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Improbably Yours
An unusual inheritance leads to a life-changing journey in a novel of romance, secrets, and the treasure of found family.
Blythe Harmon is on the fast track to a life she never wanted. On her thirtieth birthday, just as she’s about to lock herself into a high-powered job and accept a marriage proposal to match, an unusual bequest from her beloved late grandmother, Nomi, offers an escape and an invitation to adventure.
Equipped with Nomi’s urn of ashes and a treasure map, Blythe sets off for a small island in the San Juans where she rents the mysterious and unsettling Improbable House. Secret by secret, clue by cryptic clue, she begins to unravel the puzzle her grandmother has left her to piece together. Her quest is complicated, though, by a powerful attraction to an enigmatic islander and empathy for his orphaned niece, both of whom are inexorably tied to the old house.
Just when Blythe thinks she’s on the verge of solving the mystery, her quest takes an unexpected turn, and she discovers that the treasure she’s really seeking is something that could never be buried in the ground. While she’s on the treasure hunt of a lifetime, the past and the future are coming together in this magical novel by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This.
Blythe Harmon is on the fast track to a life she never wanted. On her thirtieth birthday, just as she’s about to lock herself into a high-powered job and accept a marriage proposal to match, an unusual bequest from her beloved late grandmother, Nomi, offers an escape and an invitation to adventure.
Equipped with Nomi’s urn of ashes and a treasure map, Blythe sets off for a small island in the San Juans where she rents the mysterious and unsettling Improbable House. Secret by secret, clue by cryptic clue, she begins to unravel the puzzle her grandmother has left her to piece together. Her quest is complicated, though, by a powerful attraction to an enigmatic islander and empathy for his orphaned niece, both of whom are inexorably tied to the old house.
Just when Blythe thinks she’s on the verge of solving the mystery, her quest takes an unexpected turn, and she discovers that the treasure she’s really seeking is something that could never be buried in the ground. While she’s on the treasure hunt of a lifetime, the past and the future are coming together in this magical novel by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This.
348 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2022
712 people are currently reading
4523 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Anne King
13 books807 followersKerry Anne King (aka Kerry Schafer) is the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of thirteen novels. An incorrigible genre hopper, Kerry has written fantasy, paranormal mystery and book club fiction. Known for her lyrical writing and memorable characters, Kerry weaves deep emotional insights, humor, and often a touch of magic into all of her tales. Her most recent writing venture is an amateur sleuth novel, Party Planning Can Be Murder, releasing in March of 2025.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
October 18, 2022
Kerry Anne King is so good at what she does. Her last four books have blown me away. Improbably Yours is the newest.
About the book: “An unusual inheritance leads to a life-changing journey in a novel of romance, secrets, and the treasure of found family.”
Blythe is about to start a new job and has been proposed to. At the same time, her late grandmother, Nomi, has offered her an adventure and a treasure map. Fun and intriguing, right?
Blythe sets off to the tiny island of Vinland and rents the “Improbable House.” She meets Flynn and his niece, Savannah. All three come together to solve the mystery and perhaps they will find healing, too.
I love an adventure, and Improbably Yours captures that fun feeling. The story surprised me, and I loved the quirky and imperfect characters. There’s also an exploration of grief and guilt. One simply has to read this book to meet Norman! Another winner of a book by Kerry Anne King!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “An unusual inheritance leads to a life-changing journey in a novel of romance, secrets, and the treasure of found family.”
Blythe is about to start a new job and has been proposed to. At the same time, her late grandmother, Nomi, has offered her an adventure and a treasure map. Fun and intriguing, right?
Blythe sets off to the tiny island of Vinland and rents the “Improbable House.” She meets Flynn and his niece, Savannah. All three come together to solve the mystery and perhaps they will find healing, too.
I love an adventure, and Improbably Yours captures that fun feeling. The story surprised me, and I loved the quirky and imperfect characters. There’s also an exploration of grief and guilt. One simply has to read this book to meet Norman! Another winner of a book by Kerry Anne King!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 28, 2022
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Sweet and Cute (if you ignore insta love)
Blythe Harmon is living a fast-track life the way her mother, sister, and boyfriend want. It’s her 30h birthday, and she can’t help but feel suffocated and unhappy. Things couldn’t have been better with a new high-profile job and a marriage proposal from the boyfriend.
But Blythe knows she needs to do what makes her happy. Respite comes in the form of Nomi’s ashes and last request (Nomi is her late grandmother). Blythe goes on an adventure to a small island in the San Juans. Her stay at the Improbable House takes her closer to the past.
However, things get complicated with new revelations. Blythe now has to connect the past to the present to have a happy future. And somewhere amidst the chaos lies the key to her happiness.
The story comes in the first-person POVs of Blythe and Flynn in the present tense.
What I Like:
The story is heartwarming and sweet with a blend of happy and sad moments. There is enough pain (death of loved ones and secrets) in the book, but it doesn’t get overwhelming.
The narration is fast-paced and engaging. It dips a little in the middle but gains momentum again. It does feel a little rushed because of the HEA ending, but I don’t mind it.
Even though the characters aren’t very detailed, they are easy to understand. None of them is perfect, but there aren’t any outright villains (with one exception) either. This makes them easy to understand, if not always likable.
The blurb uses the word magic, and it is important to consider this when reading the book. There are a few unexplainable events that make the setting atmospheric. However, these aren’t explored enough to make the story dark or creepy. This could go either way, depending on your reading preferences.
Savannah is easily my favorite in the book, and Brodie is adorable. Who can resist a fluffy doggy with loads of enthusiasm and no manners? ;P
The themes of self-discovery, acceptance, being true to one’s self, taking a risk, etc., are well done without being too heavy-handed.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Well, as much as I enjoy romance, I don’t like insta love between Blythe and Flynn. A couple of more scenes to show their chemistry would have made the story even better (for me). Also, Flynn’s character needed to be fleshed out more.
The plot is complex and has some twists. But it is solved a little too easily and within the week’s deadline. Maybe a bit of spacing it over the days would increase the impact.
The crucial issues of the plot are also resolved quickly. Given how the issues are dragged over the storyline, the resolution doesn’t feel solid. The gravity of the events is lost when they are wrapped up with ease.
To summarize, Improbably Yours is a sweet and heartwarming book with a few hits and misses. But it is a good read if you want a blend of genres without getting too deep into any of them.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ImprobablyYours
TW: Parental death, domestic violence, grief
*****
P.S: The cover suits the story really well, though I don't much like how the title covers the detailing.
One Liner: Sweet and Cute (if you ignore insta love)
Blythe Harmon is living a fast-track life the way her mother, sister, and boyfriend want. It’s her 30h birthday, and she can’t help but feel suffocated and unhappy. Things couldn’t have been better with a new high-profile job and a marriage proposal from the boyfriend.
But Blythe knows she needs to do what makes her happy. Respite comes in the form of Nomi’s ashes and last request (Nomi is her late grandmother). Blythe goes on an adventure to a small island in the San Juans. Her stay at the Improbable House takes her closer to the past.
However, things get complicated with new revelations. Blythe now has to connect the past to the present to have a happy future. And somewhere amidst the chaos lies the key to her happiness.
The story comes in the first-person POVs of Blythe and Flynn in the present tense.
What I Like:
The story is heartwarming and sweet with a blend of happy and sad moments. There is enough pain (death of loved ones and secrets) in the book, but it doesn’t get overwhelming.
The narration is fast-paced and engaging. It dips a little in the middle but gains momentum again. It does feel a little rushed because of the HEA ending, but I don’t mind it.
Even though the characters aren’t very detailed, they are easy to understand. None of them is perfect, but there aren’t any outright villains (with one exception) either. This makes them easy to understand, if not always likable.
The blurb uses the word magic, and it is important to consider this when reading the book. There are a few unexplainable events that make the setting atmospheric. However, these aren’t explored enough to make the story dark or creepy. This could go either way, depending on your reading preferences.
Savannah is easily my favorite in the book, and Brodie is adorable. Who can resist a fluffy doggy with loads of enthusiasm and no manners? ;P
The themes of self-discovery, acceptance, being true to one’s self, taking a risk, etc., are well done without being too heavy-handed.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Well, as much as I enjoy romance, I don’t like insta love between Blythe and Flynn. A couple of more scenes to show their chemistry would have made the story even better (for me). Also, Flynn’s character needed to be fleshed out more.
The plot is complex and has some twists. But it is solved a little too easily and within the week’s deadline. Maybe a bit of spacing it over the days would increase the impact.
The crucial issues of the plot are also resolved quickly. Given how the issues are dragged over the storyline, the resolution doesn’t feel solid. The gravity of the events is lost when they are wrapped up with ease.
To summarize, Improbably Yours is a sweet and heartwarming book with a few hits and misses. But it is a good read if you want a blend of genres without getting too deep into any of them.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ImprobablyYours
TW: Parental death, domestic violence, grief
*****
P.S: The cover suits the story really well, though I don't much like how the title covers the detailing.
October 17, 2022
When Blythe Harmon turned thirty, she appeared to have it all - a career on the rise and a solid future with her boyfriend. But at her birthday party, she learns that she is set to inherit a great sum of money if she complies with the wishes of her late grandmother, Nomi. Leaving everything behind for an undetermined time period, Blythe heads out on a journey to the San Juan Islands with Nomi's ashes and a treasure map which she and her grandmother created when she was a little girl. One of the islanders and his niece soon try to help Blythe find the hidden treasure and the location where she is supposed to bury Nomi's ashes. As the clues of the search start coming together, Blythe starts to discover more about herself as she gets closer to solving her grandmother's puzzle.
Author Kerry Anne King has such a talent for developing complex, interesting characters. Improbably Yours is a wonderfully charming and original book that pulled me in from the very beginning and never let me go. It is a story of love, self-discovery, and family secrets. With a sprinkling of magic. I simply adored it.
Many thanks to the author and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this lovely book in advance of its release.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
Author Kerry Anne King has such a talent for developing complex, interesting characters. Improbably Yours is a wonderfully charming and original book that pulled me in from the very beginning and never let me go. It is a story of love, self-discovery, and family secrets. With a sprinkling of magic. I simply adored it.
Many thanks to the author and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this lovely book in advance of its release.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
October 21, 2022
A mystery and romance in one. It was so much more than a romance hence the title. It was a mystery at its best. I am a huge fan of Kings I have read several of her books in the past. She never disappoints. This is one book you want to add to your shelf.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
October 15, 2022
Get Lost In The Wonder. This is another Kerry Anne King book where she manages to take a delightfully flawed protagonist and spin a tale of wonder (and wander) around her. Set in the apparently lovely (if all the house buying shows I've watched on Discovery+ are to be believed, I've never been within 1,000 miles of the location) San Juan Islands of Washington State, this book shows off a small island town bound to its tourism cycle remarkably well. Along the way we get a touch of a pair of romances, some mysterious-yet-light happenings, a pair of tragedies, and a treasure hunt to end all treasure hunts. Truly a great tale of adventure and finding yourself in unexpected places. Very much recommended.
October 22, 2022
Improbably Yours is a book that literally took my breath away, and I don’t know where to start! This is an intricate story about home and love and grief and guilt and secrets and magic and adventure and family and self. There are layers upon layers, and as each layer is revealed we get deeper into the stories, and more importantly into the depth of these wonderful characters. We are taken to the whimsical island of Vinland, where pirates and Vikings search for treasure, and is the place where Blythe goes to unravel a mystery left to her by her grandmother. There is a treasure map that Blythe drew as a child, there is a snow globe that might foretell the future, there are mysterious clues left for Blythe to solve. Life becomes more complicated for Blythe when she meets Flynn, her somewhat reluctant landlord, and his orphaned niece. I can’t tell you how very much I enjoyed spending time with Blythe, Flynn, and Savannah, getting to know who they truly were, discovering the truth behind their pain and scars, and watching them learn to love and trust again. The thing that truly brought me happiness, though, was Blythe’s journey to discover who she was, where she belonged—not based on anyone’s expectations but her own. I said earlier that this book took my breath away, the last gasp coming near the very end—a line and an emotion that filled my own heart with joy, a line I’ve read over and over again. I won’t quote it here, because I would never ever give away the ending of a book—but suffice it to say that that line, along with Blythe, Flynn, and Savannah, is etched in my heart.
August 28, 2024
This book was exactly 3.5 stars for me. I think the overall story was good and the writing was engaging, but I wasn't expecting the paranormal / ghost aspect and some of the details don't really line up if you take a closer look at them. I also wasn't a big fan of the insta-love. I expected it to build quickly, but not on day 2. The relationship itself was cute and I could have easily suspended disbelief for them to have feelings after spending the week together, but it was just a little too quick. There weren't enough interactions for it to be what it was.
October 22, 2022
We first meet Blythe as a six year old. She loves to spend time with her grandmother and they spend a lot of time playing make-believe and treasure hunting. After her grandmother dies she misses the tales of magic and foreign lands but now she's 30 she 's getting ready to accept a high pressure job and marry Alan. The surprise party/engagement party that Alan plans is an uncomfortable surprise for her and when Alan's proposal is interrupted by a man with balloons who sings Happy Birthday, she is actually relieved. When she finds out that the balloon man is actually a lawyer with a bequest from her beloved grandmother that was supposed to be delivered on her 30th birthday, she jumps at the request to bury her grandmother's ashes on a nearby island and find the treasure that's waiting for her. .
Blythe sets off to a small island n the San Juan's with her grandmother's ashes and a treasure map that her grandmother had left for her. The island is a real tourist trap with all activities revolving around Vikings and Pirates. With no rooms available, she is rented Improbable House which is away from the other houses and is probably haunted. Her quest to find the treasure is very complicated and soon she has the help of an attractive man and his sad and haunted niece. Will they be able to find the treasure and bury the ashes? And what is this treasure -- something valuable or learning to accept that treasures exist in our lives every day and is provided by the people that we know and love.
This is a fun well written novel with some of the quirkiest characters that I've read in a long time. The treasure hunt was fun to follow and I was rooting for Blythe to find it the treasure and her happily ever after. I've read every book that this author has written and she keeps getting better. This story is about family and love with adventure and discovery with a little magic sprinkled in.
Blythe sets off to a small island n the San Juan's with her grandmother's ashes and a treasure map that her grandmother had left for her. The island is a real tourist trap with all activities revolving around Vikings and Pirates. With no rooms available, she is rented Improbable House which is away from the other houses and is probably haunted. Her quest to find the treasure is very complicated and soon she has the help of an attractive man and his sad and haunted niece. Will they be able to find the treasure and bury the ashes? And what is this treasure -- something valuable or learning to accept that treasures exist in our lives every day and is provided by the people that we know and love.
This is a fun well written novel with some of the quirkiest characters that I've read in a long time. The treasure hunt was fun to follow and I was rooting for Blythe to find it the treasure and her happily ever after. I've read every book that this author has written and she keeps getting better. This story is about family and love with adventure and discovery with a little magic sprinkled in.
October 11, 2022
TITLE: IMPROBABLY YOURS
AUTHOR: Kerry Anne King
PUB DATE: 10.18.2022 Pre Order Now
Magical
Mysterious
Moving
Kerry Anne King deftly writes a novel that transcends genres - this had everything I wanted to read that involved an island, an adventure, a treasure hunt, and a journey of a lifetime. King takes us through this magical story through Blythe, Flynn and Savannah. I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky read that was immersive and also romantic. This is a story about families and friendships, love and loss, and finding oneself, and discovering treasures of all sorts.
Truly charming read I enjoyed.
AUTHOR: Kerry Anne King
PUB DATE: 10.18.2022 Pre Order Now
Magical
Mysterious
Moving
Kerry Anne King deftly writes a novel that transcends genres - this had everything I wanted to read that involved an island, an adventure, a treasure hunt, and a journey of a lifetime. King takes us through this magical story through Blythe, Flynn and Savannah. I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky read that was immersive and also romantic. This is a story about families and friendships, love and loss, and finding oneself, and discovering treasures of all sorts.
Truly charming read I enjoyed.
October 13, 2022
A multi-layered and magical tale. On her thirtieth birthday Blythe is about to have a high powered job and accept a marriage proposal. Everything changes when her late grandmother sends her on a quest. Blythe heads to the Island of San Juans where she rents the Improbable House and meets Flynn and his orphaned niece. Along with her treasure map Blythe uncovers clue after clue and secrets that change everything. A well written story of family, love and finding yourself. What a beautiful story this is. I truly loved every minute of it.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
did-not-finish
October 5, 2024Almost halfway through and I’m still bored and waiting for the story to begin. Moving on.
September 16, 2022
Does the sheer anticipation of an unopened gift overwhelm you?
I don’t like waiting. It makes me an awful person. I’m the child who opened her siblings’ Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve and then whispered what I’d discovered as I sneaked into their room. Awful.
Blythe Beatrice Harmon has just passed the signpost marking thirty years old and feels like she’s “on a train headed for the wrong destination, traveling down a mountainside without brakes, gathering momentum at an alarming rate.” At 10, 950 days old, she feels like it’s easier to stay on board another day than jump off. She's not happy with her life, but it works. Her 30th birthday gift couldn’t have come at a more perfect moment. Serendipitous, really.
A life-changing inheritance leads Blythe on a journey of self-discovery, a treasure hunt of sorts, and opens her heart up to the magic that’s always surrounded her.
This was a long-awaited book (you’ll recall that I’m in the process of developing patience, right?!) by a trusted author and it was everything I’d built it up to be and more! It was the treasure hunt of a lifetime! I loved the quirky characters, the mysterious letters, the second chance romance, and the coming together of the past and the future. My inner treasure seeker loved the references to ghosts, pirates, a secluded island, buried treasure in chests and a map, and the haunted house.
King managed to awaken the treasure seeker within and reminded me that while some things need to be buried, other things need to be discovered. She pointed out the buried treasure for each of us to find - the treasure of love, of second chances, and of found family. Some of us, like Blythe, will have to dig up our past to make sense of our present and future. And that’s o.k., too.
Two takeaways for me that will be added to my personal dictionary are: Improbable House and Vinland Thursdays.
You absolutely must read about Norman and the depth of his utterance - “Nevermore.”
I was gifted this advance copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I don’t like waiting. It makes me an awful person. I’m the child who opened her siblings’ Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve and then whispered what I’d discovered as I sneaked into their room. Awful.
Blythe Beatrice Harmon has just passed the signpost marking thirty years old and feels like she’s “on a train headed for the wrong destination, traveling down a mountainside without brakes, gathering momentum at an alarming rate.” At 10, 950 days old, she feels like it’s easier to stay on board another day than jump off. She's not happy with her life, but it works. Her 30th birthday gift couldn’t have come at a more perfect moment. Serendipitous, really.
A life-changing inheritance leads Blythe on a journey of self-discovery, a treasure hunt of sorts, and opens her heart up to the magic that’s always surrounded her.
This was a long-awaited book (you’ll recall that I’m in the process of developing patience, right?!) by a trusted author and it was everything I’d built it up to be and more! It was the treasure hunt of a lifetime! I loved the quirky characters, the mysterious letters, the second chance romance, and the coming together of the past and the future. My inner treasure seeker loved the references to ghosts, pirates, a secluded island, buried treasure in chests and a map, and the haunted house.
King managed to awaken the treasure seeker within and reminded me that while some things need to be buried, other things need to be discovered. She pointed out the buried treasure for each of us to find - the treasure of love, of second chances, and of found family. Some of us, like Blythe, will have to dig up our past to make sense of our present and future. And that’s o.k., too.
Two takeaways for me that will be added to my personal dictionary are: Improbable House and Vinland Thursdays.
You absolutely must read about Norman and the depth of his utterance - “Nevermore.”
I was gifted this advance copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 31, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a digital arc of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This novel follows a protagonist who has experienced tremendous loss and is sent on a journey to set her mind straight. The key elements of this novel include many aspects of adventure and mystery, all of which mask the true romantic journey involved that is riddled with the trials of facing self-acceptance. This story is the beautiful tale of a young girl who experiences grief, while simultaneously learning what it means to be in love.
Personally, this novel was great, but not amazing enough to fit my unrealistically high expectations. I felt that some of the writing was a bit jarring at times, and honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of the love connection between Flynn and Blythe. The story of acceptance was beautifully written, but my critical opinions on the romantic aspect are what affected my review drastically. It was a lovely novel, just not personally to my taste.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read, with depressing elements of loss as well. I may give this a reread in the near future, in hopes that I come to love and enjoy it more, but for now my rating remains slightly above average. I appreciate receiving a copy from Netgalley, and the author's work should definitely be further appreciated by avid lovers of romance.
This novel follows a protagonist who has experienced tremendous loss and is sent on a journey to set her mind straight. The key elements of this novel include many aspects of adventure and mystery, all of which mask the true romantic journey involved that is riddled with the trials of facing self-acceptance. This story is the beautiful tale of a young girl who experiences grief, while simultaneously learning what it means to be in love.
Personally, this novel was great, but not amazing enough to fit my unrealistically high expectations. I felt that some of the writing was a bit jarring at times, and honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of the love connection between Flynn and Blythe. The story of acceptance was beautifully written, but my critical opinions on the romantic aspect are what affected my review drastically. It was a lovely novel, just not personally to my taste.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read, with depressing elements of loss as well. I may give this a reread in the near future, in hopes that I come to love and enjoy it more, but for now my rating remains slightly above average. I appreciate receiving a copy from Netgalley, and the author's work should definitely be further appreciated by avid lovers of romance.
May 20, 2022
This book was a surprise! I loved it!
I want it to be a film, I’m just in love with Blythe and I think I’ll name my next cat after her!
My favourite book of this year! 😍
I want it to be a film, I’m just in love with Blythe and I think I’ll name my next cat after her!
My favourite book of this year! 😍
January 2, 2024
A charming story that has a little bit of everything: adventure, mystery, love, the unexplainable.
February 21, 2025
I held off on reading this book for far too long… no idea why because it is a gem! I can relate to Blythe’s need to leave home to find herself, and especially, grieve the loss of someone so influential in her life. And these themes are hidden inside a treasure hunt… what sweet magic!
January 18, 2023
Improbably Yours was a book that was not even on my radar before I received it through the Once Upon a Book Club's 'Up All Night' box. It's a sweet story told from dual perspectives. Although it took me longer than a night to read, it's not hard to see how someone may read it in one sitting.
The story deals with the loss of someone you love and dealing with that grief. But, it also revolves around coming to terms with yourself and who you're meant to be. Although predictable in its outcomes, that did not detract from the story, which I found to be quite heartwarming.
The book follows Blythe Harmon, who has her life turned on its head upon receiving a unique gift. This unusual gift was sent from "beyond the grave." Her beloved grandmother, Nomi, who died 23years earlier, left specific instructions for this gift to be delivered to Blythe on her 30th birthday. The gift pushes her to embark upon an adventure in order to receive the full present. With limited knowledge of what lays ahead, Blythe embraces the unknown, taking the risk to find out what life has in store for her upon the small tucked away island, Vinland.
At the same time, another family living on Vinland is dealing with their own grief. Flynn Johansen has been off the island for half his life, but has now returned after the passing of his twin sister, Frieda. With her passing, he has become the sole guardian for his niece, Savannah, a pre-teen he had never met before. Savannah wins Flynn's heart completely, but they both have walls up that they need to overcome in order to develop a real relationship with one another.
From Blythe's chance encounters with Flynn and Savannah, (or was it fate), they each help one another accept their pasts so that they may realize their futures.
All in all, a 4 star read for me with the perfect amounts of romance and magical realism. I am so happy Once Upon a Book Club brought this book to my attention.
The story deals with the loss of someone you love and dealing with that grief. But, it also revolves around coming to terms with yourself and who you're meant to be. Although predictable in its outcomes, that did not detract from the story, which I found to be quite heartwarming.
The book follows Blythe Harmon, who has her life turned on its head upon receiving a unique gift. This unusual gift was sent from "beyond the grave." Her beloved grandmother, Nomi, who died 23years earlier, left specific instructions for this gift to be delivered to Blythe on her 30th birthday. The gift pushes her to embark upon an adventure in order to receive the full present. With limited knowledge of what lays ahead, Blythe embraces the unknown, taking the risk to find out what life has in store for her upon the small tucked away island, Vinland.
At the same time, another family living on Vinland is dealing with their own grief. Flynn Johansen has been off the island for half his life, but has now returned after the passing of his twin sister, Frieda. With her passing, he has become the sole guardian for his niece, Savannah, a pre-teen he had never met before. Savannah wins Flynn's heart completely, but they both have walls up that they need to overcome in order to develop a real relationship with one another.
From Blythe's chance encounters with Flynn and Savannah, (or was it fate), they each help one another accept their pasts so that they may realize their futures.
All in all, a 4 star read for me with the perfect amounts of romance and magical realism. I am so happy Once Upon a Book Club brought this book to my attention.
October 16, 2022
This is such a beautiful read!
Blythe is a really fun heroine. She starts out as someone who's going along with what her family expects of her, but when she gets a strange bequest on her 30th birthday from her grandmother, who died when when Blythe was a kid, she decides to go against her family's wishes and goes on an adventure to an island.
Blythe immediately has to deal with problems when she arrives on the island though. It seems like her quest is more challenging than it looked at first. And then there's the slightly grumpy Flynn and his niece Savannah who add to the difficulties.
I loved Flynn and especially Savannah. Their story interweaves with Blythe's in a compelling way. As the book progresses you learn more about their past, and about the past of Blythe's grandmother. Some things I could guess long before they're revealed, but I didn't mind that. I was too invested in all three of them overcoming their problems and finding happiness. I loved seeing Blythe move away from the rigid life she put herself in and open up to new possibilities.
I loved the setting as well. The island sounded really cool! I definitely would love to visit an island like that. There's also a touch of the supernatural in this story, just small enough to ignore if you're not into that, but big enough for me to lap it up!
All in all I couldn't put this book down and was both happy with the conclusion and sad that I had to say goodbye to the island and characters. You bet this book goes on my Keeper Shelves and will be reread!
Blythe is a really fun heroine. She starts out as someone who's going along with what her family expects of her, but when she gets a strange bequest on her 30th birthday from her grandmother, who died when when Blythe was a kid, she decides to go against her family's wishes and goes on an adventure to an island.
Blythe immediately has to deal with problems when she arrives on the island though. It seems like her quest is more challenging than it looked at first. And then there's the slightly grumpy Flynn and his niece Savannah who add to the difficulties.
I loved Flynn and especially Savannah. Their story interweaves with Blythe's in a compelling way. As the book progresses you learn more about their past, and about the past of Blythe's grandmother. Some things I could guess long before they're revealed, but I didn't mind that. I was too invested in all three of them overcoming their problems and finding happiness. I loved seeing Blythe move away from the rigid life she put herself in and open up to new possibilities.
I loved the setting as well. The island sounded really cool! I definitely would love to visit an island like that. There's also a touch of the supernatural in this story, just small enough to ignore if you're not into that, but big enough for me to lap it up!
All in all I couldn't put this book down and was both happy with the conclusion and sad that I had to say goodbye to the island and characters. You bet this book goes on my Keeper Shelves and will be reread!
October 18, 2022
An adventurous and charming story that speaks of loss, hope, and discovery.
When Blythe was six, she and her grandmother, Nomi drew a treasure map. Now thirty, years after her Nomi's passing, Blythe receives instructions sent by Nomi, to go to the island she drew on the map to find a buried treasure and bury Nomi's ashes there. Even though she's been offered a dream job and a proposal from the man in her life, Blythe jumps at the chance for an adventure of a lifetime. Once on the island, Blythe rents the Improbable House from a handsome islander who along with his orphaned niece help Blythe start to unravel the clues she finds. What she finds there though is so much more than she hoped for.
This is truly a magical story that left a smile on my face when I finished it. Told in a way that draws you into the story and onto the island where you try to solve the mystery right along with the wonderful cast of characters. The story telling here for me was flawless. The road to self discovery was lined with all the hopes and dreams Nomi had for Blythe and it was a pleasure to be taken along for the ride.
Get your treasure map at bit.ly/improbablyyourstreasure to play along and win fabulous prizes.”
Treasure Hunt Word: SEA CAVE
Many thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
When Blythe was six, she and her grandmother, Nomi drew a treasure map. Now thirty, years after her Nomi's passing, Blythe receives instructions sent by Nomi, to go to the island she drew on the map to find a buried treasure and bury Nomi's ashes there. Even though she's been offered a dream job and a proposal from the man in her life, Blythe jumps at the chance for an adventure of a lifetime. Once on the island, Blythe rents the Improbable House from a handsome islander who along with his orphaned niece help Blythe start to unravel the clues she finds. What she finds there though is so much more than she hoped for.
This is truly a magical story that left a smile on my face when I finished it. Told in a way that draws you into the story and onto the island where you try to solve the mystery right along with the wonderful cast of characters. The story telling here for me was flawless. The road to self discovery was lined with all the hopes and dreams Nomi had for Blythe and it was a pleasure to be taken along for the ride.
Get your treasure map at bit.ly/improbablyyourstreasure to play along and win fabulous prizes.”
Treasure Hunt Word: SEA CAVE
Many thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
July 30, 2024
I listened to the audio for this book more than read it and it might’ve made me like it less. Terry Linden voices the character Blythe, and her voice gets very grating very quickly. Plus her impression of a six year old girl is awful. Just awful.
But the voice talent isn’t responsible for all the holes in the plot. It’s just not convincing in any aspect. There’s not much chemistry to convince me Blythe and Flynn fall madly for each other after a few encounters. I also don’t buy the reason Nick is so hateful and how he couldn’t have known Naomi was pregnant with his kid. If the lawyer had Nick’s painting AND knew Naomi, would he not have reunited them!? Wouldn’t Naomi have continued to check on his status? Plus, so many people were in on Blythe's adventure, the plot just doesn’t make sense at all. There’s no way Nick would’ve been surprised about Naomi and there’s no way Naomi would not have known he was living on that island, even if she did die 24 years prior. I just don’t get it. Also, there’s no way Blythe hooks up her sister and long-time ex less than a week after breaking up. That’s just a little yucky. Add to all that the anticlimactic back stories Flynn and Savannah each contribute, and you get a disappointing book.
But the voice talent isn’t responsible for all the holes in the plot. It’s just not convincing in any aspect. There’s not much chemistry to convince me Blythe and Flynn fall madly for each other after a few encounters. I also don’t buy the reason Nick is so hateful and how he couldn’t have known Naomi was pregnant with his kid. If the lawyer had Nick’s painting AND knew Naomi, would he not have reunited them!? Wouldn’t Naomi have continued to check on his status? Plus, so many people were in on Blythe's adventure, the plot just doesn’t make sense at all. There’s no way Nick would’ve been surprised about Naomi and there’s no way Naomi would not have known he was living on that island, even if she did die 24 years prior. I just don’t get it. Also, there’s no way Blythe hooks up her sister and long-time ex less than a week after breaking up. That’s just a little yucky. Add to all that the anticlimactic back stories Flynn and Savannah each contribute, and you get a disappointing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC copy
Bythe last her grandmother when she was 6, and before her death she predicted on Blythe's 30th birthday she would be on a treasure hunt on a small island. She never took the little game she payed with her grandmother seriously. In the present she is a little lost in life feeling like she isn't being true to herself and on her 30th birthday she gets a surprise visit from her late grandmothers lawyer. Turns out she is being sent on an adventure to the island to spread her ashes. Many surprises await her on this island, where she may discover secrets and the person she was always meant to be.
There was so much I liked about this one, a scavenger hunt, an island, complicated familial relationships, a loveable dog, and a cozy mystery. The things that didn't work for me was the romance , it felt like an afterthought and not full fleshed out, and some of the characters motivations were not very clear or believable. This novel would benefit from being a bit longer.
Bythe last her grandmother when she was 6, and before her death she predicted on Blythe's 30th birthday she would be on a treasure hunt on a small island. She never took the little game she payed with her grandmother seriously. In the present she is a little lost in life feeling like she isn't being true to herself and on her 30th birthday she gets a surprise visit from her late grandmothers lawyer. Turns out she is being sent on an adventure to the island to spread her ashes. Many surprises await her on this island, where she may discover secrets and the person she was always meant to be.
There was so much I liked about this one, a scavenger hunt, an island, complicated familial relationships, a loveable dog, and a cozy mystery. The things that didn't work for me was the romance , it felt like an afterthought and not full fleshed out, and some of the characters motivations were not very clear or believable. This novel would benefit from being a bit longer.
May 24, 2024
I really like this author, but I found this one could be summed up in three words: Over The Top.
It was cute-sy and gimmicky and almost felt a little Peter Pan-like. This may not go over well with some readers…
What 6yo calls her grandmother by her formal name? I thought Nomi was a nickname like “nana,” but these love letters are signed Nomi. This bothered me maybe more than it should? Also, I can barely remember anything from when I was 6.
I also figured things our right away and didn’t like the romance at all, and the downright cheese of the meet-cute and “love at first sight” ness of it. But, to each their own. I really try to not have a book on the Do Not Finish shelf, but this one tempted.
2.5 stars rounding up for uniqueness, the balloon man chapter and the character Savannah and her coming of age/processing loss.
It was cute-sy and gimmicky and almost felt a little Peter Pan-like. This may not go over well with some readers…
What 6yo calls her grandmother by her formal name? I thought Nomi was a nickname like “nana,” but these love letters are signed Nomi. This bothered me maybe more than it should? Also, I can barely remember anything from when I was 6.
I also figured things our right away and didn’t like the romance at all, and the downright cheese of the meet-cute and “love at first sight” ness of it. But, to each their own. I really try to not have a book on the Do Not Finish shelf, but this one tempted.
2.5 stars rounding up for uniqueness, the balloon man chapter and the character Savannah and her coming of age/processing loss.
January 21, 2025
Blythe realises on her 30th birthday that her life is being steered towards a course she never wanted and when her late grandmother sends an adventure to her, she is more than willing to try anything that would change the course of her life. Even if it means finding treasure on a remote island.
A sweet adventure with all the right noises about family and love. Perfect if you are looking for a light read. This is the first Kerry Anne King book I have read and she definitely has made it to the list of relaxing authors to read.
A sweet adventure with all the right noises about family and love. Perfect if you are looking for a light read. This is the first Kerry Anne King book I have read and she definitely has made it to the list of relaxing authors to read.
January 4, 2023
This book had it all! Mystery, love, grief, guilt, ghosts, long lost family.... everything! This was my first Kerry Anne King novel but certainly won't be my last. It kept my attention and was unique and moving and every character pulled me in instantly. This book was magic and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 25, 2022
As always, unique, quirky and so fun to read! I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader’s copy. I have loved every one of Kerry Anne King’s books- always full of surprises. This one has romance, great characters and mystery. It comes out October 18. A must read!
April 19, 2023
I was really drawn to the concept of the treasure island in this book and it delivered for the most part. However, while this novel was really heartfelt and made me laugh out loud at some parts, I found it a bit too-slow paced, especially towards the end.
July 6, 2023
Such a cute book. I love fun stories like this. Young lady turning 30 gets a gift from her long dead grandma and follows her treasure map to fun and adventure and love. A little swearing. No sexual content.
October 23, 2022
This was a fun adventure story that kept me engaged throughout. King is a masterful storyteller and this is no exception.
May 2, 2023
lovely read!!!
I loved this book! It satisfied my romantic side and my adventurous one. Her writing is top notch, beautifully and well composed. I’m excited I found her and can’t wait to read another one!
I loved this book! It satisfied my romantic side and my adventurous one. Her writing is top notch, beautifully and well composed. I’m excited I found her and can’t wait to read another one!
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