Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to the free advanced digital copy of this book.

"Annie on a Bun" by A.L. Duncan is a delightful and whimsical children's book that will capture the hearts and imaginations of young readers. The story follows the adventures of Annie, a curious and imaginative young girl, who discovers a magical talking bun. With the bun as her sidekick, Annie embarks on a journey through a world where food comes alive. From talking cupcakes to dancing vegetables, every page is filled with delightful surprises and charming characters. The author, A.L. Duncan, has a gift for storytelling that shines through in this book. The narrative is engaging and flows effortlessly, keeping young readers captivated from start to finish. The language used is accessible and easy to understand, making it an excellent choice for children at various reading levels. One of the highlights of "Annie on a Bun" is the vibrant and colorful illustrations that accompany the story. The illustrations bring the characters and the food-filled world to life, creating a visually appealing experience that enhances the storytelling. Through Annie's adventures, the book subtly imparts valuable life lessons about friendship, courage, and embracing one's uniqueness. Young readers will not only be entertained but also inspired by Annie's journey to be true to herself and embrace the magic that lies within. Overall, "Annie on a Bun" is a delightful and imaginative book that sparks the imagination and leaves a smile on your face. A.L. Duncan's storytelling talents and the charming illustrations make it a perfect choice for children who love tales of adventure, magic, and delicious treats. Grab a copy, sit back, and get ready to be transported into a world where food comes alive and dreams come true!

I started reading this thinking from reading the ‘burb’ on the cover that this was exactly the kind of book I’d enjoy. Started a little mixed up in the air, jumping from one thing to another. After two chapters I finally figured out who the cats, dogs and people actually were. Now I’m in chapter ‘8’ and I still don’t have a clear view of the story. Perhaps I’m just getting old ‘65’ or maybe I’m just slow but trying to find slots where each character fits wasn’t easy. This is where I gave up. I usually try reading as much as I can just so I’ve got a read on the story. This time it won’t come to me. Again it could be just me.
For this reason I’m asking readers if you want a complete review please read from other reviewers who might have gotten past chapter ‘8’.
ARC NetGalley/ Bella Books

Thanks netgalley for sending me this book.

I've really appreciate "Some girls do" by the same author but I have to say that I haven't finished "Annie on a bun yet". I haven't DNF it yet but I needed to stop reading it for a moment. I've read 60% of the book for now.

I find the book slow and some events happen without links between them. I think I'll need to reread it but not now. I am not really in the good mood and I don't want to give it a bad feedback for that.

Beside, I really love the main character Annie and her story. The fact that the word "lesbian" is used is a bonus point for me ! Thanks for that!
I don't really understand why she ended up in a shop with "fairy godmothers" and after that moment, I haven't really appreciate the storyline.

I'll update my review after finishing it but for now I'm not really hyped by this book.
I'll be back soon after finishing. But representation matters! If you want lesbian rep, go read this book and have your own opinion because the author is really good !

The story was very witty but over time it rubbed me the wrong way. In the end it was just not for me.


Thank You NetGalley and Bella Book.

Annie Freckle is just getting by in life, doing what she thinks is "right", but by others, not herself. In come some fairy godpeople to help her to be happy for herself! Will she find true happiness?

I thought at first ooh a quirky, funny book! I was so wrong. Not only was it too quirky like the many times Annie fixes Varsha's wording or a long breath of explaining yoga pants, but it also got downright creepy at one point. That I did not expect. There was no reason for it. It honestly could scare some people. The dog rescue scene wasn't needed for the imagination or the plot

Thank you to NetGalley, Bella Books, and A.L. Duncan for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
#AnnieOnABun #NetGalley

Annie on a Bun is part social commentary and part life coach presented in a theatre of the absurd style. Through the story’s meandering there is a deep soulful sadness to Annie which is addressed by annoying platitudes from the different fairy godmothers who enter her life.
Annie is seven years sober, working two jobs and trying to remain present in her father’s life. Her father has Alzheimer’s and is taking out his frustration of decreasing cognitive awareness on Annie.
There is a gem of a story hidden in here but for me the packaging was too distracting.

I received a free advance review copy from Bella Books and NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book is quirky and hard to summarize. The cover is very cute and appealing but it looks more like a YA novel. Annie Freckle is middle aged and very single. She tries to help care for her dad who lives on his own, is depressed and has memory issues. She has two jobs working as an accounting clerk in a bookstore and as a barista at a cafe. She all about caring for her two cats and her helping her elderly neighbor. She is proud of being seven years sober but finds that she isn’t happy. She has a best friend and co-worker named Varsha who has a funny way of misspeaking phrases. One day Annie enters a shop and signs up for a fairy godmother service.

This book came to me listed under romance. I would put it more under women’s fiction with a touch of fantasy and self help. The writing is at times very funny. Many times in my mind when Varsha speaks I added a drum roll ba da ba to emphasize the one liner. But half way through i was still lost as to where the book was going. The fairy godmothers help Annie try new things with to find her own happiness. She learns she can’t be responsible or her father’s happiness and the choices of others. But it is a quirky journey. There is a romantic interest but the end goal is to get her to a place where she can be in a relationship. Don’t go in thinking romance is the primary focus.

I did get the humor but ultimately I don’t think I’m the audience for this book. I don’t like self help books so maybe that adds to why this didn’t work more for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.