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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Thanks Avon and NetGalley for the gifted DRC book.
Like Dear Dotty, Lucky Break is a novel about finding yourself and also includes an adorable dog (this one is named Potato).
Embracing lake life in a small town, this women’s fiction combines low-stakes mystery with a light romantic subplot to explore themes of grief, community, second chance, found family, and infertility (which was handled with care). It’s largely character-driven – vibes over plot – with a slower pace that fits the lake life feeling of relaxing by or on the water while reading. I felt a bit confused about the genre as it doesn’t neatly fit into any given category, though at the same time I was completely unbothered by this.
Something I appreciate about the way Westlake writes characters in this and her prior book is that people have bodily autonomy. There are characters with children and characters without, all of whom are valued. There’s no push of the “must get married and pop out kids in order to fulfill life’s purpose” narrative. It’s fantastic to read.
Dear Dotty remains my favorite, though Lucky Break was still an enjoyable read fitting for summer.
Is this a fun summer/beach read? It can be, but be forewarned that this romance novel has a bit more depth and weight than the cover suggests.
I personally love that the author covered topics such as infertility, adult friendships, the ebb and flow of relationships, family dynamics, autistic representation, death of a best friend, etc.
The book has good character development and a good mix of internal + external conflicts. There's also a little bit of mystery in the plot, so not purely romance. I liked it, but it may not be everyone's cup of tea if you're looking for a traditional romance read.
I personally love that the author covered topics such as infertility, adult friendships, the ebb and flow of relationships, family dynamics, autistic representation, death of a best friend, etc.
The book has good character development and a good mix of internal + external conflicts. There's also a little bit of mystery in the plot, so not purely romance. I liked it, but it may not be everyone's cup of tea if you're looking for a traditional romance read.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a great book. The audio version is superb. Mystery, great characters, serious, funny and human issues. It has it all.
emotional
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a well written book about self discovery in a world of dangers and changes. I honestly went in anticipating this to be a romance, so I was slightly disappointed that it wasn’t just romance lol. Eliza is a very interesting but likable character. I wish her relationship with Hannah was talked about more, at least outside of her head. I loved her neighbors, except for <spolier> the cheating plot between two of them . That addition was really complicated, but I do think it was handled in a very human manner. Jaclyn covers infertility in a very respectful way and it felt very real and researched. I really do love Eliza and Potato, and I think that the epilogue was the sweetest thing. I absolutely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the digital ARC! All opinions are my own.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this read. I found it to be a fairly low angst story about a woman reevaluating her life after she and her (now ex) fiance come to grips with her infertility.
She takes the opportunity to start fresh by moving to a small town looking to increase their permanent residents.
She meets a whole bunch of neighbors, each with their own interesting stories and secrets. I found I didn't just want to find out how her story progressed, but theirs as well.
I enjoyed the mystery element involving the previous owner of her house, though the resolution did seem a bit quick and tidy.
The romance was cute and pretty low key. I think if you're used to the majority of contemporary romance stories where the main leads fall fast and hard, you might be underwhelmed by this slower zero spice connection.
Considering she just came off an emotional engagement however, I think it came across as realistically paced.
Overall it was a fun light little read with engaging characters, and I loved the addition of all the rescue pups ❤️ Makes me want to name a pet Potato 😄
She takes the opportunity to start fresh by moving to a small town looking to increase their permanent residents.
She meets a whole bunch of neighbors, each with their own interesting stories and secrets. I found I didn't just want to find out how her story progressed, but theirs as well.
I enjoyed the mystery element involving the previous owner of her house, though the resolution did seem a bit quick and tidy.
The romance was cute and pretty low key. I think if you're used to the majority of contemporary romance stories where the main leads fall fast and hard, you might be underwhelmed by this slower zero spice connection.
Considering she just came off an emotional engagement however, I think it came across as realistically paced.
Overall it was a fun light little read with engaging characters, and I loved the addition of all the rescue pups ❤️ Makes me want to name a pet Potato 😄
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility
Minor: Death, Car accident