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slutteabella's review
4.0
Pleasantly Surprised
I read The Keeper of Happy Endings because of an Amazon Kindle reading challenge. I don’t normally read this genre, but this was a surprise for me. Barbara’s writing style kept me engaged in the story.
Even though I was constantly frustrated with Camille and Rory’s encounters, the story telling and description of them were well written. While there is some reference to divination in the book, and a root of the story, there isn’t much focus on it through the book. The focus is on Soline and Rory and their shared experiences.
I would have loved to see more cultural references for Soline’s past, but over all I really enjoyed it.
The ending really through me for a loop, and wasn’t what I expected. With that title, I really should have though!
I read The Keeper of Happy Endings because of an Amazon Kindle reading challenge. I don’t normally read this genre, but this was a surprise for me. Barbara’s writing style kept me engaged in the story.
Even though I was constantly frustrated with Camille and Rory’s encounters, the story telling and description of them were well written. While there is some reference to divination in the book, and a root of the story, there isn’t much focus on it through the book. The focus is on Soline and Rory and their shared experiences.
I would have loved to see more cultural references for Soline’s past, but over all I really enjoyed it.
The ending really through me for a loop, and wasn’t what I expected. With that title, I really should have though!
laurendzwilliams's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
book_reader_lover's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
A dual timeline between WWII and 1985, with 2 POV's. An enjoyable, heartfelt read.
Rory is dealing with an overbearing mother and her finance, Hux, being kidnapped in Sudan. She doesn't know if he is alive or dead. Her mother doesn't understand why she doesn't move on.
Soline is a woman dealing with hurt. She's lost every person and thing she ever loved. She was once a seamstress that made beautiful dresses but after a fire at her boutique she can no longer sew. She hasn't been able to get part with her shop.
Two women destined to meet. They help each other. One with how to deal with not knowing if your love is alive, the other with helping you to learn how to live again.
Barbara Davis is an amazing writer. This is the second book I have read by her and I loved it. She has strong women characters that survive regardless of their circumstances. Rory and Soline both developed throughout the book, as well as the minor characters. After reading, I felt like I was leaving friends. Davis writes in a way that transfers the reader into each scene. I felt everything each character was going through.
If you haven't read a book by Barbara Davis, you need to go to your local library or book store and grab one. I plan on reading everything she writes.
#carlislepubliclibrary #lonokecountylibrarysystem
#barbaradavis #keeperofhappyendings #readaway2024 #alphabetchallenge2024 (k)
Rory is dealing with an overbearing mother and her finance, Hux, being kidnapped in Sudan. She doesn't know if he is alive or dead. Her mother doesn't understand why she doesn't move on.
Soline is a woman dealing with hurt. She's lost every person and thing she ever loved. She was once a seamstress that made beautiful dresses but after a fire at her boutique she can no longer sew. She hasn't been able to get part with her shop.
Two women destined to meet. They help each other. One with how to deal with not knowing if your love is alive, the other with helping you to learn how to live again.
Barbara Davis is an amazing writer. This is the second book I have read by her and I loved it. She has strong women characters that survive regardless of their circumstances. Rory and Soline both developed throughout the book, as well as the minor characters. After reading, I felt like I was leaving friends. Davis writes in a way that transfers the reader into each scene. I felt everything each character was going through.
If you haven't read a book by Barbara Davis, you need to go to your local library or book store and grab one. I plan on reading everything she writes.
#carlislepubliclibrary #lonokecountylibrarysystem
#barbaradavis #keeperofhappyendings #readaway2024 #alphabetchallenge2024 (k)
arianassz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
sunzreads's review
3.0
The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis is a story of three women of different generations who hold heartbreaking stories of loss and hope. It is told from dual perspectives at different points in time giving more insight into Soline's life as a Resistance volunteer during the Second World War in Paris and a seamstress and businesswoman in Boston, and Rory's relationship with her mother, Camilla, both of them are living in Boston as well.
The Keeper of Happy Endings is written well but didn't captivate me as much as the Last of the Moon Girls, the first Barbara Davis novel I read. Some parts of the plot are familiar and the twist is predictable. However, it's still a good read because the characters are interesting, and the themes -- war, power of wealth, family, hope, and love -- engendered self-reflection questions.
The Keeper of Happy Endings is written well but didn't captivate me as much as the Last of the Moon Girls, the first Barbara Davis novel I read. Some parts of the plot are familiar and the twist is predictable. However, it's still a good read because the characters are interesting, and the themes -- war, power of wealth, family, hope, and love -- engendered self-reflection questions.
mrsipson's review
5.0
This book has it all and then some!
I enjoyed this so very much! I will be adding this to my book club recommendation for next year. Bittersweet throughout. Love the history and how the two stories run parallel. The ending may me cry. Read this book! Also loved the narrators when I listened instead of read myself.
I enjoyed this so very much! I will be adding this to my book club recommendation for next year. Bittersweet throughout. Love the history and how the two stories run parallel. The ending may me cry. Read this book! Also loved the narrators when I listened instead of read myself.
kbrumbley96_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
catherineamerica's review
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
rosemwood's review
5.0
I thought the whole story was good. The bases of this story is second chances. Hope, love, and loss helped develop the characters. Second chances had you falling for the characters and hoping for their happy ever after. I have read some reviews staying that it was a slow start but I didn't feel that way. Maybe because I listened to it on audio instead of read it.
klimeido's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0