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3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
slow-paced
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I only finished this because I kept wanting/thinking it will get better and it never did. Had a lot of potential but awkwardly, confusingly and poorly executed
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not Quite by the Book by Julie Hatcher
Contemporary romance.
Emma Rina has put the family bookshop business as top priority in her life since her mother recovered from an illness years ago. With her sister pregnant and her parents looking at retirement now, Emma realizes she hasn’t had a vacation or time off in more than six years. She decides to prioritize herself and books a six week stay at a cottage in Amherst, in the town where her favorite author, Emily Dickson, used to reside. She’ll be a hermit, just like Emily, during her vacation and make some decisions her future. But no internet or cell service, and a cottage that’s more than 100 years old requires skill that Emma doesn’t have. Like laying and starting a fire in the fireplace. Davis Sommers, the owner and handyman of the cottage is the best looking man Emma has ever seen, but he keeps catching her at her worst. And he’s a little cranky.
Emma finds she’s a people person and not really fit to follow Emily’s footsteps at being a recluse. She falls in love with the small town and the residents. She plants fall flowers and spring bulbs at the cottage. She’s also getting flowers delivered from someone and letters written in calligraphy that aren’t signed either.
Emma’s life has changed while on vacation. Now she needs to think about her future and what she wants in it to be.
A delightful realization that today and tomorrow can be more. Emma’s time away makes her self aware and also opens possibilities without changing everything. She can’t change her parents or sister, but maybe she can talk to them rather than shut them out. Love is more than a single person, place or thing.
The romance is there too, in the story. And it’s sweet and adorable and perfect.
I really enjoyed all the pieces including Emma’s growth and her realizing Emily Dickinson may not have had all the answers as they apply to herself. Plus the hottie that sends her handwritten notes is pretty special too.
Dreamy and delightful.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
emotional
hopeful
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
Could have left out the romance part as it felt forced and just focused on Emma’s journey of self discovery
lighthearted
slow-paced
Your basic romance novel, cute and sweet. Took a bit to get into it. Glad the character got better
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No