What do you think?
Rate this book
Charming and the Cherry Blossom
Today was a fairy tale…
I inherited a fortune from a dad I never knew,
And a thoroughly charming guy asked me out.
Unfortunately, my fairy tale could disappear in ninety days...
Because there’s an impossible task to complete,
And a greedy cousin plotting against me.
Plus, I’m not your typical fairy tale princess.
I have a secret that might send my charming running,
And threatens my future if the press finds out.
If today was a fairy tale…
Why does my happily ever after look so far out of reach?
From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a contemporary romance filled with all the magic, hope, and love of a fairy tale plus the slow-burn, old-soul vibe her fans adore. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Today Was a Fairytale,” this small-town romance is pure escapism.
A full-length, standalone adult romance.
I inherited a fortune from a dad I never knew,
And a thoroughly charming guy asked me out.
Unfortunately, my fairy tale could disappear in ninety days...
Because there’s an impossible task to complete,
And a greedy cousin plotting against me.
Plus, I’m not your typical fairy tale princess.
I have a secret that might send my charming running,
And threatens my future if the press finds out.
If today was a fairy tale…
Why does my happily ever after look so far out of reach?
From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a contemporary romance filled with all the magic, hope, and love of a fairy tale plus the slow-burn, old-soul vibe her fans adore. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Today Was a Fairytale,” this small-town romance is pure escapism.
A full-length, standalone adult romance.
530 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2021
84 people are currently reading
2,911 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Evans
30 books1,272 followersAward-winning author LJ Evans lives in Northern California with her husband, child, and the three terrors called cats. She's written compulsively since she was a little girl, often getting derailed from what she should be doing by a song lyric that sends her scrambling to jot a scene down.
A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.
Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.
Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
November 7, 2022
"I used to think that only the warmth of the sun, the song of the birds, and the scent of the earth could fill me with joy and peace. But it's not true. I found something better...something so much more. I found you."
This story cleared my skin, watered my crops, and restored my faith in humanity. I read a lot of darker books, being a mystery and thriller fiend and all that, but I try to regularly insert stories that inspire hope and renewal to break those up. L.J. Evans was a delightful find last year during lockdown, thanks to Jenn @Storiesandcoffee, and I've been working my way through her backlist ever since. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read her newest release just a tad bit early, especially after hearing it would be a little different than her usual small town, southern feeling romance. Charming and the Cherry Blossom still has the quaint, comforting feel, but it adds a dash of magical realism for a full on fairy tale experience, proving the author can conquer whatever type of story she choses to pen.
"Death. Loss. Like the cherry blossoms that would be gone in a blink of an eye. Was I supposed to feel sorrow for a man I hadn't known? Grief over death was so temporary anyway. The dead became part of the world around us, so it was hard to mourn them for long. Maybe I had the luxury of feeling this way because I'd not experienced any great loss personally. I'd only seen what was left behind."
Elle is a quirky young woman who doesn't quite fit the vibe of "normal". This is probably why I adored her so thoroughly! She walks to the beat of her own drum, embraces her peculiar abilities, and feels most at home when surrounded by nature. After an awkward incident on campus, she is branded a "witch" and hasn't been able to make friends since then. One day, she *quite literally* runs into Hudson, and there is a spark between them instantly. This is truly an eventful day, because a strange man approaches Elle after this encounter and tells her that her father has passed away and left her everything as an inheritance. This is strange, because Elle has never known her father, and is discouraged to find out he has lived so close for all these years and never made an attempt to have a relationship with her.
As Elle decides to accept and find out more about her heritage on her father's side, she meets a colorful cast of characters along the way, some becoming lifelong friends and others, not so much. Alongside the budding romance between Elle and Hudson, there is the growth in relationship between Elle and her mother, Mina, and also a little mystery of some missing items from the castle she inherits! Overall, this was a fun, nostalgic read that brought so much joy to my life while reading it. Highly recommended for those looking for a bit of whimsy and delight in their life, and I cannot wait to add the physical book to my collection, as that cover is just adorable!
*Many thanks to the author and Grey’s Promotions for my review copy.
This story cleared my skin, watered my crops, and restored my faith in humanity. I read a lot of darker books, being a mystery and thriller fiend and all that, but I try to regularly insert stories that inspire hope and renewal to break those up. L.J. Evans was a delightful find last year during lockdown, thanks to Jenn @Storiesandcoffee, and I've been working my way through her backlist ever since. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read her newest release just a tad bit early, especially after hearing it would be a little different than her usual small town, southern feeling romance. Charming and the Cherry Blossom still has the quaint, comforting feel, but it adds a dash of magical realism for a full on fairy tale experience, proving the author can conquer whatever type of story she choses to pen.
"Death. Loss. Like the cherry blossoms that would be gone in a blink of an eye. Was I supposed to feel sorrow for a man I hadn't known? Grief over death was so temporary anyway. The dead became part of the world around us, so it was hard to mourn them for long. Maybe I had the luxury of feeling this way because I'd not experienced any great loss personally. I'd only seen what was left behind."
Elle is a quirky young woman who doesn't quite fit the vibe of "normal". This is probably why I adored her so thoroughly! She walks to the beat of her own drum, embraces her peculiar abilities, and feels most at home when surrounded by nature. After an awkward incident on campus, she is branded a "witch" and hasn't been able to make friends since then. One day, she *quite literally* runs into Hudson, and there is a spark between them instantly. This is truly an eventful day, because a strange man approaches Elle after this encounter and tells her that her father has passed away and left her everything as an inheritance. This is strange, because Elle has never known her father, and is discouraged to find out he has lived so close for all these years and never made an attempt to have a relationship with her.
As Elle decides to accept and find out more about her heritage on her father's side, she meets a colorful cast of characters along the way, some becoming lifelong friends and others, not so much. Alongside the budding romance between Elle and Hudson, there is the growth in relationship between Elle and her mother, Mina, and also a little mystery of some missing items from the castle she inherits! Overall, this was a fun, nostalgic read that brought so much joy to my life while reading it. Highly recommended for those looking for a bit of whimsy and delight in their life, and I cannot wait to add the physical book to my collection, as that cover is just adorable!
*Many thanks to the author and Grey’s Promotions for my review copy.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 12, 2021
Charming and the Cherry Blossom by L.J. Evans is a stand alone romance that is a bit of a magical fairy tale complete with a princess, a charming prince, and an evil villain. I really had no idea what I was going to get when I started this book. I kind of thought it was going to be a light hearted tale. Instead, it was a present day love story intertwined with both a past love story that didn’t get a happy ending, as well as another make believe fairytale woven in. I experienced a wide variety of emotions going through this book. I fell in love with the two main characters and experienced so much joy in watching them fall for each other. But at the same time, I grieved for what both of them had been through. My heart also pounded at the actions of others that had ill intent. I also felt pride as a mother would at their strength and perseverance.
Ellery (Elle) Dioli has been at Bonnin University for eight months in Cherry Bay, Virginia. Elle grew up with her mother who is an archeologist. She spent her early years growing up at Bonnin as her mother taught there but then spent several years in Peru as her mother who she called Mina was on a dig there. Elle connected with nature and was most comfortable touching the earth with the sun in her face or sitting in the willow trees she loved as a child. To other students, her behavior was odd and she became known as the Willow Witch. They talked about her and ostracized her. She was completely alone. Until the day that the good looking man bumped into her, simultaneously breaking her phone and stealing her heart.
At the same time, Elle is contacted by a lawyer, informing her she has inherited a beautiful castle called River Briar on a hidden little island from a father she never knew. Of course, not everyone is happy with Elle inheriting this fortune. There are people that felt that it should have all been theirs. And it isn’t as easy as just accepting this inheritance. There are conditions to be met.
Hudson Domingues is a senior at Bonnin. He is a theater major who enjoys building sets as much as he does acting. The minute he bumped into the beautiful young woman, he just knew his life was forever changed. Somehow, just being near her calmed him, brought him peace. Seeing her smile quickly became his new favorite thing.
“I was the pauper at the gates, hardly the knight in shining armor she deserved, but I couldn’t walk away. Because Elle Dioli had become my whole world.”
Elle shared a secret with Hudson that no-one else knew except her mother, a secret that could threaten everything that had recently happened in her life. But instead of scaring him away, it brought them closer. He believed her and he trusted her. As these two faced tragedy, grief and one obstacle after another, they became closer, their feelings grew deeper, giving them strength to face anything that came their way.
This was really a magical story but also a story of deep love, of a young woman facing the world on her own and finding a beauty she never imagined. A life, friends, a made family, and love.
“People were right. Love was magic.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 30, 2021
"Our hearts found a matching rhythm. A song that beat across my soul, filling me with the truth...
Elle Dioli's love was the only real fairy tale."
It's past 1am in my little corner of the world as I'm sitting here writing this review. I think it's best that I write it without going to sleep, and while I feel all the emotions coming through. I may not have enough words to express what I'm feeling, though.
The first thing I want to tell you is that I really do feel everything right now. I feel inspired. I feel so happy I got to read this book. I feel like I just lived through a real fairy tale.
The second thing I want to tell you is that this book is not a fairy tale retelling. It's a modern fairy tale, with a princess that is not really a princess, and a prince that is not really a prince. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. But they're both so much more than that.
The third thing I need to tell you is that this book is special. It felt different to me, and this is not my first LJ Evans book. It is pure escapism, and it will leave you feeling special too.
"He was perfect. As if he could have jumped to life from the pages of a book."
I love Hudson. I love how open he is, even though his own life hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine. I love his honesty, and his communication – it's refreshing. I love how he trusts and how willing he is to trust. I love how much he loves his family, and the tiny bits of his heritage coming through in the book.
"She's like finding the end of a rainbow and realizing it was waiting for you all along."
Elle really is something. I love how positive she is, and how she tries to focus on the good things in life. She doesn't ignore the bad ones, she just doesn't let them control who she is, or what she does. She has a secret, and she's so in tune with everyone and everything around her that it may mean she has to walk her own path in life. Alone.
Until one chance meeting with Hudson creates a fork in her path. Realizing she had a dad who left her an inheritance, creates another. While this may seem daunting at first, and too much for just one person to handle, it's up to her to merge those paths together into the one she wants to walk on.
"Peace was something I felt when I was with him as well. Not just peace but also a sense of belonging. Of fitting. Of the rightness of our souls standing beside each other."
This book is somehow insta love, but felt like slow burn to me. (Does this make sense?) This book is about Hudson and Elle, and how their love for each other grows, but about so much more. About family, about friendship, about loss and dealing with loss. About acceptance and trust. About being who you are, and knowing that even if you are different, the right people will always love you for (and not despite) it.
This book is so beautifully written it really tugged at my heartstrings. LJ Evans really knows how to set the stage for what's happening, and her descriptions are nothing short of enchanting.
"People were right. Love was magic."
All forms of love are magic. The love Elle and Hudson have for each other. The love Hudson has for his family, and the love Elle has for her mother and for a dad she never got to know. The love that could have been between her parents. The love she now feels for the people who surround her, and who have become her family. The love they all have for her.
You see, sometimes we think we'll need to walk a path alone, but then we realize the forks on the road can bring on a few travel companions. The kind that stick around, and help you go on when you're tired of walking.
And suddenly yours are not the only footprints on that path, but just a set, because there are others walking it with you. And life has so much more meaning that way.
This book was sweet, special, heartwarming, and happy. Endearing and inspiring. And just beautiful. I don't think "...and they lived happily ever after" ever fit a book so well.
Thank you, LJ, for all the words in this story.
Elle Dioli's love was the only real fairy tale."
It's past 1am in my little corner of the world as I'm sitting here writing this review. I think it's best that I write it without going to sleep, and while I feel all the emotions coming through. I may not have enough words to express what I'm feeling, though.
The first thing I want to tell you is that I really do feel everything right now. I feel inspired. I feel so happy I got to read this book. I feel like I just lived through a real fairy tale.
The second thing I want to tell you is that this book is not a fairy tale retelling. It's a modern fairy tale, with a princess that is not really a princess, and a prince that is not really a prince. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. But they're both so much more than that.
The third thing I need to tell you is that this book is special. It felt different to me, and this is not my first LJ Evans book. It is pure escapism, and it will leave you feeling special too.
"He was perfect. As if he could have jumped to life from the pages of a book."
I love Hudson. I love how open he is, even though his own life hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine. I love his honesty, and his communication – it's refreshing. I love how he trusts and how willing he is to trust. I love how much he loves his family, and the tiny bits of his heritage coming through in the book.
"She's like finding the end of a rainbow and realizing it was waiting for you all along."
Elle really is something. I love how positive she is, and how she tries to focus on the good things in life. She doesn't ignore the bad ones, she just doesn't let them control who she is, or what she does. She has a secret, and she's so in tune with everyone and everything around her that it may mean she has to walk her own path in life. Alone.
Until one chance meeting with Hudson creates a fork in her path. Realizing she had a dad who left her an inheritance, creates another. While this may seem daunting at first, and too much for just one person to handle, it's up to her to merge those paths together into the one she wants to walk on.
"Peace was something I felt when I was with him as well. Not just peace but also a sense of belonging. Of fitting. Of the rightness of our souls standing beside each other."
This book is somehow insta love, but felt like slow burn to me. (Does this make sense?) This book is about Hudson and Elle, and how their love for each other grows, but about so much more. About family, about friendship, about loss and dealing with loss. About acceptance and trust. About being who you are, and knowing that even if you are different, the right people will always love you for (and not despite) it.
This book is so beautifully written it really tugged at my heartstrings. LJ Evans really knows how to set the stage for what's happening, and her descriptions are nothing short of enchanting.
"People were right. Love was magic."
All forms of love are magic. The love Elle and Hudson have for each other. The love Hudson has for his family, and the love Elle has for her mother and for a dad she never got to know. The love that could have been between her parents. The love she now feels for the people who surround her, and who have become her family. The love they all have for her.
You see, sometimes we think we'll need to walk a path alone, but then we realize the forks on the road can bring on a few travel companions. The kind that stick around, and help you go on when you're tired of walking.
And suddenly yours are not the only footprints on that path, but just a set, because there are others walking it with you. And life has so much more meaning that way.
This book was sweet, special, heartwarming, and happy. Endearing and inspiring. And just beautiful. I don't think "...and they lived happily ever after" ever fit a book so well.
Thank you, LJ, for all the words in this story.
July 10, 2021
4.75 stars ⭐️
I’m mentally kicking myself for not picking anything by this author before but I’m also mentally patting myself cause I gave this book a chance and discovered a great new author. I knew I was gonna love this when I saw the playlist and once I read the first line. There’s just something about LJ Evans’s writing which makes it impossible to not love her words. I finished this book yesterday and I really don’t think I can write a review which will sum up my feelings cause hell, I don’t even know what I’m feeling. This book brought out so many emotions out of me and I don’t know what to write which will bring this book justice
Ellery Dioli is probably one of the most unique character I’ve ever read. She’s kind, thoughtful, passionate, loving and carefree. I loved her attitude and her love towards nature. She truly has some unique qualities about her and her secret made me love her even more. She lives alone in a dorm while her Mom lives in Peru and due to an incident everyone calls her a “Willow Witch” and bully her for the same which made me wanna kill everyone but her well-wishers cause this girl right there? She deserves the fucking world. I loved how honest she was, how strong she was. I am left with nothing but inspiration to become atleast half of the person she is.
I loved how when she inherited the castle and everything his dad left her, she didn’t let it rule her. She didn’t let greed in but instead chose to help others. She was so kind and thoughtless to people (even to those who wronged her) which made it lowkey not tiny bit possible to have any neg thoughts for her.
Hudson Domingues was one hell of a refreshing character. I loved him so much. I love how honest, kind, open, patient,trusting and trustable he was. He has had a rough past but I was so glad to see him live through it, to find happiness and I loved that he was shown vulnerable too (cause we usually hear about H past’s but never see the after effects-it made me relate to him even more).
I admire him for the person he was. How he was with Elle and how much he felt for her and how much he cared for her. Another thing which I liked about him was his morals. I usually go for Asshole heroes in books but Hudson made me swoon over all his sweetness and kindness. I loved how he always said the right words and how he made Elle feel at peace and made her believe that it was okay to trust someone.
These two together ruined me for sweet romances. I loved that this book wasn’t just a “romance” but had everything- family, friendship, all types of love, kindness, forgiveness, trust, self-care and what-not.
This book made me see my worth, ngl. This book taught me that one day I will find people who will love me for who I am, who will accept my flaws as perfections and will always be there by my side.
This book was pure and soul-wrenching, inspiring and beautiful. I’m in awe of the words LJ writes and her talent of making you feel everything. I never wanted this book to end and wanted to cherish each and every word which was written in there.
This book is filled with love, life, new possibilities, hopes, life-lessons, uniqueness, magic, wonder and delight!
Just some quotes I loved-
” In fact, you were the very first thing on my mind when I woke up this morning. Your smile. Your strength. The fact that you took the loneliness your peers handed you and filled it with joy by piling your hair with cherry blossoms.”
“I like being with you,” I said, and it brought a grin to his face. I continued, resorting to the simple truth. “I don’t know what that means, because my life―even without River Briar and Danon―it isn’t…normal.” “There’s no such thing as normal, Elle. I truly believe that. But even if there were, the way you shine would draw me to you.”
”I kissed her. Because I couldn’t help it. Everything about Elle—her body, her soul, her quiet energy, and her soft smiles—called to me. Like in the fairy tales, I’d met the princess of the kingdom and fallen in love. I was the pauper at the gates, hardly the knight in shining armor she deserved, but I couldn’t walk away. Because Elle Dioli had become my whole world.”
”As our fingers and palms slid together, awareness journeyed along my arm and over my shoulders to my heart. A sensation of belonging filled me. Of being somewhere that meant everything and nothing all at the same time.”
I’m mentally kicking myself for not picking anything by this author before but I’m also mentally patting myself cause I gave this book a chance and discovered a great new author. I knew I was gonna love this when I saw the playlist and once I read the first line. There’s just something about LJ Evans’s writing which makes it impossible to not love her words. I finished this book yesterday and I really don’t think I can write a review which will sum up my feelings cause hell, I don’t even know what I’m feeling. This book brought out so many emotions out of me and I don’t know what to write which will bring this book justice
“Elle seemed incapable of holding back truths. It drew me in even more than her dark eyes and pink lips and soft curves. The raw honesty that she seemed to speak every time she opened her mouth was enticing in my world that was filled with actors.”
Ellery Dioli is probably one of the most unique character I’ve ever read. She’s kind, thoughtful, passionate, loving and carefree. I loved her attitude and her love towards nature. She truly has some unique qualities about her and her secret made me love her even more. She lives alone in a dorm while her Mom lives in Peru and due to an incident everyone calls her a “Willow Witch” and bully her for the same which made me wanna kill everyone but her well-wishers cause this girl right there? She deserves the fucking world. I loved how honest she was, how strong she was. I am left with nothing but inspiration to become atleast half of the person she is.
I loved how when she inherited the castle and everything his dad left her, she didn’t let it rule her. She didn’t let greed in but instead chose to help others. She was so kind and thoughtless to people (even to those who wronged her) which made it lowkey not tiny bit possible to have any neg thoughts for her.
“He was powerful. Beautiful. The fluidity of the movements like water. Meaningful. Important. Necessary.”
Hudson Domingues was one hell of a refreshing character. I loved him so much. I love how honest, kind, open, patient,trusting and trustable he was. He has had a rough past but I was so glad to see him live through it, to find happiness and I loved that he was shown vulnerable too (cause we usually hear about H past’s but never see the after effects-it made me relate to him even more).
I admire him for the person he was. How he was with Elle and how much he felt for her and how much he cared for her. Another thing which I liked about him was his morals. I usually go for Asshole heroes in books but Hudson made me swoon over all his sweetness and kindness. I loved how he always said the right words and how he made Elle feel at peace and made her believe that it was okay to trust someone.
“I need to tell you something,” I said, and hated the trace of worry that traveled through him. “I used to to think that only the warmth of the sun, the song of the birds, and the scent of the earth could fill me with joy and peace. But it’s not true. I found something better…something so much more. I found you.” His eyes warmed, the knot in his chest easing. “You ground me in a way that even the stars and the sky and the old willow tree can’t. I love you more than I have words to explain.”
These two together ruined me for sweet romances. I loved that this book wasn’t just a “romance” but had everything- family, friendship, all types of love, kindness, forgiveness, trust, self-care and what-not.
This book made me see my worth, ngl. This book taught me that one day I will find people who will love me for who I am, who will accept my flaws as perfections and will always be there by my side.
“Our hearts found a matching rhythm. A song that beat across my soul, filling me with the truth… Elle Dioli’s love was the only real fairy tale.”
This book was pure and soul-wrenching, inspiring and beautiful. I’m in awe of the words LJ writes and her talent of making you feel everything. I never wanted this book to end and wanted to cherish each and every word which was written in there.
This book is filled with love, life, new possibilities, hopes, life-lessons, uniqueness, magic, wonder and delight!
Just some quotes I loved-
” In fact, you were the very first thing on my mind when I woke up this morning. Your smile. Your strength. The fact that you took the loneliness your peers handed you and filled it with joy by piling your hair with cherry blossoms.”
“I like being with you,” I said, and it brought a grin to his face. I continued, resorting to the simple truth. “I don’t know what that means, because my life―even without River Briar and Danon―it isn’t…normal.” “There’s no such thing as normal, Elle. I truly believe that. But even if there were, the way you shine would draw me to you.”
”I kissed her. Because I couldn’t help it. Everything about Elle—her body, her soul, her quiet energy, and her soft smiles—called to me. Like in the fairy tales, I’d met the princess of the kingdom and fallen in love. I was the pauper at the gates, hardly the knight in shining armor she deserved, but I couldn’t walk away. Because Elle Dioli had become my whole world.”
July 22, 2021
Charming and The Cherry Blossom by LJ Evans is a modern day fairy tale complete with an eccentric, sunshine girl who can sense emotions and see spirits, a semi-popular theatre major, yoga loving boy with a hero complex and an evil villain.
One magical day changes Elle’s life drastically when she inherits a castle and a fortune from a father she never knew on the same day as she gets asked out on a date by charming Hudson. What follows is a beautiful story, narrated from dual perspectives, of how Elle learns about her dead father, the people and the life he left behind while also navigating a relationship with an honorable, charming young Hudson who has his own demons to fight.
This story was comforting, heartfelt and true escapism. Elle and Hudson were surprisingly mature for being college students. Theirs was a modern love story filled with bright eyed hope and optimism against the backdrop of an old love story that did not get a happy ending.
Although there were multiple elements, LJ Evans has done a good job of weaving all of them together seamlessly to give us a memorable and sweet story.
Charming and The Cherry Blossom is the perfect read for those who like a story filled with magical realism , unwavering love, new possibilities, hope and obviously (it wouldn't be a fairytale without) a happily ever after.
Special thanks to Grey’s promotions and LJ Evans for providing an early reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Find me :
| INSTAGRAM |
One magical day changes Elle’s life drastically when she inherits a castle and a fortune from a father she never knew on the same day as she gets asked out on a date by charming Hudson. What follows is a beautiful story, narrated from dual perspectives, of how Elle learns about her dead father, the people and the life he left behind while also navigating a relationship with an honorable, charming young Hudson who has his own demons to fight.
This story was comforting, heartfelt and true escapism. Elle and Hudson were surprisingly mature for being college students. Theirs was a modern love story filled with bright eyed hope and optimism against the backdrop of an old love story that did not get a happy ending.
Although there were multiple elements, LJ Evans has done a good job of weaving all of them together seamlessly to give us a memorable and sweet story.
Charming and The Cherry Blossom is the perfect read for those who like a story filled with magical realism , unwavering love, new possibilities, hope and obviously (it wouldn't be a fairytale without) a happily ever after.
Special thanks to Grey’s promotions and LJ Evans for providing an early reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Find me :
| INSTAGRAM |
August 13, 2021
Kesinlikle beklentimin çok üstünde bir hikâyeydi😍❤️🔥🔥☺️
Kapak görseline ve konuya bakınca aklımda biraz çiklit, biraz romantik komedi tadında bir gidişat vardı.Kafa dağıtmaklık hafif bir şeyler bekledim. 🙈 Yüzümde kocaman bir tebessümle okudum kitabı ☺️😍 İçeriğe geçmeden önce bir iki noktaya değinmeliyim.Yazar konu olarak, Taylor Swift'in Today Was a Fairytale şarkısından esinlenmiş. Birde ana hikaye dışında Elizabet Hoyt'un bir serisinde olduğu gibi bölüm aralarında başka bir hikaye daha vardı. Ben ikisi bir süre sonra kafamda karışıyor diye okumayı bıraktım. 🙈Bir ara geri dönüş yaparım.
Tebessüm demiştik... Hudson ve Elle ciddi anlamda çok tatlı, sevilesi ve minnoşlardı.Hisleri, tavırları, hayata bakışları, duyguları... Çok naif ve güzeldi. Kendimi biliyorum. Normal şartlarda gerçekten sıkılabileceğim bir betimleme değilde izlenime(?) sahipti. Nasıl anlatsam gerçekten bilmiyorum ama normalde yazarın, karakterlerin düşüncelerini, olayları yansıtma şeklini, çevreyi, durumu analiz etme yöntemi bende bunaltıya sebep olacak türdendi. Okumak sebepsizce uzun da geldi. Hâlbuki aralıksız okudum diyebilirim. Tüm bu etkenlere rağmen çok sevdim.
Elle 18 yaşında... Liseyi online okumuş. Annesi ile Peru'daki bir kazı alanında çokça vakit geçirmiş. Doğayı, ışığı, gökkuşağını, pozitif duyguları, kısacası güzel olan ve insani hırslar yerine daha ruhani şeylere odaklanmış birisi.Ama bu durum üniversitede dışlanmasına, başkalarına tuhaf gelen bir durumda yakalanması da yalnız bir okul hayatı geçirmesine sebep olmuş. Willow Witch lakabını alması da pek yardımcı olmamış. Buna rağmen çok tatlı, sevgi dolu bir kalbi var.
Hudson 20 yaşında... Yaşadığı acı bir kaybın ardından yeni bir yön telaşında. Yoga eğitmenliği dışında oyunculuk, tiyatro bölümünde. İyi bir kalbi, çokça ağır bir yükü var. Ve tabi klasik bir karşılaşma. Oğlan kıza çarpar. Kızın defterleri, kitapları yerlerde. Ah birde kırık bir telefon 😇
Kitap biraz ruhani, mistik ve belki fantastik diyebiliriz. Elle insanlarla temas konusunda sıkıntı yaşıyor. Ne zaman birisine dokunsa o kişiye bağlı bir ruh(?) görüyor. Büyükannesi de benzer durumdan dolayı çok acı çekmiş. Aynı kadere mahkûm olmak onu biraz korkutuyor. Bu endişeler yetmezmiş gibi hiç tanımadığı babadan kendisine miras kalıyor. Miras şartları, kötü niyetli bir kuzen, tanımadığı bir baba, ısrarcı gazeteciler, yüzüne bile bakmazlarken şimdi arkadaş olmak için sıraya giren insanlar... Hayatında huzur, sessizlik ve sakinlik isteyen bir kızın hayatı bir anda raydan çıkmıştır. Bir de Mina vardır. Babası ile tanışmaması için her şeyi yapan annesi. Ona öğrettiği şeyler ile ne kadar da ters bir gerçek.
Hikaye çok daha fazlasıydı. Çiftimizin el ele tutuşması bile %50'lik bir bölümde olmuş olabilir 🙈Bilmiyorum belki doğru ruh halindeydim. Ama ben çok sevdim. Okurken kalbim yumuş yumuş, çok soft hissettim. Aklımda söylemek istediğim çokça şey vardı aslında... Elle'nin gelişimi, yaşananlar, Hudson'un kendi acısı... Kalbimde bir yere sahipler.❤️
Kapak görseline ve konuya bakınca aklımda biraz çiklit, biraz romantik komedi tadında bir gidişat vardı.Kafa dağıtmaklık hafif bir şeyler bekledim. 🙈 Yüzümde kocaman bir tebessümle okudum kitabı ☺️😍 İçeriğe geçmeden önce bir iki noktaya değinmeliyim.Yazar konu olarak, Taylor Swift'in Today Was a Fairytale şarkısından esinlenmiş. Birde ana hikaye dışında Elizabet Hoyt'un bir serisinde olduğu gibi bölüm aralarında başka bir hikaye daha vardı. Ben ikisi bir süre sonra kafamda karışıyor diye okumayı bıraktım. 🙈Bir ara geri dönüş yaparım.
Tebessüm demiştik... Hudson ve Elle ciddi anlamda çok tatlı, sevilesi ve minnoşlardı.Hisleri, tavırları, hayata bakışları, duyguları... Çok naif ve güzeldi. Kendimi biliyorum. Normal şartlarda gerçekten sıkılabileceğim bir betimleme değilde izlenime(?) sahipti. Nasıl anlatsam gerçekten bilmiyorum ama normalde yazarın, karakterlerin düşüncelerini, olayları yansıtma şeklini, çevreyi, durumu analiz etme yöntemi bende bunaltıya sebep olacak türdendi. Okumak sebepsizce uzun da geldi. Hâlbuki aralıksız okudum diyebilirim. Tüm bu etkenlere rağmen çok sevdim.
Elle 18 yaşında... Liseyi online okumuş. Annesi ile Peru'daki bir kazı alanında çokça vakit geçirmiş. Doğayı, ışığı, gökkuşağını, pozitif duyguları, kısacası güzel olan ve insani hırslar yerine daha ruhani şeylere odaklanmış birisi.Ama bu durum üniversitede dışlanmasına, başkalarına tuhaf gelen bir durumda yakalanması da yalnız bir okul hayatı geçirmesine sebep olmuş. Willow Witch lakabını alması da pek yardımcı olmamış. Buna rağmen çok tatlı, sevgi dolu bir kalbi var.
Hudson 20 yaşında... Yaşadığı acı bir kaybın ardından yeni bir yön telaşında. Yoga eğitmenliği dışında oyunculuk, tiyatro bölümünde. İyi bir kalbi, çokça ağır bir yükü var. Ve tabi klasik bir karşılaşma. Oğlan kıza çarpar. Kızın defterleri, kitapları yerlerde. Ah birde kırık bir telefon 😇
Kitap biraz ruhani, mistik ve belki fantastik diyebiliriz. Elle insanlarla temas konusunda sıkıntı yaşıyor. Ne zaman birisine dokunsa o kişiye bağlı bir ruh(?) görüyor. Büyükannesi de benzer durumdan dolayı çok acı çekmiş. Aynı kadere mahkûm olmak onu biraz korkutuyor. Bu endişeler yetmezmiş gibi hiç tanımadığı babadan kendisine miras kalıyor. Miras şartları, kötü niyetli bir kuzen, tanımadığı bir baba, ısrarcı gazeteciler, yüzüne bile bakmazlarken şimdi arkadaş olmak için sıraya giren insanlar... Hayatında huzur, sessizlik ve sakinlik isteyen bir kızın hayatı bir anda raydan çıkmıştır. Bir de Mina vardır. Babası ile tanışmaması için her şeyi yapan annesi. Ona öğrettiği şeyler ile ne kadar da ters bir gerçek.
Hikaye çok daha fazlasıydı. Çiftimizin el ele tutuşması bile %50'lik bir bölümde olmuş olabilir 🙈Bilmiyorum belki doğru ruh halindeydim. Ama ben çok sevdim. Okurken kalbim yumuş yumuş, çok soft hissettim. Aklımda söylemek istediğim çokça şey vardı aslında... Elle'nin gelişimi, yaşananlar, Hudson'un kendi acısı... Kalbimde bir yere sahipler.❤️
August 12, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4.25 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
“There was only love and peace.
The real fairy tale.”
I absolutely adored this book. It was quite literally a fairy tale. It had a princess, a prince, a villain, magic, family, grief and love. I loved it.
it took me a while to get into the story. For a second there I thought this was going to be my first miss from this author, but noooo. I stuck around because I really trust her and I’m so glad I did. After the 30-35% mark, I was consumed by this. I couldn’t put it down.
Elle
She is the sweetest soul. Istg. I didn’t understand her abilities in the beginning, but I got used to them after a while. The first few chapters were pretty textbook cliche fairy tale, but I’m so proud and happy of her for making her own path.
“Mina had told me that I had to go my own path. That I had to make my own footprints in the sand. But I’d learned something from both my father and Hudson. There was no reason the marks you made had to be solitary ones. Your footsteps could be surrounded by those who loved you. Ones that lifted you up, celebrated you, and helped you along the way. It would still be the path you chose. It just meant you weren’t alone.”
Hudson
He is THE prince. He was so amazing. I loved the fact that he wanted to protect Elle, but let her protect herself. He had so much faith and trust in her. He loves her. My heart would burst at how his chapters ended. Sweetest thing ever.
“Once she disappeared, I put my fist in the sky in a total Breakfast Club move. I didn’t care that the two girls coming toward me giggled at it. I didn’t care that I was somehow dragged into a spell that was cast by the human being known as the Willow Witch. I’d gladly submit to it again and again.
Elle Dioli had said yes.”
Mina and Danon
yes excuse me? that was sad as fuck. The scene after the rail was absolutely heartbreaking. I cried. So unfair. I loved the role each parent took. In different ways, they both just were looking out for Elle.
“She actually brushed against Danon as she went by, and he reached out as if he could touch her. Then, his hand dropped away, and his eyes closed, the pain rocketing through him again, stabbing at me. To be so close and not be able to let her know that he still loved her. Wanted her. It was sadder than almost anything I’d experienced all day.”
no shit 💔💔💔
This book is a little different from your average contemporary romance. It highlights the human experience. The feelings, the stories, the painful moments, the good moments, the love and the connections between one another.
As always, the music and the story connect as one and this book was accompanied by Taylor Swift songs. Loved it. And the fairy tale we also read alongside Elle’s story was good, too. I just love the whole experience L.J. Evans provides with her books. She is awesome.
I couldn’t give it 5 stars because of how long it took me in the beginning to really get into the story and a few details here and there. But I loved it. I recommend it if you’re looking for a sweet romance or if you like fairy tales. Or if you just want to feel magical. This is for you.
p.s. Elle turning into a bit of a horndog?? priceless.
SONG:
mirrorball - Taylor Swift
“There was only love and peace.
The real fairy tale.”
I absolutely adored this book. It was quite literally a fairy tale. It had a princess, a prince, a villain, magic, family, grief and love. I loved it.
it took me a while to get into the story. For a second there I thought this was going to be my first miss from this author, but noooo. I stuck around because I really trust her and I’m so glad I did. After the 30-35% mark, I was consumed by this. I couldn’t put it down.
Elle
She is the sweetest soul. Istg. I didn’t understand her abilities in the beginning, but I got used to them after a while. The first few chapters were pretty textbook cliche fairy tale, but I’m so proud and happy of her for making her own path.
“Mina had told me that I had to go my own path. That I had to make my own footprints in the sand. But I’d learned something from both my father and Hudson. There was no reason the marks you made had to be solitary ones. Your footsteps could be surrounded by those who loved you. Ones that lifted you up, celebrated you, and helped you along the way. It would still be the path you chose. It just meant you weren’t alone.”
Hudson
He is THE prince. He was so amazing. I loved the fact that he wanted to protect Elle, but let her protect herself. He had so much faith and trust in her. He loves her. My heart would burst at how his chapters ended. Sweetest thing ever.
“Once she disappeared, I put my fist in the sky in a total Breakfast Club move. I didn’t care that the two girls coming toward me giggled at it. I didn’t care that I was somehow dragged into a spell that was cast by the human being known as the Willow Witch. I’d gladly submit to it again and again.
Elle Dioli had said yes.”
Mina and Danon
yes excuse me? that was sad as fuck. The scene after the rail was absolutely heartbreaking. I cried. So unfair. I loved the role each parent took. In different ways, they both just were looking out for Elle.
“She actually brushed against Danon as she went by, and he reached out as if he could touch her. Then, his hand dropped away, and his eyes closed, the pain rocketing through him again, stabbing at me. To be so close and not be able to let her know that he still loved her. Wanted her. It was sadder than almost anything I’d experienced all day.”
no shit 💔💔💔
This book is a little different from your average contemporary romance. It highlights the human experience. The feelings, the stories, the painful moments, the good moments, the love and the connections between one another.
As always, the music and the story connect as one and this book was accompanied by Taylor Swift songs. Loved it. And the fairy tale we also read alongside Elle’s story was good, too. I just love the whole experience L.J. Evans provides with her books. She is awesome.
I couldn’t give it 5 stars because of how long it took me in the beginning to really get into the story and a few details here and there. But I loved it. I recommend it if you’re looking for a sweet romance or if you like fairy tales. Or if you just want to feel magical. This is for you.
p.s. Elle turning into a bit of a horndog?? priceless.
SONG:
mirrorball - Taylor Swift
June 29, 2021
The cover of this book is whimsical. The story between the covers is equally charming, delightful, and yes, magical.
Hudson and Elle have more than enough to deal with including a new relationship and a sudden inheritance—and there are those who want to take both from them.
Hudson is strong and tender. Elle is sweet and almost other-worldly. I loved them together.
Forget what you know and enjoy the world this book creates. For what it gives you.
A delightful read, a smile and a HEA.
Hudson and Elle have more than enough to deal with including a new relationship and a sudden inheritance—and there are those who want to take both from them.
Hudson is strong and tender. Elle is sweet and almost other-worldly. I loved them together.
Forget what you know and enjoy the world this book creates. For what it gives you.
A delightful read, a smile and a HEA.
July 16, 2021
4.5-5 stars!!
“People were right. Love was magic.”
I never knew that I needed this story as much as I did, but as soon as I started reading it I knew it was going to be different! I love that this was still LJ’s usual small town goodness that we are used to seeing in her books, but this magical element it had really soothed my soul, making me long for more. I have enjoyed watching LJ grow as a writer, and to see her very much earning her own much deserved spot in the bookverse. I just love her!!
Elle and Hudson are just beautiful, and I enjoyed their unique relationship. I loved the surrounding characters as well, and the overall lightness of this enjoyable read! No spoilers from me, but trust me when I say that you need this beauty in your life, and on your kindles/bookshelves.
“People were right. Love was magic.”
I never knew that I needed this story as much as I did, but as soon as I started reading it I knew it was going to be different! I love that this was still LJ’s usual small town goodness that we are used to seeing in her books, but this magical element it had really soothed my soul, making me long for more. I have enjoyed watching LJ grow as a writer, and to see her very much earning her own much deserved spot in the bookverse. I just love her!!
Elle and Hudson are just beautiful, and I enjoyed their unique relationship. I loved the surrounding characters as well, and the overall lightness of this enjoyable read! No spoilers from me, but trust me when I say that you need this beauty in your life, and on your kindles/bookshelves.
July 16, 2021
"She's like finding the end of a rainbow and realizing it was waiting for you all along."
This was my first LJ Evans book and I was so pleased with the entire thing. I initially picked this book up because of the stunning cover. I wasn't sure what I was going to get for the story, but I was intrigued right from the get go. Let's just say that this story did not disappoint in any way whatsoever. It was unique, beautiful, well told with fantastic characters and left you feeling so many emotions. Absolutely captivating!
Charming and the Cherry Blossom is a modern day fairy tale and it was done superbly.
We are introduced to Elle at the beginning and already feel for this young woman. She has been coined the Willow Witch by students at her college. They paint her as an outcast. She is in tune with nature and does better on her own than with people. But still my heart breaks for her. When she literally bumps into Hudson, their lives seemed fated. Then she is hit with a whirlwind proposition that comes with some unlikely stipulations. And they all stem from a father she never knew.
From then on we get a story of rags to riches, evil and good, and surrounding yourselves with people you love and trust. I completely fell in love with Hudson and Elle. I loved that Elle was able to open up to Hudson and share a part of herself that only her mother knew about. It seemed to lighten the load she constantly carried with her. You could feel her lighten and change right off the page. She came to trust and love outside of her normal boundaries and it was a pleasure to witness. Hudson meanwhile was also someone that carried so much grief and blame on his shoulders for something that had little to do with him. But he is a man that loves fiercely and wants to protect those he cares about. He is an absolute gem. I was happy to see that he was so accepting of what Elle shared with him and made it a part of their lives together. They just fit.
LJ Evans created a special story that just made me feel good. While it was emotional, it was also a beautiful story of love and creating your own family. I loved being a part of the journey that Elle and Hudson got to go on. Their love and friendship was apparent and it progressed easily. This is a book that you will want to treasure and have on your shelves. I am so glad I picked it up and got to experience a book that was more refreshing than I anticipated. Simply beautiful!!
This was my first LJ Evans book and I was so pleased with the entire thing. I initially picked this book up because of the stunning cover. I wasn't sure what I was going to get for the story, but I was intrigued right from the get go. Let's just say that this story did not disappoint in any way whatsoever. It was unique, beautiful, well told with fantastic characters and left you feeling so many emotions. Absolutely captivating!
Charming and the Cherry Blossom is a modern day fairy tale and it was done superbly.
We are introduced to Elle at the beginning and already feel for this young woman. She has been coined the Willow Witch by students at her college. They paint her as an outcast. She is in tune with nature and does better on her own than with people. But still my heart breaks for her. When she literally bumps into Hudson, their lives seemed fated. Then she is hit with a whirlwind proposition that comes with some unlikely stipulations. And they all stem from a father she never knew.
From then on we get a story of rags to riches, evil and good, and surrounding yourselves with people you love and trust. I completely fell in love with Hudson and Elle. I loved that Elle was able to open up to Hudson and share a part of herself that only her mother knew about. It seemed to lighten the load she constantly carried with her. You could feel her lighten and change right off the page. She came to trust and love outside of her normal boundaries and it was a pleasure to witness. Hudson meanwhile was also someone that carried so much grief and blame on his shoulders for something that had little to do with him. But he is a man that loves fiercely and wants to protect those he cares about. He is an absolute gem. I was happy to see that he was so accepting of what Elle shared with him and made it a part of their lives together. They just fit.
LJ Evans created a special story that just made me feel good. While it was emotional, it was also a beautiful story of love and creating your own family. I loved being a part of the journey that Elle and Hudson got to go on. Their love and friendship was apparent and it progressed easily. This is a book that you will want to treasure and have on your shelves. I am so glad I picked it up and got to experience a book that was more refreshing than I anticipated. Simply beautiful!!
June 25, 2021
This book is a decadent dessert after being on a starvation diet. Oh my smushy hearts and perfection. I absolutely love this beautiful modern day magical tale. I cried and laughed and fell in love-every turn of the page. Five charming stars!!
July 12, 2021
This is a book that will sway with the songs of your soul. For those of us that feel emotions deeply and know what it feels like to be knocked over by sadness, longing, happiness and all other emotions. You will fall in love with the deeply romantic story of Elle and Hudson. Their chance meeting on the college campus they both attend and all the extraordinary events that take place afterwards.
But I think the part that moved me most was the quality of their love for one another and Evans’ ability to weave in the past family relationship dynamics to demonstrate ancestral family patterns and lessons learned throughout each of them. I cried so hard at the beauty of these broken and full relationships in the last few chapters of this book. It was almost too much to bear when you’ve experienced so many similar swaying emotions and tides. Watching family relationships be torn apart by rash emotional decisions.
This is so much more than a fairytale. In a lot of cases, when you think of a fairytale retelling you immediately think princess, monsters, the villain and all that sits in between. But what Evans’ delicately sewed together was about the fragility of life; how easily we can be swayed to make decisions that leave a deep ridge within our souls and forever change us; for good and bad.
Charming and the Cherry Blossom has found a special spot in my heart that is tucked away for very emotional experiences and this is one of them. A longer book and very little steamy action that takes place - this is an emotional journey across time and voids where two souls come together and find that peacefulness that we all unconsciously seek. You’ll feel exhausted from the rampant emotions of reading this book, but you'll be so much fuller at the end than where you started.
But I think the part that moved me most was the quality of their love for one another and Evans’ ability to weave in the past family relationship dynamics to demonstrate ancestral family patterns and lessons learned throughout each of them. I cried so hard at the beauty of these broken and full relationships in the last few chapters of this book. It was almost too much to bear when you’ve experienced so many similar swaying emotions and tides. Watching family relationships be torn apart by rash emotional decisions.
This is so much more than a fairytale. In a lot of cases, when you think of a fairytale retelling you immediately think princess, monsters, the villain and all that sits in between. But what Evans’ delicately sewed together was about the fragility of life; how easily we can be swayed to make decisions that leave a deep ridge within our souls and forever change us; for good and bad.
Charming and the Cherry Blossom has found a special spot in my heart that is tucked away for very emotional experiences and this is one of them. A longer book and very little steamy action that takes place - this is an emotional journey across time and voids where two souls come together and find that peacefulness that we all unconsciously seek. You’ll feel exhausted from the rampant emotions of reading this book, but you'll be so much fuller at the end than where you started.
July 15, 2021
Charming indeed!
Again, Ms Evans’ poetic words awed and amazed me with each turn of the page.
This story was magical and fantastical, it’s how all fairy tales should be. I swear when I opened the book, little sparkles and butterflies and flowers and sunbeams burst from the pages.
The best way I can describe this story…
it was like seeing a faint rainbow starting, gradually getting bigger and longer and growing brighter as the story goes on, with sparkling magic and feel-good warm fuzzies all the way through. With a villain or two thrown in the mix. Then at the end, there’s the most beautiful, golden, shiny happy ending that made me utterly and delightfully satisfied and smile so big. Pure joy.
That may sound a little corny to you, but to me, it makes perfect sense - it’s exactly how it felt for me while reading. After you read this book, you might just agree.
Hudson has to be one of the sweetest and most loving book boyfriends I’ve read. So caring, so honest, so real. He captivated me from the very first moment he broke Elle’s phone. Loved his humor and his determination and his loyalty and I absolutely loved his heart.
This beautifully penned story is so enchanting and full of characters that captured my heart from the beginning. Add in some adorable humor, nail-biting suspense, and tons of heartwarming moments and it made this a highly pleasurable read for me. I highly recommend it!
This story is one I won’t soon forget.
Again, Ms Evans’ poetic words awed and amazed me with each turn of the page.
This story was magical and fantastical, it’s how all fairy tales should be. I swear when I opened the book, little sparkles and butterflies and flowers and sunbeams burst from the pages.
The best way I can describe this story…
it was like seeing a faint rainbow starting, gradually getting bigger and longer and growing brighter as the story goes on, with sparkling magic and feel-good warm fuzzies all the way through. With a villain or two thrown in the mix. Then at the end, there’s the most beautiful, golden, shiny happy ending that made me utterly and delightfully satisfied and smile so big. Pure joy.
That may sound a little corny to you, but to me, it makes perfect sense - it’s exactly how it felt for me while reading. After you read this book, you might just agree.
Hudson has to be one of the sweetest and most loving book boyfriends I’ve read. So caring, so honest, so real. He captivated me from the very first moment he broke Elle’s phone. Loved his humor and his determination and his loyalty and I absolutely loved his heart.
This beautifully penned story is so enchanting and full of characters that captured my heart from the beginning. Add in some adorable humor, nail-biting suspense, and tons of heartwarming moments and it made this a highly pleasurable read for me. I highly recommend it!
This story is one I won’t soon forget.
June 28, 2021
So, to put a context out there, I’m dealing with a breakup so most of the book I didn’t even felt the romance. I hated it, I loaded how happy they were…
But let me tell you something… a well written book, has the power to heal you, make you forget and even believe in something that you thought was broken.
Charming was the best the male character I’ve read in a while. Everything about him is completely different of what I’m used to, and sometimes a little bit of fairytale is what you need.
Honestly, Charming was a whole world that could be even more explored in the future. If this is a stand-alone, it’s amazing and if eventually it turns into a series, this is FUCKING INCREDIBLE!
I love sappy cute stories, so theirs was up my alley.
Our Lady Chery Blossom was a while nother story. She was courageous, strong, amazing and beautiful (inside and out!) I do believe some of us in life are granted with gifts that could help others, would I believe that she could’ve shared her gift with her extended family? Yes! Did I need it? No.
Knowing charming and LCB shared that (besides her mom duh) was sortof romantic.
Now, every boo/fairytale has its enemies, and this one in my own opinion had 2! Nox for being an entitled little bastard, and her mom. First of all, how can she feel weird out of her own daughter calling her mom?
She might have been misunderstood blah blah blah, but it my eyes, she was just a bitch!
Anyways, I loved this book and it’s helping healed enough to keep on going.
Def 10/5!!✨
But let me tell you something… a well written book, has the power to heal you, make you forget and even believe in something that you thought was broken.
Charming was the best the male character I’ve read in a while. Everything about him is completely different of what I’m used to, and sometimes a little bit of fairytale is what you need.
Honestly, Charming was a whole world that could be even more explored in the future. If this is a stand-alone, it’s amazing and if eventually it turns into a series, this is FUCKING INCREDIBLE!
I love sappy cute stories, so theirs was up my alley.
Our Lady Chery Blossom was a while nother story. She was courageous, strong, amazing and beautiful (inside and out!) I do believe some of us in life are granted with gifts that could help others, would I believe that she could’ve shared her gift with her extended family? Yes! Did I need it? No.
Knowing charming and LCB shared that (besides her mom duh) was sortof romantic.
Now, every boo/fairytale has its enemies, and this one in my own opinion had 2! Nox for being an entitled little bastard, and her mom. First of all, how can she feel weird out of her own daughter calling her mom?
She might have been misunderstood blah blah blah, but it my eyes, she was just a bitch!
Anyways, I loved this book and it’s helping healed enough to keep on going.
Def 10/5!!✨
July 8, 2021
This was exactly the book I needed. A modern fairytale, Charming and the Cherry Blossom took me on a contemporary journey of castles, would-be princes' and a wicked uncle, making me believe in its magic, completely sweeping me away.
It has heat, a gentle sweetish heat that perfectly suits the chemistry between the characters, with just the right build in tension, and a storyline that I totally believed in. This was a book that made me cry happy tears and a sighed when I finished it, already missing the characters and their beautiful world.
It has heat, a gentle sweetish heat that perfectly suits the chemistry between the characters, with just the right build in tension, and a storyline that I totally believed in. This was a book that made me cry happy tears and a sighed when I finished it, already missing the characters and their beautiful world.
July 16, 2021
Honestly this book wasn’t what I expected. From the blurb I just wasn’t sure but I have loved every LJ Evans book so I knew I wanted to read it. Good gosh I fell so hard for these characters. I loved their story and the way LJ Evans was able to weave the past with the present. Danon and Catia were such unique characters and man did they add to the story! Elle and Hudson’s story for me was about making lemonade when life hands you lemons. Such an original heartwarming story that left me teary eyed and in love with these characters.
July 5, 2021
I absolutely loved this modern fairy tale story. Hudson is such a sweet guy and perfect for Elle. Elle was shocked to discover she had an inheritance which gave Elle & Hudson some problems due to a sneaky cousin. LJ has a magical way with weaving a story and this was as amazing as all of her other books.
July 14, 2021
Charming and the Cherry Blossom is a whimsical delight. LJ Evans beautifully combines a fairytale romance with the undertones of a troubling mystery. With a secret island and a true castle on its grounds as our backdrop, I was fascinated and enamored by Ellery Dioli and Hudson Dominguesand their slow-burn love story. The quirky nature-lover and the endearing performer start on a journey that is heartfelt and intense from the minute they literally run into each other on their shared college campus at Bonnin University. With chemistry for days, those first few sparks between Elle and Hudson set alight their struggling psyches forever changing the course of each of their lives in the most magical of ways.
I fell hard and fast for both Elle and Hudson. Sure, Elle is quirky and her nickname of Willow Witch made her even more of a loner than she previously was. But the way Hudson welcomes that uniqueness, embraces it, and only wants to understand it fully, made him one of the best book boyfriends ever. His acceptance of Elle's gift of being an empath never felt forced or fake. When her life is turned on its side literally within days of their meeting, Elle's trust in Hudson that he would keep her secrets, felt right. And his only wanting to keep Elle safe from the cruel outside world that includes many of Bonnin's residents made him even more irresistible to her and to this reader.
Delving into Elle's past, her estrangement from her father Danon, a rich and powerful man whom she never got to know is a huge part of this book. His current state exhibits fatherly concern and a bit of mirth and his contributions to many scenes were truly bittersweet. Juxtaposed against Hudson's past and the tragedy he can't shake, Elle's ability to soothe him with her ability to feel and see loved ones around her only makes the tether between them stronger. It's as if the stars aligned for these two since no matter what is thrown at them, they manage to handle it better than they could have ever expected, simply because the other is firmly by their side.
The ongoing mystery of presumed stolen goods, the fight with the deplorable Nox, and the outside world entering Elle's previously very private life is a ton to handle. But her grace, her selflessness, and her ability to forgive are something to be admired. Her newfound family of unexpected new school acquaintances and staff at the castle are warm and welcoming and turn her life upside-down and around and yet it's still a wonderful sight to see.
This is a book to be savored and with its length well over 500 pages, I did in fact wonder if some parts could have been left out. But once I finished, I really did feel that every passage was necessary to the proper telling of this extraordinary love story. And it's not just a love story btw Elle and Hudson. To me, it's the heartwarming appreciation of those around you, no matter in what form they may take, and never taking for granted what the world may bestow upon your heart.
An uplifting tale that I can't recommend highly enough, I happily give Charming and the Cherry Blossom a HUGE 5+ stars!
I fell hard and fast for both Elle and Hudson. Sure, Elle is quirky and her nickname of Willow Witch made her even more of a loner than she previously was. But the way Hudson welcomes that uniqueness, embraces it, and only wants to understand it fully, made him one of the best book boyfriends ever. His acceptance of Elle's gift of being an empath never felt forced or fake. When her life is turned on its side literally within days of their meeting, Elle's trust in Hudson that he would keep her secrets, felt right. And his only wanting to keep Elle safe from the cruel outside world that includes many of Bonnin's residents made him even more irresistible to her and to this reader.
Delving into Elle's past, her estrangement from her father Danon, a rich and powerful man whom she never got to know is a huge part of this book. His current state exhibits fatherly concern and a bit of mirth and his contributions to many scenes were truly bittersweet. Juxtaposed against Hudson's past and the tragedy he can't shake, Elle's ability to soothe him with her ability to feel and see loved ones around her only makes the tether between them stronger. It's as if the stars aligned for these two since no matter what is thrown at them, they manage to handle it better than they could have ever expected, simply because the other is firmly by their side.
The ongoing mystery of presumed stolen goods, the fight with the deplorable Nox, and the outside world entering Elle's previously very private life is a ton to handle. But her grace, her selflessness, and her ability to forgive are something to be admired. Her newfound family of unexpected new school acquaintances and staff at the castle are warm and welcoming and turn her life upside-down and around and yet it's still a wonderful sight to see.
This is a book to be savored and with its length well over 500 pages, I did in fact wonder if some parts could have been left out. But once I finished, I really did feel that every passage was necessary to the proper telling of this extraordinary love story. And it's not just a love story btw Elle and Hudson. To me, it's the heartwarming appreciation of those around you, no matter in what form they may take, and never taking for granted what the world may bestow upon your heart.
An uplifting tale that I can't recommend highly enough, I happily give Charming and the Cherry Blossom a HUGE 5+ stars!
September 19, 2022
this was my first book by l.j. evans and i liked the modern day twist on a fairytale and the dreamy, whimsical vibes. the paranormal element is one that i didn't expect but it added another interesting dimension to the story.
i liked elle's kind and quirky personality. she is full of love and empathy and it made me sad to see people not extending the same kindness she gave to everyone around her. hudson is a great guy- gentle, sweet and thoughtful. i loved how brazilian culture was weaved into his story and it was heartwarming to see the close relationship he has with his parents. elle and hudson are very sweet together, even though their relationship came across as somehow both insta-love and slowburn.
so why the low rating? i struggled to get through the book and found myself getting bored so many times. something about this book didn't work for me; my interest was not held by the plot nor the writing and i didn't like the lengthy descriptions (in a book that is already quite long). i likely would have DNF-ed this book had it not been an ARC.
i'm disappointed because i really wanted to love this book and i had high expectations which were unfortunately not met. although this book didn't work for me, that's not to say you will not like it. it's still a solid book and i think if you like fairytales and sweet romances, you might find this book enjoyable.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
i liked elle's kind and quirky personality. she is full of love and empathy and it made me sad to see people not extending the same kindness she gave to everyone around her. hudson is a great guy- gentle, sweet and thoughtful. i loved how brazilian culture was weaved into his story and it was heartwarming to see the close relationship he has with his parents. elle and hudson are very sweet together, even though their relationship came across as somehow both insta-love and slowburn.
so why the low rating? i struggled to get through the book and found myself getting bored so many times. something about this book didn't work for me; my interest was not held by the plot nor the writing and i didn't like the lengthy descriptions (in a book that is already quite long). i likely would have DNF-ed this book had it not been an ARC.
i'm disappointed because i really wanted to love this book and i had high expectations which were unfortunately not met. although this book didn't work for me, that's not to say you will not like it. it's still a solid book and i think if you like fairytales and sweet romances, you might find this book enjoyable.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
I was a bit excited when I saw this book but then I was apprehensive. I'm not sure why the latter happened but it disappeared as soon as I started reading. I thoroughly loved this story! It was sweet and beautiful and magical. There is a strong and unique female protagonist who meets a handsome and charming man. There is also a wicked man hoping to take down the female protagonist but there are a group of caring and protective individuals who refuse to let that happen.
Elle was a strong, compassionate and forgiving young woman. Her love of cherry blossoms and pink things resonated with me. I love them too.
Throughout the story, she showed how compassionate and forgiving she could be regardless of how people may have mistreated her. Hudson proved to be an equally strong protagonist. He was a pillar of strength for Elle. Hudson knew that she didn't need anyone rescuing her but still wanted to protect her. He did have a vulnerable side and this made it easier to fall in love with him. Elle and Hudson together were ridiculously sweet in a good way and your heart melted. They were fine apart but realised that something was missing once they began spending time together. They were stronger together and the love they feel for each other was adorable.
The story was captivating and felt like a balm on the soul. I have been reading lots of angsty stories which I love but it was nice to read something that was sweet for a change. Elle's strong character and her ability to release negative emotions was inspiring. She refused to let the negative feelings of those around her bring her down. She only wanted positive thoughts and emotions in her life. All of us shouldn't let the negativity of others and their issues become our own. Also, I loved how Elle wasn't going to let her mother dictate her life. She chose to her carve out her own path. Both Hudson and Elle found a way for love to succeed. This was truly a beautiful fairy tale that was filled with real emotion and magic.
Elle was a strong, compassionate and forgiving young woman. Her love of cherry blossoms and pink things resonated with me. I love them too.
Throughout the story, she showed how compassionate and forgiving she could be regardless of how people may have mistreated her. Hudson proved to be an equally strong protagonist. He was a pillar of strength for Elle. Hudson knew that she didn't need anyone rescuing her but still wanted to protect her. He did have a vulnerable side and this made it easier to fall in love with him. Elle and Hudson together were ridiculously sweet in a good way and your heart melted. They were fine apart but realised that something was missing once they began spending time together. They were stronger together and the love they feel for each other was adorable.
The story was captivating and felt like a balm on the soul. I have been reading lots of angsty stories which I love but it was nice to read something that was sweet for a change. Elle's strong character and her ability to release negative emotions was inspiring. She refused to let the negative feelings of those around her bring her down. She only wanted positive thoughts and emotions in her life. All of us shouldn't let the negativity of others and their issues become our own. Also, I loved how Elle wasn't going to let her mother dictate her life. She chose to her carve out her own path. Both Hudson and Elle found a way for love to succeed. This was truly a beautiful fairy tale that was filled with real emotion and magic.
July 16, 2021
This was definitely a different kind of story than I normally read. It’s not your typical college romance. Elle is a social outcast at school. She loves nature and is “different” than others. Things are about to get a whole lot different when it’s revealed who she really is. But Hudson, a strong, yoga loving fellow college student, sticks around. He has some events from his past that collide with the present and Elle. This was a really good book. It was nice to get lost in this mix of real life and fantasy. You can’t help but love Elle and Hudson and the majority of the supporting characters. As in all fairy tales we have the villains who eventually get what’s coming to them! If you like romance and don’t mind a bit of magic sprinkled in then this is the book for you!
~Alexis💜
~Alexis💜
June 25, 2021
“A sensation of warmth and belonging filled me, like I’d somehow found the one place I was supposed to be. She looked down at our fingers, eyes flying around the room, and then back to our joined palms. She squeezed ever so slightly as if the simple act of held hands was the most incredible thing she’d ever seen”
This passage is typical of the way that L.J. Evans sets the scene. This was a beautiful love story demonstrating that hardships are not as difficult when you have a loving partner beside you. Elle and Hudson are examples of true love coming from the most unlikely of places. A wonderful fairytale!
This passage is typical of the way that L.J. Evans sets the scene. This was a beautiful love story demonstrating that hardships are not as difficult when you have a loving partner beside you. Elle and Hudson are examples of true love coming from the most unlikely of places. A wonderful fairytale!
June 25, 2021
This is a beautifully written book, with unique characters in a stunning setting that captivated me from the start. The descriptive way LJ Evans has penned this book can only be described as a work of art. Her lead characters Elle and Hudson pull at your heartstrings in different ways but both suck you into this a modern day romance that’s entwined with a fairy story that enfolds as the story goes on bringing to life other integral characters. Without divulging too much, this is a spectacular and enchanting book for those of us who love romance, with an ending where your heart will be full to the brim with cherry blossoms.
July 15, 2021
L.J. Evans has a way of making us believe in fairytales all over again, no matter our age. Charming and the Cherry Blossom is a beautiful love story, that will leave you with happy tears for Elle and Hudson. Both characters are extremely likable and although they've been shunned, they have forged their own path in life. Elle and Hudson's first meeting was priceless and special. I loved all the supporting characters as well, except for a few that weren't likable. The cover did entice me first, but when I read the blurb, I knew I had to read this book, which is the first I have read by L.J. Evans. I'm sure I will read more of her books though.
July 18, 2021
Charming and the Cherry Blossom quaint cover and beautiful title is just the beginning of this new adult contemporary modern fairytale romance. In between the pages is a charming tale that is brimming with magic in a small town romance. Told in dual pov Elle and Hudson's enchantment is intricately entwined with a backdrop of an old love story that did not get a happy ending and weaved into a fairytale romance. The writing style is avant-garde and the story is a must read. I hope it is turned into audio as it would definitely be a magical listen.
Overall, an escapism fun reminiscence read that fills your heart with joy.
I highly recommend reading this novel and every single novel this author writes as each one is unique in its own way but still has L.J.'s signature music collections with it.
Overall, an escapism fun reminiscence read that fills your heart with joy.
I highly recommend reading this novel and every single novel this author writes as each one is unique in its own way but still has L.J.'s signature music collections with it.
July 21, 2021
A beautiful, whimsical, modern day fairytale. Elle is a social outcast who literally bumps into Hudson who is well known around campus. Their is an instant connection between these two. From then on things start to happen she finds out that her father she never knew left her a fortune and a castle, she comes head to head with a bitter cousin determined to take it all away, she harbors a secret she grew up to keep to herself. I loved this story plus you get a bonus of another mini fairytale told in between chapters from of course if you know LJ and her love for Taylor Swift.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
July 10, 2021
This book is the kind of magic that wraps you up, body and soul, and stays with you long after the final page has turned. Elle is the embodiment of hope and innocence but also strength and understanding well beyond her years. She’s the kind of character you wish you could embrace just to bask in her vibrancy. The slow sweet love she find with Hudson is nothing short of enchanting. It’s happiness radiating from every word. This story is magnificently whimsical and absolutely everything you want in a happily ever after.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2021
One magical tale that will have you falling in love and believing in spirits. This is whimsically entertaining and beautifully written with creative twists. Ms. Evans has created pure joy and wonderment in a gloriously covered book. There's so much to love about this beautiful book. This Willow Witch will enthrall you.
When we meet Lady Cherry Blossom she's a social outcast who is alone, but isn't lonely. She knows she's different and embraces all her parts. Along barges in Lord Hudson and he not so eloquently sweeps her off her dancing feet. Watching these two figure each other out makes for one dynamic story that will yank your heartstrings every which way.
The addition of spirits or ghost, was to me, so sad. They played such a pivotal role in Elle's life and this unputdownable book. They are this huge force that contain these huge emotions of regret and love. This would not have been the same without this imaginative direction.
The fairytale bits were utterly captivating and made my girly heart overflow with happiness. I loved this so very much. It's this perfect love letter that ignites your imagination and lets your heart soar.
Thank you to this memorably entertaining author who never ever fails to hold my heart and give me an unforgettable experience.
When we meet Lady Cherry Blossom she's a social outcast who is alone, but isn't lonely. She knows she's different and embraces all her parts. Along barges in Lord Hudson and he not so eloquently sweeps her off her dancing feet. Watching these two figure each other out makes for one dynamic story that will yank your heartstrings every which way.
The addition of spirits or ghost, was to me, so sad. They played such a pivotal role in Elle's life and this unputdownable book. They are this huge force that contain these huge emotions of regret and love. This would not have been the same without this imaginative direction.
The fairytale bits were utterly captivating and made my girly heart overflow with happiness. I loved this so very much. It's this perfect love letter that ignites your imagination and lets your heart soar.
Thank you to this memorably entertaining author who never ever fails to hold my heart and give me an unforgettable experience.
July 21, 2021
Hudson and Elle were sweetness personified and they brought such a charm to this story that I found myself liking every page more and more. Such a utterly charming read
June 26, 2021
There's so much darkness and chaos in our world today that it's no wonder I found myself falling at the feet of this amazing wordsmith who gives us a story full of pure light, gentle goodness, unadulterated joy, and endless possibilities. Part fairy tale, part supernatural and bursting with happily ever afters, this one enchanted my heart and enraptured my soul, and it's one I want to return to time and time again.
Ellery Dioli is otherworldly. A pureness and goodness radiates from her and nature seems to embrace her. The willow branches bend for her, the birds sing for her, and the cherry blossoms love nothing more than to adorn her in their petals. She's also a young college student, trying to find her own path in the world and completely misunderstood by her peers.
When a popular guy on campus accidentally breaks Elle’s phone and they start spending time together, the whispers behind her back take on new life. Elle doesn’t let it bother her, what other people think. But what if the carefully guarded ability she possesses scares away Hunter, the only friend she has?
Forget every other fairy tale retelling you’ve ever read, because this one a shining beacon so far above the rest it's not even in the same orbit. Aside from the evil antagonist that we're meant to despise, these characters will charm you and cast an exquisite spell on your heart. A spell that you'll revel in, glory in, and delight in and never want to be broken.
Oh, my heart! I never wanted this story to end! I want it to be a series of a dozen books so I can come home again and again to this extraordinary book world! This is my very favorite kind of YA/NA romance. One where the love is tentative and careful but grows to something so special and beautiful that the hero and his princess learn and grow together. Where the trust and security in each other blooms into an unstoppable power while they fight the external conflicts side by side.
Run to the 1-Click now. Clear your calendar now. Start reading now. Seriously, this is easily one of my top reads for the year and I know you’ll love this book as much as I do. The storyline will captivate you, the characters will delight you, and your heart will be filled with hope, light and wonder by this magical, breath-taking, magnificent read!
Ellery Dioli is otherworldly. A pureness and goodness radiates from her and nature seems to embrace her. The willow branches bend for her, the birds sing for her, and the cherry blossoms love nothing more than to adorn her in their petals. She's also a young college student, trying to find her own path in the world and completely misunderstood by her peers.
When a popular guy on campus accidentally breaks Elle’s phone and they start spending time together, the whispers behind her back take on new life. Elle doesn’t let it bother her, what other people think. But what if the carefully guarded ability she possesses scares away Hunter, the only friend she has?
Forget every other fairy tale retelling you’ve ever read, because this one a shining beacon so far above the rest it's not even in the same orbit. Aside from the evil antagonist that we're meant to despise, these characters will charm you and cast an exquisite spell on your heart. A spell that you'll revel in, glory in, and delight in and never want to be broken.
Oh, my heart! I never wanted this story to end! I want it to be a series of a dozen books so I can come home again and again to this extraordinary book world! This is my very favorite kind of YA/NA romance. One where the love is tentative and careful but grows to something so special and beautiful that the hero and his princess learn and grow together. Where the trust and security in each other blooms into an unstoppable power while they fight the external conflicts side by side.
Run to the 1-Click now. Clear your calendar now. Start reading now. Seriously, this is easily one of my top reads for the year and I know you’ll love this book as much as I do. The storyline will captivate you, the characters will delight you, and your heart will be filled with hope, light and wonder by this magical, breath-taking, magnificent read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews