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bookishlychar's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed Jenny Bayliss' 12 Dates of Christmas, so I thought I would pick this one up. This book was definitely not as light hearted as that one. I thought (based on the book blurb) that this would be a romantic grumpy and sunshine, enemies to lovers romance. It was not, it was something much different. The main love interest doesn't even really show up (except for two mentions) until about halfway through the book. This book was more of a woman's fiction with a small bit of romance thrown in.
I did love that this book included a middle aged couple, it is nice to see romance for something other than twenty or thirty somethings. I also really enjoyed the seaside town that Jenny Bayliss created. I was transported and found myself wishing I was there for Christmas. The community that exists in this little seaside town made me feel transported.
Overall, though I wasn't expecting this, it was a good book. I will continue to pick up Jenny Bayliss novels in the future as she writes such fun characters and community.
I did love that this book included a middle aged couple, it is nice to see romance for something other than twenty or thirty somethings. I also really enjoyed the seaside town that Jenny Bayliss created. I was transported and found myself wishing I was there for Christmas. The community that exists in this little seaside town made me feel transported.
Overall, though I wasn't expecting this, it was a good book. I will continue to pick up Jenny Bayliss novels in the future as she writes such fun characters and community.
readbyantonia's review against another edition
Even barely 10% in, there’s unfortunately more things I don’t like than I do like about this book. Maybe I’ll try again closer to Christmas…
abigail9317's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? No
3.5
aliciagull's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
smpowe5's review against another edition
3.0
Wish there were half stars to give this 3.5. I loved the town of willow bay, it’s people and her falling into her new life but the story felt longer than it needed to be. Also wanted more romance with John. Does make you want to holiday in a cozy beach town though.
lcbloodworth's review against another edition
5.0
I loved these characters and this little town so much! I expected more of a rom-com vibe but was pleasantly surprised by the more community focused story instead involving friendship and resilience. A wonderful Holiday season read!
lfg21's review against another edition
5.0
Audiobook. 4.5 stars. Cute, funny romcom Christmas book. Really likable main characters, love the supporting characters. Perfect feel good book for the holiday season. The narrator was wonderful which definitely helped make the book.
l1nds's review against another edition
5.0
Well this was an utter delight! It's the perfect festive read to kick off Christmas Book Season since it takes you from autumn via Halloween, bonfire night and the winter solstice, all the way to Christmas. It's funny and just the right amount of sweet, and features a couple of things you don't usually see in these kinds of books - a perimenopausal heroine and frank discussions of (female) masturbation. And it's all the better for it in my opinion! I enjoyed Jenny Bayliss' first seasonal offering but this is even better - excited to see what she comes up with next year!