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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
Magic realism, Jewish folklore…I enjoyed this author’s other novels and I do believe so many other people have,or really will, enjoy this, but this story wasn’t for me. It was a bit heavier than a rom-com and I didn’t relate to Faye, the FMC at all. I was not invested early on and I found the plot a bit difficult to hold my attention—I didn’t fly through this like a lot of romances and set it down quite often. Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the electronic copy.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did.
Well, if you want a book that starts out like the movie HOT FROSTY (2024) but then turns into the movie IMPERIUM (2016), have I got the "romance" novel for you. If, however, that sounds like two wildly mismatched tones to you, then read on.
I don't think this author was the right person to tackle this subject, especially not in a purported romance novel. And I don't think the editing team was up to snuff, either, starting with their rendering of the word "antisemitism" as "anti-Semitism" throughout the book, despite the long-standing practice of not hyphenating the word for reasons explained here: https://holocaustremembrance.com/reso.... The author also left several clues that she has probably not thought critically about the state of Israel, either, without articulating any real opinion.
Other than the major thematic and tonal failings, the book had a bunch of minor irritating details, as well, such as the fact that the author used the word "quip" eight times, incorrectly each time. At one point, she compared the protagonist's actions to Lizzie Borden, who famously–famously–killed her parents with an axe, not her boyfriend with a hammer. In addition to that, the protagonist credulously uses an "AI research assistant," and the author doesn't seem to think that's a bad thing at all. The protagonist also reads a self-help book that sounds suspiciously like THE SECRET; again, with the author not seeming to think there's anything wrong with that. And she also used the old second-blow-to-the-head-reverses-the-amnesia-from-the-first-blow-to-the-head chestnut.
This book is definitely not for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else, either. I won't be reading any more by this author.
Other than the major thematic and tonal failings, the book had a bunch of minor irritating details, as well, such as the fact that the author used the word "quip" eight times, incorrectly each time. At one point, she compared the protagonist's actions to Lizzie Borden, who famously–famously–killed her parents with an axe, not her boyfriend with a hammer. In addition to that, the protagonist credulously uses an "AI research assistant," and the author doesn't seem to think that's a bad thing at all. The protagonist also reads a self-help book that sounds suspiciously like THE SECRET; again, with the author not seeming to think there's anything wrong with that. And she also used the old second-blow-to-the-head-reverses-the-amnesia-from-the-first-blow-to-the-head chestnut.
This book is definitely not for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else, either. I won't be reading any more by this author.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer is a fun, romantic story, infused with a touch of magic, this novel weaves together well-drawn characters, a unique premise, and a cozy setting. Whether you're a fan of romance, intrigued by Jewish folklore, or simply seeking an uplifting read, Magical Meet Cute promises a delightful escape into a world where everyday moments hold hidden enchantment. I wish there were more magical elements throughout the story, but I still appreciate the author's approach in taking readers on a historical journey through Semitic history and addressing the attacks against it, intertwined with the characters' traumatic yet self-healing experiences.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTrade
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTrade
Wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. It was interesting, it was full of religion, and hate crimes against that religion.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Head injuries, incantations, craft, Judaism, and community come together in this story.