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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
This was a cute novel about a daughter from America who travels back (and ends up living in) to the UK after her mom dies. Her mom left her when she was young to live in London, and the book alternates between current day with her daughter learning more about her mom and in the past, with the perspective from her mom’s point of view. And of course there is some romance sprinkled in there, but the main characters are the mom and daughter. I thought there were elements of the story that were cute and cozy - like the setting in London and owning a book store. But there were other plot lines that I found too hard to believe, like the fact that a mom wouldn’t fight harder to be back in her daughter’s life and that a man she went on 3 dates with would be the love of her life / the one that got away even decades later. The romance in both timelines was pretty forgettable.
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
A quick read that I couldn’t put down. It felt like sitting down with an old friend over a cup of tea. The plot was sweet and hopeful, light with just a touch of drama that never lingered too long. The pace of the read was decent with lovable characters and vivid descriptions of scenery, making it easy to simply fall into the book.
This is a book recommended to those looking for something light and quick, with relatable characters and a story that hits all the right spots. Perfect summer read, or a book to bring along on your next vacation when something easy is needed.
This is a book recommended to those looking for something light and quick, with relatable characters and a story that hits all the right spots. Perfect summer read, or a book to bring along on your next vacation when something easy is needed.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
No
I liked the premise but it lost stars for being SO contrived.
Valentina inherits a London bookstore in the Primrose Hill district from her mother, Eloise, who had abandoned her when she was a child. Even as an adult, Valentina doesn’t understand how a woman could desert her child and then never even try to contact her – and she can’t let go of the anger and pain her mother caused. Eloise’s actions have left a huge hole in Valentina, a chasm that Valentina is sure can never be filled. Valentina arrives in London determined to sell the bookstore, pocket the proceeds, and return to the States to begin her life again. However, Eloise has left her written clues that she always ended, “Come Find Me.” As Valentina finds each clue, she finds something she hadn’t known about her mother – and she finds herself falling in love with the bookstore, its patrons, and the neighborhood surrounding it.
Jio has written a book that is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will have her readers wanting her to find the next clue and then the next. She also takes us into Eloise’s life in alternating chapters. She has, essentially, written two novels, and her skills as a writer are on full display here. Eloise and Valentina both come alive to the reader who will find she wants to know more and more about the two women.
Readers will smile a lot and maybe even shed a few tears along the way to an ending that makes sense.
If you like character-driven books, put this must-read at the top of your TBR list.
My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an eARC.
Jio has written a book that is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will have her readers wanting her to find the next clue and then the next. She also takes us into Eloise’s life in alternating chapters. She has, essentially, written two novels, and her skills as a writer are on full display here. Eloise and Valentina both come alive to the reader who will find she wants to know more and more about the two women.
Readers will smile a lot and maybe even shed a few tears along the way to an ending that makes sense.
If you like character-driven books, put this must-read at the top of your TBR list.
My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an eARC.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
i was pleasantly surprised by this story. not what i expected at all but it followed along nicely. might reread
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Sexual content