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zeemonodee's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
If I had to use a book to illustrate what 'armchair travelling' is, then this is surely the one I would brandish. I've never been to Japan, but reading this book, it felt like I was there - I saw the places, smelled the scents, experienced the bustling and also the calm, everything this 'other' world had to offer. I'm late coming to this series, and to Julie Caplin books in general, and if the other books are anything like this one, then I'm sure to be in for a treat.
I also loved the depth and complexity given to the characters. Fiona felt so real and had issues anyone could relate with, I suppose - he fraught relationship with her mother struck a chord with me, adding a further dimension to her. Haruka's family in Japan felt like people I came to know personally, and I would really like to sit down with them for tea one day.
The only reason this isn't getting 5 stars is because of the hero, Gabe. Could that man have been more complicated and torn? I really didn't like what he put Fiona through all through the book; I didn't want him to get the girl...but she would've been happy just with him, though, and the ending rather saved him from being labeled 'jerk alert'.
A beautiful tale - read it for the absolute sheer escapism, and as a sort of women's fiction so as to focus on Fiona's journey and transformation and not just on the romance between her and Gabe.
If I had to use a book to illustrate what 'armchair travelling' is, then this is surely the one I would brandish. I've never been to Japan, but reading this book, it felt like I was there - I saw the places, smelled the scents, experienced the bustling and also the calm, everything this 'other' world had to offer. I'm late coming to this series, and to Julie Caplin books in general, and if the other books are anything like this one, then I'm sure to be in for a treat.
I also loved the depth and complexity given to the characters. Fiona felt so real and had issues anyone could relate with, I suppose - he fraught relationship with her mother struck a chord with me, adding a further dimension to her. Haruka's family in Japan felt like people I came to know personally, and I would really like to sit down with them for tea one day.
The only reason this isn't getting 5 stars is because of the hero, Gabe. Could that man have been more complicated and torn? I really didn't like what he put Fiona through all through the book; I didn't want him to get the girl...but she would've been happy just with him, though, and the ending rather saved him from being labeled 'jerk alert'.
A beautiful tale - read it for the absolute sheer escapism, and as a sort of women's fiction so as to focus on Fiona's journey and transformation and not just on the romance between her and Gabe.
martinenl's review against another edition
4.0
While borders are closed and planes our grounded, Julie Caplin took me to Tokyo. On a journey to this amazing metropolitan and other places around Japanese. Julie writes very figurative, that helps seeing them pictures while reading the letters. Have enjoyed this book a lot! It is maybe not high end literature, still it was exactly what I needed! That’s why I give it ****
meikededooij's review against another edition
2.0
Hij las makkelijk weg, maar ik vond er niet zo veel aan? Ik vond het vooral interessant omdat het in Japan afspeelt.
Misschien ligt het aan de vertaling waar ik me soms wat aan ergerde, de relatie kwam niet echt lekker over ofzo.
Misschien ligt het aan de vertaling waar ik me soms wat aan ergerde, de relatie kwam niet echt lekker over ofzo.
alannafowler's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
barbora17kas's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
sammyhastakenashitty's review against another edition
4.0
A simple love book where you know how it would end. But it is still very nice.
treasureinbooks's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
valerymbc's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rina_mina's review against another edition
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? No
2.0
finitha's review against another edition
4.0
I selected this book for two reasons: one, the main character is a blogger and secondly, this is set in Japan, a country that merges traditions beautifully with technology and modernism. What is more? Fiona is also a passionate photographer, something I too love. Quite understandably, I was more invested in her photography experiments and the beauty and serenity of Japan that unfolded through her eyes than on the romance part.
Usually, I don't prefer reading travel romances. The story part and the travelling rarely gel together but surprisingly, Julies Caplin has managed that feat incredibly well. There is ample tension to keep you focused and Japan with its tantalising dishes and scenic beauty fits beautifully within the storyline. The cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, Digital museum and the silent trains . . . yup, Japan is added to my ever-growing bucket list.
Fiona and Gabe have their own flaws and it took me some time to warm up to Gabe. I don't know which is worse, a man who sleeps around or the one who is under the leash of a manipulative woman. Both are despicable and Gabe belongs to the latter category. Sorry, if I didn't jump in joy on meeting him. But as a wise man once said, people are capable of change and grudgingly though it may be, I am happy that Fiona gave him a chance.
I cannot conclude this review without mentioning Haruka, the kind but firm Japanese lady who owned the teashop. She is really a fairy godmother in a kimono and her tea ceremony was one of the most interesting part in the novel. Well, we could never really know about a country through a single book, but if you are interested in getting a taste of Japan along with a cute love story, then this is the perfect pick. What more can you wish for during this lockdown period?
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for the eARC which I have reviewed voluntarily. All opinions here are my own
Usually, I don't prefer reading travel romances. The story part and the travelling rarely gel together but surprisingly, Julies Caplin has managed that feat incredibly well. There is ample tension to keep you focused and Japan with its tantalising dishes and scenic beauty fits beautifully within the storyline. The cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, Digital museum and the silent trains . . . yup, Japan is added to my ever-growing bucket list.
Fiona and Gabe have their own flaws and it took me some time to warm up to Gabe. I don't know which is worse, a man who sleeps around or the one who is under the leash of a manipulative woman. Both are despicable and Gabe belongs to the latter category. Sorry, if I didn't jump in joy on meeting him. But as a wise man once said, people are capable of change and grudgingly though it may be, I am happy that Fiona gave him a chance.
I cannot conclude this review without mentioning Haruka, the kind but firm Japanese lady who owned the teashop. She is really a fairy godmother in a kimono and her tea ceremony was one of the most interesting part in the novel. Well, we could never really know about a country through a single book, but if you are interested in getting a taste of Japan along with a cute love story, then this is the perfect pick. What more can you wish for during this lockdown period?
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for the eARC which I have reviewed voluntarily. All opinions here are my own