3.5 / 5.0 Stars

Emily Bryant is an aspiring New York City editor. She's pursuing her literary dreams in the midst of the movers and shakers of her industry. That is until she's called to the quaint village of Cascata in the Lost Coast region of Northern California. Her estranged paternal greandmother recently passed away and in order to inherit the family Victorian mansion, Emily must edit some "forsaken" manuscripts found in her grandmother's office. With the flourish of an editor's marking pencil, odd things begin to happen. Meanwhile, relations with aunt, uncle and cousins are strained and discerning the grandmother's reasons for the allocation of her legacy, leaves everyone scratching their heads. All Emily wants to do is get these manuscripts edited so that she can fly back to New York and resume her life's path...or is it?

Author Ellie Alexander has written a charming ode for the literarily passionate reading community. The prose is easy going. The characters well thought out and the atmosphere is highly descriptive. This is also a bit of a cautionary tale. As Emily makes changes to the manuscripts, it changes the lives of the actual people about whom the stories were written. Perhaps it is a gently veiled note to editors who may wield more power with their pencils than they may realize. The tender ids of writers lay in their hands. This was a sweet tale with a touch of magical realism and a fair amount of tension, which ultimately resolves itself.

I am grateful to Sweet Lemon Press LLC for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Wow! I loved this story! I can only hope that it's the start of a series. I can see Emily having many adventures revolving around the books/stories she's editing. The descriptions of the surrounding area drew me in and made me wish I was there with Emily seeing what she was seeing. I felt like Emily had some sparks with a town resident - not going to name names! - which would make this even better as a series. There's a underlying theme of coming to terms with your past and your future, a turning point in anyone's life. This was done so well I didn't want to put the book down. Highly recommend!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Just read this. Period. It is one of those books that stay with you. You slow down reading hoping to stretch it out longer. The words, nay the mental images (you feel the salty mist, taste the food, and both the memories and smell of books) carry you along and you become excited with the characters, the story, the town, the house. The story came to the author in a dream. Believe it. I have had that happen to me. To grab the tendrils and weave them takes courage, patience and love. This book has moved into my top 25 books. I read this through NetGalley. I have ordered two HB copies - to give away, and an Ebook copy for myself.

I was incredibly excited to read this book by Ellie Alexander. Lost Coast Literary grabbed my attention from the description and as I began to read the words written on the pages, I could feel myself drifting off to Cascata, a quaint town on the Lost Coast of California.
Emily Bryant is a book editor, trying to find her way in New York city. When she finds out she won't be able to make a pitch for a book she's editing, she wonders if it was all a mistake.
A sudden request from an estranged relative suddenly changes the course of Emily's life, and possibly those around her.

I found this book to be quite captivating and I didn't want it to end. I hope this grows into another wonderful series by this talented author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#LostCoastLiterary #NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. Emily's journey to find what she needs in her life was soft and sweet. Her connections with the people around her were realistic. A little dash of magic help the story along didn't hurt either. As a librarian, I love any book that promotes reading in any way shape or form. I did feel that it took a little bit of time for the book to get started which is why it didn't get the full 5 stars. I may also be showing my age but I HATE the term meet-cute with a passion.

Ready for your new read? Ellie Alexander brings us a brand new book!

Welcome to the town of Cascata on California’s Lost Coast. And meet book editor Emily Bryant who is still confused as to why she is there. Her grandmother has left her entire Victorian mansion and her book collection to Emily. But Emily is confused. She has memories of her grandmother and her mother that are good. But for some reason, after her mother got cancer and they moved, Emily’s father would never take her back or mention the past. Something awful must have happened between the adults.

The stipulation in the will means that Emily will have to edit a box of old manuscripts in order to inherit.

She isn’t thrilled, to say the least. But as she reads the manuscripts she finds they are different from what she is used to seeing.

Whenever she makes a change in the manuscript it happens in real life! Yes, there is magic here! For a short bit, this is great. She can fix everyone’s problems with a red pen. Only something goes wrong and now her edits are having the opposite effect.

And now her family’s past is coming out and unfortunately, she can’t edit that.

Things are going crazy but her saving grace may be the last manuscript. Can she right some wrongs without ruining everything?

I am a fan of Ellie Alexander and this is definitely a series I could read! I hope there is a number two coming up!

NetGalley/March 29th, 2022 by Sweet Lemon Press LLC

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review. I like Ellie Alexander's other books but this one just didn't keep me involved.. Nothing grabbed my interest and I found myself disliking the main character. I kept waiting for something to happen.

Book editor Emily Bryant finds herself unexpectedly in the charming town of Cascata on California’s Lost Coast, holding the keys to her grandmother’s rambling Victorian mansion. While sorting through her grandmother’s things, Emily learns that to inherit the estate she must edit old manuscripts. It’s a strange request from a family member who was basically a stranger.
Emily quickly realizes that there’s something different about these manuscripts. Any changes she makes, come true. At first, she embraces the gift. She has a chance to help characters find true love or chart a new course for their future. Only things go terribly wrong. Her edits have the opposite effect. The sweet and funky seaside community of Cascata is reeling from the chaos Emily has created. Everything she thought she believed about her family and her past is in jeopardy, and no amount of re-writing can fix the damage she’s done.
Then she finds one last manuscript. If Emily can get this edit right, then maybe she’ll have a chance to create a new narrative for herself and everyone around her.
I really enjoyed this book and Emily. Ellery Adams has a way of writing that pulls you in and makes you feel as though you are in the story.

#LostCoastLiterary #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley, Sweet Lemon Press LLC and Ellie Alexander for the opportunity to read and review an Advanced Reader Copy of "Lost Coast Literary" expected to be released on March 29, 2022.

This book is a perfect blend of reality and magic that captivates the reader with every turn of the page. The first question that entered my mind when I commenced reading the book was: "is it possible that another author's writing style from a different era can be reincarnated in a modern-day author's work?" I truly believe this is possible for after reading the carefully etched, deliberate descriptions in Ms. Alexander's book, I immediately compared her to another engaging author that had a rare gift in bringing a story to life in vivid detail: Elizabeth Von Arnim (1866-1941). Ironically, a few weeks ago I read Ms. Arnim's book, "The Enchanted April," written in the ripe old year of 1922... a book which still resonates today with countless readers across the globe because of the exquisite details she masterfully pens that paint moving pictures within the reader's mind.

And this is the exact writing gift that Ms. Alexander portrays in her own writing. Her every word is a brush stroke, shifting the story from a mere book to a cinematographic vision etched in ink. The reader does not have to strain to envision what the author is trying to convey; the author does the work for you and so it invokes a pleasant, effortless read.

Vivid descriptions contain the keys that open up the portal of the reader's mind that harbors imagination. We can witness this in this book. Emily's anguish in trying to carve her future, her love of all things literary which pulls her in every direction and is the epicenter driving her decisions, and her past and current family issues are palpable- the reader feels her dilemma through her countless self-analysis and never-ending questions. She feels abandoned by her extended family and is drowning in unanswered questions, carrying the weight of her uncertainty and lack of answers throughout her life. Her emotions are heightened. Strained. All these issues are now together, at the forefront of her thoughts and she must confront them. She is at a crossroads- somewhere she does not want to be and this is expertly illustrated through Ms. Alexander's sweeping, yet controlled, descriptions. We got inside Emily's head.

​We witness this gift of writing in vivid detail with the fantastic descriptions of "The Ballard" - the 'literary' mansion Ellie inherits from her grandmother and the paint-stroke, finely executed details of the village and it's community inhabitants. These details 'connect' the reader to the unfolding story. Without this, the reader loses interest in the characters and storyline and does not remain vested in the story to read it to the end. This does not happen here. Ms. Alexander masterfully keeps her reader connected.

The "magical" element was a pleasant, refreshing twist to the story. I was able to guess ahead of time what the outcome would be as the story unfolded but the author's writing kept me hooked. The plot was evenly paced and flowed in time to the tone which was pleasant and blended with the descriptions.

In summation, "Lost Coast Literary" was a cozy read and I stayed immersed in the story. I would be delighted to read Ms. Alexander's previous literary works and future ARCs. I do recommend this book be added to your TBR list. All opinions in this review are my own.

Grading: 5/5

Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the E-ARC copy of this book. The rating of this book is entirely of my own opinion. #NetGalley #LostCoastLiterary

I absolutely loved this new book by Ellie Alexander! Of course, I love all her books but this one was so unique in its concept and I really enjoyed a new twist on a cozy mystery. Editing manuscripts and watching your edits play out would be so amazing. And I found the family dynamic interesting and realistic as well. I do hope there is more to come!

Lost Coast Literary was a book that had so much potential for me to read. Emily is a book editor and one day she receives word her grandmother had passed away and she has gone to her Victorian mansion and once there learns to inherit it she must edit old manuscripts. It seems to be a very strange request but is willing to do it.
Once she starts, she realizes everything she edits comes true. I kept wondering as she edits these manuscripts why did she take out all the unpleasant things and put in the happy things. I started to lose interest in this book but read til the end.
Thank you NetGalley, Ellie Alexander and Sweet Lemon Press LLC for this copy. This is my personal review.

This is a new adventure and endeavor for Ellie Alexander. Lost Coast Literary is a Women's Fiction meets Magical Realism and I am here for every single word of it. I related so much to Emily our main character. She is at a crossroads in her life. She thinks she has finally landed in her dream job in New York as an editor. Life, however, finds a way to throw her upside down. Her estranged grandmother passes away and leaves her something incredible. The only caveat, you ask? She has to come to the Lost Coast in California and edit manuscripts. No biggie, right? That is until her edits come to life.

This book had me laughing and loving Emily and her cousin Shay's relationship. I felt for the stories & people she had to change. I closed this book with tears in my eye. Happy & Sad. Happy that I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this book and sad that it had to end. This is truly a pleasure read. You will love every moment of it.

Lost Coast Literary is a charming and hopeful novel set in the dreamy, fictional town of Cascata, which is likely fashioned after the actual city of Arcata, California, and surrounding areas.

Ellie Alexander molds a creative story of Emily Bryant, a former Silicon Valley workaholic who turned to her dream job of editing books. But her pursuit of making it in the industry is put on hold when she inherits her estranged grandmother's home and business. What she finds is a gorgeous Victorian Gingerbread home, distant memories that contradict her father's stories of abandonment, and manuscripts that come to life.

Alexander creates a perfect mix of magical realism and small-town life on the wild coast of Northern California. The tale is sweet and delivers a moral about powers and how to use them. It's a tad a-la Emma, in which Emily finally realizes that she should stop thinking what's best for other people and allow their decisions to decide their fates.

Though the story is fun and an exciting concept, the believability of a grown woman letting all the other adults surrounding her keep playing her around with secrets and half-spoken truths is weak. There also isn't much holding the reader engaged in the outcome. As a result, the story lacks captivating risks and rewards.

Lost Coast Literary is loads of fun for the right audience. It's a cozy, magical realism mystery with a dash of romance and a sprinkle of family ties

I struggled deeply to connect with this book and ultimately it was not for me. The premise is compelling, but Emily as a character and narrator just fell very flat for me. I know some people will love this book, but I am not one of them.

Lost Coast Literary is set in the dreamy little west coast town of Cascata, which is filled with book lovers, beaches, cute shops and restaurants. Ellie Alexander’s writing paints such a beautiful picture of this town and its residents - I could EASILY see this becoming a movie.

This book was a nice change of pace from the tear-jerkers and thrillers I’ve been reading lately! It was nice and light with a really fun story. There was a little suspense and family drama sprinkled throughout, with a satisfying reveal at the end. I would love to know more about the family and what happens next!

Very sweet read - I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a light, shorter, read to break up the heavier stuff ✨

Thank you NetGalley, Ellie Alexander, and Sweet Lemon, LLC for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I will be posting a review on Instagram (@readwithshawn) closer to the publication date, and will also post to Amazon and Barnes and noble when available.

ELLIE ALEXANDER DOES IT AGAIN.

Seriously, this book had me feeling every single emotion. Which, in all reality, is exactly what you want in a good book. Lost Coast Literary was unlike any other Ellie Alexander book I've ever read, and trust me, I've read them all.

This book was filled with love, confusion, anger, adventure, passion, and many other emotions.

Without giving anything away, we follow the story of Emily and her journey to find the trust about her family past, answer confusing questions about her present, and make hard decisions about her future. The adventure and story are top notch.

If you are any type of book worm, classics reader, or just novel lover in general, you will fall in love with this book. Seriously, do yourself a favor and preorder now!

Thank you so much, Ellie for sending me an early copy of this amazing read. BRAVO. FIVE STARS!

After a near-life long estrangement from her paternal grandmother, Emily Bryant gets a call from her uncle telling her that her grandmother has died and has left Emily her estate and literary business. To claim it, Emily must return to Cascata, California, and edit a stack of "forsaken" manuscripts. When Emily begins to make notes on the stories, she finds that the scenes she read and edited on paper begin to play out in real life.

I'm sad to say that this book was a miss for me. I've read a lot of books by Ellie Alexander and have been a fan for several years. She's a favorite author of mine, which is why it's difficult to share my thoughts when I didn't enjoy a story by her. I simply couldn't connect with Emily at all. Page after page seemed filled with her internal ruminations of what caused the estrangement in her family, why her grandmother left her the house and business, what she was supposed to do with the manuscripts, and if she was just imagining it all. I struggled to finish the story. I simply didn't care what would happen and, honestly, I took no joy in reading it.

All of that noted I am keenly aware that net every book is a fit for every reader--and that's okay! I continue to be a fan of this wonderfully prolific author and I thank the publisher for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinions. As with all books, I encourage you to try this story for yourself--it may just be your new favorite!

Reading (and writing) are magic! Lost Coast Literary is a love letter to books, writing, writers and editing. It's a true book for book lovers! Plus, it’s magically realistic! (Yes, I sing that to the tune of “it’s magically delicious!”)

Family secrets. Bibliotherapy. Magical realism. A feel-good story. And a swoon-worthy setting!

The characters are interesting and the plot is compelling. You do wonder what's going to happen next and if the pen is indeed mightier than the sword!

Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Sweet Lemon Press & Netgalley, for the opportunity to read Lost Coast Literary.

3+ stars
Aww I just love this cover!
Emily Bryant is drawn from her book editing job in New York to the lost coast of Cascata, California. Her grandmother has left her with the beautiful family Victorian home; aww a Victorian home and sure enough there something paranormal going on!

As always I love reading the Author’s notes and/or Acknowledgement. Enjoying getting the ‘inside scoop’ on the motivation behind the story.
In this case [author: Ellie Alexander] tells us that this is the first time that a story came to her in a dream. That the Emily’s entire story was like a download into her brain!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Sweet Lemon Press LLC (An Indy Publisher) for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 29, 2022.