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thathappyreader's Reviews (833)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Told using multiple narrators and time frames, the author provides the reader with an emotional connection to the story and characters.
Olivia’s story begins in the late 1970’s as a university student traveling with her Aunt to Positano during her summer break. She is enchanted with the people, geography and food of the area. Olivia also falls in love with Rafe, a local man who works with his father on tourism boats in the area. She spends her summers returning to this area with a goal of making a permanent move once she is finished her education.
Life doesn’t always fall in an orderly manner though, does it? Olivia eventually meets another man back in New York and eventually marries. They have three grown daughter: Priscilla, Devon and Bailey who have become estranged over the years. It is only upon their visit to their mother’s beloved Positano that the begin to heal their relationships with one another.
As the three women seek to find the mysterious love of their mother’s youth, each gains new perspective into their own lives and feel a new connection to their mother. The story is full of romance, Italian culture and family love – perfect for those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti which was narrated by Therese Plummer, Anne Marie Lee and Edoardo Ballerini. The use of an ensemble cast was very appreciated and provided an easy to listen to performance. The audiobook version is a great choice for this book to those that appreciate this format.
4.5 stars
Olivia’s story begins in the late 1970’s as a university student traveling with her Aunt to Positano during her summer break. She is enchanted with the people, geography and food of the area. Olivia also falls in love with Rafe, a local man who works with his father on tourism boats in the area. She spends her summers returning to this area with a goal of making a permanent move once she is finished her education.
Life doesn’t always fall in an orderly manner though, does it? Olivia eventually meets another man back in New York and eventually marries. They have three grown daughter: Priscilla, Devon and Bailey who have become estranged over the years. It is only upon their visit to their mother’s beloved Positano that the begin to heal their relationships with one another.
As the three women seek to find the mysterious love of their mother’s youth, each gains new perspective into their own lives and feel a new connection to their mother. The story is full of romance, Italian culture and family love – perfect for those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti which was narrated by Therese Plummer, Anne Marie Lee and Edoardo Ballerini. The use of an ensemble cast was very appreciated and provided an easy to listen to performance. The audiobook version is a great choice for this book to those that appreciate this format.
4.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book. It is full of the small-town charm I’ve come to love with highly likeable characters. Dory’s adventures provided both some comedy and drama to the story: you can’t help but fall for this lovable canine.
Second-chance romance is one of my favourite tropes. Three years after Levi suddenly broke off their engagement without any explanation has left Elinor still confused and angry about the sudden break-up. They’d been a couple on and off since high school and had finally been a place where they could marry.
The reason for the break up was slowly revealed, as was the history of their relationship. Levi has a complex history surrounding the way he was parented and educated including a late-to-diagnose learning challenge. After a tragedy on the job, Levi’s focus is keeping the town safe despite everything he must sacrifice to do so.
Elinor has always been seen by the town for her exceptional intellect. As the school’s librarian, she’s trying to connect with as many students as she can. As a budding author, she knows it’s time to try and write the book she’s always wanted to publish.
The star of the book for me was Dory - a good example of a dog bred to be working dog who doesn’t appreciate being alone at home while Elinor is away. The way the town embraces Dory is loving and heart-warming. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the finished copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Second-chance romance is one of my favourite tropes. Three years after Levi suddenly broke off their engagement without any explanation has left Elinor still confused and angry about the sudden break-up. They’d been a couple on and off since high school and had finally been a place where they could marry.
The reason for the break up was slowly revealed, as was the history of their relationship. Levi has a complex history surrounding the way he was parented and educated including a late-to-diagnose learning challenge. After a tragedy on the job, Levi’s focus is keeping the town safe despite everything he must sacrifice to do so.
Elinor has always been seen by the town for her exceptional intellect. As the school’s librarian, she’s trying to connect with as many students as she can. As a budding author, she knows it’s time to try and write the book she’s always wanted to publish.
The star of the book for me was Dory - a good example of a dog bred to be working dog who doesn’t appreciate being alone at home while Elinor is away. The way the town embraces Dory is loving and heart-warming. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the finished copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With This Kiss is such an interesting and thought-provoking read! How terrifying it would be to visualize how the person you care enough about to kiss would die. The way that the author tells this story is both compassionate and entertaining.
Lorelai’s character is well-developed and extremely likeable. She is a young woman who has led a very guarded life due to her secret. Two previous kisses forecasted with accuracy how these two young men would die. The secret that she holds has been shared with only two other people – her best friend and roommate and her Grandmother who lies dying in hospital.
When she meets Grayson she instantly knows this is something special. She feels the push and pull of wanting to get to know him better, but not wanting to share a kiss. Life for Lorelai is easier if she doesn’t get romantically involved which she’s been able to manage until this point in time. But the draw to Grayson is something she feels very little control over.
Lorelai convinces Grayson that she only wants to be friends. Yet as this friendship builds, it is clear that there is more to this couple than someone to grab a coffee with. It’s a story of trust, love and understanding. This character-driven story is moving and memorable and one that I will be recommending to others.
Lorelai’s character is well-developed and extremely likeable. She is a young woman who has led a very guarded life due to her secret. Two previous kisses forecasted with accuracy how these two young men would die. The secret that she holds has been shared with only two other people – her best friend and roommate and her Grandmother who lies dying in hospital.
When she meets Grayson she instantly knows this is something special. She feels the push and pull of wanting to get to know him better, but not wanting to share a kiss. Life for Lorelai is easier if she doesn’t get romantically involved which she’s been able to manage until this point in time. But the draw to Grayson is something she feels very little control over.
Lorelai convinces Grayson that she only wants to be friends. Yet as this friendship builds, it is clear that there is more to this couple than someone to grab a coffee with. It’s a story of trust, love and understanding. This character-driven story is moving and memorable and one that I will be recommending to others.
The Enemy was an enjoyable read but had some challenges. While the story has the witty banter I love in romance novels, the characters felt more like friends than romantic partners. I wanted to feel as though the couple were genuinely falling into adult love and never felt this happen.
June and Ryan had always felt attracted to one other from a distance in high school but never acted upon this. The two are reunited when Ryan returns to Charleston for a wedding twelve years after they graduate from high school. June is still holding a grudge from a moment in high school when Ryan goes in to kiss her but then walks away.
The book lacked the maturity and chemistry between the two protagonists that I was expecting. Indeed, the relationship between June and Ryan felt more like they were back in high school than it did as a couple in their thirties which I found to be disappointing.
On a more positive note, there were also some humorous moments in the book including a funny scene with June in the ladies’ washroom. Moreover, there is plenty of witty banter and pranking between June and Ryan. June’s family and their antics were also a joy to read about.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Enemy which was narrated by Connie Shabshab and Lee Samuels. Their performance was full of expression and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to choose the audiobook version for those who appreciate this format.
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
June and Ryan had always felt attracted to one other from a distance in high school but never acted upon this. The two are reunited when Ryan returns to Charleston for a wedding twelve years after they graduate from high school. June is still holding a grudge from a moment in high school when Ryan goes in to kiss her but then walks away.
The book lacked the maturity and chemistry between the two protagonists that I was expecting. Indeed, the relationship between June and Ryan felt more like they were back in high school than it did as a couple in their thirties which I found to be disappointing.
On a more positive note, there were also some humorous moments in the book including a funny scene with June in the ladies’ washroom. Moreover, there is plenty of witty banter and pranking between June and Ryan. June’s family and their antics were also a joy to read about.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Enemy which was narrated by Connie Shabshab and Lee Samuels. Their performance was full of expression and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to choose the audiobook version for those who appreciate this format.
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
All Fired Up is a fun, engaging romantic comedy. The characters are highly likeable and relatable. It was interesting to read how the two protagonists, who have polar opposite views on how they live their lives, eventually get together.
Our experiences in life mould us into who we are today. Imani is a book publicist and workaholic striving to excel in the business world. Zander is more laid back, creates ceramics and lives one day at a time. It was interesting to watch these two find that they have more in common than what initially meets the eye.
Imani has come to town to support her beloved Grandmother, about to have double knee replacement surgeries. Imani takes on the task of cleaning and repairing her Grandmother’s home, preparing it for her return home. She’s also in town for the wedding of her best friend who is marrying Zander’s brother.
Despite the fact this is a romantic comedy, there are some serious topics discussed in the book including PTSD, insomnia, depression, and survivor’s guilt. These issues are handled with sensitivity by the author and provide greater insight into these characters.
I listened to the audiobook version of All Fired Up which was narrated by Emma Love and Max Lloyd-Jones. Their performances were excellent, full of expression and enthusiasm and easy to listen to. I recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
Providing all the feel-good of a summer with family, friends and falling in love, All Fired Up is a light-hearted, slightly steamy contemporary romance novel that I recommend to those readers who enjoy this genre.
Our experiences in life mould us into who we are today. Imani is a book publicist and workaholic striving to excel in the business world. Zander is more laid back, creates ceramics and lives one day at a time. It was interesting to watch these two find that they have more in common than what initially meets the eye.
Imani has come to town to support her beloved Grandmother, about to have double knee replacement surgeries. Imani takes on the task of cleaning and repairing her Grandmother’s home, preparing it for her return home. She’s also in town for the wedding of her best friend who is marrying Zander’s brother.
Despite the fact this is a romantic comedy, there are some serious topics discussed in the book including PTSD, insomnia, depression, and survivor’s guilt. These issues are handled with sensitivity by the author and provide greater insight into these characters.
I listened to the audiobook version of All Fired Up which was narrated by Emma Love and Max Lloyd-Jones. Their performances were excellent, full of expression and enthusiasm and easy to listen to. I recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
Providing all the feel-good of a summer with family, friends and falling in love, All Fired Up is a light-hearted, slightly steamy contemporary romance novel that I recommend to those readers who enjoy this genre.
I was captivated by this book right from the very beginning. The book is written in the dual narrative of Cate and Joe which highlights the similarities and differences in their upbringing and social class. Each of these characters is well developed and likeable.
The book has a very romantic feel to it. Growing up, Cate and her mother were both fascinated by the Kingsley family. Indeed, Cate even has a poster of Joe on her wall. Years later, Cate has become a sought-after model when Joe spots her during a shoot on a beach in the Hamptons. Despite being engaged to another woman, he can’t help but find a way to meet her.
I admire the way the author is able to convey the level of attraction and passion between Cate and Joe. The dual perspective magnifies the emotion: nothing seems insurmountable for this couple. One cannot help but cheer them on.
Cate is always guarded about her tragic childhood which she views as a major roadblock to Joe’s career. As a reader, I was humbled by this character’s ability to overcome multiple barriers. Over time, she focuses on changing those things that help her feel that she is a more worthy partner. Just when she feels that maybe she can find her happily ever after, a secret from the past is revealed which shakes her to her very core.
There is so much more I want to say about this book but I don’t want to give anything away. If you’re a fan of General Fiction or Women’s Fiction, you will enjoy Meant to Be. My only regret from reading this book is that I will have to wait two more years until the author’s next release.
4.5 stars/5
The book has a very romantic feel to it. Growing up, Cate and her mother were both fascinated by the Kingsley family. Indeed, Cate even has a poster of Joe on her wall. Years later, Cate has become a sought-after model when Joe spots her during a shoot on a beach in the Hamptons. Despite being engaged to another woman, he can’t help but find a way to meet her.
I admire the way the author is able to convey the level of attraction and passion between Cate and Joe. The dual perspective magnifies the emotion: nothing seems insurmountable for this couple. One cannot help but cheer them on.
Cate is always guarded about her tragic childhood which she views as a major roadblock to Joe’s career. As a reader, I was humbled by this character’s ability to overcome multiple barriers. Over time, she focuses on changing those things that help her feel that she is a more worthy partner. Just when she feels that maybe she can find her happily ever after, a secret from the past is revealed which shakes her to her very core.
There is so much more I want to say about this book but I don’t want to give anything away. If you’re a fan of General Fiction or Women’s Fiction, you will enjoy Meant to Be. My only regret from reading this book is that I will have to wait two more years until the author’s next release.
4.5 stars/5
Book Lovers is one of my favourite reads so far in 2022. Emily Henry has such a way with words: she combines emotion with wit and lots of banter creating a highly enjoyable read. The characters are well-developed and highly likeable.
Nora has taken on the responsibility for caring for her sister Libby since the day their mother died. She has a hard time letting go of this stress even though Libby is married and has baby #3 on the way. The burden of this sense of duty has taken its toll on Nora whose own life has evolved to accommodate this.
When Libby proposes a much-needed sisters’ getaway to Sunshine Falls, Nora agrees. She wants to spend some much-needed quality time with her sister. As a literary agent, Nora does not feel she can just shut off work and go on vacation. But she agrees once she is done with business for the day that she will do whatever Libby wants.
When she keeps running into Charlie, a disheartened book editor also from New York City, the two begin to be drawn to one another. Charlie also feels the burden of responsibility which has impacted his life in many ways. As the two begin to learn more about one another, the events that have led them to be the wound-up adults they are today are revealed.
The story is powerful and beautifully written. The secrets that are deeply buried within Nora and Charlie are emotional and selfless. Their relationship was a joy to watch develop. There are many twists and turns in this book which elevated the book to a 5-star read. This is a book I will remember for years to come.
I listened to the audiobook version of Book Lovers which was narrated by one of my favourites, Julia Whelan. This very well might be my favourite all-time performance in an audiobook. Her ability to bring voice to Emily Henry’s witty and emotional writing style makes them a perfect match. I highly recommend the audiobook version of Book Lovers to all those that enjoy this format.
Nora has taken on the responsibility for caring for her sister Libby since the day their mother died. She has a hard time letting go of this stress even though Libby is married and has baby #3 on the way. The burden of this sense of duty has taken its toll on Nora whose own life has evolved to accommodate this.
When Libby proposes a much-needed sisters’ getaway to Sunshine Falls, Nora agrees. She wants to spend some much-needed quality time with her sister. As a literary agent, Nora does not feel she can just shut off work and go on vacation. But she agrees once she is done with business for the day that she will do whatever Libby wants.
When she keeps running into Charlie, a disheartened book editor also from New York City, the two begin to be drawn to one another. Charlie also feels the burden of responsibility which has impacted his life in many ways. As the two begin to learn more about one another, the events that have led them to be the wound-up adults they are today are revealed.
The story is powerful and beautifully written. The secrets that are deeply buried within Nora and Charlie are emotional and selfless. Their relationship was a joy to watch develop. There are many twists and turns in this book which elevated the book to a 5-star read. This is a book I will remember for years to come.
I listened to the audiobook version of Book Lovers which was narrated by one of my favourites, Julia Whelan. This very well might be my favourite all-time performance in an audiobook. Her ability to bring voice to Emily Henry’s witty and emotional writing style makes them a perfect match. I highly recommend the audiobook version of Book Lovers to all those that enjoy this format.
I enjoyed this book. The two protagonists meet when Nic comes to Ruby’s home to purchase her sofa the night before she leaves London. The attraction is strong and immediate. After a night of passion, Ruby leaves for a new life in Manchester as Nic begins his own in London.
The author has written two highly likeable characters, each starting a new chapter in their life. Told in alternating dual narratives, the reader is provided with great detail on what is happening in Ruby and Nic’s lives over the next several months. As a film-making student, Ruby’s focus is on successfully completing university. Nic’s world is turned upside down when he learns of a life-changing event.
Ruby has vowed not to pursue a relationship with anyone during what she calls “The Year of Ruby”. Throughout this time, Ruby and Nic have intermittent contact with one another despite the difference in geography. A friendship is fostered and the two come to rely on one another during difficult times.
As the year progresses it is clear that Ruby and Nic want to be together. But timing is everything, and Ruby is faced with making a difficult choice. The author does a great job demonstrating the inner conflict Ruby is faced with. Being true to yourself at each moment in life is a key message in this book. I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy General Fiction.
I listened to the audiobook of One Night With You which was narrated by Charlotte Beaumont and Arthur McBain. Their performances felt natural and easy to listen to. Their enthusiasm as these characters enhanced this already lovely story. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The author has written two highly likeable characters, each starting a new chapter in their life. Told in alternating dual narratives, the reader is provided with great detail on what is happening in Ruby and Nic’s lives over the next several months. As a film-making student, Ruby’s focus is on successfully completing university. Nic’s world is turned upside down when he learns of a life-changing event.
Ruby has vowed not to pursue a relationship with anyone during what she calls “The Year of Ruby”. Throughout this time, Ruby and Nic have intermittent contact with one another despite the difference in geography. A friendship is fostered and the two come to rely on one another during difficult times.
As the year progresses it is clear that Ruby and Nic want to be together. But timing is everything, and Ruby is faced with making a difficult choice. The author does a great job demonstrating the inner conflict Ruby is faced with. Being true to yourself at each moment in life is a key message in this book. I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy General Fiction.
I listened to the audiobook of One Night With You which was narrated by Charlotte Beaumont and Arthur McBain. Their performances felt natural and easy to listen to. Their enthusiasm as these characters enhanced this already lovely story. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! Adi and Finn are interesting characters who meet in a town so different than the ones found in Hallmark movies. The idea that all small towns reflect those found in the movies was certainly dispelled in this book.
Adi is a free-lance journalist hoping to gain a full-time job with an online magazine. She currently lives with her Mom, but desperately wants to start her true adult life. She has 2 other part-time jobs in addition to her free-lance work, but there are not leading her to the career she truly wants.
After she successfully pitches her idea for her story to a prospective employer, she sets off to write a story set in the small town of Pleasant Hollow. Her assignment is to get the town’s perspective on a new large development project which is currently being built. The town is filled with plenty of quirky characters that kept me highly entertained.
Finn is the attractive construction manager who is in charge of the job site. He’s also staying in the same Bed and Breakfast as Adi is. As they two begin to learn more about each other, it’s easy to see their chemistry. But what they truly want for their own lives is something very different.
I enjoyed the Gilmore Girls-like relationship between Adi and her mother and the references to the show throughout the book, including the town’s name and Adina’s surname (same as Rory’s friend Paris). On a more serious note, the author does a great job of discussing difficult subjects such as alcoholism with compassion. This balance of comedy and serious subjects makes for an enjoyable read.
Adi is a free-lance journalist hoping to gain a full-time job with an online magazine. She currently lives with her Mom, but desperately wants to start her true adult life. She has 2 other part-time jobs in addition to her free-lance work, but there are not leading her to the career she truly wants.
After she successfully pitches her idea for her story to a prospective employer, she sets off to write a story set in the small town of Pleasant Hollow. Her assignment is to get the town’s perspective on a new large development project which is currently being built. The town is filled with plenty of quirky characters that kept me highly entertained.
Finn is the attractive construction manager who is in charge of the job site. He’s also staying in the same Bed and Breakfast as Adi is. As they two begin to learn more about each other, it’s easy to see their chemistry. But what they truly want for their own lives is something very different.
I enjoyed the Gilmore Girls-like relationship between Adi and her mother and the references to the show throughout the book, including the town’s name and Adina’s surname (same as Rory’s friend Paris). On a more serious note, the author does a great job of discussing difficult subjects such as alcoholism with compassion. This balance of comedy and serious subjects makes for an enjoyable read.