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The Bloom Girls
Gilmore Girls meets My Big Fat Greek Wedding in this humorous, multi-generational story about a mother and daughter who discover that life happens when you least expect it.
Gabi Bloom doesn't believe in signs. She believes in photographic evidence, the view through her camera lens, and the snap of the shutter. It's why she traveled to Europe—to satisfy her wanderlust and to kick off her photography career. But in Ireland, all of that changed when Gabi gazed into the impossibly blue eyes of an American bartender. She wasn’t prepared for their intense and immediate attraction, or the fact that she’d be bringing Ethan home with her . . . as her fiancé.
Gabi's upcoming marriage is the cherry on top of her mother's current predicament. Stumbling toward forty, Alissa is a pastry chef who raised her daughter single-handedly while Gabi’s father traveled the globe. Now her baby girl is getting married after a whirlwind romance and Alissa—well, Alissa is pregnant. Again. And not only is her ex the father, he wants her back. For good. Until she can figure out that part of the puzzle, Alissa is hiding her big little secret even as she helps Gabi plan a happily-ever-after wedding. But somewhere between disaster and hope, life might just bloom in a way that is breathtakingly unexpected . . .
Gabi Bloom doesn't believe in signs. She believes in photographic evidence, the view through her camera lens, and the snap of the shutter. It's why she traveled to Europe—to satisfy her wanderlust and to kick off her photography career. But in Ireland, all of that changed when Gabi gazed into the impossibly blue eyes of an American bartender. She wasn’t prepared for their intense and immediate attraction, or the fact that she’d be bringing Ethan home with her . . . as her fiancé.
Gabi's upcoming marriage is the cherry on top of her mother's current predicament. Stumbling toward forty, Alissa is a pastry chef who raised her daughter single-handedly while Gabi’s father traveled the globe. Now her baby girl is getting married after a whirlwind romance and Alissa—well, Alissa is pregnant. Again. And not only is her ex the father, he wants her back. For good. Until she can figure out that part of the puzzle, Alissa is hiding her big little secret even as she helps Gabi plan a happily-ever-after wedding. But somewhere between disaster and hope, life might just bloom in a way that is breathtakingly unexpected . . .
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2021
28 people are currently reading
3715 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
May 30, 2021
This is a fun, multigenerational book about love, families, and friends. Set at first in Galway Ireland, and then back in Chicago, Il. It’s cute, funny and lots of good dialogue between the characters.
Gabi Bloom goes to Europe after graduating college to satisfy her wanderlust and kick off her photography career. On her very first stop in Galway, Ireland, she meets Ethan, an American working in a pub in Galway, and after traveling Europe together for a couple of months, they become engaged.
Alissa, Gabi’s mother, finds out she’s pregnant, at forty, just before her daughter comes home and announces her engagement to Ethan, a man she’s never met. To make matters worse, the father of Alissa’s baby is Matthew, her ex-husband and Gabi’s father. Alissa and Matthew decide to keep the pregnancy from Gabie until they can decide on their own decisions on custody of the baby, and if their love for each other can survive. Add to this three sets of grandparents, Gabie and Ethan’s marriage plans for a whirlwind wedding, and keeping the pregnancy secret to everyone, and disaster is sure to hit these families.
This is a fun quirky book about families, friends, secrets, and relationships. It’s a fast-paced book with lots of good characters and great dialogue. Gabie and Ethan fall in love fast while they travel through Europe, but their families and career goals bring them fast back to the real world as they struggle to hold on to their love in the face of reality. Although there are a lot of characters in this book, I was able to keep them all in check without confusion.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic comedy with lots of family relationships.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Gabi Bloom goes to Europe after graduating college to satisfy her wanderlust and kick off her photography career. On her very first stop in Galway, Ireland, she meets Ethan, an American working in a pub in Galway, and after traveling Europe together for a couple of months, they become engaged.
Alissa, Gabi’s mother, finds out she’s pregnant, at forty, just before her daughter comes home and announces her engagement to Ethan, a man she’s never met. To make matters worse, the father of Alissa’s baby is Matthew, her ex-husband and Gabi’s father. Alissa and Matthew decide to keep the pregnancy from Gabie until they can decide on their own decisions on custody of the baby, and if their love for each other can survive. Add to this three sets of grandparents, Gabie and Ethan’s marriage plans for a whirlwind wedding, and keeping the pregnancy secret to everyone, and disaster is sure to hit these families.
This is a fun quirky book about families, friends, secrets, and relationships. It’s a fast-paced book with lots of good characters and great dialogue. Gabie and Ethan fall in love fast while they travel through Europe, but their families and career goals bring them fast back to the real world as they struggle to hold on to their love in the face of reality. Although there are a lot of characters in this book, I was able to keep them all in check without confusion.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic comedy with lots of family relationships.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 5, 2021
I absolutely adored this. It was the perfect blend of an authentic family dynamic, humour, and romance. Following a mother and daughter, it highlights the reality that age doesn't provide the answers in life, that sometimes the happily-ever-after doesn't come easily.
Alissa is 39, single, and unexpectedly pregnant again with the baby of her ex-husband. When their firstborn, Gabi, announces her engagement to a boy she met while travelling in Ireland, it's a continuous tiptoe around their secret as they attempt to keep the focus on the upcoming Jewish wedding. With a second chance romance and newfound love blooming alongside each other, I loved the parallel conflicts of fighting for happiness.
Filled with sweet gestures, hilarious mishaps, and heartfelt discussions, these characters stole my heart. This was such a feel-good story that showcased an imperfect family filled with love and support. And that ending! I cannot wait for more.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Alissa is 39, single, and unexpectedly pregnant again with the baby of her ex-husband. When their firstborn, Gabi, announces her engagement to a boy she met while travelling in Ireland, it's a continuous tiptoe around their secret as they attempt to keep the focus on the upcoming Jewish wedding. With a second chance romance and newfound love blooming alongside each other, I loved the parallel conflicts of fighting for happiness.
Filled with sweet gestures, hilarious mishaps, and heartfelt discussions, these characters stole my heart. This was such a feel-good story that showcased an imperfect family filled with love and support. And that ending! I cannot wait for more.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
May 24, 2021
Love, love, love, love, love The BLOOM GIRLS and this spectacular preview left me wanting more! That cover, a wedding, a pregnancy, the setting, and characters so real you feel you know them. August 3rd can’t come soon enough!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 03 Aug 2021
#TheBloomGirlsPREVIEWCh14 #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 03 Aug 2021
#TheBloomGirlsPREVIEWCh14 #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
August 29, 2023
I really liked this story and will start by saying it was much better than I was expecting. Honestly, a story about a woman who after raising her daughter primarily on her own for 22 years finds herself pregnant again by her ex-husband seemed a little cliché to me and I was expecting it to be overwrought with emotions, tears and drama. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised that this story centers on family, friendship, forgiveness, second chances and missed opportunities that had a little bit of weepy emotion but weighed much more heavily on humor and heartwarming moments.
This story is told from the two perspectives of Gabi Bloom and her mother, Alissa Adler. I really liked this because it gave me more a sense of each character’s personality and nature and I empathized with them both. Gabi is fresh out of college and goes on a trip to Ireland when she meets fellow American, Ethan Harris. After a whirlwind romance, they return to Chicago engaged to be married, with neither family knowing anything about it.
After a very brief marriage to Gabi’s father, Matthew Bloom, Alissa has been single and on her own for most of her life. She owns a bakery and her world is completely centered on her daughter, the light of her life. Gabi’s father has been a world traveler working in the conservation field and comes and goes. After Gabi’s college graduation, Alissa and Matthew spend a night together and surprise, surprise, she discovers she’s pregnant.
I enjoyed watching how each woman faces their lives and the situations they find themselves in, while figuring out what they are going to do. Is Gabi rushing into marriage before she’s ever had a chance to see the world and figure out what wants? Is Alissa ready to take on the challenges of starting over with another baby at this stage in her life? Will Matthew stick around for good?
The only issue I had with this story was the abrupt cliffhanger ending that came out of the blue. I have never been a fan of this and I didn’t feel it was needed in this story either. I really enjoyed this author and look forward to reading more of her work. The audio format for this story was fantastic too. The narration performed by Barrie Kreinik, Caitlin Davies and Fred Berman was wonderful and gave me more insight into the characters, their thoughts, feelings and personalities.
My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy women’s fiction but also stories that are rich in character and relationship driven. I think, like me, you will find yourself rooting for these characters to find their happily ever after.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Bloom Girls from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told from the two perspectives of Gabi Bloom and her mother, Alissa Adler. I really liked this because it gave me more a sense of each character’s personality and nature and I empathized with them both. Gabi is fresh out of college and goes on a trip to Ireland when she meets fellow American, Ethan Harris. After a whirlwind romance, they return to Chicago engaged to be married, with neither family knowing anything about it.
After a very brief marriage to Gabi’s father, Matthew Bloom, Alissa has been single and on her own for most of her life. She owns a bakery and her world is completely centered on her daughter, the light of her life. Gabi’s father has been a world traveler working in the conservation field and comes and goes. After Gabi’s college graduation, Alissa and Matthew spend a night together and surprise, surprise, she discovers she’s pregnant.
I enjoyed watching how each woman faces their lives and the situations they find themselves in, while figuring out what they are going to do. Is Gabi rushing into marriage before she’s ever had a chance to see the world and figure out what wants? Is Alissa ready to take on the challenges of starting over with another baby at this stage in her life? Will Matthew stick around for good?
The only issue I had with this story was the abrupt cliffhanger ending that came out of the blue. I have never been a fan of this and I didn’t feel it was needed in this story either. I really enjoyed this author and look forward to reading more of her work. The audio format for this story was fantastic too. The narration performed by Barrie Kreinik, Caitlin Davies and Fred Berman was wonderful and gave me more insight into the characters, their thoughts, feelings and personalities.
My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy women’s fiction but also stories that are rich in character and relationship driven. I think, like me, you will find yourself rooting for these characters to find their happily ever after.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Bloom Girls from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2021
As a fan of A.J. Pine, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into The Bloom Girls.
The Bloom Girls follows the story of Gabi and her mother Alissa. Gabi doesn’t believe in signs until the unthinkable happens. While in Ireland, she meets her match, a fellow American, Ethan and falls madly in love. You see, Gabi has always been anti-marriage and anti-relationship, due to how things turned out with her parents, but meeting Ethan changed everything…When Gabi returns home with a fiancé she turns more than her world upside down. At 40, Alissa finds herself in a place she never thought she would be again, pregnant. Not only is her ex the baby’s daddy, but they’re not even together. Only, Alissa’s ex wants her back and will do anything to make things right a second time around…
The Bloom Girls is a fantastic read from beginning to end. I found myself utterly consumed with Gabi and Alissa. Their story was incredibly well written. Wild horses couldn’t stop me from reading this book. I never wanted to put it down. Gabi and Alissa were so real and easy to connect with. I loved the way their stories flowed and intertwined with one another. The Bloom Girls is a beautiful story of love and family. It’s a story of secrets and the best intentions. It’s a story of taking risks and being ok that the outcome is different than you anticipated. It’s ok to not have it all together or know all the answers. But, most of all, it’s a story of hope that spans many generations.
The Bloom Girls exceeded my expectations and I never wanted this story to end. This book is a bit of a departure from the books I normally read, but sometimes, that truly is a good thing. I am so glad I picked up this book. If you’re looking for a sweet romance that will give you all the feels and has an amazing family dynamic, The Bloom Girls is a definite must-read!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
The Bloom Girls follows the story of Gabi and her mother Alissa. Gabi doesn’t believe in signs until the unthinkable happens. While in Ireland, she meets her match, a fellow American, Ethan and falls madly in love. You see, Gabi has always been anti-marriage and anti-relationship, due to how things turned out with her parents, but meeting Ethan changed everything…When Gabi returns home with a fiancé she turns more than her world upside down. At 40, Alissa finds herself in a place she never thought she would be again, pregnant. Not only is her ex the baby’s daddy, but they’re not even together. Only, Alissa’s ex wants her back and will do anything to make things right a second time around…
The Bloom Girls is a fantastic read from beginning to end. I found myself utterly consumed with Gabi and Alissa. Their story was incredibly well written. Wild horses couldn’t stop me from reading this book. I never wanted to put it down. Gabi and Alissa were so real and easy to connect with. I loved the way their stories flowed and intertwined with one another. The Bloom Girls is a beautiful story of love and family. It’s a story of secrets and the best intentions. It’s a story of taking risks and being ok that the outcome is different than you anticipated. It’s ok to not have it all together or know all the answers. But, most of all, it’s a story of hope that spans many generations.
The Bloom Girls exceeded my expectations and I never wanted this story to end. This book is a bit of a departure from the books I normally read, but sometimes, that truly is a good thing. I am so glad I picked up this book. If you’re looking for a sweet romance that will give you all the feels and has an amazing family dynamic, The Bloom Girls is a definite must-read!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
April 21, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Audio for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, I liked this book a lot more than I had expected. Let me start with the fact that this is so far out of my normal reading genres that I've been pushing off listening to it for a while now. I really wish I had listened earlier. This was a fun story that had me laughing out loud more than once. It was a feel-good story if I've ever read one.
This story follows Alissa Bloom and her daughter Gabi. Gabi is 22 and comes home from a summer in Europe with a new fiancé in tow. At the same time, Alissa finds out that she's pregnant with her ex-husband's child. This is a multigenerational story that follows the two of them for a few month period. These characters were so authentic and I could relate to them all on so many levels. Honestly, there wasn't an unlikeable character in the bunch, (except maybe for Alissa's mom, but she seemed well intentioned). The book ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm assuming that there will be a sequel. I hope there will be a sequel.
I give this book a very enthusiastic 4 stars. The audio was fantastic. I'm a sucker for an audiobook that has multiple narrators and this one had three. One followed Gabi, one followed Alissa and one followed Matthew, Alissa's ex husband and Gabi's father. It was well done in all aspects. Eagerly awaiting a sequel.
Okay, I liked this book a lot more than I had expected. Let me start with the fact that this is so far out of my normal reading genres that I've been pushing off listening to it for a while now. I really wish I had listened earlier. This was a fun story that had me laughing out loud more than once. It was a feel-good story if I've ever read one.
This story follows Alissa Bloom and her daughter Gabi. Gabi is 22 and comes home from a summer in Europe with a new fiancé in tow. At the same time, Alissa finds out that she's pregnant with her ex-husband's child. This is a multigenerational story that follows the two of them for a few month period. These characters were so authentic and I could relate to them all on so many levels. Honestly, there wasn't an unlikeable character in the bunch, (except maybe for Alissa's mom, but she seemed well intentioned). The book ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm assuming that there will be a sequel. I hope there will be a sequel.
I give this book a very enthusiastic 4 stars. The audio was fantastic. I'm a sucker for an audiobook that has multiple narrators and this one had three. One followed Gabi, one followed Alissa and one followed Matthew, Alissa's ex husband and Gabi's father. It was well done in all aspects. Eagerly awaiting a sequel.
September 6, 2021
This was a charming Women's Fiction novel, reminding me of some of my favorite stories by Jill Shalvis.
The romance was quite prevalent, and this story does offer a happy for now, so it could be called a romance. I would still put it in Women's Fiction though.
This story about a 22 year old daughter traveling to Europe for 2 months leads to her coming back engaged, and to her parents who have been divorced for 18 years hooking up and getting pregnant.
Though this incorporates one of my least favorite tropes, (secret baby) this book works for me. The conversations were legitimate and realistic for this kind of a situation, and the situation with the daughter was also done well.
Can't wait to see what else Pine brings us in this kind of a writing style.
The romance was quite prevalent, and this story does offer a happy for now, so it could be called a romance. I would still put it in Women's Fiction though.
This story about a 22 year old daughter traveling to Europe for 2 months leads to her coming back engaged, and to her parents who have been divorced for 18 years hooking up and getting pregnant.
Though this incorporates one of my least favorite tropes, (secret baby) this book works for me. The conversations were legitimate and realistic for this kind of a situation, and the situation with the daughter was also done well.
Can't wait to see what else Pine brings us in this kind of a writing style.
July 11, 2021
If I hadn’t already been a long-time fan of Amy Pine’s books, the promise of ‘Gilmore Girls meets My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ would have immediately piqued my interest since those are among my all-time favourite TV shows and movies. That’s a lot of hype to live up to, and while I tried not to go in with my expectations too high, I wanted to love this book...and I did. Oh, I did. I’ve been searching for 20 years for a book that captures that Gilmore Girls feeling; some have come close, but none have succeeded in the way Amy did with The Bloom Girls. Side note: can we get Amy to rewrite the last season of GG...and maybe the reboot too?
This book perfectly blended family dynamics, romance, and real life, and did it with a whole lot of heart and humour. I loved the mother-daughter relationship, the romances, the friendships, and the extended family dynamics. Alissa and Gabi were easy to connect to and relate to because they felt like real people with real thoughts, feelings, and struggles. I loved the generational differences between Alissa and Gabi and how they both realized no matter how old you are it still takes time to figure things out, it’s okay not to have your act together, you’ll make mistakes despite the best of intentions, and it’s never too late for a fresh start. Life can throw you a curveball at any time, but it’s how you deal with it that matters.
Mixing old love and new love, second chances and fresh starts, The Bloom Girls was a delight from beginning to end.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book perfectly blended family dynamics, romance, and real life, and did it with a whole lot of heart and humour. I loved the mother-daughter relationship, the romances, the friendships, and the extended family dynamics. Alissa and Gabi were easy to connect to and relate to because they felt like real people with real thoughts, feelings, and struggles. I loved the generational differences between Alissa and Gabi and how they both realized no matter how old you are it still takes time to figure things out, it’s okay not to have your act together, you’ll make mistakes despite the best of intentions, and it’s never too late for a fresh start. Life can throw you a curveball at any time, but it’s how you deal with it that matters.
Mixing old love and new love, second chances and fresh starts, The Bloom Girls was a delight from beginning to end.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 3, 2021
I love Amy's cowboy romances and knew that this story with threads of Gilmore Girls had to be on my TBR. It didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the banter, the friendship between all of the women, the love between Gaby and Alissa. I liked how I could feel how cozy and connected everyone was through their dialogue and the warmth of Amy's writing. This is a fun and fast women's fiction read that is perfect for summer time porch reading.
September 3, 2021
Lots of humor and characters I cared about.
August 4, 2021
Amy Pine (AJ Pine) kicks off her Women’s Fiction career with The Bloom Girls, a multi-generational story of love, loss, family, friendship filled with complicated, flawed, and quirky characters that are all still figuring out how to live their best life no matter their age. They made mistakes, their relationships were complex and often complicated, but there was always love.
The story focuses on Gabi Bloom, who is traveling through Europe following her college graduation and her mother, Alissa, who at 39 has just discovered she once again is unexpectedly pregnant with her ex-husband’s baby. Gabi meets Ethan on her first night in Galway, Ireland. He’s an American from her hometown of Chicago working at a pub for the summer and spends his time off meeting Gabi as she travels throughout Europe photographing life and working on her photography portfolio. Meanwhile Alissa is trying to figure out her complicated relationship with Matthew, her ex and Gabi’s father, and how they are going to explain another unplanned pregnancy to their daughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as I feel that it painted a very good picture of how complicated family relationships can be at any age. I personally would have liked to see a bit more communication between Gabi and Alissa, but being that Gabi’s parents were keeping the pregnancy from her since she came home and announced she was marrying Ethan in late December and they didn’t want to upset her, they didn’t spend a whole lot of one on one time together throughout this book.
As Gabi’s relationship with her parents grows and changes, she also begins to question her career choices and while she knows Ethan is the one she wants her in life, she also knows that her dreams are important. Meanwhile Alissa begins to realize that while she had always encouraged Matthew to follow his dreams, she never once asked him to choose her and Gabi.
A feel good story filled with love, laughter, tears, mistakes, and forgiveness, I thoroughly enjoyed The Bloom Girls.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
The story focuses on Gabi Bloom, who is traveling through Europe following her college graduation and her mother, Alissa, who at 39 has just discovered she once again is unexpectedly pregnant with her ex-husband’s baby. Gabi meets Ethan on her first night in Galway, Ireland. He’s an American from her hometown of Chicago working at a pub for the summer and spends his time off meeting Gabi as she travels throughout Europe photographing life and working on her photography portfolio. Meanwhile Alissa is trying to figure out her complicated relationship with Matthew, her ex and Gabi’s father, and how they are going to explain another unplanned pregnancy to their daughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as I feel that it painted a very good picture of how complicated family relationships can be at any age. I personally would have liked to see a bit more communication between Gabi and Alissa, but being that Gabi’s parents were keeping the pregnancy from her since she came home and announced she was marrying Ethan in late December and they didn’t want to upset her, they didn’t spend a whole lot of one on one time together throughout this book.
As Gabi’s relationship with her parents grows and changes, she also begins to question her career choices and while she knows Ethan is the one she wants her in life, she also knows that her dreams are important. Meanwhile Alissa begins to realize that while she had always encouraged Matthew to follow his dreams, she never once asked him to choose her and Gabi.
A feel good story filled with love, laughter, tears, mistakes, and forgiveness, I thoroughly enjoyed The Bloom Girls.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
August 29, 2021
Two couples have a chance at their happily ever after. Mother and daughter Alissa and Gabi are each having concerns about the decisions they have made in life and could end up losing what is most important to them out of fear to commit.
Romance, love, family and humor make this a well rounded book. What started out seeming predictable turned out to be quite the opposite and kept me engaged in this story until the very end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for a complimentary copy of the book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Romance, love, family and humor make this a well rounded book. What started out seeming predictable turned out to be quite the opposite and kept me engaged in this story until the very end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for a complimentary copy of the book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2021
I went into The Bloom Girls with trepidation because I am not a big fan of family dramas, and I was pleasantly surprised. The humorous writing style drew me in from the first chapter. I appreciated Jewish representation, and I loved both love stories. I enjoyed The Bloom Girls more than I thought I would because of the prominent romantic subplot. But I wish the mother-daughter relationship between Alissa and Gabi was explored a bit more. The Bloom Girls is an easy-breezy summer read that I highly recommend.
*Free copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*Free copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this Gilmore Girls inspired story! There was a lot of witty banter, similar to the show, and multiple relationship storylines to follow in this one. I loved the portrayal of the dynamic of a family with divorced parents and the close mother/daughter relationship and Miriam and Gabi’s friendship! The whole extended family in this one was fun to follow along with! It also made me really want to pull the trigger on a Gilmore Girls rewatch I’ve been talking about doing forever! Overall, I’d recommend this one for a light and fun read!
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the finished copy!
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the finished copy!
August 4, 2021
An entertaining multigenerational debut story about a Jewish family with tons of Gilmore Girls vibes. Alyssa is 40 and ready to be an empty nester as her daughter Gabi has just finished college and is about to move out on her own. When Gabi comes home from her Europe vacation engaged and Alyssa discovers she's pregnant with her ex-husband's baby things really start to get complicated. This second chance at love story is full of heart and humor - a light hearted, feel-good family drama perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls. I really enjoyed this on audio with three different narrators voicing Alyssa's, Gabi's and Matthew's perspectives. Much thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for my advance review copy.
May 30, 2021
The Bloom Girls by Amy Pine is an excellent contemporary fictional novel that I truly enjoyed.
This is a great book about love, life, relationships, and the family dynamics that can become complex, complicated, but also beautiful at the same time.
I loved meeting this entire quirky, complicated, flawed yet lovable, and most certainly entertaining family. I loved seeing the interplay, relationship transitions, growths, changes between the couples as well as the complicated generational situations that arose. The author has a real talent of describing and depicting real, raw, and honest characters and relationships. Also, her ability to balance the serious components with love, humor, and banter was perfect.
I really enjoyed the pacing, plot, and effortless dialogue.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
This is a great book about love, life, relationships, and the family dynamics that can become complex, complicated, but also beautiful at the same time.
I loved meeting this entire quirky, complicated, flawed yet lovable, and most certainly entertaining family. I loved seeing the interplay, relationship transitions, growths, changes between the couples as well as the complicated generational situations that arose. The author has a real talent of describing and depicting real, raw, and honest characters and relationships. Also, her ability to balance the serious components with love, humor, and banter was perfect.
I really enjoyed the pacing, plot, and effortless dialogue.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
November 25, 2021
Heartwarming, moving, and sweet!
The Bloom Girls is an intimate, sentimental tale that sweeps you into the lives of the Bloom family, Gabi, Alissa, and Matthew, as they confront the past, accept the things they cannot change, take chances, repair relationships, and embrace the future.
The prose is genuine and smooth. The characters are hesitant, supportive, and compassionate. And the plot is a tender tale about life, love, forgiveness, responsibilities, familial drama, parenthood, friendship, hope, second chances, and new beginnings.
Overall, I found The Bloom Girls to be a nostalgic, uplifting, charming tale by Pine, complete with strong female characters, a heartfelt storyline, and an insightful look into the complex ties that bind us as family.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Bloom Girls is an intimate, sentimental tale that sweeps you into the lives of the Bloom family, Gabi, Alissa, and Matthew, as they confront the past, accept the things they cannot change, take chances, repair relationships, and embrace the future.
The prose is genuine and smooth. The characters are hesitant, supportive, and compassionate. And the plot is a tender tale about life, love, forgiveness, responsibilities, familial drama, parenthood, friendship, hope, second chances, and new beginnings.
Overall, I found The Bloom Girls to be a nostalgic, uplifting, charming tale by Pine, complete with strong female characters, a heartfelt storyline, and an insightful look into the complex ties that bind us as family.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2021
Gilmore girls meats My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I was immediately interested upon hearing that. Gabi doesn't believe in signs but a cute American bartender overseas changes that. She ends up bringing him home as her fiance.
Alissa is helping Gabi, her only child, get ready for her wedding. Alissa is hiding a big secret though. She's pregnant at age 39 and her ex is the father. She's trying to figure out what this means for her and how to tell Gabi.
This book was a delight! Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: Aug 3
Alissa is helping Gabi, her only child, get ready for her wedding. Alissa is hiding a big secret though. She's pregnant at age 39 and her ex is the father. She's trying to figure out what this means for her and how to tell Gabi.
This book was a delight! Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: Aug 3
August 27, 2021
I've not read this author before and with that being said you are not quite sure what to expect, though you may read many positive reviews we need to determine this for ourselves.
And now with all this being said, I really loved this book. It was romantic,funny,quirky,had a lovely sense of humor. It's the type of book that's hard to put down.
It has a lot of unexpected things in it, a wedding,a reconciliation,a baby and a stronger mother-daughter relationship.
I recommend this feel good happy book to you!
Pub Date 03 Aug 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
And now with all this being said, I really loved this book. It was romantic,funny,quirky,had a lovely sense of humor. It's the type of book that's hard to put down.
It has a lot of unexpected things in it, a wedding,a reconciliation,a baby and a stronger mother-daughter relationship.
I recommend this feel good happy book to you!
Pub Date 03 Aug 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
August 10, 2021
The Bloom Girls by Amy Pine is a beautiful multigenerational women's fiction. The author highlights an admirable mother-daughter bond as each character blooms throughout the book.
Gabi Bloom is a young woman who just graduated college. Before settling down in a profession she decides to go to Ireland and do what she loves most, take photographs. She is somewhat of a cynic when it comes to love because her parent's relationship isn't the best. So, it is a complete surprise when she gets lost in the eyes of an American bartender, Ethan, on her first day in Ireland.
Alissa Bloom is working as a pastry chef in Chicago and approaching the big 4-0. She is thinking a lot about her past relationship with Gabi's dad, Matthew. She doesn't want to be single forever but she also knows that she doesn't need a man to survive. During her moments of reflection, she receives some surprising news. She is pregnant.
When Gabi is on her way back to Chicago, she arrives with a plus one. She is nervous and excited to introduce Ethan to her family. But she isn't the only one who is keeping secrets. Alissa is shocked when Gabi announces that she is engaged but it also puts pressure on her to reveal her own secret of being pregnant.
I really enjoyed the family and friend dynamic of the entire book. Gabi and Alissa did remind me of 'The Gilmore Girls' Rory and Lorelai. They share just about everything and are so open with each other. And as they each had doubts and worries it made it interesting to see them both hold back with each other. At the same time, it made a lot of sense. These two have been a team always looking out for each other. So, when they each have their own men who are loving them, they need a chance to adjust. Amy Pine's writing is so real through all their ups and downs and created a fun supporting cast.
I give The Bloom Girls 4 stars. It is a wonderful women's fiction and focuses on love, change, and the importance of family. I smiled so many times reading these and crossed my fingers hoping that each Bloom Girl got the ending they deserved.
Gabi Bloom is a young woman who just graduated college. Before settling down in a profession she decides to go to Ireland and do what she loves most, take photographs. She is somewhat of a cynic when it comes to love because her parent's relationship isn't the best. So, it is a complete surprise when she gets lost in the eyes of an American bartender, Ethan, on her first day in Ireland.
Alissa Bloom is working as a pastry chef in Chicago and approaching the big 4-0. She is thinking a lot about her past relationship with Gabi's dad, Matthew. She doesn't want to be single forever but she also knows that she doesn't need a man to survive. During her moments of reflection, she receives some surprising news. She is pregnant.
When Gabi is on her way back to Chicago, she arrives with a plus one. She is nervous and excited to introduce Ethan to her family. But she isn't the only one who is keeping secrets. Alissa is shocked when Gabi announces that she is engaged but it also puts pressure on her to reveal her own secret of being pregnant.
I really enjoyed the family and friend dynamic of the entire book. Gabi and Alissa did remind me of 'The Gilmore Girls' Rory and Lorelai. They share just about everything and are so open with each other. And as they each had doubts and worries it made it interesting to see them both hold back with each other. At the same time, it made a lot of sense. These two have been a team always looking out for each other. So, when they each have their own men who are loving them, they need a chance to adjust. Amy Pine's writing is so real through all their ups and downs and created a fun supporting cast.
I give The Bloom Girls 4 stars. It is a wonderful women's fiction and focuses on love, change, and the importance of family. I smiled so many times reading these and crossed my fingers hoping that each Bloom Girl got the ending they deserved.
August 1, 2021
A laugh out loud rom com to entertain and delight for hours to come! This book needs to absolutely be on your must listen list as the narrator does a great job of bringing the fantastic and funny characters to life! The plot is so good because there is enough reality to enhance the hilarity. This book is proof positive that we never quite have our romantic lives and the other sex completely figured out regardless of our age! I'm moving this up on my list as one of the years best "beach reads/listens" for the year!
July 1, 2023
4.5 stars, one part (key) is a little of a slow burn.
June 1, 2021
I know it sounds really bad but I cringed so hard reading this, and I was so relieved it was over, unbelievably comforted that there were no more pages left in the 70 page sampler I’d received from NetGalley.
I will not be purchasing the book and I will definitely not attempt to read it again.
It was a fast paced read in the sense that a dialogue like this could definitely be put in this book
Also, did we really have to add that stupid detail about the parents allowing the daughter to feel like she’d been a mistake?
Another very aggressive also, why did we have to throw a pregnancy in there? And comparison between siblings who have gone to med school and others who bake for a living?
I feel so negative from the first 10 pages alone.
I’m sorry but I disliked this so much I can never ever try and read anything related to it ever again.
I will not be purchasing the book and I will definitely not attempt to read it again.
It was a fast paced read in the sense that a dialogue like this could definitely be put in this book
Also, did we really have to add that stupid detail about the parents allowing the daughter to feel like she’d been a mistake?
Another very aggressive also, why did we have to throw a pregnancy in there? And comparison between siblings who have gone to med school and others who bake for a living?
I feel so negative from the first 10 pages alone.
I’m sorry but I disliked this so much I can never ever try and read anything related to it ever again.
June 9, 2022
This was an adorable and hilarious read about the ups and downs of love, friendship, and family with a multigenerational Jewish family. I thought that storyline was well-written and paced. The characters were very well-developed and likable. Oh, and that cliffhanger at the end was brilliant. I’m usually not a huge cliffhanger kind of girl because it makes me anxious and sometimes mad because I want to know what happened right away but this one was done so well that I didn’t feel any of those things. I’m just feeling calm, thinking about possible scenarios and when I’m going to read the next book to find out.
August 1, 2021
A laugh out loud rom com to entertain and delight for hours to come! This book needs to absolutely be on your must listen list as the narrator does a great job of bringing the fantastic and funny characters to life! The plot is so good because there is enough reality to enhance the hilarity. This book is proof positive that we never quite have our romantic lives and the other sex completely figured out regardless of our age! I'm moving this up on my list as one of the years best "beach reads/listens" for the year!
August 1, 2021
The Bloom Girls is a sweet multi generational novel about love, loss, and what matters most in life. Alissa Adler was a teen mom to daughter Gabi. While she was madly in love with the father Matthew, she recognized he had a wanderlust that he had to get out of his system. So she stayed and raised Gabi while Matthew traveled the world, stopping back in town here and there for the girls. After Gabi's high school graduation, Alissa and Matthew have one night of reminiscing that leads to another unexpected pregnancy. While Gabi is on her after graduation trip to Europe, she meets Ethan, and brings him home as her fiancee. Both of these huge life changing issues come to a head at once and everyone involvedhas to face just how deep their love for the other is.
Saying this novel is a story of true human emotions and relationships is an understatement. Even as a young woman Alissa's love for Matthew was such that she didn't want him to resent her for keeping him home. She loved him enough to let him go. Considering both parents tried hard to give Gabi the love and attention she deserved, she was never aware that her family was that different. She felt loved and wanted by her father even though he wasn't always there. She however has a bit of wanderlust herself, while Ethan is now ready to stay at home and build a business. Add in her mom's sister Becca and grandma Evelyn and you have generations of women learning how to love each other and themselves. This is a beautiful story of relationships and family and a definite 5/5 star read.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Pine, and Forever Grand Central Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Saying this novel is a story of true human emotions and relationships is an understatement. Even as a young woman Alissa's love for Matthew was such that she didn't want him to resent her for keeping him home. She loved him enough to let him go. Considering both parents tried hard to give Gabi the love and attention she deserved, she was never aware that her family was that different. She felt loved and wanted by her father even though he wasn't always there. She however has a bit of wanderlust herself, while Ethan is now ready to stay at home and build a business. Add in her mom's sister Becca and grandma Evelyn and you have generations of women learning how to love each other and themselves. This is a beautiful story of relationships and family and a definite 5/5 star read.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Pine, and Forever Grand Central Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 2, 2021
Need a light and sweet romcom?? Look no further!
The Bloom Girls is about mother daughter duo, Alissa and Gabi.
Gabi Bloom hightails it to Europe after graduation to see the world before she settles down. Ever since her parents' divorce, watching their on again off again heartbreak loop has taught her not to waste her time w/love. She didn’t expect to bump into a cute (Jewish!) boy who was now forcing her to reconsider.
Alissa was SO excited for her daughter's return after her 2 month trip. The entire family was coming to welcome Gabi back, including her ex-husband Matt, her one great love, the one she couldn't help reminiscing with the night of Gabi's graduation, where one thing lead to another...The night before Gabi's arrival, Alissa wakes in the middle of the night when a wave of nausea hits her. There's no way she could be pregnant at 39 yrs old, with her ex-husband no less, right???
It's a lot right?! The author def set the stage for a fun read🥰. I so appreciated the author's sentiment, that while it's important to have novels about the holocaust or antisemitism, she wanted to write a novel with Jewish characters, not necessarily a Jewish book. It was nice to see Jewish leads living their regular lives in a romcom for a change!
I could have easily fallen for Gabi and Ethan's love story had they been the solo focus. Or I could have easily fallen for Alissa and Matt's Highschool sweetheart story, the falling in and out and back in love story. While I did enjoy both couples and all the storylines going on, I couldn't get to that next level, the "I'm obsessed with these characters and their epic love story" level. I couldn't get deeply attached because I was missing the build up, the backstories, the actual falling in love parts. While the author gave hints of those inner love story moments, they were really more of a tease and I wish she had delved into them a little bit more.
Still, this was one of those u can't go wrong, fun and easy kinda reads that anyone and everyone can enjoy
The Bloom Girls is about mother daughter duo, Alissa and Gabi.
Gabi Bloom hightails it to Europe after graduation to see the world before she settles down. Ever since her parents' divorce, watching their on again off again heartbreak loop has taught her not to waste her time w/love. She didn’t expect to bump into a cute (Jewish!) boy who was now forcing her to reconsider.
Alissa was SO excited for her daughter's return after her 2 month trip. The entire family was coming to welcome Gabi back, including her ex-husband Matt, her one great love, the one she couldn't help reminiscing with the night of Gabi's graduation, where one thing lead to another...The night before Gabi's arrival, Alissa wakes in the middle of the night when a wave of nausea hits her. There's no way she could be pregnant at 39 yrs old, with her ex-husband no less, right???
It's a lot right?! The author def set the stage for a fun read🥰. I so appreciated the author's sentiment, that while it's important to have novels about the holocaust or antisemitism, she wanted to write a novel with Jewish characters, not necessarily a Jewish book. It was nice to see Jewish leads living their regular lives in a romcom for a change!
I could have easily fallen for Gabi and Ethan's love story had they been the solo focus. Or I could have easily fallen for Alissa and Matt's Highschool sweetheart story, the falling in and out and back in love story. While I did enjoy both couples and all the storylines going on, I couldn't get to that next level, the "I'm obsessed with these characters and their epic love story" level. I couldn't get deeply attached because I was missing the build up, the backstories, the actual falling in love parts. While the author gave hints of those inner love story moments, they were really more of a tease and I wish she had delved into them a little bit more.
Still, this was one of those u can't go wrong, fun and easy kinda reads that anyone and everyone can enjoy
August 3, 2021
This Gilmore Girls-esque novel is the story of mother-daughter duo Alissa and Gabi. College graduate Gabi is fulfilling her wanderlust in Europe when she unexpectedly falls in love. Alissa is nearing forty and still trying to figure out her life when she finds herself pregnant again, with Gabi’s dad… Dubbed “Gilmore Girls meets My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” this book was such an unexpected delight.
I absolutely loved all the different relationships in this book. Alissa and Gabi are keeping their fair share of secrets from each other but they still have a great dynamic. Plus, their men are fantastic, the friends are top notch, and the grandparents are just hilarious. All of the characters really bring something to the story.
Although our leading mother and daughter are very different points in their lives, it’s interesting to look at the parallels between them. We have a second chance romance and a whirlwind, love at first sight romance and I can’t decide which one I liked more.
Aside from all the drama and romance, this book has so many fun mishaps. Why do falls and clumsiness always make a book better? I guess I can relate or something.
I obviously can’t end this review without talking about the Jewish aspect of it. It’s subtle but that’s just how I like it. In the acknowledgements Pine mentions, “books for Jewish women that weren’t necessarily about being Jewish but simply living their lives with the same conflicts, humor, and love that we all experience.” If that didn’t make me excited to read a book, I don’t know what would.
So, if you’re looking for a sweet multigenerational romance with a tiny bit of steam, hilarious characters, a pregnancy, and some Judaism, look no further! P.S. it may or may not have a set up for a sequel at the end.
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved all the different relationships in this book. Alissa and Gabi are keeping their fair share of secrets from each other but they still have a great dynamic. Plus, their men are fantastic, the friends are top notch, and the grandparents are just hilarious. All of the characters really bring something to the story.
Although our leading mother and daughter are very different points in their lives, it’s interesting to look at the parallels between them. We have a second chance romance and a whirlwind, love at first sight romance and I can’t decide which one I liked more.
Aside from all the drama and romance, this book has so many fun mishaps. Why do falls and clumsiness always make a book better? I guess I can relate or something.
I obviously can’t end this review without talking about the Jewish aspect of it. It’s subtle but that’s just how I like it. In the acknowledgements Pine mentions, “books for Jewish women that weren’t necessarily about being Jewish but simply living their lives with the same conflicts, humor, and love that we all experience.” If that didn’t make me excited to read a book, I don’t know what would.
So, if you’re looking for a sweet multigenerational romance with a tiny bit of steam, hilarious characters, a pregnancy, and some Judaism, look no further! P.S. it may or may not have a set up for a sequel at the end.
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
3.5⭐️s rounded down to 3.
Thank you to Read Forever Pub for the gifted copy of The Bloom Girls!
A Gilmore Girls inspired story paired with the likeness of My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a must read for me 🤩
👍🏻 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝:
-dual love story and character growth of mother and daughter during huge milestones in each of their lives
-humor thrown in gave it a great balance to keep it from being too emotionally heavy
-showcasing topics like parental divorce & the struggles that come with it
-strong friendship between Gabi & Miriam
👎🏻 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡:
-I wanted more of Gabi & Ethans story of their time in Europe falling in love
-some parts seemed extra cheesy and were too corny for my liking
-the ending 😐
While I enjoyed 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔 & would recommend reading it, it fell a bit flat for me as there was something missing I can’t quite put my finger on. It left me not completely invested in the characters & was repetitive at times. It’s geared more towards women’s fiction than romcom {which is fine} but I’d keep that in mind when picking this one up!
Thank you to Read Forever Pub for the gifted copy of The Bloom Girls!
A Gilmore Girls inspired story paired with the likeness of My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a must read for me 🤩
👍🏻 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝:
-dual love story and character growth of mother and daughter during huge milestones in each of their lives
-humor thrown in gave it a great balance to keep it from being too emotionally heavy
-showcasing topics like parental divorce & the struggles that come with it
-strong friendship between Gabi & Miriam
👎🏻 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡:
-I wanted more of Gabi & Ethans story of their time in Europe falling in love
-some parts seemed extra cheesy and were too corny for my liking
-the ending 😐
While I enjoyed 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔 & would recommend reading it, it fell a bit flat for me as there was something missing I can’t quite put my finger on. It left me not completely invested in the characters & was repetitive at times. It’s geared more towards women’s fiction than romcom {which is fine} but I’d keep that in mind when picking this one up!
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