Love in Hallowed Spaces

by Beatrice Pobre

What if protecting everything you fought for meant losing the only love that ever felt real?

Dr. Sal Poe rebuilt her life in the cozy autumn town of St. a new career, a beloved community art center, and a future with her fiancé, business tycoon Rafa Tovar. But as wedding plans collide with the demands of daily life, Sal can’t shake her growing unease about what marriage to Rafa will mean.

Then brilliant, brooding art curator Harmon Moon arrives with a secret that threatens everything she’s built. To protect her future, Sal is drawn into a high-stakes wager that takes her far from St. Stephenshire and straight into Harmon’s orbit in the vibrant streets of Manila, while Rafa stays behind to uncover the town’s magical origins.

As Sal and Harmon clash, their rivalry turns electric, kindling a connection neither of them can deny. Back in St. Stephenshire, Rafa makes a startling discovery and brings to Manila evidence of ancient magic that could change everything.

As the town’s hidden magic reveals its own designs, Sal must choose between the future she planned, the love she didn’t expect, and the life that feels most truly her own.

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2026

About the author

Beatrice Pobre grew up reading classics and literary fiction. She was born and raised in the Philippines where she continues to reside with her husband, her children, her cats, and her library full of books and graphic novels. She has an MSc. in Dentistry and is an Orthodontist by trade but considers herself to be a writer at heart. The Perpetual Autumn Series is her first series.

Reviews

[Beatrice · Rating 2 out of 5]

“sadly, all things worth having come with sacrifices. that’s just how life works.”

the first part of the book really got me intrigued and hooked… but by chapter 25 onwards, i felt nothing but resentment and deep fear. i also felt so bad for rafa because i’ve been in his shoes and i just wanna commend him for his patience and understanding for sal. the ending was the kind i expected, but all the events that led there weren’t things i really wanted to read. i don’t know if i consider this as romance because i don’t know if sal and rafa truly loved each other, nor did sal and harmon have any love at all.

i also hope the trigger warnings explicitly included cheating because their “romance” revolved around that.

[z ⋆˙⟡♡]

DNF at 18%

I literally can’t deal with anything that involves cheating, which seems to be a significant plot in the story. It’s unfortunate because I love that this was written by a Filipino author. It’s just not for me.

Thank you to the author / publisher for sending me an eARC for review.

[mjccdz.bookdigests · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖: Love in Hallowed Spaces — Beatrice Pobre 🍁🇵🇭✨

ARC Review:

📝 Plot — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The plot kept me invested from beginning to end. What started as a story about friendship, family, art, and inheritance slowly unfolded into something much deeper. I genuinely didn’t expect many of the turns the story took, especially as the emotional stakes became higher. The wager, the inheritance, and the complicated relationships between the characters created tension that kept me turning the pages.

By the later chapters, I found myself emotionally attached to the outcome and questioning what I would do if I were in the characters’ shoes.

👥 Characters — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The characters felt incredibly real.

Sal is a character I both understood and felt frustrated with at times. She is independent and determined to build a life different from the one she came from, yet she is constantly pulled between what she wants and what others expect from her. Her struggles felt authentic and relatable.

Harmon is a deeply wounded character whose pain stems from abandonment and a broken family. His connection with Sal comes from a place of shared understanding, making their relationship emotionally compelling even when I wasn’t always sure I agreed with their choices.

Rafa stood out to me because of his kindness. In a story filled with emotional conflict, he represents a quieter kind of love.. one that allows someone the freedom to make their own decisions even when those decisions may be painful.

✍️ Writing Style — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The writing was immersive and atmospheric.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was how alive the world felt. Reading it felt less like watching events unfold and more like being welcomed into a community. I often felt like an observer sitting among the characters, listening to conversations and witnessing their lives firsthand.

The art world elements were particularly fascinating. They made me curious enough to look up places and imagine visiting them myself someday. The setting and details added so much richness to the reading experience.

💔 Emotional Impact — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book hurt in the best way.

From around Chapter 30 onward, my heart genuinely ached for the characters. The story explores what it means to be understood by someone without needing to explain yourself.. a feeling that is both comforting and heartbreaking.

What stayed with me most was the question of sacrifice. Being understood is powerful, but is it enough when difficult choices and compromises are involved?

As someone who values independence, I found myself relating to Sal’s internal struggles. I understand the desire to build your own life and stand on your own feet. At the same time, the story reminded me that even independent people sometimes want to be cared for and supported.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Love in Hallowed Spaces is more than a romance. It’s a story about family wounds, friendship, identity, sacrifice, and the longing to be truly seen by another person.

I laughed, I worried, I became attached to the characters, and by the end, I felt as though I had spent time living alongside them in Saint Stephenshire.

A beautifully written and emotionally moving read that left me thinking long after I turned the final page.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

[B R E E · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 🍂

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️(off page and close door)

-----

"Unknown people who make waves are brave, and that bravery is something others fear."
- Harmon Moon

-----

First and foremost, I want to say thank you to Beatrice for having me as one of her ARC readers for the second time around and advance congratulations for another masterpiece!

I was unsure at first on how to feel with the ongoing love triangle because if there is anything I like the least, it the the love triangle trope BUT Beatrice did an amazing job writing with this trop so I was able to fly through the book and then I get to know Harmon more and he grew into me.

When I reached the 30% mark, it was hard to put the book down! It made me question a lot of things to the point of creating a lot of theories myself 😂, it made my jaw drop when little by little, the revelations are starting to kick in.

Book 1 was emotional for me but maybe because the content of her first book, the writing was more on something relatable to me at that time. Book 2 however is MORE emotional for me this time around because again, some parts of the story is something I relate to at this point of my life. This book actually made me realize a lot of things especially with self love and self worth. It also shed a light to different kinds of love.

I already knew who she would pick at the end of the book and I think the one she chose is someone who is fitting for who Sal is. I won't lie, I felt a little annoyance towards Sal for what she did to Rafa but at the same time, I do understand where she is coming from and come on, with a guy like Harmon, who wouldn't. I mean with both Rafa and Harmon on the same page, I would definitely say "It's ok to love them both" 😂 LOL!

For the side characters, I really love Willow since book 1, she is this chill, calm, optimistic, sponty type of friend that you can always count on plus her humor? Spot on! She is literally a friend that you want to have. I am wondering if she would ever get her own book though 👀

Also the magic realism to the story, I felt a bit weird at first because the first book didn't have any of the magic realism kind of thing but if we connect it to the mysteries of St. Stephenshire in book 1, and the more I read into it, I think it made sense especially at the end.

I did just hope that maybe it was a bit longer, maybe a glimpse of how Sal's married life is but overall, I think I liked how this book brought different emotions. It made me giggle and kick my feet, the butterflies, it also made me blush, the shock from the revelations, the heartbreak and the pain, I even almost shed some tears!

Would highly recommend this duology 🤗

[Redg · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this I thought it would be a fun, lighthearted read so tell me WHY my jaw kept on hitting the floor while I was reading this? I even shed a few tears which, granted, is a regular occurrence, but still!!!

Love in Hallowed Spaces is a dual POV switching between people-pleaser, art curator Sal and her fiancé, Rafa. The novel explores how these adults still struggle to find their own path and break free from expectations and external pressure that keeps them from living their own lives. The novel shows a realistic take on long-term relationships explores how two individuals can strive to maintain their identity despite being in a couple.

The book was definitely a slow start but I enjoyed the scenery as Pobre was able to vividly craft a cozy, fantastical world in St. Stephenshire. I appreciate the effort to showcase the many sides of the Philippines but it did feel indulgent at times to keep on jumping from one hip and artsy place to another, with minimal advancement to character development.

One thing that I would like more of was the fantasy element of the book. Beatrice Pobre could have striked gold if she only developed and elaborated the lore behind St. Stephenshire. I am think that maybe I have missed some important lore from the first book but still… it was so so so bitin!

[spoilers start here]

And the ROMANCE! Oh my god. The author definitely knows how to build chemistry between characters because the spark between Harmon Moon and Sal was so PALPABLE I had to put my e-reader down multiple times to silently scream. And oh my god… that HEARTBREAKING SCENE at Manila Bay??????? I WAS SURREPTITIOUSLY WIPING TEARS AWAY IN A CAFE AT 4PM BECAUSE OF IT. The author was able to encapsulate the feeling of breaking up while still in love…. AHHH OH gosh. IDK I WAS AFFECTED OK

AND SO! Because of this level of investment I have with the romance arc, I was disappointed with how it wrapped up. ☹️ Tell me why after making me and the main character, fall in love with the second lead, you have them break-up in just one chapter??? And nothing too dramatic either. Aghhh. THIS IS HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER ALL OVER AGAIN. Like don’t we deserve a couple more chapters exploring how their relationship fizzled out?

And also I’m kind of confused why the main character is even open to exploring a relationship with Rafa. I get that she now has explored what’s outside their relationship but what about her stance on kids? Ano yun magic gusto nya na ng anak?? I need ANSWERS!!

Please don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I just have a lot of feelings about it. Definitely would recommend if you want to light but emotional read! 3.75 stars!

Thank you to Connect Creatives and the author for the ARC!

[Alexa Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Beatrice Pobre for the ARC!

Love in Hallowed Spaces picks up right where The Town of Perpetual Autumn left off. Sal and Rafa are finally thriving, but the arrival of a mysterious newcomer named Harmon throws everything off balance and sends the story in a direction I wasn’t expecting.

First, I have to say that Beatrice Pobre’s writing has grown so much. The prose felt even more beautiful and confident this time around, and I found myself slowing down to really absorb what I was reading.

I spent a good portion of this book frustrated with Harmon. Every time he appeared, I found myself bracing for whatever chaos he would bring. But as the story unfolded and I learned more about him, I couldn’t help but understand why he acted the way he did. He’s one of those characters who is easy to judge at first, but much harder to hate once you see the full picture.

My biggest source of frustration, however, was Sal herself. I struggled with how quickly her feelings seemed to shift from loving Rafa to loving both Rafa and Harmon, and eventually choosing Harmon over Rafa. As someone who was deeply invested in Sal and Rafa’s relationship, it was difficult to watch. And yet, the more I sat with it, the more I found myself understanding her choices, even when I didn’t agree with them. It’s messy, complicated, and very human.

One of my favorite parts of this sequel was seeing Sal finally find a support system in St. Stephenshire. In The Town of Perpetual Autumn, she often felt isolated because of her family circumstances, so watching her find people who genuinely cared for and supported her was incredibly rewarding. It felt like one of the biggest victories in her character journey.

I also loved how much more Filipino culture was woven into this book. The cultural references added so much warmth and authenticity to the story, and every time they appeared, I found myself smiling. It made the world feel richer and more personal, and it was wonderful to see those elements take up even more space on the page.

Ultimately, Love in Hallowed Spaces is a story that gave me a lot to think about. It challenged my expectations, frustrated me at times, and made me empathize with characters I didn’t always agree with. But through all of that, I was rooting for Sal to find her way—and I’m glad she eventually did.

If you enjoyed The Town of Perpetual Autumn, I think this sequel gives you an even deeper look into Sal’s journey, with stronger writing, richer cultural representation, and plenty of emotional complexity along the way.

[Chloe Giani | Babbling Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance is a universal experience. However, this universality sometimes also becomes repetitive when written. So, I love it when stories live beyond the black-and-white and challenge us to understand the characters' line of thought, as if they were real people - alive, complex, human.

I started this book expecting a lighthearted fiction with a sprinkle of magic. If I was being honest, Rafa only felt like a secondary character in the first book to me. There was little affection I felt about their love story and I was more invested in Sal's story per se. Naturally, when I first read what the book is about, I was instantly curious about the second male lead. However, I know how a lot of people don't like reading about a second love interest and if you don't like that, you will probably find it difficult to read through this.

By the end of Part Two, I gasped. Audibly. I then realized just how deep I was into this whole situation with Sal, Raf, and Harmon. I was invested in Sal's journey towards discovering what she wants. I swooned over Harmon's charm. I dreaded what Raf would feel. My feelings got tossed around but like in the first book, I was more interested about what Sal would do and how she’ll navigate her feelings.

With that, the women’s fiction side of this novel comes to light. In one scene, it mentioned that even when a woman marries into money and for love, the price women pay to marry and build a family is still a high price to pay. More so if she's a self-made woman who worked hard to achieve what she has and the freedom she enjoys. "So when a woman says yes to a life with someone, know that she is willingly choosing to compromise it all."

I think that beautifully captures, in a tidbit, what almost every woman feels when they decide if they want a family or not. It's not just being able to afford it or finding the time for it but it's also putting everyone else before yourself for decades. It's brave and amazing but women should be allowed to make that decision when they are ready for it.

So, if you're looking for something that is cozy but emotionally-driven or maybe, just something to pull your heartstrings, Love in Hallowed Spaces will comfort you, frustrate you, throw you in for a loop, then bring you back home.

[Tine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC💕.


"Sadly, all things worth having come with sacrifice. That's just how life works."

That was the line that stayed with me long after I finished Love in Hallowed Spaces. Whether it was through love, career, or family, or the future each character envisioned for themselves, the novel consistently returns to the idea that every meaningful choice asks us to give something up.

I went into this knowing cozy romances isn't usually my go to genre but I was genuinely excited to step outside my comfort zone.

My favorite parts had very little to do with the romance or the magical realism and the chapters set in the Philippines were easily my favorite. I loved how the novel touched on the realities many Filipinos face (specifically on Theola's part): the challenges of finding opportunities, the desire to build a better future, and the emotional weight of leaving home. Those moments felt grounded and authentic. Likewise, the conversations surrounding identity, career, and womanhood were some of the strongest parts of the novel.

Where I struggled was with the romance as I never fully connected with the emotional progression of the relationships. The narration often described longing and yearning between the characters, but I personally wanted to feel that tension build naturally through their interactions (especially for Sal and Harmon). Because I never quite bought into the chemistry, many of the novel's major emotional moments didn't land as strongly for me.

The magical realism elements were another mixed point. While I liked the cozy atmosphere of St. Stephenshire, I sometimes felt that the magical lore competed with the grounded emotional story I was most interested in following. Personally, I wanted to spend more time with Sal's questions about identity, marriage, and adulthood than with the magical realism plot itself.

Overall, I appreciated the conversations this novel sparked about identity, womanhood, and choosing life that feels more authentic to you. While the execution didn't fully resonate with me, I can absolutely see this finding an audience among readers who enjoy cozy romances with magical realism, and I'm excited to see what the author writes next and look forward to following her future work.

[teiii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in Hallowed Spaces was one of those books that slowly pulled me in until I didn't want to leave. I loved how different St. Stephenshire felt from Manila, and the way Beatrice Pobre described both places made it easy to picture myself there. While the romance was a big part of the story, what stayed with me most was Sal's personal journey. She was trying to figure out who she wanted to be while dealing with family expectations, grief, and complicated feelings. I didn't always agree with her decisions, but I understood why she made them, and that made her felt real to me.

The relationships in this book left the biggest impact on me. I enjoyed watching Sal and Harmon grow closer, although there were times when I was honestly more frustrated than anything else. Rafa was the character that really broke my heart. He was kind, patient, and easy to root for, which made some parts of the story difficult to read. I also really liked the friendships in this book, especially because sometimes they stood out to me more than the romance itself. The Filipino elements woven into the story made everything feel warm and familiar too, and I found myself smiling whenever those details came up.

What I appreciated most was that none of the characters felt completely right or wrong. Everyone was simply doing their best while carrying they're own struggles, even when they made choices I didn't agree with. By the end, I wasn't even thinking that much about who Sal ended up with. I was thinking more about growth, timing, and how people change. This book gave me alot of feelings, and even after finishing it, I found myself still thinking about its characters and the choices they made. Some parts of the ending was what I expected, but the journey getting there wasn't really what I thought would happen. There were moments that stayed with me because it remind me of how complicated people can be, and somehow I'm still not completely sure how I feel about everything that happened.

RATING: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book, so I definitely struggled a bit in the beginning. There were details that probably would've made more sense if I had read book one first. Still, the story was interesting enough that I wanted to keep going.

A big part of this book revolves around cheating, and that's something I personally had a hard time with. It was uncomfortable reading about someone who's already engaged falling in love with someone else she had only just met. But at the same time, that's reality for some people, and stories like this reflect experiences that actually happen.

The first part of the book felt quite slow for me, and I struggled to get through some sections. I do wish there had been a trigger warning regarding cheating.... As someone who is happily married, I still found certain scenes difficult and even triggering at times. I can only imagine how much more impactful those moments could be for readers who have personally experienced cheating.

My favorite part of the book was easily the setting! Since a lot of it takes place in the Philippines, it felt extra special to read. Every time a familiar place was mentioned, especially Intramuros, I felt like I was right there with the characters. It gave the story a nostalgic and cozy feeling for me. The mystery and lore behind the town were also what kept me hooked and constantly wanting to know what would happen next.

While the direction of the love triangle felt somewhat predictable, it still managed to keep me on my toes! 🫣 The overlapping encounters had me wanting to read just one more chapter to see what would happen next. And yes, I'm 100% Team Rafa!! My heart hurt for him so many times throughout the book, and I found myself rooting for him until the very end 🥺🥺🥺 (i was so happy with the epilogue!)

Lastly, I also liked how the book gave importance to women's choices. Whether it's choosing a career, wanting a family, wanting both, or changing your mind along the way, I appreciated that the story made space for those different paths and reminded readers that these decisions should be up to the woman herself.

[Aika Lopez]

📚 Book #32 of 2026 | Goal: 65 🎯

Book Review: Love in Hallowed Spaces
Author: Beatrice Pobre

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I haven’t read many books that revolve around the world of art, so this was a refreshing experience. The premise was very promising, and I enjoyed seeing how art became an important part of the story.

One thing I appreciate about Beatrice Pobre’s writing is how she embraces her Filipino roots. I liked how Filipino words were incorporated into the story, with explanations that made them easy to understand for any reader.

The thing that didn’t work for me, however, was the cheating plotline. OPO AFFECTED YAN!!! Whether subtle or not, cheating is one of my least favorite tropes in romance, and it’s something I personally struggle to enjoy whenever it appears in a story. Because of that, I found it difficult to fully root for certain developments.

I also felt like a lot happened during the last 80–85% of the book. It kept me turning the pages, but I also wish some of those major events had a little more room to breathe.

Ironically, the character I found myself attached to the most was Rafa. I genuinely loved his character and, honestly, I just wanted to give him a hug. His sincerity and the way he cared for Sal made him easy to empathize with.

While one major trope kept me from fully loving it, I still appreciated the unique world, the Filipino representation, and the direction of the story.

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

Disclaimer: This review is entirely based on my personal reading preferences and experience. What didn’t work for me might still be enjoyable for other readers.

#LoveInHallowedSpacesByBeatricePobre
#KawaiimemosReads2026

[Jessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think my biggest takeaway after finishing this duology (??) is that you can really feel the author growing into her writing between book 1 and now book 2.

i appreciated book 1 for its cozy atmosphere and its handling of grief, even if i can see why some people found the prose a little too flowery. honestly, it felt very classic literary fiction-inspired to me, which i personally didn’t mind. going into book 2, i was really curious to see how the author would expand both the world and the relationships, and i do think this sequel is much stronger overall.

the writing felt more confident and the story itself more ambitious. i especially enjoyed seeing the world expand beyond the first setting, particularly with the hints of ancient magic/history woven into everything. i actually wish we got even more lore because those sections ended up being some of my favorites 😆

that said… i was definitely nervous about the love triangle. some parts genuinely kept me on my toes because i was scared of possible emotional overlap HAHAHA. while the messiness frustrated me at times, i also found the characters and their choices very human.

ngl i’d also probably have a hard time choosing between the two male characters 😭

what i appreciated most, though, was that the story never treated the relationship history lightly. even through all the rough patches and misunderstandings, it still felt like the characters valued everything they had built together.

overall, this felt emotionally complete to me, and i really appreciated the closure at the end.

[Malou Atienza · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Copy

Love in Hallowed Spaces by Beatrice Pobre
Genre: Romance
Length/Format: 368pages Kindle Edition
Overall Rating: 2.5


This story follows Sal, who seems to be in an almost perfect relationship, but still finds herself attracted to someone else.

WHAT WORKED

Engaging Writing Style: At first, I honestly thought I was reading a book by an established international author—the writing style was nicely done.
The Plot Twist: I genuinely didn't see the plot twist coming! It was a great surprise and easily the highlight of the novel.

WHAT DIDN'T

Underdeveloped Characters: Claire’s character fell flat for me. The story tries to set her up as this grand, artistic figure, but it isn’t sustained well. Because her identity as an artist wasn't strongly defined, I couldn't feel the importance or stakes of her art show.

Cliche "Cheating" Tropes: I struggled with the infidelity storyline, mostly because the drama felt so predictable. Tropes like the classic "trapped in an elevator" or the dramatic photoshoot felt a bit outdated and overdone.

Poor Editing: There were so many typos and editing oversights that I almost DNF’d (did not finish) the book multiple times. It really pulled me out of the story.

FINAL VERDICT:
Genrewise, this just wasn't for me. However, if you enjoy romance dramas and don't mind reading stories that involve cheating, you might still enjoy this—especially for that plot twist, which helps make up for some of the book's weaker moments.

[angelainchapters_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the author’s first book, I definitely noticed the growth in her writing. I can safely say I enjoyed this one even more. Though I might be slightly biased because I’m a romance girlie. 💗

This book stays true to its promise: cozy from beginning to end. The moment I found out another man was entering the picture, I was immediately triggered. Sal and Rafa? Their ship had long, long sailed! Periodt

So I went into this story fully expecting frustration, disappointment and heartbreak. True enought, I felt all of those… and more. 🥲 Rafa wrecked me. I genuinely teared up for him more than once.

But perhaps that’s what made the story work so well. The characters made choices that weren’t always easy or ideal. And because of that they felt real. Human. Flawed.

What I loved most, however, was the setting. The author’s vision of Old Manila came alive on the page. As someone who absolutely adores traditional Filipino culture (i had a Filipiniana-themed wedding at Las Casas!) I deeply appreciated the beautiful historical spaces woven throughout the story. And of course, I’ve always loved the way St. Stephenshire is portrayed!

Love in Hallowed Spaces is a cozy, whimsical, nostalgic book. It’s a story about love and the choices that quietly shape who we become. 💗

[Carla Imbag · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing felt stronger here as compared to the first book which I really liked and also more confident. ✨

I am not a romance girlie anymore, so I think that might be part of why I had a little difficult time connecting with this and the first book. I naturally ended up focusing more on other parts of the story instead.

I really love the idea behind it and I think there is a lot of potential here. At the same time, like with the first book, there is just this unexplainable gap, maybe something to do with reading taste and what I usually gravitate toward.

There were quieter moments I did appreciate, especially the sense of community and the way the world feels a bit more lived in here.😊

Overall, it is an emotional and layered read. It did not fully land for me, but I am really grateful to the author for the gifted copy and for letting me be one of the early readers of her work.

[Christine Miraflores · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Going into this book, I was excited to learn more about the lore behind the Perpetual Autumn after reading The Town of Perpetual Autumn. At the same time, I was a little hesitant because I couldn't quite fathom how someone could fall in love with another person while being engaged to someone they genuinely have a good relationship with. Because of that, the story was a slow starter for me. However, once I reached the halfway point, I completely devoured the rest of the book.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the dynamic between Harmon and Sal. Their banter was effortlessly enjoyable, and if I'm being completely honest, I found myself more invested in their chemistry than in Sal and Rafa's. Had they met earlier—or under different circumstances—I would have wholeheartedly rooted for them. That said, by the end of the story, I found myself firmly on Team Rafa, and I was genuinely happy with how everything unfolded. When looking for a life partner: choose "Not just someone you can live with, but someone you can't live without". And yes, I just quoted I want It All by The Script

I also appreciated how the author highlighted the landscapes of her home country and thoughtfully incorporated Filipino culture throughout the novel. It's always wonderful to see local culture woven into a story, and I'd love to see more books embrace that in the future.

What I find most interesting about my experience with this book is how uncomfortable it made me at times—not because I disliked it, but because it challenged me to confront truths that exist in morally gray spaces. I struggled to fully like Sal, not because she was poorly written, but because she was placed in a situation where there were no easy answers and no perfect choices. In that sense, the book felt surprisingly honest. It presents a complicated emotional reality and allows readers to sit with the discomfort of it, which ultimately made the story all the more thought-provoking for me.

[Yana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy Release Day!! 🥳

Ms. Bea did it again! 👏🏼 The cozy was cozying, the whimsical atmosphere was still present in her writing while also sprinkling in some mystery. 🫆✨

Although I have to admit, I was baffled by Sal’s romantic crisis here. The Town of Perpetual Autumn made me look forward to more of Sal and Rafa’s romance, but instead, we stumbled upon Harmon, who brought chaos and confusion. My heart went out to Rafa for the whole duration of the book.

I think it was brave of Ms. Bea to touch on this issue. Even after finishing the book, I can’t say I fully understood Sal. But perhaps not every character is meant to be understood. Sometimes, they’re simply meant to remind us how complicated people—and love—can be. 🍂

[rikaartehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this isn’t just a love story.

it’s a book about filipino culture, friendship, magic, and everything in between.

although this book focuses more on romance (as it is apparent in the title), i actually appreciated the female friendships a lot because it showed how much sal loved claire and willow. sal’s relationship with claire reminded me of fleabag’s grief with her friend boo on how she chose to keep their cafe running after boo’s death (although of course there’s another layer to that which may have been her guilt). since claire and sal were like sisters, she was really possessive and protective of the last few things that reminded her of claire, thus prompted her to accept the harmon’s challenge.

i appreciated how beatrice pobre integrated the filo culture to the plot. she could’ve easily chosen to revolve the setting at st. stephenshire, but she included notable places here in the philippines that are rich with our culture that bled through the story.

as a sucker for fantasy, i wished she could’ve played around with the magic aspect more! i think it would’ve been cool if rafa was related to the witches somehow, or perhaps the author could’ve fleshed out the time he saved a person by the lake to deepen his character more.

in regards to the romance, i was honestly team harmon initially HAHAHA (although i did feel iffy with the micro cheating) but strangely enough, when him and sal finally got together, their relationship didn’t click as i’d hoped it would. the tension between them was more exciting when they weren’t together yet. it felt a bit forced, which made me root for rafa HAHAHA

all in all, i enjoyed reading this book! i actually read this arc on my phone, and now i’m warming up to the idea of reading e-books 👀

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I believe all of us are mosaics of every person who has touched our lives. Every act of kindness made us, every injustice we witnessed deeply cut us, every dream fully realized fueled us, and each time, we gather to celebrate not what differs between us but what binds us."

My fave quote came from Harmon but I am Team Rafa all the way!

[Ara]

will come back to post my review

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧

actual rating: 2.5 ⭐️

love in hallowed spaces has such a promising start. the atmosphere is cozy, the magical realism is genuinely enchanting. sal's world in st. stephenshire feels warm and full of life, and i was so excited to see where her story would go especially back when i finished the book 1

but somewhere along the way, i found myself struggling to stay on sal's side. she's engaged to rafa, a genuinely kind and patient man, and watching her slowly drift toward harmon while he remained completely in the dark was really hard for me to accept with. i also wished sal had a little more steadiness in herself. she'd make a decision and then walk it back, and that constant back and forth made it difficult for me to fully connect with her journey or understand who she truly was as a person

it just personally wasn't the kind of romance i could root for. i also think it would have been helpful to have cheating listed explicitly in the trigger warnings since it plays such a central role in the story

if you enjoy complicated and messy love stories, this might be exactly your thing

thank you so much to ms. beatrice pobre for the opportunity to read this book. it truly means a lot and i appreciate the chance to experience your work firsthand. wishing you all the best with this release! 🩷

(ps. anong thought process ni rafa at tinanggap niya pa si sal honestly… lol)