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jess_polishedcomma's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was a light, low-investment listen. I had a hard time liking a bunch of characters, but I think it was the intent of the author to make them a bit abrasive. I didn't really buy the romance arc, to be honest; I found it to be more of a side plot rather than being significant enough to call this a "romance".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Fatphobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Gun violence and Pedophilia
There is discussion of a POW not of majority age who istmo256's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
2.5
I enjoy Jenny Colgan’s books, filled with searching, struggling characters who always manage to find their place in the end. But it does seem like she has a serious anti-fat bias, describing in detail the fatness of antagonists in her stories. In this book, a major plot point revolves around a character calling a child fat, which obviously is a wild thing to say to a child, but also seems to be the worst insult one can make. I’m pretty sure this is the last book of hers I’ll read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
izzy_v's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
5 stars for Christmas romance vibes, cute old cobblestone streets with snow and the adorable book shop, lovable characters. Knocked it down a star though because the ending felt a bit rushed (the love interest went zero to 100 in the last few chapters) and the main character was quite whiny. Did the job though, fit the vibes we were looking for in this read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
csyip's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Fatphobia
polarheights's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
a_random_fangirl's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Pregnancy
berodatheelf's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found the beginning to be a little slow going, however, it started to pick up when Carmen started working for the bookshop. It was lovely to see her develop in confidence throughout the book. I also enjoyed her developing relationship with her family, especially with her sister, nephew and nieces. The slow burn romance with Oke was fun, although I did want to lock them in a room together at times and force them to communicate (Although it would have been a much shorter book if they had!) My main take away from this book is that I really want to visit Edinburgh!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Pregnancy
beatriks's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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
3.75
I would recommend this book as a Christmas read. The romance is not too dominant, and the characters are cute. I adore the nieces and the people in the shopping street, and I liked the sisterly relationship.
I enjoyed learning more about Edinburgh and trees.
I enjoyed learning more about Edinburgh and trees.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
lori_larsson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
geerbeer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Fatphobia, Medical content, Alcohol, and Classism