Reviews – STORYBOOK ENDING, NOSY NEIGHBORS, & I’LL HAVE WHAT HE’S HAVING

Hey everyone!  I’ve been way behind on writing book reviews but finally played catch up this past weekend, so today I’m back to share my thoughts on three recent reads that I really enjoyed.  Two are from authors I’ve reviewed before on the blog, while the third is a new to me YA author who has written his adult debut.

Storybook Ending Goodreads

Author: Poppy Alexander

Publication Date: August 20, 2024

Publisher: Avon

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.

Poppy Alexander’s new book, Storybook Ending, follows Imogen, a children’s book author, is pregnant and in the midst of a move to the countryside when her husband unexpectedly passes away. Imogen wants to make a fresh start and a good life for her baby so she decides to go ahead with the move. For those familiar with Poppy Alexander’s The Littlest Library, Imogen’s new home is in Middlemass.  I loved Middlemass so I was excited to be returning to the quaint and charming little village. I knew the residents there would take good care of Imogen and her baby.

After a rough start, particularly in terms of dealing with her gruff neighbor Gabriel, Imogen soon settles in to life in Middlemass.  Gabriel reminded me a bit of Luke from Gilmore Girls, grumpy as heck on the outside, but would do absolutely anything he could to help someone he cared about.  It becomes pretty clear early on that Gabriel cares about Imogen.  I loved their scenes together, and especially all of the small things here and there Gabriel would do to make Imogen’s life a little easier.

There’s a bit of drama throughout the story surrounding Imogen’s home that kept things interesting, but overall I’d consider Storybook Ending to be a heartwarming, feel good story about finding yourself and your path forward after grief and loss, and about second chances, especially when it comes to love. 4 STARS

Nosy Neighbors Goodreads

Author: Freya Sampson

Publication Date: April 2, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.

Nobody writes the found family trope quite like Freya Sampson.  Nosy Neighbors is my third read from her, and that found family element is what takes each book to the next level for me.

In Nosy Neighbors, the long-time residents of Shelley House and Kat, the young pink haired girl who ends up renting a room there, are the found family.  Before Kat’s arrival, the residents had mostly just kept to themselves, only interacting when necessary.

77 year old Dorothy Darling has lived in Shelley House for over 30 years. She’s a cantankerous old lady who spends her days spying on her neighbors and taking detailed notes of their comings and goings.  She seems to have a particular disdain for Joseph, the elderly gentleman who lives across the hall from her and his adorable dog, Reggie, and when Joseph sublets a room to Kat, her disdain for Joseph immediately extends to Kat as well.

When the residents learn that their awful landlord has decided to sell the building out from under them and evict them all, everything changes.  They start to bond over their shared desire to save Shelley House.  All of the residents are so endearing in their own way, and I just loved watching these wonderful friendships blossom as everyone worked together and as they tried to get through to Dorothy, who seems to be in denial about the eviction and who also seems to be harboring some deep rooted secrets.

The relationship between Dorothy and Kat was especially compelling for me as Kat is carrying the weight of some secrets herself. The two women have so much more in common than either would have ever thought, and their relationship was, by far, my favorite friendship to come out of such a heartbreaking situation.

There’s also an element of mystery to the story, especially surrounding the house itself and some of Dorothy’s more eccentric tendencies. While the mystery element is quite entertaining and definitely kept my attention, it was that element of found family that made this such a special read for me.  4.5 STARS

I'll Have What He's Having Goodreads

Author: Adib Khorram

Publication Date: August 27, 2024

Publisher: Forever

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.

I’ll Have What He’s Having is Adib Khorram’s adult debut and it follows Farzan and David, two thirty-something year old men as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life and love.

When we meet Farzan, he is reeling from his most recent heartbreak. His love life is a mess and he’s also not overly happy with his life as a substitute teacher either.  Farzan needs to get out of his own head for a while, and when his best friends are not available, he decides to head to a new restaurant he has been wanting to try.  Farzan is surprised when David, the restaurant’s hot sommelier, starts acting super flirty with him, but he decides to just enjoy it and see where things go, not realizing that this night will change everything.

David has been told that Frank Allen, famed food critic, will be visiting the restaurant.  When Farzan enters, Davis thinks he is Frank and really pours on the charm.  One thing leads to another, and the two men end up spending an unforgettable evening together.  When they both realize the mixup, Farzan and David laugh it off and the two part ways, assuming this was a one-night stand since neither is interested in a relationship at this point.

The universe has other ideas for them though and they cross paths again when Farzan inherits his family’s bistro.  Farzan needs advice on running a restaurant and David could use some help studying for his exam to become a master sommelier, so they agree to help each other out. Even though David’s plan is to relocate to L.A. once he passes his exam, he and Farzan have an increasingly difficult time trying to fight their growing feelings for one another.

I thought this story was going to be a rom-com but it’s actually a much more emotional read than I was expecting.  It’s heartbreaking to watch Farzan struggle with his life choices on a day-to-day basis, especially since his heart is always in the right place. I was rooting so hard for him to find his path both on a personal level and of course for him and David to figure out how they can each follow their dreams and still keep this wonderful relationship that is within reach if they would both just embrace it.

Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, and filled with so many delicious descriptions of food and wine, I’ll Have What He’s Having is sure to please anyone who enjoys more emotional romance reads. 4 STARS