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crystalmethany's review
1.0
I do not have anything against 'chick-lit' - there's absolutely space for every genre of book out there, including the fun, predictable, and escapist. But this was not a good example of that.
From the beginning this book is devoid of any nuance or subtlety. We are told exactly what every character is thinking or feeling all the time, and often in the very same words that we were already told about them. It makes for some bizarre, repetitive dialogues and overexplanations. Tori gets invited to a party/life celebration in one chapter, and she says "I'd like that". In the next chapter she is talking to the same people, and is yet again invited to the very same party she already accepted an invitation for, by the same people. She says, "I'd really like that." Did everybody involved forget having this conversation the first time?!
Aidan has no personality traits except for being flirty and generally nice. Tori is ~quirky~ and ~not like the other girls~ because she... likes origami and doesn't read gossip magazines. Thanks, I hate it. Their relationship is practically instalove and the only conflict that crops up for them can be seen a mile off. The stakes are so long and things are resolved so quickly that it seems to exist only to tick that narrative box. The weird elbow joke is vaguely charming in a silly way the first couple of times we hear it. The joke is then beaten to death for the rest of the book. I counted 35 instances of the word elbow in this book. It's not that funny.
From the beginning this book is devoid of any nuance or subtlety. We are told exactly what every character is thinking or feeling all the time, and often in the very same words that we were already told about them. It makes for some bizarre, repetitive dialogues and overexplanations. Tori gets invited to a party/life celebration in one chapter, and she says "I'd like that". In the next chapter she is talking to the same people, and is yet again invited to the very same party she already accepted an invitation for, by the same people. She says, "I'd really like that." Did everybody involved forget having this conversation the first time?!
Aidan has no personality traits except for being flirty and generally nice. Tori is ~quirky~ and ~not like the other girls~ because she... likes origami and doesn't read gossip magazines. Thanks, I hate it. Their relationship is practically instalove and the only conflict that crops up for them can be seen a mile off. The stakes are so long and things are resolved so quickly that it seems to exist only to tick that narrative box. The weird elbow joke is vaguely charming in a silly way the first couple of times we hear it. The joke is then beaten to death for the rest of the book. I counted 35 instances of the word elbow in this book. It's not that funny.
rosepoldark's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anjana's review
3.0
https://superfluousreading.wordpress.com/2018/05/25/the-holiday-cottage-by-the-sea-by-holly-martin
randiroo's review
5.0
Holly Martin never disappoints! This may be my favorite book from her yet. The setting is vivid and charming; the Jackson brothers are particularly intriguing, as they each really have their own distinct personalities. Martin always comes up with the most original details, and the heartberries and Tori’s career in animation add so much to this book. My only complaint is that I wanted an epilogue! I can’t wait for Book 2 with Jamie and Melody. If you haven’t read Holly Martin before, I suggest starting here; you’ll quickly understand why she’s become one of my favorite authors.
annarella's review
5.0
So sweet and fun to read. This books is a real page turner and I couldn't put it down.
Really enjoyed it and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley
Really enjoyed it and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley
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