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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Much more dramatic than the blurb makes it seem - the romance is definitely secondary to Anna and Brody's journey through grief. Still, a very intense relationship develops as they get to know one another, as well as while they recreate their lives to be more of what they want.
Anna stands up to her mother-in-law about getting freezed out of the family, develops new hobbies and passions as she emerges from the dark places of grief, and ultimately learns to move on. It's in no way a linear recovery, and the ending feels a little drawn out because of this, but still I rooted for her the whole time.
Brody is a sweet but agoraphobic former author who struggles with his anxiety disorders, and through Ana finds hope for himself and confidence to get back into the world. He helps Anna, but I loved that he seemed to do it mostly by himself through the inspiration Anna gave him. Plus a scruffy dog.
You really see them change throughout the novel, and the author doesn't even beat you over the head with it like some romances do. It's a small personal story that can be a little slow but I think is important to reflect on the nature of grief and recovery.
Anna stands up to her mother-in-law about getting freezed out of the family, develops new hobbies and passions as she emerges from the dark places of grief, and ultimately learns to move on. It's in no way a linear recovery, and the ending feels a little drawn out because of this, but still I rooted for her the whole time.
Brody is a sweet but agoraphobic former author who struggles with his anxiety disorders, and through Ana finds hope for himself and confidence to get back into the world. He helps Anna, but I loved that he seemed to do it mostly by himself through the inspiration Anna gave him. Plus a scruffy dog.
You really see them change throughout the novel, and the author doesn't even beat you over the head with it like some romances do. It's a small personal story that can be a little slow but I think is important to reflect on the nature of grief and recovery.
emotional
hopeful
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
challenging
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:
Yes
I am not a typically a fan of what I am starting to call grief romances. I like to read for escapism and that subject is always a little too close to home. However, this one had a different feel then others I have read and I really enjoyed this one. Anna has been dealing with the loss of her husband for the past three years and everyday is a struggle for her. On New Years Eve Anna calls his voicemail just to hear is voice and for the first time in 3 years someone else picks up. Brody has been living a life of solitude with just his dog out on the moors till one night a random phone call sets him on a new path. I loved the friendship that Anna and Brody shared, both dealing with grief that two lean on each other for support when others do not understand. While this book does deal with grief there was also such a sense of hope to it and I really enjoyed that. Thank you William Marrow and Netgalley for my gifted copy for review.
This book has a lot more depth and heart than the cover image implies. It’s a novel about grief and agoraphobia (described in detail). Not always easy to read about characters experiencing loss/grief while grieving, but I was moved by their stories. It started off slow but improved once I felt emotionally invested in the characters. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Emotional & Raw
So I’ve been in the mood for a good cry.. this book has been on my TBR for quite a while and I’m not sure why I haven’t given it a chance sooner.
It’s a devastatingly emotional story about Anna who loses her husband way too soon and finds herself crossing paths with Brody who has dealt with something similar.
This book depicts grief very accurately and the ways that grief can overtake your life. This story also deals with heavy topics such as depression and agoraphobia.
I thought the whole book was sad until I got towards the end when I learned about Brody’s past.. then I became devastated. I never expected this book to hit me so hard but it did.
I don’t recommend this book for the faint of heart. But I do think that if you want to read about real heartbreak, real trauma.. then you should pick up this book.
So emotional. So raw. So many tears. Just wow
So I’ve been in the mood for a good cry.. this book has been on my TBR for quite a while and I’m not sure why I haven’t given it a chance sooner.
It’s a devastatingly emotional story about Anna who loses her husband way too soon and finds herself crossing paths with Brody who has dealt with something similar.
This book depicts grief very accurately and the ways that grief can overtake your life. This story also deals with heavy topics such as depression and agoraphobia.
I thought the whole book was sad until I got towards the end when I learned about Brody’s past.. then I became devastated. I never expected this book to hit me so hard but it did.
I don’t recommend this book for the faint of heart. But I do think that if you want to read about real heartbreak, real trauma.. then you should pick up this book.
So emotional. So raw. So many tears. Just wow
Spoilers Ahead!!
Wow. I’m a little bit taken aback having just finished this book, not really sure what to do with myself. This was truly a book that I became totally engulfed in and just couldn’t step away from the story. It was difficult to get into in the beginning, and I was so gutted thinking I wasn’t going to enjoy it because I was so excited to read it - but I was so wrong. It was just beautiful in every single way. Seeing the growth in both Brody and Anna was magical - but I think a little bit more magical for Brody because the book was so focused on Anna’s journey, that we didn’t see Brody embarking on his own in the background the whole time. I think the idea to have them finally meet for the first time in the final chapter was such an excellent one, leaving their new “chapter” together totally untouched and up to the reader’s imagination as to where they’re at now. This will be a book I speak about forever, and will harp on about to anybody willing to listen.
Wow. I’m a little bit taken aback having just finished this book, not really sure what to do with myself. This was truly a book that I became totally engulfed in and just couldn’t step away from the story. It was difficult to get into in the beginning, and I was so gutted thinking I wasn’t going to enjoy it because I was so excited to read it - but I was so wrong. It was just beautiful in every single way. Seeing the growth in both Brody and Anna was magical - but I think a little bit more magical for Brody because the book was so focused on Anna’s journey, that we didn’t see Brody embarking on his own in the background the whole time. I think the idea to have them finally meet for the first time in the final chapter was such an excellent one, leaving their new “chapter” together totally untouched and up to the reader’s imagination as to where they’re at now. This will be a book I speak about forever, and will harp on about to anybody willing to listen.
This story was painful and raw, but ultimately a pleasant surprise despite the heavy subject matter.
It is too long and sags a little, but not enough for me to want to give it up at any point. I was actually surprised at my own reluctance to put this book down. It's not a riveting plot by any stretch, but the storytelling is competent enough to engage and sustain my continuous interest.
I was not a fan of the instant soulmate love idea (the main character's first marriage was apparently based on one), although the second time it seemingly happens in the book, it's actually the farthest thing from instant love, which did work quite well.
And I did appreciate the introduction of therapy at least for one of the characters, although most characters here would have benefited from some.
I can't say that the experience was enjoyable (see re. painful and raw), but definitely engaging. I am glad I finally summoned the courage to read this book.
It is too long and sags a little, but not enough for me to want to give it up at any point. I was actually surprised at my own reluctance to put this book down. It's not a riveting plot by any stretch, but the storytelling is competent enough to engage and sustain my continuous interest.
I was not a fan of the instant soulmate love idea (the main character's first marriage was apparently based on one), although the second time it seemingly happens in the book, it's actually the farthest thing from instant love, which did work quite well.
And I did appreciate the introduction of therapy at least for one of the characters, although most characters here would have benefited from some.
I can't say that the experience was enjoyable (see re. painful and raw), but definitely engaging. I am glad I finally summoned the courage to read this book.
This book description really well sets up the story - its a very slow burning tale of how two people can find a way to help each other overcome grief. Its a story that requires patience because nothing happens quickly when a spouse is working on coming out of her shell and figuring out both who she is and how to live in a world where her soul-mate dies in a tragic accident. I was really moved by Anna and her desire to be brave but found her incredibly sympathetic - just don't expect anything to happy in a hurry here.
The narrator for the audio book does a great job with all the different character voices. She really brought me right into the story and wasn't distracting at all for even this heavy novel.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an audio ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator for the audio book does a great job with all the different character voices. She really brought me right into the story and wasn't distracting at all for even this heavy novel.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an audio ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.