libertyreads789's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Another Christmas read done for this month. I'm glad I've given myself space in my TBR to pick up holiday Romance novels as the mood strikes. Sadly, this one wasn't nearly as good as I was wanting it to be. I would say expecting but, look at that cover, we all knew what I was getting into based on that alone. But even with adjusted expectations there were moments where this one really just missed the mark for me.
I struggled with the writing on this one and a couple of times I thought to myself, "this had to have been written around 2012." Because, as we all know, 2012 was just a different era of novels. A lot of the whole girls putting down other girls, girls having to be described as tiny in comparison to the man, and an insane amount of these gender roles being reinforced. In this one, the main character is brilliant (high IQ, graduated high school several years early, went to grad school, etc.) tech wizard of some kind who just sometimes forgets to eat lunch because she's soooo into her work and that lends to her being just tiny. She's not like a normal thin girl though because she's socially awkward and quirky and unwilling to play games like other girls do when trying to land a guy. And there are a few moments while reading where you can tell that this author a) has probably never worked on or near a farm in their life and b) was obsessed with reading/writing farmer/non-farmer romances. Which, if that's your thing girl, get it. But for the love of god know what the fuck you're talking about. So, how did this one manage to get a 3 star rating out of me? Great question, I'd love to tell you.
I have an obsession with Christmas. Right now is my favorite time of the year. I love the lights and the way life slows down and the food and the get togethers with friends and family. I love the snow and the warm beverages that come with this time of the year. So, while, yes, this book is just A LOT when it comes to negatives, it is also a lot when it comes to Christmas. The Christmas vibes jump off the page and I feel like the setting is also so quaint and ideal for a holiday story. I did feel like I could root for the characters to get together and I did feel like the ending made a lot of sense. I was surprised that I was so hopeful for their relationship at the end.
Overall, not great, but if you like Christmas and quaint and cozy settings with an adorable horse or two, maybe this is your vibe? And if you like it, no worries, this series in over 10 books long and you'll have plenty to read moving forward.
More...