Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Quite possibly one of the worst books I've ever read. Ever.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
Ohhhhhh my god.
So this was our bookclub book for November. I got it out of the library this weekend and tried to get into it but I was really meh about the beginning. But the discussion date was fast approaching (it's tomorrow) and I knew I had to finish it, so I summoned up the willpower I wish I had in high school and college and powered through.
I am so glad I did.
I'm a sucker for reunited family stories, for one. Given my own family and history, this one really spoke to me. To some, it might seem strange that they were able to put aside the lost years and pick right up but take it from someone who has done just that: it is absolutely possible. You can go 11 years without seeing your blood relatives, go to a BBQ, and have all that time erased. It's been 8 years since I did that and those intervening years are just woven in. Stories are told and I feel like I was present at the events.
It's funny, it's sweet, it's honest. I cried a few times, particularly when Nan died. The ending might seem a little too pat or trite to some, but it was perfect in this story.
And, as a bonus, I know my MIL will love this book too so I have something to talk to her about. Hooray!
So this was our bookclub book for November. I got it out of the library this weekend and tried to get into it but I was really meh about the beginning. But the discussion date was fast approaching (it's tomorrow) and I knew I had to finish it, so I summoned up the willpower I wish I had in high school and college and powered through.
I am so glad I did.
I'm a sucker for reunited family stories, for one. Given my own family and history, this one really spoke to me. To some, it might seem strange that they were able to put aside the lost years and pick right up but take it from someone who has done just that: it is absolutely possible. You can go 11 years without seeing your blood relatives, go to a BBQ, and have all that time erased. It's been 8 years since I did that and those intervening years are just woven in. Stories are told and I feel like I was present at the events.
It's funny, it's sweet, it's honest. I cried a few times, particularly when Nan died. The ending might seem a little too pat or trite to some, but it was perfect in this story.
And, as a bonus, I know my MIL will love this book too so I have something to talk to her about. Hooray!
Well-written and enjoyable, but I didn't connect w/Ave Maria the way I did w/the main character of the "Valentine" novels. Maybe it's because I'm a New Yorker.
What a sweet, happy little book. This is exactly what I needed after reading more serious, dark work. Loved it! Fully plan on picking up the sequels.
This is my least favorite of the series. The teaser of moving to Italy in the previous blood I thought a new adventure away from home would ensue.
While there were phrases and moments in this book I liked and even a few characters it was not enough to hold this story together. I got so tired of the main character repeating herself and the author setting a moment just to have it overly explained.
lighthearted
reflective
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
One of my favorite books of all time. I’ve been known to re-read parts of this book from time to time.
This was such a delightful and heart-warming read! I saw the movie a couple of years ago and enjoyed it, so I was excited to stumble upon the book at the library.
The characters are all fun and sweet, and the story kept me interested the whole time.
I'll definitely continue with the series, and I highly recommend it!
The characters are all fun and sweet, and the story kept me interested the whole time.
I'll definitely continue with the series, and I highly recommend it!