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adeelif's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
ispysunshine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
melissa125's review against another edition
2.0
More of a 2.5 if I’m honest.
First, this is not a romance book. This is adult contemporary fiction. Everyone should know that going in.
This is a fine story. I still really like the writing style that i enjoyed in the Flatshare, and the characters were funny and interesting. I will continue to read whatever this author publishes as I always have a good time.
Now for the drawbacks. I went in with the expectations of a romance book, and didn’t get it. The romance is about 15% of this story, and was a side plot at best. This story should be marketed on the love of community and family, because it is being done a disservice by being shelved as romance. Also this story is sadly forgettable. While I had a good time reading, it is a story that won’t stay with me.
My biggest problem is page count. Other books by this author are at least 100 pages longer, and this book needed it. With two main characters, it felt like we didn’t get enough page time with either of them, and the relationships we get at the end suffered. Another hundred pages, and I think this book could have had me.
I recommend The Flatshare above this book, but if you are looking for a warm-hearted contemporary fiction filled with family and community, this is one for your TBR.
CONTENT WARNING death of a loved one, discussions and depictions of grieving, long term/terminal illness.
First, this is not a romance book. This is adult contemporary fiction. Everyone should know that going in.
This is a fine story. I still really like the writing style that i enjoyed in the Flatshare, and the characters were funny and interesting. I will continue to read whatever this author publishes as I always have a good time.
Now for the drawbacks. I went in with the expectations of a romance book, and didn’t get it. The romance is about 15% of this story, and was a side plot at best. This story should be marketed on the love of community and family, because it is being done a disservice by being shelved as romance. Also this story is sadly forgettable. While I had a good time reading, it is a story that won’t stay with me.
My biggest problem is page count. Other books by this author are at least 100 pages longer, and this book needed it. With two main characters, it felt like we didn’t get enough page time with either of them, and the relationships we get at the end suffered. Another hundred pages, and I think this book could have had me.
I recommend The Flatshare above this book, but if you are looking for a warm-hearted contemporary fiction filled with family and community, this is one for your TBR.
CONTENT WARNING death of a loved one, discussions and depictions of grieving, long term/terminal illness.
denasquirrel's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
emilyteigland's review
4.0
Cute!! Not really the rom com I thought it would be- read more like a lit fic *about love than a romance. If you like cute stories about small towns, elderly neighbors and bingo nights, this is for you.
bkd91's review against another edition
5.0
I loved Beth O’Leary’s first book “the flat share” and when I saw that she had come out with a new book I got excited and had to read it straight away.
I actually think this is better than her first book! I loved reading this. There’s tears, laughter and genuine moments. I loved the switched and reading both sides. I loved Eileen and wish I had a grandma like her. I loved the friendship Leena had with her neighbors in Hamleigh and the friendship Eileen had in London.
This is a wonderful book and Beth O’Leary is shaping up to be one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read her next one!
I actually think this is better than her first book! I loved reading this. There’s tears, laughter and genuine moments. I loved the switched and reading both sides. I loved Eileen and wish I had a grandma like her. I loved the friendship Leena had with her neighbors in Hamleigh and the friendship Eileen had in London.
This is a wonderful book and Beth O’Leary is shaping up to be one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read her next one!
cathughess's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
A warm, heartfelt story. Felt slow in places but I loved the character of Eilieen!
hopeadinfinitum's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely gorgeous book. This has everything I love - multigenerational found families, quaint village life, sweet romances and badass female characters.
lauxlau's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very wholesome, heartwarming story ♡ I fell in love with Eileen and I loved the idea of a grandmother/grandaughter switch.