This was a books that I was kind of ‘meah’ about when I read the description. It didn’t grab me in the way that I was expecting. Sure is a romcom with ghosts sounds interesting but for me ghosts are more about horror than romcoms. So it didn’t stand out as one that I was dying to read (no pun intended). However so many people were raving about it all over social media which made me stop and ponder a little bit more.
After a week of seeing it all over the place on social media I finally broke down and downloaded it! Suddenly this book went from ‘meah’ to ‘must read’ in the matter of days! I mean I was fully ready to not like it, but when I started to read it, it wormed it’s way into my heart when I was least prepared!
Don’t get me wrong, this book was quirky AF but it was so fun and I am so glad that I did read it because there was so much to enjoy even if it was a bit weird! I adored it almost instantly and I stayed up late one too many nights to finish is. If you are looking for your next romcom this one needs to be it! It’s great and stands out because it’s so quirky!
Summary
Jobless and forced home to Wisconsin, journalist Sabrina Monroe can tolerate reunions with frenemies and kisses from old boyfriends, but not the literal ghosts that greet her in this heartwarming tale of the power of love and connection from acclaimed author Amy E. Reichert.
For Sabrina Monroe, moving back home to the Wisconsin Dells–the self-described Waterpark Capital of the World–means returning to the Monroe family curse: the women in her family can see spirits who come to them for help with unfinished business. But Sabrina’s always redirected the needy spirits to her mom, who’s much better suited for the job. The one exception has always been Molly, a bubbly rom-com loving ghost, who stuck by Sabrina’s side all through her lonely childhood.
Her personal life starts looking up when Ray, the new local restaurateur, invites Sabrina to his supper club, where he flirts with her over his famous Brandy Old-Fashioneds. He’s charming and handsome, but Sabrina tells herself she doesn’t have time for romance–she needs to focus on finding a job. Except the longer she’s in the Dells, the harder it is to resist her feelings for Ray. Who can turn down a cute guy with a fondness for rescue dogs and an obsession with perfecting his fried cheese curds recipe?
When the Dells starts to feel like home for the first time and with Ray in her corner, Sabrina begins to realize that she can make a difference and help others wherever she is. (summary from Goodreads)
Review
The amount of times I laughed at this one was insane. There was so much humor and heart and even though it was a weird quirky novel, it was funny, memorable, and addictive! I love romcom books but not in the same way that I love romcom movies. For me romcom movies are a lot funnier because I can see the actor’s facial expressions and I don’t know they just come across as funnier especially if you get a good comedy actress to play the lead. Romcom books are funny and cute but not in the same way as films for me. However—this book was funny and I could absolutely see it as a movie. I adored it and laughed more often at this one than other romcoms I have read!
I can see why this one has been such a hit for so many readers—romance, humor, food, ghosts (random but great!), a memorable meet-cute, and like-able characters. Ray and Sabrina had great chemistry and I felt invested in their romance. But their chemistry and romance couldn’t have worked had they not each been individually developed. The author did a great job developing Sabrina’s anxiety and inner dialogue. It was spot on and it made her character come alive in the story and I found her endearing. And Ray was charming in his own nerdy way and as they came together their chemistry grew and I just loved seeing it unfold. Spot on characterization!
The dialogue was snappy as one would expect from a romcom and I loved the food descriptions! For those who are wary of the supernatural element in this one, don’t be. I know I certainly was wary but it was done well and had a whimsical feel to in rather than a weird sinister one. I totally thought it sounded strange but it really worked in this one and actually the book stood out more with Molly (the ghost) in it. I was not expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did but it ended up being the perfect breath of fresh air! It had charm, humor, romance and of course a ghost. It was great to read something that was truly memorably and different. If you are looking for your next read then look no further. It is 100% worth the hype!
Book Info and Rating
Format 336 pages, Paperback
PublishedApril 20, 2021 by Berkley
ISBN9780593197776 (ISBN10: 0593197771)
Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley in partnership with the Tall Poppy Writers/Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: romance, rom-com
The Lit Bitch 