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monika_reads's review
4.5
I was unprepared for how engrossing this book would be! I liked that each chapter changed to a different character’s perspective and we got to see everyone’s thoughts, feelings, motivations, and assumptions. This story is rife with heartache but also carried a lot of hope and love. Definitely add this to your TBR, but save it for a time when you are ready for an emotional read to suck you in completely.
bethreneereadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️
Where Butterflies Wander is a beautiful tale of love and grief and growth. Filled with complicated characters and a family fractured by recent trauma, it was impossible not to be moved by this lovely story.
Thank you Suzanne Redfearn, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Where Butterflies Wander is a beautiful tale of love and grief and growth. Filled with complicated characters and a family fractured by recent trauma, it was impossible not to be moved by this lovely story.
Thank you Suzanne Redfearn, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
danaleann23's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
imsosobored's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
steel_city_peach'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Pass the Tissue!
Wow! This story took so many turns. Every time it seemed like things couldn’t get worse, another traumatic event happened. Much of it was ignited by a self absorbed teenager. Brendon reminded me so much of Kevin from This Is Us. He just kept making mistakes that held devastating consequences for the people around him. Marie was painted as a villain, but I understood her actions. Her small act of atonement led to one of the most beautiful endings I’ve ever read. Whew! I was in tears. It was just so touching. Davina deserved a win. She was such an amazing character. She moved with compassion and integrity. I just loved her. She was put through so much pain and heartache. It never hardened her heart. I was so happy with the way things turned out for her.
esmekizer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.25
wicklh1's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
justacatandabook's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I love when a book is unexpectedly riveting!
Wow, I wasn't sure what to expect with BUTTERFLIES, but this was a magical read. It's heartbreaking at times, but really beautiful. The Egide family is desperately trying to recover after a tragic loss. They retreat to a New Hampshire home that belonged to the family of mom, Marie. Marie hopes to sell the home and property so her own family can start over. But she's thwarted when they discover Davina, known as "the river witch," living in a cabin on the property. A war veteran and beloved friend of Marie's grandpa, Davina is determined to stay, saying Marie's grandfather wanted her there. As the locals line up against the Egides, tensions and anger rise.
This book is completely captivating and very hard to put down. The characters seemed very real , especially Davina and the Egide kids (I see you, sweet Pen). You feel like you're in the New Hampshire countryside with the characters. Much of the story is very sad, between the Egide's loss and Davina's sad past, including war trauma. Redfearn explores grief and loss from a variety of angles and looks at motherhood through the lens of both Davina and Marie. In doing so, she looks at what truly makes a person happy. Is it money, or is there more? We also see how small towns react to attacks on their own.
Pieces of this book seemed a little long, and there were some plot parts that appeared added unnecessarily, and then the end wrapped up a little easily. Overall, though, this is an emotional tale with well-crafted characters and a unique plot that keeps you reading.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an unbiased review.
Wow, I wasn't sure what to expect with BUTTERFLIES, but this was a magical read. It's heartbreaking at times, but really beautiful. The Egide family is desperately trying to recover after a tragic loss. They retreat to a New Hampshire home that belonged to the family of mom, Marie. Marie hopes to sell the home and property so her own family can start over. But she's thwarted when they discover Davina, known as "the river witch," living in a cabin on the property. A war veteran and beloved friend of Marie's grandpa, Davina is determined to stay, saying Marie's grandfather wanted her there. As the locals line up against the Egides, tensions and anger rise.
This book is completely captivating and very hard to put down. The characters seemed very real , especially Davina and the Egide kids (I see you, sweet Pen). You feel like you're in the New Hampshire countryside with the characters. Much of the story is very sad, between the Egide's loss and Davina's sad past, including war trauma. Redfearn explores grief and loss from a variety of angles and looks at motherhood through the lens of both Davina and Marie. In doing so, she looks at what truly makes a person happy. Is it money, or is there more? We also see how small towns react to attacks on their own.
Pieces of this book seemed a little long, and there were some plot parts that appeared added unnecessarily, and then the end wrapped up a little easily. Overall, though, this is an emotional tale with well-crafted characters and a unique plot that keeps you reading.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an unbiased review.
pollyhall's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0