Reviews

Talk of the Town by Jennifer Bardsley

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!

maggie_reads's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

rozanne_visagie's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

Talk of the Town is a sweet, witty and thought-evoking romance that takes place in a small town where gossip and coffee are shared daily. 
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I almost finished it in one sitting, the moment I started reading I was transported to the small town of Skagiton. As with any small town, there is gossip and judgement, but there is also the cosy feel of a small community. 

Vanessa is constantly playing matchmaker for her brother Peter, but Peter only has eyes for his fellow estate agent colleague, Noelle. Noelle is a widow and still misses her husband Jeff, but enjoys the small moments with Peter, especially when they drink coffee together. Jokes, jealousy, appreciation and belonging are some of the things to expect when reading this book. It's like a TV series where the camera pans over a small town, birds singing and cars casually driving in the street, but upon closer inspection, there is drama between characters and a budding romance. 

The story deals with topics such as grief, fitting the standards that society sets for us and finding your own voice. Noelle's character was raw and real, it's easy to relate to her. Peter is the handsome guy (some of the characters compared him to Henry Cavill) who is kind, shy and also respects boundaries. The writing is light and sweet and it's no surprise that once you start to read, you won't be able to stop. This is an office romance mixed with friends to lovers with all the feels. Talk of the Town is a treat every contemporary romance reader will devour. 
This book was just a delight to read and I recommend it to readers who enjoy books by Emily Henry.

Thank you MTMC Tours and the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.  

sydneyd05's review against another edition

emotional 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? No

4.0

This was a super cute book! It got a little heavier than I expected with Noelles abusive family but I was so proud to see her stand up for herself by the end. Peter was always so understanding of everything and he just loved her so much. I loved the scenes of him bonding with Daniel, they are so cute. I also really enjoyed how it was never a thing with Jeff, Noelle wasn't afraid to bring him up and Peter embraces the fact that Jeff was great and that he's not replacing him.

I received an arc through netgalley.

nerdy_book_lover_1987's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

This was such a sweet and fun small town, single parent, slow burn romance between friends and coworkers! Noelle and Peter have been friends and coworkers for years. Noelle is a single mom to a 6 year old boy who Peter actually coaches. The Skagiton mom Facebook group was a hoot. Especially Vanessa always posting about Peter being single and where to find him if you were interested. I loved how Peter was with Noelle's son and his nephews! Such a great family aspect to the story! I think they had great chemistry and glided from friends to lovers effortlessly. Definitely a cute read!!