This one feels like it's trying to be many things at once and in the end, just made it all over the place. Almost all of the author's poetry books lacks cohesion and organization of contents, but this one suffered in those areas immensely. I loved the concepts and the ideas of the author, but the actual writing part doesn't really satisfy what the premises said. I'm sad to finally say that I don't think Amanda Lovelace's writing style and I are on the same page. This trilogy, especially, is a bit disappointing to me since the first book is probably my favorite from this author, and then the execution declines in the second book and this last one is the nail in the coffin.

(Before reading any of Amanda’s collections, please check the trigger warnings at the beginning)

Amanda’s poetry collections have a knack for finding me when I need her words the most. Every time I feel down, when loving myself becomes too hard or when my long-time ED demons come knocking at my door, I can count on Amanda’s poems to help pick me up. The strength between their poems is how raw and honest Amanda is, how much of their vulnerability they share with the readers through the magic of words. The illustrations featured throughout the book are so beautiful and delicate, sometimes I caught myself spending more time admiring them than reading the actual poem. I’d love to have prints of several of them adorning my home due to how cozy and stunning they are.

Magic, that is the best way to define this, and all of her other collections, they are all laced (if you’ll pardon the pun) with this sense of wonder, like they’re floating somewhere between reality and dream. Because of this, it’s easier for me to face the darker issues (like grief, ED, mental illness, etc) that so many of her poems focus on and to use them as cathartic tools. Above anything else, this collection gave me so much hope, being a queer woman who also struggles with EDs and childhood trauma I relate so deeply to the poems and Amanda themselves. Seeing someone so similar to me being so unapologetically themselves, both in life and through their art, fills me with the hope that maybe one day I can do that too.

What I loved the most about this collection was that it featured several poems that advocate living your own truth, that encourage the reader to embrace what gives them joy and not let others shame you for it. Her poems also dealt with another thing that I needed to be reminded of, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a quiet and simple life, with choosing to live in the small town as opposed to the big city. The author also touches on how heteronormative society has many of us convinced that there’s only one form of love that is acceptable, they break down that queerphobia in so many of their writings. As the main “story” in Unlock Your Storybook Heart, we have a princess that falls in love with a knight, and we see their relationship progress until they become queen and queen. Even though this collection features several poems about romantic love, Amanda makes sure to remind the reader that there’s also nothing wrong with you if romance is not something you desire.

Overall, this book’s message is to do what makes you happy, to choose what is best for you even if others will judge you for it. Amanda tells us not to be afraid to embrace our true selves, including our scars and our traumas because there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Marina Garrido

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (3 stars)

"imagine this: there could be a version of you
in every part of the future
who knows it will get better
because she's already
been through everything
you've been through
& managed to survive it all.
so, when you feel hopeless,
trust her resilience,
which is to say: trust your own."

always laced with love, Amanda Lovelace's poetry transports you into a realm of imagery and affirmations. She touches on her queer identity, feminism, and finding love, normalcy, and peace. Like many of her later works, I only wish she delved deeper and expanded more to make each individual poem relate back to the overall theme. However, her poems are easily digestible, which is something I always appreciate.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this work in exchange for an honest review!

I am a long time fan of Amanda’s and this book doesn’t disappoint. She has such an exquisite way with words that just resonate in any way possible. Truly beautiful

4.25 stars

Although I’ve missed their last few books, I’ve read several others from this author/poet, so I’m familiar with their artistic style. Work from this writer is a comfort read for me- it doesn’t usually take me long to finish one of her books, but the words stay with me, and I find myself wanting to screenshot and/or take notes along the way. There’s a lot happening in these brief poems. Fairytales are part of the inspiration, of course, but they’re retold as queer, feminist versions that are interwoven with contemporary issues and experiences, and I love that so much. I’m definitely going to go back and read the books that I missed from her, including the first two in this trilogy (I want to experience them, but this collection definitely stands on its own). I’ve been a fan since their first book, and I don’t see that changing. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

Amanda Lovelace's poetry style captivates me every time. I can't stop reading once I pick up one of her collections. Just like her other works, this one is wonderful. Unlock your Storybook heart is about a woman searching to find and love herself. She struggles to find balance between what her books tell her and what she feels in her heart. Beautiful poetry which tells a much needed story for today's young adults.

I enjoyed this book of poetry. It’s very positive, influential and hardcore in the sense that it says what you need to hear and not always what you want to hear. I like to keep this series near my bed so when I need reassurance I can easily find something to identify with.

Amanda Lovelace has done it again with her latest collection of poetry that packs an emotional punch. I love all of her work but personally found this collection to be slighty too narrow and short for my liking. Still, the poems that are there are as beautiful as ever.

First of all, pick up any of the author's work when you really want to and if you have loved their previous collections.

And please go through the trigger warnings given at the beginning of each collection.

I am seeing how much the writing has evolved with each successive collection. And I can use any quote for any day anytime when I would face hard times and difficult people. Most importantly I will need this collection when I lose my confidence and need some affirmations to push through.

And yes, I am sure the physical copy of the book will be much better.

Let's forget the cover and the repetitive illustrations for now.
Other than that I enjoyed this collection.

Thank you, Andrews McMeel, for the advance reading copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This will be no surprise, but I loved this book. Once again, the author made me feel all the wonderful emotions. If you want to go through a rollercoaster of feelings, just read this.
The poems focus on the beauty of life, whilst also talking about the insecurity many of us feel when living in this crazy society, where everyone strives for perfection. I absolutely love her writing and will eventually pick up everything she's written.

I have read many poetry collections and this one is just *chefs kiss*. Amanda Lovelace always comes through with her poems. They always stir emotions (many emotions) in me every time I read them. I feel comfort in her words. I feel stronger and more powerful after reading her words. I feel more of my true self after her words. I can’t speak higher about this collection and I can’t wait to get to share it with the world too.

When I read Shine your Icy Crown, I connected to it as 1. a baby sister and 2. A female teacher that wants her students, regardless of gender but specifically any student who identifies as a woman, to feel empowered. When I read unlock your storybook heart, I connected to it as me, an adult who struggles endlessly with self-acceptance. Thank you to Amanda Lovelace for always writing work that a piece of me can connect with and for giving me courage to not only accept myself but be a badass while I do it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this egalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Amanda Lovelace's poems are just beautiful and incredibly deep that I always find a number of them that hit me straight in the heart and make me remember my worth.

Her writing is just emotional and raw that it's almost as if she's in my head sometimes, writing down how I feel when it comes to my body image and lack of self love.

I will always recommend her work!

I seriously adore Amanda's work! I love her writing and the emotion she puts behind her words. I've never been so deep in thought and love for her stories.

Amanda Lovelace does it again in this magical book of poetry. She manages to use real and raw poetry that feels etherial to get inside of the reader. Her poetry is relatable, not only to me but I showed some of these poems to friends and we all fell in love with them. This book is inspired by Beauty and the Beast, and the relationship is visible without being overwhelming or boring.

Unlock Your Storybook Heart by Amanda Lovelace

Firstly, Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy to read and review.

Such a heart-warming collection of poems that told a great story of family, love, mental health and being yourself.

This is probably my favourite of the trilogy and an amazing way to end the series. I loved the storytelling and the emotion behind each poem.

Also the illustrations were so beautiful and accompanied the poems so well.

I found this book very relatable and at moments it felt like it was written just for me.

I definitely got teary at some moments. I wish it was longer but I can't wait to see what Lovelace has in store next.

Please check out this book when it comes out in March 2022. You won't be disappointed.

5 Stars!!

#bookstagram #unlockyourstorybookheart #NetGalley #amandalovelace #self-love #fairytale
#poetry

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley
#netgalley

I love Lovelace! Her poetry is soul-touching artwork.

Of all 9 collections I've read from lovelace, this one was the most me - an ode to every 'gifted' kid who grew into an anxious adult with imposter syndrome and the stories that allow them escape.

*****5 Stars!


“Her love adores her even when she’s being impossible.”


First I would like to thank Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give an honest review.

Unlock Your Storybrooke Heart was such a beautiful and heartfelt read! I absolutely enjoyed every moment of this book and all the emotions it was able to bring forth. I’ve always been quick to read any Amanda Lovelace book that comes out and I’m never disappointed. Reading her work is such an amazing experience, each time I always walk away feeling so strong and empowered by it. This book was very thought provoking and each verse felt so relatable and heartfelt. To be able to love yourself is a very powerful thing, it’s very important to understand that the knight doesn’t always have to be the hero in your story because the true hero is yourself.

I can’t wait to read more of her beautifully written books, I know they’re going to be just as amazing as the last!

Another wonderful feminist poetry collection from Amanda Lovelace! I always enjoy the way this author views the world and puts a little bit of herself into her art.