Member Reviews
"Picture Perfect Autumn" captivates with its vivid imagery and heartwarming storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque autumn, the author weaves a tale of love, loss, and second chances. The characters are beautifully developed, and their journey resonates with authenticity and depth. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This delightful read is perfect for anyone seeking an escape into the beauty of the season and the complexities of the human heart.
Overall, while I did not dislike this novel, I cannot say I enjoyed it as much as I had hoped. It felt too much like a hallmark novel.
Picture Perfect Autumn is a fun and an adorable read that goes beyond the surface, exploring important themes while keeping readers thoroughly entertained. Noble has crafted a story that effortlessly blends humor, romance, and meaningful conversations. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and reflect on life’s complexities, then, this is a must-read.
Up-and-coming Manhattan-based photographer, twenty-eight-year-old Dani Campbell, though happy with the success of her latest showing feels that she is losing her grip on her profession of choice. When she finds an envelope of old photographs in an antique shop, she is instantly taken with the photographer's talent and sets out to find him. Lawrence Sinclair, now in his eighties, lives a reclusive life in an old beach house in Rhode Island. She manages to convince him to help her recover her inspiration and mentor her in exchange for a live-in arrangement wherein she is responsible for studying up the place and running miscellaneous errands- an arrangement that has Lawrence’s family, namely his daughter-in-law, suspicious of Dani’s motives prompting her to send Peter, Lawrence’s grandson, to find out more. Peter, once close to his grandfather, is drawn to Dani and finds the opportunity to rekindle his bond with Lawrence, who understands Peter’s unhappiness and regrets not being able to help him deal with familial pressure regarding his life and career. The narrative follows them as they work together to save the art program run by a local convent, which is about to shut down, from being discontinued.
Picture Perfect Autumn by Shelley Noble is a well-written novel that revolves around themes of friendship, love, found family and community. The characterizations were well thought out and I enjoyed the dynamic between Dani , Lawrence, and the residents of the small town. I was glad we got to see the relationship between Dani and Peter slowly evolve ( I'm not a fan of the instalove trope). Lawrence was surely my favorite character, and I did like how the author chose to end the story. I did feel, however, that Peter’s character development lacked conviction. Stories such as these are always predictable but what makes the read pleasurable is the journey to the end. Unfortunately, the narrative did not grab my attention despite the interesting premise. Firstly, the novel was unnecessarily lengthy. It could have been at least 100 pages shorter. The pace dragged in parts, and I found myself losing interest along the way. Secondly, the title is misleading. I had hoped for an autumn-themed story and autumn (which happens to be my favorite time of the year) does not play much of a role in the story except for a Harvest Festival toward the end of the story. I do love the cover art though.
Overall, while I did not dislike this novel, I cannot say I enjoyed it as much as I had hoped.
Many thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Being a Rhode Island native, I am a sucker for books that take place in the Ocean State. Sadly, Picture Perfect Autumn didn’t live up to my hopes.
Dani is a self-taught photographer who fears she doesn’t have the talent to maintain her sudden popularity. When she finds a box of old photographs, she goes on a quest to learn about and find the photographer so he can teach her. This takes her to Rhode Island and gets her involved in the life of the unhappy and reclusive photographer, Lawrence. Dani gets involved in his life, meets his grandson, and helps save the local convent’s art program.
The story is light and fluffy but a bit slow paced with superficial characters that don't feel realistic or well developed. There were so many plot threads I had trouble keeping track. It is very Hallmark movie-esque. Heavy on small town drama and light on the romance. It’s a pleasant if pedestrian read. 2.5 stars.
Dani finds a treasure trove of photographs that just speak to her. She hunts down the photographer. He is an elderly unpleasant man andfrom there a special bond is formed. Ligjthearted novel with soul.
I will copy/ paste my Bookstagram post review here: Sometimes I wish I had more self control when it comes to pretty covers. I requested this and was approved on NetGalley a few months ago. Kept putting it off. But the archive date was approaching and didn’t want my percentage to go down! This book wasn’t for me. Right off the bat we jump into the plot line with zero character development. We get to learn about the characters along the way, but with a contemporary fiction book like this it felt strange. It is also labeled as a romance too, but there is literally no romance in the book. The romance was just hinted at in the epilogue. The plot line of saving the convent was lame to me. I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters. Sorry, as I try to keep my reviews positive. But, at least the cover is gorgeous, and I appreciated the fall vibes!
Picture Perfect Autumn is about when photographer Dani travels to a small Rhode Island beach house to get inspiration in her craft by the 80 year old recluse and grumpy former photographer Lawrence. She immediately moves in to his house and becomes a housekeeper and chef for him. Lawrence eventually mentors Dani in photography. Lawrence’s estranged grandson Peter arrives to the house as well, to check up on him for his shares in the family business. All three of them work together to save the convent next door with a fall art exhibit.
I wouldn’t recommend this one unless you love photography and the plot line of saving a convent sounds interesting to you!
Thank you NetGalley and Avon / Harper Voyager for the free advance ready copy in exchange for a review.
This book was way more of a women's fiction book than I was expecting. I was expecting a Hallmark-esque romance set in a small town in the Fall. The only thing identifiably fall about the book was the title and the cover. The book moves at a glacial pace and I just found myself wanting more. I honestly ended up skimming most of the book once I realized it was not what I wanted it to be.
Not quite right for me. The story started too fast then got to be so slow and it caught me off guard. I didn't really connect to any of the characters and felt that unfortunately I was influenced by the gorgeous cover but didn't really reconcile with the story too much.
I was lucky enough to receive this ebook copy and a physical review copy, and I liked this one! I feel like it could have used that extra something, but overall it was a good read and cute for fall!
Picture Perfect Autumn 🍂🍁
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @avonbooks! This book is out now.
Dani is a NYC photographer and her photos are very popular. But on a set one day, she finds a box of old photographs and she sees something in them that’s missing from her own work. She decides to research the photographer and it leads her to an old gothic mansion in Rhode Island. This is the home of Lawrence Sinclair.
Lawrence hasn’t been a photographer for many years; not since the death of his son. But Dani intrigues him and she offers to help cook and clean his home. They quickly build a friendship. His family is concerned about this strange woman who they think might be swindling their grandpa. His grandson goes to investigate and reconnect with his grandfather and doesn’t expect to
have so much in common with Dani.
This book looks so cute, but I found it underwhelming. Lots of backstory and unneeded detail. If you are a major fan of photography, you might enjoy this more than I did.
This was a perfectly pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Nothing earth shattering happens and no plot twists or real soul searching. Dani is a up and coming photographer who has lost her edge and aims to find it by descending on a recluse photographer and demanding he show her how to put soul back in her work. Dani is stubborn, single minded and a little annoying. What happens next is entirely predictable but as mentioned earlier, still perfectly pleasant to read about.
Not sure why it is called Picture Perfect Autumn when it is set in the States though.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
If this book doesn’t scream fall vibes I don’t what will!
Picture Perfect Autumn by Shelley Noble is an engrossing, thought-provoking story.
The book deals with love, friendship, and family. I really enjoyed reading this book and getting to know these dynamic characters. The characters are so well developed and the storylines that deal with complex and real struggles.
The was perfect and I could visualize everything so perfectly. She paints with words a picture of a small town peopled with characters who come to life on the page.
She writes in such a way that makes you care about the characters.
She hooks you from the first words and keeps your interested until the end of the story.
A touching novel that I couldn’t get enough of.
I loved her writing so much I’m checking out her previous titles.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thank You NetGalley and Avon for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
This one started off slow for me and I wasn't sure I was going to end up liking it but I'm so glad I stuck with it because it actually turned out to be a pretty heartwarming Fall read with tons of small town charm and all the feels!
Big city photographer Dani Campbell has lost her inspiration and when she stumbles across some old photos from a famous photographer, she tracks the grumpy senior down to his gothic Rhode Island home. Able to convince eighty-year-old Lawrence to give her some lessons in exchange for room and board and cleaning services, Dani slowly finds herself becoming charmed by the locals.
Enter Lawrence's lawyer grandson Peter who is sent by his mother to check that Dani isn't trying to take advantage of the old man. Peter hasn't been home in years and hasn't had much time for his grandfather either. Intrigued by Dani and wanting to repair things with Lawrence, Peter finds himself sticking around, especially as more and more people have need of his legal assistance.
This book gives off all the Hallmark movie vibes as Peter, Dani and Lawrence help some Nuns save their home, befriend a foster kid and fall in love with the simpler side of life. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to @NetGalley, @AvonBooks and the author for the ARC of this book to read and review!
This is a light, yet emotional book set in a small Rhode Island coastal town just as the leaves are turning and the air is taking on the crisp chill of autumn. It follows the story of Dani, an up-and-coming photographer and Lawrence, an 80 year old grumpy recluse whose photography from years ago inspires and captures young Dani. She has to find him! She needs his mentoring! She will win him over!
The result is a blossoming friendship that is pretty dang cute! Throw in the estranged grandson who comes to set things right and the convent next door that needs help saving their beloved art school and you have all the makings of a cozy little fall read!
I will be very honest—I requested Picture Perfect Autumn from NetGalley because of its cover. I know you aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, but in this case, the story inside was just as beautiful as the cover! I absolutely loved this book. The main character, Dani, feels as if there is something missing in her photography, and she seeks Lawrence Sinclair’s help after finding some of his photos. Lawrence turns out to be a curmudgeonly man who lives in a dilapidated Gothic mansion in Rhode Island. I loved the relationship that developed between Lawrence and Dani. Lawrence’s estranged grandson Peter, who is struggling with expectations of taking over the family business, shows up, and creates some tension with both Lawrence and Dani. The book ends in the best possible way! I highly recommend this book! Thank you, #NetGalley and Avon, for the advance reader copy of #PicturePerfectAutumn.
The premise of this book is so interesting - Manhattan Photographer goes to a small town to meet/find a mentor - and it did not disappoint. I almost wish the grandson/love interest wouldn't have been a part of the story, but that's just because I love the mentorship angle of the plot. In the end the grandson was obviously important, and I was definitely entertained the whole time. Highly recommend this cozy book for the Autumn!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of Picture Perfect Autumn.
ARC REVIEW
Picture Perfect Autumn
By Shelley Noble
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Publishing date: 9/19/23
Dani Campbell is a self-taught photographer who is gaining popularity. Even though she is successful, she starts to feel like something is "missing" from her work.
After finding some old photos that definitely have something special, she sets off in search of the photographer who took them. Her hunt leads her to a Rhode Island beach house and home to 80 year old Lawrence Sinclair. Lawrence was a a previous photographer but is now nothing more than a grumpy old man. Dani persuades Lawrence to mentor her and is even going to pay him to stay at his home.
When Peter, Lawrence's grandson, shows up, he thinks Dani is the cleaning lady and is only there to steal Lawrence's money. ( which he has a lot of)
Did I mention that Lawrence also lives next door to a nun convent/ art school that is in jeopardy of being closed?!? 🤣
I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved the setting, and it made me wish it was fall even MORE.
The relationship between Dani and Lawrence was so sweet . I mea... who doesn't love a grumpy old man?!?
I was also super invested in the story regarding thenext-doorr convent/art school.
This probably won't b a big memorable rea, but while I was reading it, I enjoyed the journey and characters. It held my interest 100% of the time and I am super happy I requested this on netgalley.
Thank you @netgalley and @avonbooks for the chance to read this cute one early! Always appreciative!
Picture Perfect Autumn was a decent read! I liked the themes and message behind the story. Although Dani and Peter got on my nerves at points, I still found the main characters memorable. I did go into this book thinking it was going to be a romance...so I was disappointed by the lack of romance. If you enjoy women fiction with slow plot lines, this is the book for you. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.
Picture Perfect Autumn by Shelley Noble is a heartwarming novel that delves into the themes of love, friendship, and family. This engaging family saga boasts a memorable ensemble cast, spanning four generations.
In this captivating tale, Shelley Noble takes readers on a journey through the changing seasons, painting a vivid picture of autumn's beauty. The story revolves around the lives of a diverse group of characters, each with their own unique stories and experiences. From the youngest members of the family to the wise elders, the author skillfully weaves their lives together, creating a tapestry of emotions and connections.
Love takes center stage in Picture Perfect Autumn, as the characters navigate the complexities of romantic relationships. Noble expertly explores the different facets of love, from the passionate and intense to the tender and enduring. Readers will find themselves rooting for these characters, hoping they find the love and happiness they deserve.
Friendship is another key theme in this novel, as the characters rely on each other for support and companionship. Noble portrays the power of true friendship, showcasing how it can provide solace during difficult times and bring joy during moments of celebration. The bonds formed between the characters are authentic and heartwarming, leaving readers feeling a sense of connection and warmth.
Family, the cornerstone of this story, is explored in all its complexities. Noble skillfully delves into the dynamics between parents and children, siblings, and extended family members. Through her richly developed characters, she captures the joys, challenges, and sacrifices that come with being part of a family. Readers will find themselves reflecting on their own familial relationships, as they witness the characters' triumphs and struggles.
With her eloquent prose and keen eye for detail, Shelley Noble paints a vivid and enchanting portrait of autumn. Her descriptions of the changing leaves, crisp air, and cozy moments evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Readers will be transported to the idyllic setting, feeling as though they are walking alongside the characters,