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Not a Vacation: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26In this warm and witty novel from the author of
You’ll Find It All Still Here
, a young woman makes a match where she least expects it—in Florida’s kooky retirement community.
Phoebe Kleiner names nail polish for a Chunky Cardigan, Heartbreak Healer, Win-Win. Too bad her marketing prowess doesn’t extend to her own love life. At twenty-nine, freshly dumped and watching her friends march down the aisle, she’s stuck wearing a shade between heartbreak and humiliation.
After her great aunt dies, Phoebe gets dragged to Boca Raton to help clean out her old apartment. It’s supposed to be a quick trip—a little sun, a little schlep, maybe a rebound fling on the apps. Instead, she walks right into her mother’s identity crisis, her aunt’s crumbling marriage, and a dating scene full of retirees and red flags.
Then she meets Levi, the blue-eyed geriatrician and popular DJ who throws raves for Boca’s seniors. He makes Phoebe feel instantly understood. But as the Florida heat beats down and her family pushes her boundaries, Phoebe must think fast or risk everything. Because this fling feels like the start of something real.
Phoebe Kleiner names nail polish for a Chunky Cardigan, Heartbreak Healer, Win-Win. Too bad her marketing prowess doesn’t extend to her own love life. At twenty-nine, freshly dumped and watching her friends march down the aisle, she’s stuck wearing a shade between heartbreak and humiliation.
After her great aunt dies, Phoebe gets dragged to Boca Raton to help clean out her old apartment. It’s supposed to be a quick trip—a little sun, a little schlep, maybe a rebound fling on the apps. Instead, she walks right into her mother’s identity crisis, her aunt’s crumbling marriage, and a dating scene full of retirees and red flags.
Then she meets Levi, the blue-eyed geriatrician and popular DJ who throws raves for Boca’s seniors. He makes Phoebe feel instantly understood. But as the Florida heat beats down and her family pushes her boundaries, Phoebe must think fast or risk everything. Because this fling feels like the start of something real.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Lisa Greenwald
41 books505 followersA long bio can be kind of boring, so instead I'm going to pretend
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 24, 2026
I got the ARC of Not A Vacation from Netgalley and I am so happy I got the chance to read this!
First of all, from the very beginning the song Family is Family by Kacey Musgraves kept playing in my head as I read this. I think Phoebe could really relate to that song, and make it her number 2 karaoke song 😋
I enjoyed this book because it felt very real. I understood Phoebe and her mother and their rocky but loving relationship. Phoebe reminded me of myself (even tho I am a second daughter), but a lot of her inner monologue felt like my own, especially her dry humor.
Levi was also a really great character, a classic ‘good guy’ that wasn’t bogged down with unrealistic expectations we sometimes read about.
The ending was my favorite because everything tied together in a cute way but is also open-ended, anything could happen and I love that!
First of all, from the very beginning the song Family is Family by Kacey Musgraves kept playing in my head as I read this. I think Phoebe could really relate to that song, and make it her number 2 karaoke song 😋
I enjoyed this book because it felt very real. I understood Phoebe and her mother and their rocky but loving relationship. Phoebe reminded me of myself (even tho I am a second daughter), but a lot of her inner monologue felt like my own, especially her dry humor.
Levi was also a really great character, a classic ‘good guy’ that wasn’t bogged down with unrealistic expectations we sometimes read about.
The ending was my favorite because everything tied together in a cute way but is also open-ended, anything could happen and I love that!
June 12, 2026
2.75 ⭐️
I thought this would be a fun rom-com with lots of yearning and cute moments, but it ended up falling flat for me. I didn’t enjoy the writing style; it felt like there were too many unnecessary details while lacking the ones that would have made the book better. The characters had no depth and there was such little growth throughout the story. Overall, not for me. I appreciate NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!
I thought this would be a fun rom-com with lots of yearning and cute moments, but it ended up falling flat for me. I didn’t enjoy the writing style; it felt like there were too many unnecessary details while lacking the ones that would have made the book better. The characters had no depth and there was such little growth throughout the story. Overall, not for me. I appreciate NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!
August 8, 2026
The synopsis reads like a light rom-com with a side of family drama. The execution is a chaotic whiplash of family drama with the teeniest side of romance.
Newly single Phoebe is a nail polish namer by trade, who gets commandeered on a trip to Boca with her Mom & Aunt to clear out her recently deceased Great Aunt’s apartment.
I expected light-hearted family shenanigans, but both Phoebe’s mom & Aunt are going through a mid-life crisis, while Phoebe vacillates between being broken hearted and wanting to marry the guy she just met. The book is full of contradictions & reads like the author isn’t really sure who her characters are so their thoughts & actions are all over the place.
I did enjoy that throughout the book the author comes up with nail polish names that tie to a scene. There are opportunities for this book to be cute & endearing but she missed the mark for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Newly single Phoebe is a nail polish namer by trade, who gets commandeered on a trip to Boca with her Mom & Aunt to clear out her recently deceased Great Aunt’s apartment.
I expected light-hearted family shenanigans, but both Phoebe’s mom & Aunt are going through a mid-life crisis, while Phoebe vacillates between being broken hearted and wanting to marry the guy she just met. The book is full of contradictions & reads like the author isn’t really sure who her characters are so their thoughts & actions are all over the place.
I did enjoy that throughout the book the author comes up with nail polish names that tie to a scene. There are opportunities for this book to be cute & endearing but she missed the mark for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not a Vacation by Lisa Greenwald (Oct. 2026) [reading in June]
253-page Kindle Ebook
233-page ADC courtesy of Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley
Genre: Women's Fiction, Literary Romance
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult situations
Featuring: Bibliography for Lisa Greenwald, Overbearing Mother, Jewish Family, New York City, New York; Boca Raton, Florida; Family Dynamics, July, Sisters, Cousins, Scarsdale, New York; Mother-Daughter Relationships, No Boundaries, Long Island, New York, BPD - Borderline Personality Disorder, Nail Polish Namer - Cosmetic Copywriter, Drama, Great-Aunt's Estate, Tricenarian, Parentified-Daughter, Dating, Manhunting, Brokenhearted MC, Sexual Innuendos
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½💔🗽💅🌴📦
My thoughts: 🔖Page 75 of 233 Chapter 12 - It’s bizarre that Phoebe continuously refers to herself as the 'oldest daughter' when she is actually the only daughter in her family. Semantically, it doesn't make sense—to be the 'older' daughter, there has to be a younger daughter you are outranking. Interestingly, her mother actually is the older daughter in her own sibling group.
A bit of research shows that Phoebe doesn't actually fit classic 'Eldest Daughter Syndrome,' which requires having sisters. Instead, she straddles 'Only Daughter Syndrome' (where the lone girl is expected to take on caregiving roles regardless of birth order) and 'Firstborn Syndrome' (where the oldest child is defaulted into a co-parenting role for younger siblings).
What’s most telling, though, is that Phoebe doesn't use the term to describe physical caregiving—her mother handles her brother. Instead, she uses 'oldest daughter' to define her intense psychological connection to her mother. She isn't a built-in babysitter; she’s been forced into the role of her mother's emotional confidant.
The cover of this book leads you to believe it's a nice beach read, but it's really a mix of borderline literary fiction and women's fiction with a touch of romance. Not a Vacation sounds like sarcasm, but the title is literally telling you that this isn't going to be a light beach read. However, because of the bright colors and the whimsical nail polish on the cover, you hold out hope anyway.
Phoebe is a nail polish namer living in Manhattan with an overbearing Jewish mother. After her great-aunt passes away, Phoebe's mother decides to take a girls' trip down to Boca Raton with her sister and daughter to prepare the apartment for sale. Phoebe is essentially voluntold to tag along, and our story takes off there. Even though there are recent breakups in this story, the characters are already on the hunt for new husbands.
While there were some funny moments, overall it just wasn't my cup of tea. The humor was drier than my preference, and although I know people who would truly love this story, it was a three-star read for me.
Recommend to others: Maybe. If you enjoy literary romances like The Dead Romantics or I Hope This Finds You Well, this might be your brew.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder, Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's, "Run-Around" by Blues Traveler, "Eldest Daughter" by Taylor Swift, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes,
Books and Authors mentioned: David Baldacci, Claire Lombardo, Dirty Dancing by Eleanor Bergstein
253-page Kindle Ebook
233-page ADC courtesy of Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley
Genre: Women's Fiction, Literary Romance
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult situations
Featuring: Bibliography for Lisa Greenwald, Overbearing Mother, Jewish Family, New York City, New York; Boca Raton, Florida; Family Dynamics, July, Sisters, Cousins, Scarsdale, New York; Mother-Daughter Relationships, No Boundaries, Long Island, New York, BPD - Borderline Personality Disorder, Nail Polish Namer - Cosmetic Copywriter, Drama, Great-Aunt's Estate, Tricenarian, Parentified-Daughter, Dating, Manhunting, Brokenhearted MC, Sexual Innuendos
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½💔🗽💅🌴📦
My thoughts: 🔖Page 75 of 233 Chapter 12 - It’s bizarre that Phoebe continuously refers to herself as the 'oldest daughter' when she is actually the only daughter in her family. Semantically, it doesn't make sense—to be the 'older' daughter, there has to be a younger daughter you are outranking. Interestingly, her mother actually is the older daughter in her own sibling group.
A bit of research shows that Phoebe doesn't actually fit classic 'Eldest Daughter Syndrome,' which requires having sisters. Instead, she straddles 'Only Daughter Syndrome' (where the lone girl is expected to take on caregiving roles regardless of birth order) and 'Firstborn Syndrome' (where the oldest child is defaulted into a co-parenting role for younger siblings).
What’s most telling, though, is that Phoebe doesn't use the term to describe physical caregiving—her mother handles her brother. Instead, she uses 'oldest daughter' to define her intense psychological connection to her mother. She isn't a built-in babysitter; she’s been forced into the role of her mother's emotional confidant.
The cover of this book leads you to believe it's a nice beach read, but it's really a mix of borderline literary fiction and women's fiction with a touch of romance. Not a Vacation sounds like sarcasm, but the title is literally telling you that this isn't going to be a light beach read. However, because of the bright colors and the whimsical nail polish on the cover, you hold out hope anyway.
Phoebe is a nail polish namer living in Manhattan with an overbearing Jewish mother. After her great-aunt passes away, Phoebe's mother decides to take a girls' trip down to Boca Raton with her sister and daughter to prepare the apartment for sale. Phoebe is essentially voluntold to tag along, and our story takes off there. Even though there are recent breakups in this story, the characters are already on the hunt for new husbands.
While there were some funny moments, overall it just wasn't my cup of tea. The humor was drier than my preference, and although I know people who would truly love this story, it was a three-star read for me.
Recommend to others: Maybe. If you enjoy literary romances like The Dead Romantics or I Hope This Finds You Well, this might be your brew.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder, Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's, "Run-Around" by Blues Traveler, "Eldest Daughter" by Taylor Swift, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes,
Books and Authors mentioned: David Baldacci, Claire Lombardo, Dirty Dancing by Eleanor Bergstein
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advanced reader copy from NetGalley
Not A Vacation looks like it will be a light hearted romance book from the cover, however it primarily focuses on the relationships between the main character Phoebe, her mother and her aunt. Phoebe is suffering from a broken heart after her partner of 2 years ends their relationship when her mother informs her that her great-aunt has passed away and they are being tasked with clearing out the apartment in Boca. Phoebe reluctantly goes with her mother and we learn quickly that there is an interesting dynamic between the two of them. Add in Phoebe's aunt and tensions run high.
There is a small romance element to the book, and I liked Levi as a character - he was no-nonsense and said how he felt. However I felt like the "difficulty" that Phoebe and Levi encountered was unrealistic and put in the story just for the sake of it. Nevertheless, their story has a nice conclusion.
My main criticism of this book is the lack of character development throughout. Because we are introduced to the turbulent dynamic between Phoebe and her family very early on, I was expecting there to be some growth as the 3 of them spent time with each other and tried to understand each other. Instead there is very little of that and then there is one event towards the end of the book that suddenly changes the personality of one of the characters and she is more caring. It just didn't work for me. One of my favourite aspects of books about family dynamics is the back and forth between the characters when they learn about each other and start to realise that maybe their own perspective had been skewed and you see them grow together and work through any difficulties and I felt like this book was missing that. It was sort of a women's fiction and sort of a romance, but neither genre was done particularly well.
One thing I did like in this book was the addition of nail polish colours within the story that related to phrases used by the characters or that felt appropriate in a certain situation, especially since Phoebe's job is naming nail polishes.
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me, but it had glimmers of promise and I liked the overall writing style so I would be open to reading more by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions regarding this book are my own.
Not A Vacation looks like it will be a light hearted romance book from the cover, however it primarily focuses on the relationships between the main character Phoebe, her mother and her aunt. Phoebe is suffering from a broken heart after her partner of 2 years ends their relationship when her mother informs her that her great-aunt has passed away and they are being tasked with clearing out the apartment in Boca. Phoebe reluctantly goes with her mother and we learn quickly that there is an interesting dynamic between the two of them. Add in Phoebe's aunt and tensions run high.
There is a small romance element to the book, and I liked Levi as a character - he was no-nonsense and said how he felt. However I felt like the "difficulty" that Phoebe and Levi encountered was unrealistic and put in the story just for the sake of it. Nevertheless, their story has a nice conclusion.
My main criticism of this book is the lack of character development throughout. Because we are introduced to the turbulent dynamic between Phoebe and her family very early on, I was expecting there to be some growth as the 3 of them spent time with each other and tried to understand each other. Instead there is very little of that and then there is one event towards the end of the book that suddenly changes the personality of one of the characters and she is more caring. It just didn't work for me. One of my favourite aspects of books about family dynamics is the back and forth between the characters when they learn about each other and start to realise that maybe their own perspective had been skewed and you see them grow together and work through any difficulties and I felt like this book was missing that. It was sort of a women's fiction and sort of a romance, but neither genre was done particularly well.
One thing I did like in this book was the addition of nail polish colours within the story that related to phrases used by the characters or that felt appropriate in a certain situation, especially since Phoebe's job is naming nail polishes.
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me, but it had glimmers of promise and I liked the overall writing style so I would be open to reading more by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions regarding this book are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not a Vacation is a warm, witty, and heartfelt story that is about so much more than romance. While there is a charming love story at its center, what really stood out to me were the complex family relationships and the thoughtful exploration of mothers, daughters, and the expectations we place on ourselves and each other.
Phoebe is an engaging and relatable protagonist, reeling from heartbreak and feeling left behind as her friends move forward with their lives. What begins as a quick trip to Boca Raton quickly turns into something much deeper as she finds herself navigating family secrets, shifting relationships, and questions about what she truly wants for her future.
I especially enjoyed the multi-generational aspects of the story. The dynamics between Phoebe, her mother, and the women in her family felt authentic and layered, adding emotional depth to the novel. Lisa Greenwald does a wonderful job capturing both the frustrations and the love that exist within families.
The Florida retirement community setting was an unexpected delight, filled with humor, personality, and memorable characters. Levi was a sweet and refreshing love interest, and his work with the senior community added an extra layer of charm to the story.
At its heart, Not a Vacation is about growth, family, second chances, and finding happiness where you least expect it. Readers looking for a thoughtful contemporary novel with heart, humor, and strong family themes will find plenty to enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Phoebe is an engaging and relatable protagonist, reeling from heartbreak and feeling left behind as her friends move forward with their lives. What begins as a quick trip to Boca Raton quickly turns into something much deeper as she finds herself navigating family secrets, shifting relationships, and questions about what she truly wants for her future.
I especially enjoyed the multi-generational aspects of the story. The dynamics between Phoebe, her mother, and the women in her family felt authentic and layered, adding emotional depth to the novel. Lisa Greenwald does a wonderful job capturing both the frustrations and the love that exist within families.
The Florida retirement community setting was an unexpected delight, filled with humor, personality, and memorable characters. Levi was a sweet and refreshing love interest, and his work with the senior community added an extra layer of charm to the story.
At its heart, Not a Vacation is about growth, family, second chances, and finding happiness where you least expect it. Readers looking for a thoughtful contemporary novel with heart, humor, and strong family themes will find plenty to enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
It took me a while to finish this book because life got in the way and because I was looking for something in this book that never came. We have Phoebe, our fmc who has a cool job of naming nail polishes (I'm jealous that people out there have this fun job!). She's also recovering from a breakup and dealing with her mother at twenty-nine. She was forced to travel to Boca Raton to help her mother and aunt in cleaning out her great Aunt Faye's apartment after her death. In her attempts in trying to find some semblance of joy in this unexpected trip, she discovered things she never knew about her life along with the possibility of a future with blue-eyed geriatrician Levi.
While there was romance in this book, it was not the main focus as Phoebe's life was centred heavily around her mother and aunt. I enjoyed learning snippets of people's lives in Boca Raston. However, I was disappointed as some scenes were a little too repetitive for my liking. It felt like there was no progression happening in character development at one point so I was happy to see the eventual growth between the characters.
However, this was still a well written book and I love the short inserts in between where Phoebe would name new nail polish colours complete with their descriptions. It was fun to see how she could create new nail polish names using parts of her own situations.
This book was not for me but if you prefer a quick read with no major suspense or discoveries, then this book is for you.
It took me a while to finish this book because life got in the way and because I was looking for something in this book that never came. We have Phoebe, our fmc who has a cool job of naming nail polishes (I'm jealous that people out there have this fun job!). She's also recovering from a breakup and dealing with her mother at twenty-nine. She was forced to travel to Boca Raton to help her mother and aunt in cleaning out her great Aunt Faye's apartment after her death. In her attempts in trying to find some semblance of joy in this unexpected trip, she discovered things she never knew about her life along with the possibility of a future with blue-eyed geriatrician Levi.
While there was romance in this book, it was not the main focus as Phoebe's life was centred heavily around her mother and aunt. I enjoyed learning snippets of people's lives in Boca Raston. However, I was disappointed as some scenes were a little too repetitive for my liking. It felt like there was no progression happening in character development at one point so I was happy to see the eventual growth between the characters.
However, this was still a well written book and I love the short inserts in between where Phoebe would name new nail polish colours complete with their descriptions. It was fun to see how she could create new nail polish names using parts of her own situations.
This book was not for me but if you prefer a quick read with no major suspense or discoveries, then this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Phoebe Kleiner lives in Manhattan and works for a cosmetic company where she comes up with color names and descriptions for nail polish.
I had no idea that this was a thing, but I suppose every industry has niche positions.
Her great aunt recently passed and her mom calls to tell (not ask) her that they are going to Boca Raton, FL to clean out her deceased aunt’s condo and meet her mom’s sister there.
It’s late afternoon and her mom tells her to meet her at LaGuardia early the next morning.
Her mom is extremely overbearing, plows right through any attempt at boundaries, and on top of that has borderline personality disorder.
For most of the book I found her to be pretty unlikable, but I did warm up to her by the end.
When I was annoyed by her, I also had to take into account that she has a mental health condition, and to have some compassion.
Despite regularly seeing a therapist, the two woman have an unhealthy codependent relationship, where the daughter often has to act as the mother.
Boca is well-known for certain things: its large Jewish community, HOAs, and retirees from New York.
IYKYK.
This book plays into and to an extent slightly exaggerates the Boca stereotypes, but in the most entertaining way possible.
This was of a mix of family drama and romantic comedy.
I don’t typically read rom coms (at least heterosexual ones), but I really did enjoy this one.
Throughout the book, the author came up with names and descriptions for a polish that Phoebe imagines when she hears a certain phrase or is in a certain situation.
I thought it was a nice touch because it helps the reader understand her job, but at a point they started to feel excessive.
It was a great idea, but a tad overdone.
My only other issue is that the ending was pretty open-ended and the reader has to infer as to what may or may not have ended up happening.
I still had a couple of questions at the end.
I think that anyone who lives or has lived in South Florida, or has an opinionated Jewish mother could relate to this book.
Phoebe’s aunt in the book actually reminded me of my aunt, who happens to live in Boca Raton.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley.
I had no idea that this was a thing, but I suppose every industry has niche positions.
Her great aunt recently passed and her mom calls to tell (not ask) her that they are going to Boca Raton, FL to clean out her deceased aunt’s condo and meet her mom’s sister there.
It’s late afternoon and her mom tells her to meet her at LaGuardia early the next morning.
Her mom is extremely overbearing, plows right through any attempt at boundaries, and on top of that has borderline personality disorder.
For most of the book I found her to be pretty unlikable, but I did warm up to her by the end.
When I was annoyed by her, I also had to take into account that she has a mental health condition, and to have some compassion.
Despite regularly seeing a therapist, the two woman have an unhealthy codependent relationship, where the daughter often has to act as the mother.
Boca is well-known for certain things: its large Jewish community, HOAs, and retirees from New York.
IYKYK.
This book plays into and to an extent slightly exaggerates the Boca stereotypes, but in the most entertaining way possible.
This was of a mix of family drama and romantic comedy.
I don’t typically read rom coms (at least heterosexual ones), but I really did enjoy this one.
Throughout the book, the author came up with names and descriptions for a polish that Phoebe imagines when she hears a certain phrase or is in a certain situation.
I thought it was a nice touch because it helps the reader understand her job, but at a point they started to feel excessive.
It was a great idea, but a tad overdone.
My only other issue is that the ending was pretty open-ended and the reader has to infer as to what may or may not have ended up happening.
I still had a couple of questions at the end.
I think that anyone who lives or has lived in South Florida, or has an opinionated Jewish mother could relate to this book.
Phoebe’s aunt in the book actually reminded me of my aunt, who happens to live in Boca Raton.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve always wondered who gets the job of coming up with those quirky nail polish names, so I was immediately intrigued when I met Phoebe, the protagonist of "Not a Vacation", whose career revolves around doing just that. When a death in the family sends her to Baton Rouge, Phoebe finds herself navigating much more than sunshine and the possibility of meeting someone attractive. She’s quickly pulled into the complicated dynamics between her mother and aunt, forcing her to confront plenty of family drama along the way. Of course, amid the chaos, there’s also the chance that a meaningful romantic connection could emerge.
What I appreciated most about this novel is that it isn’t solely focused on romance. The family relationships take center stage, and while Phoebe occasionally made me want to shake some sense into her, I also found her relatable. Most of us know how easy it is to get swept up in family tensions, especially when old patterns resurface. This is a quieter, character-driven story, and although I would have liked a stronger sense of narrative momentum and more clearly defined tension, I enjoyed watching Phoebe grow and figure out what—and who—really matters.
Four out of five stars.
What I appreciated most about this novel is that it isn’t solely focused on romance. The family relationships take center stage, and while Phoebe occasionally made me want to shake some sense into her, I also found her relatable. Most of us know how easy it is to get swept up in family tensions, especially when old patterns resurface. This is a quieter, character-driven story, and although I would have liked a stronger sense of narrative momentum and more clearly defined tension, I enjoyed watching Phoebe grow and figure out what—and who—really matters.
Four out of five stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Not a Vacation is a light, easy-to-read contemporary romance about Phoebe, a twenty-nine-year-old woman who travels to Boca Raton after her great-aunt’s death and unexpectedly finds herself dealing with family drama, self-discovery, and a new romance.
The writing is solid, and I moved through the book quickly, but I kept waiting for the story to take a turn that never came. More than once, I thought a family secret, a revelation about her great-aunt, or some unexpected twist was around the corner. Instead, the story remained fairly predictable throughout.
I also found that much of the slang, dating-app language, and internet references felt aimed at a younger audience than me. Younger readers will probably connect with it more easily, while I occasionally found myself looking up unfamiliar expressions.
Although it wasn’t quite the right fit for my reading tastes, I can see this appealing to readers who enjoy Hallmark-style romances, family-centered stories, and happy endings without a lot of suspense or drama.
Not a Vacation publishes on October 6, 2026.
Not a Vacation is a light, easy-to-read contemporary romance about Phoebe, a twenty-nine-year-old woman who travels to Boca Raton after her great-aunt’s death and unexpectedly finds herself dealing with family drama, self-discovery, and a new romance.
The writing is solid, and I moved through the book quickly, but I kept waiting for the story to take a turn that never came. More than once, I thought a family secret, a revelation about her great-aunt, or some unexpected twist was around the corner. Instead, the story remained fairly predictable throughout.
I also found that much of the slang, dating-app language, and internet references felt aimed at a younger audience than me. Younger readers will probably connect with it more easily, while I occasionally found myself looking up unfamiliar expressions.
Although it wasn’t quite the right fit for my reading tastes, I can see this appealing to readers who enjoy Hallmark-style romances, family-centered stories, and happy endings without a lot of suspense or drama.
Not a Vacation publishes on October 6, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cute little romance. Main character has a very overbearing Jewish mother who schedules a flight for her to go with her (meeting her aunt / mothers sister in Florida) to help clear out her great aunts 2 bedroom apartment.
Main character is Phoebe who creates names for fingernail polishes. They are scattered throughout the book, such as ... Color #1806: Fries at the Bar: A deep yellow, perfect for a night out with the girls, a weekend visiting cousins a few states away, or a social situation you've been dreading that ends up being sort of fun.
Phoebe meets a geriatric doctor who provides a little escape from drama with mom and aunt.
At 253 pages, not very long, a quick light fun summer read. Between 4 & 5 stars, deciding to go with 4 stars, even though I really liked the finger nail polish descriptions. Publication date is Oct 6, 2026.
My first book by Lisa Greenwald, definitely not my last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of Not A Vacation in exchange for an honest review.
Link to prior book: color
Main character is Phoebe who creates names for fingernail polishes. They are scattered throughout the book, such as ... Color #1806: Fries at the Bar: A deep yellow, perfect for a night out with the girls, a weekend visiting cousins a few states away, or a social situation you've been dreading that ends up being sort of fun.
Phoebe meets a geriatric doctor who provides a little escape from drama with mom and aunt.
At 253 pages, not very long, a quick light fun summer read. Between 4 & 5 stars, deciding to go with 4 stars, even though I really liked the finger nail polish descriptions. Publication date is Oct 6, 2026.
My first book by Lisa Greenwald, definitely not my last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of Not A Vacation in exchange for an honest review.
Link to prior book: color
July 2, 2026
3.25 ⭐️ Not a Vacation is a tough one for me, overall it was a quick, light low stress read, which I normally like, but by the end I couldn’t help feeling like it was missing something.
Phoebe as a female lead feels a little vague around the edges, by the end of the story I didn’t feel like I knew her very well, and her family was another story. Phoebe’s mother managed to annoy me to a high degree, and by the end, her character does not seem to have grown at all, which was frustrating when its a central relationship.
All in all, this is definitely women’s fiction, this is a story of a daughter taking a trip with her mother and aunt, and the struggles inherent with family. I was hoping for some romance, and there is some, but please go in realizing it’s lite, and mostly superficial.
Ultimately I’m not sure this was for me, but I am sure other readers will enjoy it a lot more, so please don’t be deterred! If you like low key, women’s fiction, and mother daughter stories, give this a try! Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Phoebe as a female lead feels a little vague around the edges, by the end of the story I didn’t feel like I knew her very well, and her family was another story. Phoebe’s mother managed to annoy me to a high degree, and by the end, her character does not seem to have grown at all, which was frustrating when its a central relationship.
All in all, this is definitely women’s fiction, this is a story of a daughter taking a trip with her mother and aunt, and the struggles inherent with family. I was hoping for some romance, and there is some, but please go in realizing it’s lite, and mostly superficial.
Ultimately I’m not sure this was for me, but I am sure other readers will enjoy it a lot more, so please don’t be deterred! If you like low key, women’s fiction, and mother daughter stories, give this a try! Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Not a Vacation follows Phoebe as she navigates complicated family dynamics with her mom, learns how to embrace being her own individual as an adult, and works through the emotions of a recent heartbreak.
Phoebe was a genuinely likeable main character. Her witty nail polish colour names added humour and personality throughout the story, making her easy to root for. She definitely has an anxious personality, especially when it comes to standing up for herself and navigating the possibility of a new relationship, which made her feel realistic and relatable.
I enjoyed watching her grow in confidence as the story progressed. While there were moments where I wished she would be more assertive, her journey felt authentic and rewarding. The family relationships and themes of self-discovery added emotional depth without overshadowing the lighter moments.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers looking for a heartfelt contemporary novel about healing, finding your voice, and learning to move forward. 4 stars!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Not a Vacation follows Phoebe as she navigates complicated family dynamics with her mom, learns how to embrace being her own individual as an adult, and works through the emotions of a recent heartbreak.
Phoebe was a genuinely likeable main character. Her witty nail polish colour names added humour and personality throughout the story, making her easy to root for. She definitely has an anxious personality, especially when it comes to standing up for herself and navigating the possibility of a new relationship, which made her feel realistic and relatable.
I enjoyed watching her grow in confidence as the story progressed. While there were moments where I wished she would be more assertive, her journey felt authentic and rewarding. The family relationships and themes of self-discovery added emotional depth without overshadowing the lighter moments.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers looking for a heartfelt contemporary novel about healing, finding your voice, and learning to move forward. 4 stars!
August 6, 2026
Not a Vacation is a warm, cozy, and entertaining read about family, fresh starts, and figuring out who you are when life doesn't quite go as planned. It's a quick, low-stress novel that blends humor, romance, and family dynamics into an enjoyable story. However, by the end, I couldn't help feeling like something was missing. I was left wanting more from many of the characters, and several storylines felt unfinished, leaving me wishing for a bit more closure.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was Phoebe's unique career. As someone who's always wondered who comes up with nail polish names, I loved that this became part of the story. Throughout the novel, the author cleverly incorporates nail polish names that reflect the events happening in each scene. It was a fun, creative touch that added humor while also giving readers a better understanding of Phoebe's work.
The Boca setting adds plenty of charm and personality to the story, especially after Phoebe meets Levi, a geriatrician who moonlights as a DJ for senior citizen raves. Their romance develops naturally, but I appreciated that it never overshadowed the heart of the novel; Phoebe's complicated relationships with the women in her family. Even though she wasn't a major character, I especially enjoyed Phoebe's friendship with her aunt's neighbor, Meryl, whose presence brought warmth and wisdom to the story.
On the other hand, Phoebe's mother managed to frustrate me throughout much of the book. As an overbearing mother, she constantly created unnecessary drama and guilted Phoebe into traveling to help clean out her late great-aunt's apartment. While I often found her behavior exasperating, I also understood the complicated love between mother and daughter. Their relationship felt authentic, and at times Phoebe's dry humor and inner monologue reminded me of my own experiences, making her an easy character to relate to.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Greenwald, and Lake Union Publishing for a free ARC of Compulsively Yours to read and review!
One of my favorite aspects of the book was Phoebe's unique career. As someone who's always wondered who comes up with nail polish names, I loved that this became part of the story. Throughout the novel, the author cleverly incorporates nail polish names that reflect the events happening in each scene. It was a fun, creative touch that added humor while also giving readers a better understanding of Phoebe's work.
The Boca setting adds plenty of charm and personality to the story, especially after Phoebe meets Levi, a geriatrician who moonlights as a DJ for senior citizen raves. Their romance develops naturally, but I appreciated that it never overshadowed the heart of the novel; Phoebe's complicated relationships with the women in her family. Even though she wasn't a major character, I especially enjoyed Phoebe's friendship with her aunt's neighbor, Meryl, whose presence brought warmth and wisdom to the story.
On the other hand, Phoebe's mother managed to frustrate me throughout much of the book. As an overbearing mother, she constantly created unnecessary drama and guilted Phoebe into traveling to help clean out her late great-aunt's apartment. While I often found her behavior exasperating, I also understood the complicated love between mother and daughter. Their relationship felt authentic, and at times Phoebe's dry humor and inner monologue reminded me of my own experiences, making her an easy character to relate to.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Greenwald, and Lake Union Publishing for a free ARC of Compulsively Yours to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not a Vacation follows Phoebe Kleiner, a twenty-nine-year-old marketing professional who names nail polish shades for a living but has much less success managing her own love life. After a breakup and her great-aunt’s death, she travels to Boca Raton expecting a quick trip to clear out an apartment. Instead, she finds herself dealing with family conflict, her mother’s identity crisis, and a retirement-community dating scene she never expected to enter.
The Boca setting gives the book plenty of personality, especially once Phoebe meets Levi, a geriatrician who also DJs raves for local seniors. I liked that the romance develops alongside Phoebe’s complicated relationships with the women in her family rather than replacing them. Her job naming nail polish also added a fun detail that suited the novel’s playful tone.
Some of the family chaos felt more engaging to me than the romance itself, but Phoebe was easy to root for as she reconsidered what she wanted from her career, her relationships, and her future. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
The Boca setting gives the book plenty of personality, especially once Phoebe meets Levi, a geriatrician who also DJs raves for local seniors. I liked that the romance develops alongside Phoebe’s complicated relationships with the women in her family rather than replacing them. Her job naming nail polish also added a fun detail that suited the novel’s playful tone.
Some of the family chaos felt more engaging to me than the romance itself, but Phoebe was easy to root for as she reconsidered what she wanted from her career, her relationships, and her future. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
June 14, 2026
This book wasn’t what I was expecting, but overall a good and quick read. Phoebe has chronic eldest daughter syndrome which struck a personal chord with me- the constant worry and anticipatory anxiety of others was described so well!! I also personally connected with Phoebe’s relationship with her mom which I also thought was well thought out with spot on dialogue for someone with BPD.
Similar to others, I kept waiting for a big plot twist or drop and felt like it never came. The minor conflicts felt like they were resolved too quickly at the very end and the pacing of her relationship with Levi also felt off. For a character driven book, I wish the personal development would have been started earlier. There were also some minor editing issues of the wrong names being used in conversation.
Despite the few cons, this book definitely got me out of a slump and was a fast read for me! Even with a few heavy topics, it’s light hearted and I found myself unable to put the ending down at all.
Thank you dearly to NetGalley for the ARC!
Similar to others, I kept waiting for a big plot twist or drop and felt like it never came. The minor conflicts felt like they were resolved too quickly at the very end and the pacing of her relationship with Levi also felt off. For a character driven book, I wish the personal development would have been started earlier. There were also some minor editing issues of the wrong names being used in conversation.
Despite the few cons, this book definitely got me out of a slump and was a fast read for me! Even with a few heavy topics, it’s light hearted and I found myself unable to put the ending down at all.
Thank you dearly to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to love this, but it ended up being just fine. I struggled to like any of the characters, including Phoebe, the main character, which made it difficult to feel invested in the plot. Perhaps I'm just tired of reading books about overbearing Jewish mothers (this book also featured an overbearing Jewish aunt who was constantly fighting with the overbearing Jewish mother), but it wasn't a very enjoyable read for me, unfortunately. I would have loved to see more of a journey, more character growth, and a more satisfying ending. I know that the author also writes middle-grade books so maybe the transition to writing for adults is why it fell a bit flat, or, maybe it just wasn't the right book for me right now. Regardless, I will keep an eye out for her other books (both her adult debut and her books for kids) and definitely give them a try.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the premise of this book – 3 women going to clean out their recently deceased relative’s apartment – 1 fresh off a break-up, 1 getting divorced, and 1 feeling lost. Phoebe’s job as a nail polish namer seemed like so much fun! I liked her descriptions of nail polish colors sprinkled throughout the book.
I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t hit for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and the interactions between the characters felt awkward, especially the ones between Phoebe and Levi. Phoebe is steamrolled by her mother almost the entire book, and the character growth feels very sudden as opposed to paced out through the book.
If you’re a fan of girls trips, coping with life changes, and opening up to new possibilities while in a Boca Raton retirement community, this might be right up your alley.
2.5⭐
I enjoyed the premise of this book – 3 women going to clean out their recently deceased relative’s apartment – 1 fresh off a break-up, 1 getting divorced, and 1 feeling lost. Phoebe’s job as a nail polish namer seemed like so much fun! I liked her descriptions of nail polish colors sprinkled throughout the book.
I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t hit for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and the interactions between the characters felt awkward, especially the ones between Phoebe and Levi. Phoebe is steamrolled by her mother almost the entire book, and the character growth feels very sudden as opposed to paced out through the book.
If you’re a fan of girls trips, coping with life changes, and opening up to new possibilities while in a Boca Raton retirement community, this might be right up your alley.
2.5⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lighthearted story about picking yourself up after the end of a relationship while at the same time dealing with the struggles of family. When Phoebe's longtime boyfriend calls it quits, she finds herself completely at a loss. What better time to take a trip to Florida with her mom and aunt? It’s not a vacation, though, as their task is to clean out a recently deceased relative's apartment. But still, vacation-like things happen. Like meeting Levi, a handsome doctor who seems to be very interested in Phoebe. She’s trying to make sense of this newly developing possible love interest while also navigating her relationship with her mother who seems to be going through some sort of midlife crisis. Oh and there’s her aunt Sara Beth, newly separated and determined to get back in the saddle. Great characters, plenty of humorous moments.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not a Vacation is a warm, cosy and enjoyable read about family, fresh starts and discovering who you are when life doesn’t quite go to plan.
Lisa Greenwald has created relatable characters that are easy to root for, and I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics, humour and Phoebe’s journey throughout the story. It was an easy, comforting read that left me with a smile.
Whilst I enjoyed the book, it also confirmed that my personal reading taste leans more towards darker thrillers and murder mysteries. That’s entirely down to my own preferences rather than the quality of the story.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, character-driven read with warmth, humour and a touch of romance, I’d definitely recommend giving Not a Vacation a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy
Lisa Greenwald has created relatable characters that are easy to root for, and I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics, humour and Phoebe’s journey throughout the story. It was an easy, comforting read that left me with a smile.
Whilst I enjoyed the book, it also confirmed that my personal reading taste leans more towards darker thrillers and murder mysteries. That’s entirely down to my own preferences rather than the quality of the story.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, character-driven read with warmth, humour and a touch of romance, I’d definitely recommend giving Not a Vacation a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
Not a Vacation wasn't quite the beachy rom-com I expected. It focuses more on family dynamics and personal growth than romance, though Phoebe's job naming nail polish shades added a fun and unique touch throughout the story.
The family relationships felt realistic and relatable, but I found the characters a bit underdeveloped, which made it harder to fully connect with them. Still, the story was easy to get into, and I enjoyed watching Phoebe navigate family drama, self discovery, and a potential new romance.
A quick, entertaining read for fans of character driven women's fiction with a light romantic thread.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Not a Vacation wasn't quite the beachy rom-com I expected. It focuses more on family dynamics and personal growth than romance, though Phoebe's job naming nail polish shades added a fun and unique touch throughout the story.
The family relationships felt realistic and relatable, but I found the characters a bit underdeveloped, which made it harder to fully connect with them. Still, the story was easy to get into, and I enjoyed watching Phoebe navigate family drama, self discovery, and a potential new romance.
A quick, entertaining read for fans of character driven women's fiction with a light romantic thread.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve had many conversations about wanting to be a nail-polish-color-namer so this book had already won me over because of the main character’s job. This was an easy read that flew by— and don’t mistake that for frivolous, because it was not that. My favorite part was the insertions of nail polish colors and descriptions that matched whatever was happening in the moment in thst book but overall, this was the perfect Memorial Day weekend read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance reader copy received from Netgalley.
Phoebe is on a trip with her mom and aunt Sara Beth. They need to clear out Great Aunt Faye's apartment. This girls trip /not-a-vacation-but-kind-of-a-vacation comes with drama, new love x 2 and some deep mother-daughter conversations.
I had a good chuckle quite a few times. I enjoyed reading what was going on in Phoebe's mind, how she felt responsible for her mother and aunt, and how she was dealing with everything in-between.
Grateful that there was no smut in this book.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
Phoebe is on a trip with her mom and aunt Sara Beth. They need to clear out Great Aunt Faye's apartment. This girls trip /not-a-vacation-but-kind-of-a-vacation comes with drama, new love x 2 and some deep mother-daughter conversations.
I had a good chuckle quite a few times. I enjoyed reading what was going on in Phoebe's mind, how she felt responsible for her mother and aunt, and how she was dealing with everything in-between.
Grateful that there was no smut in this book.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Written after an ARC from Netgalley
This book is under "women's fiction" and I agree. Literally about the trip of the oldest daughter, her mother, and her aunt.
A light read. The conflicts weren't that heavy to handle. When I was half way of reading this, I made sure that this was not under romance category. Indeed I was not wrong.
The characters weren't depth enough presented. I was expecting a character's growth but got nothing. Phoebe deserved better 😔
Still, an okay read~
This book is under "women's fiction" and I agree. Literally about the trip of the oldest daughter, her mother, and her aunt.
A light read. The conflicts weren't that heavy to handle. When I was half way of reading this, I made sure that this was not under romance category. Indeed I was not wrong.
The characters weren't depth enough presented. I was expecting a character's growth but got nothing. Phoebe deserved better 😔
Still, an okay read~
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a quick, short read with a deceptive cover. The cover promised fun beach read while the content delivered a sobering story about family relationships. The narrative style was cumbersome with a lot of unnecessary detail to setting that bogged the story down rather than making it immersive. There was next to no character development. The book felt too short to dedicate so many pages to details that did not add to the story or character depth. There was a tiny hint of romance that also could've been explored a bit more. As it stands, the romance felt like an afterthought.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was truly excellent, immediately drawing me in with its fast pace and holding my interest from the beginning to the end. I found both the storyline and the characters utterly compelling.
A beautifully crafted story about life and love, I was fully immersed in each character's journey, and the ending was perfect. This read is definitely five stars, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
A beautifully crafted story about life and love, I was fully immersed in each character's journey, and the ending was perfect. This read is definitely five stars, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I just felt that Phoebe deserved more. Gaslit into taking a trip with her Mum and Aunt to help pack up her deceased great-aunt's flat, whilst her cousins complained from afar, narry lifting a finger themselves read like a horror story. It was poignant and sweet in places, but I was so frustrated by everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2026
Why is Dr. Levi actually my dream man?? I loved this, I felt seen and understood and hopeful throughout. As the eldest daughter, the codependent relationship between mothers can be a difficult one to navigate, especially as one nears their next stage in life. I loved the way Phoebe was able to use what she’s learned in therapy to help regulate and get herself through moments where she has to fight against her natural instincts. I just wish we got more of Levi and Phoebe together!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thankyou NetGalley and publisher for allowing me to read this for a honest review, this was such a fun read. I loved the mix of humour, romance and family drama the main characters were funny and relatable. This was very lighthearted but still had that emotional depth about it which made it very enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was excellent. It pulled me in with its fast pace and kept me invested from beginning to end. Both the story and the characters were incredibly compelling. Beautifully written and full of heart, it explores life and love in a way that made me completely immersed in each character’s journey. The ending was perfect.
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