Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an ARC of Happily Ever After in exchange for an honest review.

Happily Ever After by Jane Lovering is a cozy, feel-good read that draws you in with its charming atmosphere and delightful characters. The book’s early chapters are a slow but steady buildup, enveloping you in a world that's warm, inviting, and full of heart. Lovering does an excellent job of creating a space that feels almost like home, making it easy to get lost in the narrative.

The characters are one of the book’s strongest assets. They're likable, relatable, and you quickly find yourself rooting for them. Their interactions and evolving relationships are tender and engaging, providing a sense of connection that makes you care about what happens to them. The pacing allows for these dynamics to develop in a natural way, with just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting without feeling rushed.

However, the much-anticipated twist toward the end doesn’t quite live up to the strong foundation laid in the first half. While it doesn't entirely fall flat, it feels a bit lackluster in comparison to the warmth and charm that precedes it. The final half of the book, while still enjoyable, starts to feel a bit more standard and less emotionally gripping. It’s as if the story, which had so much potential for an exciting payoff, ends up coasting to a more predictable resolution.

That said, Happily Ever After excels in creating an atmosphere that’s easy to sink into, and its characters will likely stick with you. While the plot may not pack the punch some readers might expect from a twist, the book’s cozy, feel-good nature makes it a great pick for fans of character-driven stories. The book is an easy, heartwarming read, even if it lacks a bit of the “oomph” that could have taken it to the next level.

Jane Lovering is an author I enjoy reading. Her latest book, Happily Ever After was everything I expected.

Books about books seem to be the big thing lately. I've read a lot of them. This title was super enjoyable and gave off a very cozy vibe. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was quite different from what I had expected but a delightful read nonetheless. Packed full of quirky characters and a fun storyline, I was engrossed right from the start. Each chapter was headed by a quote from a classic romance which gave the book a bit of an ‘old world’ feel. There was the obligatory quiet romance and a bit of a mystery to be solved. A good clean wholesome read which I would recommend for a cosy evening’s read.

I like this book! It was so cute and cozy, and I love the storytelling skill this author has. I did like how all these different books were referenced and how this story flowed, and I loved the themes of growth, love, adulthood

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!