Review: The Cherry Blossom Boathouse
Thank you Ballantine/Dell Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I picked up this book based on the cover and the promise of a lakeside setting and it delivered on the cozy, breezy romance vibes. It’s not a book i’d typically pick up but it was a quick and sweet romance that I think would be perfect for readers who enjoy books about bookstores and goes heavy on the tropes.
Synopsis:
“When Sophie Bennett gets fired from her high-profile marketing job and dumped by her boyfriend for being “too boring,” she decides to take a risk—fueled by wine—and launches a crowdfunding campaign called “Help a Boring Girl Buy a Bookshop.” To her shock, what started as a joke goes viral, raising enough money for her to leave London and buy a rundown boathouse in the sleepy small town of Solace Springs, Washington, marking the start of her new chapter.
Local boatbuilder and professional grump Luke Rhodes has had it with outsiders coming to Solace Springs and disturbing his carefully cultivated quiet life. So when Sophie, his annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor, moves in with her endless optimism, relentless determination, and distracting curves, he wants nothing to do with her renovation project. Too bad fate—and the town residents—have other plans. As Luke gets roped into working with Sophie, he starts to find that cherry blossoms aren’t the only thing budding in town.
In the midst of clashes over paint samples and arguments over structural integrity, things start to heat up between the town local and the new resident. But just as Luke’s carefully constructed walls begin to crack, Sophie’s sudden viral fame threatens the tranquility of Solace Springs. They’ll have to decide if their unexpected connection will wilt away or bloom into something more.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Nods to Book Lovers—A boathouse bookstore sounds utterly charming to me.
The Pacing—Quick and gets right to the romance of things.
The Slight Mystery—I wish it leaned more into this cause it would have made it a bit more interesting by the time the third act break up showed up.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
A Bit Too Saccharine for my Taste—Insta love/attraction isn’t really my vibe, I prefer a bit more grit.
Character Authenticity: 2/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Content Warnings:
grief, loss, abandonment