Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne

5 reviews

ashylibrarian's review against another edition

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lighthearted 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
This is a cute New Adult/Adult romance between Ruthie and Teddy (and maybe a few more) with exploration of careers, self-identity, family, and past traumas. I enjoyed this book for what it was - for the most part. One thing that really rubbed me the wrong way, however, was Ruthie's invasion of Teddy regarding why he was going to therapy. Multiple times she asked him bluntly to tell her why he was seeing a therapist and not until after about the third (3rd) or fourth (4th) time did he tell her. I just feel like that is not an appropriate way to have a conversation with someone about therapy, no matter how close you think you are to them. 

I just have to say that I am so happy for Aggie and Renata. I had my suspicions that they were not sisters, and once Renata started talking about her tattoo I was pretty convinced that they were in a relationship together. It did not take away from the reveal of the moment or the dance floor scene! Fresh, new love encouraged by strong, consistent love. 

I also just have to say that I was SHOCKED in the end to read that Renata was the one who passed before Aggie. Every time something would happen to Aggie in the story, my heart would get really sad, so I was definitely expecting her to be the one who passes. Either way, the love they showed for each other is beautiful, and I am so glad they were able to make peace with what they were forced to miss in high school.


Overall, I am satisfied with this book and would be interested in listening to more of Sally Thorne's books. 
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kfmcf's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

3.5

The characters in this book are enjoyable and relatable. I love the Parlonis especially, even if they seem to tread outside what is realistic of women in their 90s. That aside, the progression of the characters was believable and quite simply nice. Ruthie was very demure and sweet without seeming too overtly "perfect" in that ingenue-y sort of way. I could have done without the "she's the most beautiful woman in the world she just doesn't show it because she's frumpy" angle but oh well. I liked Teddy quite a bit, my only complaint about him was that he lacked just a touch of grounding. He seemed a little bit too overtly charming and funny, etc. His only flaw was that he was too "likeable" for people and not being able to settle down. He was still sweet and I appreciated their relationship, I just wish he just one more teeny flaw besides "Oh no too hot."

I did appreciate this book having a pretty tight, well-paced ending.
Rose's heel turn was a bit unbelievable but Rose was kind of an unnecessary character to begin with in my opinion. Having both Rose and the father felt like a misstep because they both lacked a bit of character development.


Overall, I enjoyed Thorne's writing and look forward to reading more.
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decklededgess's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-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

3.0

trigger warnings: religious trauma, sex and nudity, alcohol, infidelity, emotionally abusive and manipulative family, gaslighting, death of loved ones, wounded animals

This was a super sweet book and I enjoyed reading about the entire cast of characters. Teddy was fkn adorable and Ruthie is such a sweetheart. Melanie might need a bit of an ass whooping for being insensitive but I loved her as well. Aggie and Renata are delightful. 
As usual I was deeply disappointed by the existence of one singular sex scene in which it was mostly fade to black. I mean it was cute but details would be nice since this is a whole as ADULT book.
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liz_ann's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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? N/A

4.25

This was a light, warm-hearted read! Cheesy? Maybe! But fun, warm and loveable nonetheless. I related to this book a lot as I am a very "sheltered" person who, just like Ruthie Midona, never really seemed to "fit-in" or get along with people her own age. Never really felt young. This is a predictable, yet very fun romance between the "good little church girl" and the "bad boy." There is depth, though, to Ruthie - an understanding of who she is that might not be translated just from the outside view. I will say, there was some information unearthed throughout the book that I was not expecting! Great lighthearted summer read!
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sweetsugatam's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.0

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