I was very surprised by this book. I loved it. I flagged about 600 spots in the book. It just hit the spot on so many things regarding weight and body image and loving yourself. Just a really good book. Of course, an amazing opportunity was given to her that is not normal. I saw the twist from 7000 miles away. I figured out her aunt who passed was the author of those books. Because of this and just a few spots that were a little cheesy and predictable (as is every romance book), I put it at 4 stars. Overall, enjoyed the book and the message she got. And I was jealous. I wish I was given some villa and handed a whole new life on a silver platter. ( )

I had really high hopes for this one because it sounded like a great feel good read. It also seemed super exciting to chase your dreams and stop living on the sidelines and experience life. However, this book really truly fell completely flat for me. I almost DNFed it like 10 times. I only finished the book because it was part of my OUABC box and came with gifts based on the story. I have to say I would never read this one again because I just didn't enjoy it. Like at all. The book is divided into months and I have to admit it makes the flow of things just strange, because everything is like implied build up.

The romance element in this one is 100% predictable and what you would expect from a commerical romance novel. We have the love interest who seems to hate our main character, she has intense insecurities, they have an attraction everyone can see, they bond over something, suddenly it's this great relationship, the insecurities cause problems. It was honestly disappointing because with the time jump it all just seemed rushed. The writer's retreat element was super cool and I honestly wish that had been more of a focus.

However, it couldn't be because Poppy is the worst main character ever. She is so busy focusing on herself and how everyone has more success than her that she doesn't even interact with the writing group element for most of the novel. I honestly could not stand Poppy; she was basically insufferable. She refused to change, until like the absolute end of the novel when she has this like miraculous shift in personality. The family issues between her and her mother are way to easily resolved if you ask me. It didn't feel like anything had any depth to it. I just was incredibly disappointed in this one. ( )