I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I enjoyed Willow's character. I enjoyed the romance in this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone as it is very enjoyable. It has your attention from the first page of the book. Grace Parks has a really good writing style. I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future. This ebook is in stores now for $1.99 (USD).

In order to thoroughly enjoy a romance, I need to really care about the main protagonist(s). And Parks did a solid job in creating a sympathetic, amusing protagonist with sufficient depth of character to hold me throughout the story – and yet not too much so that it unduly slowed the pace.

Willow is interesting in that she is one of twins – and I liked the fact that for a refreshing change, they came from a loving family, with nice parents. Indeed, Willow looks at her parents’ relationship with some envy. She also has a close relationship with her twin sister, as well as a wide circle of acquaintance and a busy social life. But… how close are those friendships she has fostered online? Other than her family, Willow realises that she is missing a relationship with a group of people she is really close to, outside her Facebook and Instagram accounts – and decides to do something about it.

I thought this aspect of the story was smart, as this is an ongoing dilemma for so many of us, now staggering out of the various lockdowns and grappling with the reality of face-to-face meetings, after having thrown our energy into keeping our social networks going digitally. While Parks doesn’t allude to any of that – this must be a hurdle for so many folks. And Willow’s idea of meeting up once a month for a lovely meal with women she likes and trusts is also a really good one.

I’m conscious that I haven’t said much about the romance. But I also liked that dynamic, too. It wasn’t groundbreakingly original – going along the lines of fake relationship deepening into something more substantial. But Willow’s confusion regarding Thomas worked well, and didn’t get too ridiculously muddled – a common moan I have about romance stories – before resolving into a believable, cute relationship that was founded on a genuine respect and liking for each other. Highly recommended for fans of romance stories. While I obtained an arc of Willow from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10

Willow is all about social media. Her job is to put businesses on the map.

But when a little Café owner is social media phobic and refuses Willow's help, this feisty character doesn't give up! And it won't be long until Willow is asking for his help also.

A really lovely quick-paced romance.
The Pepper Lane Club and all its members are fun and unique; each bringing a different voice to this novel.

I am a sucker for a romance and this series has me wanting to find out more about each character.

Although this is a romance and specifically based on Willow's love life, I would have loved to know more about what happens after, however, I assume this is also answered in the rest of the series.

If you're looking for an easy read I would highly recommend this, and it's a great first start to the series of The Pepper Lane Club

Let me just start by saying I really enjoyed this story, but am a bit cross with the author for not writing an epilogue; I need more!! The story centres around a woman who sets up a dinner club (important part of the story as the author says at the end of the book that it's a series where each story follows a different one of the club members) and her misadventures in life. To be honest I related more to Willow's twin's character, but I still found Willow very likable and entertaining, and loved her male counterpart. My only regret with this book is it seems to end all of a sudden, and feels as though either another chapter, or else an epilogue, is needed. That being said, hopefully we'll see more of Willow in the other character's stories

Willow is one of the books in the Pepper Lane Ladies Dinner Club. Willow Lawson and her twin sister, Riley come up with the idea of a monthly dinner circle of women. Along this journey, Willow encounters the non-social media enigma that is Thomas Greer the owner of The Pepper Lane Cafe where the ladies meet.

Poor Thomas doesn't stand a chance in his archaic, anti-social media ways upon encountering Willow, the social media marketing guru. As the ladies get to know each other better and form true relationships, Thomas and Willow form a bond, that quickly becomes a fake to real relationship.

I truly enjoyed this story, but would have liked a little more heat than the mild kissing and hand-holding while walking..... I'd also like to know that Willow and Thomas remain a couple without having to read the next installment in the series.

Cute, fun, chick-lit read.

Willow is a digital marketer. She is an outgoing person but she is so wrapped up in her work that she has no time for relationships and friendships.

On a whim, she starts the Pepper Lane Club where she invites five ladies including her twin sister, Riley, and her best friend, Aria. What starts out as a tentative step to form friendships ends up turning out to be one of the best decisions of Willow's life. She also comes across the old-fashioned Thomas Greer who is averse to using social media to promote his business.

Willow takes on the challenge and with the help of her new female friend group, tries to work out the issues she is facing in her life too.

'Willow' is a short but refreshing book on female friendships and relationships. This is the first book in a series. The interactions between the characters are good. It is a light romantic read.

I found some inconsistencies and typos in the book, so taking one star off for them.

4/5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley, Grace Parks, and Author Collective 20 for the ARC.

Solid book. A few slow parts at the beginning but it picked up from there. Easy and quick read. Definitely one to pick up if you enjoy strong but not overbearing main characters.

4 star review of  Willow (The Pepper Lane Club #1) by Grace Parks
 
Grace Parks is a new author to me and I have not come across her books before, I have no idea. This was a fun, entertaining read that had me hooked from the first to the last chapter. Willow Lawson is fed up with the chaos that is her busy social media expert life and starts The Pepper Lane Dinner Club to give her and her friends the opportunity to re connect on a monthly basis and this is such a great idea.
At their first meeting she meets the owner of the Pepper Lane Cafe, Thomas Greer, who is her total opposite. He hates anything to do with social media, is old fashioned and a tad set in in ways and refuses the help she offers. However Willow has not gotten to be as successful as she is without learning to fight for what she believes in.
Six women, a tribe if you will, all different and all there for one another, a sisterhood and a theme I loved. I enjoyed the push and pull of their relationship as Willow digs her heels in and is determined to bring Thomas and his cafe into the present. The relationship Willow has with her twin sister Riley was so supportive and it is obvious they they are best friends as well as sisters.
If this first book is anything to go by then this will be an entertaining series. The banter is witty, the friendships heart warming and the love and support that they have for one another added an additional layer to the story.

Willow by Grace Parks is the first book in a series of contemporary romance - The Pepper Lane Club. This book features Willow Lawson, a twenty-five year old, getting over a past betrayal and looking for a second chance at love.
Although the main character of this book was harder for me to relate to, she's half my age, there are a couple of other characters who are closer in age and will be the focus in books to come in the series.
The story line is straight forward with no big plot twists or suprises, which was a bit disappointing. The idea of a dinner club for a small group of women who become new friends is an idea that I like. Something I think I would enjoy participating in so it was fun to see how their relationships and monthly meetings take shape. I would have liked to have seen a bit more character development and some more focus on the relationship between Willow and Thomas.
Overall the book was entertaining, in a light-hearted, funny, easy to read way.

Thank you to IMAG Social Media and Author Collective 20, through NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

A fabulous story, lovable characters and lots of girly fun along the way! The Pepper Lane Club series of books are something to look forward to and enjoy! Very well written!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Willow is a quick, light hearted, contemporary read featuring, none other than, Willow Lawson, a social media guru. She orchestrates a dinner club, called the Pepper Lane club which is hosted at the Pepper Lane Cafe, where she meets owner Thomas Greer. It becomes her mission to bring Thomas into this century and the age of social media; to which he is adamant he doesn't want. Willow is witty and I enjoyed the banter between she and Thomas. Their attraction was cute and refreshing, I felt giddy when they kissed.
I wanted more from the author with regards to Willow and Thomas's relationship. I really wanted to see them progress as a couple and what their future has in store from them.

I was invited to read an early copy ofnthisnbooknin exchange for an honest review. This is the first in a series of books following the Pepper Lane girls. It is Willows story who started the dinner club at a local restaurant. She meets the òwner Thomas who is definitely not her type and irritates her. We then see how their relationship builds as she offers to help him out with online marketing. It was a nice romance story with a typical happy ending which I enjoyed. Will look forward to reading the rest of the series.

I started the book with a great hope, but I didn't like it that much. Maybe the story was just not for me.

An enjoyable summer read. One of those books that catches your eye at the airport and you just know it will fit in well between swims and cocktails.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion. What a breath of fresh air this book was. Willow is a young witty woman with a great sense of humor.
Thomas, who is her opposite in a lot of ways, enters her life and even though it starts out as a work relationship things start to change along the way.
With two past loves trying to worm their way back into their lives will their relationship sustain?

Is there anything better than your girl tribe?

The first book in the Pepper Lane Club series was such a fun, whimsical read. Six ladies who meet once a month for wine and friendship.

This follows the life of Willow, a social media expert determined to put her favorite little Cafe on the grid. But can she convince the owner, Thomas Greer, that this is what he needs?

Filled with romance, laughter and the friendship we all long for these ladies captured my heart.

Once in awhile a story comes along that makes you long for your own youth. This brought back so many memories of my adventurous twenties. The friendships formed and the lessons we learned from each other.

There are 6 books in this series and you can rest assured that I will be reading them all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Author Collective 20 for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! It was just what I needed.

Willow, Thomas and this storyline was perfect.

I loved Willow's work/drive/ethic and passion for her job to help businesses she loved.
And Thomas.... that man. I loved him. I love how he got under Willow's skin. Their banter is just... perfect! I was smirking and laughing at their banter.

Willow's twin and her friends.... I loved them. They are just a breath of fresh air. Friends/family you wish you had in real life!!!!

If you're looking for a sweet, feisty, quirky, amazing read... WILLOW is for you!!!

I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!

5 yellow couch stars.

*Recv'd a copy in exchange for an honest review*

I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down once I had started but it was very predictable. No shocks or drama in here just a nice read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Willow is a twin in her mid-twenties and realizes that she has no social life. She goes to a lot of events as a social media expert, but does not really do anything but work and stay home. She starts The Pepper Lane Club with her twin, named for the restaurant they go to. It is a monthly meeting with her sister and four mutual friends to gather, enjoy a meal, and catch up on life.

Willow realizes she has never heard of this restaurant as they have ZERO media presence. She tries to get the owner to allow her to help with this and his is adamant - NO. She slowly whittles him down and helps set up social media platforms. The undercurrent of opposites attract go through this story.

This book is part of a six book series following each participant in the club. I cannot wait to read the others!

The premise to this book is quite cute. A social media pro, and a cafe owner at odds. However for me, everything was a bit too over the top, and almost like caricatures of people instead of a true depth-containing character. Our heroine Willow is incredibly immature, and all of the dialogue read much more young adult. I couldn’t take her seriously after the sofa incident, or how she is late to meet Thomas the first several times they meet. Unfortunately this novel just wasn’t for me.