Member Reviews

This was a nice cozy read , I enjoyed all of the characters and little details the author gave them adding to their personalities . This was a nice closed door light romance , thank you for the advance copy!

Was this review helpful?

This was a cute fast read.
While I did ennjoy parts of this book and its story, there were some that fell too short for me.
The premise was good and it started off interesting, the mystery surrounding the family and the mansion was really captivating (At first), but it started to go downhill a few chapters in.

Andi, was obsessed with books and obtaining her happy ending; thinking she will be getting exactly that on her new job. She soon discovers real life is not exactly how books tell us it is. She learns from Jay another point of view about life, and she teaches him how it doesn't need to be that dark like he thinks it is. So they both complemented well and I liked that.

The other characters were interesting enough to keep me reading and wanting to finding out about them and the mystery surrounding their family and the house; but it felt too rush the way they all end in the story... even for our main character. I just didn't get how or why she would be interested in that job offer other than being with her love interest.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this book :)

Was this review helpful?

This book started out so well and then just petered out into nothing. The premise was good but the revelation was a bit of a nothing and the end came around so quickly that it had me looking for the next chapter.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a charming and cozy read! Andi’s bookish personality immediately made her relatable, and I loved how her new life at Templewood Hall felt like stepping into one of her favorite gothic novels. The blend of mystery, humor, and romance kept me engaged throughout—especially with all the twists surrounding the missing heir and ghostly apparitions.

Lady Dawe and Hugo were great additions to the cast, each bringing their own eccentricities to the story. I also adored the mysterious gardener, who always seemed to show up at the perfect time!

While the pacing dragged in a few places, it was such a heartwarming and whimsical story overall. Perfect for anyone who loves books about books and a hint of gothic flair!

Was this review helpful?

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Was this review helpful?

Sometimes, all it takes is a witty writing style, an old manor house, and a well-stocked library to draw me into a story – or so I thought when I picked up Happily Ever After by Jane Lovering.

Andi, the daughter of van-life influencers whose lives seem like pure chaos, gets the chance to work at an English estate. Her tasks: catalog the library and search for some missing diaries. Sounds like the perfect setting, doesn’t it? The house, with its gardens and a cat named “The Master,” is as charming as it sounds – and there are even a few ghostly moments that briefly added some spice to the story.

As a protagonist, Andi is funny, a dreamer, and a book lover with a vivid imagination. Her thoughts are often entertaining, but for my taste, the story dragged on a bit too much because her musings frequently drifted into overthinking. The characters around her – Lady Tanith, Hugo, and the others – were interesting, but not captivating enough to leave a lasting impression on me.

A highlight for me was Jay, the gardener. His conversations with Andi and their growing friendship shifted my perspective on the story. From that point on, the search for the missing diaries became more engaging, and I really wanted to uncover the mystery behind it all.

Despite these bright spots, the story had its weaknesses. The revealed secrets were unusual but didn’t truly resonate with me. And the ending? It felt too contrived, as if everything needed to be wrapped up neatly and quickly.

What I enjoyed most were the literary references, from Jane Austen & Co. to the famous houses used as chapter titles. These little touches were charming and added a lighthearted flair to the novel. But overall, Happily Ever After was a pleasant read, though not one that will stay with me for long.

Ps: I‘m going to add the Links to the Review once it’s published

Was this review helpful?

I have loved every single one of Lovering’s novels and I especially like that no two are the same!

I liked the twists and turns the story took and the subtle hints of storylines from classic novels. It was a bit slow to start with but it’s worth it to stick at it.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an ARC of Happily Ever After in exchange for an honest review.

Happily Ever After by Jane Lovering is a cozy, feel-good read that draws you in with its charming atmosphere and delightful characters. The book’s early chapters are a slow but steady buildup, enveloping you in a world that's warm, inviting, and full of heart. Lovering does an excellent job of creating a space that feels almost like home, making it easy to get lost in the narrative.

The characters are one of the book’s strongest assets. They're likable, relatable, and you quickly find yourself rooting for them. Their interactions and evolving relationships are tender and engaging, providing a sense of connection that makes you care about what happens to them. The pacing allows for these dynamics to develop in a natural way, with just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting without feeling rushed.

However, the much-anticipated twist toward the end doesn’t quite live up to the strong foundation laid in the first half. While it doesn't entirely fall flat, it feels a bit lackluster in comparison to the warmth and charm that precedes it. The final half of the book, while still enjoyable, starts to feel a bit more standard and less emotionally gripping. It’s as if the story, which had so much potential for an exciting payoff, ends up coasting to a more predictable resolution.

That said, Happily Ever After excels in creating an atmosphere that’s easy to sink into, and its characters will likely stick with you. While the plot may not pack the punch some readers might expect from a twist, the book’s cozy, feel-good nature makes it a great pick for fans of character-driven stories. The book is an easy, heartwarming read, even if it lacks a bit of the “oomph” that could have taken it to the next level.

Was this review helpful?

Jane Lovering is an author I enjoy reading. Her latest book, Happily Ever After was everything I expected.

Was this review helpful?

Books about books seem to be the big thing lately. I've read a lot of them. This title was super enjoyable and gave off a very cozy vibe. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This book was quite different from what I had expected but a delightful read nonetheless. Packed full of quirky characters and a fun storyline, I was engrossed right from the start. Each chapter was headed by a quote from a classic romance which gave the book a bit of an ‘old world’ feel. There was the obligatory quiet romance and a bit of a mystery to be solved. A good clean wholesome read which I would recommend for a cosy evening’s read.

Was this review helpful?

I like this book! It was so cute and cozy, and I love the storytelling skill this author has. I did like how all these different books were referenced and how this story flowed, and I loved the themes of growth, love, adulthood

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Was this review helpful?