Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I could not get invested in this one. I tried getting into it on multiple occasions, and finally decided at 20% in to DNF it. It was a quick read (of what I did read) but I was just not engaged with the story or the characters. I'm sure plenty of people will find this to be an enjoyable read, but it just was not for me.

It was not a romance ☹️

I felt like a lot of it was drawn out and too long. I did not finish. I was hopeful but it just wasn’t giving me what I needed from this book.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6268167915
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were so much fun and I loved the Broadway references. It was such a fun read and it kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Such a fun, new take on romance with an essence of magic!

What do you do when you find out your boyfriend of 6 years, who just proposed, is actually a fraud wanted by the FBI?
You go back to your college boyfriend who you haven't seen in 7 years. Obviously.
.
As much I didn't like the rushed pace of Avery and Gabe's relationship, I started to accept it because of the magical element.
In normal circumstances, I'd have been confused why Avery went from marrying Adam to dating Gabe. However, I understood her how she felt it was her second chance, not only with Gabe but her life in general.
.
Avery was kind of an average character. I didn't dislike her particularly, but I was definitely not impressed. One thing that I loved about her was the dry sense of humor, her sarcasm won me over.
Gabe, on the other hand, was like a cartoon character. With how much his character is important in the book, he felt like a side character. He was just there to do the job, a lesson in Avery's life.
.
The plot wasn't really strong or captivating, at times it felt like a fairytale. It just lacked something to get it more magical and engaging.
Till I was 95% in, the book was a solid 2 stars, 3 if I'm feeling generous.
Until the ending happened. I absolutely loved the conclusion, it was one where the author articulated a good point that others usually shied from. It was really touching to see what Avery accomplished and the decisions she made definitely redeemed her in my eyes.
.
Overall, I think it's a good book. It's not really my style but I liked it enough. Would recommend to people looking for a palate cleanser after a heavy book.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

What a great book. This book is so well written and follows the FMC as she identifies what is and isn't important and enriching to her life. A must read!

3.5⭐️

The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan is a decent enough light read. It’s magical realism that’s light on the magic, and while it’s listed as a Christmas story it’s fully lacking in Christmas. Nevertheless it did manage to hold my attention and provide enough entertainment for a lazy afternoon.

Thank you Beth Merlin, Danielle Modafferi, Montlake, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Loved this adorable story. Following Avery’s story from rock bottom of a jail cell and finding her way back to the people, places and things she loves most. Most importantly finding how to best love herself. This book had just a happy ending but in the untraditional book happy ending. Loved the originality of the tale with its inspirational of A Christmas Carol.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a really great read, especially over Christmas.
The book reignited my love for musicals. I enjoyed the references to different musicals and I liked the parallels between the storyline of the book and the musical.
I didn’t find Avery likeable at first but as she starts building her life again and finding herself, she becomes really relatable.
I did enjoy the ending, as I liked that she finally chose herself. It was a really powerful ending and everything worked out as it should.
Overall it was a fairly quick and easy read. The writing kept me hooked and I thought the pacing was perfect.
I would recommend this to others, especially those who love musicals.

This was a cutesy story. I enjozed reading it. I really don't know if would I pick this one if I didn't got it from Netgally, but it did not disappoint.

3 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. This was a sweet story about a girl who hit rock bottom and worked her way to reclaiming herself. There were times when things within the story just felt so farfetched, so unreal and the conversations were very matter-of-fact. Despite this, I did find myself wanting Avery, the main character, to make sure she finally put herself first and foremost. Decent enough read!

A cheesy but romantic novel with a message of doing it for yourself and not relying on a man.

I liked the idea of finding a phone booth in a city that leads you on an adventure.

Cute and fluffy and lots of Broadway references which went over my head but if you are a fan of musicals then you would totally get this

A cute retelling of A Christmas Carol filled with lots of musical references. The scenes featuring the new housemates and boss were the most entertaining. I quess the only critique is that the main character never truly faces significant challenges. While she hits rock bottom, all her problems are almost instantly resolved with minimal effort. Additionally, I would have loved to see more of Marisol in the story.

I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is the perfect story if you enjoy books with just a little bit of magic in them. I love the New York City setting. The ending surprised me. I enjoyed this quick read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

This was a nice Christmas-y read that will remind any reader not to take anything, especially loved ones, for granted. No one's life is perfect and a lot of people have a facade to fool others into thinking they have a perfect life. The struggles and the main/supporting characters were great. Overall this was more of a 'palate cleanser' read and not one I'd re-read.

In "The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan" by Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi, readers are whisked away into a whimsical tale of redemption, romance, and the magic of Christmas. Avery Lawrence's picture-perfect life shatters when her fraudulent fiancé is exposed, leaving her stranded on Christmas Day outside a federal prison. With nothing to lose, Avery stumbles upon the last phone booth in Manhattan and embarks on a journey guided by a mysterious voice on the line.

What follows is a delightful blend of magical realism and self-discovery as Avery reconnects with her college sweetheart and finds herself drawn into the world of Marley Is Dead, a musical adaptation of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." The authors deftly weave together elements of fantasy and romance, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of Avery's personal growth and the importance of friendship. While romance plays a role in the story, it takes a backseat to Avery's journey of self-discovery and her relationships with those around her. This focus on character development adds depth to the narrative and allows for meaningful connections to be forged between the reader and the characters.

Overall, "The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan" is a delightful read that combines heartwarming romance with elements of magic and redemption. With its charming characters and whimsical storyline, this book is sure to leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a feel-good holiday read.

Thank you NetGalley, Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an entertaining story reminding us how "perfect" lives can be an illusion, and not to take those that love us for granted. Lavish gifts and experiences, learning your betrothed isn't who he claims, arrests, ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, old friends - and new ... these are a few of the struggles of aspiring actress Avery Lawrence. Great book for a rainy, lazy weekend!

ARC copy provided courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

**I received an e-arc for free via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own**

This was fine. I was expecting a much more Christmas-y, whimsical story than what it actually is. The writing is very accessible and makes for a quick read, but I wasn't very invested in the story. I also think there needed to be more about Avery's life crashing down. What she experiences is awful, but I think the beginning moves too quickly. I did like the supporting characters and I could envision this version of New York. There were a couple of moments where I laughed out loud. I think there is a specific audience for this book and they will enjoy it. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but if you are looking for a light, contemporary read then this fits the bill.

I do want to point out that this isn't a romance. It's very much a general fiction story centering a woman's self-discovery after the collapse of a relationship.

Avery goes on a journey where she finds herself along the way. A fun read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

A simply wonderful story that takes you from the pits in life to the stars and fireworks.
Averry thinks her life is all gilded sparkle until her extremely wealthy fiancée turns out to not be so wealthy after all and is arrested and charged in a huge Ponzi like fraud network. She comes out of the police station with nothing but herself when he is arrested and she is hauled in along with him, and ends up having to beg for coin to make a call when she spots what she is sure must be the last phone booth in NYC,. A stranger gives her a coin and when she picks up the phone, a voice directs her to an address in Brooklyn where she ends up facing her former boyfriend whom she broke up with years ago.
Just a very unique story that quickly becomes a one sitting read.
Avery fights to get her life and reputation back as she moves forward , pursuing her original love which she gave up when she met the fraudster. She had always dreamed of being a Broadway actress but let others convince her that it was just that: a dream.
Now, one simple phone call changes her life forever.
Hooray for all the "what could have beens that have become what is".
And Hooray for Avery for finding the last phone booth in NYC.

Avery Lawrence is having the worst day ever. Her fiance is arrested and she is left with no phone or wallet. She picks up a phone in a public booth and is told to contact her ex as well as a an audition for a role in a play. A fun play on A Christmas Carol as Avery figures out what is most important.