3.25 ( )

DP writes really well. I had times where I was really invested in this book, and times that I wished it would move along. I had a hard time feeling the love with her and Cole because the majority of the book is about her love for Jamie. I loved the idea for the restaurant and some of the list stuff was cute. ( )

4.4stars

Very different than I was expecting. A little slower start and not the typical main character that I was getting used to from this character. My heart hurt for Poppy and I loved the premise of the story.

I'm very intrigued by Finn and Molly and can't wait to see how their story unfolds. ( )

Cross-posted to my blog.

When people on my GoodReads and Twitter feeds started talking about this book, I had just learned that Devney Perry was going to be at TWO book signings I have planned for the next 9 months. And I make it my mission to attempt to read as many books by the attending authors as I can and I always fail miserably. So prior to planning to attend these signings, I had never heard of the author. It happens, there are a bazillion authors out there and it is to be expected that not everyone knows all of them. However, thanks for the time GR and Twitter, I have a new favorite must read author.

The Birthday List opens on Poppy and Jamie Maysen. Newleyweds about to celebrate their first anniversary. Jamie has a "birthday list." This list is made up of things Jamie wants to do by the time he reaches X age and there is one for every birthday. Jamie goes out for an errand one day and never comes home. Poppy is of course devastated and has to learn to adjust to being a widow.

Fast forward five years. Poppy is about to open her restaurant "The Maysen Jar." (Love this concept and the name by the way). We find out that Poppy has been working on Jamie's birthday list much to the chagrin of her loved ones and one of the items was for her to get her restaurant. Along the way, she meets Cole, a local police officer who she actually met when her husband died five years before.

What comes next is rare in a romance novel. We get to read along as Cole and Poppy become friends. FRIENDS PEOPLE! Usually it's insta-love and while I'm all for that, it would not have been appropriate for these characters. We get to read along as Poppy goes through the stages of trying to move on after Jamie's death. We get to watch all of it happen and I loved every damn word. It was so real and heart-breaking and heart-warming and I laughed and cried right along with Cole and Poppy.

I would give this a medium in the level of smut and high in the level of romance. This was a four out of five star read for me and I cannot wait to read more of what Devney Perry has written. You've got a fan in me now Ms. Perry and I will be recommending your books to anyone and everyone I know that likes romance with a little bit of heat to it. ( )

Slow read for me. Overall a sweet book, but just middle of the road generally. (Kind of got tired with the list. Wanted to scream "live your life!") Also felt the writing was slightly underdeveloped. ( )