Reviews

I have mixed feelings about this one, which always happens after I read a romance I’ve deemed *exceptional* ESPECIALLY when there are weird similarities?! Like Ready or Not ALSO featured a man who had been in love with his childhood friend for 20 years.

I’ll be honest, I don’t think I could get over the names. Effie?!? Ern?!? Like “urn”???? I just…. Don’t know.

The divorced-parent issues felt a little half-baked & unsatisfying. Effie’s total aversion to the thought of Alder Isle & the thought of “small talk” destroying her when it seemed like she was completely loved by the community?? I just couldn’t buy it! And I totally get wanting to leave a small town & burning bridges!!!

Despite my hesitations, it was cute!!! Very Maine summer!! Maybe just not spicy enough for me to get over my plot issues.

kmbates24342's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

swirlingpastels's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective

4.25

missquiss's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

debs_shelves's review against another edition

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emotional funny mysterious

4.25

Thanks to PRHAudio for the free audiobook, and to NetGalley and Berkley for an eARC.

Effie has travelled around and been a chef many places. She returns home, down on her luck, and gets a job at a local restaurant.

She and Ernie were childhood besties. Lots of history between them. Ernie also works at the restaurant.

They date-ish. The start having bucket list dates and they are just delightful.

Things are amiss at the restaurant, a bit of a mystery and investigation into what is going on.

This was a fun, hometown, childhood friends to lovers that was enjoyable. I found the audio to be a delight.

sparetimereader's review

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4.0

Short synopsis: Effie moves back to her hometown island off the coast of Main, to work as a Sues Chef in a fancy restaurant. She quickly runs into Ernie, her childhood best friend.

My thoughts: This was such a light bingeable read. The small town island setting was perfection, and the inside look into the restaurant business was accurate!

Don’t go into this one on an empty stomach. The talk of fresh seafood had me wanting to hop on a plane to somewhere not landlocked to get fresh shrimp and lobster.

I liked how the relationship between Effie and Ernie repaired itself slowly, and their bucket list island items were so fun to experience along with them. I especially enjoyed watching Effie find her passion, and roll with it.

Read if you love:

Fresh food and the restaurant drama
Friends to lovers
Small towns
Great side characters
Second chance romance
Bucket lists

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