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ailurolily's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
3.25
A very cozy and relaxing read. The primary conflicts are tense enough that you want them to suceed, but the stakes are fairly low which makes this a very good book to read if you're looking for something casual. There are some fantasy elements, but it's an extremely soft magic system and the fantasy is light. Alrhough I enjoyed this book more than not, my feelings towards it are a bit mixed.
I found the writing style didn't resonate with me much. I didn't like the way the dialogue or character interactions were written, which pulled me out of the story. But, I tend to be picky when it comes to writing style, so take this criticism with a grain of salt. And obviously if you're not somebody who notices or cares much for prose, this criticism probably won't be relevant for you.
While the lead characters were interesting enough to follow, the side characters felt bland and flat. I understand you can't make every single character round and dynamic, but most of the townspeople were entirely indistinguishable from each other. The main characters (Trav, Grace, and Sarah) didn't suffer quite as much from this. Of the three perspectives we read, Grace is the most nuanced and developed, with Trav coming in close second. I didn't feel Sarah was as interesting as Sarah and Trav, but I would put her above the side characters at least.
In general, my overall opinion of it was that it was OK. I would reread it, or read its sequel, but I don't regret reading. It has a specific purpose: to tell a story about grief and feeling lost, and about finding a family you learn the lean on. And it does that well. So take this review as you will. 3.25 stars seems a bit harsh, but that mostly reflects my own personal enjoyment of the story. If you think you may like, you probably will.
I found the writing style didn't resonate with me much. I didn't like the way the dialogue or character interactions were written, which pulled me out of the story. But, I tend to be picky when it comes to writing style, so take this criticism with a grain of salt. And obviously if you're not somebody who notices or cares much for prose, this criticism probably won't be relevant for you.
While the lead characters were interesting enough to follow, the side characters felt bland and flat. I understand you can't make every single character round and dynamic, but most of the townspeople were entirely indistinguishable from each other. The main characters (Trav, Grace, and Sarah) didn't suffer quite as much from this. Of the three perspectives we read, Grace is the most nuanced and developed, with Trav coming in close second. I didn't feel Sarah was as interesting as Sarah and Trav, but I would put her above the side characters at least.
In general, my overall opinion of it was that it was OK. I would reread it, or read its sequel, but I don't regret reading. It has a specific purpose: to tell a story about grief and feeling lost, and about finding a family you learn the lean on. And it does that well. So take this review as you will. 3.25 stars seems a bit harsh, but that mostly reflects my own personal enjoyment of the story. If you think you may like, you probably will.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death
esposi26's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Grief and Death
Minor: Drug abuse
gracew's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This is, forgive the pun, a charming story. Very slow moving but very sweet. I like the characters though I wish some of the side characters got a bit more focus. I think it's a perfectly fun read with not a lot of meat to it ultimately. I do think that the romances were uhhh not awesome. The two female leads have more chemistry and this would have been almost five stars if it had been gay because these two would make such a lovely couple. The male lead's POV is easily the weakest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Death
Minor: Animal death
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is charming. It has its moments, and is neither bad nor excellent, which I'd argue qualifies it as good. I enjoyed reading it. If you're in the mood for a warming book with a struggling town, a family in need of support, a pinch of blossoming romance, and a woman who regularly hears books tell her which of the town's residents needs to read them, this is the book for you. It's a bit corny at times, and the writing feels a bit clumsy in a spot or two, but it's a fun read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Death
Alzheimer's disease, death of a parent, death of a sibling
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