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sweetbabyray1's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
ellie_the_bookdragon's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
happylilkt's review against another edition
3.0
Roselle Lim is a very sensuous writer; her books are full of descriptions of food, fabrics, and other details that add to the magical realism of her books. This book is a light-hearted romance with some magical elements (the tea shop is not magical, but its occupants are!).
A fun read overall though I did NOT like the ending. I won't give any spoilers right now. I wouldn't wish it UNread, though I doubt I would re-read it.
A fun read overall though I did NOT like the ending. I won't give any spoilers right now. I wouldn't wish it UNread, though I doubt I would re-read it.
hgcasillas's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
samanthainfantasyworld's review against another edition
4.0
I was recommended this book by one of my besties and I'm glad I read/listened to this book. It gave me Dial A for Aunties vibes without out the mystery to it. This book had a great mix of magic and romance. I loved the family aspect of this book and how true love or your red string can always be achieved. I really enjoyed these characters and the storyline I would definitely recommend and want to read the other books in this series as well.
gwyyy's review against another edition
5.0
"When you love someone, their love should always be more than yours, even if it's only by a spoonful. Treat love as the most precious of gifts. Never take advantage of it. To love someone blindly is only good if that person thinks of you first, and won't allow you to fumble in the dark."
This book made me laugh, smile, and even cry. I loved it just as much as the first book, if not more. Vanessa's story made me so happy, and I am so grateful to have read it.
This book made me laugh, smile, and even cry. I loved it just as much as the first book, if not more. Vanessa's story made me so happy, and I am so grateful to have read it.
lilyeligator's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
cute, but nothing special! the main characters were really interesting, but each of the love interests fell flat for me, Vanessa's love interest in particular.
kartoffel_00's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a mixed read. It started out great but at the halfway point, the fast pac really effected the story.
While I did love the focus on the art and the atmosphere I couldn't see much growth when it came to Vanessa's character at the end.
The things done extreme well were the food, the family, the side characters and the descriptions. I appreciated the time that went into research, little details like how perfume is important in france and all the art. Not once was there a mention of the food being less delectable for an asian palate. Lastly the family. This was a book where toxic traits of family members weren't introduced and excused away with "it is what it is". Instead, there was connection, love and appreciation. It truly read like a family worth belonging to.
The things done not so well were how Vanessa never took the time to connect with the people she was setting up, complained on not knowing who they were and their history and then went on setting them up anyway. The second was the magic. Nothing about it is properly explained beyond conversations and monologues. At one point its like no one knows about it and then other times its like everyone know about it and talks freely which is so confusing for why Vanessa couldn't make friends outside of her family or find a romantic interest.
The most grating was when she kept being nosy but it was always in comparison to how her aunts were much worse, as if it made it fine that she did it.
I also didn't appreciate the instant love.
I wanted things to slow down in regards to people Vanessa ends up meeting in France. I wanted her to take her time getting to know them and then set then up. Instead of going in with nosy energy.
All in all, I think this can be picked and enjoyed for what it is if the reader doesn't fish for details about the setting.
While I did love the focus on the art and the atmosphere I couldn't see much growth when it came to Vanessa's character at the end.
The things done extreme well were the food, the family, the side characters and the descriptions. I appreciated the time that went into research, little details like how perfume is important in france and all the art. Not once was there a mention of the food being less delectable for an asian palate. Lastly the family. This was a book where toxic traits of family members weren't introduced and excused away with "it is what it is". Instead, there was connection, love and appreciation. It truly read like a family worth belonging to.
The things done not so well were how Vanessa never took the time to connect with the people she was setting up, complained on not knowing who they were and their history and then went on setting them up anyway. The second was the magic. Nothing about it is properly explained beyond conversations and monologues. At one point its like no one knows about it and then other times its like everyone know about it and talks freely which is so confusing for why Vanessa couldn't make friends outside of her family or find a romantic interest.
The most grating was when she kept being nosy but it was always in comparison to how her aunts were much worse, as if it made it fine that she did it.
I also didn't appreciate the instant love.
I wanted things to slow down in regards to people Vanessa ends up meeting in France. I wanted her to take her time getting to know them and then set then up. Instead of going in with nosy energy.
All in all, I think this can be picked and enjoyed for what it is if the reader doesn't fish for details about the setting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Racism and Death
Minor: Infidelity
Death:areejx's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
manadabomb's review against another edition
3.0
Magical realism that is a bit fluffier than I would normally read. In general, beautiful descriptions of Paris, food, and tea. Be prepared to be hungry!
Review here!
Review here!