Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A little red telephone box full of stories, a chance to change her life...

Jess Metcalf is perfectly content with her quiet, predictable life. But when her beloved grandmother passes away and she loses her job at the local library, Jess' life is turned upside down.

Determined to pick up the pieces, Jess decides it's time for a new beginning. Unable to part with her grandmother's cherished books, she packs them all up and moves to a tiny cottage in the English countryside. To her surprise, Jess discovers that she's now the owner of an old red phone box that was left on the property. Missing her job at the local library, Jess decides to give back to her new community--using her grandmother's collection to turn the ordinary phone box into the littlest library in England.

It's not long before the books are borrowed and begin to work their literary magic--bringing the villagers together... and managing to draw Jess' grumpy but handsome neighbor out of his shell.

Maybe it's finally time for Jess to follow her heart, let go of her old life, and make the village her home? But will she be able to take the leap?

Review:

When I look at books to read, there are several topics that automatically catch my attention.  Anything book themed, set in a small town, or has a lot of food content, and I am immediately interested.  The Littlest Library, by Poppy Alexander, is a sweet book that has all three (bonus points for it being set in England!).  I liked the concept of a library created out of an old telephone booth, found the small village to be charming and filled with fun secondary characters, and there were many dinner parties with descriptions of fabulous food.  There was also a lovely romance between the main character, Jess, and a divorced next-door neighbor.  

What I Liked:

Setting:

I love books set in small towns.  And this quaint English village seemed just lovely, even if it had seen better days.  When Jess buys a small cottage seemingly on a whim, she has no idea what she's getting herself into.  There are, of course, unexpected repairs (and bats) to contend with, town feuds that she must navigate, and village etiquette to learn. 

But there are also lovely discoveries.  Jess learns to appreciate the beauty of the pretty garden and pond behind her home.  Neighbors stop by, which at first is not welcome.  But she finds generosity in her neighbors bringing food to share, along with new friendships, and opportunities for her to become involved in the community.

Books:

Jess is a librarian who's previous library has closed.  When she moves to her new home, she leaps at an opportunity to create a little library in front of her home.  Her collection of beloved books stocks the shelves.  It's a treat to see what books the village's residents choose.  Some pick out classic books for their kids, while others check out cook books.  But the most popular type of books are the romances!  As with any good library, the telephone booth becomes a gathering place for the community. I loved this!

Food:

I love books where the author describes delicious food at dinner parties.  In Jess's case, there are several Sunday luncheons with descriptions of roasted lamb, fresh garden vegetables, and light summer desserts.  The way these dishes are lovingly described makes me think the author must love to cook and entertain.

Characters:

I like the main character, Jess.  Although she has daydreams about seamlessly gliding into the village social scene, she is actually quite awkward and makes many mistakes.  I can relate!  But, when she does something rude, she apologizes,  and tries to make amends.  She also is still mourning the loss of her grandmother who raised her.  There are many moments where she fights tears and would rather be alone.  But when this happens, she remembers that her grandmother wanted her to be a part of the present, not wallow in self-pity.

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  July 19th, 2022

Author: Poppy Alexander

Publisher:  Avon Books

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction/Romance

Page Length:  320 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format: E-Book

Recommendation:  This was a lovely book, and the perfect summer read.

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong?

Review:

The thing I miss most during this pandemic is travelling. I love seeing new places, eating new foods, and meeting new people.  So I was very drawn to travel writer Poppy, one of the main characters in, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.  She has my dream job as a professional travel writer!  But when she, herself, goes on vacation, she travels on the cheap with her male friend from college, Alex.  This novel is an ode to the movie, When Harry Met Sally.  Can male and female friends be "just friends"?  Given how deeply they connect with each other, you can guess where this goes.  This was a really fun, romantic novel, and the perfect summer read.

What I Liked:

Vacation Theme:

This book is a celebration of that freedom we all feel on vacation.  Vacations are an escape from our "real" lives.  We eat all the food we've denied ourselves, laugh more easily, and flirt with strangers.  I liked that there were a variety of different types of vacations.  Some of Poppy and Alex's trips were super touristy, where they see every kitschy tourist trap and do every stereotypical vacation activity one can imagine.  Other trips were more about relaxing and getting to know people.  Each time they met they learned to appreciate each other more and more. They were really good together.  But, if they were around each other every day, would they still get along so well?  Or was the magic of their relationship based on the ease one creates on vacation? 

Characters:

Poppy is a woman who knows what she wants.  She strives for the freedom of travel, and doesn't want anything that will tie her down, particularly having children.  Alex is the exact opposite.  He craves  having the ideal family life with a wife and children.  As the book progresses, we learn the reasons behind this.  But they also have a lot in common.  They come from the same area of Ohio, share a similar sense of humor, and are open to learn from each other.

Of the supporting characters, I really liked Poppy's glamorous boss, Swapna.  This is a strong woman who mentors Poppy in her career, even though she is rather intimidating.  I loved a scene where Swapna tells Poppy to stop apologizing for missing work, pointing out that her male colleagues would never feel the need to do that.  We all need this kind of support in our professional life!  

Throughout the book, Poppy and Alex meet a variety of wonderful characters on their trips.  Shopkeepers who give them discounts for pretending to be newlyweds, friendly older couples enjoying life, as well as free spirits, dot the landscape of their journeys.  This is one of the joys of travelling that I love.

Story:

The story is a celebration of friendship, travel and romance.  Poppy and Alex's friendship is unlikely, at first.  But over the years, from college, to first jobs and first romances to becoming more established, Poppy and Alex grow to depend on each other.  Both of them are attracted to each other, but they also don't want to ruin their friendship (Harry and Sally, meet Alex and Poppy).  Over the years the sexual tension builds as they see each other through other relationships.  There are misunderstandings, and almost declarations that keep the reader wondering (hoping) if they'll ever get together.

But the story also brought up some questions for Poppy and Alex that were uncomfortable.  Why is Alex so attached to his family?  Why does Poppy feel the need to get as far away from their small town as possible?  Are they each other's escape, or are they each other's destiny?

What I Was Mixed About:

Sex on the Page:

Sorry, but I am not a fan of graphic sex scenes in books.  That's just my personal preference.    I think since the whole story is a build upon , "will they, or won't they", it was understandable that there would be the big sex moment.  I still loved this book.  But, if you're looking for a "clean" romance, you might want to skip this novel.

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date: May 11th, 2021

Author:  Emily Henry

Publisher:  Berkley Books

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Page Length:  384 pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  A fun reminder of why we love vacations!  This would make a great summer read.

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Call Ava romantic, but she thinks love should be found in the real world, not on apps that filter men by height, job, or astrological sign. She believes in feelings, not algorithms. So after a recent breakup and dating app debacle, she decides to put love on hold and escapes to a remote writers' retreat in coastal Italy. She's determined to finish writing the novel she's been fantasizing about, even though it means leaving her close-knit group of friends and her precious dog, Harold, behind.

At the retreat, she's not allowed to use her real name or reveal any personal information. When the neighboring martial arts retreat is canceled and a few of its attendees join their small writing community, Ava, now going by "Aria," meets "Dutch," a man who seems too good to be true. The two embark on a baggage-free, whirlwind love affair, cliff-jumping into gem-colored Mediterranean waters and exploring the splendor of the Italian coast. Things seem to be perfect for Aria and Dutch.

But then their real identities--Ava and Matt--must return to London. As their fantasy starts to fade, they discover just how different their personal worlds are. From food choices to annoying habits to sauna etiquette . . . are they compatible in anything? And then there's the prickly situation with Matt's ex-girlfriend, who isn't too eager to let him go. As one mishap follows another, it seems while they love each other, they just can't love each other's lives. Can they reconcile their differences to find one life together?  

Review:

When I want to read a fun, upbeat romance, Sophie Kinsella has become one of my go-to authors.  Love Your Life, her latest novel, is about what it takes to make a relationship work.  After a whirlwind holiday romance, Ava and Matt must figure out how to continue their relationship.  This book has romance, hilarious situations, and an endearing group of characters.  It would be a wonderful read while you're cooped up in your home.

What I Liked:

Romance:

At first, I didn't quite buy how quickly Ava and Matt hook up during a writing retreat in Italy.  While the romance was idyllic, I was put off a bit by how quickly the couple declared their undying love for each other.  But, this is the set up for the rest of the book.  How can they really be in love when they hardly know each other?  

But, as they learn to navigate each other like they were visiting exotic countries, they find out if they can really love each other.  I think this is a major thing for most couples to figure out.  Can sexual chemistry be the only thing to sustain a couple?  How much do you need to have in common?

Hilarious Situations:

As Ava tries to learn more about Matt, she must entered the mine-field that is his family, his unusual roommates, and an array of exes.  This leads to many really fun situations.  Ever the optimist, Ava tries to find the best in each situation.  This can't be easy as his mother is still enamored with perfect Genevieve, the Instagram-ready ex who has ingratiated herself into Matt's family.  I really loved the Harriet's House convention where Ava finally comes to understand just how much Matt's family business has become a cultural phenomenon.  And Ava's meet up with Matt's aunt (in a sauna) has got to be one of the funniest things I've read in a while.

Friends:

Both Ava and Matt have friends that are a big part of their lives. Ava's friends are supportive and fill the gap where Ava's parents should be.  There's Maud, who is always asking for a favor, Sarika, who is addicted to dating apps, and Nell, who is strong, but does need help with managing her chronic illness.  They are loud, funny, and opinionated.  Matt's friends seem to be exact opposites of Ava's besties.  Topher is a tech guru who is obsessed with robots, and the internet, and Nahil, who, besides being very kind, doesn't like people.  Matt and his roommate's flat is a total man-cave, complete with strange art and a color scheme that could best be described as modern gothic.  I loved how Ava and Matt learns to appreciate each group, and each group interacts with the other.

Rating: 

Release Date:  October 27th, 2020

Author:  Sophie Kinsella

Publisher:  Dial Press

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction

Page Length:  432 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation: A fun, romantic book that would be a perfect escape from all our current issues.

Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast.

They're polar opposites.

In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they're living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer's block.

Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She'll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he'll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love. Really.

Review:

This novel was a selection from my bookclub.  We were searching for something fun, and a bit escapist, given the times we're in.  And this book fit the bill.  This was romantic, fun, and also quite lovely in its exploration of forgiveness and second chances.

What I Liked:

Setting:

I love books set in a small town.  This book had all the elements I love.  There were several fun side characters, people in the community who you'd want to get to know.  I also enjoyed the sense of community you get in a small town.  

Supporting Characters:

The people who inhabited it were supportive, but also had their own struggles and complicated relationships to deal with.  These were fully-formed characters I grew to love.  I especially liked the owner of the bookstore.  She was fun, loving, and ready to arrange book events, and give reading recommendations.

Main Characters:

Gus and January are writers who each have a chip on their shoulder.  They knew each other in college, each secretly attracted to the other.  But their competitive natures stood in the way of them making a substantial connection.

When they meet later in life, January still is seething with professional jealousy and perceived slights from Gus.  Gus is smarting from a breakup. Their relationship builds slowly with plenty of misunderstanding along the way.

Story:

When both writers suffer from writer's block, they challenge each other to write a book in the other's genre.  This was so fun to see how each of the writers approach their research and develop their stories.  As an aspiring writer, I loved the "inside baseball" aspect of the story.

Themes:

The book, aside from a lovely romance, also explores themes of forgiveness and second chances.  January is reeling from the news that her father had a long-term mistress, complete with another house (the one by the lake).  Everything she thought she knew about their parents comes into question.  As she idealized their marriage, it's a shock to realize her parents were complicated, imperfect people. Can she forgive (or at least understand) her father?

Gus had a huge crush on January in college.  She (of course) had no idea.  But before he can jump into a relationship with her, he needs to find a way to trust women again.  His ex cheated on him, and this makes him more reserved than he would normally be.  But January interprets this in the worst way.  Does he really like her or is this just a quick fling?  Gus needs to open up or risk losing January.

What I Was Mixed About:

Cover & Title:

We had a lively discussion in our book club over the title and the cover of this book.  We agreed that both were rather misleading.  This book takes place in a lakeside community.  The characters go to the lake (the beach?) briefly only twice in the book.  I felt it seemed to be a marketing gimmick.  Plus many of the subjects of the book were not light.  I liked this, as it gave the book more weight.  But this is not a fluffy book.  The publisher should have presented a more accurate representation of the novel.

Sex Scenes:

I'm just putting this out there.  Everyone has their own standards for how sexy they want a book to be.  This book lived up to the "Romance" label with several super hot love scenes.  It was just short of "Mommy Porn".  So if you want (what some label) "Clean" romance, this book will not be for you. 

Rating: 

Release Date:  May 19th, 2020

Author:  Emily Henry

Publisher:  Berkely Press

Page Length:  361 Pages

Source:  Bought

Format:  Paperback Book

Recommendation:  This is a fun, romantic book that would be a nice escape from reality.