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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
lighthearted
reflective
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
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review may contain mild spoilers
This was a solid 3 -star read for me.
This book had a little bit of everything, friendships, romance, mystery, family dynamics, found family and small-town vibes and I enjoyed all of it. This book also had disability, queer, and infertility representation included in the story. The romance was a slow burn and not necessarily the main plot so do not expect there to be a lot of spice. Also, this book had amazing side characters, and I loved every single one of them!
Our MFC, Eliza, moves to a lake town to reinvent herself and we get to go on her journey of rediscovery. I was sucked in and could not stop turning the page to see what was going to happen next. Because there were so many sub-plots this book was an easy quick read. Joel, our MMC was just so sweet and endearing and I enjoyed that I did not have to suffer through another alfa male MMC.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a heartwarming book with a dash of mystery about a women finding herself and falling in love with all the things in life, herself, her new friends, and her adopted 3-legged dog Potato, and so much more!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. #LuckyBreak #NetGalley
This review may contain mild spoilers
This was a solid 3 -star read for me.
This book had a little bit of everything, friendships, romance, mystery, family dynamics, found family and small-town vibes and I enjoyed all of it. This book also had disability, queer, and infertility representation included in the story. The romance was a slow burn and not necessarily the main plot so do not expect there to be a lot of spice. Also, this book had amazing side characters, and I loved every single one of them!
Our MFC, Eliza, moves to a lake town to reinvent herself and we get to go on her journey of rediscovery. I was sucked in and could not stop turning the page to see what was going to happen next. Because there were so many sub-plots this book was an easy quick read. Joel, our MMC was just so sweet and endearing and I enjoyed that I did not have to suffer through another alfa male MMC.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a heartwarming book with a dash of mystery about a women finding herself and falling in love with all the things in life, herself, her new friends, and her adopted 3-legged dog Potato, and so much more!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. #LuckyBreak #NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️ Thank you for the ARC. The cover and title are what initially drew me into the book. This book did not hit the spot for me… I wish the romance had been more front and center in the story, but instead it was more of after thought IMO. Overall it was a decent book.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The cover for Lucky Break by Jaclyn Westlake was what initially drew to the novel. Then I read the synopsis and knew I had to read it. I love a book where a character moves to a brand-new place to start over and reinvent themselves after their life takes a turn for the worst and that’s exactly what we get here. I love the aspect of the mysterious town, the quirky townspeople, and the beautiful descriptions of the setting. If I were to move to reinvent myself, I’d choose a place like this just as our FMC Eliza does. But this isn’t a story of just moving on with her life. This story encompasses a mystery, a new romance with a man who is also new to the area, and a found family trope that I adored. If you’re a fan of this and enjoy a diverse set of characters, then I recommend checking it out. Just be warned this isn’t a romance novel. I’d say it’s more of a women’s fiction with a romance subplot. I know not a lot of romance readers like this and want a full-on romance but if you’re like me and enjoy women’s fiction then you’ll love this one! It’s a great read for the summer.
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
This book surprised me in the best possible way!
I was expecting a cozy small town romance, and it absolutely was, but it was also just as much mystery which was so much fun to try and uncover.
I fell in love with the community of Juneberry Lake and especially the neighbors on Loon Ln. Each of these side characters had unique personalities and roles to play in this mystery. I loved their weekend bbq and book clubs, but also that they all had their own secrets they were not willing to give up to a newcomer easily.
It was cute and fun and intriguing!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Harper for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I was expecting a cozy small town romance, and it absolutely was, but it was also just as much mystery which was so much fun to try and uncover.
I fell in love with the community of Juneberry Lake and especially the neighbors on Loon Ln. Each of these side characters had unique personalities and roles to play in this mystery. I loved their weekend bbq and book clubs, but also that they all had their own secrets they were not willing to give up to a newcomer easily.
It was cute and fun and intriguing!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Harper for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with this ARC.
I love the premise of Lucky Break, but did not like it as much as I’d hoped that I would have. It does do well in creating representation and inclusion within the book which was great to read.
The setting follows Eliza as she relocates to Juneberry Lake after breaking up with her fiancé. This is the perfect hallmark town that she’d always imagined. As she gets to know the people, she quickly realizes there are secrets everyone is holding onto including herself.
As far as feedback goes, there were too many plot lines at once. The varying plot lines the book a little hard to follow and remember as things kept happening back to back. I think this had the potential to be a serious following the side characters we meet and their development. After reading, I was still left with some questions especially regarding Erica. The plot felt resolved but also not. I really did enjoy the idea of Eliza relocating to find herself within this “hallmark” town. But again, there was a lot going on and I almost wish it stuck to two plot lines so that it could have been better flushed out.
I love the premise of Lucky Break, but did not like it as much as I’d hoped that I would have. It does do well in creating representation and inclusion within the book which was great to read.
The setting follows Eliza as she relocates to Juneberry Lake after breaking up with her fiancé. This is the perfect hallmark town that she’d always imagined. As she gets to know the people, she quickly realizes there are secrets everyone is holding onto including herself.
As far as feedback goes, there were too many plot lines at once. The varying plot lines the book a little hard to follow and remember as things kept happening back to back. I think this had the potential to be a serious following the side characters we meet and their development. After reading, I was still left with some questions especially regarding Erica. The plot felt resolved but also not. I really did enjoy the idea of Eliza relocating to find herself within this “hallmark” town. But again, there was a lot going on and I almost wish it stuck to two plot lines so that it could have been better flushed out.
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
Thank you to Avon Books for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Lucky Break is the perfect summer read if you are looking for something wholesome, charming, and feel-good but not too fluffy. There’s a dash of romance, but it’s not a full out romance novel. There’s an intriguing mystery, but it’s not sinister. And perhaps most importantly, there is Potato the three-legged dog, who is particular about what she likes to watch on TV and has strong feelings about corn.
Let’s backup to the setup: Eliza Colletti lives in San Francisco not far from her parents and brother, who run the family’s Italian bakery. An eldest daughter, recovering perfectionist (hi it’s me), and planner through and through, Eliza is checking off items on her life plan one by one, until things suddenly take a turn that she definitely didn’t plan for. As she tries to figure out her next move, Eliza spots an ad offering an incentive to move to the small Minnesota town of Juneberry Lake. Figuring she has nothing to lose, she takes a chance and makes a big change.
Let’s talk about Juneberry Lake a little more. I loved spending time with Eliza there, taking in the lake itself and everything else the town had to offer. Who wouldn’t want to check out the Black Bear Brew Cafe or watch a Vikings game at the Common Loon sports bar? I also had fun getting to know characters including Eliza’s new neighbors, cafe owner Trish, and Eliza’s handsome new friend Joel. The book struck the perfect balance between allowing the reader to spend time with the characters in the town but also providing enough intrigue to keep things interesting.
This book also has plenty of representation, which was great to see: a beloved character with autism, a spunky little girl who uses a wheelchair, and more. Top that off with the perfect millennial pop culture references and this was a lovely read! Well done, Jaclyn, and happy pub day!
Lucky Break is the perfect summer read if you are looking for something wholesome, charming, and feel-good but not too fluffy. There’s a dash of romance, but it’s not a full out romance novel. There’s an intriguing mystery, but it’s not sinister. And perhaps most importantly, there is Potato the three-legged dog, who is particular about what she likes to watch on TV and has strong feelings about corn.
Let’s backup to the setup: Eliza Colletti lives in San Francisco not far from her parents and brother, who run the family’s Italian bakery. An eldest daughter, recovering perfectionist (hi it’s me), and planner through and through, Eliza is checking off items on her life plan one by one, until things suddenly take a turn that she definitely didn’t plan for. As she tries to figure out her next move, Eliza spots an ad offering an incentive to move to the small Minnesota town of Juneberry Lake. Figuring she has nothing to lose, she takes a chance and makes a big change.
Let’s talk about Juneberry Lake a little more. I loved spending time with Eliza there, taking in the lake itself and everything else the town had to offer. Who wouldn’t want to check out the Black Bear Brew Cafe or watch a Vikings game at the Common Loon sports bar? I also had fun getting to know characters including Eliza’s new neighbors, cafe owner Trish, and Eliza’s handsome new friend Joel. The book struck the perfect balance between allowing the reader to spend time with the characters in the town but also providing enough intrigue to keep things interesting.
This book also has plenty of representation, which was great to see: a beloved character with autism, a spunky little girl who uses a wheelchair, and more. Top that off with the perfect millennial pop culture references and this was a lovely read! Well done, Jaclyn, and happy pub day!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Infertility
Will write full review asap. Loved the book a lot. Very plot driven but with so much character development and even some sleuthing and meddling parents sprinkled in. Loved the small town drama as I grew up in a Midwest tiny town and the tea was always piping but the sources were not always reliable much like in the book.