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cdrizzy17's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It was slow at first, but once it picked up, it was an amazing story.
nelamartino's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A good read to past time.
Unlike what the synopsis suggests, there's no magic or enchanted dresses here (it's just a figure of speech). The writing was good the but the whole storyline sums up as another hallmark romance story.
One thing that kept me engaged was the narrative of Soline's past and then that bit of twist in the end that they were related which does seem more of a convenience like many parts of the story (and a little predictable) for the inevitable 'happy ending'.
There also wasn't much character development in the present storyline. Other than the tragic loss of her lover, Rory's character was just dramatic and flat. Same with the present Soline, just stubborn until the end.
While the past storyline was kind of tense. I'd still categorize this as a light read. There are tugging moments here and there, especially if you're a little more sensitive, but that's just about it.
Unlike what the synopsis suggests, there's no magic or enchanted dresses here (it's just a figure of speech). The writing was good the but the whole storyline sums up as another hallmark romance story.
One thing that kept me engaged was the narrative of Soline's past and then that bit of twist in the end
There also wasn't much character development in the present storyline. Other than the tragic loss of her lover, Rory's character was just dramatic and flat. Same with the present Soline, just stubborn until the end.
While the past storyline was kind of tense. I'd still categorize this as a light read. There are tugging moments here and there, especially if you're a little more sensitive, but that's just about it.
jmszpicki's review against another edition
This was an audio book and the accent the narrator used is very distracting for me for some reason.
somanybooks_solittletime's review against another edition
5.0
I just loved this book and wished I'd wrote my review just after I finished it. I only used to mainly read crime and thrillers, but trying to widen my TBR list this year and im enjoying the ride.
This book had such a unique story line and I was enthralled from start to finish. I fell in love with the different characters and really enjoyed the odd French word or phrase added throughout.
I already have more books on my TBR list from this author and hope that they are just as magical as this story was.
This book had such a unique story line and I was enthralled from start to finish. I fell in love with the different characters and really enjoyed the odd French word or phrase added throughout.
I already have more books on my TBR list from this author and hope that they are just as magical as this story was.
slutteabella's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.