Reviews

Autumn at Apple Hill by Angie Ellington

readlovereviewblog's review against another edition

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3.0

Get a taste of sweet autumn romance with this short story. This later-in-life story is written mainly in the third person with a very narrative feel to the story. It isn't easy to connect with the characters and feel their emotions. The scenery and setting are amazing and genuinely give you the Autumn feels. I love the charm of the small town and the Bed and Breakfast. Although the author is very charismatic with her story, especially the ending, I have to be honest. I was slightly bored by the book. I think that's because the romance was sweet and just starting, the drama was too quickly dealt with, and the narrative was too drawn out in the story. Also, I wouldn't call this a romantic comedy, more just a clean romance.

Elise decides to take over her grandparent's Bed and breakfast in Maine. Her life has been changing in the past year, and this opportunity is just what she is looking for. Strangely, the book is written in almost the third person or with a narrator informing you of the character's actions.

I do like that Elise is honest and a little feisty. Luke, however, I'm not sure what to think about him, yet the interaction thus far isn't favorable. Apple Hill and Portland, Maine, seem to have some idyllic spots for dates and new ventures. The characters are long-winded in some conversations, and it is more like a third-person paragraph than an actual conversation. This book ends sweet, but I didn't read the epilogue.

pattyfgd's review against another edition

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5.0

I love small town romances and this one fits the bill perfectly. Elise has moved back home to run her family Bed and Breakfast. It has been her dream, and newly divorced sees this as her fresh start. When Luke comes in with his smug attitude, they clash immediately. But the more time they spend together, the more the air changes. This book has such a wonderfully warm feeling to it. You just want to visit this place and delve into the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the peacefulness. Elise is the person you would love to have as a friend. Her personality is warm and loving. Luke has some rough edges, but once smoothed out, he proves his worth. There are definitely some issues between the two. But that is what makes a great story. Ellington also adds in some funny scenes, like Elise and the biscuits...but you will have to listen to hear it! This is a great afternoon listen, relaxing for the weekend.

I have never heard Emily Coupe before and found she has a very pleasant voice.She has a variety of voices and for the most part it's easy to tell who is speaking. There are a couple of places it does get a little murky and then clears up again. Her pacing is good and she adds a lot to this story.

ameserole's review against another edition

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3.0

I hate Gabe.

Autumn at Apple Hill was a cute little book. In it, you will meet Elise. She married the love of her life when she was just 22 years old. Well, she thought he was the love of her life. Turns out Gabe sucked ass because he was cheating on her with a 22 year old 8 years into their marriage. Talk about heart break and well deserved divorce.

Elise goes back home to a B&B called Apple Hill. She grew up there so it was very nostalgic to go back and live her new life. Of course, romance is in the air because Luke comes into the picture. At first, these two start off on the wrong foot. Eventually, though, they start to feel something for one another. It was very cute to see everything grow between them.

Overall, this second chance at romance was enjoyable to listen to. Will definitely look forward to another cute book by this author.

bookaholic_abby's review against another edition

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1.0

I thought this book had a lot of promise when I read the synopsis. It promised to be wistful and nostalgic and have an endearing love story. However, once I started reading it I quickly realized that there were a few fundamental issues with it.

1. The author had a lot of trouble picking appropriate words to describe the mood or the conversations that were had in the book. A lot of the words she used did not fit the environment of the book. Many times I found myself wondering if it was supposed to be set in Victorian England rather than modern Portland, Maine. It felt very scripted rather than flowing like a natural conversation should have been.
2. Also, it was cringy just how many times she used the word “as” in place of words like “since”, “because” etc.. Or instead of just changing the sentence structure for it to flow more naturally. For example:
a. “I don’t want to disappoint you, either, as you’re taking a chance….”
b. “I have a staff of fantastic people who are the glue that holds me together, as I needed their guidance…”

It’s ridiculous how many times she used “as” in that way. Every time I’d come across it, I had to resist the urge to toss the book across the room; and there was many, many time the urge welled up.

3. For some reason, everyone is always snickering in this book…. Why are they always snickering??

Overall it seemed like there was not a lot of thought that was put into the book. The author did not take time to think of context, or getting an interesting build to some climax that needed to be resolved. The climax of the book was just a minor misunderstanding between the 2 main characters that got resolved in like half a day. Not to mention the book had a bunch of grammatically questionable things like multiple dialogs being thrown into a single paragraph, which made it hard to distinguish the different people speaking. This is easily one of the more disappointing books that I have read in my lifetime…

monicathebooknerd's review against another edition

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4.0

Very sweet fall read!

Beautiful love story like a Hallmark movie.

bookishlybeauty's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

No description- too much tell not show

wealie's review against another edition

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2.0

2 lacklustre stars - Stilted dialogue with wooden narration of a story about very little that didn't really engage. An instantly forgettable read and boring listen

bhershey5's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

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