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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I struggled with this book, the story was OK. The domestic violence hit some hard spots. I really struggle with the love triangle. Will, Sierra and Caroline it was all too muddy for me to find it a truly happy ending.
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very readable book, but with a lot of things that just weren't very believable or convincing. Heads up on some possible triggers: domestic abuse, drug abuse/overdose and parental death at a young age.
The story begins with Caroline making the cross country trek from New York to her lovely hometown on Washington's Pacific coast... With 2 kids who aren't hers in tow. Most of the story is flashing back to her childhood and her time in New York, with a bit of present day mixed in.
I enjoyed the characters and I think this had the bones to be a great story, but there were so many different things happening and very little of it was convincing. I can't say much else without spoiling things, but I found the "friendship" between Caroline and Angelique to be far from close... Certainly not of the caliber that you would believe a lot of what transpired. The friendship between Caroline and Sierra made no sense, especially given that Sierra had no clue of the feelings Caroline had for Will... You just can't hide these sorts of things. The Oysterville sewing circle group, a domestic abuse support group started up by Caroline, left me wanting more and seemed glossed over whereas I wanted it to moreso be the highlight and meat of the novel... Instead it was more of a girl likes boy, how can girl get said boy especially when boy is your best friends husband sort of book...
I did find the historical aspect of the name of the Oysterville sewing circle interesting and clever. Overall, lots of potential here, but for me it was a flop.
This is a very readable book, but with a lot of things that just weren't very believable or convincing. Heads up on some possible triggers: domestic abuse, drug abuse/overdose and parental death at a young age.
The story begins with Caroline making the cross country trek from New York to her lovely hometown on Washington's Pacific coast... With 2 kids who aren't hers in tow. Most of the story is flashing back to her childhood and her time in New York, with a bit of present day mixed in.
I enjoyed the characters and I think this had the bones to be a great story, but there were so many different things happening and very little of it was convincing. I can't say much else without spoiling things, but I found the "friendship" between Caroline and Angelique to be far from close... Certainly not of the caliber that you would believe a lot of what transpired. The friendship between Caroline and Sierra made no sense, especially given that Sierra had no clue of the feelings Caroline had for Will... You just can't hide these sorts of things. The Oysterville sewing circle group, a domestic abuse support group started up by Caroline, left me wanting more and seemed glossed over whereas I wanted it to moreso be the highlight and meat of the novel... Instead it was more of a girl likes boy, how can girl get said boy especially when boy is your best friends husband sort of book...
I did find the historical aspect of the name of the Oysterville sewing circle interesting and clever. Overall, lots of potential here, but for me it was a flop.
Amazing book looking at the effects of domestic abuse
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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:
No
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
3.5 STARS
I have enjoyed several books from Wiggs, but this one was not a favorite. At some point the heavy issues became overwhelming; I wish she had taken one or two and did those well, versus four or five done incomplete. The timeline of past and present was out of sync and hindered the flow of the story. I liked all the characters and theme of family, so it was not a total miss.
I have enjoyed several books from Wiggs, but this one was not a favorite. At some point the heavy issues became overwhelming; I wish she had taken one or two and did those well, versus four or five done incomplete. The timeline of past and present was out of sync and hindered the flow of the story. I liked all the characters and theme of family, so it was not a total miss.
The Oysterville Sewing Circle is not about a sewing circle/group of friends as I had envisioned. In all honesty, I chose this book based on the author because I have read past novels and the title. Caroline is an aspiring clothes designer, whose best friend and model dies of an overdose, leaving Caroline her two children. With her career in shambles, not knowing how to be a parent, she returns home to Oysterville to her family to regroup and figure out her next steps. There she literally, runs into the love of her life, who happens to be married to her best friend. Cue mixed up relationship, you know what is going to happen. The mother of the children was also a victim of domestic violence and Caroline wants to do something to help other women and honor her friend's memory, thus, The Oysterville Sewing Circle.
While I applaud the author for tacking several difficult subjects in this novel, it was a love story first with a feel good message that everything works out in the end. As we all know, is not the case with domestic violence, foster kids, or adoption.
It is a interesting and quick read. Maybe it will open peoples eyes to the problems of DV a little and help someone take that step to end the cycle, or help others to realize that DV is something that knows no boundaries. It occurs in all classes, races, and genders.
While I applaud the author for tacking several difficult subjects in this novel, it was a love story first with a feel good message that everything works out in the end. As we all know, is not the case with domestic violence, foster kids, or adoption.
It is a interesting and quick read. Maybe it will open peoples eyes to the problems of DV a little and help someone take that step to end the cycle, or help others to realize that DV is something that knows no boundaries. It occurs in all classes, races, and genders.
I've been needing an enjoyable novel with a good story that didn't require too much thought. I guess that might be called a beach read. This novel satisfied that itch. While mostly predictable, I enjoyed the story of Caroline, the changes in her life--taking in the children of her deceased friend, her involvement in helping abused women, her search for love,
emotional
informative
inspiring
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:
N/A
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
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