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fourfootedbeasts's review
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
pinksy's review against another edition
2.0
Awww I so wanted this to be amazing, but it just didn’t hit me.
Honestly I think if I’d read it, I would have enjoyed it
More but listening to it as an audiobook, I think it was badly cast! The voice didn’t match the character I saw in my head!
Honestly I think if I’d read it, I would have enjoyed it
More but listening to it as an audiobook, I think it was badly cast! The voice didn’t match the character I saw in my head!
portybelle's review against another edition
5.0
If you need a book to give you a real pick-me-up just now, then look no further than Phaedra Patrick's latest novel, The Secrets of Sunshine. It's as cheerful inside as that bright cover suggests. The author's last novel, The Library of Lost and Found was one of my top reads last year so I had high hopes for this novel and I wasn't disappointed.
Mitchell was an architect who designed bridges but following the death of his wife, he gave up his job and now works for the council cutting love-locks off bridges instead. One day, a woman falls off the bridge and Mitchell jumps in to save her. It's fair to say that this changes his life in ways he could never have imagined.
I loved the way that Mitchell began the learn about the stories behind the love locks and to appreciate the significance of them. I'm not going to tell you how this came about as I don't want to spoil the story for you. Rather than seeing them as an act of vandalism to be removed, he could see the people behind the messages on the locks. There were lovely stories shared some of which brought a lump to my throat I must admit.
As with Phaedra Patrick's previous novels, the characters in this book are what made it so appealing to me. Mitchell himself although sad and grieving was clearly a man who had a big heart, shown not least by his love for his small daughter Poppy. The family of the woman he saved were all really fascinating to read about too, particularly quirky Auntie Jean. Then there's Carl the concierge in Mitchell's building, trainee newspaper reporter Susan, his boyhood friend Graham (who has some rather useful friends) and his workmate Barry. Each character added so much to the story for me, and the author brought them colourfully to life.
The Secrets of Sunshine is a gorgeous story about second chances and living life to the full. It's such an uplifting and hope-filled book that I can't imagine anyone not finishing it with a huge smile on their face.
Mitchell was an architect who designed bridges but following the death of his wife, he gave up his job and now works for the council cutting love-locks off bridges instead. One day, a woman falls off the bridge and Mitchell jumps in to save her. It's fair to say that this changes his life in ways he could never have imagined.
I loved the way that Mitchell began the learn about the stories behind the love locks and to appreciate the significance of them. I'm not going to tell you how this came about as I don't want to spoil the story for you. Rather than seeing them as an act of vandalism to be removed, he could see the people behind the messages on the locks. There were lovely stories shared some of which brought a lump to my throat I must admit.
As with Phaedra Patrick's previous novels, the characters in this book are what made it so appealing to me. Mitchell himself although sad and grieving was clearly a man who had a big heart, shown not least by his love for his small daughter Poppy. The family of the woman he saved were all really fascinating to read about too, particularly quirky Auntie Jean. Then there's Carl the concierge in Mitchell's building, trainee newspaper reporter Susan, his boyhood friend Graham (who has some rather useful friends) and his workmate Barry. Each character added so much to the story for me, and the author brought them colourfully to life.
The Secrets of Sunshine is a gorgeous story about second chances and living life to the full. It's such an uplifting and hope-filled book that I can't imagine anyone not finishing it with a huge smile on their face.
bridlington's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
isabellm's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book from start to finish. Mitchell was a wonderful lead character. His journey from the moment he jumped in the river to save Yvette was engaging, touching and hopeful. I found myself hooked on the mystery surrounding her and how the author handled the resolution. It was wonderful how one act helped Mitchell find his way out of the emotional rut he was in and let him start living properly. I loved the supporting characters, Poppy, Barry, Carl, Graham and lovely pineapple Liza. The letter writing was especially lovely and made me want to write a few of my own. Really well written, highly recommended book.
poppyharv's review
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.0
marianne101's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
iaproton's review
Quite sad & depressing,the first chapters talk quite a lot about Poppy’s father & how her mother Jasmine died,how their lives have fallen apart for about 1/3 of the book with frequent descriptions of their grief & emotional pain. I didn’t really care for the quirky music teacher who talked weirdly/was badly voiced by the narrator or the strict headmistress. This 1/3 wasn’t as relaxing as expected with a woman who’s gone missing supposedly almost drowning & the father ending up in hospital ,the narration didn’t help.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Injury/Injury detail