Member Reviews

Meet Me in Central Park is an interesting romance framed around grief. Libby's parents passed away in a car accident on Christmas Eve. Her grandmother tries to help her work through her grief by sending her to assist her aunt in the Christmas shop in New York City. Once she arrives in New York City, she finds friendship and even develops feelings for a guy she meets in Central Park, but will she let her grief take over her life, or will she try to learn to love beyond her grief? It's an interesting and heartfelt story.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a charming Christmas book, it’s shorter so is more of a novella but that means you can sit and read it all in one sitting if you want. I read the first half of this on audio and then the second on my kindle which I felt gave me a good insight into characters and I could clearly picture them while I was reading this.

It has left me wanting to watch A Miracle on 34th Street with the parade and Christmassy scenes in New York - despite not being on my current travel list maybe it will be one day!

I loved how close all of the characters at the community centre were, welcoming Libby in with welcome arms and you could just see how well she fit in. Despite dealing with some quite emotive topics Jo managed to convey this really well, the inner turmoil and how Libby has dealt with things over the past couple of years. It made me really wish that libby would be able to start to process her grief and start to see herself smiling again.

This was a lovely read and has kicked me back into my festive reads after a bit of a dry spell!

Was this review helpful?

Meet Me In Central Park by Jo Bartlett was great. The characters are well-developed and the plot engaging. A joy to read. I highly recommend!

**Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the e-ARC. All opinions expressed are voluntary and my own.**

Was this review helpful?

I have now read this book several times because it’s lovely. Starts off with heartbreak and ends with love. Can’t beat that.

Was this review helpful?

This is a good book. The two main characters are Libby and Harry. Libby two years had her parents pass away due to an automobile accident. She still has her grandparents and works in their bar. Her grandmother ask her to go New York to help her aunt that has a shop there. She goes to New York and the first person she meets is Harry. Harry works in Central Park. There is an instant attraction. They start dating and fall in love.

Was this review helpful?

Another unputdownable read from Jo Bartlett. Loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book....

libby cooper hasnt celebrated christmas since the day her parents died... they were in an accident that killed them by a drunk driver and though the driver was jailed it didnt bring them back....

when libby heard that the driver was going to be getting out sooner than what was expected it really hurt... she had tried in vain to get him an heftier sentence but it wasnt meant to be and now to know he was going to be out soon and in the same town as her...sent her into a tail spin

but libbys grandparents had a plan... and that was to send libby to new york to spend christmas there with her aunt and to work in her shop.... with the hope that libby would begin a new life for herself there...

but libby had a plan for herself and that wasnt to stay....

but as the days turned into weeks new york wove its magic spell around her and she started to heal.... but was it enough to keep her in new york...

a pleasant read and it makes me want to visit new york again.... and visit that christmas shop

Was this review helpful?

As an avid reader, stumbling upon "Meet Me In Central Park" by Jo Bartlett was like discovering a hidden gem within the bustling cityscape. Set against the picturesque backdrop of New York's iconic Central Park, Bartlett weaves a tale of love, friendship, and second chances that captivates from start to finish.

From the very first page, I found myself transported into the heart of Manhattan, where the characters' stories unfold amidst the beauty of the park's landscapes. Bartlett's vivid descriptions and attention to detail breathe life into the setting, making Central Park feel like a character in its own right.

The characters themselves are wonderfully crafted, each with their own quirks and complexities that make them feel like old friends. I found myself rooting for them, laughing with them, and occasionally wiping away a tear as they navigated the twists and turns of love and life.

What truly sets "Meet Me In Central Park" apart is its ability to evoke a sense of warmth and joy with every page turn. Bartlett's writing is infused with heart and humor, making it impossible not to get swept up in the magic of the story.

I would be remiss not to mention the role that NetGalley played in allowing me to experience this enchanting novel before its official release. As an avid reader, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to discover and enjoy books like "Meet Me In Central Park" ahead of time, and I extend my sincerest thanks to NetGalley for providing access to this ARC.

In conclusion, "Meet Me In Central Park" is a delightful escape into the beauty of New York City and the power of love. Whether you're a fan of romance, friendship, or simply looking for a heartwarming read, this book is sure to leave you smiling.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the privilege of experiencing this wonderful novel in advance.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely love this author
And this book was another great read
A stand-alone book
You will be hooked
I couldn’t put it down
Can’t wait for her next book
Thanks NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

To tell you the truth, usually I am not a super big fan of Jo Bartlett books, but the blurb was talking to me and so I decided to give this book a try. This was my first read for the year 2024 and oh boy how inspired I was to read! Because... I LOVED IT!!! I started 2024 with an excellent book!!!! I loved everything about this book! The atmosphere, the settings in New York City, the characters (all of them!), the storyline, the romance, the relationships between the characters, everything!!! I give this book a solid 4 stars out of 5!!! I recommend it! It's a page turner!

Was this review helpful?

Libby, still reeling from her parents' tragic death, reluctantly travels to New York at her grandparents' insistence to help her great aunt at her Christmas-themed shop near Central Park. Despite her aversion to the festive season, her time in the city brings unexpected healing through new friendships and a blossoming romance with Harry, a Central Park ranger. The story delves into grief, guilt, and the gradual process of finding hope and healing. While Libby's grief can sometimes be overwhelming, the supportive characters and vivid setting add depth and warmth to the narrative. As Libby's journey unfolds, she finds herself drawn to the magic of Christmas and the possibility of a brighter future. With a gorgeous romance, heartwarming friendships, and surprising twists, this beautifully told Christmas tale is sure to warm readers' hearts.

Was this review helpful?

A Sweet Christmas read that I read at the right time. I really enjoyed this one. I look forward to more books by this author.

Was this review helpful?

Meet Me in Central Park is a feel good holiday story about finding love and some holiday spirit after a long spell of grief. I enjoyed it!

Was this review helpful?

Losing your parents is hard, celebrating the holidays without them is even harder. This story of a girl who loses her parents and spends her life morning her parents and helping her grandparents. She chooses to miss out on living her 20 year old life when her grandma sends her to stay with her great aunt in New York with hopes she finds a new meaning to life. Meet Me In Central Park was the perfect story to read this holiday season. Thank you for this ARC, I will definitely recommend this to book to others!

Was this review helpful?

An enchanting journey through vividly imagined worlds and compelling characters. This fiction gem weaves a tapestry of emotions, adventure, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author's masterful storytelling evokes a powerful connection, making this book an absolute delight to read. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a captivating escape into a richly crafted story!

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely adored this book. The characters were so good and I loved them. I loved the setting and the story line. It was a great Christmas book and I am going to be keeping this one on my keeper shelf.
I just reviewed Meet Me In Central Park by Jo Bartlett. #MeetMeInCentralPark #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Was this review helpful?

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy! This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very cute, heartwarming book that put me in the Christmas spirit!

Was this review helpful?

I am such a fan of this author and always look forward to reading her books. For Libby Cooper Christmas just isn't the same without her parents (who died in and accident) but Libby's grandmother won't let her wallow away. So off to New York and a job working at her aunts Christmas shop.

What's not to like about NY and Christmas, Central Park and the holiday season. This is a story that will warm your heart and make you smile. It is about loss of course but also about family and friendship and being able to live life without forgetting those you love.

I loved this book even though I found it a little slow to start. It is a real feel good read and a great holiday read. So sit back with a hot cuppa and enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

Alway enjoy reading books by jo including the Cornish midwife books this book is a tale of a young girl losing her parents and finds it hard at Christmas time to rejoice along with many other people in this situation a lovely story to read with a happy ending of course

Was this review helpful?