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evelynmeisell's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fivecatsinacoat's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is a sweet Hallmark-esque romance with serious small-town charm. I've seen listings for vacation properties where you also work in a shop or something attached to the rental and none have ever tempted me but the one I saw that was attached to a bookstore. As a book lover, I'd love to run a bookstore, and know that I would really love to stay in a rental like this!
The town is sweet and charming, without being twee, and the townspeople really felt three-dimensional with a lot of backstory and character. The romance was believable and the tension built without being insta-love, which I appreciated. My only gripeis how the whole town kept Roane's secrets and how easily she forgave him and the town. It felt too perfect. Those are huge secrets to keep and honestly I'm not sure I'd be able to forgive like that.
This is a sweet Hallmark-esque romance with serious small-town charm. I've seen listings for vacation properties where you also work in a shop or something attached to the rental and none have ever tempted me but the one I saw that was attached to a bookstore. As a book lover, I'd love to run a bookstore, and know that I would really love to stay in a rental like this!
The town is sweet and charming, without being twee, and the townspeople really felt three-dimensional with a lot of backstory and character. The romance was believable and the tension built without being insta-love, which I appreciated. My only gripe
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Confinement, Child abuse, Sexual content, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Addiction, and Alcoholism
Minor: Animal death and Grief
charm227's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mary00's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This book was a steamier version of a Hallmark movie. I know exactly what I'm going to get with a book like this, and sometimes that is exactly what I need. (I like Hallmark movies, for the record. Sometimes predictability and happy endings fit the bill.)
I thought this book had some witty banter, and I liked the English bookstore setting, although I did have to suspend disbelief a few times.
(Heads up for some language and steamy scenes.)
I thought this book had some witty banter, and I liked the English bookstore setting, although I did have to suspend disbelief a few times.
(Heads up for some language and steamy scenes.)
bookwormbowman's review against another edition
2.0
I thought this was just an okay read. I was disappointed that the “problem” that shook the story was so silly. Some of the situations were unrealistic and hard to get through. Finished it to finish it.
kspedds's review against another edition
3.0
I saw a tiktok that listed this book as objectively great so I was immediately curious. I wouldn't classify it as great, but it was okay!
kiksf's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
kimikat273's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Evie has had enough. Her boyfriend has stood her up and she has been passed over for promotion at work - again. To evaluate her life, she decides to swear off men for a while and follow her dreams. To do this she rents a holiday bookshop in a pretty coastal location in England. All is going well, until she saves a dog from being run over and meets his handsome owner.
This book has everything! A village feud, an 'evil' aunt, unrequited love - I'm not sure there's much more the author could throw at it! But I loved it! What a great read!
My only criticism - and it's a very small one - is how Evie acts when she finds out Roane has a title and is a very rich man. She throws a tantrum and runs back to Chicago! Really? If this was me, I would have been running the man down the aisle, thanking my lucky stars that I would never have to work again! I guess this was the author's way of bringing some 'will they, won't they?' into the story and she is entitled to do that, but this is also the reason why I couldn't give the book a full five stars.
Criticism aside, this is a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book has everything! A village feud, an 'evil' aunt, unrequited love - I'm not sure there's much more the author could throw at it! But I loved it! What a great read!
My only criticism - and it's a very small one - is how Evie acts when she finds out Roane has a title and is a very rich man. She throws a tantrum and runs back to Chicago! Really? If this was me, I would have been running the man down the aisle, thanking my lucky stars that I would never have to work again! I guess this was the author's way of bringing some 'will they, won't they?' into the story and she is entitled to do that, but this is also the reason why I couldn't give the book a full five stars.
Criticism aside, this is a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
sydneytheb's review against another edition
I could not get into this book (listened to the audiobook). The romance was meh, the plot was...not there?, and I just wasn't compelled to find out what happens next. I would recommend reading the Jenny Colgan bookshop books instead of this.