting teas made especially for the person their given to, or color changing flowers that fill the town of Dove Pond. These are only a few things that are part of this quirky, cute, and whimsical read. The other parts that fill these pages, are the great characters that become lifelong friends, and even more so, family.
Mama G being my top fave, along with Sarah Dove and her belief in magic and those around her. The town of Dove Pond that come together in times of crisis, including setting out in groups through a crazy storm that looks to have no end, just to bring back one of their own. Then there are those little things like the town settings that join them throughout, including the town hall, the quaint restaurant of theirs, the main festival no one wants to miss, and so much more.
I can't recommend this novel enough, it's my first top five star of the year. And, yes, that might seem a little high, a little too much of a gush, but I really did love everything about this novel. It all came together when it was supposed to, and the magic was just the right amount to make it feel realistic enough, part of the Dove Pond charm you're going to want to be welcomed into. Even more so, Trav... yup, you're going to want to get to know Trav. Smiles for days!
***I received this copy from Gallery Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
morningcoffeeowl's review against another edition
3.0
A solid 3 stars. This was a light, easy read with a simple plot. There main conflict in the book didn't feel high stakes and a large event that was the focal point of a large portion of the novel was glossed over at the end. This book wasn't plot-driven, but more so character-driven. The book is told from 3 POVs and there is significant development in 2 of those 3 characters. There was a touch of magic realism, which I was first introduced to by [b:Garden Spells|1158967|Garden Spells (Waverley Family, #1)|Sarah Addison Allen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347309330l/1158967._SY75_.jpg|2689445]. I enjoyed Sarah's relationship with books and Ava's relationship with plants and herbs. I will definitely check out the second book.
ammbooks's review against another edition
5.0
You can't go wrong when a story starts out with books "speaking" to Sarah. It was a little magical with a hint of romance. Lookimgmforeardmto this series. Thank you ms Hawkims for a story (and series I hope) that i can recommend to advance readers that are not of age for sex scenes.