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.)
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" April 2021 Review
Every Book Drop includes a note sharing why they loved this book and chose to include it. This month's notes include "Paris, an adorable French Bulldog, and a second chance at romance!"
Image via Amazon.
Maggie Finds Her Muse by Dee Ernst - retail value: $16.99
From Amazon:
All Maggie Bliss needs to do is write. Forty-eight years old and newly single (again!), she ventures to Paris in a last-ditch effort to finish her manuscript. With a marvelous apartment at her fingertips and an elegant housekeeper to meet her every need, a finished book—and her dream of finally taking her career over the top—is surely within her grasp. After all, how could she find anything except inspiration in Paris, with its sophistication, food, and romance in the air?
But the clock is running out, and between her charming ex-husband arriving in France for vacation and a handsome Frenchman appearing one morning in her bathtub, Maggie’s previously undisturbed peace goes by the wayside. Charming and heartfelt, Dee Ernst's Maggie Finds Her Muse is a delightful and feel-good novel about finding love, confidence, and inspiration in all the best places.
This book was a fun read! It begins with Maggie, who is 48-years-old, finding herself single yet again, and staring at a blank page, trying to begin writing the third book in her famous trilogy. After reaching out, her agent invites her to Paris to get inspired and focus on writing. Run-ins with her ex-husband and also the son of the flat's housekeeper complicate and drive the story. The writing flows well and I found the characters to be vibrant and enjoyable. Maggie feels somehow both frazzled and self-absorbed at the same time. Her daughter, who lives in France, has Asperger's syndrome and is straightforward and endearing. The supporting characters are all charming and colorful.
I love books that have really descriptive settings, and this one definitely laid out Paris in a way that made it easy to see in my mind. Of course, I specifically enjoyed the all descriptions of Parisian food - lots of restaurants, markets, and bakeries!
Women in their 40s and 50s are unquestionably under-represented in the romance novel genre, and I'm not sure I would have picked this up to read for myself, so I'm glad the Book Drop sent this my way! Even though I am in a very different stage of life as Maggie, I had a good time traipsing around with her and exploring Paris, her character development, and where her own story would lead her next.
Also in my Book Drop was a note from the author, Dee Ernst, that was specifically written to Book Drop subscribers receiving Maggie Finds Her Muse this month. In her letter, she says that she and her protagonist Maggie are around the same age, are both Jersey girls, both have daughters with Asperger's, and both spent time in an apartment right off Victor Hugo Place. I always enjoy hearing from the authors themselves! It's fun to hear what parts about their stories they highlight and what background information they add about themselves and the writing process.
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The Book Drop also sends a paper bookmark every month. I always lose bookmarks so getting a new one with every book is honestly so helpful.
Verdict: I have really enjoyed my deliveries from The Book Drop. This book wasn't on my radar, and even if it was, I may not have picked it for myself - but I really had a fun time reading through it! I'm looking forward to more deliveries from this subscription because I haven't been sent a book I haven't liked yet, and I see several books that they've previously sent in their boxes that have been on my to-read list! Also, it's so charming the way The Book Drop sets up their genre categories to suggest which drink to enjoy while reading to maximize the vibe of the book ("Books for Coffee, Books for Bubbly, etc.). 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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