The Book Drop is a monthly book subscription box service created by Amanda Zirn Hudson, manager and book buyer of Bethany Beach Books, an independent book store in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Their mission is to help bring the spirit of the independent bookstore to readers all over the world. If you are interested in seeing what kinds of books they send, you can browse their shop, where they list previously featured books.
This is a review of the "Books for Bubbly" subscription category, which includes romance, chick-lit, romantic comedies, and stories of friendships.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Check out all of our reviews of Book Subscription Boxes for more options, too!
About this Box
The Subscription Box: The Book Drop
The Cost: $17.99/month + $3.99 shipping
The Product: Subscribers receive one paperback book each month. The book you get depends on which subscription option you choose, and you can switch between plans anytime (or skip) before your plan charges for the month. There is a variety of different plan options for $17.99/month including:
- Books for Tea: Includes historical/contemporary/literary fiction books
- Books for Bubbly: Includes books about romance, chick-lit, friendships, and heartbreak
- Books for Coffee: Includes thrillers, mysteries, murder, and psychological books
- OR a blend of any of the above, which automatically alternates selections month-to-month
Options for other age groups include:
- Books for Young Adults: Includes books about fantasy, teen life, love, and drama ($11/month)
- Books for Middle Grade: Includes books about adventure, friendship, fantasy, and coming-of-age ($8/month)
- The Book Droplet: Includes hardcover children's picture books ($17.99/month)
Ships to: The U.S. for $3.99, Canada for $19.99, international for $26.99
The Book Drop "Books for Bubbly" March 2021 Review
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Every Book Drop includes a note sharing why they loved this book and chose to include it.
Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren - Retail value $14.99
Book Summary from Amazon:
Everyone knows Miz Poppy, the vibrant reviewer whose commentary brightens the New Orleans nightlife. But no one knows Hollyn, the real face behind the media star...or the fear that keeps her isolated. When her boss tells her she needs to add video to her blog or lose her job, she's forced to rely on an unexpected source to help her face her fears.
When aspiring actor Jasper Deares finds out the shy woman who orders coffee every day is actually Miz Poppy, he realizes he has a golden opportunity to get the media attention his acting career needs. All he has to do is help Hollyn come out of her shell...and through their growing connection, finally find her voice.
This book is downright delightful! I hadn't heard about it at all, and I was quickly caught up in this story. As described in the author's letter to Book Drop subscribers, "Hollyn, an entertainment reporter writing under a pseudonym, is dealing with serious social anxiety and Tourette's syndrome, afraid to put herself out there in the world for fear of being judged or dismissed. She's spent her whole life telling herself no, that she can't, that she should stay hidden. Jasper, on the other hand, is a struggling actor who has put himself out there but has heard the world no sent his way too many times. Both are in need of some Yes in their lives. Both are about to meet the person who is going to make them not just want to say yes, but to say Yes, and..."
It is original, intelligent, witty, and endearing. The main characters are complex and the writing let me visualize everything so clearly -- I could see every scene playing out in my mind. This romance plot is totally adorable and well-developed. And one of my favorite things is that it has supporting and side characters that are charismatic and loving and just good people.
One of my favorite things about this story is that it is also very pro-therapy/mental health and a lot revolves around social anxiety, self-image, and personal perspectives on life. One of the main themes is how impactful the stories we tell ourselves are (such as "I'm always the screw-up," "No one will love me for who I really am," "People who show interest in me have to have ulterior motives," "I don't deserve this kind of happiness," etc). The character development involves working through countering this kind of habitual self-talk. Another lesson is that everyone is human and has their own things they're dealing with, embarrassed about, or scared of, too, just like us: "maybe her new friend wasn't as fearless as she appeared. Maybe everyone was carrying something in their personal-life backpack" (p 118). It's great to remember that everyone is going through their own stuff and has their own insecurities.
The last thing I want to talk about is that the main character has Tourette's Syndrome. You find out early, but it's obvious after you've already decided to read the book. I noticed this detail is missing from the back cover or retail listing blurbs. It feels purposeful -- no one is going to see the word "Tourette's" and uncomfortably put the book down, or seek it out just because it's a book about "the girl with the tics" (a characterization the main character challenges a lot in the story). I really liked that this book brought more awareness, understanding, and empathy for people who have Tourette's. The fact that this detail isn't part of the advertising seems to mirror, in a way, the main character: both she and the book itself want to be wanted and cared about because of who they are and what they have to offer, not reduced and pre-judged whether for good or bad based on Tourette's.
Also in my Book Drop was a note from the author, Roni Loren, that was specifically written to Book Drop subscribers receiving Yes & I Love You this month. In her letter, she says that a big part of the plot revolves around improv comedy, and a major principle of improv is the "yes, and..." concept. It means you don't shut other people's ideas down, instead, you just go along with them and build on them, even if it's ridiculous. Hence, the title: "Yes and... I love you."
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The Book Drop also sends a bookmark every month -- honestly, so handy to include with every book.
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Also included this month was a flyer of Indie Next List book recommendations.
Verdict: This was my third experience with The Book Drop, and it's my favorite book yet! This book wasn't on my radar at all, and it turned out to truly be one of my new all-time favorite stories. I'm looking forward to more deliveries from this subscription -- because I loved this one and because I see several books that they've previously sent in their boxes that have been on my to-read list! I also really love how The Book Drop sets up their genre categories to suggest which drink to enjoy while reading to maximize the vibe of the book. It adds fun and original flavor to their service. Has anyone else read this book? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this book if you sign up today? No, but it may be available as an add-on next month!
Check out all of our Book Drop reviews and see what other book subscriptions made our favorites list!
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