Holly Smale

Why did I trust Reese Witherspoon? There is nothing hilarious or original about this book - the plot is basically Eleanor Oliphant does Groundhog Day, with a lot of smug Madeline Miller-esque references to classical mythology wielded like brickbats. And the author's portrayal of autism is far from subtle - Cassandra's aversion to every physical sensation and her inability to parse basic language makes her more of a checklist than a believable character. And yes, she is deeply unlikeable, but show more the chick lit element of the story means that naturally everybody comes to love and cherish her in the end. Also, come on - anyone with Cassandra's issues would probably be aware that they were neurodivergent, but she needs a blast from the past about her mother? I understand and applaud the message of the book, but I found the whole narrative clunky and forced. show less

This is magical realism romance done right. If you knew how things would turn out, would you change them? The premise is familiar, but this story felt fresh and special because of the characters. The plot unfolds cleanly and confidently, and I was never tempted to put it down. Just when I thought I knew where it was going or what more it could do, it surprised me. I cared so deeply for these characters, of course I was crying at the end. Margot is easy to root for, imperfect in a way that show more feels deeply relatable, and every side character felt real. Their love, insecurities, and hope all leap off the page. It could easily have felt trite, but instead it’s moving and beautifully authentic. It’s a story that reminds you to spend more time with the people you love and to appreciate your life as it unfolds. Read it!

Thanks to NetGalley and MIRA for the advanced copy. show less

Just a lovely book - romantic but realistic, with messy relationships and a perfect ending. The story can be reduced to its simplest form with the annoying "don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened" cliche. But Margot is a distinctive FMC who would probably be first in line to punch anyone who said that to her, which cuts the cutesiness to a manageable level. Her evolution into a still prickly but happier person takes place because of changes in her career, family and show more friendships, not just because of the MMC (a cinnamon roll with occasional nuts). The brief flashes of the future that happen randomly are just long enough to be intriguing without requiring any deep explanations of time travel, metaverses, etc. There are no tired romance tropes, but there is a kitten.

I suspect this book might be too twee for some readers, and Margot's self-centered misery can be A Lot at first. But my shriveled heart grew three sizes over the course of 350 pages, which is a rare occurrence these days. show less

Love Me Not by Holly Smale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#FirstLine - You’re not going to like me.

I loved this book. It was just as good as the first and second in the Valentine’s Series. I love this family and the growth that the family makes from the start of the series to the end of the series. But, Mercy is the one who transforms the most. After a loss like no other she closed herself off. You get to bear witness to her becoming vulnerable, healing and learning to move forward. It was show more heartbreaking and hopeful. The whole family (each and every one of them) are all imperfect and wonderful. You will learn to love them all. It is a delight to follow Mercy on her journey to discover what it feel like to let go of the heavy burden of loss and guilt. This series was brilliant and heartwarming! I adored it so much! I was so sad to see it end, but it was perfectly tied up! Brilliant! show less