Firstly, I’d like to say that if this review doesn’t make you want to buy/download/run to the library then I have not done this book justice.
What I originally interpreted as a love note to Japan soon became a clear message to anyone who has ever felt truly broken. I laughed and cried with Charlotte’s adventures and I willed her to kiss the boy with Caramel hair and for her to see the parrot fish as she snorkelled in the clear waters of a paradise island.
I see books as escapism, a chance to visit new places and scenarios. I finished this book feeling like I’d visited Japan and discovered my own Ikigai (secret to a happy life). I feel, all at once, calmer and able to face life’s hurdles.
The ending of this story, for me, came too quickly but it was filled with happiness and a positive outlook for the future.
I don’t include spoilers in my reviews and will leave it there before I give away too much of the magic.

When was the last time you read a romance novel about a character falling in love - with herself?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•
The Broken Hearts Honeymoon follows Charlotte on her honeymoon, with a catch – she’s taking her honeymoon tour to Japan by herself after her fiancé decides he’d rather sow his wild oats. Charlotte’s always wanted to be an adventurer and travel writer, and she sets out to rediscover her love of travel while putting herself back together after a decade long relationship.
•
Lucy Dickens has written a lovely, warm story about self-discovery and adventure. Charlotte’s voice is hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. Charlotte’s relationship with her family is wonderful, and her struggles, romantic and otherwise, felt so real all the way through.
•
Now let’s talk travel. Most of this book is set in Japan, and Charlotte does everything she possibly can, from the streets and sights of Tokyo to scuba diving in Ishigaki to staying in a monastery. Inspired by the gorgeous descriptions, I found myself Googling monuments, cultural sites, and cities all the way through, and folks, I’ve never left a book wanting to visit more. Dickens seems (I say seems as I haven’t yet been to Japan) to have authentically appreciated the beauty of Japan in this novel, and I discovered so much through this story.
•
Charlotte is the type of respectful traveler we should all emulate. She preps for her trip by researching the cultural and religious sites she will be visiting and memorizing the customs and appropriate ways to pay respect. She learns as much of the language as she can and uses it even though it can be nerve wracking. She works on not normalizing her own experiences vs. the new, and so many more little things. It was so heartening to read about Charlotte’s journey and take a few notes along the way.
•
I can’t wait for travel to be unrestricted again (when it is safe to do so, and not a moment sooner). In the meantime, if you’d like to go on a journey of love, heartbreak, and what happens next, all while experiencing Charlotte’s travels through Japan, I would highly recommend picking up The Broken Hearts Honeymoon. I give this delightful read four stars out of five!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•
The Broken Hearts Honeymoon is available now as an e-book and the paperback is out July 23rd! Thank you to Arrow, Cornerstone, and @netgalley for this #gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I just could't get into this one. I didn't love the tone of the main character, but the plot seems relatively believable. I think if the tone was different, I would have loved it.

**I've received this digital copy in exchange of an honest review**
3.7 stars
Thank you @netgalley and @Cornerstone for this free copy.

I have to say that this book has been a real surprise for different aspects.
I've read the plot and I expected a light funny reading that could be a little break from something more challenging: I was partly wrong.
The author creates a really entertaining story (especially for the character of Matt) but what I've found is more than that.
It's easy to relate with Charlotte, maybe because I've experienced something a little bit similar. No, I've not canceled a wedding few weeks before the date, but I've ended a long-time relationship and I know what it means to expect to live a life with someone and find instead all upside-down and a new reality where this person isn't by your side anymore. It's sad, it's heartbreaking and you oftern struggle not to think about memories together even if you understand it has been the right choice since you're on two different paths. This character has all this and I've found myself emotionally really close to her. Maybe yes, my personal history helped me to emphatize with her, but I think that the way Charlotte has been portraited is very realistic and concrete.
She starts a journey with her dreams shuttered, an uncertain working future and a little struggle to find herself after years and years of collectives decisions that included not only her former and only fiancèe but also family and friends. She has doubts about what is her real voice and what she really wants to do, but at the same time we can easily find a glimpse her strong personality in the choice to make a trip to Japan ( her honeymoon journey) all alone even if she's understandably scared.
From here we can see gradually her "rediscovering herself journey" through a voyage that takes her in very different places and experiences in Japan. I've been there and I can confirm that the book expresses the same vibes from the crowded cities to the temple's and sanctuary stillness.
We are taken to various aspects of this peculiar nation and in every one of them we observe Charlotte discovering something of herself too. Charlie began to shine on her own and remember herself her love for travel, adventure and her willpower! Plus, I've appreciated the fact that the author underlines that this is just the beginning of a new chapter of her story, because some changes takes more than 21 days to happen. At the same time I'm now too curious about what will happen next to her!! I needed a flashforward of at least some years (even if yes, we can imagine what would have happened)!
I've also liked very much the use of flashbacks and I'm sincere, I wanted more. I would love to know more about Charlie's siblings and a part of my wishes we could see this family again in other books ( not necessarily travel related). It has been good to see how she and her brothers and sisters count on each other and how they know the others so well to understand even the unspoken - the flashback of Charlotte, Benny and their mother is one of my favorite scene ever <3.
Another thing to mention: I'm a romantic person and I expected a romance. Instead I think that Dicken's decision about this aspect is again so real and concrete that I'm likewise satisfied.

So, why 3.7 and not more?
I think it's interesting to read a contemporary that talks about a journey describing places, food, customs and traditions, but in order to do that and being a little bit different from a travel guide or a book in where the main character travels through places that are only mentioned in a line, the whole thing would have to be more in-depht. In fact, in some parts this has been a little bit fast and It is a pity because Dickens has been very good in creating the right atmophere.
Secondary, PLEASE ATTENTION, SPOILERS AHEAD : Through the book it's impossible to disagree with Gray's definition of Matt, but since they seemed to have a beautiful relationship (even if it was clear it wasn't perfect.. but, thinking about it, which relationship is perfect?), I would have preferred more time for the final showdown between them.

So, I think this book is REALLY GOOD but could be even more better.
If you love Japan and maybe you feel a little bit lost this is the right book for you!
As for me, I can't wait the next Lucy Dicken's book <3

I had such a great time reading The Broken Hearts Honeymoon. Definitely one of the best armchair adventures I have had this year. Japan was already on my top places to visit but after reading this story, it is now on the very top.

Charlotte was an amazing main character. When we meet her at the beginning of the story, she is about to get married to her long term boyfriend. She is excited to start a new chapter in her life: wedding, honeymoon and moving to London for her dream internship in a travel magazine. But when she finds out that her fiancé is not as excited as her... she needs to make some big changes in her life, starting with figuring out who she is without him.

It was an absolute pleasure following Charlotte's adventures, not only because of all the beautiful places she visited but because following her journey to discover what a brave and smart woman she is was really inspiring. Sometimes we forget who are as individuals and what we are capable of, so it is important to find the time to invest in yourself and your wellbeing.

And as I said, she visits some truly fascinating places while in Japan. Lucy Dickens makes a marvelous job of describing them, they come alive as you read about all of them. I could perfectly picture it all, from the sandy beaches, to the gorgeous food, to the temples...

And finally, a special mention to Dickens' hilarious writing style. She made me laugh constantly, but also made me feel emotional on all the important moments. This is indeed a very special read that will bring lots of positive vibes, highly recommended to enjoy a bit of an adventure from home.

“You never know what can come of having an adventure. It might be something big. So catch every adventure you can.”

When Charlotte’s childhood-sweetheart-turned-fiancé gets cold feet mere weeks before the wedding, Charlotte knows it’s time to say sayonara. But what she can’t seem to break up with is the month-long honeymoon trip to Japan she planned back when she was living what she thought to be her happily ever after. Newly single, Charlotte decides to venture off alone with the hope of finding out who she is on her own – without the man who’s been in her life since she was a kid.

Rather than a love story, this is a tale about falling in love with yourself.

This book is, above all else, very cute. Each chapter starts off with a silly little haiku written from the protagonist’s perspective that sets the stage for Charlotte’s mental satte as she travels around and tries to move on from her ex, and the life they had planned together. It’s a sweet story made up of many fun little moments of Charlotte exploring the country of Japan, learning about the culture, and above all else, finding herself.

“Once upon a time, when you proposed to me, you said you’d never leave me. Well now I’m going to try and leave you.”

My favorite part by far was Charlotte’s time staying at the Buddhist temple, and of course the descriptions of FOOD!!!!

Dickens made everything sound So Good, I had serious sushi cravings while reading. I also enjoyed seeing Japan through Charlotte’s eyes. I’ve never been to Japan, and I feel like this novel was the next best thing to actually hopping on a plane and flying there myself! Charlotte is always very respectful of the culture and open to whatever new experiences come her way while there, and I really appreciated that aspect. She was so full of wonder, it made me long to go on an international adventure for myself!

The writing style itself is very simple. I found the narration came across a little immature for a character it was intended to be believed was supposed to be married when all this took place. I also wish there could have been more detail given to the side characters Charlotte met along the way. I didn’t enjoy how when someone else would start speaking about themselves the narration would trail off with a ‘…’ and then the scene would end abruptly.

And while I enjoyed the descriptions of the tour itself, the plot didn’t really hold me for the first half of the story. However, at around the 50% mark there was a shift in both Charlotte herself and the direction her story was headed, and I found myself much more engaged with what was going on, and much more excited to see what happened next. I’m glad Dickens decided to take the plot in this direction, because I feel like it really redeemed her story and made the overall experience of reading it much more rewarding.

Overall, I think this book is a light, fun read – easy to digest and good for a laugh. The highlight of the tale was definitely the descriptions of the country, and seeing Japan through Charlotte’s eyes. I’ve always wanted to travel to Japan, and this story just made me all the more keen to do it!

“If you’re broken it’s never really the end, you’re never really lost, you can always put yourself back together.”

Thank you to the publisher, Random House UK, Cornerstone/Arrow, and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

A highly tangible and imaginative armchair adventure. Heartbreaking yet warm, adventurous, hopeful and quirky, this book won my heart over. A must-read, feel good, insightful book.

I have so many amazing things to say about this book. I absolutely adored every part of it!! Charlotte breaks up with her fiancé and heads on their honeymoon to Japan alone. My story was the opposite of Charlotte's (I went to Japan with a fiancé and came home broken hearted) but I still feel like her journey was so similar mine. I found myself walking alongside Charlotte as she explored Tokyo and Kyoto, then cheering for her as she took a leap of faith and continued to travel on her own (much like I did!). The descriptive scenery and heartwarming scenes captured my heart and my memories. I loved following Charlotte's adventures around Japan but most of all, I love following her journey to self awareness, confidence and self love. Wonderful, fun, top notch read!!

The Broken Hearts Honeymoon is probably one of my favourite books of the year so far. I thought it was a romance story, but how wrong I was! It was about the protagonist Charlotte finding herself both mentally and spiritually after the breakdown of her relationship, weeks before she was to be married.

Charlotte decides to take the plunge and go on her honeymoon alone, to Japan. However, after a couple of days, she decides to leave the tour she’s on, and goes travelling around the country by herself. The story really immersed me in the Japanese culture, the descriptions so detailed, you could have a vivid picture of what Charlotte was experiencing. You become invested in Charlotte’s holiday, hoping she has a good time and you’re so happy in the end when she finally seems to ‘find’ herself.

*I was given this book in exchange for my opinion via NetGalley*

The Broken Hearts Honeymoon is truly an adventure of learning to know one's own self, well, for Charlotte at least. After being snubbed a week before her wedding, she decides to go ahead with the planned honeymoon solo. Over the course of the book, she learns and she grows, and she comes to find her own inspirations in life. This story captures a lot of her daily life, especially in the beginning of the book. It's much more slow-paced until we get to Japan, where the pacing was spread out quite well.

The first part of the book (pre-Japan) had a lot of British pop terms that I wasnt familiar with, so it was a bit difficult to get through that (as an American reader). The other thing that really slows down the pacing pre-J are the long, descriptive flashbacks that happen throughout that first part of the book. While they provided insight into Charlotte's character, some were just too detailed and there were several back to back.

Overall, I really enjoyed the last third of the book the most, as Charlotte gains confidence after feeling like a failure. It's something that can resonate with anyone. While the pacing and flashbacks made it difficult to read, the journey towards the end really made it better. The ending however was extremely abrupt (which I dont usually enjoy). An epilogue would be great here, maybe 6 months or a year after her career begins).

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
Actual rating: 3.5 stars

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I'm having a very hard time rating this book. While I enjoyed it, in terms of entertainment and reader engagement, at times, there was a bit too much information. It was lovely to discover Japan and Charlotte's feelings towards herself and the country, it just read more like a travel blog, (which is another way to write I suppose).
I was content with her decisions in the end and how the author eluded to more happening in the future.

I adored this sweet novel! Lucy has written about Charlotte’s adventures in such a way that you feel like you’re really there with her experiencing Japan. Her descriptions of the places Charlotte visited were incredible, and made me lust after my own adventure in Japan! A must read for anyone who enjoys sweet stories about putting the pieces back together after heartbreak. Thanks to Penguin UK and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a voyage of self discovery and great if your Interested in visiting Japan, gets quite descriptive at times, like taking a virtual tour of the Japanese sites and couture, bit too much for me though. Great how the heroine deals with feelings during the story and realises that having a man at your side is not always the answer to complete oneself.

I loved this book soooo much, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I love Charlotte, who, when her wedding plans fall apart shortly before the wedding, makes a brave decision, and goes on their honeymoon tour of Japan, alone. She’s such a real character, with flaws, who struggles when one of the foundations of her life is suddenly yanked out from under her. I love the way she lets herself feel sad about what has happened, but then builds herself back up again. I love that, in spite of the fact that Charlotte is having a tough time, this isn’t a sad book. This felt like a celebration, of life, of love, of the ability of humans to survive and thrive, and, of course, of Japan!

Japan is a huge part of this book, it’s like a character all by itself. I love the way that as Charlotte discovers more about Japanese culture, she discovers more about herself. I love the fact that this book is more about Charlotte’s journey - both the physical and the emotional - than romance. I love the fact that by the end of the book, she is ready to take risks to do what she loves.

I highly recommend this fun, funny, and heartwarming book to anyone really. Especially anyone who has felt, or currently feels, broken. Or anyone who fancies an escape to Japan. It’s beautifully written and so easy to read.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I would like to thank Random House UK, Cornerstone for asking me to read and review this book. I had in fact already requested this book via NetGalley as I loved the cover! I mean how pretty is it! The blurb hooked me in further and I couldn't wait to start reading.
Charlotte is planning to get married, that is her plan however, her fiance has other ideas, quit literally! So, Charlotte decided to jet off and go on Honeymoon alone, to Japan, hoping to find out who she is.
I loved the style of writing of this book, its like reading a diary and feels like a vlog coming to live through words. The Broken Hearts Honeymoon is quite literally a armchair vacation, which is perfect right now. I have never been to Japan but I feel like I have been, the descriptions are spot on and really bring Japan to live. Charlotte's character really shown and you felt you were really get to know her and it was a joy to watch her grow and develop throughout her journey of discovery.
This is an absolutely brilliant read and one I would highly recommend. Lucy Dickens aka Lisa Dickenson has a way with words that has the reader completely there in the thick of the adventure. One of the best books of the year.

An excellent choice for a book club, this is a lovely read and was absolutely not what I was expecting. I mean that in the best way, truly. When Charlie decides to take what was supposed to be her honeymoon herself after cancelling her wedding, we get to go with her and watch her journey unfold. What I expected was a sort of low key reboot of the self-discovery memoirs that we've all read, but instead it felt like a love story between our lead character and her surroundings, with gloriously rich descriptions and an emotional arc that is deeply felt and sweetly told. It really brings Japan to life and would make even the biggest homebody envious of the beautiful locales. You'll be looking at flights before you finish, I assure you. The details are what truly take this book from good to great, and what I believe will make it very popular with readers who want to feel like they're there.

NetGalley provided me with an advance reading copy in exchange for honest review. Many thanks, I will certainly be reading this one again!

Really good read. Would recommend to friends and family. I could sympathise with characters (important for any fiction novel!) and looked forward to picking it up and reading the next few chapters! Interesting plot line and a good ending. Will look out for more novels by the author. Thank you.

What an incredible book! I’ve been really interested in Japan recently (Tokyo in particular) so I was really excited to see what this would be like. I did not expect there to be so much detail! Oh my goodness, sometimes I just felt like I was there with Charlotte.

I really liked Charlotte as a character and even though we’re nothing alike I still managed to see a lot of myself in her, just based on some of the decisions she made. I also really like how the romance aspect of this book was handled. I found myself too interested in Japan to think about Charlotte’s love life!

Honestly this was such a beautiful book. I learned so much from it, and it has made me even more interested in Japan than I was before. I can’t praise it enough and I hope it becomes a huge chart topping success.

I don’t reread books very much anymore but I’m pretty sure I’ll be rereading this soon!

Charlie feels the need to break off her wedding three weeks before the date after her fiancé asks her permission to 'sow his wild oats' before th wedding. Broken-hearted, she decides to take their month-long honeymoon to Japan but on her own. Whilst there she not only learns about the Japanese future but also about herself and what she really wants.
First of all this book was not what I expected but I don't mean this in a bad way. Instead of your typical chick romance this was more a book about Charlie's love story with Japan and with herself. The descriptions of Japan were glorious. It is not a place i've ever felt a burning desire to visit but I found myself looking up many of the featured places as I read. Her emotional journey also resonated as well and gave me food for thought in places.
I loved Charlie and her relationship with her siblings. I loved that she was willing to stick at it even when miserable and broken and that she genuinely had a respect for the culture that she was experiencing. I also thought that Matt wasn't bad just very immature.
This is a fabulous read and i'd thoroughly recommend it even if you think Japan's not for you.

A really lovely read. The main character is lovely and it was a real joy spending time with her. I loved seeing Japan through her eyes. I loved the messages the book had about knowing yourself and taking the time to find out more about yourself and what you want out of life.