Reviews

Talk of the Town by Jennifer Bardsley

vlaniganfoffimreading's review

4.0

Another small town book that I really enjoyed! Poor Peter ! He is good friends with Noelle and wants more, but as a widow and a mom she doesn’t want to go there. His sister takes it upon herself to offer him up on the town’s local mom’s Facebook Group. I have seen a lot of crazy thing on our mom’s page but I have to say that’s one I haven’t seen! Peter is not happy but it might just be what finally pushes Noelle to push past the friend zone! 

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Thank you @montlake @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks  and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

maddi_bernards's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

girl_curious's review

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

kc116's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

anareadsbooks23's review

dnf’ing at 12% i don’t think i’m the target demographic for this book. while i can enjoy some mom talk and things in that sphere bc of the time i spend with my niece, the cattiness of this fb moms group makes it not something i want to read and hard to relate to

hmowen12's review

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? It's complicated

5.0

heather9013's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

peruseapage's review

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

✨Book Review ✨

Talk of the Town - Jennifer Bardsley 

A refreshing, easy-going read set in a small, inter-connected village. A relaxing and enjoyable story perfect for a sunny day!

Peter Marshall, town’s most eligible bachelor, has his eyes on newly-widowed Noelle. His sister, however, has different plans. Vanessa, one of the more vocal members of Skagiton Moms Facebook group, regularly posts about her brother’s relationship status and whereabouts. When random moms begin approaching Peter, he becomes highly confused. All he wants is Noelle but first he has to get Vanessa on board. 

This was a relaxing and relatable read that depicts life in a small village where everyone knows everyone. I particularly liked the Facebook posts and comment section that proceeded each paragraph. It was so relatable and exactly like reading a Facebook argument - which you gotta love! 

The characters themselves were likeable although I didn’t fall in love with Peter - I wish I had but he didn’t come across sexy enough for me: I like a more morally gray man and Peter is too nice. Noelle was better developed in my opinion but still just too nice! For me, it was the secondary characters that really drew me in - especially on those Facebook posts. 

The story itself was bland but easy to read about. There wasn’t much to it but it’s clear this is not a plot-driven book. The writing style was easy enough but I did find myself wanting to skip chunks of the chapters just to get back to those Facebook comments haha. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a chilled, small-town village book with sweet characters this would be right up your street. If you’re looking for a plot-heavy book with morally-grey characters (my usual type) maybe give this a miss. 

bethvalencia_'s review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

lenasbookmark's review

4.0

"Boundaries. You deserve boundaries. The next time Kerry or Anika or Phil try to get into it with you, say: 'I'm not talking about this with you. Gotta go. Bye.' That's it. Boom. Conversation over."

This is a small town novel where Noelle and her son Daniel are navigating through life after her husband's death. Noelle grew up with a father who didn't value women for all that they are. She had a tough time navigating that after she met her husband and saw a different side to life and how women were actually viewed.

I thought the Facebook group posts within the book were a cool aspect, I don't think I have ever seen that in a book before. It was interesting to see the topics that were going on in the group and how they tied to the overall story line.

The story was kind of a slow burn, but it kept my attention up until the end. I was rooting for Noelle the entire time - wanting her to find her voice and realize that she is more than what her father thought she was. I was also rooting for Noelle and Peter and I was more than happy with the ending.

Noelle, I think, is relatable with both how she was brought up and the loss of her husband.

I would definitely recommend this book!