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taliabasma's review against another edition
The start was a tad too slow and I wasn’t really vibing with the FMC.
melaniesreads's review against another edition
4.0
My first winter read and the first from this author (it won’t be my last). I went into it thinking it would be my first nice cosy little Christmassy read too. I was wrong! It is an emotional wringer of a book that whilst there is some sweet and light moments there are also plenty filled with hopelessness and grief. So much so that I began to wonder if I would be crying with tears of sadness or joy by the end. It turns out it was a little of both.
I loved Holly and Jake and the dual timelines and alternating narration really brought them to life and gave me more details into the kind of people they were and the hardships they have both faced. I also defy anyone not to fall in love with Mr Pickles, the cutest rescue dog who brings them together in their care for him.
This is a movingly poignant read with just the right balance between dark and light to satisfy cosy romance lovers and those who want a little more depth to their stories. Showing that sometimes a chance of love is worth taking a risk for.
I loved Holly and Jake and the dual timelines and alternating narration really brought them to life and gave me more details into the kind of people they were and the hardships they have both faced. I also defy anyone not to fall in love with Mr Pickles, the cutest rescue dog who brings them together in their care for him.
This is a movingly poignant read with just the right balance between dark and light to satisfy cosy romance lovers and those who want a little more depth to their stories. Showing that sometimes a chance of love is worth taking a risk for.
sarahlong224's review against another edition
4.0
Grief and losing loved ones is a heavy theme in the book, meaning I found it quite sad but it has a lovely happy ending and reflects a more real relationship dealing with personal trauma
chayybravi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.5
Beautiful Story
livvwestt's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
katewhite77's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Perfect For Those Who Struggle With Christmas. Perfect For Those Who Struggle With Christmas.
This is a story about grief, love hope, the beauty of wood, found family, the dangers of the sea and triumph over adversity. Oh and it stars a really cute dog.
This is a story about grief, love hope, the beauty of wood, found family, the dangers of the sea and triumph over adversity. Oh and it stars a really cute dog.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Grief, and Cancer
travelsalongmybookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Both Jake and Hollie have had some tough times. They are both lovely people and the book starts with us getting know them and some of their backstory.
Hollie, fiercely proud of her family and the Starfish Cafe but torn apart by her loss of them. Now focussing of the cafe, her relationship has ended and she feels like she is marking time.
Jake, who has never felt good enough, missing his Nanna who cared for him so deeply and was so protective of him, especially from his sister- a real nasty piece of work but a fabulous creation!
Their pathways cross with the help of the lovely Mr. Pickles, the dog - I had a little butterfly squeak as they hit it off
Hollie, fiercely proud of her family and the Starfish Cafe but torn apart by her loss of them. Now focussing of the cafe, her relationship has ended and she feels like she is marking time.
Jake, who has never felt good enough, missing his Nanna who cared for him so deeply and was so protective of him, especially from his sister- a real nasty piece of work but a fabulous creation!
Their pathways cross with the help of the lovely Mr. Pickles, the dog - I had a little butterfly squeak as they hit it off
jillianreadsalot's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
coffeebooksandescape's review against another edition
5.0
“You think Mr Pickles is bad? His full name is Mr Piccalilli Marmaduke Fluffington the Third.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is the perfect winter-warmer! The first chapter is set on Bonfire Night, from the perspective of the female lead. As the book progresses, the introduction of a male lead character is made. The chapters switch between their perspectives, throughout the years leading up to the present day, when as any good chick-lit fiction book allows, the characters finally meet, on bonfire night too of course!
It’s a really heart warming tale and the characters are wholeheartedly easy to connect with on every level! You get to experience their lives with them, from loves to losses, laughs to depressors. I laughed at chapters, cried at chapters and smiled like a big romantic idiot at chapters too. Not many books are capable of all emotions!
If you’re looking for a book that isn’t overly Christmassy but helps with feel-good vibes, this is the book! Be patient with it as the story reveals itself, it’s worth every page!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is the perfect winter-warmer! The first chapter is set on Bonfire Night, from the perspective of the female lead. As the book progresses, the introduction of a male lead character is made. The chapters switch between their perspectives, throughout the years leading up to the present day, when as any good chick-lit fiction book allows, the characters finally meet, on bonfire night too of course!
It’s a really heart warming tale and the characters are wholeheartedly easy to connect with on every level! You get to experience their lives with them, from loves to losses, laughs to depressors. I laughed at chapters, cried at chapters and smiled like a big romantic idiot at chapters too. Not many books are capable of all emotions!
If you’re looking for a book that isn’t overly Christmassy but helps with feel-good vibes, this is the book! Be patient with it as the story reveals itself, it’s worth every page!
kiki_mcl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
2.75
The writing is good but I found the characters and what they went through a bit much. Hollie and Jake are too good and Larissa/Serena are too bad.