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Meddle & Mend #3
The Education of Pip
He had never experienced possibilities — and it was a whole new feeling to have them.
Pip Standish is in Newgate Prison, a predictable career finale for a London thief. So he is surprised when Lord Finlington, the dashing viscount he attempted to steal from months before, offers to get him out — on the condition that Pip agrees to leave town and start a new career in the country.
Soon, Pip finds himself moving to the idyllic Tutting-on-Cress and a life he never thought possible. As he settles in with his new friends, he discovers a well-rounded education not only involves reading and magic, but how to be happy, how to trust others with your heart, and how to let go of pain.
But when an attempt to settle an old debt reopens a dangerous wound, Pip will need to apply all of his hard-earned lessons to stop the past swallowing him — and his future — whole.
This new adult fantasy is the third book in the Meddle & Mend series. It is a continuation of Pip's story from One Good Turn.
Pip Standish is in Newgate Prison, a predictable career finale for a London thief. So he is surprised when Lord Finlington, the dashing viscount he attempted to steal from months before, offers to get him out — on the condition that Pip agrees to leave town and start a new career in the country.
Soon, Pip finds himself moving to the idyllic Tutting-on-Cress and a life he never thought possible. As he settles in with his new friends, he discovers a well-rounded education not only involves reading and magic, but how to be happy, how to trust others with your heart, and how to let go of pain.
But when an attempt to settle an old debt reopens a dangerous wound, Pip will need to apply all of his hard-earned lessons to stop the past swallowing him — and his future — whole.
This new adult fantasy is the third book in the Meddle & Mend series. It is a continuation of Pip's story from One Good Turn.
218 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 31, 2023
This book singlehandedly gave me a praise kink. 10/10
March 31, 2023
Adorable!!!
And so human. These books are wonderful and this one in particular is an ode to overcoming adversity.
Seriously, I don't understand why this series isn't much better known, the prose is stupendous, the plots captivating and the characters delightful.
Marvelous!!!
And so human. These books are wonderful and this one in particular is an ode to overcoming adversity.
Seriously, I don't understand why this series isn't much better known, the prose is stupendous, the plots captivating and the characters delightful.
Marvelous!!!
December 27, 2023
4.5 stars (rounded up)
The Education of Pip is a direct sequel to book 2, One Good Turn, but shifts focus from Nell to Pip. And oh dear, these characters are just completely melting my heart!!
This instalment is arguably the most cozy and low-stakes so far, but I just gobbled up every single word within these pages. Just seeing Pip find a home, learn to let himself be loved, and slowly start to heal was so utterly engrossing and honestly just heartwarming beyond belief.
The raw and honest way that mental health and (sexual) trauma are explored in this book, while still maintaining an absolutely delightful tone, is honestly magical. Pip deserves all the love in the world, and I just want to go give him a big hug.
I also loved the big focus on the whimsical magic and learning more about the spells here, as that only added more wonder and whimsy to the story. If I could visit this queer-normative and magical alternate version of Regency Era London, I would pack my bags and leave right now.
While each of these instalments stands so well on its own, I just can't stop myself from binging through them back-to-back. This charming and dazzling historical fantasy series is honestly giving me all the joy and comfort I could ever wish for. What an absolute delight!
The Education of Pip is a direct sequel to book 2, One Good Turn, but shifts focus from Nell to Pip. And oh dear, these characters are just completely melting my heart!!
This instalment is arguably the most cozy and low-stakes so far, but I just gobbled up every single word within these pages. Just seeing Pip find a home, learn to let himself be loved, and slowly start to heal was so utterly engrossing and honestly just heartwarming beyond belief.
The raw and honest way that mental health and (sexual) trauma are explored in this book, while still maintaining an absolutely delightful tone, is honestly magical. Pip deserves all the love in the world, and I just want to go give him a big hug.
I also loved the big focus on the whimsical magic and learning more about the spells here, as that only added more wonder and whimsy to the story. If I could visit this queer-normative and magical alternate version of Regency Era London, I would pack my bags and leave right now.
While each of these instalments stands so well on its own, I just can't stop myself from binging through them back-to-back. This charming and dazzling historical fantasy series is honestly giving me all the joy and comfort I could ever wish for. What an absolute delight!
January 22, 2024
Another Sarah Wallace book that absolutely has my heart. I was introduced to Pip when I read Dear Bartleby, which was the first M&M book I read. I immediately took to Pip and have been eager to find out more about him ever since. This book did not disappoint.
Pip is one of the sweetest characters I've read, and he deserves the absolute world. The delight of this story is that (almost) all the other characters see how *good* Pip is. How deserving he is of safety, love, friendship, and belonging. Perhaps the one person who sees it the least is Pip himself, so this is a story of him learning it for himself. As a reader, I felt like one of residents of Tutting-on-Cress, ever rooting for Pip's happiness.
Those who read the book will likely realize that Pip's story is not yet done. I have it on good authority that readers may yet see more of Pip and a certain viscount — another reason to keep an eye on this cozy series.
Overall, Meddle & Mend is one of my favorite cozy fantasy series. Sarah Wallace truly understands how to craft a world that gives the same feeling as a hot cup of tea — easing away your troubles, keeping you warm, and putting a contented smile on your face.
(I won a paperback copy of this book in a giveaway, but my opinions are my own. A big thank you to the author for the book! 💛)
Pip is one of the sweetest characters I've read, and he deserves the absolute world. The delight of this story is that (almost) all the other characters see how *good* Pip is. How deserving he is of safety, love, friendship, and belonging. Perhaps the one person who sees it the least is Pip himself, so this is a story of him learning it for himself. As a reader, I felt like one of residents of Tutting-on-Cress, ever rooting for Pip's happiness.
Those who read the book will likely realize that Pip's story is not yet done. I have it on good authority that readers may yet see more of Pip and a certain viscount — another reason to keep an eye on this cozy series.
Overall, Meddle & Mend is one of my favorite cozy fantasy series. Sarah Wallace truly understands how to craft a world that gives the same feeling as a hot cup of tea — easing away your troubles, keeping you warm, and putting a contented smile on your face.
(I won a paperback copy of this book in a giveaway, but my opinions are my own. A big thank you to the author for the book! 💛)
December 31, 2022
I love these characters So. Dang. Much! I’m SO happy we got to read about Pip’s story. I loved him from the moment he showed up in the second book, and of course Bertie has been a favorite from the very beginning.
The found family in this story, the unconditional support for someone struggling to move forward from a difficult past, and of course one of my favorite forms of magic I’ve ever read about... this is my new favorite in the series, for sure.
Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC with me!
The found family in this story, the unconditional support for someone struggling to move forward from a difficult past, and of course one of my favorite forms of magic I’ve ever read about... this is my new favorite in the series, for sure.
Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC with me!
March 29, 2024
4.5 stars; very emotional, darkest of these stories. Brought me to tears many times. All the emotion missing in #2 is here.
That half point deduction was for a not satisfying enough final act. Tsk, author. You don't put readers through all that, and then minimize retribution.
Content Warning: sexual abuse, PTSD, child abuse.
There is no selection in Goodreads for the kindle version; I read the kindle version.
That half point deduction was for a not satisfying enough final act. Tsk, author. You don't put readers through all that, and then minimize retribution.
Content Warning: sexual abuse, PTSD, child abuse.
There is no selection in Goodreads for the kindle version; I read the kindle version.
October 25, 2023
Another sweet, beautiful, and magical story by Sarah Wallace!
I’ve read this series completely out of order but I’m still loving it. I’m actually enjoying going back to meet the characters in their books.
I loved Pip’s story. He’s had a difficult past, from being orphaned at birth to an older man “helping” him, for him to end up in jail. But his life turns around when a sweet lord sees his worth and helps selflessly, knowing that Pip will be the perfect fit in his found family in the country.
Bertie is incredibly kind, and after a lifetime of people only helping Pip when they can use him in some way, Pip has a hard time grasping that some people are just god and help him because he deserves it. Charles, Gavin, Gerry and the Dukex are also part of the circle that brings Pip into their fold, because they know his past does not define his future.
This is a story of how the kindness of others can change lives for the better, and the only thing they get in return is the joy of a friendship with Pip. He’s a beautiful character and he deserves all the good he got!
I’ve read this series completely out of order but I’m still loving it. I’m actually enjoying going back to meet the characters in their books.
I loved Pip’s story. He’s had a difficult past, from being orphaned at birth to an older man “helping” him, for him to end up in jail. But his life turns around when a sweet lord sees his worth and helps selflessly, knowing that Pip will be the perfect fit in his found family in the country.
Bertie is incredibly kind, and after a lifetime of people only helping Pip when they can use him in some way, Pip has a hard time grasping that some people are just god and help him because he deserves it. Charles, Gavin, Gerry and the Dukex are also part of the circle that brings Pip into their fold, because they know his past does not define his future.
This is a story of how the kindness of others can change lives for the better, and the only thing they get in return is the joy of a friendship with Pip. He’s a beautiful character and he deserves all the good he got!
March 3, 2023
No thoughts, just feels. My 5 stars are purely because this books is so wholesome and sweet and loving.
(CWs in the beginning of the book are important, though)
/ Denise
(CWs in the beginning of the book are important, though)
/ Denise
Read
February 28, 2023I mean I didn't really need to cry at 4:00 a.m. but that happened.
There's another review talking about how this book single-handedly gave them a praise kink and after seeing the ace flag and their profile picture, as a fellow asexual I wholeheartedly agree. I don't know how to explain it but it happened. And I think it is hilarious.
I adore the series and cannot recommend them enough. The first book is a romance and has a demisexual representation. The second book is not a romance but has an aromantic main character. And this book has Pip who is queer and he is the best friend of the aro character from book two. We get a glimpse of him in the second book but this is really his journey of growth. This is not a romance. It is a story of healing from trauma and re-entering society and relearning how to communicate and be happy and trust again.
I was not ready for it to end. The ending came a bit abruptly for me and listening to the audiobook I wasn't prepared at all. I was just going about my work day when all of a sudden those two words, "the end", popped in and I was a little bit shocked. I would happily read another entire book about Pip and hope we get more of him in the future. I would in fact protect him with my life.
Also revisiting Gavin and Charles in this book was such a delight. Them gently coaxing Pip into friendship made my heart happy and them having their wedding. Just lots of big squeals of joy and probably some tears.
There's another review talking about how this book single-handedly gave them a praise kink and after seeing the ace flag and their profile picture, as a fellow asexual I wholeheartedly agree. I don't know how to explain it but it happened. And I think it is hilarious.
I adore the series and cannot recommend them enough. The first book is a romance and has a demisexual representation. The second book is not a romance but has an aromantic main character. And this book has Pip who is queer and he is the best friend of the aro character from book two. We get a glimpse of him in the second book but this is really his journey of growth. This is not a romance. It is a story of healing from trauma and re-entering society and relearning how to communicate and be happy and trust again.
I was not ready for it to end. The ending came a bit abruptly for me and listening to the audiobook I wasn't prepared at all. I was just going about my work day when all of a sudden those two words, "the end", popped in and I was a little bit shocked. I would happily read another entire book about Pip and hope we get more of him in the future. I would in fact protect him with my life.
Also revisiting Gavin and Charles in this book was such a delight. Them gently coaxing Pip into friendship made my heart happy and them having their wedding. Just lots of big squeals of joy and probably some tears.
July 24, 2023
Mild spoilers for One Good Turn (book 2 in Wallace’s series) below.
It’s fair to say in the previous instalment we left Pip - a streetwise thief with untapped magical powers - in a bad place, both emotionally and physically. I thought his story ended rather abruptly…but fortunately for all readers after me, his story picks up again in book 3 of Wallace’s queer-normative Regency fantasy series and no one need wait on tenderhooks like I did. 😉
The Education of Pip is a cathartic, heartfelt little story. This is a quiet, character-focused series: if you’re looking for an action-packed plot or a magic-heavy setting, this isn’t the series for you. But for everyone else you’ll be enchanted by Wallace’s hopeful world and charming cast of characters.
I received an advance copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s fair to say in the previous instalment we left Pip - a streetwise thief with untapped magical powers - in a bad place, both emotionally and physically. I thought his story ended rather abruptly…but fortunately for all readers after me, his story picks up again in book 3 of Wallace’s queer-normative Regency fantasy series and no one need wait on tenderhooks like I did. 😉
The Education of Pip is a cathartic, heartfelt little story. This is a quiet, character-focused series: if you’re looking for an action-packed plot or a magic-heavy setting, this isn’t the series for you. But for everyone else you’ll be enchanted by Wallace’s hopeful world and charming cast of characters.
I received an advance copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2024
"If you trust someone, and trust their judgment, then that should extend to trusting their opinion of you. You have placed an inordinate amount of trust in us already. But if you believe us to be people of good character and sound judgment, then you might consider that we are not entirely mistaken in our assessment of you. We all believe you to be worthy."
4.5⭐
This is the darkest book in the series yet but also the one I've loved the most so far, as it is focuses on two of my favourite characters, Pip and Bertie. The topic of sexual abuse is a complicated one, but it's dealt with such compassion and kindness for the victim (as it should). It's also filled with lovely reminders about deserving happiness, being worthy of love and trust. I cried several times.
4.5⭐
This is the darkest book in the series yet but also the one I've loved the most so far, as it is focuses on two of my favourite characters, Pip and Bertie. The topic of sexual abuse is a complicated one, but it's dealt with such compassion and kindness for the victim (as it should). It's also filled with lovely reminders about deserving happiness, being worthy of love and trust. I cried several times.
January 15, 2023
I just cannot say enough how much I love Wallace's characters, and getting to read these books where good things happen to them is just the absolute best.
In this book, we get to see how Pip's life turns out after the events at the end of One Good Turn. Pip - a very endearing, gentle person with a difficult past who is not really comfortable being made a fuss over - finds himself in a house full of new friends who would really like to make a fuss, but choose to follow his lead and respect his boundaries while offering their support. It's all really very touching, and is an excellent literary example of just how valuable found family can be.
We also get lovely individual moments with Gerry, Gavin, Charles, The Dukex and especially Lord Finlington as Pip gets to know each one individually and settles into the family. It was nice to have a book that took us outside of London to enjoy some scenes of country living, to see Gerry's spell shop and to go riding with Charles again. I also really enjoyed the little dives into how the magic in this world works as we watch Pip's lessons.
One thing to be aware of for readers is that Pip carries a lot of guilt and shame for chunks of the book, which is both sad to read and easy to empathize with. While Wallace does always provide that 'happily ever after', her characters still have real experiences, and in Pip's case some of that is dealing with and confronting trauma. So just be sure to check the content warnings in the front of the book if that's something you'd be concerned about.
If you haven't read the other Meddle & Mend books, I would recommend starting at the beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street, as events are sequential and the characters grow too as the series progresses. You don't want to miss falling in love with this regency-adjacent world and it's characters from the beginning.
In this book, we get to see how Pip's life turns out after the events at the end of One Good Turn. Pip - a very endearing, gentle person with a difficult past who is not really comfortable being made a fuss over - finds himself in a house full of new friends who would really like to make a fuss, but choose to follow his lead and respect his boundaries while offering their support. It's all really very touching, and is an excellent literary example of just how valuable found family can be.
We also get lovely individual moments with Gerry, Gavin, Charles, The Dukex and especially Lord Finlington as Pip gets to know each one individually and settles into the family. It was nice to have a book that took us outside of London to enjoy some scenes of country living, to see Gerry's spell shop and to go riding with Charles again. I also really enjoyed the little dives into how the magic in this world works as we watch Pip's lessons.
One thing to be aware of for readers is that Pip carries a lot of guilt and shame for chunks of the book, which is both sad to read and easy to empathize with. While Wallace does always provide that 'happily ever after', her characters still have real experiences, and in Pip's case some of that is dealing with and confronting trauma. So just be sure to check the content warnings in the front of the book if that's something you'd be concerned about.
If you haven't read the other Meddle & Mend books, I would recommend starting at the beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street, as events are sequential and the characters grow too as the series progresses. You don't want to miss falling in love with this regency-adjacent world and it's characters from the beginning.
February 25, 2023
Y’ALL. This is Sarah’s 3rd book in the Meddle & Mend Series and is right up there with Letters to Half Moon Street as a favorite of mine. I’ve never read a book with such genuine support and love for a main character who’s really been through it - and that support is from EVERYONE. It truly depicts a world you’d love to live in because it just envelops you in warmth and comfort. I always thought Pip was an interesting, if reserved, character. And this story really helps peel back the layers so you understand why he is the way he is.
You also get a peek into Charles & Gavin’s life after the events of Letters to Half Moon Street which I really loved. All the characters are so district and likable - and RELATABLE - which is surely a feat.
Another great installment from Sarah’s series; I can’t wait for more!
You also get a peek into Charles & Gavin’s life after the events of Letters to Half Moon Street which I really loved. All the characters are so district and likable - and RELATABLE - which is surely a feat.
Another great installment from Sarah’s series; I can’t wait for more!
September 4, 2024
4.5
This is definitely my favourite of the series so far, I loved Pip so much! I loved having a whole book about getting out of an abusive situation/relationship and learning how to live without being afraid all the time. The friendships and found family were all really good.
I do feel like the very end was a bit weird? I would have liked the ending to be less about the romance with Bertie, just because we only got confirmation of it in the last chapter and it's kind of weird to get a condensed version of it in so little time. I do think we'll get a book for them but I don't know I feel like it made the ending a little abrupt.
This is definitely my favourite of the series so far, I loved Pip so much! I loved having a whole book about getting out of an abusive situation/relationship and learning how to live without being afraid all the time. The friendships and found family were all really good.
I do feel like the very end was a bit weird? I would have liked the ending to be less about the romance with Bertie, just because we only got confirmation of it in the last chapter and it's kind of weird to get a condensed version of it in so little time. I do think we'll get a book for them but I don't know I feel like it made the ending a little abrupt.
April 16, 2024
I'm so glad Pip got his story told!
Tbh, Bertie's speech pattern grated on me after a while (there were a lot "m'dear"s) and he is a little bland, but since the focus was on Pip's healing journey and not on the romantic subplot, I didn't mind that much.
I'm sure fellow enjoyers of hurt/comfort and found-family themes will appreciate this read.
Tbh, Bertie's speech pattern grated on me after a while (there were a lot "m'dear"s) and he is a little bland, but since the focus was on Pip's healing journey and not on the romantic subplot, I didn't mind that much.
I'm sure fellow enjoyers of hurt/comfort and found-family themes will appreciate this read.
November 10, 2024
BEST BOY. I would do (almost) anything to get more of Pip. It feels like there’s still much of his story left to tell.
I’ve also really been enjoying the audios for this series. With this book (my apologies if I hallucinated this!), there were a few sections where the mic picked up some background / ambient noises like rustling paper, but definitely not a dealbreaker. The narrator’s performance has only enhanced the experience for me.
I’ve also really been enjoying the audios for this series. With this book (my apologies if I hallucinated this!), there were a few sections where the mic picked up some background / ambient noises like rustling paper, but definitely not a dealbreaker. The narrator’s performance has only enhanced the experience for me.
January 8, 2025
A charming novella where Pip who has had a difficult past and is dealing with some difficult experiences is given all the care, comfort and friendship he might need to recover. It's very sweet, the characters are lovely, and we get to learn more about the magic too.
March 3, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4.
This is a story of a young man healing after trauma. Pip has a rough backstory. His grooming and abuse are told in past tense. But may still be triggering to some. Pip is introduced in another book that I have not read yet, but can be read as a stand alone.
I really appreciated the characters surrounding and supporting Pip through processing his trauma. Pip’s story is relatable and emotional. This is a shorter but impactful book.
This is a story of a young man healing after trauma. Pip has a rough backstory. His grooming and abuse are told in past tense. But may still be triggering to some. Pip is introduced in another book that I have not read yet, but can be read as a stand alone.
I really appreciated the characters surrounding and supporting Pip through processing his trauma. Pip’s story is relatable and emotional. This is a shorter but impactful book.
October 29, 2023
Another great book by Sarah Wallace.
The Education of Pip is about Pip, a shy and gentle soul with a difficult past who is given a second chance at life and discover who he is and what he truly wants. I absolutely adored the found family in his book and the overall message of being gentle to oneself.
"I do not think less of you for mistakes. Forgive yourself, poppet. Give yourself permission to be happy."
The Education of Pip is about Pip, a shy and gentle soul with a difficult past who is given a second chance at life and discover who he is and what he truly wants. I absolutely adored the found family in his book and the overall message of being gentle to oneself.
"I do not think less of you for mistakes. Forgive yourself, poppet. Give yourself permission to be happy."
January 15, 2024
4.5*. This, so far, is my second favorite book in the series. Not as lovely as the first one was, but short, sweet and insightful.
This book tackles heavy topics, but in a safe idealized environment, and I love that approach so much! It enables a very focused discussion of very real issues. This fantasy setting is a clever thought experiment that proposes a controlled environment of sorts and hypothesizes that even if we fix a bunch of issues our society perpetuates to complicate real world cases, there will still be a lot to deal with and think about, — so let's cut the extra drama and focus on those topics which remain universal even after the obvious homophobic (and more generally — misogynistic and xenophobic) nonsense is removed.
How much this story manages to explore and the depth of that exploration is astounding for such a short book.
And on top of all that, the book is just simply enjoyable and fun to read.
This book tackles heavy topics, but in a safe idealized environment, and I love that approach so much! It enables a very focused discussion of very real issues. This fantasy setting is a clever thought experiment that proposes a controlled environment of sorts and hypothesizes that even if we fix a bunch of issues our society perpetuates to complicate real world cases, there will still be a lot to deal with and think about, — so let's cut the extra drama and focus on those topics which remain universal even after the obvious homophobic (and more generally — misogynistic and xenophobic) nonsense is removed.
How much this story manages to explore and the depth of that exploration is astounding for such a short book.
And on top of all that, the book is just simply enjoyable and fun to read.
March 18, 2023
Love this book and the authenticity of the characters. I fall a little more in engaged with the characters and their lives in each book. The way that characters are portrayed in the book makes me wish I could shop at Gerry’s store or be invited over to Bertie’s for tea time. Serious topics wound through out but in a way that I was rarely anxious about it not turning out well for Pip and his new friends.
January 13, 2024
We need more Pip!
June 20, 2023
Dear, sweet Pip. We met him in the last book as he is best friends with Nell, the MC in that one. We saw a bit of Pip's story and go back to get more details at the start of this book. Pip is in a bad place, literally. He's stuck in an abusive, controlling relationship with the man who groomed him. He's sitting in jail. Thankfully he's released, brought to the countryside and given a chance to be free from London and his past. He's among new friends, found family, people who care about him and nourish him. They teach him and give him space to learn. His education is so much more than reading, magic, and running a till. He learns to trust, learns that he's got inherent value -- that he's more than how much money he can steal or be sold for. It's beautiful, sad, painful, heartwarming, challenging to witness. This story made me cry, smile, laugh, and want to give Pip a big hug.
We get to see more of Gerry, Charles, Gavin, Bertie, and the Dukex. I loved spending more time with them and seeing Charles and Gavin have their wedding!
I read the first three books in this series over the last few days, and now I'm sad I have to wait until September for the next book.
We get to see more of Gerry, Charles, Gavin, Bertie, and the Dukex. I loved spending more time with them and seeing Charles and Gavin have their wedding!
I read the first three books in this series over the last few days, and now I'm sad I have to wait until September for the next book.
January 12, 2023
The Education of Pip was one of my favourite reads of last year. This was partly because of its main character, Pip, but that was certainly not the only reason!
When Pip made his first appearance in One Good Turn, I fell in love with him immediately. You can imagine I was super excited to learn that he was going to be the main character of the next book in the series. Reading an entire story about Pip was such a lovely treat, and as always, I highly enjoyed both the setting and the writing style as well. You know that feeling of sitting on the couch, cuddled up under a blanket with your cat and a steaming hot cup of tea? That’s exactly what I felt like when I was reading this book. That alone should be enough to convince you to read it too 😊
I think the most important trope in this book is Found Family, which is my all-time favourite. There’s a quote I wrote down because I loved it so very much: “You fit into our little family. I hope you stay forever.” Imagine someone telling you that? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? 😭
I also need to mention the amazing scenes between Pip and Gavin (who was my favourite character of book 1). I can relate so much to both characters, and their interactions somehow felt very comforting. I could easily read ten books that are all solely about the two of them sitting in the library or going on walks, and still be perfectly satisfied.
I feel like I could go on and on forever, but I would probably only spoil everything. Instead, I will tell you to pre-order this wonderful little book ASAP, because there is absolutely no way you are going to regret it!!
When Pip made his first appearance in One Good Turn, I fell in love with him immediately. You can imagine I was super excited to learn that he was going to be the main character of the next book in the series. Reading an entire story about Pip was such a lovely treat, and as always, I highly enjoyed both the setting and the writing style as well. You know that feeling of sitting on the couch, cuddled up under a blanket with your cat and a steaming hot cup of tea? That’s exactly what I felt like when I was reading this book. That alone should be enough to convince you to read it too 😊
I think the most important trope in this book is Found Family, which is my all-time favourite. There’s a quote I wrote down because I loved it so very much: “You fit into our little family. I hope you stay forever.” Imagine someone telling you that? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? 😭
I also need to mention the amazing scenes between Pip and Gavin (who was my favourite character of book 1). I can relate so much to both characters, and their interactions somehow felt very comforting. I could easily read ten books that are all solely about the two of them sitting in the library or going on walks, and still be perfectly satisfied.
I feel like I could go on and on forever, but I would probably only spoil everything. Instead, I will tell you to pre-order this wonderful little book ASAP, because there is absolutely no way you are going to regret it!!
March 13, 2024
Reread (March 2024): I love Pip so much 😭
Original review (March 2023):
Warning: This review contains minor spoilers.
I need more Pip!!! I love him so much, and I was very much not ready for this book to end, so I am desperately hoping we'll get to see a lot more of him in the following books in the series. I also would adore another book from his pov, but I sadly doubt that will happen.
As for the actual book, I really loved it. Found family is always my favourite, and this book does it so well. The way they're all like "you're family now" as soon as Pip comes to stay with them? It made me so happy. And it was so good to be reunited with all of our favourite characters again. Charles just being his usual amazing self, Gerry basically treating Pip as if he was just another of her brothers, and Gavin being so quietly caring and eventually actually opening up to Pip and becoming friends with him. And then we have Bertie. He's so gentle with Pip, and never pushes him to do anything he doesn't want to do. I've loved Bertie since the first book, but each book has really shown more and more what an amazing person he is. I'm so glad Nell and Pip met him.
Also, it's so funny how the dukex keeps having to work so hard to get all of their kids (as in Bertie, Charles, Gavin, Gerry and Pip. They're clearly all the dukex's kids now) to behave properly. They're so sweet and caring, while simultaneously being like "no it is very important that you pour the tea properly" and also inserting themselves into every situation where the kids think they'll be able to be alone with each other without a chaperone. And the way they immediately took Pip under their wing?? I love them.
I also need to take a moment to mention Lino, because he's one of my favourites and I'm so glad we got to see him again. I really hope he will get his own book eventually, because he absolutely deserves to.
Original review (March 2023):
Warning: This review contains minor spoilers.
I need more Pip!!! I love him so much, and I was very much not ready for this book to end, so I am desperately hoping we'll get to see a lot more of him in the following books in the series. I also would adore another book from his pov, but I sadly doubt that will happen.
As for the actual book, I really loved it. Found family is always my favourite, and this book does it so well. The way they're all like "you're family now" as soon as Pip comes to stay with them? It made me so happy. And it was so good to be reunited with all of our favourite characters again. Charles just being his usual amazing self, Gerry basically treating Pip as if he was just another of her brothers, and Gavin being so quietly caring and eventually actually opening up to Pip and becoming friends with him. And then we have Bertie. He's so gentle with Pip, and never pushes him to do anything he doesn't want to do. I've loved Bertie since the first book, but each book has really shown more and more what an amazing person he is. I'm so glad Nell and Pip met him.
Also, it's so funny how the dukex keeps having to work so hard to get all of their kids (as in Bertie, Charles, Gavin, Gerry and Pip. They're clearly all the dukex's kids now) to behave properly. They're so sweet and caring, while simultaneously being like "no it is very important that you pour the tea properly" and also inserting themselves into every situation where the kids think they'll be able to be alone with each other without a chaperone. And the way they immediately took Pip under their wing?? I love them.
I also need to take a moment to mention Lino, because he's one of my favourites and I'm so glad we got to see him again. I really hope he will get his own book eventually, because he absolutely deserves to.
April 1, 2023
TW// Sex trafficking, Abuse
This was a heavily light book. Now let me explain. There are very serious and heavy topics covered in this book, mainly abuse and sex trafficking. However, if you were to disregard those it would be a very light book about a group of chosen family helping a young man ease into a safe society. As you grow there are many questions you look to answer and, when you do not have a trusting adult to answer them you can find yourself in harm's way. Pip unfortunately was not blessed with a happy or healthy childhood and that lead to him not always understanding his place in the world. If you are looking for something that covers important topics with a good message behind them read this book.
This was a heavily light book. Now let me explain. There are very serious and heavy topics covered in this book, mainly abuse and sex trafficking. However, if you were to disregard those it would be a very light book about a group of chosen family helping a young man ease into a safe society. As you grow there are many questions you look to answer and, when you do not have a trusting adult to answer them you can find yourself in harm's way. Pip unfortunately was not blessed with a happy or healthy childhood and that lead to him not always understanding his place in the world. If you are looking for something that covers important topics with a good message behind them read this book.
May 8, 2024
This was sweet and cozy, with a surprising grim undertone. Pip has some serious and well founded trauma. He had a lot of healing to do and it took him a while to find his since of self worth. It was sad to read. Also I loathed every scene with Jack, infuriating. But the found family and supporting cast was just a charming as the previous books. I liked that the ending was a little more HFN rather than an unrealistic HEA, with Pip recognizing he still had a lot of healing to do and that there was no rush to get there. I’m enjoying just strolling my way through this entire series.
August 19, 2023
Sarah Wallace writes beautiful, beautiful books full with tenderness and magic. This one is no exception 💗
Though this book felt a bit heavier than others in this series due to MC’s previous experiences and trauma these events left behind. All the heavy things were dealt with care and tact and I love Sara’s writing for it even more than I did before 💗💗
Though this book felt a bit heavier than others in this series due to MC’s previous experiences and trauma these events left behind. All the heavy things were dealt with care and tact and I love Sara’s writing for it even more than I did before 💗💗
August 6, 2023
An emotional read full of lots of heart!
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