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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This was my first dive into Paulette Kennedy’s work, and it did not disappoint. Sure, parts of the plot were predictable, but honestly? I didn’t care. Loretta, the main character, is so compelling and fully realized that she carried the story effortlessly.
That said, the last third of the book hits hard—it’s heavy, and the subject matter can be tough to stomach. Definitely check those trigger warnings before diving in.
This tale of a woman who dares to be different, facing persecution from her husband and community, hit me right in the gut—especially in today’s uncertain times for women.
I didn’t want it to end and would love to see more of Loretta’s story unfold.
That said, the last third of the book hits hard—it’s heavy, and the subject matter can be tough to stomach. Definitely check those trigger warnings before diving in.
This tale of a woman who dares to be different, facing persecution from her husband and community, hit me right in the gut—especially in today’s uncertain times for women.
I didn’t want it to end and would love to see more of Loretta’s story unfold.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer, Gun violence, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Stalking, Abortion
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Self harm
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-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
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
This book really puts you through the wringer in such a good way. I found myself relating to Loretta, the main character, in a way I haven’t in such a long time. I was raised Pentecostal and have recently left that walk of life. It astounded me just how on the nose the author wrote her descriptions of the evangelical scenes and the harsh restrictions put on women especially in the 1950s when the movement was still young. Unfortunately, the depictions of spiritual abuse are accurate, and I would warn readers with a similar background to take care and prepare themselves lest they trigger any unwanted memories. I also loved the paranormal aspect of this book, and I loved the way the author tied everything together at the end. This book will always stay with me. Thank you Paulette.
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was shared a lot in the thriller/horror book scene so I thought it was going to be more of a ghost story. I would say this is more of a supernatural or spiritual book? I liked the plot and enjoyed the way it wrapped up. I just would have liked more horror elements. This book highlights woman’s struggles in the 50s and how isolating and challenging it could be for those deemed not normal.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes