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jlaz's review
5.0
**Received from NetGalley**
This is a great book. I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover art. So glad I decided to read it! This is a charming story about love and loss and how everyone copes differently. From the start I found myself pulling for Kate and wanting her to eventually be truly happy.
This is a great book. I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover art. So glad I decided to read it! This is a charming story about love and loss and how everyone copes differently. From the start I found myself pulling for Kate and wanting her to eventually be truly happy.
sriggs815's review
4.0
4.5 stars
I have been in a reading slump the past month and half, this book took me out of it. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than a day. Kristin Harmel is one of my favorite authors.
I have been in a reading slump the past month and half, this book took me out of it. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than a day. Kristin Harmel is one of my favorite authors.
freyahadyn's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
lizzy2111's review
emotional
inspiring
sad
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
4.5
mmseitz822's review
4.0
So I really liked this book even though some of it was a little cheesy, like the "I knew before I met you - that I was meant to be yours." Seriously they must have said that like 50 times throughout the book which just got annoying after a while.
I didn't like Dan from the beginning. All of the characters (and Kate herself) talk about how great and perfect he is but I don't understand where that sentiment comes from because he seems like a douche from the get go. I couldn't believe his comment when she said she thought she would be a good mom and would like to be a parent and he said "too bad your ovaries don't agree." What a charmer.
I was also midly annoyed by Kate's mother and sister. I get that her husband had passed away 12 years ago but I hated how they kept telling her she needed to get over it and move on. Also, I couldn't believe when her mom said, "you're happy enough, right?" Come on. What kind of mother would accept that for her daughter or think that was good enough?
I really liked the ending of the book, even though I saw it coming. I won't go into too much detail because I don't want to spoil it, but they definitely hinted at what was to come.
I didn't like Dan from the beginning. All of the characters (and Kate herself) talk about how great and perfect he is but I don't understand where that sentiment comes from because he seems like a douche from the get go. I couldn't believe his comment when she said she thought she would be a good mom and would like to be a parent and he said "too bad your ovaries don't agree." What a charmer.
I was also midly annoyed by Kate's mother and sister. I get that her husband had passed away 12 years ago but I hated how they kept telling her she needed to get over it and move on. Also, I couldn't believe when her mom said, "you're happy enough, right?" Come on. What kind of mother would accept that for her daughter or think that was good enough?
I really liked the ending of the book, even though I saw it coming. I won't go into too much detail because I don't want to spoil it, but they definitely hinted at what was to come.
anjaliagarwal01's review
5.0
Let's just say this book got me hooked from the first few pages. Recently, many of the books I was reading didn't catch full my attention and I thought maybe my reading slump wasn't over yet. BUT this book proved me wrong. This is definitely one of my top favorites. I had chosen some of my favorite characters from tv shows as the characters in this book and I couldn't look at them the same way even after a few days of finishing this book. I kept thinking they were part of this story and all the things that had happened (especially you Patrick). So be careful who you choose.
Let's get into the story shall we?
Without a doubt, I have never felt connected to characters this fast. Patrick dies in the first chapter and I already felt like crying. I had a feeling that was going to happen based on the summary but I didn't think it would be so soon. Then comes Dan in the next chapter and trust me, I just wanted to Patrick to come back. I literally sounded like Kate and wished Patrick never died. There was just something about Dan that I didn't like and it felt like he had a habit of dismissing topics which was annoying. Later on, Andrew comes into the story and he became a huge character so smoothly and quickly. Kate is a music therapist who works with kids and it was interesting to learn more about her career and Andrew's combined. (tbh I don't remember what the exact career Andrew had...sorry)
Then come the dreams...I mean were they even dreams or were they something else? Maybe she literally did go in a parallel universe, who knows? Anyways, the dreams made it difficult for her to let go of her past that's for sure. However, it was cool how she found out things about reality that she probably would have never found never out. For example, she never knew that her sister was planning to move with her family to California with her husband but in her dream, they actually had already moved. When you read it, you'll find out why she didn't actually move. There was a mixture between what things were and weren't true in both worlds.
Spoiler....maybe? Not really actually...
BUT ONE QUESTION!! Someone please explain to me how she cut her finger in her dream and then it was still cut when she woke up?!
So much more happens later on that is better experienced when you read it without knowing so I won't say anything else. One point I would like to make is that this story does get a bit slow near the end but don't give up. It will be worth it trust me.
Let's get into the story shall we?
Without a doubt, I have never felt connected to characters this fast. Patrick dies in the first chapter and I already felt like crying. I had a feeling that was going to happen based on the summary but I didn't think it would be so soon. Then comes Dan in the next chapter and trust me, I just wanted to Patrick to come back. I literally sounded like Kate and wished Patrick never died. There was just something about Dan that I didn't like and it felt like he had a habit of dismissing topics which was annoying. Later on, Andrew comes into the story and he became a huge character so smoothly and quickly. Kate is a music therapist who works with kids and it was interesting to learn more about her career and Andrew's combined. (tbh I don't remember what the exact career Andrew had...sorry)
Then come the dreams...I mean were they even dreams or were they something else? Maybe she literally did go in a parallel universe, who knows? Anyways, the dreams made it difficult for her to let go of her past that's for sure. However, it was cool how she found out things about reality that she probably would have never found never out. For example, she never knew that her sister was planning to move with her family to California with her husband but in her dream, they actually had already moved. When you read it, you'll find out why she didn't actually move. There was a mixture between what things were and weren't true in both worlds.
Spoiler....maybe? Not really actually...
BUT ONE QUESTION!! Someone please explain to me how she cut her finger in her dream and then it was still cut when she woke up?!
So much more happens later on that is better experienced when you read it without knowing so I won't say anything else. One point I would like to make is that this story does get a bit slow near the end but don't give up. It will be worth it trust me.
sarahbowling6608's review
2.0
This is not one of my preferred genres but in attempt to broaden my tastes I read this on a recommendation from a friend. I appreciated the uniqueness of the storyline and I’m a sucker for a sappy happily ever after sort of ending but I think the “spicy” bits (albeit very mild ones) absolutely detract from the story. And over half of the characters were unlikeable which is another reason for the low rating. I’m sure this book is very loved by the people who read this genre but it was not my cup of tea.
kelliern's review
emotional
fast-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
ashleybhaley's review
5.0
5 stars may not be enough... This book was truly amazing. When I got to the end and I figured out where she was going I got so excited! I wanted to fast forward as well as slow time to savor it. Very well written story with great characters and and honest truth about how the life we want to have may not be the life we are intended to have! Highly recommend!