Member Reviews
I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I really couldn't get into this book though it maybe because it's book three in the series and I haven't read books one and two.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
I loved this book! In fact, I love romances in general and this one really got me hooked and I couldn't put down until I finished it.
I adored Beth Merlin's "Love You S'More" and thought it was the perfect ending to main character Gigi's story. Gigi has grown up and learned so much about herself since the series began, and it was very satisfying for me to see her end up in such a good place, both personally and professionally.
I really appreciated that things with Gigi's love interests, Gideon and Perry, didn't unfold exactly the way I thought they would. There was no dramatic scene where she had to choose between them; instead, one relationship came to a natural end months before things heated up with the other love interest. I was very happy with her ultimate choice of partner and how their relationship progressed.
Also, while the romance was obviously a central part of the story, Gigi's career journey and relationships with her friends and family were equally important. She needed to figure out a lot of things on her own before committing to a romantic relationship. I was especially happy to see Gigi reconnect with Alicia, her BFF from Camp Chinooka, because Alicia seemed so much more likeable in this book. I found her to be kind of self-centered in the first book, but this time around she wasn't as wrapped up in her own life. She acted like a much better friend to Gigi and actually provided valuable advice on several occasions.
While I am sad that the Campfire series has come to an end, I am looking forward to reading more of Beth Merlin's work in the future.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Due to complications, I had to read this book as a standalone instead of an actual series.
I was a little bit wary of starting on book three of a series, but according to the publisher, it won't be as bad for this series specifically because of how it's written. To have a better reading experience despite this obstacle, I also read some reviews to get a better sense of the background information and what was going on.
I'm happy to say that this book was a pleasant read not because it provided an idealistic escape, but more like dumpling over me a bucket of pure reality and reliability through the realism in the story and the portrayal of the relationship. Because of this, for those who don't like much realism in reading experiences because they seek escape, be warned. For those who love realism like this, I recommend this book. For those who are willing to try new things, view this as a friendly reminder.
I don't think I would ever call this book the best contemporary book I've read ever or in this month, but I do want to explicitly acknowledge its realism in the story. It can be very powerful and influential depending on each individual reader.
As the book progressed for me, I realized that although I appreciate the romance, I feel like I'm more reading it for the story about this romance than enjoying the actual romance (if you know what I am talking about). A lot of times I read romance books for the sake of enjoyable storylines and entertaining couples, but the realism of the book really caused me to be more serious when reading this book and more invested in the "story' than the "romance".
Rating: 3.9/5
This book was a delight. It did not have the feel of a traditional romance--in a good way. There was more drama here than formulaic fare. Well written and engaging, I loved the fact that the tale did depend on assumption and miscommunication between characters to drive the tension in the story. This was a love story about love, self, and the power of personal choice. I wish there were more like this.
If I had to mark down for anything it would be the typos and missing words that crept in toward the end of the book.
Although I was still able to enjoy this book, this is definitely one that would have been better if I had read the previous books in the series. I started out pretty annoyed by Gigi, but she won me over by the end!
Super cute!
I love romances in England and this was no exception.
But I didn’t realize it’s the third book in a series and so won’t be able to write a proper review without having read those first. I was hoping I would get to read more of them falling in love rather than figuring out wedding planning.
This is the kind of sweet story to just relax and enjoy! Although it is book 3 and is a standalone, I think I would have found it even better if I had read the first 2 in the series. Now to go back to the first two books.
I liked the author's style of writing and enjoyed the various characters. Fun to read the different locations that the Gigi was in. And oh, my, what a perfect ending!
Looking for a good romance, I would recommend this book but I'd start with book 1 to get to know the characters best.
* I was provided an ARC to read from the publisher and NetGalley. It was my decision to read and review this book.
Captivating story!
The author achieves a story filled with emotional ups and downs, how big opportunities and success can be overshadowed by unexpected situations.
This installment is focused on self search and empowerment.
Definitely recommend it.
I stumbled on book one by accident, got really excited that there was a book two, finished it, and waited and waited for book three. It was worth it. I finished the book completely satisfied with how the story had played itself out, even though I had questions that never quite got answered.
This is the first book I have read by Beth Merlin and I’m truly impressed!
Ms. Merlin’s writing style is all encompassing. She creates complex characters and her details of scenery and the fashion designs is exquisite!
This is the third book in the S’more series and it can be read as a stand-alone. Having said that I wish I had read the other two books first. I felt there were some insights into certain characters and certain situations that I had missed out on.
Love You S’mo Is the story of Georgia and Perry. At one time they shared a great love but circumstances pulled them apart. (This is something I felt I missed out on because I hadn’t read the earlier books.).
Both Georgia and Perry are very ambitious and devoted to their careers. Careers that pull them in different directions. After failed relationships with other people they slowly make their way back towards each other. But once again their careers are pulling them in opposite directions. Will their love of one another be enough to keep them together or will their ambitions tear them apart again?
I loved Ms. Merlin’s writing! And I loved most of the storylines. But being the romantic I am I had a hard time with love not coming first. No compromises were made. Still a good read. I’ll be going back to read the first two books in the series soon.
Love You S'more is the third and final book in Beth Merlin's Campfire Series and I gotta say I'm very pleased with the happily ever after ending for Gigi and Perry. Of course they go through all the trials and tribulations before finally making their way back to one another. Almost makes me wish there was going to be another book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a perfect ending to this cute series. I really enjoyed the entire series and felt that the books just got better with each one. I really love the main character Gigi and enjoyed seeing her progression over the course of the series, which follows her story through quite a few years. For those who enjoy slow burn romances, this series is for you. I look forward to more to come from this author.
Love You S'more, Beth Merlin
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre:Woman's fiction, romance
First a quick rant – why “women's” fiction? Why exclude 50% or readers....men write romance and read it.
I hadn't read book one or two, two was on KU so I read that and the synopsis of book one. I think I'd have enjoyed this even more if I knew the full backstory from book one, but even without its a story I loved.
Some fabulous characters, and lots to ponder. For me the big one was Why? Why did Perry just ghost her when he moved, when they were so close, so in love? I really needed those answers.
I loved Gigi and Jamie, though occasionally I do feel the Gay Best Friend is becoming a little overused in romance. Still, he fitted in perfectly here and did add much to the story. I adored all the dress designing info, a world I know nothing of. Fashion for me means finding some clothes that are not paint stained...I'm an artist and invariably everything gets an addition of unintentional colour. Last seasons clothes are fine for me, tomorrow I'm attending a christening in an outfit that's probably 20 years old. It suits me so shy not is my reasoning. Still, I adore reading about the world of fashion, the creation of beautiful outfits ( all that beading, fabrics and beading are a real weakness of mine – tomorrows outfit is an Indian silk printed shalwar kameez, with a lovely glittery copper running through). I love the way something as simple as clothing can become so important, so much depending on it and I was completely sucked into Gigi's experiences designing Victoria's outfits.
Alongside that is another world almost foreign to me, Theatre. I was entranced by the whole set design, setting music to scenes, creating a story from history. I could see why Perry was so hooked on the world, why it was so important to him. I still just kept having the thoughts though “why Perry, Why?” He seemed such a great guy, just didn't seem the callous type. Then there's Gideon, and he was wonderful too. So very down to earth, so hard working, determined to make his ancestral home pay its way and stay in the family. We've a few like that in the region I live, some owned by NT but others where the families work hard to keep everything in the family, even when it means letting the public into your home. I'd find that hard, but when the alternative is losing it? Knowing a few people of his type I felt the scenes with Gigi and his friends and family were very real. The top echelons of UK society can be very insular, do reject those not quite whom they regard as Like Us. U and non U is still very much alive.
So there were Gigi and Gideon, so in love but could the US career girl fit into
UK Society, was love enough? What about Gigi's career?
And then into all that drops the scandal and poor Gigi once more goes from cream of the top, Lady of the day into Most Despised Person.
I so felt for her, she'd done nothing, it was Perry who really should have copped the blame but as usual the woman gets it ;-( The British press are merciless, and I so hate their desperation to cook up a story, parade lies as truth when it comes to celebrities. There's a saying they never let the truth get in the way of a good story and its so true, and why I've not bought a newspaper for years.
Its a fabulous, engrossing read, transporting the reader into the world of fashion married with High society, and showing just what an impact simple decisions can have on careers and lives. The ending – well, I loved it, perfect for me. I may well go back and read book one sometime, and two and three once more.
A quick point, well a couple of them.
We don't say Fall, its Autumn. Certainly coming from a landed and titled family Gideon would Never use a US term like that when talking about how booked up Badgely Hall was becoming.
Victoria, future Queen of UK, supposedly lets her husband know of his impending fatherhood by asking for sparkling cider instead of champagne. Here in the UK there is both Still and Sparkling cider, each very alcoholic. There's no way a future Queen, UK born and bred would request cider, meaning a non alcoholic drink, she'd be asking for water or fruit juice most likely. Sparkling cider is a US/Canadian term only.
They're small points and usually I could ignore things like that – it happens when writing about other cultures and countries, but these two points are very major ones IMO.
Stars: Five, a fabulous read, engrossing story, real characters and plenty of drama.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers