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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Digital audio performed by Imogen Church
Martha Storm volunteers at the local library and would love to have a permanent paid position there. She has a degree in English literature and has applied several times, but the man in charge prefers “younger apprentices.” She’s clearly unappreciated, but soldiers on. And then one day a book of fairy tales is left for her, and she discovers that it is dedicated to HER by her late grandmother. As she tries to puzzle out where the book came from and how it came to be in her possession, she uncovers family secrets.
Patrick writes quirky characters with hidden secrets very well. These are nearly broken people who keep their heads down and try to exist without much support or joy in their lives. And yet …
My heart broke for Martha, especially for the Martha who was a child clearly on the outs with her parents and sister. When she finally uncovers the full truth behind the book of fairy tales, and her life, she gains a new sense of herself and the possibilities she’s longed for are finally in her reach.
This is the second book by Patrick that I’ve read. Both were heart-warming and enjoyable.
Imogen Church does a find job of voicing the audiobook. She sets a good pace and has clear diction that is easily understood even when listening at increased speed.
Martha Storm volunteers at the local library and would love to have a permanent paid position there. She has a degree in English literature and has applied several times, but the man in charge prefers “younger apprentices.” She’s clearly unappreciated, but soldiers on. And then one day a book of fairy tales is left for her, and she discovers that it is dedicated to HER by her late grandmother. As she tries to puzzle out where the book came from and how it came to be in her possession, she uncovers family secrets.
Patrick writes quirky characters with hidden secrets very well. These are nearly broken people who keep their heads down and try to exist without much support or joy in their lives. And yet …
My heart broke for Martha, especially for the Martha who was a child clearly on the outs with her parents and sister. When she finally uncovers the full truth behind the book of fairy tales, and her life, she gains a new sense of herself and the possibilities she’s longed for are finally in her reach.
This is the second book by Patrick that I’ve read. Both were heart-warming and enjoyable.
Imogen Church does a find job of voicing the audiobook. She sets a good pace and has clear diction that is easily understood even when listening at increased speed.
keeperofsecrets89's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
novmbrrayn's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet and quick read. For those who love books, short stories, libraries… and how they bring people together.
alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
I was disappointed in this story after how much I loved Arthur Pepper.
barnesbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, it took a bit to get into the book. It may have just been me, or the gratuitous descriptions of minute details, but it just took a minute. Also, the back of the book was misleading, because for some reason the version I have just says "[Martha's] best friend" instead of "her best friend - her grandmother Zelda," which did change my expectations for the book a little. Still, I enjoyed it. Zelda is a firecracker, and I liked how well set up the reveal was, with all the early on references to various city life. I loved Martha's growth in the story, and how she learns to listen to her needs instead of everyone else's. It's definitely a book that I would recommend to people pleasers everywhere.
Spoiler
The dad was straight-up abusive though, so I'm glad he never truly got redeemed. And I'm glad that Martha was given a chance to mourn and release the life she could have had with Joe, rather than just having her brush it aside and/or ignore it. I also loved that Zelda was queer and in a relationship with a woman. Bonus points for that.dapplezee's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely book about stories, secrets, and finding your way.
illyreadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Martha has a hard time saying no. She lives her life saying yes to anyone who asks her to do something, in saying yes she has left no room for herself in her days. A mystery book with a dedication to her written in it changes everything. Family secrets are revealed and Martha has to decide if she is ready to stop saying yes to others, and start living her own life.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.