The relationship that Emma had with her mom was written just perfectly. I have to say it brought tears to my eyes realized how much they truly loved one another. Sometimes people continue their patterns of behaviour because they THINK it’s what everyone expects, until they begin to expect it. Many of us think our families should just know what we want, but Julie Hatcher demonstrated beautifully that that is not always the case. I enjoyed the fact that Emma wanted to rediscover herself, so she went in her own private “adventure”. I’m not sure I would choose where she went, so isolated and a place she already knew so close to home, but I think it is a statement that we all lose ourselves sometimes. This started off quite slowly, and seemed rushed in the end. It was more of a rediscovery of family and self, than a romance in my opinion. While Davis did end up doing the right things, I still think he requires a little more redemption.

This story is so charming.

Books about books is my absolute favourite thing, so right away, we start off strong.

I loved the crumbling manor setting.

I, weirdly, loved that the romance was a big part of Emma’s story, but not the ONLY part.

I loved the self-reflection I did as I made my way through this story.

I loved everything except the bunnies. It’s stew for you furry lot.

The leaning into Emily Dickinson, the Language of Flowers, and all the Grumpy Neighbour Goodness, has me itching to track down more from this author.