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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I'm not sure how to rate this one....I listened to it in 2 days because it was short and easy.
I wanted something light, cozy, Christmasy, and it was set in Scotland - so bonus. But I'm wondering if straight-forward romance is for me. Without some other plat device, I was kind of bored with the story. Woman inherits bookstore in Scotland and falls in love - what's not to like? Well, quite a bit actually.
I think part of my issue is that I wasn't a fan of the narrator for Rosie's POV. She felt whiny and annoyingly stupid for someone who's supposed to be intelligent. She spends the entire first two thirds of the book in the bookstore, not adjusting to the fact that she just moved to Scotland or exploring her new town. She miraculously makes new friends without problem even though she's an introvert and newcomer. The story also really moved. Rosie and Alexander fell in love, in like a week. It was so fast.
The conflict felt added because that's how narrative structure works and not because it was necessary for the plot. Similarly, the magic match-making felt unnecessary and almost like an afterthought. The magic was so mundane too - maybe a haunting and an enchanted magnifying glass - that's it.
I rolled my eyes so many times and really noticed the repetitious phrases the author liked: "new/big adventure," "lips that begged to be kissed," "hair that I could run my hands through." UGH. And so so cheesy. And Rosie kept touching her arms/shoulder and was so awkward.
The puffin rescue, book bitches, window competition, and Alexander were fine. I also liked that Rosie wasn't 18 and super thin. She was curvier and I like more of the representation. Overall, just ok.
I wanted something light, cozy, Christmasy, and it was set in Scotland - so bonus. But I'm wondering if straight-forward romance is for me. Without some other plat device, I was kind of bored with the story. Woman inherits bookstore in Scotland and falls in love - what's not to like? Well, quite a bit actually.
I think part of my issue is that I wasn't a fan of the narrator for Rosie's POV. She felt whiny and annoyingly stupid for someone who's supposed to be intelligent. She spends the entire first two thirds of the book in the bookstore, not adjusting to the fact that she just moved to Scotland or exploring her new town. She miraculously makes new friends without problem even though she's an introvert and newcomer. The story also really moved. Rosie and Alexander fell in love, in like a week. It was so fast.
The conflict felt added because that's how narrative structure works and not because it was necessary for the plot. Similarly, the magic match-making felt unnecessary and almost like an afterthought. The magic was so mundane too - maybe a haunting and an enchanted magnifying glass - that's it.
I rolled my eyes so many times and really noticed the repetitious phrases the author liked: "new/big adventure," "lips that begged to be kissed," "hair that I could run my hands through." UGH. And so so cheesy. And Rosie kept touching her arms/shoulder and was so awkward.
The puffin rescue, book bitches, window competition, and Alexander were fine. I also liked that Rosie wasn't 18 and super thin. She was curvier and I like more of the representation. Overall, just ok.
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
lighthearted
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read in audio 4.5 out of 5 stars:I loved Rosie being taken in by the town along with the Book B******* (sorry but that is not a word I am comfortable with )and willing to take the risk to make a change. Her friendship with Jessica is definitely one people should aspire too.
I also loved Alexander saving Tatty (the puffin) and being bullied into his name. I loved the matchmaking aspect of this especially of the magic of it. The window displays were something I wished I could see in real life. I loved the cozy small town vibes and the description of the book store in general. While I did enjoy the spice as always the biggest let down is the third act , but I loved the bonus chapter. Tricia O'Malley is quickly becoming one of my comfort authors.
I also loved Alexander saving Tatty (the puffin) and being bullied into his name.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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:
Complicated
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes