Member Reviews
I thought I was going to really enjoy this book, but I sadly did not. I had a hard time getting into this book. I didn't really care about the characters at all.
A slow burner but a sweet romance. I really enjoyed this book and it’s originality, The characters are realistic and realistically flawed. Well written. I would read another book by this author.
This book made for perfect quarantine reading! The main character is funny and just snarky enough while still being very sweet. I love a good slow burning romance and the premise of her secret message getting his attention was really fun. I have never read anything by Kate Clayborn and will look forward to her next release.
The book was fun, quick, sweet read....clever idea.........characters well developed..........keep thinking of the characters and story.
Absolutely delightful, charming, whimsical, original ~ ALL the wonderful things! I loved the setting, the romance, the friendship side story, I loved the artistic touches, I just loved it all so much. I can't wait to read more by Clayborn!
This book was freaking amazing. Kate Clayborn is one of those writers who can take a seemingly simple story or trope and just weave such a beautiful narrative from it. I have never been disappointed by a book of hers, and Love Lettering was no different. It was rich and detailed and the slowest, most wonderful burn. I loved getting Meg and Reid's backstories. My one wish was that I wanted Reid's POV, but that's kind of just my preference in general. It was still amazing from just Meg's POV, and it honestly feels like the book version of a 90s romcom, but even better!
This was a great read! It was such a fun love story that had so many facets. I really enjoyed the deep dive in to the characters. This is one I would recommend. I liked that Meg tried to hide code in her lettering but she didn't count on Reid. Reid was a great character and I enjoyed learning about his background. I really liked the growth between that two characters and how much Reid came in to himself. This was such a creative story line and something completely different. But there were definitely some steamy scenes! So make sure no one is close to you if you do the audio version!
This was a tough one for me because I was so hopeful that I would enjoy this book. The title, the cover, the description - it all seemed so right. So, how could it go so wrong? I got through about 25 percent of it before I had to put it down. It was slooooooooooow and I couldn't stand Meg or Reid. I would never want to take away from the enjoyment others had reading this story, but it wasn't for me. DNF.
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC! I really enjoyed this book and thought the writing and love story was just LOVELY!! definitely recommend!
"I would say I like you so much, Meg."
Swoon, swoon, swoon! Or would that be swoonsh? Reid may not be a natural conversationalist, but he's got the best lines. I love his letters and that scene at the bar. Through Meg's eyes, we see just what kind of man Reid is, and can I just say that I'd like to take him home? Reid was written as this socially awkward nerd but he's the best where it counted--kind, thoughtful, considerate, protective, good in bed and handsome. Did I mention handsome? Not sure why, but I always picture Clark Kent (portrayed by Christopher Reeve) whenever Reid comes up in a scene.
The story is written from the first person point of view, and Meg's voice is unique and engaging. She totally captured my attention; I couldn't stop reading! The blurb and first chapter intrigued me to get the book and while there wasn't any paranormal stuff happening, how the author integrated lettering, the heroine's profession, into the story is intriguing and fascinating. Though I did wonder at the believability of any man agreeing to go with her around town looking for signs. But it was perfect for Reid in his particular situation.
That aside, I'm in love with this story!! One of the best stories I've read in 2019, and highly recommended. Don't miss this. I'm looking forward to the author's next book!
When I read an excerpt at the beginning I was too excited to finally read it.Once I got it I start it immediately and I thought I will continue liking it.Unfortunately I lost my interest soon and I find the story ok.I tried to make sense but most of the time, it was confusing.The premise had potential and I really wanted to like it more than I did. The characters are endearing and charming.I hope the next book I'll read from this author will be better!
I know I am in the minority here, but I did not love this book. I am such a fan of the author that I tried and tried again to get engaged in the story. Unfortunately the story came across as very cutesy and cliche to me. This is not a title I would recommend.
Meet Meg Mackworth. Her hand lettering skills have earned her the moniker the Planner of Park Slope. But she also has another skill that no one knows about: signs. She notices things other people don’t, whether it’s a forgotten but gorgeously rendered sign on the side of a building or the small signs that will make a new marriage a success…or not. The last time Meg saw Reid Sutherland was a year ago when he came in with his fiancée to go over their custom wedding stationary. And, maybe Meg did something she shouldn’t have; weave a secret message into their wedding program. But no one else would notice, right? Wrong. Reid is back and asking her uncomfortable questions…
I am an avid listener of podcasts and I have a particularly obsessive love for the Fated Mates series hosted by Sarah Maclean and Jen of Jen Reads Romance fame. These guys love Kate Clayborn, an author I have never read before and as our tastes seem to coincide in a lot of areas, I decided that meant I needed to pick up one of her books. And finally, I have! And it just reinforces my believe that I should never doubt Sarah and Jen, as I really enjoyed this book.
Did I ever think that I could fall in love with a book, which was comprised mostly of people walking around and looking at old signs? Okay, so yes I love Lord of the Rings, which, lets face it, is just men going for a long walk. But, who knew it could translate to the romance genre? This was a really beautiful book, it had a magic touch that gave it a whimsical joy, that still had undercurrents of genuine feeling and depth that swept you along with the story.
The romance between Meg and Reid was a real slow burn, and followed a friends to lovers kind of trajectory. But, it never felt slow. Instead their relationship seemed to just build up naturally as they spent time together, until it seemed falling in love was inevitable. However, although this is primarily a romance, I liked that this wasn’t the only aspect of Meg’s life it concentrated on. Meg’s friends and her career also have a place in her life, and this was shown really well, without it taking over the book.
This may be my first book by Kate Clayborn, but it definitely isn’t going to be my last. It felt original, magical and romantic and I can’t wait to read more from her.
This book was absolutely adorable from start to finish. My favorite contemporary romance of 2019. A great opposites attract, friends to lovers romance. Highly recommend.
Charming love story with great characters! I loved Meg and Reid and the slow burn romance that built between them. The first half of the story moved slow but otherwise enjoyed this love story. The premise is unique and fun and gave the story a unique twist!
3.5 stars.
Because this book was written in first person, present point of view, we only get one side of the main characters--and many side characters. Meg Mackworth, a popular hand-lettering artist, is confronted by a former client, Reid Sutherland, who discovers the hidden message she'd written in his wedding invitation. As I read the novel, I had to consider that this novel falls more in the Women's Fiction with Romance elements: Meg is a young woman trying to find her place in NYC, shifting friendship dynamics, outgrowing her business model to become more independent, and trying to find love with the most unlikely, but suitable to her quirks and preferences, partner.
The entire novelization is Meg's experience and perception of events. While there were many elements that allowed the reader to understand the secondary characters' actions, experiences, and beliefs, I still felt Meg was in control of the narrative, which made me dislike many of the characters for how they (mis)treated her.
The romance with Reid was a very slow burn. It was such a slow burn that I couldn't "feel" the intensity of their desire for each other. I searched for that spark, moment, change in events that made two strangers fall for each other, especially under a contentious circumstance. It just seemed to happen. However, these two characters enlightened me as to how very suited these different-but-similar natured characters could get along and care for one another for the long haul.
The author created wonderful imagery; needed when describing the art of lettering. At certain points, I would have preferred just the romantic journey rather than read about secondary characters. While those secondary characters shaped Meg, I wasn't much interested in the celebrity, the best friend, or the shop owners. I wanted more of Meg and Reid, their conflicts, their make-ups, to the happily ever after that every Romance reader expects.
Readers of smart Romances would love this most because of the smart and clever characters in the narrative. While this is considered a RomCom, I'm not sure I read it in that vein.
I'd like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so incredibly gorgeous. It felt like such a love letter to NYC, and to friendships - that isn't something we see portrayed just everywhere and it was amazing to see a broken friendship slowly getting repaired. The love story was beautiful but the entire book was amazing. Kate has becomes a favorite author of mine.
Meg has a talent for hand lettering and makes a living creating bespoke journals and invitations for the who’s who of New York. Sometimes she hides messages in her work and one such time was a word in the wedding programme of Avery and Reid.
A year later, after the wedding has been called off, Reid comes back to speak to Meg to find out how she knew. Meg and Reid slowly develop a friendship and they show each other bigger things the world has to offer.
Oh my word, this book was quietly beautiful, I identified with Meg more than I have with any character ever before. Her uncertainty, her passion and her loathe for confrontation spoke to me. I am so pleased to have read this book.
In the first few chapters this was said by Meg “Unexpected things happen in March”. And in today’s uncertain times, I felt like fate had a hand in me waiting until now to read it.
I also got a physical copy of this from the author. I read this and fell in love just within the first couple pages and read it in one sitting! I dont do that often, but when I do, it's an amazing experience!!
Absolutely sweet and adorable read! I am fan girl-ing SO SO SO hard over this beauty! RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE!!! <3
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*