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Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'
The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts by Alison Sherlock
1 review
jessebosco's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
A cute, quick read with under-developed characters.
There was so much potential in this book. I loved the concept, I loved the (extremely brief and barely-there) backstory of the main characters, the flaws of the main female character, and the setting. I wish that there was more of everything. More of the main character's flaws and a deeper dive into why she acts the way she does. More consistent development of the relationship between the two characters. More of an explanation of the relationship that the moms shared with each other from their childhood. All of it!!
There were many references to Amber's "obvious" lack of self-confidence and moments where it was clear she was shattered, but we never got a true explanation why so it seemed a bit contrived and nonsensical at times. It felt like she ended up being mostly one-dimensional with her lack of confidence rather than a well-rounded character where we learned what it was she was overcoming.
The setting was very sweet and what I typically like to see in a UK-based novel. The only surprise was that it was not elaborated on initially, so your concept of the lane the shop is on had to be created as you read rather than being able to picture it from the first time that Amber entered the village. While the ending itself did not come as a surprise becauseI only read HEA romance , I was completely surprised at the comments made by the moms! That part of the storyline came out of nowhere, but would have been such a sweet addition to add in throughout the book.
There was so much potential in this book. I loved the concept, I loved the (extremely brief and barely-there) backstory of the main characters, the flaws of the main female character, and the setting. I wish that there was more of everything. More of the main character's flaws and a deeper dive into why she acts the way she does. More consistent development of the relationship between the two characters. More of an explanation of the relationship that the moms shared with each other from their childhood. All of it!!
There were many references to Amber's "obvious" lack of self-confidence and moments where it was clear she was shattered, but we never got a true explanation why so it seemed a bit contrived and nonsensical at times. It felt like she ended up being mostly one-dimensional with her lack of confidence rather than a well-rounded character where we learned what it was she was overcoming.
The setting was very sweet and what I typically like to see in a UK-based novel. The only surprise was that it was not elaborated on initially, so your concept of the lane the shop is on had to be created as you read rather than being able to picture it from the first time that Amber entered the village. While the ending itself did not come as a surprise because
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Cancer
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
Cancer - the mother of the main male character is in remission and has an upcoming appointment in the story. She is very worried about the appointment and it is talked about at length for a portion of the book. Spoiler:
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