What do you think?
Rate this book
Same Time, Same Place
An utterly charming and heart-warming love story and the perfect tonic for difficult times.
Daisy is the night security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History. She takes her job very seriously, protecting the museum from teenage troublemakers.
Nate works the day shift, though he'd be more suited as a museum guide the way he chats with the visitors. Daisy doesn't approve: how does he find it so easy to talk to strangers?
For five minutes each day, their shifts overlap at handover. It's the only interaction they have...until mysterious things begin to happen at the museum. Daisy notices priceless objects going missing and then reappearing, with no explanation (and with nothing on the security footage!). No one believes her except Nate, and he agrees to help her investigate.
They soon discover they have a lot more in common than they realized...and their investigation uncovers not only the truth, but new possibilities for their future.
Daisy is the night security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History. She takes her job very seriously, protecting the museum from teenage troublemakers.
Nate works the day shift, though he'd be more suited as a museum guide the way he chats with the visitors. Daisy doesn't approve: how does he find it so easy to talk to strangers?
For five minutes each day, their shifts overlap at handover. It's the only interaction they have...until mysterious things begin to happen at the museum. Daisy notices priceless objects going missing and then reappearing, with no explanation (and with nothing on the security footage!). No one believes her except Nate, and he agrees to help her investigate.
They soon discover they have a lot more in common than they realized...and their investigation uncovers not only the truth, but new possibilities for their future.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
48 people are currently reading
4669 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
April 14, 2022
Sweet, easy to read, meet cute- feelgood romance with a little foreseeable mystery blended in mental illness issues.
Two museum security guards whose paths only cross when they change the shifts team up to solve mystery behind missing and reappearing museum objects and they slowly bond a special relationship as they realize even though they seem like polar opposites ( Nick was social, friendly, talking with the people like a tour guide, welcoming them to museum with open arms and Daisy: tight lipped, suffering from depression and dealing with her mother’s alcoholism, is reserved) they have more common things to share!
3.5 stars to round up 4 likable characters and realistic approach to the mental illness stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Two museum security guards whose paths only cross when they change the shifts team up to solve mystery behind missing and reappearing museum objects and they slowly bond a special relationship as they realize even though they seem like polar opposites ( Nick was social, friendly, talking with the people like a tour guide, welcoming them to museum with open arms and Daisy: tight lipped, suffering from depression and dealing with her mother’s alcoholism, is reserved) they have more common things to share!
3.5 stars to round up 4 likable characters and realistic approach to the mental illness stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
April 21, 2021
Many thanks to Net Galley, Orion Publishing Group, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
Aww, what a bittersweet story this turned out to be. A book that teaches readers to give a chance at life and be open to opportunities, The Handover is essentially a lovely romance with some endearing characters.
Daisy Dukes is the night-time security guard at Manchester Museum of Social History. NOPE, if you ask Daisy, she would probably tell you that she’s definitely not the night security but kind of evening security coz her timing is from 6 PM to 1 PM in the night, so how can she be night security? Well, that’s exactly what her character is like, a stickler for rules and routines, she wants everything to run like a well-oiled machine and is happy to continue doing everything in order irrespective of the monotony of repetition. One can’t help but love this quirky woman, whose idea of jokes is non-existent, she’s too literal to understand the nuances of people's communication but it is this quality that Nate who does the job in the morning notices in her and can’t help but admire.
Nate and Daisy have struggles in their life, Daisy in letting go of the past that has crippled her to the point of having only her sister and her cancer-stricken mother and her work to get things going in life, the microscopic world that she lives in has no room for anything more. Nate on the other hand has the baggage of an abusive father in his past and his attempts with his son to do everything exactly opposite to what his father was, created some beautiful eye-opening scenes.
I loved the story for its simplicity, the setting of the museum, the various people inside it, the lessons in life that the author imparts thru incidents that seem real and relatable, both Nate and Daisy grow thru the story, realizing the importance of letting loved ones closer and helping each other, expanding one’s horizons and the connection Daisy discovers in loving someone wholeheartedly. The mystery element of the story with missing museum pieces was another lovely touch. The amateurish detective work taken up by Daisy and Nate brings a smile to the reader’s face. I loved the writing by the author which has a peculiar charm as the characters remain in our hearts days after finishing up the last chapter.
Endearing!
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Meduim.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
Aww, what a bittersweet story this turned out to be. A book that teaches readers to give a chance at life and be open to opportunities, The Handover is essentially a lovely romance with some endearing characters.
Daisy Dukes is the night-time security guard at Manchester Museum of Social History. NOPE, if you ask Daisy, she would probably tell you that she’s definitely not the night security but kind of evening security coz her timing is from 6 PM to 1 PM in the night, so how can she be night security? Well, that’s exactly what her character is like, a stickler for rules and routines, she wants everything to run like a well-oiled machine and is happy to continue doing everything in order irrespective of the monotony of repetition. One can’t help but love this quirky woman, whose idea of jokes is non-existent, she’s too literal to understand the nuances of people's communication but it is this quality that Nate who does the job in the morning notices in her and can’t help but admire.
Nate and Daisy have struggles in their life, Daisy in letting go of the past that has crippled her to the point of having only her sister and her cancer-stricken mother and her work to get things going in life, the microscopic world that she lives in has no room for anything more. Nate on the other hand has the baggage of an abusive father in his past and his attempts with his son to do everything exactly opposite to what his father was, created some beautiful eye-opening scenes.
I loved the story for its simplicity, the setting of the museum, the various people inside it, the lessons in life that the author imparts thru incidents that seem real and relatable, both Nate and Daisy grow thru the story, realizing the importance of letting loved ones closer and helping each other, expanding one’s horizons and the connection Daisy discovers in loving someone wholeheartedly. The mystery element of the story with missing museum pieces was another lovely touch. The amateurish detective work taken up by Daisy and Nate brings a smile to the reader’s face. I loved the writing by the author which has a peculiar charm as the characters remain in our hearts days after finishing up the last chapter.
Endearing!
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Meduim.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
dnf
June 7, 2022This is a Women's Fiction. I started this book three different times, but I just could not get into this book. I do not know if it was the writing style or if it was just not the book for me. I am not going to make myself give it another try. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
October 10, 2022
3.75 rounded up -- I enjoyed this one so much more than I expected to, having just randomly grabbed it off the library shelf without having heard much about it ahead of time. Yes, it's a light and breezy romance, but it wins for me in a couple of areas that made it land more on the side of realism and less on the side of Hallmark fluff:
✅ Upper 30s characters so you're not grappling with the fun-but-flighty antics of early 20s that can be hard to relate to for readers 40+
✅ Characters with traumatic histories (trigger warnings: parental alcoholism and domestic violence), so the conflict between the characters is often rooted in real mental health struggles and not just immature miscommunication (one of my personal pet peeves in this genre).
✅ Low-key cozy mystery going on beneath the lives and personal struggles of the characters
Quick synopsis: Daisy is a security guard working the night shift at a museum, a position shared by Nate during the day. The two (a very mismatched pair) see very little of each other aside from a few minutes of transition time between their shifts. It isn't until Daisy starts to notice objects mysteriously disappearing from the museum exhibits that the two begin to work more closely together, trying to solve the mystery and catch the culprit.
I did find myself intentionally not thinking too hard about the ending, which strayed a little dangerously close to putting a little red bow on top of a trite wrap up. But overall, the story was charming, the main characters were likable,and it was unique enough to stand out in a sickly sweet and crowded genre. For those with tweens or teens wanting to get into romance books, this is very safe on the spice rating, with a fade to black approach on everything but a couple kisses.
✅ Upper 30s characters so you're not grappling with the fun-but-flighty antics of early 20s that can be hard to relate to for readers 40+
✅ Characters with traumatic histories (trigger warnings: parental alcoholism and domestic violence), so the conflict between the characters is often rooted in real mental health struggles and not just immature miscommunication (one of my personal pet peeves in this genre).
✅ Low-key cozy mystery going on beneath the lives and personal struggles of the characters
Quick synopsis: Daisy is a security guard working the night shift at a museum, a position shared by Nate during the day. The two (a very mismatched pair) see very little of each other aside from a few minutes of transition time between their shifts. It isn't until Daisy starts to notice objects mysteriously disappearing from the museum exhibits that the two begin to work more closely together, trying to solve the mystery and catch the culprit.
I did find myself intentionally not thinking too hard about the ending, which strayed a little dangerously close to putting a little red bow on top of a trite wrap up. But overall, the story was charming, the main characters were likable,and it was unique enough to stand out in a sickly sweet and crowded genre. For those with tweens or teens wanting to get into romance books, this is very safe on the spice rating, with a fade to black approach on everything but a couple kisses.
February 21, 2023
Actual rating 1.5
Nah this was bad
Nah this was bad
July 3, 2022
Same Place, Same Time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 6/7/22
Author: David Barnett
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Pages: 336
Goodreads Rating: 3.54
TW ⚠️: Mental illness, bullying, some racism, and alcoholism.
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Daisy and Nate both work at the museum, opposite shifts, except for five minutes daily where they overlap. It's the only interaction they have...until mysterious things begin to happen at the museum. Daisy notices priceless objects going missing and then reappearing, with no explanation. No one believes her except Nate, and he agrees to help her investigate. They soon discover they have a lot more in common than they realized...and their investigation uncovers not only the truth, but new possibilities for their future.
My Thoughts: This was not a typical light beach read, this was an emotional story. The story is narrated by Daisy and Nate, from their own perspectives, in a dual timeline. Our two MCs are polar opposites. Daisy is more of an introvert, reserved, and quiet. Where Nate was more of an extrovert, outgoing, and engaged in conversation with others, even strangers, very easily. Both of the MCs had a past of childhood trauma, but they both dealt with the trauma in different ways. The supporting characters add a flare to the story. The characters were well developed, had depth to them, some witty banner, were charismatic, had a connection with chemistry that grew throughout the story, and a perfect pair to solve the mystery at the museum. The author’s writing was complex, romantic but mysterious, and kept me engaged. The author did a brilliant job in writing the story, from the beginning, through the plot, and until the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 6/7/22
Author: David Barnett
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Pages: 336
Goodreads Rating: 3.54
TW ⚠️: Mental illness, bullying, some racism, and alcoholism.
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Daisy and Nate both work at the museum, opposite shifts, except for five minutes daily where they overlap. It's the only interaction they have...until mysterious things begin to happen at the museum. Daisy notices priceless objects going missing and then reappearing, with no explanation. No one believes her except Nate, and he agrees to help her investigate. They soon discover they have a lot more in common than they realized...and their investigation uncovers not only the truth, but new possibilities for their future.
My Thoughts: This was not a typical light beach read, this was an emotional story. The story is narrated by Daisy and Nate, from their own perspectives, in a dual timeline. Our two MCs are polar opposites. Daisy is more of an introvert, reserved, and quiet. Where Nate was more of an extrovert, outgoing, and engaged in conversation with others, even strangers, very easily. Both of the MCs had a past of childhood trauma, but they both dealt with the trauma in different ways. The supporting characters add a flare to the story. The characters were well developed, had depth to them, some witty banner, were charismatic, had a connection with chemistry that grew throughout the story, and a perfect pair to solve the mystery at the museum. The author’s writing was complex, romantic but mysterious, and kept me engaged. The author did a brilliant job in writing the story, from the beginning, through the plot, and until the end.
August 21, 2022
3.5
This was a big-hearted British romance between two museum security guards on opposite shifts who team up to solve a mystery and end up falling in love. Both Daisy and Nate are dealing with some heavy family things but both are also lonely. Together they help each other find happiness in this moving, kissing only romance. Recommended for fans of authors like Mhairi McFarlane and Lia Louis. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
CW: parent dying from cancer, divorce
This was a big-hearted British romance between two museum security guards on opposite shifts who team up to solve a mystery and end up falling in love. Both Daisy and Nate are dealing with some heavy family things but both are also lonely. Together they help each other find happiness in this moving, kissing only romance. Recommended for fans of authors like Mhairi McFarlane and Lia Louis. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
CW: parent dying from cancer, divorce
Read
January 22, 2022 eARC provided by Netgalley in exhange for an honest review.
DNF at 7%.
I like to give books a fair shot, but I can't be bothered with this one. I was originally attracted to Same Time, Same Place because of the cover, which is lovely, and the premise, which reminded me of Night In The Museum, but the writing style completely threw me off, to the point I can't even stand to read it anymore. It's weirdly mechanical, with the narrator, Daisy, repeating sentences and words to herself constantly. The humour, which fumbles over itself horrendously, is as dry as stale bread and brings a sour taste to my mouth, all attempts at joking resumed to Daisy trying to convince herself she's funny. And the way she kept refering to her mom as "Mother", as if she's a Victorian orphan, is weird to me. Maybe there is something that justifies this, but I don't care enough to find out.
DNF at 7%.
I like to give books a fair shot, but I can't be bothered with this one. I was originally attracted to Same Time, Same Place because of the cover, which is lovely, and the premise, which reminded me of Night In The Museum, but the writing style completely threw me off, to the point I can't even stand to read it anymore. It's weirdly mechanical, with the narrator, Daisy, repeating sentences and words to herself constantly. The humour, which fumbles over itself horrendously, is as dry as stale bread and brings a sour taste to my mouth, all attempts at joking resumed to Daisy trying to convince herself she's funny. And the way she kept refering to her mom as "Mother", as if she's a Victorian orphan, is weird to me. Maybe there is something that justifies this, but I don't care enough to find out.
November 7, 2023
Review of - The handover. ༊*·˚
3 Stars.
Review..
Nate works days, Daisy works nights.
It was an easy read, but not that enjoyable.
It does feature other themes, like alcoholism, illness, abuse, child abuse.
CHECK TWS.
3 Stars.
Review..
Nate works days, Daisy works nights.
It was an easy read, but not that enjoyable.
It does feature other themes, like alcoholism, illness, abuse, child abuse.
CHECK TWS.
July 22, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing for this ARC. I think I'm in the minority when I say this book just wasn't really for me!
The concept is absolutely brilliant, and very different to anything I've read, The best bits were how well deeper issues were intertwined into the book, such as grief, domestic abuse and terminal illness. The twist about Daisy's bully definitely shocked me! Nate was a really engaging character and I enjoyed his POV a lot.
However, I think the development of Daisy and Nate's relationship could use some work. They literally went from 0-60 with indication as to why they suddenly saw each other in another light and very little chemistry throughout, even after their realisations. It just felt like a very forced to romance for me.
The concept is absolutely brilliant, and very different to anything I've read, The best bits were how well deeper issues were intertwined into the book, such as grief, domestic abuse and terminal illness. The twist about Daisy's bully definitely shocked me! Nate was a really engaging character and I enjoyed his POV a lot.
However, I think the development of Daisy and Nate's relationship could use some work. They literally went from 0-60 with indication as to why they suddenly saw each other in another light and very little chemistry throughout, even after their realisations. It just felt like a very forced to romance for me.
May 28, 2022
Cute, heartwarming, and light!
Same Time, Same Place is an amusing, enticing tale that takes you into the life of Daisy, a socially awkward, dedicated evening museum guard who, after stumbling upon some items periodically going missing from exhibit rooms and then surprisingly turning back up, requires a little help from her coworker Nate, a divorced father of one, to apprehend the culprit and solve the case.
The prose is light and witty. The characters are quirky, friendly, and scarred. And the plot is an engaging blend of friendship, family, introspection, deduction, attraction, childhood trauma, new beginnings, amateur sleuthing, and touching moments.
Overall, Same Time, Same Place is a funny, sweet, uplifting tale by Barnett that was a delight to read with its charming storyline and abundance of special characters I couldn’t help but root for.
Thank you to Sourcebooks - Landmark for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Same Time, Same Place is an amusing, enticing tale that takes you into the life of Daisy, a socially awkward, dedicated evening museum guard who, after stumbling upon some items periodically going missing from exhibit rooms and then surprisingly turning back up, requires a little help from her coworker Nate, a divorced father of one, to apprehend the culprit and solve the case.
The prose is light and witty. The characters are quirky, friendly, and scarred. And the plot is an engaging blend of friendship, family, introspection, deduction, attraction, childhood trauma, new beginnings, amateur sleuthing, and touching moments.
Overall, Same Time, Same Place is a funny, sweet, uplifting tale by Barnett that was a delight to read with its charming storyline and abundance of special characters I couldn’t help but root for.
Thank you to Sourcebooks - Landmark for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2022
Same Time, Same Place by David M. Barnett is a heartwarming story of two unlikely people who find each other just when they need someone.
Daisy works as the night security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History, she loves her job and is very serious about protecting the museum and all the artifacts inside.
Nate also works at the Manchester Museum of Social History, and he works the day shift. He enjoys chatting with the visitors and the staff. Daisy and Nate share five minutes together during shift change. But, when things start to go missing in the museum, Nate and Daisey team up to find out why they are going missing.
I enjoyed this charming story of two opposites, Nate being outgoing and charming the visitors, and Daisy, the no-nonsense, stick-by-the-rules kind of person. But, when they team up together it’s clear that they balance each other out as they work together to solve the mystery of the missing artifacts.
The story is well written and easy to follow. The characters are sweet, quirky and charming, and easy to root for. If you’re looking for an easy, sweet story, Same Time, Same Place is the book for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Daisy works as the night security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History, she loves her job and is very serious about protecting the museum and all the artifacts inside.
Nate also works at the Manchester Museum of Social History, and he works the day shift. He enjoys chatting with the visitors and the staff. Daisy and Nate share five minutes together during shift change. But, when things start to go missing in the museum, Nate and Daisey team up to find out why they are going missing.
I enjoyed this charming story of two opposites, Nate being outgoing and charming the visitors, and Daisy, the no-nonsense, stick-by-the-rules kind of person. But, when they team up together it’s clear that they balance each other out as they work together to solve the mystery of the missing artifacts.
The story is well written and easy to follow. The characters are sweet, quirky and charming, and easy to root for. If you’re looking for an easy, sweet story, Same Time, Same Place is the book for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 13, 2021
Daisy does nights and Nate does days.
Daisy and Nate are both security guards at Manchester Museum of Social History. The only thing they share is a five minute handover, which Daisy takes incredibly seriously, Nate not so much.
When strange things start to happen at the museum, they join forces to investigate and start to realise they may share more than the handover.
This is a lovely gentle rom-com with a touch of mystery along the way. I enjoyed the dual narrative from the perspectives of the two main characters. As they tell their stories, it becomes clear that their jobs aren’t the only thing they have in common. They’re both struggling with events from their pasts that affect the people they are today.
I loved both Nate and Daisy and it was great to see the way their characters developed as they became closer and started to deal with their past experiences.
Daisy, particularly, is a fascinating heroine and has a definite touch of the Eleanor Oliphant in her quirky and eccentric manner. Nate is far more sociable and relaxed. At first, they seem like a very unlikely couple, but could it be a case of opposites attracting?
There is a great cast of well written supporting characters too, who occasionally help our prospective couple but sometimes throw a spanner in the works.
Although this is primarily an easy to read romance, it does touch on some very dark themes such as alcoholism and domestic abuse. This is written sensitively though, and we see how these things affect lives.
Overall, this is a really uplifting read, with characters I adored and rooted for throughout. It’s lovely to read as they come to terms with their pasts and learn to live happily in the present.
Thank you to Random Things Tours and Orion Books for inviting me on the tour, and for my gifted copy in return for an honest review.
Daisy and Nate are both security guards at Manchester Museum of Social History. The only thing they share is a five minute handover, which Daisy takes incredibly seriously, Nate not so much.
When strange things start to happen at the museum, they join forces to investigate and start to realise they may share more than the handover.
This is a lovely gentle rom-com with a touch of mystery along the way. I enjoyed the dual narrative from the perspectives of the two main characters. As they tell their stories, it becomes clear that their jobs aren’t the only thing they have in common. They’re both struggling with events from their pasts that affect the people they are today.
I loved both Nate and Daisy and it was great to see the way their characters developed as they became closer and started to deal with their past experiences.
Daisy, particularly, is a fascinating heroine and has a definite touch of the Eleanor Oliphant in her quirky and eccentric manner. Nate is far more sociable and relaxed. At first, they seem like a very unlikely couple, but could it be a case of opposites attracting?
There is a great cast of well written supporting characters too, who occasionally help our prospective couple but sometimes throw a spanner in the works.
Although this is primarily an easy to read romance, it does touch on some very dark themes such as alcoholism and domestic abuse. This is written sensitively though, and we see how these things affect lives.
Overall, this is a really uplifting read, with characters I adored and rooted for throughout. It’s lovely to read as they come to terms with their pasts and learn to live happily in the present.
Thank you to Random Things Tours and Orion Books for inviting me on the tour, and for my gifted copy in return for an honest review.
August 9, 2021
Only 288 pages but felt like a total slog.
I guessed a lot of the surprises early on, the characters were really flat and no development of any of the secondary characters. The pace and writing style wasn't for me, I was speed reading the last 20% to finish as fast as possible
I guessed a lot of the surprises early on, the characters were really flat and no development of any of the secondary characters. The pace and writing style wasn't for me, I was speed reading the last 20% to finish as fast as possible
June 8, 2022
“Everything is the same. But different. Just like Daisy said.”
Genre: Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Mentions harassment and family violence.
“Same Time, Same Place” follow Daisy Dukes (yes, that’s her name) and Nate Garvey, two security guards who work at the Museum of Social History. As Nate works the day shifts and Daisy works the night shifts, their days only overlap for a few minutes during handover—that is until things start going missing at the museum, for a few days at a time, before being put back on their museum display. Delving into how our past affects our future, and told through different points of view, this is a dynamic and engaging read that goes to show that our history doesn’t define us and that love can be born from the oddest of places.
Sadly, I didn’t connect with the characters in this book as much as I thought I would. I enjoyed the story and the quirky romance, but there was something too ficticios about the characters for me. I did like how they redeemed themselves and how the mystery came to fruition. Maybe 4 stars is too high a rating for characters I didn’t love, but David M. Barnett did such an excellent job with the writing that I couldn’t give it any less.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy both romance and mystery books, even if the publisher hasn’t categorized it under Mysteries. There isn’t too much suspense here, but mystery is definitely in the mix.
ARC provided by NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: June 07, 2022
Genre: Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Mentions harassment and family violence.
“Same Time, Same Place” follow Daisy Dukes (yes, that’s her name) and Nate Garvey, two security guards who work at the Museum of Social History. As Nate works the day shifts and Daisy works the night shifts, their days only overlap for a few minutes during handover—that is until things start going missing at the museum, for a few days at a time, before being put back on their museum display. Delving into how our past affects our future, and told through different points of view, this is a dynamic and engaging read that goes to show that our history doesn’t define us and that love can be born from the oddest of places.
Sadly, I didn’t connect with the characters in this book as much as I thought I would. I enjoyed the story and the quirky romance, but there was something too ficticios about the characters for me. I did like how they redeemed themselves and how the mystery came to fruition. Maybe 4 stars is too high a rating for characters I didn’t love, but David M. Barnett did such an excellent job with the writing that I couldn’t give it any less.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy both romance and mystery books, even if the publisher hasn’t categorized it under Mysteries. There isn’t too much suspense here, but mystery is definitely in the mix.
ARC provided by NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: June 07, 2022
March 24, 2024
Daisy is the night security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History. She takes her job very seriously, protecting the museum from troublemakers and anyone who openly mocks the fact they have a dinosaur on display.
Nate works the day shift, though he'd be more suited as a museum guide the way he chats with the visitors. Daisy doesn't approve: every one of them is a potential threat and befriending them could impair his judgement.
Daisy and Nate don't have much to do with each other except for the five minutes when they're shifts overlap at handover. He passes the torch over to her - like a baton - always with a smirk on his face, and she asks him for a full report of the day, which he gives reluctantly. It's the only interaction they have... until strange things begin to happen at the museum.
Daisy notices priceless objects are going missing but then reappearing, with no explanation (and nothing showing on the CCTV, which is why she doesn't trust technology). No one believes her except Nate, and he agrees to help her solve the mystery.
They soon discover they have a lot more in common than they realised... and their investigations uncover more than just the truth. Could they have feelings for one another?
Thanks to Trapeze and Netgalley for the early review copy in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a book I had asked for on the basis of other people talking about it on Twitter and I'm so very glad I did. The main characters are loveable from the beginning and Daisy was the perfect main character. Ideal for fans of Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine and Beth O'Leary's The FlatShare. A perfect cuddle of a book.
Nate works the day shift, though he'd be more suited as a museum guide the way he chats with the visitors. Daisy doesn't approve: every one of them is a potential threat and befriending them could impair his judgement.
Daisy and Nate don't have much to do with each other except for the five minutes when they're shifts overlap at handover. He passes the torch over to her - like a baton - always with a smirk on his face, and she asks him for a full report of the day, which he gives reluctantly. It's the only interaction they have... until strange things begin to happen at the museum.
Daisy notices priceless objects are going missing but then reappearing, with no explanation (and nothing showing on the CCTV, which is why she doesn't trust technology). No one believes her except Nate, and he agrees to help her solve the mystery.
They soon discover they have a lot more in common than they realised... and their investigations uncover more than just the truth. Could they have feelings for one another?
Thanks to Trapeze and Netgalley for the early review copy in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a book I had asked for on the basis of other people talking about it on Twitter and I'm so very glad I did. The main characters are loveable from the beginning and Daisy was the perfect main character. Ideal for fans of Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine and Beth O'Leary's The FlatShare. A perfect cuddle of a book.
March 4, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing for this ARC.
Nate works the day shifts as a security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History before handing over to Daisy to do the early night shift. 5 minutes is all they have to discuss the goings-on of the day, that is, until random artefacts start disappearing for days at a time...
I was expecting sickly sweet romance akin to The Flatshare, but this was so much more. The author wrote brilliantly about deeper and darker issues which have weaved Daisy and Nate’s lives up to this point; terminal illness, divorce and domestic abuse.
This wasn’t all doom and gloom though, there were plenty of “aww” moments which I loved. The character development was incredible and I loved seeing Nate and Daisy attempt to accept and overcome the problems they faced in their personal lives.
I’d recommend this for fans of The Flatshare & Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine!
Nate works the day shifts as a security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History before handing over to Daisy to do the early night shift. 5 minutes is all they have to discuss the goings-on of the day, that is, until random artefacts start disappearing for days at a time...
I was expecting sickly sweet romance akin to The Flatshare, but this was so much more. The author wrote brilliantly about deeper and darker issues which have weaved Daisy and Nate’s lives up to this point; terminal illness, divorce and domestic abuse.
This wasn’t all doom and gloom though, there were plenty of “aww” moments which I loved. The character development was incredible and I loved seeing Nate and Daisy attempt to accept and overcome the problems they faced in their personal lives.
I’d recommend this for fans of The Flatshare & Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine!
August 13, 2021
This is just a feel good book ! And David M Barnett knows how to create really likable, realistic characters that you could easily imagine having in your circle of family or friends. I am also quite familiar with the location, Manchester, which helped me relate even more.
Two slightly odd bods, working shifts in a museum, some family sagas/ history and a sprinkling of romance sums up this easy to read novel.If you are looking for something light which will put a smile on your face, this is a good book to pick !
Two slightly odd bods, working shifts in a museum, some family sagas/ history and a sprinkling of romance sums up this easy to read novel.If you are looking for something light which will put a smile on your face, this is a good book to pick !
November 4, 2021
2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️💫
This book wasn’t what I expected it to be, which is my fault since I didn’t actually read the blurb and instead made assumptions based on the front cover. Lesson learnt.
I wish this book was more romance heavy, and I wish it had a different ending because the end made me feel like this emoji 😬
Not the worst book, it was just a fine book.
This book wasn’t what I expected it to be, which is my fault since I didn’t actually read the blurb and instead made assumptions based on the front cover. Lesson learnt.
I wish this book was more romance heavy, and I wish it had a different ending because the end made me feel like this emoji 😬
Not the worst book, it was just a fine book.
November 2, 2022
I actually likes this book at lot more than I was expecting to when I started reading it! I loved the depth and the unexpected turns it took. I really liked the relationships in this book too.
April 1, 2025
2.5 stars
I’m really disappointed because I really wanted to like this book given the unique plot and cute tropes which we rarely see. But somehow it didn’t come together. I liked that the author attempted to weave a love story with a lot of substance and deeper topics but in doing so, the romance took such a backseat. It was almost as if this book was a literary fiction about two individual characters who have such little chemistry. We rarely see both the characters together. And there’s little to no romance in the book. I liked their characters individually but this book made zero efforts to bring them together in an organic way. It seemed too forced.
I’m really disappointed because I really wanted to like this book given the unique plot and cute tropes which we rarely see. But somehow it didn’t come together. I liked that the author attempted to weave a love story with a lot of substance and deeper topics but in doing so, the romance took such a backseat. It was almost as if this book was a literary fiction about two individual characters who have such little chemistry. We rarely see both the characters together. And there’s little to no romance in the book. I liked their characters individually but this book made zero efforts to bring them together in an organic way. It seemed too forced.
April 12, 2024
I expected this to be a lighthearted romance from reading the synopsis and the style of the cover. The actual story unfortunately isn’t much of a romance, and unexpectedly covers some darker themes. Overall a bit dissapointed the marketing didn’t quite line up to the story itself.
October 20, 2024
did not enjoy
June 17, 2025
This was such a sweet book, but not in the sweet sixteen kind of way. The characters were well-rounded, interesting and funny. I'll definitely try more of his books.
August 23, 2025
Wholesome!
September 16, 2025
2.25⭐
*SPOILERS* i formatted it correctly to hide spoilers but ig goodreads hates me
Well!
My mom found this at the Dollar Tree. She also read it and gave it 3 stars. Me? I'm tired of being generous.
I liked the idea of the plot well enough, but a lot of the book felt like filler. A whole lot of nothing seemed to happen in between the major plot points. And, of course,
My issues:
The fact that Daisy's sister and mom
Janice being all over Nate and then when
When Nate he tells one of the kids "Nobody needs any excuse to talk trash about Black kids. Why don't you do something useful, for a change?" Nate's character is Black but the author is not, and this interaction made me feel weird.
There are TOO MANY connections. Like... so many. Nothing is ever that convenient or "coincidental." At some point you're gonna have to come up with real solutions, brother. Like, Manchester is NOT a small city lmfao.
Anyway, this would definitely be a hit with the Hallmark movie crowd.
CAWPILE:
Characters: 2
Atmosphere/Setting: 3
Writing Style: 4
Plot: 7 (the IDEA of the plot was good)
Intrigue: 7 (again, the IDEA of it lol)
Logic/Relationships: 2
Enjoyment: 2
27/7 = 3.8 ~ 2⭐
*SPOILERS* i formatted it correctly to hide spoilers but ig goodreads hates me
Well!
My mom found this at the Dollar Tree. She also read it and gave it 3 stars. Me? I'm tired of being generous.
I liked the idea of the plot well enough, but a lot of the book felt like filler. A whole lot of nothing seemed to happen in between the major plot points. And, of course,
My issues:
The fact that Daisy's sister and mom
Janice being all over Nate and then when
When Nate he tells one of the kids "Nobody needs any excuse to talk trash about Black kids. Why don't you do something useful, for a change?" Nate's character is Black but the author is not, and this interaction made me feel weird.
There are TOO MANY connections. Like... so many. Nothing is ever that convenient or "coincidental." At some point you're gonna have to come up with real solutions, brother. Like, Manchester is NOT a small city lmfao.
Anyway, this would definitely be a hit with the Hallmark movie crowd.
CAWPILE:
Characters: 2
Atmosphere/Setting: 3
Writing Style: 4
Plot: 7 (the IDEA of the plot was good)
Intrigue: 7 (again, the IDEA of it lol)
Logic/Relationships: 2
Enjoyment: 2
27/7 = 3.8 ~ 2⭐
June 28, 2022
This one was slow, then kind of cute, then slightly annoying, then kind of deep, then just a bit odd, rounded off with way too cheesy of an ending. All in all, I did want to keep reading but the fun, cute parts weren't enough to redeem all the parts that felt forced or awkward.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for a #gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for a #gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
January 5, 2023
Daisy is a night guard at a museum. Between her job, caring for her mother with cancer, and worrying about her sister that seems to be drinking to much, she doesn’t have much time for anything else. Daisy gives off a vibe similar to Molly from The Maid. Routines and order are very important to her and she is frustrated by those who do not approach their jobs or lives similarly.
The story is complex and there are a few threads that connect the characters which are revealed in time. I particularly enjoyed the mystery of the missing museum items that later reappear. The author uses this situation as a catalyst for change in Molly life as well as Nate’s and the community that they weren’t even aware they were a part of. I like how the story is not about bright shiny people but those that have a few bumps and bruises from life. The characters and situations felt realistic as the plot progressed. Daisy and Nate’s relationship was particularly well done as it grows slowly and naturally. I was routing for Nate and Daisy. I liked them both a lot but for very different reasons. I think it is Nate’s kind heart that makes the two of them fit together so well.
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.
The story is complex and there are a few threads that connect the characters which are revealed in time. I particularly enjoyed the mystery of the missing museum items that later reappear. The author uses this situation as a catalyst for change in Molly life as well as Nate’s and the community that they weren’t even aware they were a part of. I like how the story is not about bright shiny people but those that have a few bumps and bruises from life. The characters and situations felt realistic as the plot progressed. Daisy and Nate’s relationship was particularly well done as it grows slowly and naturally. I was routing for Nate and Daisy. I liked them both a lot but for very different reasons. I think it is Nate’s kind heart that makes the two of them fit together so well.
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.
May 30, 2023
DNF at 50%. I hate not finishing books, but I disliked reading this book even more.
This is marketed as a “charming” light romance, but the characters are dealing with some heavy personal issues, currently and in their past. The weight is tangible.
Also, the writing employs a technique that I personally despise, which is talking around the narrator having a Really Big Event in their past that sets up their entire motivations but insists on dragging out the reveals. I understand the reasoning for this approach; I simply don’t like it. And it really doesn't work in romance because presumably the character will be likeable so clearly the Big Horrible Thing about them isn't actually all that horrible.
Around halfway through, I realized that the only character I was actually enjoying was the takeout chicken shop owner. I also wager I can guess the remainder of the plot with at least 80% accuracy. It does feature After Dark, so I'll give it a prop there.
Readers looking for two people slogging through the miserable parts of life eventually finding some happiness with each other may enjoy this one, but I don't have any interest.
This is marketed as a “charming” light romance, but the characters are dealing with some heavy personal issues, currently and in their past. The weight is tangible.
Also, the writing employs a technique that I personally despise, which is talking around the narrator having a Really Big Event in their past that sets up their entire motivations but insists on dragging out the reveals. I understand the reasoning for this approach; I simply don’t like it. And it really doesn't work in romance because presumably the character will be likeable so clearly the Big Horrible Thing about them isn't actually all that horrible.
Around halfway through, I realized that the only character I was actually enjoying was the takeout chicken shop owner. I also wager I can guess the remainder of the plot with at least 80% accuracy. It does feature After Dark, so I'll give it a prop there.
Readers looking for two people slogging through the miserable parts of life eventually finding some happiness with each other may enjoy this one, but I don't have any interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews