showthisbooksomelove's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
fictionalkate's review against another edition
4.0
Fun story about a mix-up leading to a secret revealed, family drama and perhaps a chance at love.
I liked the characters and enjoyed watching as they worked out what they wanted - from life, from others and from themselves. The aussie flavour is present throughout the story.
If I had a negative about the story it would be that it all ties up a little too neatly (like one of Marnie's expensive yet gorgeous hand wrapped gifts) and I wanted a little more angst. Even when things weren't going smoothly for all the characters, this book has a bit too much of a positive vibe (which is its appeal but also not. I'm not entirely sure how to put my feelings into words but I know I loved the optimism I felt but I also wanted it a bit more hopeless at times) .
Would read again. Very glad I impulse borrowed this from the library.
I liked the characters and enjoyed watching as they worked out what they wanted - from life, from others and from themselves. The aussie flavour is present throughout the story.
If I had a negative about the story it would be that it all ties up a little too neatly (like one of Marnie's expensive yet gorgeous hand wrapped gifts) and I wanted a little more angst. Even when things weren't going smoothly for all the characters, this book has a bit too much of a positive vibe (which is its appeal but also not. I'm not entirely sure how to put my feelings into words but I know I loved the optimism I felt but I also wanted it a bit more hopeless at times) .
Would read again. Very glad I impulse borrowed this from the library.
nikkilking's review against another edition
5.0
This book was excellent from start to finish - and by finish I mean the accolades in the back were even delightful. Such a great book about two very different upbringings and having to do what it takes to make it. So many themes throughout this book that I enjoyed. This was a very easy read that kept me enthralled wanting to know what was going to happen next. Deception was abound but some for good reason. Big fan!!
cassies_books_reviews's review against another edition
4.0
Marnie Fairchilds specialty is picking gifts for people, this is what makes her business Wish & Co. a success.People hire her to find the perfect gifts. She makes sure she puts a lot of thought into the gifts and she wraps them beautifully and then has them delivered to their recipient.
One day when she’s wrapping gifts for her wealthy client Brian, theres a mix up and Brian's wife receives the gift that was meant for his mistress and vice versa. When his wife opens her gift on their 40th wedding anniversary party she’s shocked and hurt and throws him out. Brian is now trying to save his marriage, and Marnie is worried she’s losing her business. To make things more complicated Marnie has now met Luke whites Brian's son , and they both begin to fall for each other. Marnie helps Brian try to fix things with his wife, all the while she begins a relationship with Luke. What will happen Luke think when he discovers she’s helping his dad who cheated on his mom? This book focuses on family, love, mistakes, secrets, gifts, honesty and believing in yourself along with forgiveness.
One day when she’s wrapping gifts for her wealthy client Brian, theres a mix up and Brian's wife receives the gift that was meant for his mistress and vice versa. When his wife opens her gift on their 40th wedding anniversary party she’s shocked and hurt and throws him out. Brian is now trying to save his marriage, and Marnie is worried she’s losing her business. To make things more complicated Marnie has now met Luke whites Brian's son , and they both begin to fall for each other. Marnie helps Brian try to fix things with his wife, all the while she begins a relationship with Luke. What will happen Luke think when he discovers she’s helping his dad who cheated on his mom? This book focuses on family, love, mistakes, secrets, gifts, honesty and believing in yourself along with forgiveness.
jemima_reads15's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
readingwithemmett's review against another edition
3.0
This review contains minor spoilers for those who like to go in blind; however, if you read the blurb, then there aren't any spoilers.
I felt like I was reading a book from a birds eye view rather than reading a book and being next to the characters or in their head.
This was two stories put together into one story that was mixed together. I don't even think that makes sense. But Marnie is a gift buyer, whom Brian employs to buy all his gifts. When Marnie accidentally sends his mistress's gift to Brian's wife, his marriage is on the line. However, in the book Marnie meets Brian's son, Luke. Basically, it was like a second chance romance book mixed with Marnie and Luke's love story.
This story was cute, and I was invested in Brian's marriage. Even though I hate when characters cheat, this was written in a way that I actually didn't mind that he cheated. I wanted to see Brian get back together with his wife.
I was a little less invested in Marnie and Luke's relationship. It took way too long for their first date, and then it just felt super rushed. I didn't mind that the relationship was so face paced. It was more that a lot of things were said and done within a few pages. It's like the author just tried to get through most of their relationship in as little as pages as possible.
I honestly felt like part one could have been taken out of the entire book, and it just started with the presents switched instead of going through Marnie's decision process and her wrapping the gifts. It was very predictable that the presents were going to be switched, and I don't feel like it was necessary for the story.
That brings me to the next thing. I disliked the chapters. Some chapters were too long. Some were too short. And it wasn't written as chapters; it was divided into parts and then the parts had either a "this many days before or after" or a day of the week. When you start a new chapter, and you see that it's going to take you 40 minutes to read it, it honestly gets a little discouraging, especially since the last chapter was only 5 minutes long. I felt like some parts of the book were slow and went into a lot of detail, while other parts felt a little too rushed. I would have liked to see more consistency.
This was written in third person and switched between all the characters. And there are a lot of characters. It does take a little bit of time to get used to it and remember all the characters, but I did feel invested in certain ones while reading.
Do I recommend this book? Overall, I did like this book. I didn't love it, and it's not one that I think you should just go out an immediately buy; however, I do think it's a cute book that if you find yourself in the mood to read, I do recommend it.
I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I felt like I was reading a book from a birds eye view rather than reading a book and being next to the characters or in their head.
This was two stories put together into one story that was mixed together. I don't even think that makes sense. But Marnie is a gift buyer, whom Brian employs to buy all his gifts. When Marnie accidentally sends his mistress's gift to Brian's wife, his marriage is on the line. However, in the book Marnie meets Brian's son, Luke. Basically, it was like a second chance romance book mixed with Marnie and Luke's love story.
This story was cute, and I was invested in Brian's marriage. Even though I hate when characters cheat, this was written in a way that I actually didn't mind that he cheated. I wanted to see Brian get back together with his wife.
I was a little less invested in Marnie and Luke's relationship. It took way too long for their first date, and then it just felt super rushed. I didn't mind that the relationship was so face paced. It was more that a lot of things were said and done within a few pages. It's like the author just tried to get through most of their relationship in as little as pages as possible.
I honestly felt like part one could have been taken out of the entire book, and it just started with the presents switched instead of going through Marnie's decision process and her wrapping the gifts. It was very predictable that the presents were going to be switched, and I don't feel like it was necessary for the story.
That brings me to the next thing. I disliked the chapters. Some chapters were too long. Some were too short. And it wasn't written as chapters; it was divided into parts and then the parts had either a "this many days before or after" or a day of the week. When you start a new chapter, and you see that it's going to take you 40 minutes to read it, it honestly gets a little discouraging, especially since the last chapter was only 5 minutes long. I felt like some parts of the book were slow and went into a lot of detail, while other parts felt a little too rushed. I would have liked to see more consistency.
This was written in third person and switched between all the characters. And there are a lot of characters. It does take a little bit of time to get used to it and remember all the characters, but I did feel invested in certain ones while reading.
Do I recommend this book? Overall, I did like this book. I didn't love it, and it's not one that I think you should just go out an immediately buy; however, I do think it's a cute book that if you find yourself in the mood to read, I do recommend it.
I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3thingsaboutthisbook's review against another edition
3.0
I understand why people like romance books: they are fast paced, full of snog, and meant to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. To me, they are just to predictable. The moment a character was introduced, I know where things going to end. They always end with some happily ever after moment and no problem left in the world.
Marnie was lonely, but she occupied herself with her gift selecting for people who either had too money or had no time or both. She always dreamt of buying her grandfather’s store and make that place her dream store. But she messed up with one (actually two) deliveries. After that point whether she could afford buying grandfather’s store or not became one of her lesser problems. But you know, as expected things all worked out, and it is up to you to take time and read how that happened.
I liked the writing and gave it 3 stars just because it was a good palate cleanser. But I could use more twists and turns, and little bit more head scratching.
Marnie was lonely, but she occupied herself with her gift selecting for people who either had too money or had no time or both. She always dreamt of buying her grandfather’s store and make that place her dream store. But she messed up with one (actually two) deliveries. After that point whether she could afford buying grandfather’s store or not became one of her lesser problems. But you know, as expected things all worked out, and it is up to you to take time and read how that happened.
I liked the writing and gave it 3 stars just because it was a good palate cleanser. But I could use more twists and turns, and little bit more head scratching.
whatemilysreading's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fast paced read that kept me mildly interested. I enjoyed the vignettes of each character throughout the story so we had a well-rounded look at the entire scenario, but I wish we had gotten to dive a little bit deeper to feel more connected to the characters.
Minnie Darke writes with a witty and quirky style that I actually appreciated - it didn't feel like it was trying too hard. The tone reminded me a bit of Abbi Waxman's writing but less forced.
Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for the advanced e-book!
Minnie Darke writes with a witty and quirky style that I actually appreciated - it didn't feel like it was trying too hard. The tone reminded me a bit of Abbi Waxman's writing but less forced.
Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for the advanced e-book!
tifany's review against another edition
4.0
Marnie Fairchild runs a boutique that includes a gift-buying service for those without the time to do so themselves. She has a knack for understanding the gift recipient and choosing the perfect gift. Coming from a line of entrepreneurs, Marnie is looking to purchase the space that her grandfather once used for his shoe business. That said, an uncharacteristic mistake by Marnie may place her potential new boutique space, as well as her business and budding relationship, in jeopardy.
A sweet read with complex characters and situations, this was a light read that was a welcome break after some rather intense reads. Marnie is a driven businesswoman with big future goals for her business. Along the way, she finds herself drawn to Luke. Known only as a person she bought gifts for, Marnie finds him attractive and intriguing; however, they butt heads over her business model. There was a lot of issues going on simultaneously in this book, and while some felt a bit far-fetched, others really drew me in.
This was a quick, entertaining read that was quite enjoyable.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Dell for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
A sweet read with complex characters and situations, this was a light read that was a welcome break after some rather intense reads. Marnie is a driven businesswoman with big future goals for her business. Along the way, she finds herself drawn to Luke. Known only as a person she bought gifts for, Marnie finds him attractive and intriguing; however, they butt heads over her business model. There was a lot of issues going on simultaneously in this book, and while some felt a bit far-fetched, others really drew me in.
This was a quick, entertaining read that was quite enjoyable.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Dell for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.