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Love Takes a Village
When Lena Preiss unexpectedly loses her job, her father convinces her to travel to Leavenworth, Washington, and help in her aunt’s new restaurant. The charming Christmas village in the Cascade Mountains is a gorgeous place for Lena to relax while between jobs, if not for the minor difficulty of feeding hundreds of tourists every night. Luckily, chocolatier Devin Meyer is on hand to take care of dessert.
Devin knows chocolate and enjoys nothing more than mixing and stirring the finest, smoothest, richest chocolate entirely by hand. She has returned home to help her father with one last holiday season before he retires and sells their family business. She is determined to spend the season planning for her future, but the beautiful and overwhelmed Lena proves to be more of a distraction than she expected.
Against a snowy backdrop glittering with Christmas lights, Lena and Devin learn how to shed the expectations of others and forge their own path—maybe one that they’ll share together.
Devin knows chocolate and enjoys nothing more than mixing and stirring the finest, smoothest, richest chocolate entirely by hand. She has returned home to help her father with one last holiday season before he retires and sells their family business. She is determined to spend the season planning for her future, but the beautiful and overwhelmed Lena proves to be more of a distraction than she expected.
Against a snowy backdrop glittering with Christmas lights, Lena and Devin learn how to shed the expectations of others and forge their own path—maybe one that they’ll share together.
240 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2025
8 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Karis Walsh
34 books153 followersKaris Walsh is a native of the Pacific Northwest and an adopted citizen of Texas. When she isn’t wrapped up in a book—either reading or writing one—she spends her time with her animals, playing music on her viola or violin, or hiking among the prickly pears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 18, 2025
I'm a big fan of Karis Walsh romances so it was one of only two of the December BSB releases I requested. I took a chance with the other book but I was pretty certain this one would make me happy. And it did.
Walsh writes wonderfully quirky and lovable characters. The ones in Love Takes a Village are no exception. I pretty much loved everyone. Just like in real life, Lena and Devin struggle with insecurities and familial obligations and finding the right path to take at the right time. But they do it together and they communicate. I absolutely love a couple who start out as friends who have great chemistry AND who can honestly talk with each other. Communication is sexy and these ladies have it down.
And as a bonus, I wasn't sure how the story would wrap up because there were plenty of options. Might everything have fallen into place a bit too perfectly? Sure. Did I still have a lovely time reading the story? Absolutely.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the wonderful journey.
Walsh writes wonderfully quirky and lovable characters. The ones in Love Takes a Village are no exception. I pretty much loved everyone. Just like in real life, Lena and Devin struggle with insecurities and familial obligations and finding the right path to take at the right time. But they do it together and they communicate. I absolutely love a couple who start out as friends who have great chemistry AND who can honestly talk with each other. Communication is sexy and these ladies have it down.
And as a bonus, I wasn't sure how the story would wrap up because there were plenty of options. Might everything have fallen into place a bit too perfectly? Sure. Did I still have a lovely time reading the story? Absolutely.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the wonderful journey.
December 16, 2025
Lena is self employed but is between jobs when her father ropes her into helping her aunt Cheryl who just an open her restaurant Leavenworth, WA she becomes an unlikely chef. Devin is a chocolatier that is getting ready to sell her family business that she work with her dad Roy after working for years he wants to retire. Lena and Devin grow closer as Devin helps her this was cute romance with little angst love the description of pralines and cakes and I like the families bonds and how refreshing to see everyone communicate with each other while I enjoy the main characters I have say Aunt Cheryl stole the story.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
December 6, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
chocolate, snow and a small town whats not to like about this book
chocolatier Devin Meyer goes home every year to help her father with his chocolate shop but this will be the final time as they are selling up and devin is hoping that her father will move near to her.....
Lena Preiss has lost her job again.... its not because she is a bad employee no ... in fact she does such an excellent job that the firms always think they can do without her after she has the software doing exactly what they need..... that they will need her help in several months time is a fact that she is starting to get annoyed about....
so when she takes a phone call from her father saying her flaky aunt needs her help she hasnt really got a choice but to go and do whatever her aunt needs.... after all she hasnt got a lot on at the moment...
and so lena finds herself as head cook in a business that her aunt is trying to get set up.... its enough to shake your head at... poor lena is thrown right into the deep end....
its a pleasant read i chose to ignore how someone could be a cook one day without having any certification behind them and just went with the storyline about lena and devin.... that way i could enjoy it better...
chocolate, snow and a small town whats not to like about this book
chocolatier Devin Meyer goes home every year to help her father with his chocolate shop but this will be the final time as they are selling up and devin is hoping that her father will move near to her.....
Lena Preiss has lost her job again.... its not because she is a bad employee no ... in fact she does such an excellent job that the firms always think they can do without her after she has the software doing exactly what they need..... that they will need her help in several months time is a fact that she is starting to get annoyed about....
so when she takes a phone call from her father saying her flaky aunt needs her help she hasnt really got a choice but to go and do whatever her aunt needs.... after all she hasnt got a lot on at the moment...
and so lena finds herself as head cook in a business that her aunt is trying to get set up.... its enough to shake your head at... poor lena is thrown right into the deep end....
its a pleasant read i chose to ignore how someone could be a cook one day without having any certification behind them and just went with the storyline about lena and devin.... that way i could enjoy it better...
December 27, 2025
An amusing opening and an entertaining writing style. Interestingly, one MC is not trying to be the best at the job she’s been roped into doing and the other knows she’s the best at her job but isn’t sure she still wants the job. Or thereabouts. It’s a slow burn romance where both MCs are loath to make a move. The dialogue is natural and I loved the small touristy town setting. And I needed to find a chocolate shop…
November 26, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
DNF at 63% because I couldn’t take the boredom anymore.
This book could have been interesting, but unfortunately, it simply wasn’t. I loved the parts with the chocolate making, but the rest was just so dull. The romance felt too instant love for me with no real buildup, and I didn’t feel even the tiniest spark of actual romance. Nothing to make you feel warm and fluffy inside, and eager to read more. I felt no attachment or interest in the main characters and I have no idea why they felt anything for each other.
The plot was equally lacking in interest with far too many unnecessary details making the book unbearably slow. It took multiple pages to describe one of the characters driving from Portland to the small town of Leavenworth and most of those pages were not actually necessary.
Also, someone please tell me, is it actually possible to legally open a restaurant with an unqualified chef whose only cooking experience is home cooking and a few classes she took? Aren’t there food handling licenses and such that you are supposed to have? I don’t know, but the whole thing felt very unrealistic to me.
I could go on, but I’d rather go find a different book to read instead. The cute cover and interesting blurb of this book drew me in and I was tragically disappointed. You really can’t judge a book by its cover because I was sure this one would be enjoyable.
DNF at 63% because I couldn’t take the boredom anymore.
This book could have been interesting, but unfortunately, it simply wasn’t. I loved the parts with the chocolate making, but the rest was just so dull. The romance felt too instant love for me with no real buildup, and I didn’t feel even the tiniest spark of actual romance. Nothing to make you feel warm and fluffy inside, and eager to read more. I felt no attachment or interest in the main characters and I have no idea why they felt anything for each other.
The plot was equally lacking in interest with far too many unnecessary details making the book unbearably slow. It took multiple pages to describe one of the characters driving from Portland to the small town of Leavenworth and most of those pages were not actually necessary.
Also, someone please tell me, is it actually possible to legally open a restaurant with an unqualified chef whose only cooking experience is home cooking and a few classes she took? Aren’t there food handling licenses and such that you are supposed to have? I don’t know, but the whole thing felt very unrealistic to me.
I could go on, but I’d rather go find a different book to read instead. The cute cover and interesting blurb of this book drew me in and I was tragically disappointed. You really can’t judge a book by its cover because I was sure this one would be enjoyable.
December 16, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for providing the Arc!
I was really excited to read this, but unfortunately I ended up being dissapointed. The novel definitely had potential, and it was a cute winter romance. There was just so much going on. There were more scenes decribing a certain cooking style than there were of the two protagonists falling in love. I felt myself skimming over many parts because I just didn't care to read about certain chocolates for the tenth time. Details can be good, but here there were way to many. The details overshadowed the plot, which is a shame. I also felt like Devin and Lena moved way to fast in their relationship. The tension felt rushed. I still enjoyed the novel, but the many details just made me bored.
I was really excited to read this, but unfortunately I ended up being dissapointed. The novel definitely had potential, and it was a cute winter romance. There was just so much going on. There were more scenes decribing a certain cooking style than there were of the two protagonists falling in love. I felt myself skimming over many parts because I just didn't care to read about certain chocolates for the tenth time. Details can be good, but here there were way to many. The details overshadowed the plot, which is a shame. I also felt like Devin and Lena moved way to fast in their relationship. The tension felt rushed. I still enjoyed the novel, but the many details just made me bored.
December 31, 2025
What a relief to be back in the hands of a good writer, who understands the importance of character development especially in a light lesbian romance at Christmas. Lena takes over being the head chef in a new restaurant venture of her aunt's, getting closer to her in the process. She meets Devin a chocolate maker who helps her adjust and relax in this small place in Oregon where they make enough money in three winter months to survive all year round. Lots of snow, friendship, caring for other humans and soothing descriptions of intricate chocolate making, yum.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2025
So cute and heart-warmingly festive
The last thing Lena wants to do between contracts is help her aunt with another business. Reluctantly she goes to help in the new restaurant in a quaint little Christmas village. When she arrives she meets Devin, who is home for the last time to help her father with the family business, before they sell it. Together they help each other realise there might be more to what they are both trying to do in the businesses and it doesn’t hurt to have a little distraction.
Lena was brilliant! I could literally feel her reluctance to get to her aunt’s restaurant in the early chapters. She did just about all she could to delay her arrival, but then when she arrived, nothing was as she had imagined or expected. I loved all the hidden meaning behind the story, and how things were not as obvious as they seemed, but it took meeting Devin and having a somewhat comparison between her and her aunt, for Lena to realise that she might be able to really learn something more out of this experience. She also became more open minded and seemed to really be finding herself. And that was what made this special, there was no real relationship drama, just honesty and finding compromises to get what they all wanted.
Devin was dedicated in the most amazing way. She wanted her freedom, but wasn’t selfish enough to just take it so she was doing everything she could to still be a chocolatier at the business even though she had wanted to get away from it. Everything seemed to creep up on her and the realisation that it would be gone once sold was quite sad. The way the chocolates were described the processes was amazing though, it made me crave real proper chocolates (not store bought ones) so beware! Maybe get some chocolates, get this book and snuggle down for a holiday read to fall in love with Devin and Lena like I did. Just perfect!
I enjoyed every second of this! It was cosy, cute, and full of holiday feeling and magic. Hopefully there will be a future story about Devin and Lena, so we can find out where life has taken them!
The last thing Lena wants to do between contracts is help her aunt with another business. Reluctantly she goes to help in the new restaurant in a quaint little Christmas village. When she arrives she meets Devin, who is home for the last time to help her father with the family business, before they sell it. Together they help each other realise there might be more to what they are both trying to do in the businesses and it doesn’t hurt to have a little distraction.
Lena was brilliant! I could literally feel her reluctance to get to her aunt’s restaurant in the early chapters. She did just about all she could to delay her arrival, but then when she arrived, nothing was as she had imagined or expected. I loved all the hidden meaning behind the story, and how things were not as obvious as they seemed, but it took meeting Devin and having a somewhat comparison between her and her aunt, for Lena to realise that she might be able to really learn something more out of this experience. She also became more open minded and seemed to really be finding herself. And that was what made this special, there was no real relationship drama, just honesty and finding compromises to get what they all wanted.
Devin was dedicated in the most amazing way. She wanted her freedom, but wasn’t selfish enough to just take it so she was doing everything she could to still be a chocolatier at the business even though she had wanted to get away from it. Everything seemed to creep up on her and the realisation that it would be gone once sold was quite sad. The way the chocolates were described the processes was amazing though, it made me crave real proper chocolates (not store bought ones) so beware! Maybe get some chocolates, get this book and snuggle down for a holiday read to fall in love with Devin and Lena like I did. Just perfect!
I enjoyed every second of this! It was cosy, cute, and full of holiday feeling and magic. Hopefully there will be a future story about Devin and Lena, so we can find out where life has taken them!
December 10, 2025
Lena Preiss Is between contracted jobs. Her father asks her to help her aunt who has just purchased a German themed restaurant in Leavenworth, Washington. It’s a small tourist town where most of the money for the year is made in the winter ski season. Lena is surprised to learn that she is to be the head chef and hopes to use some of the recipes that her grandmother used to cook. The task would be overwhelming if she didn’t meet Devin Meyer. Devin has a job in the city but takes leave during the busy season to help her dad in their three generation chocolate shop. Not only will her shop provide the desserts to be served at the restaurant but she also helps Lena organize and break down cooking into something doable. They know there are sparks between them but both are there temporarily they choose to stick in the friend zone that may occasionally kiss.
I like the easy friendship between Lena and Devin. I am a realistic reader and found the whole being a head chef in a restaurant over the top. The book makes me believe there is a slight chance it could work. The friendship felt very instant. They eventually get to sharing backgrounds and learning about each other. But I was a long way into the book before realizing they both were at crossroads where they could choose a different path than what they’ve been doing. I liked everyone, side characters and family included but the story didn’t hold my attention. I have read and enjoyed many books by the author but this one wont stand out to me. I did like the cute cover.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I like the easy friendship between Lena and Devin. I am a realistic reader and found the whole being a head chef in a restaurant over the top. The book makes me believe there is a slight chance it could work. The friendship felt very instant. They eventually get to sharing backgrounds and learning about each other. But I was a long way into the book before realizing they both were at crossroads where they could choose a different path than what they’ve been doing. I liked everyone, side characters and family included but the story didn’t hold my attention. I have read and enjoyed many books by the author but this one wont stand out to me. I did like the cute cover.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
December 9, 2025
This is an easy romance to read, with loveable characters and a small town feel.
We meet Lena, an unlikely chef who was thrown into the role to support her Aunt’s crazy ideas. Her life is forever moving, switching back and forth between jobs, endlessly trying to prove herself to her parents.
Devin, a master chocolatier who was basically born for the role, but feels held back and unsure of what the future holds whilst navigating the sale of the family chocolate shop.
Bring these two together and you get a lovely partnership as they combine their skills to make things work for both businesses. Lena doesn’t believe that the restaurant is her passion, but she approaches each challenge with love and wit. Making her by far my favourite character.
The plot moves forward at a really nice pace and I’m a sucker for a small town setting. Love Takes a Village gives this in abundance. We don’t meet too many characters, but the ones we do are plenty enough to keep the plot flowing. I would happily read a sequel of the adventures that follow.
I would highly recommend Love Takes a Village. This was my first experience with Karis Walsh’s writing and I will definitely be checking out more of her novels.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and of course Karis Walsh for the ARC of this adorable Christmas time story.
We meet Lena, an unlikely chef who was thrown into the role to support her Aunt’s crazy ideas. Her life is forever moving, switching back and forth between jobs, endlessly trying to prove herself to her parents.
Devin, a master chocolatier who was basically born for the role, but feels held back and unsure of what the future holds whilst navigating the sale of the family chocolate shop.
Bring these two together and you get a lovely partnership as they combine their skills to make things work for both businesses. Lena doesn’t believe that the restaurant is her passion, but she approaches each challenge with love and wit. Making her by far my favourite character.
The plot moves forward at a really nice pace and I’m a sucker for a small town setting. Love Takes a Village gives this in abundance. We don’t meet too many characters, but the ones we do are plenty enough to keep the plot flowing. I would happily read a sequel of the adventures that follow.
I would highly recommend Love Takes a Village. This was my first experience with Karis Walsh’s writing and I will definitely be checking out more of her novels.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and of course Karis Walsh for the ARC of this adorable Christmas time story.
December 6, 2025
4.5 Stars
Love Takes a Village follows Lena, a self-employed woman who creates databases for medical clinics, who gets roped into helping her Aunt open a restaurant in Leavenworth, WA. There she meets her neighbor, Devin, a chocolatier that is getting ready to sell her family business. Lena isn't a chef but for some reason her Aunt Cheryl needs her help in the restaurant, luckily Devin offers some guidance and help.
I enjoyed this cozy holiday romance. I love this time of year for all of the cheesy, cookie cutter romances, and this book fit into the vibe. It honestly could be made into a Hallmark movie and fit right on in. There is very little angst, but a lot of self discovery in both characters. As someone who lives in the PNW and has visited Leavenworth, it was fun to read about it and travel back there. It is very festive and gorgeous there in the winter. I like Lena and Devin, but Aunt Cheryl stole the scenes. It was honestly, really refreshing to see all of the characters actually be mature grownups and communicated with each other.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for fans of cozy holiday romances.
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for honest review
Love Takes a Village follows Lena, a self-employed woman who creates databases for medical clinics, who gets roped into helping her Aunt open a restaurant in Leavenworth, WA. There she meets her neighbor, Devin, a chocolatier that is getting ready to sell her family business. Lena isn't a chef but for some reason her Aunt Cheryl needs her help in the restaurant, luckily Devin offers some guidance and help.
I enjoyed this cozy holiday romance. I love this time of year for all of the cheesy, cookie cutter romances, and this book fit into the vibe. It honestly could be made into a Hallmark movie and fit right on in. There is very little angst, but a lot of self discovery in both characters. As someone who lives in the PNW and has visited Leavenworth, it was fun to read about it and travel back there. It is very festive and gorgeous there in the winter. I like Lena and Devin, but Aunt Cheryl stole the scenes. It was honestly, really refreshing to see all of the characters actually be mature grownups and communicated with each other.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for fans of cozy holiday romances.
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2,5⭐ rounded up
I was dazzled by the beautiful cover and the interesting blurb. But I never really got into the story of chocolatier Devin and the new cook Lena. Where was the attraction? The excitement? The longing?
The plot also seemed a little strange to me: how can you run a restaurant kitchen without being a chef? Just because you watched your grandmother cook and took a few cooking classes?
The pace wasn't right either. First, it took a long time for Devin and Lena to finally get closer, and then after 3-4 chapters, they went 100% full speed ahead with Devin quitting her job, moving to a city together, and immediately saying “I love you.” Phew, I don't know.
However, I liked the whole description of Devin's work as a chocolatier. The way she made pralines and cakes was described in great detail, which was fun to read. The bond between her and her dad and how they worked together to find a way forward for their chocolate shop was also heartwarming.
The dishes Lena cooked in that German restaurant were strange. As a German myself, I can assure you that no one here eats schnitzel with noodles and red cabbage.
All in all, I'm really disappointed with this book. I couldn't see any chemistry between Lena and Devin, and parts of the plot were just boring.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I was dazzled by the beautiful cover and the interesting blurb. But I never really got into the story of chocolatier Devin and the new cook Lena. Where was the attraction? The excitement? The longing?
The plot also seemed a little strange to me: how can you run a restaurant kitchen without being a chef? Just because you watched your grandmother cook and took a few cooking classes?
The pace wasn't right either. First, it took a long time for Devin and Lena to finally get closer, and then after 3-4 chapters, they went 100% full speed ahead with Devin quitting her job, moving to a city together, and immediately saying “I love you.” Phew, I don't know.
However, I liked the whole description of Devin's work as a chocolatier. The way she made pralines and cakes was described in great detail, which was fun to read. The bond between her and her dad and how they worked together to find a way forward for their chocolate shop was also heartwarming.
The dishes Lena cooked in that German restaurant were strange. As a German myself, I can assure you that no one here eats schnitzel with noodles and red cabbage.
All in all, I'm really disappointed with this book. I couldn't see any chemistry between Lena and Devin, and parts of the plot were just boring.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
To start off on a positive note, I loved the chocolatier portion of this book with Devin Meyer and her dad, Ron Meyer. Ron owns and they operate a chocolate shop where they make and sell all of their own products in Leavenworth, Washington. The shop has been operational for many years, but Ron wants to sell the shop and retire.
On a less positive side, the storyline about Lena Preiss' Aunt Cheryl opening a German restaurant near the chocolate shop and demanding that Lena be the head chef with no experience and a totally different career seemed blatantly unrealistic. Lena had only watched her grandmother cook German food and now she was expected to be a head chef??
In addition to one very unrealistic storyline, I felt no connection to Devin and Lena as love interests. They demonstrated absolutely no chemistry, however, proximity to each other seemed to be more of a factor in them developing any sort of relationship.
Unfortunately, I just didn't feel this book, although with the description and the setting it could have led to a much better outcome.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
On a less positive side, the storyline about Lena Preiss' Aunt Cheryl opening a German restaurant near the chocolate shop and demanding that Lena be the head chef with no experience and a totally different career seemed blatantly unrealistic. Lena had only watched her grandmother cook German food and now she was expected to be a head chef??
In addition to one very unrealistic storyline, I felt no connection to Devin and Lena as love interests. They demonstrated absolutely no chemistry, however, proximity to each other seemed to be more of a factor in them developing any sort of relationship.
Unfortunately, I just didn't feel this book, although with the description and the setting it could have led to a much better outcome.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the free e-ARC.
Giving this 3 stars. If there are two things I love, it's lesbians and Christmas. This was both of those things (kind of; it was only sort of Christmas-y). But for me it was just okay.
I'll admit, I didn't quite jive with the writing style. It's not bad - no glaring grammatical or syntactical errors - but I didn't care for the stylistic choice of long, almost run-on sentences with too few commas. (And I say that as someone who uses em-dashes and parentheses liberally.) It slowed the pace and kept jerking me out of the reading experience. Again, technically not incorrect, just not a writing style I personally enjoyed.
Beyond that, the romance itself is... okay. The setup is very classic Hallmark but with sapphics, but the characters are somewhat forgettable and the dialogue feels a bit stilted.
Overall, I don't regret reading it, but I probably wouldn't pick it up again. If you're looking for more sapphic holiday stories, give it a chance - you might like it more than I did.
Giving this 3 stars. If there are two things I love, it's lesbians and Christmas. This was both of those things (kind of; it was only sort of Christmas-y). But for me it was just okay.
I'll admit, I didn't quite jive with the writing style. It's not bad - no glaring grammatical or syntactical errors - but I didn't care for the stylistic choice of long, almost run-on sentences with too few commas. (And I say that as someone who uses em-dashes and parentheses liberally.) It slowed the pace and kept jerking me out of the reading experience. Again, technically not incorrect, just not a writing style I personally enjoyed.
Beyond that, the romance itself is... okay. The setup is very classic Hallmark but with sapphics, but the characters are somewhat forgettable and the dialogue feels a bit stilted.
Overall, I don't regret reading it, but I probably wouldn't pick it up again. If you're looking for more sapphic holiday stories, give it a chance - you might like it more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love Takes a Village is a cozy, simple, no angst holiday read. It’s an easy romance between two women who try to find their path between what they had known their whole life and family expectations.
Lena is special. The whole plot is special. I mean hiring your niece, who has no cooking training, to be a chef in your new restaurant… this is what you call a risk! I enjoyed seeing how Lena changes her perception of her aunt, and how she learns to find her own path.
The relationship between Devin and her father was the highlight of this book. Their passion and the description of their work made me salivate. I could almost smell it.
However, I struggled finishing this book. It took far longer than usual. Maybe I struggled to connect with the story because there wasn’t enough at stake. I don’t really know the reason but it felt like something was missing. It wasn’t enough to keep me excited to the point of not putting the book down.
Love Takes a Village was still a nice read if a bit dull.
Lena is special. The whole plot is special. I mean hiring your niece, who has no cooking training, to be a chef in your new restaurant… this is what you call a risk! I enjoyed seeing how Lena changes her perception of her aunt, and how she learns to find her own path.
The relationship between Devin and her father was the highlight of this book. Their passion and the description of their work made me salivate. I could almost smell it.
However, I struggled finishing this book. It took far longer than usual. Maybe I struggled to connect with the story because there wasn’t enough at stake. I don’t really know the reason but it felt like something was missing. It wasn’t enough to keep me excited to the point of not putting the book down.
Love Takes a Village was still a nice read if a bit dull.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I saw this book I was so excited for it, a sapphic holiday romance? Yes, I'm all about it! Unfortunately this book was kind of a miss for me. It took a little while for the 2 main characters (Lena and Devin) to meet, which I have no problem with, but once they met the pacing seemed a bit rushed. I enjoy reading interactions between two characters where you can feel the chemistry and feel them connecting, however for this, it was very insta-love. However, the characters were all very likable and I enjoyed reading this story. My biggest issue was some of the realistic points of the story, while I know this is a work of fiction, I really had a hard time believing that someone who has no experience running a kitchen or cooking was somehow the head of a restaurant kitchen. Overall I think this book could have benefitted from some tension, but it was an alright story.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes books for providing me with an early copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes books for providing me with an early copy of this book.
February 2, 2026
I received this ebook on Netgalley
This was honestly cutesy and painful. It was a situation of judging a book by its gorgeous cover and ending up in a train wreck. The town is soo cute and Christmasy with all the trappings and trimmings one could ask for in a Hallmark movie.
But
So much if this book is set inside two dismal kitchens while the beautiful snow and life is outside. This became my single biggest peeve about this love story. My expectation versus what I received is my fault and I judge myself for judging the cover.
However I think the characters were lovable and enjoyed some of the banter. I could swear I could smell the chocolate in Devin’s shop and I swear I could smell the burnt meat in Lena’s kitchen.
The writing was fine however the internal rambling was too much. The story really did not kick off until half way, it felt like I was waiting and waiting for the story and it was not coming.
This was honestly cutesy and painful. It was a situation of judging a book by its gorgeous cover and ending up in a train wreck. The town is soo cute and Christmasy with all the trappings and trimmings one could ask for in a Hallmark movie.
But
So much if this book is set inside two dismal kitchens while the beautiful snow and life is outside. This became my single biggest peeve about this love story. My expectation versus what I received is my fault and I judge myself for judging the cover.
However I think the characters were lovable and enjoyed some of the banter. I could swear I could smell the chocolate in Devin’s shop and I swear I could smell the burnt meat in Lena’s kitchen.
The writing was fine however the internal rambling was too much. The story really did not kick off until half way, it felt like I was waiting and waiting for the story and it was not coming.
December 18, 2025
I enjoyed this festive read and it had some great characters, it’s a relaxing read without the tension or chaos you’d expect, and the change in pace made it a soothing, easy read.
Personally I did find it a bit lackluster because of that, but if you’re looking for a calm, heartwarming book about cooking/baking, romance and family, then this is for you.
I found it a little heavy on the details, with a lot of focus on the business and baking side of the plot rather than emotion or characters.
I also just didn’t feel like there was much chemistry between the love interests, although their interactions were sweet and fun to read. The characters were engaging and likeable, but this book overall fell flat for me.
*This was an ARC copy so these points may change, thank you to NetGalley for this read
Personally I did find it a bit lackluster because of that, but if you’re looking for a calm, heartwarming book about cooking/baking, romance and family, then this is for you.
I found it a little heavy on the details, with a lot of focus on the business and baking side of the plot rather than emotion or characters.
I also just didn’t feel like there was much chemistry between the love interests, although their interactions were sweet and fun to read. The characters were engaging and likeable, but this book overall fell flat for me.
*This was an ARC copy so these points may change, thank you to NetGalley for this read
December 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC!
Love Takes a Village has a cozy holiday setting—Lena heads to her aunt’s restaurant in a Christmas-themed mountain town that has a festive, Bavarian-village vibe (think Frankenmuth, Michigan). The atmosphere was honestly the highlight for me.
The romance between Lena and Devin, a local chocolatier, just never fully clicked. There was very little buildup, and it leaned more toward insta-love than a relationship I felt invested in. I ended up caring more about the restaurant storyline than their connection.
Overall, it is a cute, snowy holiday read, but the romance and character development felt a bit surface-level and underdeveloped.
Love Takes a Village has a cozy holiday setting—Lena heads to her aunt’s restaurant in a Christmas-themed mountain town that has a festive, Bavarian-village vibe (think Frankenmuth, Michigan). The atmosphere was honestly the highlight for me.
The romance between Lena and Devin, a local chocolatier, just never fully clicked. There was very little buildup, and it leaned more toward insta-love than a relationship I felt invested in. I ended up caring more about the restaurant storyline than their connection.
Overall, it is a cute, snowy holiday read, but the romance and character development felt a bit surface-level and underdeveloped.
December 2, 2025
I must be a in another reading slump because this one failed to hit the mark as well. It was underrated. It had potential but fell flat on its face.
Lena heads to her aunt's restaurant in the mountain town that leans heavily into the Christmas theme. The setting was a plus, the story itself was lacking and the relationship with Lena and Devin was surface level with no real connection or even chemistry. I couldn't get invested in either of them together as a couple or individually. Details were there, but it was overdone and dragged on and on. It needed better character development and etc to make this a worthwhile story.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lena heads to her aunt's restaurant in the mountain town that leans heavily into the Christmas theme. The setting was a plus, the story itself was lacking and the relationship with Lena and Devin was surface level with no real connection or even chemistry. I couldn't get invested in either of them together as a couple or individually. Details were there, but it was overdone and dragged on and on. It needed better character development and etc to make this a worthwhile story.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
3.5 stars for a solid story that worked out a lot of cool career choices and personal revelations but did so with way too much forced formality. devin’s wisdom didn’t always mesh well with her dialogue, the internal monologues were a LOT at times and the relationship happened sooooo fast. the wording of some sentences also just left me flat out confused.
but i needed an enjoyable christmas story and this provided just enough enjoyment to get me through the season. the plot was questionable and kinda unrealistic but im choosing the benefit of the doubt here and focusing on the meet-cute it kinda was. devin sounds like perfect gf material anyways, so ill take it.
but i needed an enjoyable christmas story and this provided just enough enjoyment to get me through the season. the plot was questionable and kinda unrealistic but im choosing the benefit of the doubt here and focusing on the meet-cute it kinda was. devin sounds like perfect gf material anyways, so ill take it.
January 9, 2026
Love Takes a Village is a sweet, small-town romance that leans heavily into community, comfort, and familiar tropes. The village setting is charming, and the sense of everyone being involved in everyone else’s lives adds warmth and humor to the story. While the main characters were likable, their relationship developed in a fairly expected way, and I found myself wanting more emotional depth and tension to really feel invested. There’s an easy, cozy tone that makes this a quick and pleasant read.
December 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
I didn’t dnf but I blew through a lot of it. To start with I think I was more interested in her Aunt Cheryl. I was hoping to find out why her family saw her as such an eccentric. I didn’t feel convinced of the relationship the developed between Lana and Devin. There was absolutely NO spark between these two. Also, the lack of dialogue was extremely frustrating!
The concept was there but the delivery was completely lacking!
I didn’t dnf but I blew through a lot of it. To start with I think I was more interested in her Aunt Cheryl. I was hoping to find out why her family saw her as such an eccentric. I didn’t feel convinced of the relationship the developed between Lana and Devin. There was absolutely NO spark between these two. Also, the lack of dialogue was extremely frustrating!
The concept was there but the delivery was completely lacking!
December 4, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Karis Walsh for allowing me to read this ARC. This was such a cosy, small town holiday romcom that was full of banter and found family. I particularly enjoyed this book because I myself have visited the small Washington state town it is based in, enabling me to envision the scenes. I enjoyed the LGBTQ+ representation also.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E-ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!
This was an alright sapphic romance book. The plot was very cute as we see one of the female leads go to Leavensworth, Washington, to help her aunt start up a restaurant and finds love from the woman who makes the desserts for the restaurant. The romance was nice and not too spicy. Unfortunately, the story just didn't hold my attention, so I was kinda bored throughout it. The setting was good, especially since I would like to go to Leavenworth one day. I think this book could have blossomed more if there had been either more tension between the characters or more intrigue in the storyline. Overall, this holiday romance book features a sapphic couple that was alright but could have bloomed more with a few exciting plot lines.
This was an alright sapphic romance book. The plot was very cute as we see one of the female leads go to Leavensworth, Washington, to help her aunt start up a restaurant and finds love from the woman who makes the desserts for the restaurant. The romance was nice and not too spicy. Unfortunately, the story just didn't hold my attention, so I was kinda bored throughout it. The setting was good, especially since I would like to go to Leavenworth one day. I think this book could have blossomed more if there had been either more tension between the characters or more intrigue in the storyline. Overall, this holiday romance book features a sapphic couple that was alright but could have bloomed more with a few exciting plot lines.
December 15, 2025
3.5 stars.
I love a holiday romance with hallmark vibes.
Lena is in between jobs when she gets a call from her father asking to help in her aunts new restaurant. The only problem is she has no experience with running a restaurant and little to none with actually cooking. All she has to do is get through the holiday season and she’s back to her normal routine, what she didn’t take into account was the lovely town, her enjoyment with the restaurant and of course the beautiful chocolatier Devin Meyer.
What I liked most about the book was Lena’s development, she finally got to enjoy something for her and to finally understand who aunt is and see that she’s a lot more like her than she realizes.
While the romance was a little inconsistent, I really loved the friendship between Lena and Devin and the way they helped each other find what they wanted for themselves. Some of the best moments of the book was with the side characters. It felt like you really got to know everyone and their backstories.
Thank you Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and NetGalley for letting me read a free copy of this book in exchange for a review
I love a holiday romance with hallmark vibes.
Lena is in between jobs when she gets a call from her father asking to help in her aunts new restaurant. The only problem is she has no experience with running a restaurant and little to none with actually cooking. All she has to do is get through the holiday season and she’s back to her normal routine, what she didn’t take into account was the lovely town, her enjoyment with the restaurant and of course the beautiful chocolatier Devin Meyer.
What I liked most about the book was Lena’s development, she finally got to enjoy something for her and to finally understand who aunt is and see that she’s a lot more like her than she realizes.
While the romance was a little inconsistent, I really loved the friendship between Lena and Devin and the way they helped each other find what they wanted for themselves. Some of the best moments of the book was with the side characters. It felt like you really got to know everyone and their backstories.
Thank you Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and NetGalley for letting me read a free copy of this book in exchange for a review
December 9, 2025
Great start! I loved the plot revealing little bits at a time. (Intentionally vague on my part here so other readers also get to enjoy this.).
I really enjoyed this.... One I was anxious to get back to when I had to put it down. I liked the refreshing subtlety of it!
I really enjoyed this.... One I was anxious to get back to when I had to put it down. I liked the refreshing subtlety of it!
December 26, 2025
This book was just okay. Honestly, I had some trouble with the whole premise. I found it hard to believe someone would buy a restaurant and have their niece, who just liked cooking with Grandma, become the head chef and pull it off like she did; it just doesn't seem real. If you can get past that, the book's pretty good. I really liked Devon and the chocolate shop. It wasn't super angsty, but there was a lot of repetitive internal monologue that I could've done without.
I received an arc
I received an arc
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