What an intense and exciting live of a woman in her 60's that just built a unique company and performance services and later become the heartbreak guru (or bunny in this case). It made me wonder will I or we ever have that vicarious life even when we're in our 60s? It's interesting to see the unique way of Billie's perspectives and takes in life, love, relationships, home/family, and magic! as she's become an anti-romance. But somehow Billie doesn't have a clue that she's herself were going through a complicated relationships with her new charming friend and her long lost cheating first husband who's make a reappearance on her life, as she also dealing with her only daughter whose marriage is on the edge of divorce. Though I feel that the first half of the story too immersed in the whole Heartbreak Bunny, the second half of the book was more enjoyable for me as its picking up the tempo of the story. There's also a found family trope in here that was formed by inviting everyone who needs fixing or a place to stay to her home--though unfortunately, they seems like kind of gone half into the story. The choice she makes at the end is satisfied me enough, and some of the quotes really screams "snap out of it!" to your heartbreaks.

This is another delightful novel by Maddie Dawson. I love how her characters usually lead a more bohemian lifestyle. This is the fourth book of hers I've read where the main character usually lives with a group of random people or has an unusual or unique upbringing. I enjoy that about her books though!

While Billie is a bit older than me, she is relatable and easy to connect with. The story reminds me of the movie The Broken Hearts Gallery in some ways, as we all can connect on the topic of heartbreak and holding on to objects from someone who was once a part of our lives. Side note: I got rid of anything that reminded me of a relationship that had gone bad in the past, which cleared the way for my present relationship (a 19 year marriage), so I can attest to it being a good thing to not hold onto items from exes.

There was a lot of great dialogue between the variety of characters. It had a similar feel to the new TV series Shrinking in that way. Just a lot of honest conversations about how everyone is so messed up. The settings and characters were so easy to visualize, due to Maddie's great use of description that doesn't take away from the narrative.

To me, it felt like Billie's stance against romance was emphasized too much. Especially when it came to her personal life. I get that she's been hurt and wronged, but it was like she was hammering that over our heads. She reminded me of another character in a book (I read a few months ago) who was hurt in the past and had this strong stance against relationships as a result, to the point where she would hurt the ones who were kindest to her. I also was frustrated by Louise constantly belittling Billie's new job instead of being proud and supportive. I would hate if my kids ever acted that way toward me.

Overall, this was just a really enjoyable story that women (or men) of any age will appreciate!

Movie casting suggestions:
Billie: Diane Franklin
Louise: Scout Taylor-Compton
Victor: Dylan McDermott
Mason: Peter Hermann
Kat: Teryl Rothery
Calvin: Alan Arkin

Quirky characters abound, and it's hard not to smile when the protagist is a 60 year old woman in a bunny suit, trying to help people get over their heartache. While some of the family issues were tricky to read at times (boundaries needed!), there was plenty of real in this story. The ending felt well earned and I enjoyed this one.

Billie Slate, has other ideas on how to release some of that heartbreak. After several failed marriages and break ups, she knows what’s up and she decides to reinvent herself as the Heartbreak Bunny. People suffering from a broken heart can hire her to come over and hop around and get rid of all the photos and mementos from their unsuccessful relationship..
I loved this authors book. This wasn't an exception. I loved the characters, the plot and the dialogue.

This is my first book by this author, and I have already ordered her other books. I found this book so funny but relatable. The bunny costume was at first shocking then as you read on it is so perfect for her. Drunk nights with girlfriends and coming up with crazy business ideas. Who knew they would work and take you on a wild ride. All while doing this you discover yourself and your true feelings to love and motherhood. This book is for every woman looking for self-discovery.

Billie is the Heartbreak Bunny, because no better person to help people clean-up broken hearts then her, as she has let's just say a few herself. Then suddenly her business becomes famous, but then everything in her life starts to unravel. Her daughter's marriage, her sudden love life and she rethinking what love truly means.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for copy of the book for my honest review.

You are never to old to love or to get rid of love. Billie doesn't care what people think of her and after one drunkin night is making it easier for people to learn how to love again.

This pains me as I have received a lot of joy from Maddie Dawson novels but this one wasn't for me.

I thought both the relationships with our main character, Billie, and her ex-, in addition to the one with her budding interest were fun and compelling. And the relationship between her and her daughter was nuanced and interesting.

But so much of this richness was dragged down or hidden away. The beginning third of this novel read so pessimistic that it was hard to get through. It seemed beyond character building or setting the scene. It also seemed that the life of the influencer daughter was described by someone with little understanding of what being a lifestyle influencer is. Honestly, the entirety of this novel seemed rushed or disjointed. It just wasn't coming together.

this was such an amazing book! i'm so thankful to netgalley for letting me read this one early! it was so much fun and intriguing!! what a fun, fun, fun read!!!!

Have you ever had your heart broken? If you haven’t, yay you! You are in the tiny, tiny minority. If you have, did you have any trouble letting go? Did you hold on to mementos like cards, a favorite shirt, coffee mug, bobble head, etc. ? You might have needed the services of the Heartbreak Bunny who hops in to your house to help clean out those things you have been holding onto, so you can move on and be the best new you.
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The Heartbreak Bunny, also known as Billie Slate, is the fun narrator of this book, Snap Out of It by Maddie Dawson. I could be great friends with this 60 year old who raised her daughter alone, has been divorced twice and widowed once, and runs the increasingly successful Snap Out of It, Inc. with her best friend. She also seems to collect people. Her family home is filled with people needing a place to live, and friends to share Martini Thursday’s with each week.
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I loved so much about this book. Billie and the entire cast of fun characters and all the chaos and life happenings in this home Billie has made. Calvin, the seems-to-be-immortal 90 year old, who came to Billie’s instead of hospice and never left, was my favorite side character. He deserves a book of his own.
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The descriptions of Heartbreak Bunny’s client visits were so funny, and the things some people hold onto makes me just shake my head. This is such a clever premise and the way Billie’s beliefs are tested and pushed was great.
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This is a humorous read about relationships, the good and bad parts.
Billie is a woman in her early 60s who has been married three times and lived in a chaotic life with her daughter and various housemates over the year.
One night, Billie and her friend Kat come up with the idea for Snap Out of It. Dressed as the Heartbreak Bunny, she goes to client’s houses and helps them get rid of mementos associated with their exes so they can’t pine over them. She finds everything from a python print bra to old corks. Billie does this on top of dealing with family issues of her own.
The business is surprisingly successful, and Billie is asked to appear on a local TV talkshow. It’s hosted by handsome man named Mason, and they’re attracted to each other.
Can the Heartbreak Bunny fall in love again?
I liked this entertaining book, 4 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.

I really liked this book. The pace of the book was just perfection. This book was the first that I’ve ever read from this author to be honest I will definitely read more from this author. Maddie Dawson wrote this book very well

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the pacing of it. I truly enjoyed the characters. I felt the characters struggles were realistic,and how they reacted in certain situations were exactly the way I myself would react. Loved the romance vibes,this is an all around fun read

My thoughts



Narrative and Plot



Snap Out of It is what you call a laugh-out-loud contemporary romantic comedy. We follow Billie, who is a witty Heartbreak Bunny and just turned sixty-year-old woman. Even when the plot is stretched a bit too long in the latter, Billie livens things up with her quick wit and imaginative mind.

The plot is exactly what it sounds like in the synopsis. There is nothing more, nothing less. In the end, it is all about how Billie herself has to snap out of it. The story takes its sweet time to get there, but it's worth the wait.





Characters and Conflicts





Billie is quite an unconventional character. She looks like someone who walked out of a sitcom. The few references to Gilmore Girls indicate that it is indeed intentional. Only, Billie is fifty times over Lorelei and Louise is probably Rory from the early seasons. However, the similarity ends in temperament.

Bille is brave, fun, loyal, honest, and just a joy to be around. She is a vibrant sixty-year-old heroine which we don't get to see around a lot. Most rom-com mothers are often women who are wise and can sense things or are overtly meddling. Billie on the other hand is flawed and still figuring out how to be a parent to a daughter in her thirties. She is still figuring out what life or love is while living her best life.

That makes her the most reliable character. Mason and Victor are trying their best to win over Billie. It is interesting to see how the truth is revealed to the reader before the protagonist herself realizes what's in front of her.

The ensemble cast is colorful as well. The friendship between Calvin and Billie is heartwarming and makes your heart fill with all kinds of hope.




















Conclusion



I always try to read that one book in January which is filled with hope, love, and a little bit of magic. If you are in search of something like that, then look no further. Snap Out of It is just the right book for you.

I have LOVED Maddie Dawsons previous books, I loved the magical elements and the slightly quirky characters but this one was just a bit TOO MUCH quirkiness. The daughter and husband were horrible and the main characters job was insane.
I'll pick up the next one though.

If you are looking for a fun and original book, I have a suggestion: Snap Out of It!

Billie is down on love after 3 failed marriages and starts a business with a friend where she is the Heartbreak Bunny. She dress in a bunny suit and helps dumped people move on with their lives. She helps them throw out and return items their significant other has left and talk about happened and vent about what went wrong.

After her bunny suit business goes viral, Billie’s life it turned upside down. The first husband and father of her only daughter is back in town and trying to mend fences. Her daughter’s marriage is on the rocks and since they are an influence couple, she’s also losing her business partner. She seems a little out of touch with reality. She gets better as the book goes on.

This is fun and definitely unique story. I have loved a lot of Maddie’s previous books and you can see why her odd ball characters have so much charisma. You are really pulling for Billie who seems to have given up on love. This is also great for people who love older MCs; Billie celebrates her 60th birthday in the beginning of the book.

Thank you to the author Maddie Dawson, publisher Lake Union, and as always NetGalley, for a advance digital copy of SNAP OUT OF IT.

After her husband left her alone, Billie raised her daughter alone. A series of unsuccessful careers have led her at 60 to her current gig, dressing in a bunny suit and going to the homes of the recently dumped, to help them get over their breakups. Now an adult, her daughter faces her own marital and career problems. Billie wants to help her, while serving her own suddenly burgeoning fame as the Breakup Bunny, and quietly handling the return of some serious ancient history that threatens the stability of her whole family.

I enjoyed the writing in SNAP OUT OF IT, and the humor. What could make it hard to connect is also the best thing about it: the Breakup Bunny herself, a 60 year old cynic in a bunny suit, convincing people to get over their exes. It's a beautiful bit of irony and only a tad preposterous. This character powers this whole book, so if you can love this quirky weirdo of a comedic element, you should read it.

Rating: 🐰🐰🐰.5 / 5 bunny heads
Recommend? Yes!
Finished February 1 2023
Read this if you like:
👴💓👵 Later in life romance
🙃 Irony & sarcasm
🐰 Bunny suits
👨‍👨‍👧 Family drama
✌️ Second chances

The premise of this book has seemed to me of the most interesting: a sixty-year-old woman who, because her husband abandoned her, decides to create a company in which she disguises himself as “The Heartbreak Bunny” and goes to her client’s house to take things that might remind them of there ex-partners, since she don’t believe in love.
Evidently, as the story progresses she will realize that it’s impossible to live without love. And all thanks to Mason Davies, a man who, if he wasn’t sixty, would be the love of my life. The thing is that this is another of the points that I have liked, that the romance is between elderly people, who often are forgotten.
As for the supporting characters I had problems with two of them: Louise and Victor. Louise is the daughter of our protagonist, and I find a horrible person. She blames his mother for not having fought for her husband when he was the one who abandoned him, doesn’t care of decisions she makes and blames others, is selfish and hateful, and doesn’t know what she wants or what she needs.
As Victor, he’s the typical man who believes the world is at his feet and can do whatever he wants, as if thirty-five years he could do as if nothing had happened.
Ignoring these two characters has seemed to me a pleasant reading, entertaining, and with a great message: there is no age to find love.

Fans of Matchmaking for Beginners and A Happy Catastrophe will enjoy another Maddie Dawson novel with delightful characters, even if the plot is more of a stretch than her previous novels. Super fun if you suspend a little disbelief in the set-up (a woman starts a business where she dresses up like a bunny and helps the heartbroken rid themselves of reminders of their failed relationships) and some inconsistent actions from most of the characters throughout. I love the worlds that Dawson puts together and how they seem like real humans - maybe the inconsistencies I take issue with are actually true to human behavior, now that I think about it! It's no spoiler to say that her books end up with a happy ending, so if you're looking for a low-stakes, delightful story, this will fit the bill.

𝘍𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭!

A fast-paced, heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, quirky, unusual, original and feel good story. This is one of those stories that leaves you feeling good. A delightful read.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗽 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝘁 by Maddie Dawson released January 3, 2023.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

Billie Slate and her BFF Kat are sick of wallowing. Other people wallowing, that is. That is how Snap Out of It is born, in a fit of drunken laughter late one night, and shifts the course of Billie's life. Part performance art, part minor therapy, part magic, Snap Out of It centers on the Heartbreak Bunny coming to the homes of the heartbroken and removing all the items that are keeping them stuck in the dumped dumps-- photos, a garlic press, a python print bra, anything could really be the culprit. The Heartbreak Bunny removes the items while hopping around and helps the wallowing move on by snapping them out of it. But Billie's skills are put to the test when her business goes viral, her first ex-husband incessantly texts her, and her own daughter's relationship begins to fall apart. What's a bunny to do?

Billie is a fantastic narrator, letting the reader in on her storied history which includes two divorces and a widowhood. But she is so much more than her romantic past-- and so is everyone else she meets. Billie cares more about the person than the couple, more about the heart of who they are than who broke their heart. Billie wants to help people find their way back to themselves, to what brings them joy and grows them as a person. But even Billie is stumped when her daughter's marriage crumbles. How do you help those who don't want to be helped? The Heartbreak Bunny was not called by her daughter, but Billie IS the Heartbreak Bunny. And how in the world are you supposed to make your poet ex-husband stop texting you? Especially when he eschews all punctuation?!

Like all of Maddie Dawson's titles, Snap Out of It is quirky, humorous, and has well-developed, relatable characters. Yet it also has heart and depth, making the reader think just as often as they laugh.

This particular cast is expansive, lovable and unforgettable. From the lost and wandering that Billie collects and lets stay in her row home to the Heartbreak Bunny clients, each character is well developed regardless of how little time they have on the page. From 90 year old Calvin with his ten year plan to Marisol, Louise, Mason, Joey, the TikTok girls! This cast is great fun, and shows how inviting people into your home invites them into your life and heart in the best ways.

There is so much to love about this novel. The relationship between Billie and her daughter, Louise, is relatable through all its ups and downs. The theme of found family is strong with the crew that Billie invites in, from her dearest and oldest friends to the heartbroken she tries to help. The heart of this novel is truly building a life you're happy with, engaging in the activities you love with the people you love to spend time with. There is great beauty in ignoring conventionality and living your own authentic version of life.

Thank you to author Maddie Dawson, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy such that I could share my honest opinions.