This author has a series of books that are incredibly popular, and this is the latest in that line. However, I didn't like this one as much. It felt less inspired (to me, at least) and just a little passionate. A lot of topics were covered and maybe that was the problem? Each topic didn't get enough time? But the poems didn't feel like poems sometimes - it felt more like a self help book. Not my favorite.

This book was interesting. The poetry was expressive and beautiful. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry.

loved this! such a good read! loved the illustrations and i felt so heard with this book! some of the poems i have definitely now read more than once

I really enjoy amanda lovelace's poetry and will continue to collect every book she writes. There's something about them that is so relaxing and comforting. It is not the most complex or skilled poetry out there, but I come back to these books when I need to feel cozy and validated. This is my favorite one from the "You Are Your Own Fairy Tale" trilogy, and a lot of these poems felt like they were written especially for me (especially the one about the cat). Anyone who has ever found themselves in a book will relate to this one, and the illustrations are beautiful too.

This wasn't my favorite from Lovelace and I was a tad disappointed. This felt a little like a self-help book which is fine but I came into this wanting poetry and not advice about how to love myself. The advice was great but still, this just felt so different from Lovelace's usual style. Overall I would still recommend it because I did enjoy it but fair warning that it's definitely different from her previous works.

Amanda Lovelace continues to publish the most beautiful, relatable, gut wrenching poems. Unlock Your Storybook Heart is no different and is the perfect ending to a beautiful trilogy.

I've read most of Amanda Lovelace's books to date, including the previous two books in the You Are Your Own Fairy Tale series, so I'm glad to get the chance to review Unlock Your Storybook Heart. It takes on the same themes as the previous books in the series, following a subversion of fairy tale stories by putting those fairy tales through a sort of therapy. This one has a good number of stand out poems that I think Lovelace's fans will enjoy as much as I did, although some of the poems feel a bit repetitive from her previous collections. Regardless, this is a lovely collection that had me nodding my head at what was said and made me smile. Not my favourite of Lovelace's but still very enjoyable. Recommended!

I liked the way this book was described, but I didn't see the connection to Beauty and the Beast that the description suggested. I read the whole thing in what felt like 20 minutes. I wish there had been more illustrations.

I adored the first two installments of amanda lovelace's you are your own fairy tale-series, break your glass slippers and shine your icy crown. So it is with a sad yet joyful heart that I began reading the series' final installment, unlock your storybook heart. Full of the same goodness as the previous installments, this poetry collection hits the spot. Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

unlock your storybook heart combines two things I adore, fairy tales and the power of books. lovelace's poetry has always emphasized how important the stories we tell are. As a matter of fact, this idea is central to her you are your own fairy tale-series, as well as her other series like the women are some kind of magic. How you talk to yourself, tell yourself your own story, see yourself in the stories of others, it all matters in how you stand in life. If, like me, you want to be able to live the best possible story, a story that includes ups and downs but keeps looking forward, then lovelace's poetry has a lot to offer you!

In unlock your storybook heart we get a new spin on the traditional 'Beauty and the Beast' story. A young woman who misses her mother, who adores her father, who doesn't know why she should be looking for a prince. This collection is something of a conversation between lovelace and her books, which I adored. Books have so much to teach us, and sometimes they're also just happy to wait on the shelf while you're off living life. There is also a beautiful story about a girl gifted with a key, which will unlock her true love's heart. It's beautifully done! Aside from that, I would also like to live my best witchy life, in a cottage, with my true love, and a purring cat. I'm like a third of the way there, but it is the story I am telling myself for me.

lovelace's poetry remains gentle, yet empowering. She is aware of the small detail, the way a voice can shift, but also of the big picture, how you are capable of re-imagine your own life, re-imagine the stories you have been told. I also continue to adore Janaina Medeiros' art style, which complements lovelace's writing so well.

amanda lovelace continues to serve up beautiful poetry, collection after collection. With some truly touching imagery and a quiet ferociousness, unlock your storybook heart was exactly what I needed.

Gorgeous writing. My fav quotes are "why are you so serious?" they all ask her.
"because otherwise, who would
bother to take me seriously?"
she replies.
-so-called resting bitch face.
And
no one had ever called her their best friend, had they?
-no; no, of course they had not.

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✧ 4/5 Stars

I usually don’t go for poetry books but I’ve heard such wonderful things about Amanda Lovelace and decided to give it a go. I absolutely loved the poems. It is not cringy, like others can be. At almost every poem I thought to myself, “Wow this is totally me”. It is so relatable and definitely makes you feel not as alone. Definitely recommend picking it up!

4.5 stars

Just as the other poetry collections by amanda lovelace, this book is filled with emotions, negative and positive. As usual, the reader is empowered, but also feels understood; some words just resonate with what she feels or lives. Some poems can seem to be mantras: they're there to create emotion but also to initiate a reaction, to encourage the reader to "improve", to keep going on a self-love/self-discovery/self-esteem path.
There's something more here: grief for someone the narrator loved, a gap that can never be filled, and something that can never be compared with.
I still loved the link with fairytales: this volume completes the series as the narrator keeps building her own story, keeps twisting where need be. I loved the "transitions" with "Her books say" and the moment when she doesn't "need" them anymore, but knows they're still here if she feels any urge.

I'll keep reading amanda lovelace's books, of course!

I'll preface this by saying I absolutely loved Amanda's other books. I own almost all of them, and I was thrilled to be able to read this through NetGalley.

And when I started it became apparent that it wasn't like the others. It's not bad poetry, but it just doesn't feel like the others and I struggled so hard trying to finish till I had to DNF about halfway through. I will be reading her other work, I'm hoping this was just a one off, but it just didn't do it for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.

I just wish I could've liked it better.

BURNOUT IN GIFTED YOUNG CHILDREN.
OMG When I just got approved for this book I freaked out. IT'S AMANDA LOVELACE?! To read the book and feel SEEN but someone felt amazing. This is a beautiful poetry book about burnout from perfectionism, being gifted and not being stimulated enough growing up, mental health, self care, and more. I bought this book pre-sale after reading it for my little sister who I think will also enjoy this book greatly. Recommended!!!

Thank you to the publisher for letting me access the eARC and audiobook early.

I loved this! I've read all of Amanda Lovelace this one was amazing as always. I loved the illustrations and formatting of this book. The art was pretty and added a nice touch to the poems.

The third instalment in the You Are Your Own Fairy Tale series, Unlock Your Storybook Heart, continues the story of feminist poetry. This collection of poetry from Amanda Lovelace is about being caught up in your own story and quest for perfectionism, that you don't live in the moment. This book encourages the reader to take the time to experience the beauty of the moment that life has to offer.

I plan to purchase a physical copy of this book, to re-read several times over, and to share with my students in my classes. I can't wait for Lovelace's future offerings. Ever since I read her first title (after having discovered her on NetGalley), I have been a huge fan, and she has become one of my favourite poets. I appreciate her empowering, feminist poetry, and this book did not disappoint. Thanks to Lovelace, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

So beautifully written! I did not connect to this volume of poetry compared to her other volumes. But I enjoyed reading this regardless.

My thoughts/ review:

*Thank you to Netgally, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read and review for an honest review*

I always loved Amanda Lovelace writing and poetry. She writes the words of how I personally feel most times. Her words are real and raw and not sugarcoated. In this collection the author speaks about mental health, self care, trying to love yourself, self acceptance, not allowing a failed relationship to ruin you or take over your life. This is a collection I can definitely see myself re reading many times. I like how the author uses slight magical realism within her poetry it makes it that more fun to read.

Lastly I know when it comes to poetry it’s very personal for every reader, simply because each reader can feel different things while reading. I always say there is no right or wrong to poetry because it’s so personal and raw from the author as the reader can intercept it differently from person to person.

I loved this and I plan to buy my own copy to support the author. Amanda Lovelace’s writing is real and her words resonate with me.

Rating: 5⭐

This is a phenomenal collection of poetry that I enjoyed reading immensely. I will definitely pick up future titles by this author.

I love Amanda Lovelace's poetry and have been following it for a few years now. There's something about her poetry that finally makes me feel understood and heard that I haven't experienced before. I was so excited to read another collection by Lovelace and experience what she had to offer this time around.

Unlock your storybook heart was as impactful as all her other poetry collections have been and have really helped me feel empowered and has helped me heal. Her poetry in this collection is raw, honest, and real - she doesn't try to sugar coat anything or beat around the bush and leaves everything out on the table for you to see.

I loved this collection like all the others, and I cannot wait to see what her enxt collection offers.