Beth K. Vogt

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a RomCom that was absolute perfection and completely blew me away, but Dedicated to the One I Love did that and more!

First, let’s talk about the cover.

I am head over heels in LOVE with this cover!! Two of my signature colors are highlighted and every time I look at this cover I smile. It truly makes me happy to look at, so kudos to whomever designed this simple yet stylish cover. It mirrors this charming story perfectly and deserves a shout out.

Now, about the story itself.

Joe and Kylie have more than one connection with one another, though they do not know this fact right away. Not only are they both successful writers in their respective genres, but they also have connected online, and has struck up a friendship that is reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail (one of my all-time favorite RomCom’s). When the online pair finally decide to meet it’s clear that the relaxed relationship that they’ve had online is not the relationship they share in their professional lives, which makes their upcoming collaboration all the more messy.

I love the enemies-to-lovers troupe but in Dedicated to the One I Love you also get a friends-to-lovers troupe as well, which feels like a cute little bonus. Joe and Kylie are both so much alike, with both being insanely stubborn and both are so passionate about the genres that they write in, that it’s clear that they’ve met their match. Joe’s stubbornness was especially grating, especially when he continuously refuses to see the blessings that are right in front of him, even when Kylie is just trying to do what needs to be done. It takes a lot of patience, and some pretty crazy mishaps to occur before Joe opens his eyes to this amazing and unique situation, and the blessing that is right in front of him.

Kylie had my heart, especially as she adjusts to widowhood on top of dealing with hard-headed Joe, but my favorite part of this novel was actually the supporting cast which is serious #friendgoals. They don’t overshadow the leads, but complement them both to perfection, and man do I want a friend group like what Kylie has! There were some frustrating moments, some swoon moments, and some heart melting moments, and I was here for it all! I wish so much that this could’ve been part of a series because I could see so many more stories that could blossom from this novel, and I hated to see this story end.

To say I am in love with this novel is an understatement, as this was hands down my favorite read so far this summer. I did not put it down and read it in one sitting, staying up into the wee summer hours, and losing sleep, but it was worth it! The cover gives you the vibe and the story brings it all home. It’s truly the perfect RomCom package, and a must read for sure.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (more)

Unpacking Christmas, a novella by Beth Vogt, is the concluding installment in the Thatcher Sisters series. Unpacking Christmas, despite being part of a series, can be read on its own. I did, and didn't have any problems with not having read the previous books. However, it did make me want to read the three previous novels.

The story focuses mainly on three sisters’ (Johanna, Jillian, and Payton) parents as they navigate getting older and making the decision to sell their home. Naturally, having grown up there and having created many memories, the daughters are understandably upset.

Vogt writes in a manner that is both authentic and plausible. I could empathize with the daughters after their parents dropped the surprise. It's difficult to imagine your parents becoming older and dealing with the adjustments that entails.

Each daughter had individual and distinct memories related to the house that she treasured. Some were good recollections, and some weren’t.

The Thatcher family is going through a lot of changes, and while everyone is struggling, they still want to celebrate a traditional Christmas. Many sacrifices and painful changes must be made, and they must all cope with it in their own unique ways.

The story was enjoyable to read. It was true-to-life and engrossing, and despite the fact that I had not read the previous novels in the series, it felt like a proper conclusion.

If you are looking for a Christmas story that is both a heart-warming story of love and family and a fairly quick read, Unpacking Christmas fits the bill.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.… (more)

Concluding the stories of the Thatcher sisters, this book examines what happens when their parents announce they are selling their family home. This book takes twists and turns that make the book memorable. I felt the author conveyed the trials that come with selling a house, and especially at Christmas. While the book transfers from the perspective of the parents to various sisters and their spouses, the transitions occur smoothly. I never really struggled to figure out who was talking.

I felt the story moved along at a reasonable pace, and I enjoyed learning about what the sisters were up to throughout the book. Even though I believe you could read this book without reading the others in the series, I recommend reading them in order. So if Christmas time books appear on your reading bucket list, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (more)