Reviews

Oh Crumbs by Kathryn Freeman

kirkw1972's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved the run up to this release with the daily twitter posts about biscuits. Really fun way to do things. 

Yet again Choc Lit hit the mark with an excellent book by Kathryn. I really enjoyed the setting. Who wouldn't want to work in a biscuit factory all day? ( although I used to work in a cake shop you get sick of the site of treats after a few weeks :) )

It really ticked all the boxes for me. I could picture the hero and the hero best friend really clear. I liked how the glacial potential other woman ended up championing our girl Abby. You don't often get that kind of solidarity and I found it quite refreshing. 

The book has a lovely flow to it. It's easy to read. I've had a few health problems this week so it was nice to have something to hand that was uplifting that I could dip into to take my mind off things (all sorted now though) and it has a lovely sense of humour running through it. 

It's just a really great book and I'd recommend it if you enjoy romances. 

Free arc from netgalley and Choc Lit

maitaylor01's review against another edition

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4.0

This is book is a lovely, light read, just perfect for these long, hot summer evenings we are having at the moment. When reading this book, it was impossible not to fall in love with each and every one of the Spencer girls (although speaking as an only child, I suspect I would struggle to live in their manic household). My heart went out to Doug, with his life controlled by secrets and fear of letting anybody get too close.

If you are looking for a book to enjoy on your summer holiday, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.

jessbookishlife's review against another edition

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5.0

This is my first book of Kathryn Freeman and I'm not disappointed. First, if you read the blurb you may be curious about what secret Doug is hiding, and also what will happen to Abby, since in the blurb she's described as "as an airhead – she talks too much and is a bit of a klutz – but there’s more to her than that". And I was one of the ones that got curious by those two things.

Second, I always love when a book makes me connect with the characters and makes me have those fun moments when I laugh a lot and have to stop reading for a moment, of just a small chuckle that just lights up the mood. And Kathryn gave that touch of humor and interesting characters that make us connect to the story and stay concentrated in the book.

I really liked Abby. First of all, I could connect to her since she's an older sister, and I know how much responsibility sometimes we (older sisters) may have because of our younger sibling. Even right now that I'm almost 24 and my brother will be 17, I still see my brother as my baby brother, and I feel responsible for him, and my mom trust me to help out at home and with my brother.

Besides that fact and similarity, I liked how Abby is honest and genuine, she made me laugh,and be excited to know more about her life or (specially) what she would say. I felt like I could be her friend in real life and that's always something I think it's always fun when it happens.

Then there is Doug, and he's an intriguing character. Then he's first described it got me very curious, I could imagine him and I thought that if he had the looks and a great personality this could go smooth, but I knew that would happen because it wouldn't make it as fun to read. And his personality... honestly it made me laugh a couple of time, especially the interactions, because of different they could be for one another, and that just made things much more interesting.

And reading in his POV it was different and, even thought not as much as with Abby, I could connect with him too. Which means that the characters are believable and the storyline perfect and that goes in a good pace that makes it interactive.

From the title, to the cover, the blurb and finally the epic, sweet and yummy story... Kathryn gave us a book to enjoy and ask for more. One of those book that you know you will reread in the future and still love it after the 20th time reading it.

I totally recommend it to everyone that wants to warm up and enjoy a good afternoon, relax and with your beverage and snacks of choice.

[I want to thank Kathryn and Rachel, at Rachel's Random Resources, and Netgalley, for the eCopy of this book and for letting me be a part of this blog tour.]

ladywithaquill's review against another edition

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4.0

A delightfully comedic story, Oh Crumbs tickled me in all the right spots and brought a smile to my face when I most needed it! I love romantic comedies, and this book delivered on that and then some. I have often found that British humor can go over my head (Monty Python remains a complete mystery to me), but I found myself pleasantly surprised at how universal the humor was here. The two main characters had great banter, and the secondary characters lent a charming quality to the story. Even the villain was humorous, in his exaggerated yet totally believable evilness at every turn. And while the comedy definitely stayed front and center, the author also provided a dramatic element with some very sobering scenes. There is something for everyone here!

Abigail Spencer has delayed her career for years. When her mom died 12 years ago, she became the de facto mother for her three younger siblings and kept house while her father was at work. But now, at 24, she has her college degree and can finally pursue a job in the corporate world. And a job at a biscuit company called Crumbs is her ticket to her dream - if only she could keep her mind, and her hands, off of her handsome new boss, Doug Faulkner. Doug hates his job...and his life, and his bubbly new secretary could be just the thing he needs in an otherwise dreary workplace. While at first he manages to keep his distance, her good humor and kindness begins to carve away at the wall around his heart. Soon they're friends and then something more. If only the secrets of his past didn't matter so much.

Abby definitely stole the show in this book! I absolutely adored her, from her humble opinions about herself and her family to her general ability to make those around her smile, she was a character that is easy to fall in love with. For me, I had a personal connection with her in a phrase we both use a lot - "crumbs." Growing up while raising her sisters, she always tried to avoid cursing in front of them, so she used the word "crumbs" in place of curse words. While I didn't have such a motivation, I love saying "crumbs" instead of other, more vulgar words, mostly because I smile as do others around me when I say it. Abby had such a good heart, and it showed in everything she did. Then we had Doug. I have to say - I really liked Doug in the beginning, but it went downhill fairly quickly about halfway through the story. Doug means well. Doug has good intentions. But Doug is also flakey, needy, and insecure. His "big secret" was, while sad, seemed to completely defeat him, and he let it. As a match for Abby, I give two thumbs down. I didn't really understand how she put up with him, honestly. Must be love!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies! I could see this becoming a Hallmark movie or something, honestly. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

kimchi84's review against another edition

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4.0

This book has is all, fun, flirting, seriousness, romance, boundaries, secrets, sassiness, it's just brilliant. There is so much more to this book than meets the eye and I couldn't get enough of it.
I immediately became quite invested in Abby being a young girl and losing her mum. She had to take on the role of her mum and do everything. As soon as she walks into the room for her job interview you know there is a sparkle of 'interest' between both Abby and Doug.
This book will be given a 4/5 rating. I loved the ups ands downs of the lives of everyone in this book and that they will all help each other, no matter what. This for me is about family and how strong a family unit can be. It wasn't just about the romance, it was the strength of Abby and her sisters. A truly beautiful read that had me laughing out loud and crying at their loss.

anothercurleyhairbooklover's review

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4.0

lovely story

bookgyrl's review

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5.0

The book started out quite sad: with the funeral of the mother of Abby, leaving her to take care of her 4 younger sisters at age 13; her father having to work. Abby takes the responsibility and 12 years later she is still the 'mother' in the house.

When she applies for a job at 'Crumbs' she actually bumbles the interview but Doug, managing director, decides to hire her as his PA. I really liked Abby and her cheery personality. When Doug and Abby fall for each other, secrets Doug has kept about his family come to light and he has to decide what is more important to him.

This is a very entertaining and heartwarming choc lit. I love the British phrases and Abby's family. Enjoyed it very very much.

*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
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