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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
I absolutely loved 𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗧 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗟𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗯𝗯𝗶 𝗪𝗮𝘅𝗺𝗮𝗻 (@abbiwaxman)! As a fan of THE BOOKISH LIFE OF NINA HILL, I was thrilled to see Nina make an appearance in this book, along with other familiar faces from THE GARDEN OF SMALL BEGINNINGS. This story has all the charm I’ve come to expect from Waxman: quirky characters, heartwarming friendships, and a sweet love interest. I especially enjoyed watching Laura’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the chaos of starting over in Los Angeles. Her growth, learning to stand up for herself and embrace who she wants to become, was beautifully portrayed. This cozy, uplifting story felt like a warm hug from start to finish. If you love character-driven stories with a touch of humor, this one’s for you!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
2.5 * generously rounded to 3
I enjoyed all of the strange characters that populated Maggie's boarding house and Nina's bookstore in the Larchmont neighborhood of LA - except for two, and they happened to be the main characters.
Laura and Bob acted like pre-teen versions of Romeo and Juliet finding first "love". Their interactions were so awful about "does he/she like me?" that I literally kept falling asleep trying to slog through their angsty ruminations.
It was nearly painful getting to the end, but there were just enough distractions along the way to keep me from chucking it in. Once I saw that SnaggleBuggle was going to be visiting the bookstore and about a zillion kids showed up to see him/her/it, I knew the rest of the book would be highly entertaining.
I enjoyed all of the strange characters that populated Maggie's boarding house and Nina's bookstore in the Larchmont neighborhood of LA - except for two, and they happened to be the main characters.
Laura and Bob acted like pre-teen versions of Romeo and Juliet finding first "love". Their interactions were so awful about "does he/she like me?" that I literally kept falling asleep trying to slog through their angsty ruminations.
It was nearly painful getting to the end, but there were just enough distractions along the way to keep me from chucking it in. Once I saw that SnaggleBuggle was going to be visiting the bookstore and about a zillion kids showed up to see him/her/it, I knew the rest of the book would be highly entertaining.
Bumping up to 4.5 stars. I loved the Bookish Life of Nina Hill a couple years ago and was excited to read this new story that includes Nina and her bookstore peeps. Thank you PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook, which was so well done!
When Laura Costello moves to Los Angeles, trying to escape an overprotective family and the haunting memories of a terrible accident, she doesn’t expect to be homeless after a week. She also doesn't expect to find herself adopted by a rogue bookseller, installed in a lovely but completely illegal boardinghouse, or challenged to save a losing trivia team from ignominy…but that’s what happens.
I really enjoyed this new cast of quirky, lovable characters from Abi Waxman. Polly is bold and hilarious. Maggie is tenderhearted and empathetic. Nina is just her introverted, bookish self. And then there’s “impossibly handsome” Bob who is clearly Laura’s kindred spirit.
I appreciated the strong mental health aspects of this story too. Laura is dealing with some overwhelming trauma that had been discounted by her family and her ex-fiancé. Laura’s new found family helps her see that it’s ok to seek help, that it’s ok to not be okay, and that being herself is better than being what others want or expect.
The story was somewhat predictable and some POV changes seemed abrupt at times, but overall this is a big, warm hearted story that will leave you smiling.
When Laura Costello moves to Los Angeles, trying to escape an overprotective family and the haunting memories of a terrible accident, she doesn’t expect to be homeless after a week. She also doesn't expect to find herself adopted by a rogue bookseller, installed in a lovely but completely illegal boardinghouse, or challenged to save a losing trivia team from ignominy…but that’s what happens.
I really enjoyed this new cast of quirky, lovable characters from Abi Waxman. Polly is bold and hilarious. Maggie is tenderhearted and empathetic. Nina is just her introverted, bookish self. And then there’s “impossibly handsome” Bob who is clearly Laura’s kindred spirit.
I appreciated the strong mental health aspects of this story too. Laura is dealing with some overwhelming trauma that had been discounted by her family and her ex-fiancé. Laura’s new found family helps her see that it’s ok to seek help, that it’s ok to not be okay, and that being herself is better than being what others want or expect.
The story was somewhat predictable and some POV changes seemed abrupt at times, but overall this is a big, warm hearted story that will leave you smiling.
[Audiobook]
3.5
After loving the Bookish Life of Nina Hill, I was expecting something as quirky and singular, which I must confess this novel is not. We find some of the characters of Nina Hill, but this time the focus is on a new one, Laura, who has just arrived in L.A. and ends up befriending Polly and Nina and becoming Polly's flatmate.
If you're looking for a cute romance with a bit more to it, though, you won't be disappointed. Laura, even if not as quirky as Nina, is very lovable, and we can't help rooting for her. She will have to stand up for herself and her choices, she will need to face her fears' roots and, evidently, she will find a romantic interest. This is not an overcheesy romance, nor an oversteamy one. I quite enjoyed listening to it.
TW : PTSD, panic attacks
3.5
After loving the Bookish Life of Nina Hill, I was expecting something as quirky and singular, which I must confess this novel is not. We find some of the characters of Nina Hill, but this time the focus is on a new one, Laura, who has just arrived in L.A. and ends up befriending Polly and Nina and becoming Polly's flatmate.
If you're looking for a cute romance with a bit more to it, though, you won't be disappointed. Laura, even if not as quirky as Nina, is very lovable, and we can't help rooting for her. She will have to stand up for herself and her choices, she will need to face her fears' roots and, evidently, she will find a romantic interest. This is not an overcheesy romance, nor an oversteamy one. I quite enjoyed listening to it.
TW : PTSD, panic attacks
Good story about a woman who moves across the country to LA after a car accident to go to grad school for PT. She moves into a home that is shared by several people. One of them is bob who she likes. They have several moments and at the very end they get together.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
Love a bunch of friends just helping each other out with life
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Loveable characters:
Yes