Series: The Ever After Street Series #2 (Standalone)
Publication Date: 11th Jan 2024
Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Oh, so adorable!
A Tale as Old as Time is a bookshop on Ever After Street run by Marnie Platt. She had shut herself from everything after losing a dear one, but a letter from the property owner forces her to take action or lose her bookstore. Marnie is distraught, and her wit’s end when help comes from the most unexpected corner.
No one knows Darcy O'Connell or has seen him. Many don’t even know his name, and that’s how he likes it. His is Marnie’s Scary Neighbor, who sells the most beautiful roses and flower arrangements. As he and Marnie start to interact with each other (with an overgrown hedge as a barrier), they become friends and slowly step out of their comfort zones.
Things seem to look up, but Marnie knows they have a long way to go. With some help from friends, maybe she can save the bookstore and live again. But she first needs to convince Darcy he is worthy of loving.
The story comes in Marnie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
The author is now officially one of my favorites. She writes such beautiful characters- layered and flawed but not too annoying (except for the supposed villain who is 2D).
Darcy can win the grumpiest of grumps hand down. Yet, he is so human! Kind, sweet, and someone who can give without expecting anything in return (the author does grumpy men very well).
Marnie isn’t sunshine. She is an introvert (someone who can talk non-stop if she feels comfortable with the person). She is lively enough and can do well in a group, except that she has entered a shell and is struggling to come out of it. Her arc is well-structured, and we get many glimpses of what she was before tragedy changed her.
Marnie and Darcy’s relationship is slow and steady. It’s not without a few hiccups, either. They are both vulnerable, and it shows. The scenes where Darcy bonds with Mrs. Potts are too cute. Despite reading the whole thing in Marnie’s POV, we can feel the change in him and understand his emotions.
Of course, the plotline is predictable, and there’s no attempt to make it seem otherwise. The writing makes it apparent that the readers are supposed to guess. We know more than the characters (at least the FMC). The focus is on when and how the FMC will connect the dots and what happens next.
There are many bookish references given the premise. There are also several mentions of Beauty and Beast (all versions). In fact, this is an artful and contemporary retelling of the same, sans the fantasy elements, of course.
We also don’t have a third-act breakup. Since this is a slow burn, the storyline doesn’t need one. I loved how understanding the characters are and their response when the ‘secrets’ come out. A mature take that aligns with their ages (mid to late 30s).
Rick’s character feels clichéd, but then I know people who would give him company with their out-of-the-world delusions.
The community steps in only in the second half and towards the last section. That’s when the plot needs them, though we always know they are there in the background, ready to support their fellow entrepreneurs whenever necessary.
The pacing is slow and cannot be rushed. I’m used to it now. Can’t wait to see what the next book will be!
To summarize, An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street is a heartwarming and poignant book that will make you laugh, smile, and even tear up a wee bit.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC.
#NetGalley #AnEnchantedMomentOnEverAfterStreet
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