What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of the Kiss
Can you have more than one happily ever after?
Taken in a flash at the beginning of their life together, Sharon Minyard’s portrait of herself and her husband, Michael, hangs on her studio wall as a testament to the possibility of love.
Once drawing crowds to gaze in wonder, it has since become all but forgotten—until a young photographer, an old camera, and a bit of magic disturb the dust, setting in motion events that will revive its meaning…
Showing—in black and white—that in a town named Fairyland, the dream of forever is but a snapshot away.
Taken in a flash at the beginning of their life together, Sharon Minyard’s portrait of herself and her husband, Michael, hangs on her studio wall as a testament to the possibility of love.
Once drawing crowds to gaze in wonder, it has since become all but forgotten—until a young photographer, an old camera, and a bit of magic disturb the dust, setting in motion events that will revive its meaning…
Showing—in black and white—that in a town named Fairyland, the dream of forever is but a snapshot away.
- GenresRomance
308 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2019
12 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Holly Schindler
51 books310 followersHolly Schindler’s work has received starred reviews in Booklist and Publishers Weekly, has won silver and gold medals in ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year and the IPPY Awards, respectively, has been featured on Booklist’s Best First Novels for Youth and School Library Journal’s What’s Hot in YA, and has been a PW Pick of the Week. She can usually be found consuming large quantities of coffee and working on her next book. She can also be found at hollyschindler.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 6, 2019
**ARC received by BookSparks in exchange for an honest review**
“In the split second before the tattoo gun bit into her flesh, Sharon promised herself she’d never be a mere observer. She’d always fight to be seen.
She was never going to be invisible."
I want to start with pointing out that although there may be a number of romances in my bookshelf, I'm not a very big fan of them. I'm not into fantasy and those hokey endings and dramatic and sometime tearjerker circumstances because I don't believe in that fairy-tale kind of love. I mean I'm not an insensitive corpse and of course I believe in hearts and flowers, and that love, real and deep and abiding love, is within reach for a lot of us, but I'm not too much of a hopeless romantic at heart. Hence the reason for me not being a big fan of fairytales.
The Art of the Kiss is not a book I'd choose to read on my own, but surprisingly I liked it. It had all the elements of a fairytale - a hero, a villain and lots of magic. I really liked the author's narration style - it was so easy and most of the time I felt like I was listening to someone casually talking to me. The way the story went back and forth was a delight because you were looking at each character from a different perspective.
The story was a little slow paced and at times I was temped to skip a few paragraphs, however I got more and more engaged as I went deeper in the book after the first half. I also could do with a little less information about photography.
Overall I found the book to be easy and simple and refreshing.
“In the split second before the tattoo gun bit into her flesh, Sharon promised herself she’d never be a mere observer. She’d always fight to be seen.
She was never going to be invisible."
I want to start with pointing out that although there may be a number of romances in my bookshelf, I'm not a very big fan of them. I'm not into fantasy and those hokey endings and dramatic and sometime tearjerker circumstances because I don't believe in that fairy-tale kind of love. I mean I'm not an insensitive corpse and of course I believe in hearts and flowers, and that love, real and deep and abiding love, is within reach for a lot of us, but I'm not too much of a hopeless romantic at heart. Hence the reason for me not being a big fan of fairytales.
The Art of the Kiss is not a book I'd choose to read on my own, but surprisingly I liked it. It had all the elements of a fairytale - a hero, a villain and lots of magic. I really liked the author's narration style - it was so easy and most of the time I felt like I was listening to someone casually talking to me. The way the story went back and forth was a delight because you were looking at each character from a different perspective.
The story was a little slow paced and at times I was temped to skip a few paragraphs, however I got more and more engaged as I went deeper in the book after the first half. I also could do with a little less information about photography.
Overall I found the book to be easy and simple and refreshing.
June 14, 2019
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. All quotes used in the review are quotes straight from the story.
This is not a thriller. Not a spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat, up-all-night kind of adventure. There’s no baffling mystery racing the reader toward a big reveal. No plot-twists to spin your head around. No, this is a slow burn. It’s a hit-close-to-home, a thought-provoker, a heart-warmer. It’s a realistic account of relationships: the new and the old, the fresh and the frayed. It’s a modern day fairytale. It’s a story “about nothing more than the simple passage of time.”
The story is cleverly told in a variety of ways. There is an unidentified all-knowing narrator, as you’d find in an old-fashioned fairytale, setting the scene and posing questions to the reader. There are Michael, ever the romantic with his “literary acrobatics”, and serious and skeptical Sharon, the one who prefers “getting to the really good stuff” straight away. They each share their points of view in a way that makes you feel as if you were all sharing a booth, sipping coffee at the local diner, sharing a “long, winding, aimless conversation-the kind you can only have with a best friend...” There are newspaper articles and journal entries, snippets of photography class lectures and radio broadcasts, descriptions of photographs and more. Fifty years worth of individual pieces arranged in a way that shows the complete picture.
It took a while for me to get into the story, as there is a lot of information about photography and cameras, of which I have little interest. About half way through, however, I got invested in the tale.
The story takes place in Fairyland, a medium-sized midwestern town with a cozy small town feel. The characters are realistic, relatable, and full of personality and I enjoyed getting to know them. They learn and grow, forge new friendships, sever old ties, get to know themselves and each other, fall in love, and fall out of line. It’s a rambling sort of story, with no straight line to the finish, “the kind that went nowhere and to all the exact-right places at the same time.”
It makes you consider your own loves and friendships, and how the passage of time affects not only relationships, but every aspect of life. Time marches on regardless of our willingness to march forward with it. Happily Ever Afters aren’t set in stone and can’t be left up to chance. The seeds of Happily Ever After have to be planted, cultivated and nurtured.
This is not a thriller. Not a spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat, up-all-night kind of adventure. There’s no baffling mystery racing the reader toward a big reveal. No plot-twists to spin your head around. No, this is a slow burn. It’s a hit-close-to-home, a thought-provoker, a heart-warmer. It’s a realistic account of relationships: the new and the old, the fresh and the frayed. It’s a modern day fairytale. It’s a story “about nothing more than the simple passage of time.”
The story is cleverly told in a variety of ways. There is an unidentified all-knowing narrator, as you’d find in an old-fashioned fairytale, setting the scene and posing questions to the reader. There are Michael, ever the romantic with his “literary acrobatics”, and serious and skeptical Sharon, the one who prefers “getting to the really good stuff” straight away. They each share their points of view in a way that makes you feel as if you were all sharing a booth, sipping coffee at the local diner, sharing a “long, winding, aimless conversation-the kind you can only have with a best friend...” There are newspaper articles and journal entries, snippets of photography class lectures and radio broadcasts, descriptions of photographs and more. Fifty years worth of individual pieces arranged in a way that shows the complete picture.
It took a while for me to get into the story, as there is a lot of information about photography and cameras, of which I have little interest. About half way through, however, I got invested in the tale.
The story takes place in Fairyland, a medium-sized midwestern town with a cozy small town feel. The characters are realistic, relatable, and full of personality and I enjoyed getting to know them. They learn and grow, forge new friendships, sever old ties, get to know themselves and each other, fall in love, and fall out of line. It’s a rambling sort of story, with no straight line to the finish, “the kind that went nowhere and to all the exact-right places at the same time.”
It makes you consider your own loves and friendships, and how the passage of time affects not only relationships, but every aspect of life. Time marches on regardless of our willingness to march forward with it. Happily Ever Afters aren’t set in stone and can’t be left up to chance. The seeds of Happily Ever After have to be planted, cultivated and nurtured.
June 25, 2019
Captivating & Engaging!
If you've never read a Holly Schindler novel, you're missing out. Each one is a treat, a wonderful escape. The Art of the Kiss is no different.
I enjoyed this story and I loved everything about it (especially the 3 main characters). It's told by different viewpoints, none of which are boring. The ending was better than what I was expecting (in regards to Heather's character) and I found it very satisfying.
Read this book...I promise you'll love it (or at the very least enjoy it!)
Yes I read an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review and yes I'm a little biased towards Holly Schindlers books. I don't know her and I have never met her. I haven't read all her books either, but of the ones I have read....they're great and I enjoyed them. This is the only one I read an ARC for.
If you've never read a Holly Schindler novel, you're missing out. Each one is a treat, a wonderful escape. The Art of the Kiss is no different.
I enjoyed this story and I loved everything about it (especially the 3 main characters). It's told by different viewpoints, none of which are boring. The ending was better than what I was expecting (in regards to Heather's character) and I found it very satisfying.
Read this book...I promise you'll love it (or at the very least enjoy it!)
Yes I read an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review and yes I'm a little biased towards Holly Schindlers books. I don't know her and I have never met her. I haven't read all her books either, but of the ones I have read....they're great and I enjoyed them. This is the only one I read an ARC for.
June 24, 2019
The latest novel by Holly Schindler has all the wonderful elements that have made me such a fan of her work -- interesting, well-drawn characters; romance that is truly romantic; a certain timelessness that makes her stories feel fresh and classic at the same time; and a unique setting that takes on the importance of another character. Oh, and magic, can't forget the magic! This one will have your believing in fairytales, true love, and happily ever afters again.
June 11, 2019
4 stars
This book is captivating! I literally felt like someone was telling to "sit down there while I tell you my story"! It was amazingly written. This book tells us of a modern day fairytale including heros, villians and of course, a goal. We learn about Sharon and Michael's life, dreams and challenges. The story jumps between different time frames and stories, however it ties everything together.
Really enjoyed this book!
This book is captivating! I literally felt like someone was telling to "sit down there while I tell you my story"! It was amazingly written. This book tells us of a modern day fairytale including heros, villians and of course, a goal. We learn about Sharon and Michael's life, dreams and challenges. The story jumps between different time frames and stories, however it ties everything together.
Really enjoyed this book!
June 25, 2019
Holly Schindler’s latest novel continues her narrative of magic and nostalgia with Art of the Kiss. A delightful novel of friendship, kindness, and Midwestern small town life. It brings to light the things that inspire our passions for creativity which may have dwindled and rekindles that love. In addition, it reminds us that those we’ve loved forever still hold a special place in our heart and are part of our continuing story. Told in multiple viewpoints, the reader becomes acquainted with deep and lovable characters all working to find their way through life in search of happiness. A gentle reminder that the magic spark which brings inspiration contentment to one as a young person never truly fades and can be rekindled.
October 6, 2019
This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
What I Loved: The narration in this book was wonderful. I felt like I was being spoken to by someone rather than just reading a book. The narrator made little jokes and, overall, it is the reason I took this book from a 3 star to a 4 star. The way Holly Schindler wrote the narration, was just so perfect and I loved it.
How I Felt: I was a little less interested in the photography aspect, but enjoyed the overall story. The spin of making this a fairy tale, at first, I thought would make me less interested; was it a fairy tale, or a modern-day romance. BUT, it turns out, it's a bit of both, and I liked the book more because of it.
To Read or Not To Read: This is not a fast-paced thriller, or action story. This is a love story, but is more than just that. There are three main characters, and you are pulled into all of their stories. This book is suited for people that enjoy a love-story or domestic fiction.
What's This Book About Anyway?
The Art of the Kiss is a city-of-Fairyland-famous photograph that has been forgotten on a wall. It features Sharon and her husband, Michael at the beginning of their lives together.
Then our "Cinderella" of the story enters, utterly struggling to get her photography career up and running. Unbeknownst to her, her friend is not making it go any easier for her...the magic of an old camera starts a chain of events to revive the meaning of the photograph.
All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
What I Loved: The narration in this book was wonderful. I felt like I was being spoken to by someone rather than just reading a book. The narrator made little jokes and, overall, it is the reason I took this book from a 3 star to a 4 star. The way Holly Schindler wrote the narration, was just so perfect and I loved it.
How I Felt: I was a little less interested in the photography aspect, but enjoyed the overall story. The spin of making this a fairy tale, at first, I thought would make me less interested; was it a fairy tale, or a modern-day romance. BUT, it turns out, it's a bit of both, and I liked the book more because of it.
To Read or Not To Read: This is not a fast-paced thriller, or action story. This is a love story, but is more than just that. There are three main characters, and you are pulled into all of their stories. This book is suited for people that enjoy a love-story or domestic fiction.
What's This Book About Anyway?
The Art of the Kiss is a city-of-Fairyland-famous photograph that has been forgotten on a wall. It features Sharon and her husband, Michael at the beginning of their lives together.
Then our "Cinderella" of the story enters, utterly struggling to get her photography career up and running. Unbeknownst to her, her friend is not making it go any easier for her...the magic of an old camera starts a chain of events to revive the meaning of the photograph.
All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
July 6, 2019
This book was given to me by the author, Holly Schindler, in exchange for an honest review. I would like to start by thanking her for the opportunity.
This book was such a pleasant surprise!
Typically I read books that would fall more under the thriller genre and I must admit that the first couple of chapters kind of threw me but only because this novel was written in a way that makes you feel more like you’re talking to a friend than reading a book but before I knew it it felt like being comfortably engrossed in conversation. The Art of the Kiss takes place in a small town called Fairyland and tells the story of Michael and Sharon and their passion not only for each other but their careers. Being a newspaper columnist and photographer respectively, they shared not only love but success in their fields documenting the every day comings and goings of the town’s inhabitants. As so often happens as time goes on they find themselves in a rut until Heather, an aspiring photographer and damsel in distress, comes along in need of help and her rocky start brings them back to their own, reigniting a flame that had all but gone out and reminding them that not all magic requires spells and wands. I think it best if you pick up the book for yourself and let the residents of Fairyland remind you themselves that there is magic in the mundane and it can be seen if only you look for it through the right lens.
This book was such a pleasant surprise!
Typically I read books that would fall more under the thriller genre and I must admit that the first couple of chapters kind of threw me but only because this novel was written in a way that makes you feel more like you’re talking to a friend than reading a book but before I knew it it felt like being comfortably engrossed in conversation. The Art of the Kiss takes place in a small town called Fairyland and tells the story of Michael and Sharon and their passion not only for each other but their careers. Being a newspaper columnist and photographer respectively, they shared not only love but success in their fields documenting the every day comings and goings of the town’s inhabitants. As so often happens as time goes on they find themselves in a rut until Heather, an aspiring photographer and damsel in distress, comes along in need of help and her rocky start brings them back to their own, reigniting a flame that had all but gone out and reminding them that not all magic requires spells and wands. I think it best if you pick up the book for yourself and let the residents of Fairyland remind you themselves that there is magic in the mundane and it can be seen if only you look for it through the right lens.
April 8, 2020
“Love was stubborn; it was a blemish on a coffee table that could never be lifted. You could put a magazine or a decorator doodad over it. You could not see it for months at a time. You could even forget about the candle that had been knocked over, scorching the wood. But inevitably, you’d be doing some everyday chore—something like dusting—and you’d lift the doodad, and there it was, the burn mark every bit as dark as ever.”
-
Ugh, I’m such a hopeless romantic. And to anyone else who is just like me, this is such a great read! The Art of the Kiss takes place in a cozy, small, mid-western town called Fairyland, and it tells the realistic and relatable tale of Michael, Sharon, and Heather. This was thought-provoking as much as it was heart-warming. Surprisingly, I really loved the narration of this book, I’ve never really read anything like it - it took me a while to get used to it, but a few chapters in I felt as if my brain was having a conversation with the characters (which I found amusing and captivating)! Thank you to Holly Schneider for giving me the opportunity to read your work, and for making my train rides to work bearable. This was such a treat and I absolutely devoured it.
-
Ugh, I’m such a hopeless romantic. And to anyone else who is just like me, this is such a great read! The Art of the Kiss takes place in a cozy, small, mid-western town called Fairyland, and it tells the realistic and relatable tale of Michael, Sharon, and Heather. This was thought-provoking as much as it was heart-warming. Surprisingly, I really loved the narration of this book, I’ve never really read anything like it - it took me a while to get used to it, but a few chapters in I felt as if my brain was having a conversation with the characters (which I found amusing and captivating)! Thank you to Holly Schneider for giving me the opportunity to read your work, and for making my train rides to work bearable. This was such a treat and I absolutely devoured it.
June 24, 2019
The Art of the Kiss by Holly Schindler is a Once-Upon-A-Time love story with the old-fashioned feel of a fairytale. That’s fitting for a town called Fairyland, Missouri. It is told primarily through the lens of two Fairyland residents and husband and wife Sharon and Michael Minyard. The tale begins with an old Nikon camera – the kind used back in the days when taking pictures with film was an art form. The camera brought this couple – now married 50 years – together and launched their love affair and devotion to one another. But fifty years is a long time to spend with one person and things can get stale, predictable, and lonely. Will that old camera – rediscovered on a dusty shelf by Michael – bring that old magic back to them and to the people of Fairyland?
This story makes you believe in the magic of love old and new. It is a captivating tale where the past collides with the present in satisfying ways that Schindler has become known for. Her poetic turns of phrase and well developed characters make these people real folks we want to know and root for, flaws and all. An entertaining page-turner with a big heart. Makes you want to kiss someone you love.
This story makes you believe in the magic of love old and new. It is a captivating tale where the past collides with the present in satisfying ways that Schindler has become known for. Her poetic turns of phrase and well developed characters make these people real folks we want to know and root for, flaws and all. An entertaining page-turner with a big heart. Makes you want to kiss someone you love.
August 13, 2019
“How many kisses in life are truly memorable? How many shake us, wake us up, make the world feel like a different place entirely?”
-
A beautiful story about second chances, fairytales, what a happily ever after is truly about and magic.
I loved the writting style of the story, it was told in multiple points of views that takes you from different time frames.
This book was a pleasant surprise and a good reminder to never take things for granted, to never stop chasing our dreams, the power of love and to always beleive in magic.
-
Thank you Holly Schindler for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book.
-
“Life is a series of seemingly disjointed snapshots. And it’s not until you’ve shifted through the entite lot of them, all those short little slices of life, that you finally realize what it was all about.”
-
“Kisses speak. They are in no way one-size-fits-all. They depict all shades of love. Friendship. Or hope. Relief. Some are emotional, others habitual. Some sweets, other sensual. Some are perfunctory. ... Other kisses, though... They rock us to our core.”
-
http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoff...
-
A beautiful story about second chances, fairytales, what a happily ever after is truly about and magic.
I loved the writting style of the story, it was told in multiple points of views that takes you from different time frames.
This book was a pleasant surprise and a good reminder to never take things for granted, to never stop chasing our dreams, the power of love and to always beleive in magic.
-
Thank you Holly Schindler for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book.
-
“Life is a series of seemingly disjointed snapshots. And it’s not until you’ve shifted through the entite lot of them, all those short little slices of life, that you finally realize what it was all about.”
-
“Kisses speak. They are in no way one-size-fits-all. They depict all shades of love. Friendship. Or hope. Relief. Some are emotional, others habitual. Some sweets, other sensual. Some are perfunctory. ... Other kisses, though... They rock us to our core.”
-
http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoff...
October 4, 2019
Once upon a time in Fairyland...this love story is woven with metaphors and references from many fairytales, giving the love it contains an extra sense of magic.
Holly Schindler’s writing is very descriptive and poetic, and she uses several narrators to tell this tale. I loved this because I felt I knew the main characters and their motivations very well by the end. I found the pace of the story a slow build but it delivers a sweet ending as a reward. At first I wanted a little bit more tension between the main characters to give the story a little bit more punch. But as the narrative evolved it reflected the longevity of the relationship between Michael and Sharon and demonstrated that a long true long is built in the moments the everyday. I loved that the main love story was a relationship of 50 years and explored, with delicacy, the commitment of staying in love and reconnecting over a lifetime together.
The Art of the Kiss is for lovers of fairytales
and love stories with a little magic.
Thank you to Holly Schindler for sending me an e-book copy in exchange for my review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Holly Schindler’s writing is very descriptive and poetic, and she uses several narrators to tell this tale. I loved this because I felt I knew the main characters and their motivations very well by the end. I found the pace of the story a slow build but it delivers a sweet ending as a reward. At first I wanted a little bit more tension between the main characters to give the story a little bit more punch. But as the narrative evolved it reflected the longevity of the relationship between Michael and Sharon and demonstrated that a long true long is built in the moments the everyday. I loved that the main love story was a relationship of 50 years and explored, with delicacy, the commitment of staying in love and reconnecting over a lifetime together.
The Art of the Kiss is for lovers of fairytales
and love stories with a little magic.
Thank you to Holly Schindler for sending me an e-book copy in exchange for my review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 24, 2019
Holly is someone who is able to make a location be as much a character as any of the people in her stories. She also is extremely good at creating that timeless nostalgic feeling when spinning a tale, something very lacking in today's fiction. In this book, she goes even further, including going back and forth, not only between characters, but from decade to decade. When writers do so, it can often blow up due to complexity. In this case. both techniques work seamlessly, giving readers an investment in the story that carries them through it like a smooth sail on a summer day. I particularly like the Wikipedia entry for Sharon as well as the descriptions of the black pain in Amanda's heart and her gradual understanding of what caused it. Photography plays a huge part in the story, both literally and metaphorically. In fact many of the chapters/alternate viewpoints reminded me of how looking at a well done photo allows you to see more, the longer you look at it. By the time you finish the story, it's not that hard to believe in good, love, magic and the likelihood of happy endings.
June 24, 2019
This is a sweet book and at the same time it makes you stop and take stock in your own relationship. As I read the book, I realized that love is a growing and evolving thing. Michael and Sharon’s photo was once a shining centerpiece in Fairytale. It will, once again, be the reflection of their love, lives and goals.
There is a great deal of photographic information which,
In the scheme of things, I found rather boring. That’s me, another reader may find it fascinating. Over all though, the book, which went back-and-forth in time, was a delight. Around the middle of the book I found myself more and more engaged.
Holly Schindler has written a beautiful love story and one that teaches us what long term commitment means.
There is a great deal of photographic information which,
In the scheme of things, I found rather boring. That’s me, another reader may find it fascinating. Over all though, the book, which went back-and-forth in time, was a delight. Around the middle of the book I found myself more and more engaged.
Holly Schindler has written a beautiful love story and one that teaches us what long term commitment means.
November 19, 2019
*I was provided a free copy of this book for a review”. This story is unique in that it is told by a narrator who describes it as a magical fairy tale. It begins with Sharon and Michael who have been married a long time and are in a rut. It tells the story of a “magical” camera that brought them together and that now is working its magic on a new owner that ultimately binds them all together.
If I’m being honest, if I read the description of the book I wouldn’t have chosen it. If I see magic it’s not typically my choice. It took me a while to get into the book, but once I did it was interesting and the magic wasn’t unrealistic in any way which I liked. Sharon & Michael’s relationship was realistic and it was interesting to see them fight their way out of the rut.
If I’m being honest, if I read the description of the book I wouldn’t have chosen it. If I see magic it’s not typically my choice. It took me a while to get into the book, but once I did it was interesting and the magic wasn’t unrealistic in any way which I liked. Sharon & Michael’s relationship was realistic and it was interesting to see them fight their way out of the rut.
August 26, 2019
I received a free ebook in exchange for my review.
I’m going start by saying that I recommend this read as it had some very lovely moments on love and is quite endearing. Reflections on ones own relationships are bound to come up. The back & forth character viewpoints were a bit dizzying for me hence my 3star rating. Was slow for me to really get into. But once I did, it was worth the feels for this sweet read!
A timeless romance fairytale that asks the question; can you have one happily ever after? Do you believe in fairytales and lasting love?
I recommend a read to find out how you really feel... Your view might change after meeting these characters 😉
I’m going start by saying that I recommend this read as it had some very lovely moments on love and is quite endearing. Reflections on ones own relationships are bound to come up. The back & forth character viewpoints were a bit dizzying for me hence my 3star rating. Was slow for me to really get into. But once I did, it was worth the feels for this sweet read!
A timeless romance fairytale that asks the question; can you have one happily ever after? Do you believe in fairytales and lasting love?
I recommend a read to find out how you really feel... Your view might change after meeting these characters 😉
September 16, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
I received a copy of this ebook from the author in return for an honest review. I would like to thank Holly Schindler for the opportunity to read her novel.
I was intrigued by the premise of the book and although It took me a bit to get into the groove of the writing style, after a the first few chapters I began to enjoy the intertwining of characters and moments of time.
Who doesn't love fairy tales? It was thought provoking and will make you look at your current relationships and thoughts on love in a new light!
I received a copy of this ebook from the author in return for an honest review. I would like to thank Holly Schindler for the opportunity to read her novel.
I was intrigued by the premise of the book and although It took me a bit to get into the groove of the writing style, after a the first few chapters I began to enjoy the intertwining of characters and moments of time.
Who doesn't love fairy tales? It was thought provoking and will make you look at your current relationships and thoughts on love in a new light!
September 1, 2019
This ebook was provided to me in exchange for an honest review!
"How strange, she thought, that beginnings and endings were so often twisted together, like the stripes in a peppermint stick."
My favorite quote from The Art of the Kiss. This is not the typical book I'd choose to read on my own, but the premise of it sounded really interesting! The author's writing reeled me in and kept me engaged to the point I finished it in a day! The writing style was nothing like I've read before. It was almost poetic in a way.
This sweet love story is based around a town called Fairyland and that's exactly the fairytale vibe you get while reading this. The character development was spot on and you feel a real connection as you follow their relationships over the years. You become invested in the characters' story of how one inanimate, sentimental object like a camera can have so much meaning and connections to so many people. I love how the author depicts long term relationships and how love becomes comfortable and different over time and how all types of relationships change.
The only drawback for me was that it's told in multiple perspectives and non-linear format which I knew going into this, but this is something I sometimes struggle over. I feel like it worked though in this book since you were looking at each character through a different "lens". Which brings us to the fact there's quite a bit of photography talk. So for those of you who do love photography then this should be right up your alley. Overall this is a great read and I'm honored the author asked me to review it!
"How strange, she thought, that beginnings and endings were so often twisted together, like the stripes in a peppermint stick."
My favorite quote from The Art of the Kiss. This is not the typical book I'd choose to read on my own, but the premise of it sounded really interesting! The author's writing reeled me in and kept me engaged to the point I finished it in a day! The writing style was nothing like I've read before. It was almost poetic in a way.
This sweet love story is based around a town called Fairyland and that's exactly the fairytale vibe you get while reading this. The character development was spot on and you feel a real connection as you follow their relationships over the years. You become invested in the characters' story of how one inanimate, sentimental object like a camera can have so much meaning and connections to so many people. I love how the author depicts long term relationships and how love becomes comfortable and different over time and how all types of relationships change.
The only drawback for me was that it's told in multiple perspectives and non-linear format which I knew going into this, but this is something I sometimes struggle over. I feel like it worked though in this book since you were looking at each character through a different "lens". Which brings us to the fact there's quite a bit of photography talk. So for those of you who do love photography then this should be right up your alley. Overall this is a great read and I'm honored the author asked me to review it!
June 24, 2019
I am always all about the "Happily Ever After" in a story. But what happens after Prince Charming and the Princess meet, fall in love and ride off into the sunset?
Michael and Sharon Minyard have had over 50 years together. In their "Once Upon A Time" beginning Sharon, a photographer, took a picture of she and Michael that once stopped traffic in their town of Fairyland. Yes, you read that right! Their town is named Fairyland so of course the reader expects magical things to happen there.
Enter another story featuring a young photographer named Heather, a villain in the form of a best friend, and a dusty old camera, and let the magic begin!
The Art of the Kiss had so many feels for me! I love a story where a couple has been together for such a long time. Anymore that in itself is a fairy-tale filled with magic. I have to say that Michael and Sharon's story resonated with me more than Heather's story. Oh, I understand that Heather was an important part in Michael and Sharon getting back on track, but I loved the exploration of Sharon and Michael's feelings. I loved how Michael set about to wake his princess up again. I loved the exploration of the feelings of being invisible or forgotten just because they now have white hair and wrinkles. I loved all of the photography descriptions. I love that Michael and Sharon get to explore another facet of their Happily Ever After. Because after all...Happily Ever After doesn't mean THE END.
I loved The Art of the Kiss and highly recommend it as it is now going on my favorites shelf!
Michael and Sharon Minyard have had over 50 years together. In their "Once Upon A Time" beginning Sharon, a photographer, took a picture of she and Michael that once stopped traffic in their town of Fairyland. Yes, you read that right! Their town is named Fairyland so of course the reader expects magical things to happen there.
Enter another story featuring a young photographer named Heather, a villain in the form of a best friend, and a dusty old camera, and let the magic begin!
The Art of the Kiss had so many feels for me! I love a story where a couple has been together for such a long time. Anymore that in itself is a fairy-tale filled with magic. I have to say that Michael and Sharon's story resonated with me more than Heather's story. Oh, I understand that Heather was an important part in Michael and Sharon getting back on track, but I loved the exploration of Sharon and Michael's feelings. I loved how Michael set about to wake his princess up again. I loved the exploration of the feelings of being invisible or forgotten just because they now have white hair and wrinkles. I loved all of the photography descriptions. I love that Michael and Sharon get to explore another facet of their Happily Ever After. Because after all...Happily Ever After doesn't mean THE END.
I loved The Art of the Kiss and highly recommend it as it is now going on my favorites shelf!
September 16, 2019
The plot follows two different main relationships and takes place both in the present and the past. It’s set in a small town called Fairyland. There’s a newspaper, photography studio, and radio station as well as the two main characters that tell us their story. Do we make our own magic or is it hidden in an object or does it exist in an entire town? Is there a happily ever after or is happily ever after a continuum? Great story that leaves you feeling refreshed and hopeful.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews