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The Paper & Hearts Society #3
Bookishly Ever After
The much anticipated third book in The Paper & Hearts Society series by Booktuber Lucy Powrie. Will you be the next recruit for The Paper & Hearts Society book club?
Ed is excited. He's just landed his dream job at beautiful independent bookshop, Woolf and Wilde, but he soon discovers being a bookseller is a very different game to being a customer - the hours of shelving books, logging ISBNs and dealing with customers is overwhelming. So Ed does what Ed does best - smiles enthusiastically, fist pumps the air, and pretends that everything is totally under control. He just hadn't bargained on his new colleague, Hannah, seeing through his façade.
Then Ed discovers that his mum is dating for the first time since splitting up with his dad. He decides to distract himself by being the best bookseller Woolf and Wilde has ever seen, but will it be at the cost of his Paper & Hearts Society friendships?
If Ed can find a way to be himself, he might find making new friends and keeping old ones comes more naturally, and even get to know himself a little better in the process ... Can Ed let his guard down for the love of books?
Ed is excited. He's just landed his dream job at beautiful independent bookshop, Woolf and Wilde, but he soon discovers being a bookseller is a very different game to being a customer - the hours of shelving books, logging ISBNs and dealing with customers is overwhelming. So Ed does what Ed does best - smiles enthusiastically, fist pumps the air, and pretends that everything is totally under control. He just hadn't bargained on his new colleague, Hannah, seeing through his façade.
Then Ed discovers that his mum is dating for the first time since splitting up with his dad. He decides to distract himself by being the best bookseller Woolf and Wilde has ever seen, but will it be at the cost of his Paper & Hearts Society friendships?
If Ed can find a way to be himself, he might find making new friends and keeping old ones comes more naturally, and even get to know himself a little better in the process ... Can Ed let his guard down for the love of books?
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2021
4 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Powrie
4 books5,486 followersLucy Powrie is the author of The Paper & Hearts Society series, published by Hodder Children’s Books. Her latest release, Bookishly Ever After, is out now.
Lucy is also known for her YouTube channel, lucythereader, where she discusses her favourite books. To date, she has over 40,000 subscribers, and in 2020 founded the #ClassicsCommunity.
She lives in the South West of England, with her three dogs and small herd of guinea pigs, and is currently studying towards a degree in History with the Open University.
Lucy is also known for her YouTube channel, lucythereader, where she discusses her favourite books. To date, she has over 40,000 subscribers, and in 2020 founded the #ClassicsCommunity.
She lives in the South West of England, with her three dogs and small herd of guinea pigs, and is currently studying towards a degree in History with the Open University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 14, 2021
This is my book, Bookishly Ever After, the third and final book in The Paper & Hearts Society series!
Bookishly Ever After is Ed's story and begins just as he starts working in an independent bookshop called Woolf and Wilde. It's safe to say that Ed is extremely clumsy and awkward, and is always getting himself into funny mishaps when he's trying to be professional - which means he's not quick to make friends with his new colleague, Hannah!
At the same time as starting his new job, Ed is dealing with his Mum beginning to date again; a dad who doesn't seem to care for him; and overwhelming feelings of not being good enough. But with the help of his friends and his cat, Mrs Simpkins, Ed might just learn to let his guard down for the love of books.
I was inspired to write it after not seeing any autistic love interests in YA. I wanted to write a cute bookshop romance with an autistic love interest - because it's so important to see characters like yourself on the page, something I hadn't had as a teen. Hannah is a guinea pig obsessed bookworm who takes a little while to warm up to people, but afterwards will give you her whole heart, and I hope readers will be able to relate to her just as much as I do.
Bookishly Ever After has been my favourite book to write; I loved almost every second of it, and laughed and cried throughout writing the first draft. I'm so sad to say goodbye to these characters, but they'll be a part of me forever and I think I've left them in just the right place.
Happy reading - and don't forget to live your best bookish lives!
Bookishly Ever After is Ed's story and begins just as he starts working in an independent bookshop called Woolf and Wilde. It's safe to say that Ed is extremely clumsy and awkward, and is always getting himself into funny mishaps when he's trying to be professional - which means he's not quick to make friends with his new colleague, Hannah!
At the same time as starting his new job, Ed is dealing with his Mum beginning to date again; a dad who doesn't seem to care for him; and overwhelming feelings of not being good enough. But with the help of his friends and his cat, Mrs Simpkins, Ed might just learn to let his guard down for the love of books.
I was inspired to write it after not seeing any autistic love interests in YA. I wanted to write a cute bookshop romance with an autistic love interest - because it's so important to see characters like yourself on the page, something I hadn't had as a teen. Hannah is a guinea pig obsessed bookworm who takes a little while to warm up to people, but afterwards will give you her whole heart, and I hope readers will be able to relate to her just as much as I do.
Bookishly Ever After has been my favourite book to write; I loved almost every second of it, and laughed and cried throughout writing the first draft. I'm so sad to say goodbye to these characters, but they'll be a part of me forever and I think I've left them in just the right place.
Happy reading - and don't forget to live your best bookish lives!
November 29, 2020
I'm going to keep this vague and avoid all the spoilers...
This was just the most absolutely perfect ending to this wonderful series. We've grown to love all the members of the Paper & Hearts Society over the past two books, and this book just makes us love them even more (who knew that was possible?!) Ed has always been my fave, so very much YAY to be getting a book about him.
Powrie's writing shows such confidence and passion. I'm in awe of how she manages to delve into such important, emotional topics, without it getting TOO heavy or depressing. She explores topics throughout all the books that are so so important to the audience, and are shown in such an accessible way. Truly absolutely necessary books for the teen market.
I don't want to give much away, so will leave it at that, but i must add that this book is literally HILARIOUS. I dunno if it's just because Ed and I have the same kind of humour, but i was cackling my way through. And then, obvs got a lil bit teary at the end.
Truly an absolutely remarkable conclusion to a most beautiful series. 💙
This was just the most absolutely perfect ending to this wonderful series. We've grown to love all the members of the Paper & Hearts Society over the past two books, and this book just makes us love them even more (who knew that was possible?!) Ed has always been my fave, so very much YAY to be getting a book about him.
Powrie's writing shows such confidence and passion. I'm in awe of how she manages to delve into such important, emotional topics, without it getting TOO heavy or depressing. She explores topics throughout all the books that are so so important to the audience, and are shown in such an accessible way. Truly absolutely necessary books for the teen market.
I don't want to give much away, so will leave it at that, but i must add that this book is literally HILARIOUS. I dunno if it's just because Ed and I have the same kind of humour, but i was cackling my way through. And then, obvs got a lil bit teary at the end.
Truly an absolutely remarkable conclusion to a most beautiful series. 💙
May 31, 2021
This is my 1700th review per my website’s official count (counts on other places, like Goodreads and The StoryGraph, might be slightly off because of import issues/what gets counted as a “review”)!! I didn’t choose Bookishly Ever After for my 1700th review on purpose, but I couldn’t think of a more deserving book for this arbitrary milestone. Lucy Powrie concludes the trilogy began in
The Paper & Hearts Society
and furthered in
Read with Pride
. As is the case with those first two books, I adored this one. I laughed. I also cried. Powrie’s abilities as a writer have only increased since the first Paper & Hearts Society book, and Bookishly Ever After manages the impressive feat of ending a trilogy on a satisfying note while leaving me wanting more more more from Powrie.
This book follows Ed. We have come to know him over the previous two books as someone with a flair for the dramatic. Everything is big and emotional for Ed, from his obsession with Shakespeare to how much he cares for his friends. In this book, he has acquired a part-time job at Woolf and Wilde, an independent bookstore in their town. Ed is excited for the new job, but as you can probably imagine, reality turns out to be less impressive. Ed’s co-worker, Hannah, is aloof. Dealing with customers is tricky. And in the meantime, Ed’s mum lets spill that she is seeing someone, just as Ed’s dad seems to be pulling away from Ed while also lecturing him to “man up.” Indeed, for emotional Ed, it feels like his world is lurching perilously from its axis. Can the Paper & Hearts Society be his Atlas, or will he go spinning off into space?
I don’t even know where to begin in my encomium, so I guess we’ll start with all the feels and why that’s important. First, I think Powrie nails the intensity of emotions that teenagers experience. She is not alone in doing this. However, other authors of YA fiction sometimes eschew that—perhaps for fear that it will feel melodramatic or unrealistic, or perhaps because they weren’t really writing YA in the first place but the book got marketed that way. Regardless of the reason, a lot of books we call YA are either “new adult” or have the emotional sensibility of NA even if their protagonists are 16 or under. That’s not the case here. Ed and friends are so gloriously, cheerfully, completely messy. They laugh and cry and snap at one another, in person and in text. They make lots of mistakes. The moment Ed put that can of beans in the microwave, I looked up from my book and said, “Oh nooooo,” but that’s because I am a 31-year-old adult who has indeed tripped a circuit breaker or two in her time because of infelicitous microwaving choices. (Shout-out as well to the moment where Ed said to us that all he has to do is keep pushing down his feelings, that everything would be fine if he did this, which prompted a knowing chuckle as I turned the page to continue reading about how that worked out for him.)
Moreover, it’s significant that Ed is a boy and experiencing all these raw emotions. Our society still has a tendency to devalue when men show emotions that are not related to aggression. Men and boys who show too much emotion are sensitive if we want to be charitable and girly or sissy if we decide to throw some misogyny in there while we’re at it. Powrie subverts and openly acknowledges these expectations in Bookishly Ever After. Ed cries. He becomes a big ol’ pile of tears when necessary. But we also see how confused he is by his emotions, and how much he struggles with emotional regulation because it was never really taught properly to him—not by his dad, certainly, who is all about the toxic masculinity I mentioned at the top of this paragraph; but also not even by his loving mum, who seems to be a little taken aback by Ed in the later half of the book, like she blinked and has only now realized her boy is on the cusp of manhood and certain things are now Very Difficult. They finally have a good conversation about it towards the end of the book, along with a touching conversation with Cassie that echoes many of the same themes, including the powerful idea that you can be disappointed in someone and still love them, that you can want more from someone and feel let down if you don’t get it. This really resonated with me, as a single person who relies on a very small number of close friendships for fulfillment in my life. Sometimes my friends do disappoint me—we are all only human—but that is not a reflection on our love for each other.
The value that this trilogy places on friendship is another reason it will always be dear to me. Powrie’s books currently sit alphabetically on my shelf next to Non Pratt’s, another UK YA author whose work often focuses on friendship in a way that makes me, as an aromantic asexual person who doesn’t desire a partner, romantic or otherwise, feel seen. This is the case for the Paper & Hearts Society books as well. Yes, Bookishly Ever After has a romantic subplot. It is adorable! However, that plot is not the central part of this book, and without going into spoilers, Powrie skilfully resolves the conflict within that subplot without resorting to an over-the-top grand gesture. Rather, the resolution to the romance subplot relies entirely on the assistance and advice of Ed’s friends. They are the ones he goes to, individually and as a group, when he needs help. They are the ones who will lift him up. And Ed’s paramour begins as a new friend, one who makes him feel fulfilled and at ease in ways his book club friends don’t—that is to say, it’s ok to have different people in your life for different moods and activities. A new person entering our lives who makes us feel wonderful doesn’t invalidate or minimize the joy we derive from our existing friendships.
Ok, speaking of paramours, let’s talk a little about Hannah! I love her characterization so much. I know enough about Powrie from her YouTube and Twitter to know she has put a lot of herself into Hannah, from her book love and book blogging, to her guinea pig obsession and animal love to, yes, being autistic. Powrie leaves enough hints in Hannah’s actions that even my allistic self can pick up on Hannah being autistic before we hear that label. (I don’t blame Ed for not picking up on it, because he’s … well, he’s Ed. What matters is that when he does learn she’s autistic, his reaction is acceptance.) I can’t speak to what this representation means to autistic readers. All I can say is that I love how Hannah is portrayed and how Powrie includes Hannah’s voice throughout the book in the form of posts Ed reads from her blog. This includes a post with recommendations for other, real books with autistic characters. So sneaky! I smiled a little every time I turned the page and saw another of Hannah’s blog posts, because I knew I was in for a little break in the narrative, a little treat.
Indeed, I said this when comparing Read with Pride to the first book, and I’ll say it now when comparing this book to Read with Pride: marked improvement. Powrie’s debut novel was great, but as she herself notes in her afterword, she has changed a lot since writing that first book. This is evident in each subsequent novel. Bookishly Ever After’s structure, the way the various plots end up hanging together, and the careful inclusion of elements like Hannah’s voice, has a richness and complexity that is all the more rewarding if you’ve read the first two books in this trilogy and seen that growth. I hope when I say this that it isn’t coming off as condescending of a young author; rather, I want to celebrate how far Powrie has come over the course of this trilogy.
See, I’m really sad that this series is over. It was so good, yet at the same time, there’s so much more I want to see from these characters! Powrie wraps it up neatly with an epilogue, and while of course the door remains open for her to revisit these characters should she choose, it’s clear that, for now, she has told the stories she wants to tell. Hence why I’m so excited by how Powrie’s writing has developed over just these three novels. Even though I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, I’m simultaneously eager to see what Powrie plans to give us next. Her love of 18th and 19th century English literature was how I first found her on YouTube and has been a constant in her reading and also influenced her writing (Woolf and Wilde, anyone?), so I’m super hopeful she will channel that more directly into a new project. Regardless of the form it takes, however, I’m going to be a fan. Because I’ve been reviewing books on these here internets long enough that this one is #1700, and it’s because authors like Powrie keep surprising me, keeping serving up those delicious emotional highs, that I’m going to keep going for the foreseeable future.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews, where you can easily browse all my reviews and subscribe to my newsletter.
This book follows Ed. We have come to know him over the previous two books as someone with a flair for the dramatic. Everything is big and emotional for Ed, from his obsession with Shakespeare to how much he cares for his friends. In this book, he has acquired a part-time job at Woolf and Wilde, an independent bookstore in their town. Ed is excited for the new job, but as you can probably imagine, reality turns out to be less impressive. Ed’s co-worker, Hannah, is aloof. Dealing with customers is tricky. And in the meantime, Ed’s mum lets spill that she is seeing someone, just as Ed’s dad seems to be pulling away from Ed while also lecturing him to “man up.” Indeed, for emotional Ed, it feels like his world is lurching perilously from its axis. Can the Paper & Hearts Society be his Atlas, or will he go spinning off into space?
I don’t even know where to begin in my encomium, so I guess we’ll start with all the feels and why that’s important. First, I think Powrie nails the intensity of emotions that teenagers experience. She is not alone in doing this. However, other authors of YA fiction sometimes eschew that—perhaps for fear that it will feel melodramatic or unrealistic, or perhaps because they weren’t really writing YA in the first place but the book got marketed that way. Regardless of the reason, a lot of books we call YA are either “new adult” or have the emotional sensibility of NA even if their protagonists are 16 or under. That’s not the case here. Ed and friends are so gloriously, cheerfully, completely messy. They laugh and cry and snap at one another, in person and in text. They make lots of mistakes. The moment Ed put that can of beans in the microwave, I looked up from my book and said, “Oh nooooo,” but that’s because I am a 31-year-old adult who has indeed tripped a circuit breaker or two in her time because of infelicitous microwaving choices. (Shout-out as well to the moment where Ed said to us that all he has to do is keep pushing down his feelings, that everything would be fine if he did this, which prompted a knowing chuckle as I turned the page to continue reading about how that worked out for him.)
Moreover, it’s significant that Ed is a boy and experiencing all these raw emotions. Our society still has a tendency to devalue when men show emotions that are not related to aggression. Men and boys who show too much emotion are sensitive if we want to be charitable and girly or sissy if we decide to throw some misogyny in there while we’re at it. Powrie subverts and openly acknowledges these expectations in Bookishly Ever After. Ed cries. He becomes a big ol’ pile of tears when necessary. But we also see how confused he is by his emotions, and how much he struggles with emotional regulation because it was never really taught properly to him—not by his dad, certainly, who is all about the toxic masculinity I mentioned at the top of this paragraph; but also not even by his loving mum, who seems to be a little taken aback by Ed in the later half of the book, like she blinked and has only now realized her boy is on the cusp of manhood and certain things are now Very Difficult. They finally have a good conversation about it towards the end of the book, along with a touching conversation with Cassie that echoes many of the same themes, including the powerful idea that you can be disappointed in someone and still love them, that you can want more from someone and feel let down if you don’t get it. This really resonated with me, as a single person who relies on a very small number of close friendships for fulfillment in my life. Sometimes my friends do disappoint me—we are all only human—but that is not a reflection on our love for each other.
The value that this trilogy places on friendship is another reason it will always be dear to me. Powrie’s books currently sit alphabetically on my shelf next to Non Pratt’s, another UK YA author whose work often focuses on friendship in a way that makes me, as an aromantic asexual person who doesn’t desire a partner, romantic or otherwise, feel seen. This is the case for the Paper & Hearts Society books as well. Yes, Bookishly Ever After has a romantic subplot. It is adorable! However, that plot is not the central part of this book, and without going into spoilers, Powrie skilfully resolves the conflict within that subplot without resorting to an over-the-top grand gesture. Rather, the resolution to the romance subplot relies entirely on the assistance and advice of Ed’s friends. They are the ones he goes to, individually and as a group, when he needs help. They are the ones who will lift him up. And Ed’s paramour begins as a new friend, one who makes him feel fulfilled and at ease in ways his book club friends don’t—that is to say, it’s ok to have different people in your life for different moods and activities. A new person entering our lives who makes us feel wonderful doesn’t invalidate or minimize the joy we derive from our existing friendships.
Ok, speaking of paramours, let’s talk a little about Hannah! I love her characterization so much. I know enough about Powrie from her YouTube and Twitter to know she has put a lot of herself into Hannah, from her book love and book blogging, to her guinea pig obsession and animal love to, yes, being autistic. Powrie leaves enough hints in Hannah’s actions that even my allistic self can pick up on Hannah being autistic before we hear that label. (I don’t blame Ed for not picking up on it, because he’s … well, he’s Ed. What matters is that when he does learn she’s autistic, his reaction is acceptance.) I can’t speak to what this representation means to autistic readers. All I can say is that I love how Hannah is portrayed and how Powrie includes Hannah’s voice throughout the book in the form of posts Ed reads from her blog. This includes a post with recommendations for other, real books with autistic characters. So sneaky! I smiled a little every time I turned the page and saw another of Hannah’s blog posts, because I knew I was in for a little break in the narrative, a little treat.
Indeed, I said this when comparing Read with Pride to the first book, and I’ll say it now when comparing this book to Read with Pride: marked improvement. Powrie’s debut novel was great, but as she herself notes in her afterword, she has changed a lot since writing that first book. This is evident in each subsequent novel. Bookishly Ever After’s structure, the way the various plots end up hanging together, and the careful inclusion of elements like Hannah’s voice, has a richness and complexity that is all the more rewarding if you’ve read the first two books in this trilogy and seen that growth. I hope when I say this that it isn’t coming off as condescending of a young author; rather, I want to celebrate how far Powrie has come over the course of this trilogy.
See, I’m really sad that this series is over. It was so good, yet at the same time, there’s so much more I want to see from these characters! Powrie wraps it up neatly with an epilogue, and while of course the door remains open for her to revisit these characters should she choose, it’s clear that, for now, she has told the stories she wants to tell. Hence why I’m so excited by how Powrie’s writing has developed over just these three novels. Even though I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, I’m simultaneously eager to see what Powrie plans to give us next. Her love of 18th and 19th century English literature was how I first found her on YouTube and has been a constant in her reading and also influenced her writing (Woolf and Wilde, anyone?), so I’m super hopeful she will channel that more directly into a new project. Regardless of the form it takes, however, I’m going to be a fan. Because I’ve been reviewing books on these here internets long enough that this one is #1700, and it’s because authors like Powrie keep surprising me, keeping serving up those delicious emotional highs, that I’m going to keep going for the foreseeable future.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews, where you can easily browse all my reviews and subscribe to my newsletter.
October 3, 2022
When I started this series I was a nervous and self conscious pre-teen trying to find herself, I'm now a fully fledged teenager with a little more confidence and a definite personality. This series has been a huge part of that.
I have discovered classics through Lucy Powrie's YouTube and fallen in love with them, I've read so many amazing books thanks to that one day I picked up the paper and hearts society in Waterstones.
This series has meant more to me than any other and I shed a few tears coming to the end of it.
These characters mean more to me than any other and I've been on such a journey with them.
I've found who I am and who I want to be and that's down to this book. It's given me a whole group of friends that love reading and are LGBTQ+ friendly, autistic considerate and who just care so deeply. If I was granted wishes, one of them would be for the paper and hearts society to be real and to be my read friends.
It's bittersweet to come to the end of this but I know that whenever I'm having a bad day, the paper and hearts society is waiting for me, now with three stories to choose from.
Fictional friends are the best ❣️
More coming on my blog: zbestbooks.blogspot.com
I have discovered classics through Lucy Powrie's YouTube and fallen in love with them, I've read so many amazing books thanks to that one day I picked up the paper and hearts society in Waterstones.
This series has meant more to me than any other and I shed a few tears coming to the end of it.
These characters mean more to me than any other and I've been on such a journey with them.
I've found who I am and who I want to be and that's down to this book. It's given me a whole group of friends that love reading and are LGBTQ+ friendly, autistic considerate and who just care so deeply. If I was granted wishes, one of them would be for the paper and hearts society to be real and to be my read friends.
It's bittersweet to come to the end of this but I know that whenever I'm having a bad day, the paper and hearts society is waiting for me, now with three stories to choose from.
Fictional friends are the best ❣️
More coming on my blog: zbestbooks.blogspot.com
May 13, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for granting me access to the third instalment of the Paper and Hearts Society series. This time round the group are dealing with some shifts in their relationships, but a love of books will get them through.
Ed has got himself a job in a local book store. He’s determined to give it his all...but he didn’t count on his new co-worker Hannah. Though initially put off by his exuberance, Hannah finds herself falling for Ed.
The book focuses on the developing relationship, offers some insights into autism and shows some cute guinea pigs.
Ed has got himself a job in a local book store. He’s determined to give it his all...but he didn’t count on his new co-worker Hannah. Though initially put off by his exuberance, Hannah finds herself falling for Ed.
The book focuses on the developing relationship, offers some insights into autism and shows some cute guinea pigs.
May 20, 2021
a cute final book 😌 it really cheered me up during my exam season!
June 26, 2021
A really lovely ending to this series. I loved being back with these characters and seeing the book and characters from Ed’s perspective!
June 5, 2021
I read the the first book in the Paper and Hearts Society series when I was going through a hard time in my life. I remember my mum bought it for me on impulse when she had to take a friend an hour drive away because her car was broken. They stopped at a bookstore and my mum thought that the book sounded like something I would like. She was so right.
I came home from school and found the book sitting on the kitchen table. I read the blurb and instead of adding it to my TBR, I read to straight away. I even set my alarm clock early the next morning so I could read it as soon as I could.
Tabby was a character who I connected with deeply. She was exactly who I needed to read at that point in my life and not many fictional characters help me figure out who I am but she did.
I feel like crying writing this because I know it’s just a book but I read this when I was in a hard place and I just don’t want to let go of it.
I left such a crappy review for the first book when really it’s one of my favourite books of all time. I guess I didn’t feel like it was possible for a book to have such an impact on you, but this book did.
Medoran Chronicles was a book series I read before Paper and hearts and I can’t express how those so different books helped me. Medoran Chronicles made me realise that I shouldn’t be keeping negative things in my life for the purpose of not wanting to let them go and after that I made some changes in my life. But the paper and hearts society made me realise how to deal with the change. It made me realise that I was valued as a person and even after I made a big change, I was still me and it reminded me I’ll be able to adjust to the change.
Read with Pride, while not meaning as much to me as it could have meant for others. It was a book that made me realise how much I should value what struggles I don’t have to go through. I can always find a book that reflects what I want in a romance, but for some people it’s so hard and I hope that they can feel valued as a reader and person.
Now this book, I loved reading but the last three chapters made me so sad. Not a crying sad, but an empty sad. I felt empty, like I had lost important people in my life. And that took me back full circle to the first book. The first book where I was dealing with change of the people in my life. I don’t know if any series will connect to me on such a level as this one has.
But Ed, Henry, Olivia, Cassie, Tabby and now Hannah, all the helped me in some sort of way. They made me value what I had in life and cut out toxic people who made me feel worse about myself.
Through Tabby helping me with my own anxiety’s, Olivia proving to me I can stand up to others and Ed helping me realise that dealing with complicated feelings is normal and can be helped. I thank them for everything.
Even Cassie who showed me that you shouldn’t judge people based off first impressions and Henry who showed me that being their for your friends is so important even if you aren’t the funny or loud one. And Hannah who made me realise that friendships can develop into such amazing things.
Friendship. I learnt throughout this whole book that friendship can get you through hard times. Friendships can help you when you need them. All you need to do is to let them help you. I think to how my life is now, everyday I have a happy moment. Whether it was on Thursday when I was doing trivia with my friends in the library , or on Friday when two boys in my class and I were having a great discussion about a chair. I have learnt from this book that I should value these moments.
Now, this is a lot and people could say I’m overreacting and it’s just a book. But without this book, I wouldn’t have gained such wonderful new friendships and valued all the great moments in life that I would have taken for granted.
So, to the Paper and Hearts Society and the lovely author Lucy Powrie, I leave you with this...
Thank you for everything, I have learnt so much from this book and it’s helped through a hard time in my life and made me the person who I am today, so thank you.
Thank you so much
I came home from school and found the book sitting on the kitchen table. I read the blurb and instead of adding it to my TBR, I read to straight away. I even set my alarm clock early the next morning so I could read it as soon as I could.
Tabby was a character who I connected with deeply. She was exactly who I needed to read at that point in my life and not many fictional characters help me figure out who I am but she did.
I feel like crying writing this because I know it’s just a book but I read this when I was in a hard place and I just don’t want to let go of it.
I left such a crappy review for the first book when really it’s one of my favourite books of all time. I guess I didn’t feel like it was possible for a book to have such an impact on you, but this book did.
Medoran Chronicles was a book series I read before Paper and hearts and I can’t express how those so different books helped me. Medoran Chronicles made me realise that I shouldn’t be keeping negative things in my life for the purpose of not wanting to let them go and after that I made some changes in my life. But the paper and hearts society made me realise how to deal with the change. It made me realise that I was valued as a person and even after I made a big change, I was still me and it reminded me I’ll be able to adjust to the change.
Read with Pride, while not meaning as much to me as it could have meant for others. It was a book that made me realise how much I should value what struggles I don’t have to go through. I can always find a book that reflects what I want in a romance, but for some people it’s so hard and I hope that they can feel valued as a reader and person.
Now this book, I loved reading but the last three chapters made me so sad. Not a crying sad, but an empty sad. I felt empty, like I had lost important people in my life. And that took me back full circle to the first book. The first book where I was dealing with change of the people in my life. I don’t know if any series will connect to me on such a level as this one has.
But Ed, Henry, Olivia, Cassie, Tabby and now Hannah, all the helped me in some sort of way. They made me value what I had in life and cut out toxic people who made me feel worse about myself.
Through Tabby helping me with my own anxiety’s, Olivia proving to me I can stand up to others and Ed helping me realise that dealing with complicated feelings is normal and can be helped. I thank them for everything.
Even Cassie who showed me that you shouldn’t judge people based off first impressions and Henry who showed me that being their for your friends is so important even if you aren’t the funny or loud one. And Hannah who made me realise that friendships can develop into such amazing things.
Friendship. I learnt throughout this whole book that friendship can get you through hard times. Friendships can help you when you need them. All you need to do is to let them help you. I think to how my life is now, everyday I have a happy moment. Whether it was on Thursday when I was doing trivia with my friends in the library , or on Friday when two boys in my class and I were having a great discussion about a chair. I have learnt from this book that I should value these moments.
Now, this is a lot and people could say I’m overreacting and it’s just a book. But without this book, I wouldn’t have gained such wonderful new friendships and valued all the great moments in life that I would have taken for granted.
So, to the Paper and Hearts Society and the lovely author Lucy Powrie, I leave you with this...
Thank you for everything, I have learnt so much from this book and it’s helped through a hard time in my life and made me the person who I am today, so thank you.
Thank you so much
May 23, 2021
I love this book! It is a splendid ending to this series and I got this warm, fuzzy feeling - The Paper & Hearts Society is such a lovely group of characters. This was such a light-hearted read, just like the other books in the series, and I love how Lucy Powrie adds a significant message to all her novels (i.e. this one was to reach out for support and take care of your actions). Ed was such a funny character, and his embarrassing moments in front of Hannah and his friends were hilarious. Hannah was a realistic character; her change of personality from anxious to joyous reflected autistic teenagers today and I love how Ed dealt with it . I just wish that Lucy made 3 more books in the series - for Henry, Cassie and Hannah - so we see an adventure from each member. Overall, this was a fun read!
September 6, 2023
Rezension: (kann Spoiler enthalten)
Auf den Band mit Ed als erzählende Figur habe ich mich schon sehr gefreut. Ich meine, es ist halt Ed. Er war bisher schon, nach seiner Katze Mrs. Simpkins, meine absolute Lieblingsfigur der Reihe. Ich mochte seine lockere, humorvolle und ein wenig schräge Art sehr und seine Liebe zu seiner Katze natürlich auch.
In diesem Band sehen wir, dass dahinter auch noch mehr steckt und er auch einige Probleme hat, mit denen er nicht so umzugehen weiß. Ich fand es schön, zu sehen, wie er sich daran weiterentwickelt, nicht zuletzt auch dank Hannah.
Hannah bringt hier auch noch eine ganz andere Note mit rein. Denn durch ihren Autismus müssen sowohl sie als auch Ed lernen, mit der neuen Situation umzugehen. Das geschieht nicht ohne Fehler, aber ich finde, wir können da viel lernen und werden gut für Autismus sensibilisiert.
Hannah und Ed sind nicht nur ein tolles Team und passen so gut zusammen - sie sind sich in einigen Dingen halt auch wirklich ziemlich ähnlich, ihre Arbeit im Buchladen war auch wirklich interessant. Ja, es passiert nicht unbedingt soo viel, der Spannungsbogen ist recht gemächlich, das fand ich aber gar nicht so schlimm. Wir haben trotzdem ein paar schöne Einblick in die Arbeit in einer kleinen Buchhandlung bekommen.
Ich muss sagen, Band 1 wird mir aus der Reihe wohl der liebste bleiben, aber trotzdem war auch der Abschluss der Reihe wirklich wundervoll.
5 Sterne
Auf den Band mit Ed als erzählende Figur habe ich mich schon sehr gefreut. Ich meine, es ist halt Ed. Er war bisher schon, nach seiner Katze Mrs. Simpkins, meine absolute Lieblingsfigur der Reihe. Ich mochte seine lockere, humorvolle und ein wenig schräge Art sehr und seine Liebe zu seiner Katze natürlich auch.
In diesem Band sehen wir, dass dahinter auch noch mehr steckt und er auch einige Probleme hat, mit denen er nicht so umzugehen weiß. Ich fand es schön, zu sehen, wie er sich daran weiterentwickelt, nicht zuletzt auch dank Hannah.
Hannah bringt hier auch noch eine ganz andere Note mit rein. Denn durch ihren Autismus müssen sowohl sie als auch Ed lernen, mit der neuen Situation umzugehen. Das geschieht nicht ohne Fehler, aber ich finde, wir können da viel lernen und werden gut für Autismus sensibilisiert.
Hannah und Ed sind nicht nur ein tolles Team und passen so gut zusammen - sie sind sich in einigen Dingen halt auch wirklich ziemlich ähnlich, ihre Arbeit im Buchladen war auch wirklich interessant. Ja, es passiert nicht unbedingt soo viel, der Spannungsbogen ist recht gemächlich, das fand ich aber gar nicht so schlimm. Wir haben trotzdem ein paar schöne Einblick in die Arbeit in einer kleinen Buchhandlung bekommen.
Ich muss sagen, Band 1 wird mir aus der Reihe wohl der liebste bleiben, aber trotzdem war auch der Abschluss der Reihe wirklich wundervoll.
5 Sterne
May 19, 2021
I loved this book. Ed is such a wonderful character and I have to admit to getting tearful at a couple of points because my heart just went out to him so much. His internal monologue is at times hilarious but then also heartbreaking. I loved Hannah and am not afraid to admit that she challenged a few of my own beliefs/expectations which I was grateful for.
Overall a solid end to the series. I am definitely going to miss these characters.
Overall a solid end to the series. I am definitely going to miss these characters.
June 29, 2021
This book was a beautiful ending to this amazing book series. I have loved every page, the characters are in my heart since the day I started the first book and they'll definitely stay with me.
I recommend this book to every book lover out there, you won't be disappointed!
I recommend this book to every book lover out there, you won't be disappointed!
June 21, 2021
Full review of this will be in my June wrap up on Books and Bargains (youtube)
June 21, 2021
This was by far my favourite book in the series! It was so charming and it had a surprise (for me!) autistic love interest! I loved the rep so much!!
July 13, 2022
3,75*
April 27, 2025
I liked this book however it was kind of boring at times. It was, however, very relatable and I did like it c
July 17, 2022
Bookishly Ever After embraces the power of the bookish community through a charming and witty narrative that you can’t help but fall in love with.
Reading The Paper and Hearts Society series just feels like coming back home to old friends. It has this comforting and reassuring presence that you can’t help but warm to. You can really feel Powrie’s love and passion for the bookish community through every page of the series, imbuing it with so much warmth and heart. It reminds you just how much books can bring us all together and really pulls on that through its core exploration of friendship, happiness and nerding out about books together.
Of course, it helps that her core cast of characters are so well-developed and feel like people you’ve known all your life. I loved how we’ve heard from different aspects of the Society throughout the series and this time, it’s Ed’s turn to step into the spotlight. Often acting as the comedic relief in previous books, I knew that I’d be belly-laughing at his antics as he lives through a Shakespearan level of farcical events and ever embarrassing moments. However though, he also has moments of vulnerability and faces issues that a lot of teenagers will also grapple with. This slow opening up process he goes through was so poignant and touching to read.
I also found myself falling in love with Hannah, who is a new character for this book. She was so sharp and clever, but also shares that same passion for animals and books that Ed holds dear. It is so impactful to see an autistic character on page who frankly discusses their condition and how it shapes their lives, while still not defining them. I loved the excerpts of her blog that we got to read, as it really showed off her personality, charisma and insight into the world.
Bookishly Ever After is a funny, charming and witty story that filled me with joy and love for the bookish community.
Reading The Paper and Hearts Society series just feels like coming back home to old friends. It has this comforting and reassuring presence that you can’t help but warm to. You can really feel Powrie’s love and passion for the bookish community through every page of the series, imbuing it with so much warmth and heart. It reminds you just how much books can bring us all together and really pulls on that through its core exploration of friendship, happiness and nerding out about books together.
Of course, it helps that her core cast of characters are so well-developed and feel like people you’ve known all your life. I loved how we’ve heard from different aspects of the Society throughout the series and this time, it’s Ed’s turn to step into the spotlight. Often acting as the comedic relief in previous books, I knew that I’d be belly-laughing at his antics as he lives through a Shakespearan level of farcical events and ever embarrassing moments. However though, he also has moments of vulnerability and faces issues that a lot of teenagers will also grapple with. This slow opening up process he goes through was so poignant and touching to read.
I also found myself falling in love with Hannah, who is a new character for this book. She was so sharp and clever, but also shares that same passion for animals and books that Ed holds dear. It is so impactful to see an autistic character on page who frankly discusses their condition and how it shapes their lives, while still not defining them. I loved the excerpts of her blog that we got to read, as it really showed off her personality, charisma and insight into the world.
Bookishly Ever After is a funny, charming and witty story that filled me with joy and love for the bookish community.
February 14, 2022
The final book in a fantastic YA series that anyone who adores books will adore. One of the greatest things about the series is that each book focuses on a different character, so readers have been able to have a glimpse into each character directly, as well as how the characters see and bond with one another.
The books are very inclusive, with this final chapter directly referencing autism and how people see the world differently, which as someone on the spectrum felt very powerful - growing up, I would’ve loved having a book like this were I could see myself in a character, particularly as female autism is rarely acknowledged in literature.
This was a really lovely ending to the series and I enjoyed getting to witness Ed navigate his first job and relationship. Thank you to NetGalley for gifting a free eBook in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
The books are very inclusive, with this final chapter directly referencing autism and how people see the world differently, which as someone on the spectrum felt very powerful - growing up, I would’ve loved having a book like this were I could see myself in a character, particularly as female autism is rarely acknowledged in literature.
This was a really lovely ending to the series and I enjoyed getting to witness Ed navigate his first job and relationship. Thank you to NetGalley for gifting a free eBook in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
May 19, 2021
I'm not a big reader of contemporary generally (it's mid-May at the time of writing this and I'm at 85% SFF, horror, and dystopia), but I adore this series. They're some of the few contemporaries where I can really see myself in these characters who love books and that's brought them together into a close knit group. They're a group of friends who are completely comfortable around each other to be themselves, even if others would call them odd.
Ed is a great narrator. The most enthusiastic and bombastic of the friends, he was always a complete laugh in the other books, and seeing him get centre stage was great, and a lot of giggles. Plus, he loves Shakespeare, so how can he be bad?
It's not all laughter though. Lucy Powrie's books so far have all really stood out for being inclusive and tackling tricky topics, and BOOKISHLY EVER AFTER is no different. Hannah, the love interest, is Autistic and Ed is dealing with the uncertainty around his mother dating again and his father pushing toxic ideals of masculinity onto him.
We also get to see a m/f best friendship! Yes to more YA books where a girl and a boy can be best friends without it turning into a romance.
Like the previous entries, BOOKISHLY EVER AFTER is multimedia. There group chats, DMs, and texts are back, but this time we also get entries from Hannah's blog. Without every being site-specific, the multimedia aspect helps it feel more realistic as it is the way we communicate these days. Hannah's blog also helped really get into her perspective, as she's not the narrator but a super important character and new to the cast. The other characters have all had 2 books to be familiar, but she hasn't.
The end of the trilogy! I'm so sad to see it finish because I deeply, deeply love these books. It's so nice to find a series all about books and friendship and parts of life that aren't always talked about.
Ed is a great narrator. The most enthusiastic and bombastic of the friends, he was always a complete laugh in the other books, and seeing him get centre stage was great, and a lot of giggles. Plus, he loves Shakespeare, so how can he be bad?
It's not all laughter though. Lucy Powrie's books so far have all really stood out for being inclusive and tackling tricky topics, and BOOKISHLY EVER AFTER is no different. Hannah, the love interest, is Autistic and Ed is dealing with the uncertainty around his mother dating again and his father pushing toxic ideals of masculinity onto him.
We also get to see a m/f best friendship! Yes to more YA books where a girl and a boy can be best friends without it turning into a romance.
Like the previous entries, BOOKISHLY EVER AFTER is multimedia. There group chats, DMs, and texts are back, but this time we also get entries from Hannah's blog. Without every being site-specific, the multimedia aspect helps it feel more realistic as it is the way we communicate these days. Hannah's blog also helped really get into her perspective, as she's not the narrator but a super important character and new to the cast. The other characters have all had 2 books to be familiar, but she hasn't.
The end of the trilogy! I'm so sad to see it finish because I deeply, deeply love these books. It's so nice to find a series all about books and friendship and parts of life that aren't always talked about.
December 8, 2021
(I actually had to write this review down physically first, because Goodreads wasn't working and I contain my feelings.)
I kid you not I was crying between pages 240 and 260 (not exact numbers), I was crying for Ed while being extremely mad at him for leaving Hannah, including feeling sorry for Hannah. Then I felt like crying again when I found out that this was going to be the last Paper & Hearts Society book.
I have had so much fun reading this series, even if I did accidently read it out of order. They all have I special place in my heart for difference reasons.
First book: Tabby, her Gran and the creation of the club.
Second book: the whole book in general and it's representation.
Third book: Hannah, her blog and a happy Ed. (Even Tabby's Gran again)
And whenever I get the chance to get this whole series to own for myself I will take it.
I love Cassie, Olivia, Henry, Tabby and Ed, even the temporary Read with Pride members. Who do also have a cameo in this book.
Hannah's blog posts were what made me the most happy and I'll be adding any books that she talks about (and haven't read ) to my TBR. My favourite line is still the one Hannah writes in her first blog, "It's also great to read books with neurodiverse protagonists, because there's nothing like reading a book with a character like you."
I am truly happy to have read this series and I look forward to seeing/reading any other book Lucy Powrie publishes (if/whenever).
P.s. I wish there had been a book club like this when I was in my teen and even wish I was in one now.
I kid you not I was crying between pages 240 and 260 (not exact numbers), I was crying for Ed while being extremely mad at him for leaving Hannah, including feeling sorry for Hannah. Then I felt like crying again when I found out that this was going to be the last Paper & Hearts Society book.
I have had so much fun reading this series, even if I did accidently read it out of order. They all have I special place in my heart for difference reasons.
First book: Tabby, her Gran and the creation of the club.
Second book: the whole book in general and it's representation.
Third book: Hannah, her blog and a happy Ed. (Even Tabby's Gran again)
And whenever I get the chance to get this whole series to own for myself I will take it.
I love Cassie, Olivia, Henry, Tabby and Ed, even the temporary Read with Pride members. Who do also have a cameo in this book.
Hannah's blog posts were what made me the most happy and I'll be adding any books that she talks about (and haven't read ) to my TBR. My favourite line is still the one Hannah writes in her first blog, "It's also great to read books with neurodiverse protagonists, because there's nothing like reading a book with a character like you."
I am truly happy to have read this series and I look forward to seeing/reading any other book Lucy Powrie publishes (if/whenever).
P.s. I wish there had been a book club like this when I was in my teen and even wish I was in one now.
October 12, 2023
I mean, it's terrible if you ask me. The plot is basic, the main character is personality-less, his friends are all immature; it's like a competition in each book to find out who can behave best like a six year old. In fact, I was shocked in the first few chapters to find out that the main character was getting a job. I genuinely thought tomorrow would be his first day at primary school. Running around as a ghost, tickling his friends, "solving" a basic crime with his friends at home, dry sense of humour, do I have to explain myself? Personally, I think this book was made for 5-year-olds, as my 6-year-old sibling read the first chapter and said, and I quote "Don't you have a better book? I want something more interesting. Did you read this, or is it just some random thing you found?" When they were drinking tea in the first chapter, I was wondering why on Earth a bunch of 6-year-olds were having tea. Please, for my sake, don't read this book. If you're a teen reader, I would 100% recommend A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, and the rest of the series. My only regret is that I'll never read it for the first time ever again, and I really mean that. It's the best book I've ever read, and if you pick it up after reading Bookishly Ever After, you'll be quite miserable knowing how low your standards once were.
Sorry if I offended you, but I had to serve the reading world justice,
BramBram's Books
Sorry if I offended you, but I had to serve the reading world justice,
BramBram's Books
May 15, 2021
This is the third & final book in the series about the members of The Paper and Hearts Society, five bookish nerds who find friendship through their book club. Although I haven’t read the previous two books, this didn’t spoil my reading of this book as each of the stories focus on a different main character.
In this book it was the turn of Ed, who gets a part time job at their favourite bookshop. There he meets Hannah, who seems stand offish at first but as he gradually gets to know her, he begins to feel an attraction for her. Hannah reveals that she is autistic and through this character we gain an insight into neuro divergency.
Although it is not specified how old the characters are, Ed can drive and they refer to attending college, therefore they must be at least seventeen. This surprised me as I cannot imagine any seventeen year olds behaving the way these characters do. They describe themselves as bookish nerds so this may explain why they act in what seems to me, quite immature ways. I am not the target audience and the previous books have received good reviews but it wasn’t real enough for me.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this book it was the turn of Ed, who gets a part time job at their favourite bookshop. There he meets Hannah, who seems stand offish at first but as he gradually gets to know her, he begins to feel an attraction for her. Hannah reveals that she is autistic and through this character we gain an insight into neuro divergency.
Although it is not specified how old the characters are, Ed can drive and they refer to attending college, therefore they must be at least seventeen. This surprised me as I cannot imagine any seventeen year olds behaving the way these characters do. They describe themselves as bookish nerds so this may explain why they act in what seems to me, quite immature ways. I am not the target audience and the previous books have received good reviews but it wasn’t real enough for me.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2021
As with every other book in this series, 'Bookishly Ever After' was adorable. This whole series is the perfect summer read for any book lover.
The third book in the series follows Ed, who is starting a new job as a bookseller and learning to grow up and fall in love. I found Ed an extremely likeable main character and really enjoyed the overall story.
However, I think this book is my least favourite in the series. Despite loving the whole series, I think that this book lacked something that the other two had. I just didn't feel the warmth and love whilst reading about these characters that was present in the other two books. I also felt like the plot was a bit lacking and there was not a lot of scenes with the other Paper and Hearts Society characters in my opinion which is one of my favourite parts of this series.
Despite this, I still love this series so much and highly recommend everyone read it, especially during the summer as this is a perfect summer read. I did love being in this world with these familiar characters one last time and I am sad to have to leave them and this world.
Thank you to Hachette Children's Group for providing me with an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The third book in the series follows Ed, who is starting a new job as a bookseller and learning to grow up and fall in love. I found Ed an extremely likeable main character and really enjoyed the overall story.
However, I think this book is my least favourite in the series. Despite loving the whole series, I think that this book lacked something that the other two had. I just didn't feel the warmth and love whilst reading about these characters that was present in the other two books. I also felt like the plot was a bit lacking and there was not a lot of scenes with the other Paper and Hearts Society characters in my opinion which is one of my favourite parts of this series.
Despite this, I still love this series so much and highly recommend everyone read it, especially during the summer as this is a perfect summer read. I did love being in this world with these familiar characters one last time and I am sad to have to leave them and this world.
Thank you to Hachette Children's Group for providing me with an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2022
i really enjoyed the first book in the series but unfortunately felt that this one didnt compare, hence my low star rating.
DISLIKES:
the writing style felt quite juvenile and the plot was a bit cliche. the main character wasnt very likeable, in fact he was quite annoying at times and over dramatic. the idea of a bookstore romance is great but i feel it wasnt executed too well - the romance didnt feel authentic and i struggled to see the pair in a romantic light, rather just as friends.
LIKES:
i did like the inclusion of a character with autism, and i feel like it wasn't a bad portrayal. there was also a big emphasis on how men are expected to be tough and not show emotion, and how Ed goes against this gender role. and of course - it's about books, which is always a good thing.
probably wouldnt read this again, but thats not to say someone else wont enjoy it - just wasnt for me.
DISLIKES:
the writing style felt quite juvenile and the plot was a bit cliche. the main character wasnt very likeable, in fact he was quite annoying at times and over dramatic. the idea of a bookstore romance is great but i feel it wasnt executed too well - the romance didnt feel authentic and i struggled to see the pair in a romantic light, rather just as friends.
LIKES:
i did like the inclusion of a character with autism, and i feel like it wasn't a bad portrayal. there was also a big emphasis on how men are expected to be tough and not show emotion, and how Ed goes against this gender role. and of course - it's about books, which is always a good thing.
probably wouldnt read this again, but thats not to say someone else wont enjoy it - just wasnt for me.
July 4, 2021
I’m so sad that I’m finished this amazing series, that being said, I’m super happy that I had the opportunity to live my best bookish life.
It was truly captivating to see another side of Ed. A character that had been known to be the positive ray of sunshine among others in the group. The first to be willing to tell a cheesy joke, always has a smile on his face, yet goes through such a traumatic story at home and with those he’s closest too. Nothing stops him from living his best bookish life and giving up.
I really felt Ed’s pain whilst reading this story, feeling like I’m a disappointment to life too. But those are often the times when a book comes so intriguing, just by relating to a character.
Well done Lucy Powrie on what has been a great series to read. Can’t wait for you to let us discover a new adventure soon.
Five stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was truly captivating to see another side of Ed. A character that had been known to be the positive ray of sunshine among others in the group. The first to be willing to tell a cheesy joke, always has a smile on his face, yet goes through such a traumatic story at home and with those he’s closest too. Nothing stops him from living his best bookish life and giving up.
I really felt Ed’s pain whilst reading this story, feeling like I’m a disappointment to life too. But those are often the times when a book comes so intriguing, just by relating to a character.
Well done Lucy Powrie on what has been a great series to read. Can’t wait for you to let us discover a new adventure soon.
Five stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
September 8, 2021RTC
They all get their bookishly ever after! Yay!
No, but seriously that epilogue was quite emotional and I have loved every day of this series and I am so happy for Lucy.
So apart from Mrs Simpkins, Ed has always been one of my favourite characters in P&HS and having a final book from his perspective was great. I loved the low key chaotic energy that was spread throughout the book and there were moments that I may have laughed too hard on public transport from this book.
Like all of Lucy's books, you feel her in the pages, from the guinea pig references to Hannah's blog but they still work on their own as part of the story. With Hannah as well it was great to see autism represents and even though I can't speak on the representation in was still felt good.
I just loved the bookish energy. From the bookshop setting to the murder mystery to the watch along, I loved so many elements of the book and the representation of the friend group. All the characters shine and I love them all so much.
It was also a really quick read and that is a credit to Lucy's writing. I can't wait to see what Lucy releases next as I feel like it might be different but I will still be in line.
They all get their bookishly ever after! Yay!
No, but seriously that epilogue was quite emotional and I have loved every day of this series and I am so happy for Lucy.
So apart from Mrs Simpkins, Ed has always been one of my favourite characters in P&HS and having a final book from his perspective was great. I loved the low key chaotic energy that was spread throughout the book and there were moments that I may have laughed too hard on public transport from this book.
Like all of Lucy's books, you feel her in the pages, from the guinea pig references to Hannah's blog but they still work on their own as part of the story. With Hannah as well it was great to see autism represents and even though I can't speak on the representation in was still felt good.
I just loved the bookish energy. From the bookshop setting to the murder mystery to the watch along, I loved so many elements of the book and the representation of the friend group. All the characters shine and I love them all so much.
It was also a really quick read and that is a credit to Lucy's writing. I can't wait to see what Lucy releases next as I feel like it might be different but I will still be in line.
June 13, 2021
I’ve loved this series since it debuted in 2019, and although I’m very sad to see it come to an end, I think this was the perfect send off for the Paper and Hearts Society. This time, we focus on Ed (who is hands down my fave member of this group of friends/book club), and get to learn a bit more about his family as well as seeing him start his new job at the bookshop Woolf and Wilde, and fall for his new colleague Hannah. I love the characters in this series so incredibly much. Ed is an absolute sweetheart and I love how much he loves his friends and animals, and of course, books. I absolutely hated his dad for the way he treats Ed, but I loved his bond with his mum, and although The friendship between the Paper and Hearts Society wasn’t always smooth sailing throughout this, it’s so lovely that they’re always so supportive of one another in the end. Ed and Hannah’s relationship absolutely melted my heart, and I loved that Hannah is autistic, and how self-assured and comfortable with that she is. It’s so important to me to see disabled and neurodivergent love interests in books, because there really aren’t enough and it contributed so much to being convinced I’m unloveable my entire life, up till very recently. It was interesting to learn more about the behind the scenes of being a bookseller, and I especially liked the excerpts from Hannah’s blog on this theme. The book club meetings and the activities done during them were as fun as ever, and I’m so happy everyone got to live bookishly ever after in the end.
June 14, 2024
I am a diehard Ed fan till the end, so needless to say I really enjoyed this book. After the revelations about Ed's sexuality in Read With Pride, I was glad that Lucy Powrie didn't feel obligated to put Ed in a MLM relationship as a lot of queer media puts bisexual/pansexual/etc. characters in the solely gay relationship category after they come out.
Really, really enjoyed Hannah as a character and the disability representation through her autism. While I'm sad my favourite trilogy has come to an end (would have LOVED a pentolgy with books from Cassie and Henry's perspectives too- feel like there's a lot to explore there even with a time jump to the P&HS at university age), I think this was a very sweet ending to a very special and heart-warming series.
Really, really enjoyed Hannah as a character and the disability representation through her autism. While I'm sad my favourite trilogy has come to an end (would have LOVED a pentolgy with books from Cassie and Henry's perspectives too- feel like there's a lot to explore there even with a time jump to the P&HS at university age), I think this was a very sweet ending to a very special and heart-warming series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2023
i’m gonna be honest, there’s a reason it took me 4 months to read this book. i just really dislike Ed. he’s so dramatic and can be quite insensitive.
the main thing that annoyed me was how he treated his mum when she told him she was seeing someone. as someone who’s parents got divorced when i was very young, i understand that it can be difficult. when my mum starting dating someone, i didn’t warm to him quickly. but not once did i blame my mum for “splitting up our family”. it felt so insensitive and flat out rude, and he acted like a child. change is never easy, but the “drastic change” didn’t constitute his reaction or attitude. if i was his mum i wouldn’t have forgiven him so easily
the main thing that annoyed me was how he treated his mum when she told him she was seeing someone. as someone who’s parents got divorced when i was very young, i understand that it can be difficult. when my mum starting dating someone, i didn’t warm to him quickly. but not once did i blame my mum for “splitting up our family”. it felt so insensitive and flat out rude, and he acted like a child. change is never easy, but the “drastic change” didn’t constitute his reaction or attitude. if i was his mum i wouldn’t have forgiven him so easily
May 18, 2021
This was such a lovely ending to the series and I just know how much I would have clung to this series when I was a teenager. I love Powrie's writing - it feels very Jacqueline Wilson-esque - and the setting of the Paper & Hearts Society and it was so nice to see this series rounding off in the way it did. It did read a little young for me, but I know that as a teen I would have loved this and looked up to these characters so much.
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