Sweetheart on the Countryside – Book Review
I anticipated a sweet fish-out-of-water romantic comedy when I initially picked up Tereza Lysakova’s Sweetheart on the Countryside, and I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected twist of heart, humor, and personal development.
We meet Valerie, a stylish, twentysomething woman who lives in the bustle of the city and is fiercely independent. Her professional goals, international friendships, and the countless chances the city offers are the center of her universe. Valerie leads her best urban life, complete with impromptu cocktail parties, glitzy shopping excursions, and artistic evenings at the theater – until misfortune throws a curveball. There’s a catch when her long-awaited dream job finally arrives: she has to move temporarily – to the country.
What follows is an unexpectedly wholesome, heartwarming, and humorous voyage of self-discovery. Lysakova skillfully combines the calm (and even eccentric) pace of rural life with the bustle of the city. Valerie’s early resistance is realistic, her internal monologue is surprisingly humorous, and her rural mishaps are the epitome of romantic comedy. Each chapter presents a humorous or poignant situation, ranging from learning to negotiate muddy paths while wearing heels to engaging with vibrant local characters.
Of course, without a dash of romance, it wouldn’t be complete. Let’s just say that unexpected sparks ignite as Valerie’s once-rigid notion of success and happiness begins to bend in the most endearing way possible, without giving away too much.
The feel-good, homey romantic comedy by Tereza Lysakova masterfully strikes a balance between heart and wit. There is much to love here for fans of Hallmark-style romances, Sophie Kinsella, and Emily Henry. More than just love, this book is about slowing down, being vulnerable, and finding your true self when the stars are bright and the Wi-Fi is spotty.
Rating: 5/5
Sweetheart on the Countryside is your new favorite getaway if you’re searching for a lighthearted, inspirational book that will make you drool, giggle, and perhaps even think about leaving the city for a cottage and some fresh air.