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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault
Uh… I don’t know. There were parts I liked, and parts that made me cry. I like the sewing and design aspect. I’m obviously for the stance against domestic violence, but it seemed a little forced. Her thoughts and worries were repetitive, but that’s also how thoughts and worries are. The romance was obvious. The parental situation was too. I don’t know, it felt like a hallmark movie. With a lot of F words. Hated that. Overall meh.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
I liked what the author was trying to do, bringing attention to partner abuse and the impact on women's families. But, I had a hard time connecting to it through the main character of Caroline. She bugged me. I couldn't help feeling like Caroline was patronizing to the women in the support group.
I liked the kids, the descriptions of the clothing designs, her family, the descriptions of the locations. I guess everything came just too easy for Caroline. Maybe it was because I was a single mom who didn't have free housing and free daycare and all of the other support that she really didn't seem to even notice, her privilege grated.
That, and I kept mentally comparing it to other books that faced domestic abuse straight on, and this paled in comparison. Books like Kennedy Ryan's Long Shot (which was excellent) and Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us, also very good. This was a different perspective. It might work better for some readers, as the writing is lush and the plot decent. The hero was a cinnamon roll. The villain was practically a cartoon though.
I liked the kids, the descriptions of the clothing designs, her family, the descriptions of the locations. I guess everything came just too easy for Caroline. Maybe it was because I was a single mom who didn't have free housing and free daycare and all of the other support that she really didn't seem to even notice, her privilege grated.
That, and I kept mentally comparing it to other books that faced domestic abuse straight on, and this paled in comparison. Books like Kennedy Ryan's Long Shot (which was excellent) and Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us, also very good. This was a different perspective. It might work better for some readers, as the writing is lush and the plot decent. The hero was a cinnamon roll. The villain was practically a cartoon though.
Excellent read. Author covers topics including drug usage, addiction, adoption and family in a great story!
3.5 stars Important and current themes, but wrapped up a little too perfectly
I rate simply: 5 = liked it, 3 = meh, and 1 = didn't like it.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs is a charming story with elements of friendship, family, love, business, and even social justice. It centers on Caroline Shelby, an up and coming fashion designer whose life is changed in an instant, twice; once by a betrayal and then by a loss. She returns home from New York City to her hometown of Oysterville, Washington to rebuild her life.
I greatly enjoyed this book as Caroline reconnects with old friends and makes new ones, as well as reaches out to help women in difficult situations. I also found her entrance back into the design world highly interesting as she finds new inspiration in her changed circumstances. And, of course, a little romance never hurt anyone.
I didn't know when I started the book that it had a storyline about domestic violence. I usually avoid books with abuse in them because they often sensationalize it, but Wiggs handled the topic in a thoughtful and careful manner.
All in all, I would highly recommend this book.
I greatly enjoyed this book as Caroline reconnects with old friends and makes new ones, as well as reaches out to help women in difficult situations. I also found her entrance back into the design world highly interesting as she finds new inspiration in her changed circumstances. And, of course, a little romance never hurt anyone.
I didn't know when I started the book that it had a storyline about domestic violence. I usually avoid books with abuse in them because they often sensationalize it, but Wiggs handled the topic in a thoughtful and careful manner.
All in all, I would highly recommend this book.