My Five Word TL:DR Review: perhaps the Perfect Beach Read

Because when you’re on holiday, resting on the beach, or round the pool, you want the type of story that makes you smile. That being said perhaps this is the perfect read for whenever you want a hug from a book. 

Okay, cosy and romantasy are definitely the new black at the moment and it’s a trend that I’m really enjoying. Not that I’d want to read this style all the time, but, if you want an easy on the brain, perfect confection of a book this is the one for you. But, take my word for it now, this is sugary sweet, positively dripping with sticky syrupy saccharine gooeyness (and jam) so if that doesn’t sound like your ‘thing’ then you have been warned. As it is, in a nutshell (or a sugar spun basket) this is deliciously, almost impossibly, sweet. And, I don’t know, perhaps the stars just aligned because this worked really well for me. 

Kiela is our MC. An introverted librarian. She loves books to such an extent that during a revolution she thinks more about rescuing some of the more precious spellbooks than her own safety.  Kiela and her companion Cas, a sentient spider plant, flee to the remote island where Kiela spent the first few years of her life with her parents before they moved on to the big city. Their little cottage, nestled at the edge of the woods and perched atop a cliff lies abandoned and a little dilapidated but it feels safe. So Kiela sets about trying to make a new life, which isn’t easy for a young woman who has no real life experience whatsoever, but she is surrounded by well intentioned people who’d like nothing more than to help (not to mention a few books that also come in rather handy). 

Of course there is an adorable love interest. A handsome, irresistible guy who loves animals, cooking, gardening and making shelves (not to mention dramatic rescues).  The love element here is very slowly played out and quite a gentle aspect to the story (this isn’t a bodice ripper). In fact this is such a lovely and refreshingly clean read. It has a few ups and downs but nothing that really caused me too much tension, I felt secure that this would have a happy ending and I don’t think I’m giving anything away when I say this doesn’t disappoint on that score. 

In terms of criticisms. I haven’t really got anything that spoiled the read for me, but, the world building is very superficial, the magic is more like baking a cake (and really anyone can do it with the right recipe – which I really kind of like), there are so many fantasy elements thrown in that’s it’s almost like a tick list was used. Is any of that a real issue?  No. This is just a book that you need to pick up and go with the flow. Don’t be questioning anything or expecting detailed explanations. Simply, enjoy yourself.   

A lovely read that certainly made me smile. To the author: A Hug of a Book :  level unlocked. 

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion. 

My rating 4 of 5 stars.