Absolute freaking magic. That’s what this books was.

I lost my mom last year and when I realized the book was headed into the discussion of grief and especially the loss of a mother I was definitely apprehensive to continue. It’s a big TW for me now but I think the author handled it with such class and made it more about hope and love.

I was able to enjoy the story. Feel the sadness of the moment but was able to set aside my feelings and enjoy this magical story.

It’s definitely going to a favorite of mine this year.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read it.

The premise - Lolly is stuck. She's working at her family's failing business instead of following her own passions and has made sacrifice upon sacrifice at the expense of her own happiness. Now Lolly has been given three magic lemon drops that each allow her to live a day in her life as it might have been if she had made different choices. Will these magical candies help her truly follow her bliss?

This book was sooo good. It had me in tears and had me laughing and had me sighing with happiness. There were times I wanted to shake Lolly because it was taking her too long to figure out the next step but that was just because I so badly wanted her to find her happily ever after. The scenes between Lolly and her sister were so sweet and the book was filled with all the cozy baking vibes. Throw in a second chance romance with some of the most tender flashbacks and it's no surprise this one is a winner in my book!

Thanks to Berkley Pub for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden has Lolly Blanchard about to turn thirty-three. Her sister has found an old childhood diary of Lolly’s where she wrote goals she wanted to accomplish. Lolly notices that she has yet to achieve any of them. There are three items that really stand out. Lolly wonders what would have happened if she had made a different choice. Aunt Gert offers Lolly an opportunity to explore the roads not taken. Will this help Lolly let go of her regrets? The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie is women’s fiction novel with a touch of magic. I found it to be a slow starter. It was not until the last third of the book that I became interested. Lolly seemed immature for her age (32). She has regrets which is understandable. Her mother died and Lolly gave up her dreams to help her family. I found it odd, though, that someone who wishes to own a restaurant only makes six lemon meringue pies for the family diner. I was baffled how she planned to run a restaurant if she does not cook (I know you can hire someone, but it just seems odd). She has ideas to help the diner which is struggling, but her father is against them. An enterprising person would have found a way to implement a change or two to see how they went. If they were successful, Lolly would have ammunition to convince her father. Another odd item is a dinhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4866577246er that opens for breakfast at 8 a.m., but they only serve coffee and pastries from the local bakery. I just felt there were inconsistencies. Aunt Gert was an interesting character. She is a woman who knew what she wanted and worked hard to achieve her goals. Aunt Gert is an eccentric dresser (keeps things interesting). The story is told in a unique way. We have present day, the lemon drop (what if) days, and the past which shows what happened between Lolly and Rory. It is a confusing format (the past you go back fifteen years, ten years, seven years). I enjoyed the ending, but it was predictable. It is easy to surmise how the story will conclude. The book is heavy on the romance. Lolly wonders about Rory frequently. She waxes poetic about his scent and eyes. My favorite line from The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie is, “Trying to change the past is pointless. We can only change our future by the choices we make today.” Those readers who like second chance romances will enjoy The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie. The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie is a story about ill-chosen choices, flavorsome lemon meringue pie, lemon drop days, a missed mum, a rare restaurant, a second chance romance, and an unfamiliar future.

This book was so unique and so sweet. Lolly had a totally different plan for her life besides helping in the family diner and making lemon meringue pie.
Her great aunt (who I love )offers her a chance to see what her life would look like if she took a different path.
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I didn’t expect the magical realism in this one but it worked. Her Aunt Greta offered her three lemon drops. Each lemon drop offers her the chance to live a day in the life she imagined for herself. In visiting what could have been she figured out what she really wants out of her life.
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Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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This was such a fun book and it really surprised me! There was so much involved and although there was a romance, there was a much deeper focus on the concept of following your bliss.

I love a good childhood friends to lovers, so Rory and Lolly made me so happy!! There was also the second chance trope which I can be pretty finicky about, but I thought the author did a great job with it.

I also loved the magical realism so much. Lolly gets three lemon drops that gives her the chance to see what her life would be like if she were to go down different paths. I loved seeing the three different lives that she chose to explore.

I will also say that this book was not quite as predictable as many romcoms are (no hate, the romance formula works for a reason!). But I liked that I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my gifted copy. This one is posted on my Goodreads and my Instagram.

Lolly finds her diary from when she was 13 in which she lists five things she hopes to accomplish in her life in the next 20 years. When she looks at it, at almost 33, she realizes that she really only has accomplished one of these things, having abandoned the rest to support her family after her mother died 10 years ago. Now she is having an existential crisis and realizing how unhappy she is with her life. When her Aunt Gert hears her complaining about her life, she offers her three magical lemon drops to see what her life would’ve looked like had she made three different choices.

I don’t know if I’m in a bit of a romance slump or if this romance just wasn’t written well, but I much preferred Lolly’s family and career storyline to her romantic one. I just didn’t like Rory, nor did I understand why Lolly was still so hardcore hung up on him after 20 years. It seemed like to her, her entire happiness was dependent on her relationship and I didn’t love that.

I found her family history to be interesting and I also loved her best friend Eve. She has so much support and it was interesting to learn how Lolly ended up giving up on her dreams and the difference between her and her sister. The idea that so much can change in your life but certain things are also fated was intriguing. I felt her lemon drop choices also showed her which core values brought her happiness. Definitely ones she had taken for granted prior to receiving the lemon drops.

I also appreciated that I could only partially predict how this resolved. With these types of stories, it’s always questionable how the magic will interact with real life in the end. I liked the way that this one resolved with one slight inconsistency that I think I can forgive.

This would be the definition of a 3.5 star read for me, but I decided to round up rather than down because I read through it pretty quickly and I enjoyed the family and friend relationships. I wouldn’t say it’s the most original what-if story I’ve read, but it was sweet and cute and a nice light read. I think it could make for a decent book club choice too!

4.5 Stars

This was an enchanting read about second chances.

I’m typically not a fan of magical realism but I really enjoyed it in this book. Lolly has three opportunities to see “what if” she didn’t stay home and help take care of her family’s diner after the sudden death of her mother many years ago.

It’s a heartfelt story filled with charming characters. There is some romance but the main focus is on Lolly’s personal growth and her finding out what she wants. It’s full of emotion – grief, regrets, love and happiness. Oh, and there’s pie! I highly recommend.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Rachel Linden and Berkley Books!

What would you do if you could look at what your life would be just by taking a magical lemon drop?

Ugh. I loved, loved, loved this book! Lolly had a lot of regrets in her life. After finding a list of things in an old notebook when she was a kid with the things she wanted to accomplish in her life, Lolly started realizing that maybe there were a few things she could have done different. After her mother's death, Lolly's life was quickly turned into helping her dad and sister with their diner, making her mom's famous lemon pies - causing her to push back all her dreams. On her 30th birthday, her great Aunt gifts her with a magical gift of three lemon drops - each of which allows her to live a single day in a life that might have been her. What if her mom never died? What if the love of her life didn't go away? What if she actually moved to London like she wanted? Each experience Lolly encounters with the lemon drops, is the key to letting go of her regrets and realizing what she needs to do in her current life to live life to the fullest.

I have never read from Rachel Linden before, so I am kind of excited to read from her. I always like reading authors.

From reading the book summary, we are going to get three different paths that Lolly could have taken if she hadn’t taken over her mother's dinner ten years ago. Each of these paths will give Lolly perspective about her current state of mind and what she can do now. It’s always easier to wonder what could have been after so many years. Yet, it’s always best to think forward because the past has already happened. And it’s something Lolly is going to release as she adventures these paths.

The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie was a bit of a different type of read for me. I usually don’t like to read about traveling time or the characters who have chosen their paths. I find them a bit tedious to read through. And I did find it a bit difficult to read through. Did I enjoy the plot of the story? Yes, I did. I just wish they executed it in a different way.

This was such a fun read. Who hasn't thought about what might have happened if they had made different choices in life? I'm pretty sure we all have those moments where we wonder what might have happened. This book allowed the main character to explore some of those choices. I loved the little bit of magic in the story. I adored the main character and I thought the romance was very sweet. Overall I loved this one and definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing the ARC.

I'm always a sucker for magical realism and second chances. I love seeing the "what ifs" and how different choices could affect the outcomes. Lolly is no exception.

This was a heartwarming tale of a woman stuck in a rut with no concept of the direction she's heading in, until she discovers an old list of goals, and some magic lemon drops. Through her adventures she discovers a lot about herself and her life, and perhaps she might have a chance to make things turn out okay.

It's a lovely tale, if a bit saccharine. Watching Lolly grow from aimless to purposeful was wonderful to see, and I love second chance books that are focused on growing the main character as opposed to really focusing in on why the relationship with the love interest fell apart.

Overall, an excellent book.

This was a feel-good women's fiction book about Lolly, a young woman who gave up her dreams to help her family after a tragic loss. I loved the magical realism element, Lolly is given three lemon drops that allow her to relive certain choices and the ever-present question of what if? I'm a sucker for a good alternative reality story that explores the path we didn't choose and might have lasting regrets over. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle or Heather Webber's Midnight at the Blackbird cafe. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

A book with paranormal elements that I really enjoyed. Lilly works at the family diner, but it’s not doing well. She’s always wanted to open a bakery, but that dream died along with her mother. On her birthday, her aunt gives her 3 lemon drops. Each one will allow her a single day in a life that might have been hers. What if her mother was still alive? What if she’d opened her bakery like she’d planned? What if she was still together with the guy who’s the love of her life?
The days she spends in an alternative reality are so well done. I really enjoyed this book, 4.5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

This is about a Lolly, who gets three lemon drops that let her live three different possible lives, an idea I am OBSESSED with. It’s chick lit with magical realism, exploring the possibilities of three different Roads Not Taken, and of course it’s full of heartache. Readalikes: any cozy mystery taking place at a restaurant, PALM SPRINGS, lemon meringue pie (the dessert). Four stars.

After her mother’s untimely death, Lolly broke up with her first love and gave up her dreams in order to care for her family and help run their struggling diner. She loves her family and enjoys whipping up the most amazing lemon meringue pies for the diner, but at almost 33, she can’t help but wonder what her life would’ve been like if things had turned out differently. Then her great-aunt gives her three magical lemon drops that allow her to experience the life she’d always envisioned for herself. Will the lemon drops help Lolly find her bliss?

This book really resonated with me. I’m sure we all have regrets and wonder what would have happened if we’d made different decisions. I’ve often wondered “what if,” but I wouldn’t change a thing because it got me to where I am now. This is what the MC, Lolly, comes to realize as she experiences what her life would’ve been like if she’d made different choices. The three magical lemon drops reminded me of three wishes from a genie because each drop allowed Lolly to experience a version of the life she had wished for. It was interesting to see how Lolly’s dream lives changed her perception of reality. Some parts had me reaching for the tissues, and others put a big smile on my face. This wonderful, thought-provoking, and heartwarming book was also full of beautiful words of wisdom, and the ending was pure magic!

Wow, this book had all the feels! I truly enjoyed reading Lolli’s story and experiencing her life possibilities with each chapter.

I really loved this second chance at romance and life. It really makes you think about the what could have beens. Lolli is honestly such a selfless person and I think because of that she realizes that she gave up a lot. The story was super heartwarming and I’m not going to lie, I teared up a bit in many places throughout the book! Though this is a feel good book in so many ways, it is also sad in the middle.

I loved the storyline and the characters. The only thing that didn’t make this a 5⭐️ for me was that I felt it was a little longer than it needed to be.

Read this if you like
🍋 Second chances
🍋 Childhood love
🍋 Yummy recipes in books (I will for sure be using this lemon pie recipe as it is my husband’s favorite!)

🍋 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒐 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚, 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒕? 🍋

Lolly Blanchard has had a sour outlook ever since devastating events changed her life ten years ago. First her mom died, leading Lolly to stay at home and help with the family. Then her first true relationship fell apart.

Years later, Lolly still thinks about the “could‘ve beens” and “what ifs”. Rediscovering a list of her old hopes and dreams as she’s about to turn 33 makes her pause. Ok, maybe adult Lolly doesn’t want a pony anymore, but she still has regrets. What if she had opened the restaurant of her dreams? What if her relationship hadn’t fallen apart? What if her mom hadn’t died? How would any of these events change the life she leads today?

Sometimes life will give you lemons, but this time the lemons are in the form of a magical candy that’s more sweet than sour. With each candy she eats, she can visit ONE day from a life she could have had. Suddenly Lolly has the power to
spend the day with her mom again, run her dream business, and have the love story she always wanted. But each path also comes with its own set of consequences. What should she choose?

The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie is a story about second chances with a magical twist. Just like the proverbial genie in a bottle, there’s a powerful lesson to be had in wishing for the life we have to be something different. Ultimately you can miss out on the chances in the life you do have as a result. This story serves up a satisfying resolution that made a lasting impression, leaving readers with a message that truly was worthwhile if not, bittersweet.

All the love for The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by @rachellinden_writer. And a very happy pub week! Thank you @uplitreads and @berkleypub for the gifted copy. I devoured this book over the weekend and ABSOLUTELY IT!!! Not only does this book have a gorgeous cover, but also a sweet, hopeful, and heartfelt story. Have you ever wondered what life might have been or lived with regret? Lolly is given a second chance her great aunt gifts her three magical lemon drops. And she revisit three major life moments. I absolutely loved the magical and time travel elements in this book. Shed a few tears and laughed a little too. If you are a fan of Amy E. Reichert, Katherine Center, or Christian Lauren, you will enjoy this book.

🍋 Lolly Blanchard's life only seems to give her lemons. Ten years ago, after her mother’s tragic death, she broke up with her first love and abandoned her dream of opening a restaurant in order to keep her family’s struggling Seattle diner afloat and care for her younger sister and grieving father. Now, a decade later, she dutifully whips up the diner’s famous lemon meringue pies each morning while still pining for all she's lost.

🍋 As Lolly’s thirty-third birthday approaches, her quirky great-aunt gives her a mysterious gift—three lemon drops, each of which allows her to live a single day in a life that might have been hers. What if her mom hadn’t passed away? What if she had opened her own restaurant in England? What if she hadn’t broken up with the only man she's ever loved? Surprising and empowering, each experience helps Lolly let go of her regrets and realize the key to transforming her life lies not in redoing her past but in having the courage to embrace her present.

This book is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries. I adored The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie. It's a fun time.

This book was fantastic! Easy five-star read. It is a cozy magic realism story about Lolly who is given three magical lemon drops that allow her to see how her life could have turned out. I love books with magical elements that the story still feel extremely real. This book was so soothing and thought-provoking. I loved seeing Lolly grow throughout the book and the lesson that life is the way it is and longing for some what-if will only make us miss what's going on in our real lives. I loved the multiple time lines, and the characters were so stinkin' cute. OBSSESSED. Highly recommend.
I listened to it on audio and it was phenomenal. The narrator's voice was lovely and soothing.