Cover Image: The Broken Hearts Honeymoon

The Broken Hearts Honeymoon

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

A delightful story written much like a travel journal. Some of the dialogue explaining the Japanese culture was stilted and I felt like some details were missing, like the art of kintsugi. I appreciated the bravery for her to go on her own and show the truth of fear and worry that often comes when traveling alone in a foreign country.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Just weeks before her wedding, Charlottes husband to be Matt announces her wants a relationship break to ‘sow his oats’. Having been together sine they were at school Matt has never been with anyone else but Charlotte. Whilst Charlotte is completely happy and content with this Matt isn’t. Following this announcement Charlotte calls the wedding but decides to head off on her month-long honeymoon to Japan alone. Having always wanted to be a travel journalist and with an internship with a travel magazine starting soon she finally feels this could be her opportunity to live her dream. Along the way Charlotte begins to learn a lot about herself and questions what the future holds for her.

I blooming loved this book! It took me quite a while to read it but that wasn’t due to a lack of wanting too. I found myself really savouring the story and looking forward to sitting in bed and having half am hour catching up with Charlotte on her trip and seeing what she as up to. I loved our main character; I just found her so down to earth and relatable. I really felt for her at the beginning of this story as she was absolutely floored when out of the blue fiancé Matt announced he wanted a pre wedding break to essentially sleep with another women to check he wasn’t missing out by getting married! As if this wasn’t bad enough, he makes this announcement in front of all their friends. Matt certainly wasn’t a bad guy or a villain he just seemed a little bit of a bumbling fool who was completely oblivious. He was actually quite shocked when Charlotte doesn’t agree to this. As I say I felt so bad for Charlotte as her whole life was turned upside down in a matter of minutes, but she handled it with such poise and dignity even though she was completely heartbroken. I so admired that she did not mess around when it came to Matt. She called off the wedding right away as she knew her worth and wasn't going to settle for someone whose heart was on 100% hers.

She then went on to further prove just how strong she was by venturing off travelling around Japan alone. In a book or in real life I have so much admiration and respect for people who go travelling alone as this is something I just could not contemplate doing. Charlotte was scared but she was brave enough to give it a go as it was a place, she always dreams of going.

I also adore books that involve travel; I am not very brave when it comes to travel, not just alone but with other people to. I get very anxious in unknown and uncertain locations or situations and whilst the idea of exploring beautiful countries sounds great, I'm always scared and hesitant going to new places. For this reason, I love going on my travels via books. It's one of the reasons I enjoy reading so much and boy did this book take me on a travelling adventure! Japan has never been a country I have really considered visiting before, however, after reading this story is it is very appealing. I mentioned to my husband some of the places and things Charlotte had been doing and seeing (yes, I talk to my husband about book characters as if they were real people) and he too said it sounded like a great place to visit. Will we ever get there? I'm not sure but, it sounded stunning.

Charlotte initially started travelling as part of a tour but soon broke away as she decides to explore alone. We got to see her spending her first day in Disneyland and I loved that she did this. As a big Disney and Disneyworld fan I appreciated a glimpse into a Disney park I haven't visited before. Charlotte then proceeded to meet her group made up of two couples and a tour leader. She immediately got on with everyone in her group and I loved how quickly she made friends and how they welcomed her so warmly especially as she was a little fragile. It was during this meeting that this book first gave me the book tingles. I got that warm happy buzz and first thought that it could be a 5-star read. I felt quite protective of Charlotte by this point, so I was really pleased that the group welcomed and looked after her.

Not too long after the start of the tour Charlotte decided to break away on her own. We were then with her as she experiences some of the most stunning sites of activities Japan has to offer. From snorkelling to mountain climbing to drunk karaoke and kisses with a stranger to a wellness retreat and a monastery. That was just the tip of the iceberg. With every stop I was more drawn into the location and wishing I was there to see the sites for myself. As we went on this journey with Charlotte, we saw a change in her. From someone lacking in confidence and self-belief to someone who is happy to take risks and chances and be on her own. It was wonderful to watch the character I had become so invested grow so much. Charlotte was due to start an internship when she went home with a travel magazine Adventure Awaits having always dreams of being a travel writer. Whilst away she started making short vlog style clips to share to her Instagram. She enjoys it so much and had grown so much that when her dream role came up, she thought she may stand a chance and applied.

One of my favourite parts of this book was the family component. Charlotte came from a large family with two brothers and two sisters. They were all so close and I loved that the story depicted such a lovely relationship between them all. At multiple points in this book Charlotte has periods of self-doubt and every time she immediately went to her siblings and they were all there in a group chat in an instant offering her advice. I just thought this was such a lovely touch.

In case you hadn't realised by now I love this book. It is a new favourite, one of the best I've read this year and a book I can see myself returning to in the future. I thought Charlotte was great and loved going along on her adventure with her. I also adored seeing her grow and really like the added element of her vlogging her trip. This book has made me curious about Japan as a place to visit and it gave me warm, happy buzzy feelings in my tummy that I get when reading a 5-star book. It was just fabulous!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Arrow Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book for review.
*Please note the ebook is available now for download and the paperback will be published on 1st April 2021.

Was this review helpful?

This was not my favorite read. I found the story hard to follow will all the flashbacks and it felt very choppy instead of fluid. I also didn't feel the story or characters were very compelling, I had to force myself to read it and, at the end, didn't enjoy the experience at all.

Was this review helpful?

Found this particularly difficult to get into and part of me was sad that there was no great live story as that’s mostly my thing but still thoroughly enjoyed reading it and absolutely loved the idea.

Was this review helpful?

DNFed at 23%

Sorry, but I couldn't take anymore of the jumpy writing and the unnecessary flashbacks.
Where this book had an interesting premise, it lacked in execution for me. If you are someone that enjoys travel stories and doesn't mind the choppy story telling, this might be for you.
All in all, it is very fast paced and entertaining when the scenes held up for long enough.

copy provided by Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

A heartwarming story of self-discovery set in beautiful Japan!

I picked up this book as a lighter read to cheer me up during COVID times, and it definitely did the trick! When Charlotte is unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé just days before their wedding, she decides to make the most of it and take their Japanese honeymoon by herself. Along the way, she crafts her own identity independent of her fiancé (they had dated since high school) and explores Japan on her own terms.

I loved Charlotte’s optimism, strength, and zest for travel - she felt like the kind of person you’d want to be best friends with. And at a time when international travel is certainly not possible, I enjoyed the chance to 'get away” and enjoy Japan through Charlotte’s eyes. There is a bit of romance here (I don’t want to spoil too much) but this is primarily a story of self-love and acceptance.

Highly recommend if you’re wishing you could hop on a plane right now - this is a lovely quick read filled with positivity.

Thank you to Random House UK/Cornerstone for providing an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

When Charlotte and her fiancé break up just a week before her wedding, she's not just heart-broken, she's entirely lost, all her future plans now uncertain. Suddenly determined to do something truly on her own, she decides to go ahead with her dream trip to Japan, originally meant as her honeymoon, now her very first solo trip anywhere.

For me, there are two things that stick out about 'Broken Hearts Honeymoon'. Firstly, while I assumed from both the marketing and the cover art that this would be a romance, it isn't. There is some small romance in it - and a dash of sex, too - but it is entirely the story of Charlotte learning how to cope with loneliness, and how to be alone. The highs and lows of her emotional journal will be recognisable to anyone who has had to do the same.

Secondly, as a 'travel' story it's an absolute gem. Nothing Charlotte does in Japan is humdrum or ordinary: everything, from eating to getting injured is an experience in itself. It made me yearn to be there with her, sharing those experiences and truly getting to see and hear and taste and feel the things that she does. Sadly, I read the book during lockdown, the closest I could actually get was ordering a bento box from a local restaurant...

Many of the clichés of chicklit were missing, which was also a nice change. Rather than a cloying BFF Charlotte has a handful of siblings, and her journey is punctuated with texts and phonecalls with them, supporting her and each other in an extremely wholesome and lovely way.

The only 'meh' from me was a small one - Charlotte's use of social media is integral to the plotline, but the updates about her viewers and followers did grate a little. One of the reasons I read is to escape from social media for a while!

Overall, a great light read. I hope Lucy Dickens returns us to Charlotte's family again in the future - I'd love to see more of them.

An ARC was generously provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I normally read romance, which this book isn't. However, it does have romantic elements, and as a traveler, I loved the overall plot.

Charlotte's fiance suggests they "take a break for a week" three weeks from their wedding - but still get married. She's, understandably, horrified, and calls the whole thing off. They've already booked a one month trip to Japan.

Charlotte wisely takes off to Japan by herself. Her trip is adorable, full of introspection and the wonders she finds in Japan. As this is not a romance novel, there isn't a romantic thread throughout the book, but Charlotte is not without the love of her family and a well-timed fling.

One of my favorite lines:

"Mostly, right now, I'm just enjoying how we seem to be making each other glow." ♥

Great read, especially for an armchair traveler.

Was this review helpful?

Wow, I was blown away by this book! Wasn’t prepared for the emotional journey I would take once I started reading it. Such a beautiful story with stunning descriptions of Japan, I could almost feel the sea breeze in my hair and the sun on my face. Charlotte is a real heroine of a main character and I loved following her journey of self discovery. Truly amazing read. Highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Amazing!!
1st for those whose favorite holiday destination is JAPAN, yes you must read this, additional knowledge :)

Well the stories most likely about Charlotte (also know as Charlie) broken heart adventure through Japan after call of her wedding. Or can I say its like reading a "trip to Japan" magazine / recommendation.
Slow pacing for me, though its great have to visualize Japan in her story. I even google every place she mentions. And felt like on holiday with her there in Japan.

At 60% of reading there! I can say that Charlotte really having fun and forget her stupid ex-fiance Matt! Fuh that's a relief. Hehehehe

Love how close Charlotte and her sibling are. I even get few awkward feeling between her and her little brother Benny... Hah! Just awkward. So yes they are close.

Anyway I'm enjoying reading it. I'll put japan on my next family holiday trip.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley, Random House UK and Lucy Dickens for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
If you’re looking for your next feel-good, romance with a strong female lead and a realistic love story, look no further!
The Broken Hearts Honeymoon was a quick and light read that left me smiling and wanting a vacation to Tokyo. This is my second Tokyo based book this summer and I am about one book away from booking the next flight out of Iowa!
Readers follow Charlotte on her journey to rediscover herself after a bad breakup. Charlotte is not your usual leading lady. Lucy Dickens very clearly did her research. Japan was brought to life through the pages of this book with details making me feel like I’d taken a trip with Charlotte.

Was this review helpful?

This is the ultimate in armchair travel! And as I'm craving a holiday right now, like many of us I'm sure, this came at the perfect time.
Charlie is preparing for her wedding which is only weeks away when her fiance, in front of their friends, asks her if she fancies taking a break to "make sure they're sure" and sow any wilds oats! Understandably, Charlie realises that they are on different pages and calls off the wedding. They try to cancel their honeymoon which is a trip of a lifetime to Japan, something that has always been on Charlie's "to visit" list but they're told they can't get their money back so Charlie makes the brave decision to go on honeymoon alone.
This is a romance novel with a difference. It's not about falling in love with someone but falling in love with yourself.
I am definitely going to look out for more Lucy Dickens books.

Was this review helpful?

This was an okay book. I was excited about the premise as I love Japan and lived there for a few years myself, but I just didn't love this book. The writing was a little bland and I didn't really feel a connection to the main character. The descriptions of Japan were just a little cut and dry.

The majority of this book was fine, but towards the end I started to have issues. I didn't like that Matt showed up in Japan to win her back, and it was especially cringe-worthy that he burst into a temple during a meditation. I don't think anyone could be THAT clueless. Also, the weird behavior Charlotte's brother Benny was exhibiting throughout was NEVER resolved. Why include any of that if we never find out why he was acting that way?

Overall, I think this book just wasn't quite for me.

Was this review helpful?

There is not a single thing I don’t love about this book!!! It’s given me an absolute desperate urge to go to Japan and most importantly really do some soul searching. An absolutely gorgeous, heart warming, page turner!

Was this review helpful?

Guess what? I read this book in one day!! It was such an interesting read. I never have a long time relationship or a real relationship lol but I can connect to the main character, Charlotte aka Charlie hah xD It was fun reading how Charlie trying to rediscovering herself during her honeymoon that she went alone. She cancelled the weddding because her stupid fiance gets cold feet asdfhhkll I'm pissed off!!Her fiance suck!! I loved following her journey to Japan. It make me feels like I was there and make me wanted to go to Japan too. Ohh ohhh and I loved her relationship with her siblings!!


Thank you Netgalley for The Broken Hearts Honeymoon ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Great empowering read for the genre, it’s such a great read, seeing a character on their journey of self growth and worth, learning to love herself over running off to find a man to heal herself. This brings me to the other journey Charlotte takes, to Japan, I loved the fact Lucy has clearly researched her story well, because I Love Japanese culture and I haven’t been, but Lucy made me feel like I have, I felt immersed in this book. With a year most of us can’t travel or won’t be willing to or be able to afford it, books that are well written, well researched are a treasure and they make me feel so much happier, even if I’m only travelling in my armchair. I highly recommend this to take you away, well for the books journey anyway.

Please not this relates to the e-book as the paperback will now be published on 1st April 2021

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

First of all, many thanks to Netgalley for this advanced copy.

Charlotte "Charlie" and her long time boyfriend, Matt are planning for their wedding and she is excited to spend their three week honeymoon in Japan! But then, their wedding is cancelled when Matt starts having second thoughts. They cannot cancel the honeymoon either that Charlie end up going to this Honeymoon tour to Japan--alone to fulfill her childhood wish.

Having lived in Japan during the early days of my childhood and my two years ago visit to Japan, reading this book brought me some fresh memories of Japan. Of course, I have not visited Hiroshima or Nagano or the islands around Japan but still brought me memories of my childhood in Japan, particularly the part about Disneyland, which I have visited million times, when I was living in Japan.. The middle parts till the end was based on Japan itself--the vivid descriptions of the places particularly when Charlie goes hiking and visiting Kyoto makes the reader feel as if they are in Japan. That they too are in enjoying this adventure with Charlie. The description of kayaking, snorkeling and hiking in the woods also made the reader feel as if they are also doing these activities with Charlie.

I also like how the author has explained the Japanese culture in detail, so the reader can get to know more about the Japanese culture. Particularly about the tea ceremony and kabuki performance. I know not many people are familiar with the Japanese culture so I am glad that the author has written it in detail and the reader can experience the culture without having going to Japan. The story was funny in some ways, as Charlie is trying to learn some Japanese phrases for her to get around the place. Some parts of the story was emotional and heartbreaking, particularly the parts when Charlie is feeling lonely during the honeymoon tour, though in the end, she does her solo adventure around Japan. I also can understand Charlie's feelings in the book.

The book was well written but I kind of wished there was an epilogue after the chapter was over--like maybe fast forward to six months or a year later with Charlie working in the travel magazine. I would be curious as a reader to know what Charlie is planning to do, once she returned back from England. I felt some parts are bit overexaggerated, but maybe that's just me. To me, some parts of the chapters were a bit confusing--one minute Charlie was in another place and all of a sudden, she seems to be in a different place. I don't know whether it was a typing error but that made me confused at times.

Overall, this is a good book, adventurous and for those who never been to Japan, this book might be perfect

Was this review helpful?

I found this a bit of a predictable read, but enjoyed it non the less. I was too keen on the flashbacks.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. Lucy Dickens style of wit and plot makes for an amazing story. A great book for women and lovers of self growth, self love and coming of age values.

Was this review helpful?

This story started out mildly interesting. Charlotte was engaged to a man she had been with since a teenager and the man got cold feet, wondering if there was something better out there. Charlotte then decides to cancel the wedding, but does decide to go on the honeymoon to Japan that was already planned. The majority of the book takes place during her travels to Japan. This book may be interesting to someone really interested in Japan. It felt like groundhog day over and over just in Japan. The travel part could have been much more engaging.
The characters she met were not particularly interesting, nor was anything that happened there aside from one scene. This scene the author really could have flushed out and made much longer, but instead it was a mere blip on the radar screen. None of the characters in the book were developed to the extent they could have been, and to me the book just flopped. It also had American political references and pop culture references (with an agenda), which I hate in books. Overall a light read, just not near as fun or engaging as it could have been.

Was this review helpful?