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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Penelope is a romance novelist getting ready to head to her parents’ home for Thanksgiving. She’s had many ups and downs with her family, and this year she’s hoping for a smooth visit so that she can pitch a new venture she’s been working on. Everything starts to go downhill pretty quickly when she discovers that the man joining her in a rideshare from the airport is her ex-husband.
I can definitely relate to being worried about how a family gathering might turn out, especially having to explain life choices to family members who may not understand. Families can have such complex dynamics, and this is certainly the case with the Banks family. From Penelope’s dad’s high expectations, her mom wanting to set her up with someone from her dad’s office, and her relationship with her twin sister that has changed over the years. Some of the secondary characters (the smut coven and Sarah) felt a bit rushed, but I understand there was a lot going on to give them due time.
Over the course of a few days, Penelope learns a lot about showing up authentically and allowing her family to see her true self - without the sarcastic remarks, jokes, and drama. I enjoyed the flashbacks to key Thanksgivings prior to help set the stage for this current family dinner and dynamic. I also loved the hints of astrology, the moon and crystals. It was delightful to watch her romance with Martin unfold - what a gem.
Overall this was a lovely debut from Brooke Abrams!
I can definitely relate to being worried about how a family gathering might turn out, especially having to explain life choices to family members who may not understand. Families can have such complex dynamics, and this is certainly the case with the Banks family. From Penelope’s dad’s high expectations, her mom wanting to set her up with someone from her dad’s office, and her relationship with her twin sister that has changed over the years. Some of the secondary characters (the smut coven and Sarah) felt a bit rushed, but I understand there was a lot going on to give them due time.
Over the course of a few days, Penelope learns a lot about showing up authentically and allowing her family to see her true self - without the sarcastic remarks, jokes, and drama. I enjoyed the flashbacks to key Thanksgivings prior to help set the stage for this current family dinner and dynamic. I also loved the hints of astrology, the moon and crystals. It was delightful to watch her romance with Martin unfold - what a gem.
Overall this was a lovely debut from Brooke Abrams!
This book is laugh out loud funny. It's witty, charming, and has a storyline that anyone can relate to. I loved the main characters, even with all of their "flaws", and overall just had fun with this one.
A quick, fun read for my August First Reads choice. The humor and wit were well done - not forced or cheesy which is how I normally feel when authors employ it as a tool in those stories. The love stories woven in made me feel the gut punches and the desire. Truly impressed with this debut book.
Brooke Abrams is an incredible talent! An entertaining and hilarious read. There aren't many books that can actually make me LOL, but this one had my roommates running in wondering what was so funny. The protagonist is clever and earnest and has conflicts with everyone else in the novel. There is always some sort of mishap, but it isn't void of emotion either. Depth and Hahas! I couldn't ask for a better read.
Note: I have changed my group chat with my BFF's to Smut Coven, as I am LIVING for that name.
Note: I have changed my group chat with my BFF's to Smut Coven, as I am LIVING for that name.
This was a delight to read - like a favorite romcom movie, complete with complex family dynamics, misunderstandings, and a couple of excellent suitors. Love the bits of astrology added. Highly recommend!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
I loved this. It was funny and emotional. I chuckled out loud a lot. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I just wish it was a longer story and maybe went into the coven a bit more.
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really really enjoyed this book! It hooked me in immediately. It was both light hearted and funny while also having depth and real emotion. The banter between the characters was so enjoyable. I laughed right out loud a few times which is not something a book can often make me do. The look into the dynamics and dysfunction of a family, especially around the holidays, was great. There were some parts that could have afforded to move along faster (the ride share chapter) and other areas that could have used a bit more developing, but overall I really liked this book and would definitely read future books by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I knew I was going to love this book when there was a Pretty in Pink movie reference in the first few pages! This story was beautiful, heartwarming, and a read I could get lost in. I loved it!!