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Heartstrings
Mira Collins has her life together. She’s built a solid career as a financial planner, a comfortable home, and an uncomplicated and regimented routine…until her wayward sister, Vannah, shows up unexpectedly and drops a bomb on her orderly world. Ever dependable Mira reluctantly accepts temporary custody of her ten-year-old nephew, Ben, then quickly learns that not all responsibilities can be handled with a color-coded calendar system, and that being a substitute parent is terrifying. There are new skills, stressors, and emotions to contend with, many of which are simultaneously simplified and complicated by Ben’s beautiful young violin teacher.
Shelby Tanner is fresh out of grad school and eager to start her first job as an orchestra teacher, and although she believes the power of music will enrich her students’ lives, she still feels like she’s waiting for her own to start. Working harder than ever to make ends meet while struggling to find her feet, she quickly learns that not everything can be handled with a well-tuned instrument or a creative mindset, and that being an adult is terrifying. She’s desperate to feel confident and competent, but the world keeps tripping her up. Case in point, her growing attraction to the guardian of her most gifted young musician.
Drawn together by their changing circumstances and their mutual affection for Ben, Shelby and Mira learn to lean on each other despite their differences in age, personality, and lifestyle, until Vannah’s reappearance threatens to upend everyone’s lives all over again. Is attraction enough to sustain opposites without the commonality of Ben between them, or will the beautiful music they’ve created together fade into silence?
Shelby Tanner is fresh out of grad school and eager to start her first job as an orchestra teacher, and although she believes the power of music will enrich her students’ lives, she still feels like she’s waiting for her own to start. Working harder than ever to make ends meet while struggling to find her feet, she quickly learns that not everything can be handled with a well-tuned instrument or a creative mindset, and that being an adult is terrifying. She’s desperate to feel confident and competent, but the world keeps tripping her up. Case in point, her growing attraction to the guardian of her most gifted young musician.
Drawn together by their changing circumstances and their mutual affection for Ben, Shelby and Mira learn to lean on each other despite their differences in age, personality, and lifestyle, until Vannah’s reappearance threatens to upend everyone’s lives all over again. Is attraction enough to sustain opposites without the commonality of Ben between them, or will the beautiful music they’ve created together fade into silence?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2022
42 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Spangler
33 books851 followersRachel Spangler never set out to be an award winning author. She was just so poor and so easily bored during her college years that she had to come up with creative ways to entertain herself, and her first novel, Learning Curve, was born out of one such attempt. She was sincerely surprised when it was accepted for publication and even more shocked when it won the Golden Crown Literary Award for Debut Author. She also won a Goldie for her second novel, Trails Merge. Since writing is more fun than a real job, and so much cheaper than therapy, Rachel continued to type away, leading to the publication of The Long Way Home and LoveLife. She plans to continue writing as long as anyone anywhere will keep reading.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 3, 2022
At thirty-six, Mira Collins is a successful financial planner. She likes schedules and rules and predictability. Her sister Vannah knocking on her door one evening and announcing that she needs to travel to the other side of the world and will leave Ben, her eleven-year-old son, with Mira is the opposite of schedules and rules and predictability. To her credit, Vannah has tried to make things as easy as possible for everyone, including finding a teacher for Ben’s violin lessons. Shelby Tanner is a twenty-five-year-old orchestra teacher, full of ideas, kind and energetic and passionate, doing her best to enjoy life to the fullest while acting as a stable adult. The perfect counterpart to Mira.
This is the cutest book I’ve read in a while. I love Shelby and Mira, I love how different they are, how much potential they have in balancing each other, and their willingness to work on making their differences – age, career, way of seeing the world – enrich their relationship rather than burden it. I also love Ben. I’m often wary of too-smart kids in books but Spangler hit the right balance in the extraordinary child department. Ben is a child, a gifted one but a child first and foremost. The focus on his love for music is a bit heavy-handed but the story isn’t about him anyway, even if he’s closer to being a main character than a secondary one.
Shelby’s family sounds lovely and I would have loved to see them on the page a bit more. Her mom won extra points for saying “food is love”. The bickering between Shelby and her nerdy older brother Darrin is full of love and support. Mira’s relationship with her sister Vannah couldn’t be more different. Vannah is everything Mira doesn’t want to be, everything she fights. As the story evolves, though, Vannah’s life philosophy proves to be a lot deeper and healthier than it seems.
I loved almost everything about this story. My main issue is that it takes place over a rather short period of time and the level of commitment Shelby expects from Mira sounds slightly over the top. I do, however, love that she voices her concerns and hopes, states her wants and needs. Mira would rather think things through before talking about them, and as an introvert I get her, but for a relationship to work, both parties’ needs have to be taken into account.
Character growth is at the heart of this sweet rom-com, perfect for the summer (or to warm your heart if it’s winter where you are).
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
June 26, 2022
Raising children
This is a heartwarming book and while I sometimes have trouble enjoying romance novels with kids in it, I felt positively good reading this one. One part of it is because I like 11 year old Ben. He's no trouble at all and is really thoughtful.
I was also intrigued by his aunt Mira, who's relatable in the way she freaks out about her sister and having temporary guardianship of Ben. Not that I've ever been in a similar situation, but it's more like this is exactly how I would likely act if I were. There is a lot of character development in cargiving and romance when it comes to Mira as she learns to be a better guardian and manage her feelings for Ben's violin teacher, Shelby, instead of filing her them away and I thought Shelby is a wonderful character who has proven to be a help rather than a distraction when it comes to Ben. I thought she was perfect for both Mira and Ben and I really enjoyed the way the three of them are together.
This has been a pretty pleasant read, rather enjoyable.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a heartwarming book and while I sometimes have trouble enjoying romance novels with kids in it, I felt positively good reading this one. One part of it is because I like 11 year old Ben. He's no trouble at all and is really thoughtful.
I was also intrigued by his aunt Mira, who's relatable in the way she freaks out about her sister and having temporary guardianship of Ben. Not that I've ever been in a similar situation, but it's more like this is exactly how I would likely act if I were. There is a lot of character development in cargiving and romance when it comes to Mira as she learns to be a better guardian and manage her feelings for Ben's violin teacher, Shelby, instead of filing her them away and I thought Shelby is a wonderful character who has proven to be a help rather than a distraction when it comes to Ben. I thought she was perfect for both Mira and Ben and I really enjoyed the way the three of them are together.
This has been a pretty pleasant read, rather enjoyable.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2022
Every now and again I need to read a heartwarming soft romance. Spangler fits the bill with Heartstrings. It is light and slightly gooey and warms the cockles of my heart.
September 8, 2022
Lovely and warm-hearted, I enjoyed this book very much. It was a perfect light summer read and I would have give it 5 stars if it wasn’t for the fact that I was confused sometimes which of the two MC’s was currently the one talking and thinking in the book as it was written in the third person from the standpoint of both characters. It might have been me not understanding, but I had to go back a few sentences or paragraphs sometimes to determine which character was telling the story. That said I think this was a great book and would recommend it to romance lovers. I loved Mira and her way of thinking and tackling her problems and Shelby for appreciating that. The side characters were nice too, especially Ben.
My rating 4.4 stars
My rating 4.4 stars
July 3, 2022
What happens when Mira’s perfectly ordered world is thrown into flux when her sister dropped off her eleven year old nephew for her to take care of for a few weeks? If Ben wasn’t as studious, intelligent, self-directed, and motivated to succeed, Mira’s head probably would have exploded. Fortunately for all involved, Ben’s mom set him up with private violin lessons with newly graduated Shelby Tanner. What followed was a really wonderful story of personal development, growth, bonding, and love. I really enjoyed this story a lot. It’s low angst with engaging characters, self reflection, growth, and vulnerability. A perfect read for summer!
June 17, 2022
I enjoyed reading Heartstrings, it’s a sweet (and also steamy) romance between newly qualified Orchestra teacher Shelby and the more seasoned Finance guru Mira. At first glance Shelby and Mira are complete opposites and the attraction is surprising for those around them. But puzzle pieces complement each other and so do Shelby and Mira. And of course there’s Ben and Shelby’s brother that knows no boundaries and a move to a different country that has everyone on edge. Well, more than usual in Mira’s case. Anyway, read the book, it’s good writing once more from Spangler.
July 19, 2022
Really love their books, but RS seemed to hit a loop in this book in the relationship between Mira and Shelby went round and round, causing me to skip read the third quarter of the book. Loved the back characters especially Shelby’s brother.
July 5, 2022
Excellent.
I loved Heartstrings. A great story about Ms. Not Flexible meets Ms. Young, financially strapped and musically talented. The family dynamics also play a big part.
I loved Heartstrings. A great story about Ms. Not Flexible meets Ms. Young, financially strapped and musically talented. The family dynamics also play a big part.
October 18, 2022
The writing isn't amazing, the conversations feel weird and stilted, the plot is beyond stupid and the characters are some of the most generic you can find.
Why didn't I like the writing? Mostly due to the insane amount of constant reiteration. It usually goes something like this: Mira and Shelby have a conversation about something, then Mira reiterates the entire thing to her annoying best friend Jane so they can talk it to death. Shelby meanwhile reiterates the exact same thing to her brother or her parents, so THEY can talk through the same thing AGAIN. Get ready to hear about the same boring scene 3 times, so you definitely didn't miss anything.
The protagonists meanwhile so desperately try to be offended by each other, pulling fights completely out of their asses. Every single piece of conflict between them is so insanely abstract and dumb, I couldn't even explain it to you. Mostly it's about Mira randomly deciding she isn't sure about their relationship because of the abstract "risks" it brings with it.
The characters are beyond generic. Mira is your usual "control freak", which obviously means that she constantly talks about how she likes control and hates not being in control. It also means she's a business woman with a love for numbers (which she very explicitly states every chance she gets) who thinks 24/7 about the odds of success of whatever she does. Her being a control freak is the only character trait she has, and it's also the only piece of conflict in her entire story.
Shelby on the other hand is a young artist who loves to be offended by Mira. She desperately waits for Mira to do something she can be offended by. Such as driving her to work. Or not immediately calling her in the dead of night to tell her about the newest development with Mira's insane evil sister.
And then there's that scene... where Mira thinks about taking risks and about the accidental conception of her nephew. SOMEHOW she comes to the conclusion that taking risks is a great thing, because her sister taking a risk on a deadbeat POS resulted in her nephews birth. And THAT was her big piece of character development... You heard it here first: accidental pregnancies are amazing, because your child might be cool. Get pregnant today! What the hell even was that scene?
This entire thing felt like a weird fever dream. Abstract, incoherent and plain weird.
Why didn't I like the writing? Mostly due to the insane amount of constant reiteration. It usually goes something like this: Mira and Shelby have a conversation about something, then Mira reiterates the entire thing to her annoying best friend Jane so they can talk it to death. Shelby meanwhile reiterates the exact same thing to her brother or her parents, so THEY can talk through the same thing AGAIN. Get ready to hear about the same boring scene 3 times, so you definitely didn't miss anything.
The protagonists meanwhile so desperately try to be offended by each other, pulling fights completely out of their asses. Every single piece of conflict between them is so insanely abstract and dumb, I couldn't even explain it to you. Mostly it's about Mira randomly deciding she isn't sure about their relationship because of the abstract "risks" it brings with it.
The characters are beyond generic. Mira is your usual "control freak", which obviously means that she constantly talks about how she likes control and hates not being in control. It also means she's a business woman with a love for numbers (which she very explicitly states every chance she gets) who thinks 24/7 about the odds of success of whatever she does. Her being a control freak is the only character trait she has, and it's also the only piece of conflict in her entire story.
Shelby on the other hand is a young artist who loves to be offended by Mira. She desperately waits for Mira to do something she can be offended by. Such as driving her to work. Or not immediately calling her in the dead of night to tell her about the newest development with Mira's insane evil sister.
And then there's that scene... where Mira thinks about taking risks and about the accidental conception of her nephew. SOMEHOW she comes to the conclusion that taking risks is a great thing, because her sister taking a risk on a deadbeat POS resulted in her nephews birth. And THAT was her big piece of character development... You heard it here first: accidental pregnancies are amazing, because your child might be cool. Get pregnant today! What the hell even was that scene?
This entire thing felt like a weird fever dream. Abstract, incoherent and plain weird.
July 16, 2022
Heartstrings is a very apt title for this book, since I got a little twinge in my chest reading it.
Mira, Shelby, and Ben make a wonderful little family, watching them learn from each other was so sweet. That sweetness mixed with Shelby and Mira’s passionate budding romance makes for a wonderfully balanced story.
One thing I have noticed about Rachel’s work is her ability to create complex characters with growth potential. Mira could have easily been turned in to an ice queen type, but from the very beginning she strives to understand her gaps in social cues, and better her communication for her relationships.
Two last things, outside of the MCs, Jane and Darrin are my faves and I am rooting for them! Lastly, one tiny nitpicky thing, the hair color for the MCs is wrong on the cover. Mira is said to have dark hair multiple times, not a big deal but I kept staring at it.
Mira, Shelby, and Ben make a wonderful little family, watching them learn from each other was so sweet. That sweetness mixed with Shelby and Mira’s passionate budding romance makes for a wonderfully balanced story.
One thing I have noticed about Rachel’s work is her ability to create complex characters with growth potential. Mira could have easily been turned in to an ice queen type, but from the very beginning she strives to understand her gaps in social cues, and better her communication for her relationships.
Two last things, outside of the MCs, Jane and Darrin are my faves and I am rooting for them! Lastly, one tiny nitpicky thing, the hair color for the MCs is wrong on the cover. Mira is said to have dark hair multiple times, not a big deal but I kept staring at it.
July 13, 2022
Very much worth the read
Never have I read about an introverted character so well thought out. I felt every high and every low. Most introverts are not aloof, they're just not sure how to bridge things together at times.
Very well written.
Never have I read about an introverted character so well thought out. I felt every high and every low. Most introverts are not aloof, they're just not sure how to bridge things together at times.
Very well written.
July 6, 2022
A buttoned-up financial planner. A free-spirited violin teacher. An adorable 10-year-old nephew. A beautifully tempoed sapphic romance.
“This feels like more than friendship, Shelby,” Mira whispered.
Quite honestly, this is probably my favorite book to date by Rachel Spangler. It has beautifully crafted characters, an unusual but realistic storyline, and a sweet romance to swoon over. My heart was strung along in hopes of a happy ending, and this book did not disappoint. It had moments that made me laugh, smile, and root for each character’s happiness.
If you’re looking for a sweet, musical, feel-good sapphic romance, this is it. Thank you, Rachel, for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
“This feels like more than friendship, Shelby,” Mira whispered.
Quite honestly, this is probably my favorite book to date by Rachel Spangler. It has beautifully crafted characters, an unusual but realistic storyline, and a sweet romance to swoon over. My heart was strung along in hopes of a happy ending, and this book did not disappoint. It had moments that made me laugh, smile, and root for each character’s happiness.
If you’re looking for a sweet, musical, feel-good sapphic romance, this is it. Thank you, Rachel, for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 29, 2022
Heartstrings
Rachel Spangler is talented. This book was one of my favorite by her. It showed growth in the characters. Had amazing chemistry. I look forward to more books by Rachel.
Rachel Spangler is talented. This book was one of my favorite by her. It showed growth in the characters. Had amazing chemistry. I look forward to more books by Rachel.
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February 16, 2024I wasn’t feeling it.
August 20, 2022
This was such a nice and comforting book. I really enjoyed the characters and felt they had a nice depth to them in all of the areas they needed it. The book was sweet and fulfilling in a nice way. It was an easy read and really easy to follow.
July 7, 2022
I enjoyed this novel that explores opposites attract, age gap scenarios. If you like books that feature kids or are interested in music this one is probably for you.
Rachel Spangler is a talented writer who manages to produce widely different novels every single time.
I enjoyed this novel it is light without too much angst. The novel is populated with cute characters who sill bring a smile to your face.
Rachel Spangler is a talented writer who manages to produce widely different novels every single time.
I enjoyed this novel it is light without too much angst. The novel is populated with cute characters who sill bring a smile to your face.
August 14, 2022
There is no doubt that this is a beautifully written novel with an abundance of amazing/quirky characters and I was SO excited to get my hands on this novel...but I struggled my way through it; I simply couldn't connect beyond the intellectual (for reasons which continue to elude me). I was frustrated by the never-ending/continuous back and forth between Shelby and Mira, the lack of proper communication throughout and emphasis on the fact that Ben was the ONLY reason their worlds collided *eye roll*.
October 3, 2023
The characters had good potential but ultimately fell flat for me (pun intended). I was ready for the book to end about 100 pages from the end, but the same concerns looped back around a few more times for the love interests. I wanted more dynamics from the individual relationships but ultimately the same few themes were harped on (hah again) until my investment waned.
April 23, 2024
DNF @ 62%
Everyone talks like a therapist. This entire book feels like therapy notes, tbh. And the kid is one of those "kid in theory, but acts like an adult". And it's beyond infuriating that everyone treats Ben's mother like what she's doing is okay (spoiler alert: it's not!).
Everyone talks like a therapist. This entire book feels like therapy notes, tbh. And the kid is one of those "kid in theory, but acts like an adult". And it's beyond infuriating that everyone treats Ben's mother like what she's doing is okay (spoiler alert: it's not!).
June 20, 2022
Heartstrings
Author Rachel Spangler
MC Mira Collins & Shelby Tanner
Mira has her life on a schedule, when she is asked to take temporary custody of her nephew her life is turned upside down. She has to learn that everything doesn’t require a schedule. This opens her eyes to a new world filled with love, that she wasn’t looking for.
In my personal opinion Vannah was selfish and only cared about her dreams. She didn’t think how her actions would affect Ben or Mira.
Mira is ready to keep Ben for a few weeks, her sister set up a new teacher, Shelby, for Ben. Mira was taken with Shelby. She notices her kind face and sweet smile right away. They both seem nervous at first, around each other. Shelby has a way of making Ben and Mira both feel at ease with her.
Shelby is close to her family. They’re all supportive and loving. They are there to help when she needs it. They help keep a smile on Ben’s face.
Shelby made Mira feel comfortable. Shelby could tell her how scared she was about having Ben . Mira wanted to give him a better life and be present with him.
Side note ; When Shelby hugged Mira it calmed her right down. It’s a loving gesture she did not know she needed.
I felt like the connection between Mira and Shelby flowed. They did not have to force anything. They just have a easy conversation Mira, Mi had a way of making Shelby feel like in due time everything will come together. Shelby felt like she was years behind for her age. Mira was a kind soul, Shelby could see that.
Shelby helped Mira see everything about her situation with Ben from a whole different perspective. Shelby could always give Mira that extra boost emotionally. I loved the way both MC’s spent time together and were friends, they definitely wanted more.
The chemistry was so easy between them.
I was sad when Ben mom told him and Mira she was coming to take him away out of the country.
Shelby gave Mira a hard reality check. Mira loves her family and she wanted them all to be together. This was a sweet story about love and patience. When you really love someone you will move heaven and earth for them to feel and know it. If I could give this book 10 stars I would. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I highly recommend this book! I would like to thank the Author Rachel Spangler for the arc! You are a kind person. Thank you for your support.
Author Rachel Spangler
MC Mira Collins & Shelby Tanner
Mira has her life on a schedule, when she is asked to take temporary custody of her nephew her life is turned upside down. She has to learn that everything doesn’t require a schedule. This opens her eyes to a new world filled with love, that she wasn’t looking for.
In my personal opinion Vannah was selfish and only cared about her dreams. She didn’t think how her actions would affect Ben or Mira.
Mira is ready to keep Ben for a few weeks, her sister set up a new teacher, Shelby, for Ben. Mira was taken with Shelby. She notices her kind face and sweet smile right away. They both seem nervous at first, around each other. Shelby has a way of making Ben and Mira both feel at ease with her.
Shelby is close to her family. They’re all supportive and loving. They are there to help when she needs it. They help keep a smile on Ben’s face.
Shelby made Mira feel comfortable. Shelby could tell her how scared she was about having Ben . Mira wanted to give him a better life and be present with him.
Side note ; When Shelby hugged Mira it calmed her right down. It’s a loving gesture she did not know she needed.
I felt like the connection between Mira and Shelby flowed. They did not have to force anything. They just have a easy conversation Mira, Mi had a way of making Shelby feel like in due time everything will come together. Shelby felt like she was years behind for her age. Mira was a kind soul, Shelby could see that.
Shelby helped Mira see everything about her situation with Ben from a whole different perspective. Shelby could always give Mira that extra boost emotionally. I loved the way both MC’s spent time together and were friends, they definitely wanted more.
The chemistry was so easy between them.
I was sad when Ben mom told him and Mira she was coming to take him away out of the country.
Shelby gave Mira a hard reality check. Mira loves her family and she wanted them all to be together. This was a sweet story about love and patience. When you really love someone you will move heaven and earth for them to feel and know it. If I could give this book 10 stars I would. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I highly recommend this book! I would like to thank the Author Rachel Spangler for the arc! You are a kind person. Thank you for your support.
July 1, 2022
This is my third book by Spangler- each more different than the last; I don’t know how they do it! Heartstrings is a feel good romance with a sweet kid and music at its core. I loved all the musical metaphors and references. I also thought Ben and the interactions the women had with him were well done. The one complaint I had was that the drama felt manufactured at times. Some things were overblown and while I understood the character’s motivations, it didn’t all ring true. That said, I was definitely rooting for Mira and Shelby and was very satisfied in the end.
Great line: “Competence is sexy.”
Thanks to the author. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Short summary: Mira likes order and spreadsheets, so when her sister shows up unexpectedly on her doorstep and leaves her 11yo son with her for a month, she’s a bit thrown (tho she’s always happy to be with Ben). Ben is a gifted violinist who immediately starts lessons with the exuberant Shelby, who is nothing like the school marm type Mira expects in a violin teacher. Despite being opposites, the two can’t fight their attraction, but can it last once Ben returns and can Mira survive the chaos?
Great line: “Competence is sexy.”
Thanks to the author. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Short summary: Mira likes order and spreadsheets, so when her sister shows up unexpectedly on her doorstep and leaves her 11yo son with her for a month, she’s a bit thrown (tho she’s always happy to be with Ben). Ben is a gifted violinist who immediately starts lessons with the exuberant Shelby, who is nothing like the school marm type Mira expects in a violin teacher. Despite being opposites, the two can’t fight their attraction, but can it last once Ben returns and can Mira survive the chaos?
February 3, 2024
Well, this was sweet and funny yet also had serious elements running through it… it was like the whole package.
All the characters were wonderful: Shelby and Mira, Ben, Jane, Darrin… I’m not quite sure whether to include Vannah on that list because, well, I wasn’t that fond of her for much of the book, though she grew on me a bit by the end. And let me mention Jane again, because OMG she kind of made the book! The events and outings were fun too, the musical, the park, ice cream, and all.
About the only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was that the ultimate resolution with Vannah was a little too pat… I would have liked to witness some of the conversations that led to it instead of the important parts taking place off-screen and just being summarized after the fact. I guess also the one big fight seemed to entail a bit of over-reaction, or perhaps under-followup. It seemed insane to think two people in that situation would walk away without immediately coming up with whatever they could to make it right? But they got past it quickly enough, so.
Overall, I’m very happy to have read this. Rachel Spangler has a large (and I gather varied) list of titles, so I’m not exactly sure where to go next, but I’m certainly willing to. :)
All the characters were wonderful: Shelby and Mira, Ben, Jane, Darrin… I’m not quite sure whether to include Vannah on that list because, well, I wasn’t that fond of her for much of the book, though she grew on me a bit by the end. And let me mention Jane again, because OMG she kind of made the book! The events and outings were fun too, the musical, the park, ice cream, and all.
About the only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was that the ultimate resolution with Vannah was a little too pat… I would have liked to witness some of the conversations that led to it instead of the important parts taking place off-screen and just being summarized after the fact. I guess also the one big fight seemed to entail a bit of over-reaction, or perhaps under-followup. It seemed insane to think two people in that situation would walk away without immediately coming up with whatever they could to make it right? But they got past it quickly enough, so.
Overall, I’m very happy to have read this. Rachel Spangler has a large (and I gather varied) list of titles, so I’m not exactly sure where to go next, but I’m certainly willing to. :)
November 20, 2022
I enjoyed this one. It had me flipping pages and wanting the two leads to work it out. The book is quite wholesome overall, even with a mild spice level. (I need to read more to figure out how the spice level should work. It's much more than kissing but not tons of it. One chile?) The book really focuses on forming a family, and trying to figure out how to do so with people going in different directions, with uncertainty, and (as so often in romance) miscommunication. I liked both leads and wanted good things for them. The supporting cast from Mira's assistant to Shelby's family was a big boost. Overall, a fine sapphic romance.
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Mild spoiler: The book did seem to decide in the end that Mira was the most flawed who needed to change, while her sister who could never ever listen to anything Mira said fairly got off free. My sense of justice would have liked something else.
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Mild spoiler: The book did seem to decide in the end that Mira was the most flawed who needed to change, while her sister who could never ever listen to anything Mira said fairly got off free. My sense of justice would have liked something else.
May 27, 2023
This was an OK story. Here we have two very different people in different stages of not only their careers but also of their lives who made their relationship work despite all the challenges they faced. The narration also flowed smoothly as one would expect from a Spangler novel.
However, despite these strong points, I admit I struggled with it.
As a Spangler fan, I wanted to like this book so much. Unfortunately, it was difficult to sympathize with the MCs. From Mira who infuriatingly keeps getting in her own way to Shelby who reminded me too much of a past version of me, and not in a good way. In my opinion, the characters could have been more solid but I also realize the plot was driven by them being who they are. So what I’m saying is, this was simply not for me but in no way does it mean that it could not be for others.
Hopefully, I’ll have more luck with Rachel Spangler’s next novels.
However, despite these strong points, I admit I struggled with it.
As a Spangler fan, I wanted to like this book so much. Unfortunately, it was difficult to sympathize with the MCs. From Mira who infuriatingly keeps getting in her own way to Shelby who reminded me too much of a past version of me, and not in a good way. In my opinion, the characters could have been more solid but I also realize the plot was driven by them being who they are. So what I’m saying is, this was simply not for me but in no way does it mean that it could not be for others.
Hopefully, I’ll have more luck with Rachel Spangler’s next novels.
August 29, 2022
3.5/5 stars
This was such a sweet and heartwarming story. While I usually love the sharp-witted and powerful women that Spangler often pits together, leading to lots of banter, this was a much softer and gentler romance. It was all about support, companionship and family-building. While much different to a lot of the books I’ve read by this author recently, it was a real sweet and lighthearted story to read. The characters were all loveable, there was a great cast of side-characters and the romance developed naturally. A lovely read.
This was such a sweet and heartwarming story. While I usually love the sharp-witted and powerful women that Spangler often pits together, leading to lots of banter, this was a much softer and gentler romance. It was all about support, companionship and family-building. While much different to a lot of the books I’ve read by this author recently, it was a real sweet and lighthearted story to read. The characters were all loveable, there was a great cast of side-characters and the romance developed naturally. A lovely read.
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June 29, 2022the synopsis pretty much captures all the ideas of the book. however, this is not an easy read, in fact, none of rachel spangler's book is easy read. i'm not even sure this book can fit in the conventional romance catagory. all of spangler's books are deep, more like passages for life philosophy rather than romance. her books maje you grow, like what happened to the mc in this book. worth reading, but prepare for the impact.
August 18, 2022
This romance is based on the falling-for-the-teacher trope. There is a reasonable, if basic, supporting cast to help provide insights into Mira and Shelby's personalities. Mira's continuing pattern of not communicating critical information does become a little repetitive at times though that helps make the point that she lacks relationship skills. Overall, a decent read with the expected HEA.
March 15, 2024
i really did enjoy this book very much. we all need something heartwarming and beautiful to cherish. i found the characters lovely and relatable. the depth in which mira is structured really spoke to me and my past, and it was nice to watch her grow and react to challenges. it was definitely different for me to read a romance book that includes a child, but it was still nice to see how ben was a part of everything. it was giving family. would recommend ❤️
January 13, 2023
I think this is 3.5 stars for me! The characters were cute and fleshed out but they constantly created their own conflicts when it seemed like that was something they JUST hashed out.
But it’s a cute story of an uptight aunt, a lovely music teacher, a displaced nephew, and seemingly chaotic but trying her best mom
But it’s a cute story of an uptight aunt, a lovely music teacher, a displaced nephew, and seemingly chaotic but trying her best mom
July 14, 2024
A 3.5 star book, where the typical romance leaves me wanting more character development, this one made up for that in heart. Mira feels a little flat for my taste, but I actually think that’s intentional. Ben is an all-around good, sweet kid. Shelby? Well, I have a crush on her, so I’m probably biased. ;)
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