You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I enjoyed the entering more than anything but for the majority of the book every character bugged me particularly as I felt I was supposed to be endeared to them but bleh. I felt a bit more understanding realizing it came out in 2001 but never has that seemed so long ago
I really liked this book... so many hidden meanings in the words on the pages. Life happens whether we notice it or not - so maybe we should all start Tending Roses...
Gave up at 28%. I just couldn't connect with this one.
Kate was very relatable, her position as wife and mother, feeling distant from her family and wishing things could be better, and her love for her grandmother are all things I can connect with. The farm was described wonderfully and I wished I were there more than once, especially at Christmas and when the roses were in Bloom. Not a real exciting page turner but definitely a good read with a wonderful message.
".. Both are gifts God has given, by His grace, not by your works. God has put you where you are, and He will show you where you should go from here. Be humble. Be gracious and grateful."
"When you feel burdened, listen to the laughter of your children. Take delight in them. They will make your load seem light."
".. Both are gifts God has given, by His grace, not by your works. God has put you where you are, and He will show you where you should go from here. Be humble. Be gracious and grateful."
"When you feel burdened, listen to the laughter of your children. Take delight in them. They will make your load seem light."
Got to page 96 and had to quit. What seems like a heartfelt story about the importance of motherhood to some read more like a toxic positivity-filled affront to working mothers to me. It might just be the headspace I was in at the time of reading (as a working mother of two small children with an extreme passion for my job who doesn’t need to “expect less” to be a good mother), but I had no desire to digest the lessons the author was trying to teach me in this one. I love Lisa Wingate, but this is definitely not her strongest work. The prose was very repetitive and the plot didn’t move quickly enough for my pace. And WHOO BOY that husband got on my NERVES. I really hope he got better by the end of the book but I’m not willing to stick around and find out.
I do feel a bit bad writing this review because I know Wingate wrote this debut novel as a tribute to her relationship with her own grandmother and the book means a lot to her. If I read it a decade ago I think I would have received this book much differently. But as a woman in 2022 and a really good mom who struggles regularly with the “mom guilt” of loving her job too much, I can’t get behind a story with the central theme of abandoning your career for your children.
I do feel a bit bad writing this review because I know Wingate wrote this debut novel as a tribute to her relationship with her own grandmother and the book means a lot to her. If I read it a decade ago I think I would have received this book much differently. But as a woman in 2022 and a really good mom who struggles regularly with the “mom guilt” of loving her job too much, I can’t get behind a story with the central theme of abandoning your career for your children.
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
Audiobook.
Beautiful book.
Relationships. Life Lessons.
Beautifully written!
Beautiful book.
Relationships. Life Lessons.
Beautifully written!
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
This book is a beautiful reminder of the importance of family. So heartwarming and fantastic!