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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Though I like a good ugly cry read, I did to be. And I did she'd some tears. This is so much more than an ugly cry read. There is hope and friendship through the character's grief, I love it when a book makes me feel so many emotions
This book was so unbelievably sad in the beginning. I wasn't sure I even wanted to keep going because it was so depressing. However, I am so happy that I continued. Anna had such a fantastic transformation throughout the book. She is so sad after Spencer dies and after calling his phone to listen to his voicemail one NYE, a voice picks up instead. Thus begins a beautiful friendship where they bond over loss and grief and feeling so stuck. I loved Gabby and Theresa. They were the perfect companions to Anna. I loved Brody and his no-nonsense way of looking at things and helping Anna move forward. I hated Gail. She was the worst!!! Just wait... you'll agree with me. The ending of the story is just what I wanted. It was wrapped up beautifully. Such amazing character development for both Anna and Brody.
I am not going to provide a lengthy summary of the book as many others have done, but I will say I really enjoyed this book! I had a difficult time getting into as it can be sad because it discusses grief, but I'm glad I continued on. If you have ever lost someone, I imagine you will connect with what she is going through. It is a great story and I recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with this advanced audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with this advanced audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I first started this book I wasn’t sure if it was going to be for me but I’m so glad I stuck with it because the story really started to unfold for me. This is the first book I’ve read by the author but it won’t be the last. The narration was also spot on for this book.
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
CONTENT WARNING: death of a loved one, death of a young person, grief, anxiety, agoraphobia, panic attacks, mental health.
I want to start by saying that if you do not feel as though you are in the right headspace for any of the above content warnings then please do not pick up this book. On the other hand, if you feel as though this book is something that you would be interested in (without causing any upset), I highly recommend this book. It portrays how grief is not a journey that's experienced the same by everyone, but it is an experience that is completely unique to the individual.
The two main characters in this book have won my whole heart from this book. Anna, who's husband, Spencer sadly died 3 years ago, is still deeply grieving. One New Years she calls her husbands phone to hear his voicemail but this time, someone answers it and her immediate response is 'I love you". Brody, the person on the other end of the phone, has been isolated since a heartbreaking incident that happened nearly 10 years ago that has left him experiencing his own personal struggles. Anna and Brody continue to call to support one another through the struggles of day to day life after the loss of a loved one.
This book was so beautifully written. It was written with such compassion, such empathy and such sensitivity. Everything about this book is authentic: the characters, the emotions, the experiences. I experienced every single emotion that both Anna and Brody felt throughout this book and that is such a unique skill that I feltl this author has demonstrated perfectly.
I cannot wait to read more of Fiona Lucas' work in the future. This book is something that I feel will stay with me for a very long time.
Thank you NetGalley, HQ and Fiona Lucas for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I want to start by saying that if you do not feel as though you are in the right headspace for any of the above content warnings then please do not pick up this book. On the other hand, if you feel as though this book is something that you would be interested in (without causing any upset), I highly recommend this book. It portrays how grief is not a journey that's experienced the same by everyone, but it is an experience that is completely unique to the individual.
The two main characters in this book have won my whole heart from this book. Anna, who's husband, Spencer sadly died 3 years ago, is still deeply grieving. One New Years she calls her husbands phone to hear his voicemail but this time, someone answers it and her immediate response is 'I love you". Brody, the person on the other end of the phone, has been isolated since a heartbreaking incident that happened nearly 10 years ago that has left him experiencing his own personal struggles. Anna and Brody continue to call to support one another through the struggles of day to day life after the loss of a loved one.
This book was so beautifully written. It was written with such compassion, such empathy and such sensitivity. Everything about this book is authentic: the characters, the emotions, the experiences. I experienced every single emotion that both Anna and Brody felt throughout this book and that is such a unique skill that I feltl this author has demonstrated perfectly.
I cannot wait to read more of Fiona Lucas' work in the future. This book is something that I feel will stay with me for a very long time.
Thank you NetGalley, HQ and Fiona Lucas for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Three years ago, Anna’s husband was tragically killed in an accident.
Anna is still shattered by her grief, despite the efforts of her friends and family. On New Year’s Eve, in an attempt so hear her late husband's voice, she calls his cell phone number, expecting to hear his voicemail, only to have someone pick up.
Brody is familiar with grief, and he becomes the first person Anna can talk to that can relate to her experience. Through their conversations, Anna begins to move forward as she feels Brody is the first person who understands her pain and grief. As their relationship builds, we find that Brody has secrets of his own, that he fears will scare Anna away.
Anna's character is well developed, you understand and feel her pain, you want her to overcome her sadness. You want her to resolve old relationships, but push forward with new ones. The author writes her in a way that you feel every one of Anna's emotions. The story is written well, following 2 parallels. On one side you watch Anna grow and mend relationships with her Mother in law. While on the other side you follow her as she navigates through new relationships and self-discovery.
Anna is still shattered by her grief, despite the efforts of her friends and family. On New Year’s Eve, in an attempt so hear her late husband's voice, she calls his cell phone number, expecting to hear his voicemail, only to have someone pick up.
Brody is familiar with grief, and he becomes the first person Anna can talk to that can relate to her experience. Through their conversations, Anna begins to move forward as she feels Brody is the first person who understands her pain and grief. As their relationship builds, we find that Brody has secrets of his own, that he fears will scare Anna away.
Anna's character is well developed, you understand and feel her pain, you want her to overcome her sadness. You want her to resolve old relationships, but push forward with new ones. The author writes her in a way that you feel every one of Anna's emotions. The story is written well, following 2 parallels. On one side you watch Anna grow and mend relationships with her Mother in law. While on the other side you follow her as she navigates through new relationships and self-discovery.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
SUMMARY:
Anna is lost in grief following the tragic death of her husband, Spencer. On New Year’s Eve she calls his phone expecting his old voicemail greeting, but instead someone else answers -- Brody. Brody seems to understand Anna’s grief and the two start calling longer and more regularly -- slowly learning to heal, laugh, and gain hope again. But, Brody has his own secrets
***
I found this to be an interesting read about grief and healing. The concept of calling your deceased husband’s old phone number and having a stranger pick up (mind you, a stranger who was also dealing with pain and trauma) was a bit too coincidental, but I get that it’s a book and that most people have probably gone through some pain at some point of their lives.
With Anna, I could understand her pain, but also wished she'd stop shutting out everyone and everything that was trying to help her move forward. Brody was in a similar situation and it was heartbreaking to learn, plus, he also developed agoraphobia. As for Gail (Spencer's mom), she was exhausting (and kind of a bitch
Anna is lost in grief following the tragic death of her husband, Spencer. On New Year’s Eve she calls his phone expecting his old voicemail greeting, but instead someone else answers -- Brody. Brody seems to understand Anna’s grief and the two start calling longer and more regularly -- slowly learning to heal, laugh, and gain hope again. But, Brody has his own secrets
***
I found this to be an interesting read about grief and healing. The concept of calling your deceased husband’s old phone number and having a stranger pick up (mind you, a stranger who was also dealing with pain and trauma) was a bit too coincidental, but I get that it’s a book and that most people have probably gone through some pain at some point of their lives.
With Anna, I could understand her pain, but also wished she'd stop shutting out everyone and everything that was trying to help her move forward. Brody was in a similar situation and it was heartbreaking to learn, plus, he also developed agoraphobia. As for Gail (Spencer's mom), she was exhausting (and kind of a bitch