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zealandrc's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Hallmark vibes. Cute story
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Grief, and Child death
themoonshinegirl's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
0.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Car accident, and Child death
lauriereadsrom1's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
When writer Beth Markwell's car breaks down on the side of the road near the small town of Freedom Valley, New Hampshire, she's rescued by local innkeeper Evan Harper, who not only offers her a place to stay but a part-time job as front desk clerk. Beth's been a nomad since suffering a great loss six years earlier; she has no intention of putting down roots in Freedom Valley but decides to take the job anyway because she needs the cash. Meanwhile, Evan is dealing with problems of his own. The inn has been struggling financially ever since he took over after his father's death a year earlier, but he's kept it a secret from his family and employees. He's also concerned about his younger sister in California, single mom Allie, whose 3-year-old son needs a kidney transplant. Something about Beth immediately draws Evan in, and he hopes to convince her to stay in Freedom Valley indefinitely so that they can see what might come of their connection. The more he pushes, however, the more Beth wants to run away. Even though she thinks the inn might turn out to be a haven for her where she can finally begin to heal from her losses, she's afraid to get close to Evan because she can't risk losing anyone else she loves.
I have to admit that this book was angstier than I thought it was going to be, but IMO the subject matter was handled well and the story was quite compelling. Evan had such a big heart, as evidenced by his collection of strays (both human and canine) and the way he continued to look out for his sister and nephew from across the country. Beth had a big heart too, and I think that was at least part of the reason why her grief was still so overwhelming even after so many years had passed. Everyone deals with grief in their own way and time, but it seemed as if Beth needed a nudge to finally start dealing with hers. She found it in Freedom Valley, and I loved seeing her find happiness with Evan and his family in the end.
Overall, while this story was sad at times, it was ultimately uplifting, and I would recommend it for fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance (though it's a good idea to check the trigger warnings first). I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have to admit that this book was angstier than I thought it was going to be, but IMO the subject matter was handled well and the story was quite compelling. Evan had such a big heart, as evidenced by his collection of strays (both human and canine) and the way he continued to look out for his sister and nephew from across the country. Beth had a big heart too, and I think that was at least part of the reason why her grief was still so overwhelming even after so many years had passed. Everyone deals with grief in their own way and time, but it seemed as if Beth needed a nudge to finally start dealing with hers. She found it in Freedom Valley, and I loved seeing her find happiness with Evan and his family in the end.
Overall, while this story was sad at times, it was ultimately uplifting, and I would recommend it for fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance (though it's a good idea to check the trigger warnings first). I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Grief
Minor: Death of parent, Cancer, and Car accident
sarah_thebooknerd's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️
This book screams fall and I enjoyed the town, characters and atmosphere. The dogs just added another aww moment that made me so happy.
Where I struggled with the book- it’s insta- love a lot which I personally always struggle with. There is build to their relationship but their inner thoughts very early on from meeting was about how they were falling in love.
The book does a lot of telling and not showing which can be hard to get an emotional connection to main characters.
Outside of that the book was cute, fall, and fun
3.5 ⭐️
This book screams fall and I enjoyed the town, characters and atmosphere. The dogs just added another aww moment that made me so happy.
Where I struggled with the book- it’s insta- love a lot which I personally always struggle with. There is build to their relationship but their inner thoughts very early on from meeting was about how they were falling in love.
The book does a lot of telling and not showing which can be hard to get an emotional connection to main characters.
Outside of that the book was cute, fall, and fun
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Minor: Car accident
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