The Birthday List by Devney Perry [Review] – Spellbound Stories Book Blog

The Birthday List by Devney Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Birthday List by Devney Perry was everything! I came across the chance to review this new-to-me-author completely by chance. But the cover art and blurb drew me in right away, so I knew that I wanted to get my hands on a copy of the book. WOW! I am beyond ecstatic that I did. The Birthday List by Devney Perry was exquisite and what’s more, it was 100% original. Poppy has been widowed for several years when she decides to complete her late husband’s birthday list – think bucket list only he wanted to accomplish everything prior to a birthday. Unexpected feelings arise when Cole sees Poppy again after five long years. A spark sets fire to them both as Cole helps Poppy work through her grief in addition to the birthday list. But can Poppy let go of her past and open up to Cole for a chance at love again?

The Birthday List had me utterly captivated. The writing is superb. The plot is original and both heartbreaking as well as uplifting. As a reader, I love when an author takes me by surprise and Devney Perry certainly did, several times in fact over the course of this beautiful romance. The story is a second chance romance of sorts – Poppy’s second chance comes at the expense of unbearable grief and yet the relationship that she painstakingly builds with Cole is sublime. The story will make you smile and laugh while also clutching tissues as you cry. The duel perspectives made me fall head-over-heels for Cole from the get go! He’s so invested in Poppy’s quest and wellbeing. Poppy was complex and beautifully written as a heroine. Her pain was so transparent, and my heart just broke for her as she worked through her grief. While writing the story, Perry did not make everything sunshine and roses – Poppy not only lost her first love, but as time progressed she lost her in-laws as well. The spark between Poppy and Cole was a bit slow to ignite, but once it did…WOW! The wait was more then worth it. This is not erotica… don’t expect insta-love, or sexy times the first night Poppy and Cole meet. The Birthday List seemed very authentic and I imagine I, myself would be much like Poppy should I ever find myself in her shoes. That said, Cole and Poppy had an undeniable attraction that was exceptionally well written within the pages of The Birthday List. Their story will stick with you long after you finish reading.

I can’t rate this book as anything less than a five-star read. It was so captivating and creative. The Birthday List by Devney Perry isn’t something you should pass up. One-Click this incredible romance now and get to reading.