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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I really thought I'd love this book. It's very old-fashioned writing and a farm story during WWII, but it didn't seem to be able to decide what it was about. And I never understood the narrator's motivation, or why she acted or felt the way she did. What was it she liked or didn't about her husband? It was never clear. The Japanese internment subplot (or main plot? what was the main story here?) was frustrating and unfinished. Just ok when it could have been great.
This was a wonderful book. For a genre I don't normally read, I was surprised at how much I truly enjoyed reading this book. While in reality not much happened, the story was intriguing and the characters believable. I loved Ray, so patient and loving, doing his best to be a good husband despite the situation.
Ok, so I watched the Hallmark movie (YouTube) and enjoyed it. The movie wasn't overly deep into the characters and felt a bit choppy but it interested me enough that I decided to read the book. AND I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID. Seriously, Ray may be the best fictional man EVER. *puddle of mush* IT IS JUST ALL SOOOOOOOOOOO FREAKING ADORABLE. ALL OF IT.
If your looking for a sweet romance with good characters, interesting back stories, and just all around happy endings, watch the movie, then read the book (because then end of the book is a little sadder than the movie).
If your looking for a sweet romance with good characters, interesting back stories, and just all around happy endings, watch the movie, then read the book (because then end of the book is a little sadder than the movie).
This book was pretty good. I really liked the main character's husband, Ray. He was hard-working, forgiving and loving. One of the characters got kind of annoying, though. There was also an inappropriate scene. It didn't last long, but still...
Livvy is a young woman who finds herself in a delicate condition after being abandoned by a soldier during WW2. Her father sends her to rural CO to marry a farmer sight unseen. Ray is a quiet, gentle man still grieving the loss of his brother in the war and is hoping for companionship and eventual love with Livvy.
There are actually two stories here. Livvy has to adjust to her totally different life (she is college-educated and dreams of travels and discoveries) on a rural farm with very little social interactions or work to keep her busy. And while doing so, she befriends two Japanese American sisters from a nearby internment camp, and their friendship storyline has its ups and downs with a tragic twist. While I found Livvy frustrating at times as she seemed judgmental and selfish, I tried to keep in mind the shock she suffered from her upended life.
The love story is a very slow one, but I found that refreshing as well as believable, and Ray, who really shines here, is a patient and accepting hero. The friendship story is both bittersweet and heartbreaking. Lots of historical mentions here (very interesting) and some lovely, evocative prose. Enjoyed this one.
There are actually two stories here. Livvy has to adjust to her totally different life (she is college-educated and dreams of travels and discoveries) on a rural farm with very little social interactions or work to keep her busy. And while doing so, she befriends two Japanese American sisters from a nearby internment camp, and their friendship storyline has its ups and downs with a tragic twist. While I found Livvy frustrating at times as she seemed judgmental and selfish, I tried to keep in mind the shock she suffered from her upended life.
The love story is a very slow one, but I found that refreshing as well as believable, and Ray, who really shines here, is a patient and accepting hero. The friendship story is both bittersweet and heartbreaking. Lots of historical mentions here (very interesting) and some lovely, evocative prose. Enjoyed this one.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I would have dnf'd but it was for book club.
This book had potential but never went where it would have been interesting.
This book had potential but never went where it would have been interesting.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
[Popsugar reading challenge: A book I own but haven't read yet]
Not wholly compelling, it was easy to set down and come back to. But enjoyable nonetheless.
Not wholly compelling, it was easy to set down and come back to. But enjoyable nonetheless.
Where was I when this book came out? I can't believe I have never heard of it before. I first found out there was a Hallmark movie and found out there was also a book. I requested the movie and the book from the library. Thankfully the book came first. The story was touching, sad, heart wrenching in places, happy ending BUT a big thing happened with the Japanese girls that I did not see coming. So, now I wait for the movie to come and I look forward to watching that.