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Pitched as To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets You’ve Got Mail...
Shoshanna Greenberg loves working at Once Upon, her favorite local bookstore. And with her moms fighting at home and her beloved car teetering on the brink of death, the store has become a welcome escape.
When her boss announces a holiday bonus to the person who sells the most books, Shoshanna sees an opportunity to at least fix her car, if none of her other problems. The only person standing in her way? New hire Jake Kaplan.
Jake is an affront to everything Shoshanna stands for. He doesn’t even read! But somehow his sales start to rival hers. Jake may be cute (really cute), and he may be an eligible Jewish single (hard to find South of Atlanta), but he’s also the enemy, and Shoshanna is ready to take him down.
But as the competition intensifies, Jake and Shoshanna grow closer and realize they might be more on the same page than either expects…
Shoshanna Greenberg loves working at Once Upon, her favorite local bookstore. And with her moms fighting at home and her beloved car teetering on the brink of death, the store has become a welcome escape.
When her boss announces a holiday bonus to the person who sells the most books, Shoshanna sees an opportunity to at least fix her car, if none of her other problems. The only person standing in her way? New hire Jake Kaplan.
Jake is an affront to everything Shoshanna stands for. He doesn’t even read! But somehow his sales start to rival hers. Jake may be cute (really cute), and he may be an eligible Jewish single (hard to find South of Atlanta), but he’s also the enemy, and Shoshanna is ready to take him down.
But as the competition intensifies, Jake and Shoshanna grow closer and realize they might be more on the same page than either expects…
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First published September 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 974 reviews
September 27, 2020
Overall this was a cute read. I didn't love it and I didn't really connect with it, mostly because of my age. I'm 32 and the main character was 16. I do read alot of YA Contemporary and some of the characters I read I connect with but I did feel like Shoshanna was a little to juvenile for me. So please take my review with a grain of salt. It was overall cute, had amazing family and friendships as well!
October 1, 2020
3.5 stars.
I have super mixed feelings about this book. For one, Shoshanna is not that much of a likable characters. She's judgmental and meddles in everyone's business because she thinks she knows what's best. In the beginning, I was pretty annoyed with Shoshanna and how juvenile she acted. She was extremely judgmental when it came to Jake and how he wasn't a reader but was the new hire in the bookstore. However, as the book went on, I had to remember Shoshanna was just a teen and she was going through some pretty tough things at home with her moms constantly fighting, and she actually became endearing to me by the end.
This book takes place the week before Christmas and it gave me all of the holiday feels. I love books that revolve around books, and this setting was perfect for Shoshanna and Jake's romance. They definitely started off on the wrong foot and it was cute watching them being forced to work with each other while competing to see the most books to win a Christmas bonus. I do think the writing became a bit too much at times and was trying to hard, especially when it came to Shoshanna's voice. I did appreciate the inclusivity of diverse characters, from Shoshanna's moms to her boss who was in a wheelchair. This really was a great cast of characters and a cute holiday romance!
I have super mixed feelings about this book. For one, Shoshanna is not that much of a likable characters. She's judgmental and meddles in everyone's business because she thinks she knows what's best. In the beginning, I was pretty annoyed with Shoshanna and how juvenile she acted. She was extremely judgmental when it came to Jake and how he wasn't a reader but was the new hire in the bookstore. However, as the book went on, I had to remember Shoshanna was just a teen and she was going through some pretty tough things at home with her moms constantly fighting, and she actually became endearing to me by the end.
This book takes place the week before Christmas and it gave me all of the holiday feels. I love books that revolve around books, and this setting was perfect for Shoshanna and Jake's romance. They definitely started off on the wrong foot and it was cute watching them being forced to work with each other while competing to see the most books to win a Christmas bonus. I do think the writing became a bit too much at times and was trying to hard, especially when it came to Shoshanna's voice. I did appreciate the inclusivity of diverse characters, from Shoshanna's moms to her boss who was in a wheelchair. This really was a great cast of characters and a cute holiday romance!
October 31, 2020
I'm abandoning this at about halfway. Most of that is that I don't like or appreciate Shoshanna. She's pretty immature for someone who has been working at this bookstore for years and I hate more than a little her need to "fix" everything. Her parents are fighting and she's all "if I can do the shopping and fix my car they'll stop fighting" so that's pretty much her entire motivation. And she's judgmental about Jake, and about the books others read even when she's so careful to say to herself that she isn't.
I lost my last ounce of care when she started breaking promises. First, she steals a sale from Jake after assuring him she was just helping. Then she posts a video her friend was worried about that wasn't supposed to see the light of day. So she's careless and self-involved and she reads at least three years below whatever age she is.
It doesn't help that Jake is a giant jerk to her. I want to like the guys my protagonist is interested in, but he's a flaming snot and I mostly want to flush him down the nearest toilet.
And I'm searching for an excuse to give it two stars because the writing is evocative and there are some interesting background details and her friends are an eclectic mix of personalities that actually work as friends and support for each other. Well, except for Shoshanna and her self-righteous betrayal of trust. So yeah, one star it is.
I lost my last ounce of care when she started breaking promises. First, she steals a sale from Jake after assuring him she was just helping. Then she posts a video her friend was worried about that wasn't supposed to see the light of day. So she's careless and self-involved and she reads at least three years below whatever age she is.
It doesn't help that Jake is a giant jerk to her. I want to like the guys my protagonist is interested in, but he's a flaming snot and I mostly want to flush him down the nearest toilet.
And I'm searching for an excuse to give it two stars because the writing is evocative and there are some interesting background details and her friends are an eclectic mix of personalities that actually work as friends and support for each other. Well, except for Shoshanna and her self-righteous betrayal of trust. So yeah, one star it is.
September 9, 2020
*3.5 stars*
I just wanna hug Shoshanna and Jake and smother them in love. FRTC
I just wanna hug Shoshanna and Jake and smother them in love. FRTC
October 6, 2020
October 04, 2020: I loved reading this so much!
↦ an adorable and cute dislike-to-love romance that makes me cry at being single af.
↦ the setting of a bookstore is perfect for those who love to read stories unfold in the midst of bookshelves, and the not-so-perks of working as a bookseller as well as struggles that arise due to the growing online retailers.
↦ aligns to the themes of faith, culture, family, friendship, and diversity.
↦ a humorous narration that conveys the above aspects in the best way possible.
↦ references to books, books, books.
June 13, 2020: The few times I do get approved for something on Edelweiss, it's for THIS and I couldn't have been happier. This book is going to be a ball of happiness so I'm going to be even more happier. Happy, happy, happy! Thank you, Simon & Schuster for a digital copy!
May 20, 2020: Teens competing to win a best bookseller bonus end up having romantic feelings for each other? Okay.
↦ an adorable and cute dislike-to-love romance that makes me cry at being single af.
↦ the setting of a bookstore is perfect for those who love to read stories unfold in the midst of bookshelves, and the not-so-perks of working as a bookseller as well as struggles that arise due to the growing online retailers.
↦ aligns to the themes of faith, culture, family, friendship, and diversity.
↦ a humorous narration that conveys the above aspects in the best way possible.
↦ references to books, books, books.
representation: Jewish main character, f/f relationship as parents, queer side characters.
trigger warnings: excessive parental arguments, anxious aura among family, frequently absent parent.
June 13, 2020: The few times I do get approved for something on Edelweiss, it's for THIS and I couldn't have been happier. This book is going to be a ball of happiness so I'm going to be even more happier. Happy, happy, happy! Thank you, Simon & Schuster for a digital copy!
May 20, 2020: Teens competing to win a best bookseller bonus end up having romantic feelings for each other? Okay.
Want to read
November 12, 2019A book about a teen bookseller?? SOLD!
January 17, 2022
This was pretty cute! I love the MC’s enemies to friends to lovers relationship! And I loved the bookstore and the whole safe haven she had there. But I had a few problems. One was that it was kinda insta love for the MC. so it was kinda typical “Dang why is he so hot, ew I shouldn’t be thinking this I hate him.” But somehow it ended up being cute. I also didn’t like her friends outside the bookstore. And her Mom is super annoying💀
September 5, 2020
I’m fairly certain if you meshed together You’ve Got Mail & To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, you’d get this book.
“Shoshanna Greenberg loves working at Once Upon, her favorite local bookstore. And with her moms fighting at home and her beloved car teetering on the brink of death, the store has become a welcome escape.
When her boss announces a holiday bonus to the person who sells the most books, Shoshanna sees an opportunity to at least fix her car, if none of her other problems. The only person standing in her way? New hire Jake Kaplan.”
I’m just now realizing I read this in a single day. I didn’t even start this in the morning! I started it at 3:00 PM, totally expecting not to finish it. And yet, here I am: it’s 11:46 PM and I’m writing a review. Technically, I finished at 11:00, but - the point is - I’m a speed-reading demon, and no one may dare challenge me.
(Just kidding. Don’t come for my neck.)
This was so cute. I feel like I say that for every contemporary I read, but it’s true: just down-right adorable. The writing was so easy to digest; it swept me along into the narrative from the very first page, coaxing me into this cozy world with its fast pacing, and quick witticisms.
Being an indie bookseller myself, I loved that particular aspect of the story: seeing Shoshanna deal with rude customers (cut to me having traumatic flashbacks), the friendships (or competition) between co-workers, the struggle of simply being a bookstore in a market saturated by online retailers, etc.,
While I did love the fast pacing, I did feel like certain things could have been fleshed out more: the dislike-to-love between Jake and Shoshanna, and more things that I won’t get into, because of spoilers. But that may be because I’m such a greedy reader...Lol. I wanted MORE between Jake and Shoshanna!
Also: Shoshanna. This girl is hilarious. I might’ve finally found a character just as openly neurotic, dorky, and wonderfully weird as I am (I mean, the level that her galaxy-brain achieves is close to the regality that is Anna Oliphant: Queen of Dorks). She had the best lines in the book - no question. She was so sensitive, sweet, and pure. And her internal dialogue was wildly entertaining. I loved her.
Overall, this was so cute, and I loved the Jewish Rep! Definitely a great cozy, Christmas-time read. If you're a fan of lower YA, this is an adorable book.
Recommended For You comes out September 1st! You can pre-order your copy now.
A big thank you to Netgalley and Simon Teen for gifting me with this ARC!
To check out my Recommended For You post on Bookstagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEw8z5QgaIV/
“Shoshanna Greenberg loves working at Once Upon, her favorite local bookstore. And with her moms fighting at home and her beloved car teetering on the brink of death, the store has become a welcome escape.
When her boss announces a holiday bonus to the person who sells the most books, Shoshanna sees an opportunity to at least fix her car, if none of her other problems. The only person standing in her way? New hire Jake Kaplan.”
I’m just now realizing I read this in a single day. I didn’t even start this in the morning! I started it at 3:00 PM, totally expecting not to finish it. And yet, here I am: it’s 11:46 PM and I’m writing a review. Technically, I finished at 11:00, but - the point is - I’m a speed-reading demon, and no one may dare challenge me.
(Just kidding. Don’t come for my neck.)
This was so cute. I feel like I say that for every contemporary I read, but it’s true: just down-right adorable. The writing was so easy to digest; it swept me along into the narrative from the very first page, coaxing me into this cozy world with its fast pacing, and quick witticisms.
Being an indie bookseller myself, I loved that particular aspect of the story: seeing Shoshanna deal with rude customers (cut to me having traumatic flashbacks), the friendships (or competition) between co-workers, the struggle of simply being a bookstore in a market saturated by online retailers, etc.,
While I did love the fast pacing, I did feel like certain things could have been fleshed out more: the dislike-to-love between Jake and Shoshanna, and more things that I won’t get into, because of spoilers. But that may be because I’m such a greedy reader...Lol. I wanted MORE between Jake and Shoshanna!
Also: Shoshanna. This girl is hilarious. I might’ve finally found a character just as openly neurotic, dorky, and wonderfully weird as I am (I mean, the level that her galaxy-brain achieves is close to the regality that is Anna Oliphant: Queen of Dorks). She had the best lines in the book - no question. She was so sensitive, sweet, and pure. And her internal dialogue was wildly entertaining. I loved her.
Overall, this was so cute, and I loved the Jewish Rep! Definitely a great cozy, Christmas-time read. If you're a fan of lower YA, this is an adorable book.
Recommended For You comes out September 1st! You can pre-order your copy now.
A big thank you to Netgalley and Simon Teen for gifting me with this ARC!
To check out my Recommended For You post on Bookstagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEw8z5QgaIV/
May 22, 2020
It's a cute book - at face value it is a rom-com about two Jewish teens who work in a bookstore at Christmas time. However, in addition to the light and fluffy (and wholesome) romance between our main characters (Shoshanna and Jake), there was A LOT going on. Some of it worked and some of it didn't. I definitely felt like some of it detracted from the main plot. At some point, I just wanted it to be a rom-com about two teens in a bookstore.
On the positive side, this book does a great job with diversity. It portrays economic diversity, racial/religious/ethnic diversity, and there was character who was physical disabled. I greatly appreciated the care the author took when portraying each one of these characters.
But, as each one of these characters had an individual problem during the novel and also, at some point, had a problem with Shoshanna - it felt a bit overwhelming. Sometimes it felt like there was just TOO MUCH GOING ON. At the end all I could think was, "Poor Shoshanna. Her week was incredibly stressful - no wonder she was all over the place and made so many mistakes."
Actually, Shoshanna was a hard character to like. She had a very naive innocence surrounding her and her actions felt altruistically self-centered (does that make sense?); she did things to the people around her without asking and then didn't understand why they got so upset with her. It drove me crazy. But, then I realized something. Something that was amazing. SHE ACTUALLY LOOKED LIKE A REAL TEEN. Real teens do stupid things all the time. They have stupid fights with their friends (although Shoshanna's friends were WAY too forgiving), they misinterpret signals from their love interests, they do things without thinking, and they try to fix their world to suit them. Developmentally speaking, this is how teens behave - they are incredibly self-centered. I love the fact that Laura Silverman wrote a teen who looked and felt like a teen! (It made me realize that there are just too many YA novels where the teens don't act like teens). Because of this, Shoshanna's growth at the end of the book was the most important part of the ending for me.
I'm going to be honest - I didn't actually love the romance in this book. I suspect I'll have to go back to reread it to see if I feel the same, but Shoshanna and Jake didn't seem to click for me. Maybe it was because they were so nasty to each other at the beginning, that the moment when their hate relationship started to shift eluded me. It seemed that one day they both hated each other and then they just didn't. There was no thawing of their feelings towards each other. And because of that, their relationship felt a bit forced.
I also liked that this book is appropriate for younger YA readers.
As a Jewish librarian, I greatly appreciate having a YA novel with Jewish protagonists. However, I wish that their Jewish identity had felt more organic; that is was more naturally incorporated into the story line. As it is, I felt that since they are both cultural Jews and there is no scene in a synagogue or youth group, that the author threw in every cultural Jewish reference and random Yiddish words in places where it did not feel natural. That way, you knew that THEY WERE JEWISH! I felt like I was being hit over the head with stereotypical secular Jewish culture instead of feeling like these characters were authentically Jewish. Which is sad. I expected more.
All in all, I'd still definitely recommend this book.
On the positive side, this book does a great job with diversity. It portrays economic diversity, racial/religious/ethnic diversity, and there was character who was physical disabled. I greatly appreciated the care the author took when portraying each one of these characters.
But, as each one of these characters had an individual problem during the novel and also, at some point, had a problem with Shoshanna - it felt a bit overwhelming. Sometimes it felt like there was just TOO MUCH GOING ON. At the end all I could think was, "Poor Shoshanna. Her week was incredibly stressful - no wonder she was all over the place and made so many mistakes."
Actually, Shoshanna was a hard character to like. She had a very naive innocence surrounding her and her actions felt altruistically self-centered (does that make sense?); she did things to the people around her without asking and then didn't understand why they got so upset with her. It drove me crazy. But, then I realized something. Something that was amazing. SHE ACTUALLY LOOKED LIKE A REAL TEEN. Real teens do stupid things all the time. They have stupid fights with their friends (although Shoshanna's friends were WAY too forgiving), they misinterpret signals from their love interests, they do things without thinking, and they try to fix their world to suit them. Developmentally speaking, this is how teens behave - they are incredibly self-centered. I love the fact that Laura Silverman wrote a teen who looked and felt like a teen! (It made me realize that there are just too many YA novels where the teens don't act like teens). Because of this, Shoshanna's growth at the end of the book was the most important part of the ending for me.
I'm going to be honest - I didn't actually love the romance in this book. I suspect I'll have to go back to reread it to see if I feel the same, but Shoshanna and Jake didn't seem to click for me. Maybe it was because they were so nasty to each other at the beginning, that the moment when their hate relationship started to shift eluded me. It seemed that one day they both hated each other and then they just didn't. There was no thawing of their feelings towards each other. And because of that, their relationship felt a bit forced.
I also liked that this book is appropriate for younger YA readers.
As a Jewish librarian, I greatly appreciate having a YA novel with Jewish protagonists. However, I wish that their Jewish identity had felt more organic; that is was more naturally incorporated into the story line. As it is, I felt that since they are both cultural Jews and there is no scene in a synagogue or youth group, that the author threw in every cultural Jewish reference and random Yiddish words in places where it did not feel natural. That way, you knew that THEY WERE JEWISH! I felt like I was being hit over the head with stereotypical secular Jewish culture instead of feeling like these characters were authentically Jewish. Which is sad. I expected more.
All in all, I'd still definitely recommend this book.
September 28, 2020
this was a cute christmas-y short read, i feel like it would make a great hallmark christmas special!
i loved the diverse characters with different religions, races, and sexualities, and ofc the bookstore theme was awesome to read about. the romance was also sweet and wholesome!
the writing was super cheesy and at times i felt the main character was a little annoying, but the author did a good job of writing the voices of high schoolers and not trying to make them too edgy or mature.
read this around the holidays, the experience will be so much better! i'm so excited for winter now, brb gonna go listen to my holiday playlist
i loved the diverse characters with different religions, races, and sexualities, and ofc the bookstore theme was awesome to read about. the romance was also sweet and wholesome!
the writing was super cheesy and at times i felt the main character was a little annoying, but the author did a good job of writing the voices of high schoolers and not trying to make them too edgy or mature.
read this around the holidays, the experience will be so much better! i'm so excited for winter now, brb gonna go listen to my holiday playlist
Read
August 20, 2020Recommended for You is a very fluffy, perfect for lower-YA lovers story. Full of fluff, silly rivalry fun, and a dose of family dynamics, Silverman's next book just brings a light and cozy story to the YA genre.
It’s not meant for everyone, but I would wholeheartedly recommend this to middle schoolers and anyone else who loves lower-YA! It might seem silly and shallow at times, but Shoshanna is just a big adorable character you can’t help loving. She’s the embodiment of puppy dog eyes and the pleading emojis. Yes, she makes mistakes, but she’s also just adorable and well meaning and will do her best to remedy her mistakes.
And Jake may be a grumpy non-reader, but even he has his hidden depths. Overall, Recommended for You is sweet and fluffy and perfect for all year round, not just Hanukkah.
It’s not meant for everyone, but I would wholeheartedly recommend this to middle schoolers and anyone else who loves lower-YA! It might seem silly and shallow at times, but Shoshanna is just a big adorable character you can’t help loving. She’s the embodiment of puppy dog eyes and the pleading emojis. Yes, she makes mistakes, but she’s also just adorable and well meaning and will do her best to remedy her mistakes.
And Jake may be a grumpy non-reader, but even he has his hidden depths. Overall, Recommended for You is sweet and fluffy and perfect for all year round, not just Hanukkah.
January 24, 2021
I did like the bookstore aspect in this one, and that's what made me mostly enjoy this, but the book as a whole felt seriously underdeveloped for me. From the romance, some important themes like the main character's parents potentially divorcing and a fight with her friends, and especially the central romance, I just wanted more out of everything. I also just wasn't a fan of the main character and I don't think she went through enough growth.
July 15, 2020
Trigger warnings:
Diversity: Jewish main character and side characters, f/f relationship, queer side characters, Black side character.
I love Laura Silverman's books very much okay. This was the perfect mix of swoon, fun and dealt with deeper themes as well, the secondary characters were as fleshed out as the main characters, I loved the romance and loved seeing the main character grow, too. It has books and baking and adorableness and friendships and you need it on your TBRs!
Full review coming soon!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC of this book through NetGalley. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
Diversity: Jewish main character and side characters, f/f relationship, queer side characters, Black side character.
I love Laura Silverman's books very much okay. This was the perfect mix of swoon, fun and dealt with deeper themes as well, the secondary characters were as fleshed out as the main characters, I loved the romance and loved seeing the main character grow, too. It has books and baking and adorableness and friendships and you need it on your TBRs!
Full review coming soon!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC of this book through NetGalley. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
December 9, 2020
ahhhhh
soooooo cute
and closest book to tweet cute
so all them tweet cute monsters out there...it's calling you
and I'm sorry, if it dissapoints haha
also I give up on writing actual reviews so:
Recommended for you is really good. The cover may look like a middle grade, but it's actually YA. This is obviously amazing because it's based in a book shop and yeah!! So cute! So funny! Amazing characters! and oh yeah... the guy "Jake" (pretty close to jack) loves to bake and cook. So there you have it. The closest thing to Tweet Cute that I've found. Also, it's a very quick and cute read sooo yeah
5 stars
and totally recommend
soooooo cute
and closest book to tweet cute
so all them tweet cute monsters out there...it's calling you
and I'm sorry, if it dissapoints haha
also I give up on writing actual reviews so:
Recommended for you is really good. The cover may look like a middle grade, but it's actually YA. This is obviously amazing because it's based in a book shop and yeah!! So cute! So funny! Amazing characters! and oh yeah... the guy "Jake" (pretty close to jack) loves to bake and cook. So there you have it. The closest thing to Tweet Cute that I've found. Also, it's a very quick and cute read sooo yeah
5 stars
and totally recommend
November 16, 2020
I'm so glad I read this book! It was so cute and soft and perfect for the holiday season. A YA romance was what I needed right now and I'm sure searching for more like this. I want more rivals to lovers books or hate to love. They just give me so much happiness!
I would have liked more romance content though? We do get a lot of interactions but nothing romantic until the end of the novel which kinda sucks because I wanted more cute moments between the protagonist and the love interest. I think the book is more about Shoshanna and everything around her rather than the love story at the center of it all? The romance is just a side character to the story, that's what I think!
I would have liked more romance content though? We do get a lot of interactions but nothing romantic until the end of the novel which kinda sucks because I wanted more cute moments between the protagonist and the love interest. I think the book is more about Shoshanna and everything around her rather than the love story at the center of it all? The romance is just a side character to the story, that's what I think!
December 14, 2021
An underrated bookish romcom.
Things I liked:
⭐All the Jewish representation. The main lead is Jewish.
⭐ The bookstore where the leads work-"Once upon", I Loved everything about it. The name, the aura, and all the activities that took place there.
⭐The romance was also kinda cute. Sufficient for a YA romcom.
Things I didn't like:
⚫ The epilogue. It was nice in a way. But, I wasn't completely satisfied.
#This is definitely my go to YA romcom recommendation now.
Things I liked:
⭐All the Jewish representation. The main lead is Jewish.
⭐ The bookstore where the leads work-"Once upon", I Loved everything about it. The name, the aura, and all the activities that took place there.
⭐The romance was also kinda cute. Sufficient for a YA romcom.
Things I didn't like:
⚫ The epilogue. It was nice in a way. But, I wasn't completely satisfied.
#This is definitely my go to YA romcom recommendation now.
December 26, 2020
I think I was expecting something more from this read, but it was enjoyable nonetheless, especially if you read it during the holidays to get into a festive mood. Books about bookstores are a weakness of mine and this was very cute in that regard. Shoshanna was kind and lovely, but I didn't particularly like some of her behaviours. Also, I would have liked to see her interact more with Jake and to see more of the romance.
I would say this is a good Christmas read for book lovers!
I would say this is a good Christmas read for book lovers!
September 5, 2023
Typical YA rom-com. Cute story, quirky MC, and decent writing style, but overall not memorable.
August 20, 2020
Once Upon, a local indie book store, was Shoshanna's escape. It was a place where she was received with open arms and where her talents and sparkling personality were always appreciated. At least it was until Jake, the NON-READER, started working there. He was determined to usurp Shoshanna as top salesperson, but she was willing to battle to the last book.
When I saw the cover for this book, I knew I had to read it. The cover screamed cute, sweet, adorable, merry, and bright, and I was thrilled to find that all those words can also be used to describe the story.
Shoshanna was the heart of this tale, and there were a bunch of cracks forming in her life. Her mothers were fighting, her car needed expensive repairs, and Jake was immune to her charms. It was rather delightful watching these two spar, but it was even better seeing them find some common ground and unite for the greater good. They were actually really good for each other. Shoshanna was well meaning, but could be impulsive and jump to conclusions. Spending time with Jake helped her slow down a bit and consider things from a different point of view, and as far as I'm concerned, growth is good.
The book is being billed as a rom-com, and it was fun and funny, but the romance was slow to come. However, there was enough flirting and banter to keep me happy, so I didn't mind the wait. I do wish Silverman had focused a bit more on the romance. There were many subplots in this book, and perhaps, one or two could have been eliminated in order to let us have a bit more on-page courtship. Nonetheless, these two were adorable, and there were many fun and fantastic interactions between them.
I absolutely loved the bookstore setting. Silverman did such a wonderful job bringing the store to life and filling it with such a fun mix of characters. It was hard not to get caught up in all the bookish things, but I also felt the love that filled Once Upon. I would say that almost all my favorite scenes took place in the bookstore. The competition, the celebrations, the events, or the simple conversations shared between book lovers were lots of fun to read about and the community aspect is something I always enjoy.
Overall: A lively and enjoyable story filled with lots of bookish love, warmth, and cheer.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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When I saw the cover for this book, I knew I had to read it. The cover screamed cute, sweet, adorable, merry, and bright, and I was thrilled to find that all those words can also be used to describe the story.
Shoshanna was the heart of this tale, and there were a bunch of cracks forming in her life. Her mothers were fighting, her car needed expensive repairs, and Jake was immune to her charms. It was rather delightful watching these two spar, but it was even better seeing them find some common ground and unite for the greater good. They were actually really good for each other. Shoshanna was well meaning, but could be impulsive and jump to conclusions. Spending time with Jake helped her slow down a bit and consider things from a different point of view, and as far as I'm concerned, growth is good.
The book is being billed as a rom-com, and it was fun and funny, but the romance was slow to come. However, there was enough flirting and banter to keep me happy, so I didn't mind the wait. I do wish Silverman had focused a bit more on the romance. There were many subplots in this book, and perhaps, one or two could have been eliminated in order to let us have a bit more on-page courtship. Nonetheless, these two were adorable, and there were many fun and fantastic interactions between them.
I absolutely loved the bookstore setting. Silverman did such a wonderful job bringing the store to life and filling it with such a fun mix of characters. It was hard not to get caught up in all the bookish things, but I also felt the love that filled Once Upon. I would say that almost all my favorite scenes took place in the bookstore. The competition, the celebrations, the events, or the simple conversations shared between book lovers were lots of fun to read about and the community aspect is something I always enjoy.
Overall: A lively and enjoyable story filled with lots of bookish love, warmth, and cheer.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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August 31, 2020
Sweet coming of age romantic enemies to lovers comedy!
Shoshanna works at the mall in a cute bookstore called Once Upon and during the Christmas holiday of all times. 🎄
We get to glimpse a week in her life when she meets a new co-worker named Jake who does not warm to her easily. A few other disasters happen one after another due to her meddling and interfering which in turn helps her to grow and learn.
It's hard learning some lessons the hard way but she rallies and her relationships get stronger despite the mistakes.
The romance that happens takes me by surprise and is super cute and I love how it grows. I'm a foodie and my guy cooks for me. ♥️😍
I personally have been going through some stressful work things this week and this quote helped me. Sometimes your health and your people mean more than other things that don't happen.
"But Myra is right, and my moms are right. I am smart and caring, and I have incredible people in my life. And as long as those things are true, I’ll be okay. I’ll be more than okay."
Can I just agree with this thought Shoshanna?
"The music blasts even louder here, currently playing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,”which always gives me the urge to watch Love, Actually, which always makes me 10 percent bitter there’s not an epic Hanukkah romance movie." 🎄🕎
My sister in law and I always talk about this. I love Hallmark movies but any attempt at a Hanukkah movie is so white washed it's gross and offensive.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I recommend for those who love coming of age romance. These characters are so cute and the whole staff of the bookstore is fun to get to know.
Thank you #netgalley for ARC copy.
Pub date Sept 1, 2020
#recommendedforyou #arc #laurasilverman #romcom #youngadult #latkepalooza #bookstore #onceupon #hanukkahbooks #Christmasbooks #bookreview #youngadultromance
#enemiestolovers #youngadultbook #almonds #pbj #mamaleh
Shoshanna works at the mall in a cute bookstore called Once Upon and during the Christmas holiday of all times. 🎄
We get to glimpse a week in her life when she meets a new co-worker named Jake who does not warm to her easily. A few other disasters happen one after another due to her meddling and interfering which in turn helps her to grow and learn.
It's hard learning some lessons the hard way but she rallies and her relationships get stronger despite the mistakes.
The romance that happens takes me by surprise and is super cute and I love how it grows. I'm a foodie and my guy cooks for me. ♥️😍
I personally have been going through some stressful work things this week and this quote helped me. Sometimes your health and your people mean more than other things that don't happen.
"But Myra is right, and my moms are right. I am smart and caring, and I have incredible people in my life. And as long as those things are true, I’ll be okay. I’ll be more than okay."
Can I just agree with this thought Shoshanna?
"The music blasts even louder here, currently playing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,”which always gives me the urge to watch Love, Actually, which always makes me 10 percent bitter there’s not an epic Hanukkah romance movie." 🎄🕎
My sister in law and I always talk about this. I love Hallmark movies but any attempt at a Hanukkah movie is so white washed it's gross and offensive.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I recommend for those who love coming of age romance. These characters are so cute and the whole staff of the bookstore is fun to get to know.
Thank you #netgalley for ARC copy.
Pub date Sept 1, 2020
#recommendedforyou #arc #laurasilverman #romcom #youngadult #latkepalooza #bookstore #onceupon #hanukkahbooks #Christmasbooks #bookreview #youngadultromance
#enemiestolovers #youngadultbook #almonds #pbj #mamaleh
August 9, 2020
This was such a fun and quick story that would be perfect to read around holidays! Shoshanna Greenberg loves working at Once Upon, the local bookstore in the mall, and is finding the store a haven after her moms have started fighting and her car is on it's last legs. Shoshanna is hopeful the holiday bonus disguised as a book sale competition is the key to solving her problems, until new hire Jake Kaplan causes some complications. Sparks immediately fly as the two butt heads to win the bonus and get to know each other.
I thought Recommended For You is such a fun and light-hearted story about family, friendships, and friendly competitions. There was a lot of great humor, and everyone just seemed so real. Shoshanna was probably my least favorite because she was quite immature and annoying (which was also called out by many other characters), but she does recognize her moments of immaturity and impulsiveness and try to change. Once Upon was just a comfy and welcoming environment, I could easily see why Shoshanna loved workign there and I want to spend time there with her - and the colorful cast of co-workers. A perfect quick romance perfect for this holiday season!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I thought Recommended For You is such a fun and light-hearted story about family, friendships, and friendly competitions. There was a lot of great humor, and everyone just seemed so real. Shoshanna was probably my least favorite because she was quite immature and annoying (which was also called out by many other characters), but she does recognize her moments of immaturity and impulsiveness and try to change. Once Upon was just a comfy and welcoming environment, I could easily see why Shoshanna loved workign there and I want to spend time there with her - and the colorful cast of co-workers. A perfect quick romance perfect for this holiday season!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2021
Recommended for You was a cute book. In it, you will meet Shoshanna and Jake. After meeting these two, it was pretty clear that Shoshanna had a love for books. Maybe even more than that. As for Jake? I got the "I can read a book" vibe but not the "I'm in love with reading" vibe.
So when Shoshanna calls him out for not being an avid book reader, on his first day no less, well - it definitely makes things a bit awkward. Just to make things a bit more difficult, their boss starts a little book selling competition.
While they are working, they deal with all sorts of customers and somehow get closer to one another at the same time. The rude customers made me eye roll. The romance between these two felt a bit off for me because at times it felt rushed and other times it didn't even seem like they liked one another in that way. So, yeah, it was weird to me and I probably would have enjoyed this a bit more if it was a friendship instead.
Besides all of that, this book didn't shy away from the drama either. Whether it was family-related or book store-related. It came and did a little dance with everyone involved. I can totally see how it's hard to keep book stores afloat when you have online competition. Just take a look at how many businesses closed from the pandemic.
In the end, it was a cute book that went by pretty quickly.
So when Shoshanna calls him out for not being an avid book reader, on his first day no less, well - it definitely makes things a bit awkward. Just to make things a bit more difficult, their boss starts a little book selling competition.
While they are working, they deal with all sorts of customers and somehow get closer to one another at the same time. The rude customers made me eye roll. The romance between these two felt a bit off for me because at times it felt rushed and other times it didn't even seem like they liked one another in that way. So, yeah, it was weird to me and I probably would have enjoyed this a bit more if it was a friendship instead.
Besides all of that, this book didn't shy away from the drama either. Whether it was family-related or book store-related. It came and did a little dance with everyone involved. I can totally see how it's hard to keep book stores afloat when you have online competition. Just take a look at how many businesses closed from the pandemic.
In the end, it was a cute book that went by pretty quickly.
December 22, 2020
I hate to say it but I found this book kind of annoying. I'm sure working at B&N vs an indie bookstore is different but please bookselling (or any retail job really) doesn't work like that at all. Also, maybe I'm just old, but the mc seemed very immature for a 16 year old.
But what really bothered me was all the h*rry p*tter references. Like wayyyy to many to ignore. Kinda sucks when this book had great rep and diversity otherwise. @ authors: your character can be a huge book nerd without being obsessed with a certain terf's popular series! Other books exist!
But what really bothered me was all the h*rry p*tter references. Like wayyyy to many to ignore. Kinda sucks when this book had great rep and diversity otherwise. @ authors: your character can be a huge book nerd without being obsessed with a certain terf's popular series! Other books exist!
August 12, 2022
4.5 stars. THIS WAS SO STINKIN CUTE! It was literally everything I could have hoped for. A part of me wishes I’d read it closer to Christmas because I didn’t realize it was a holiday book, but I definitely didn’t enjoy it less for reading it in the summer! The bookselling aspect was 100% accurate, which I can say with authority since I’m a bookseller myself. I absolutely adored Shoshanna’s personality. She’s a lot like me and I related to her a ton. While it was a super easy and fluffy YA rom-com, it dealt with really important themes as well! Shoshanna, like me, always wants to fix things for other people, and a huge part of her growth process through this book is learning to let some things be out of her control and to let people make their own decisions. So important! It was hilarious and so much fun, but also so meaningful! I can’t recommend this enough.
July 17, 2020
This book was very adorable and refreshing. I loved how the author weaved in life lessons that I feel a lot of teenagers may be going through in some shape or form. As I am not a teen but one who loves to read YA books, I did find that the character was a bit annoying and cringe-worthy at times by her loud ways and doing things without thinking of the consequences. However, I think this is a normal growth for a teen so it didn't bother me too much when I put it in that perspective. This is definitely a book more geared towards the high school age group of 14-18.
I think my favorite part about this book was the fact that the author chose to shine a light on things that many kids struggle with. Anxiety, stress, worrying about not fitting in, trying to understand family problems that may not deal with you, and above all trying to grow as an individual. Shoshanna's family problems were the main focal point of her stress, and my heart definitely went out to her. As a child who grew up in a similar situation I was able to relate to her struggles and I know many others will be able to as well.
I loved the indie bookstore theme, and that the romance was in no way forced but felt natural and real. The ending wasn't tied in a neat pretty bow, which I adored as that is how real life is! Overall, this was a good summer read!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!
I think my favorite part about this book was the fact that the author chose to shine a light on things that many kids struggle with. Anxiety, stress, worrying about not fitting in, trying to understand family problems that may not deal with you, and above all trying to grow as an individual. Shoshanna's family problems were the main focal point of her stress, and my heart definitely went out to her. As a child who grew up in a similar situation I was able to relate to her struggles and I know many others will be able to as well.
I loved the indie bookstore theme, and that the romance was in no way forced but felt natural and real. The ending wasn't tied in a neat pretty bow, which I adored as that is how real life is! Overall, this was a good summer read!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!
June 24, 2020
Although I enjoyed this book overall, I didn't love it entirely. It was good and cute, but there were so many times where I was cringing because it just reads as a very teen-y book. I understand this sounds dumb because it's clearly labelled as a YA book, however as someone who often reads YA and is used to a pretty age-neutral language and style of writing, this really felt like it was only meant for like 15-18 year olds.
Shoshanna is cute but seems slightly naive and I feel like her character had a lot to offer the reader, however, this books is so jam-packed with issue after issue, you easily get lost in what is going on. That was the thing, for the time frame of the book, too much happens. It feels like the author forgot how long she wanted this to span. It just felt really distracting.
Anyways, this was sweet, I liked it, but I probably won't be reaching for it again sadly.
Thank you Edelweiss+ and Margaret K. McElderry Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shoshanna is cute but seems slightly naive and I feel like her character had a lot to offer the reader, however, this books is so jam-packed with issue after issue, you easily get lost in what is going on. That was the thing, for the time frame of the book, too much happens. It feels like the author forgot how long she wanted this to span. It just felt really distracting.
Anyways, this was sweet, I liked it, but I probably won't be reaching for it again sadly.
Thank you Edelweiss+ and Margaret K. McElderry Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2021
recommended for you is a book i would recommend (see what i did there hehe) to anyone looking for cute, fluffy, light, lower ya story about books, holidays and all around joy. the characters are absolutely adorable and dorky, and the banter and bookish atmosphere of the novel make it a really adorable and enjoyable novel.
the story was a little juvenile, and the book focused a lot more on the bookstore than their romance (which could be a pro for some, and a con for others). i felt their relationship could've been fleshed out a little bit better, especially how they transitioned from enemies-to-lovers, but despite my reservations about the romance, i still really enjoyed it!
i highly recommend this book, and i think specifically for people who love to read about books and/or are transitioning to wanting to read ya, this book could be a new favourite!
the story was a little juvenile, and the book focused a lot more on the bookstore than their romance (which could be a pro for some, and a con for others). i felt their relationship could've been fleshed out a little bit better, especially how they transitioned from enemies-to-lovers, but despite my reservations about the romance, i still really enjoyed it!
i highly recommend this book, and i think specifically for people who love to read about books and/or are transitioning to wanting to read ya, this book could be a new favourite!
March 7, 2021
Just eh
dnf
December 1, 2022Second attempt on December's book club back-up pick and the writing was better, in general, but the main character was so very annoying that I didn't want to keep reading. I don't blame the jerky, monosyllabic love interest for being annoyed by her (although he's not exactly a prize himself).
I couldn't tell if we were supposed to believe she honestly didn't understand that her moms were on the verge of a divorce with how strained their relationship was or if it was just for the "story" but either way it was very frustrating to read about her shocked Pikachu face every time something "wasn't like it used to be".
Oh well, I tried!
I couldn't tell if we were supposed to believe she honestly didn't understand that her moms were on the verge of a divorce with how strained their relationship was or if it was just for the "story" but either way it was very frustrating to read about her shocked Pikachu face every time something "wasn't like it used to be".
Oh well, I tried!
December 29, 2023
3.5 stars
Gave me huge As If on Cue vibes, and some Better than the Movies vibes.
Cute, diverse book overall if you're looking for a fluff piece.
Gave me huge As If on Cue vibes, and some Better than the Movies vibes.
Cute, diverse book overall if you're looking for a fluff piece.
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