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lesburrata's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
3.75
codex13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
zoestra's review against another edition
hopeful
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
5.0
lildark1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.75
Thanks to Ylva and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for my review.
Grief and new beginnings are the two biggest themes of this story as we follow Stella Carter after she's lost her husband to a terrible murder. Her niece moves cross country to live with her and help her out. Stella is deep within her grief, barely leaving her home except to head to her local drugstore for candy. But between her niece Addie and an old coworker of Stella, Captain Elizabeth Murphy, Stella finds herself (sometimes reluctantly) pushing through the grief to find a new lease on life after a marriage that wasn't the healthiest and a job that she had given everything for, but doesn't want to go back to.
This book is a bit slow paced, but it does very well in my opinion, to show case the emotions and distress of moving on from huge changes in life. Stella refuses to go to therapy, having to be almost dragged, but soon finds the benefits from it. And through this she comes to realize the animosity she felt towards Elizabeth since their first meeting years ago, were a cover to feelings she couldn't deal with. Both women are products of their generation and struggle, but once their friendship begins to warm they cannot deny their draw to one another. The journey of their friendship to lovers was warm and funny, but had its ups and downs for sure.
Overall a really great read that left me feeling that no matter what time in life you can start again.
Grief and new beginnings are the two biggest themes of this story as we follow Stella Carter after she's lost her husband to a terrible murder. Her niece moves cross country to live with her and help her out. Stella is deep within her grief, barely leaving her home except to head to her local drugstore for candy. But between her niece Addie and an old coworker of Stella, Captain Elizabeth Murphy, Stella finds herself (sometimes reluctantly) pushing through the grief to find a new lease on life after a marriage that wasn't the healthiest and a job that she had given everything for, but doesn't want to go back to.
This book is a bit slow paced, but it does very well in my opinion, to show case the emotions and distress of moving on from huge changes in life. Stella refuses to go to therapy, having to be almost dragged, but soon finds the benefits from it. And through this she comes to realize the animosity she felt towards Elizabeth since their first meeting years ago, were a cover to feelings she couldn't deal with. Both women are products of their generation and struggle, but once their friendship begins to warm they cannot deny their draw to one another. The journey of their friendship to lovers was warm and funny, but had its ups and downs for sure.
Overall a really great read that left me feeling that no matter what time in life you can start again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
reneetc's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
mischanoel's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. One thing about it though that I couldn’t get past is that I feel like it was written like a fan fiction?? Like just the style of writing seemed like that. Also I don’t completely understand why it was named what it is and the ending felt quite abrupt, I feel like a time skip a couple years ahead would’ve been nice since it ended at just the beginning of the relationship. For being a debut novel, it was past my expectations and I’m excited to see more from this author. But overall, I really enjoyed it and it kept me very entertained.
lkthomas07's review against another edition
5.0
I spent all day reading this book! I loved this piece when I read it as a fanfic, so jumping back into the world was really enjoyable, even though it’s a story about grief, living, and dying.
I feel like for a new reader, there was a bit of story building that was missing for the characters, but I think it would still connect.
I feel like for a new reader, there was a bit of story building that was missing for the characters, but I think it would still connect.
caitylove's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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
5.0
akikaji's review against another edition
5.0
This was phenomenal. The representation of older people coming out and coming to terms with their sexuality. I think that was very much needed.
The trauma of losing Stella husband and trying to deal with the grief. I think that this book portrayed this subject very well. We saw how the death of Ron affected Stella and sent her into a downward spiral. From the depression, and how that affected Stella’s daily life to the anxiety of doing anything new.
The relationship between Addie and Stella is very sweet. Addie knows her aunt is struggling and is still doing her best to be there for her.
As the relationship progressed between Stella and Elizabeth, having the worries shown from Stella made this more comforting in a way. It’s nice to know that most people have these inner turmoils regarding sexuality. Especially older people. That needs to have more representation I think.
This book took me for a ride and throw the hoops. I stumbled across it randomly, and Im very glad I did.
The trauma of losing Stella husband and trying to deal with the grief. I think that this book portrayed this subject very well. We saw how the death of Ron affected Stella and sent her into a downward spiral. From the depression, and how that affected Stella’s daily life to the anxiety of doing anything new.
The relationship between Addie and Stella is very sweet. Addie knows her aunt is struggling and is still doing her best to be there for her.
As the relationship progressed between Stella and Elizabeth, having the worries shown from Stella made this more comforting in a way. It’s nice to know that most people have these inner turmoils regarding sexuality. Especially older people. That needs to have more representation I think.
This book took me for a ride and throw the hoops. I stumbled across it randomly, and Im very glad I did.
momma2thegs's review against another edition
5.0
Such a beautiful story even when it was frustrating me. I loved this book.