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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.
jennabeebs79's review against another edition
5.0
When we meet Stella Carter, it’s been three months since her husband was gunned down in his own police department and she’s in a really bad place. She sleeps all the time, doesn’t bathe, clean, or grocery shop. She’s cut herself off from every one. Fortunately, Stella invites her niece, Addie to move in with her. Stella who’s unappologetically stubborn and obstinate, begins to come out of her depression with the help of not only Addie but her former colleague, Elizabeth Murphy. At first, Stella is less than thrilled with the continued appearances by Elizabeth but Elizabeth is just so endearing that Stella finds herself succumbing to a tentative friendship. Stella most certainly doesn’t make it easy on them, but Addie and Elizabeth are persistent and slowly Stella begins to redefine who she is.
Emily Waters has knocked it out of the park with her debut novel! I could not put it down and read it in less than a day because I needed to know how it was going to turn out for our main characters. Stella, Elizabeth, and Addie are amazing women who I quickly fell in love with. Being a part of their lives was so special.
This book is so very different from any other book about the loss of a spouse/partner I’ve read before. While Stella is drowning in grief and depression so deep she can hardly see a way out, there is this underlying ray of hope and light that I haven’t come across before. There isn’t any unnecessary drama or angst, just a lot of growth and development for our characters. Also, the little bits of sarcasm and humor really added levity to the overall narrative.
Normally when a book is a slow burn I’m ready to come out of my skin, stopping just short of yelling at the mains, telling them to get themselves together and get on with it. Not with this book. The pacing was absolutely perfect and left nothing to be desired. The smile on my face when Stella and Elizabeth finally let themselves be vulnerable could have eclipsed the sun!
Narration:
I adore this book and have read it multiple times since its release, so I was super excited when the audio came out! Anastasia Watley's performance is as fantastic as I knew it would be. She beautifully brought Emily Waters's characters to life and I was swept into the story and was unable to stop listening. Even though the main characters' voices have similar qualities it's always easy to differentiate between them.
What Watley does so well is infuse so much heart and emotion into her narration. This story is deep with little elements of humor and sarcasm which Watley perfectly executes and I absolutely adore it when I can hear the smile in her voice.
This is a wonderful listen which is will return to again and again.
Emily Waters has knocked it out of the park with her debut novel! I could not put it down and read it in less than a day because I needed to know how it was going to turn out for our main characters. Stella, Elizabeth, and Addie are amazing women who I quickly fell in love with. Being a part of their lives was so special.
This book is so very different from any other book about the loss of a spouse/partner I’ve read before. While Stella is drowning in grief and depression so deep she can hardly see a way out, there is this underlying ray of hope and light that I haven’t come across before. There isn’t any unnecessary drama or angst, just a lot of growth and development for our characters. Also, the little bits of sarcasm and humor really added levity to the overall narrative.
Normally when a book is a slow burn I’m ready to come out of my skin, stopping just short of yelling at the mains, telling them to get themselves together and get on with it. Not with this book. The pacing was absolutely perfect and left nothing to be desired. The smile on my face when Stella and Elizabeth finally let themselves be vulnerable could have eclipsed the sun!
Narration:
I adore this book and have read it multiple times since its release, so I was super excited when the audio came out! Anastasia Watley's performance is as fantastic as I knew it would be. She beautifully brought Emily Waters's characters to life and I was swept into the story and was unable to stop listening. Even though the main characters' voices have similar qualities it's always easy to differentiate between them.
What Watley does so well is infuse so much heart and emotion into her narration. This story is deep with little elements of humor and sarcasm which Watley perfectly executes and I absolutely adore it when I can hear the smile in her voice.
This is a wonderful listen which is will return to again and again.
annaavian's review against another edition
3.0
I'm in the minority here but a few things gave me pause, which is why I give this book 3 stars.
To me the prose often sounded too matter-of-fact and emotionless. I like to dive into the psychological side of certain issues instead of just reading about them as mere facts which is the reason why I spent a lot of time vaguely interested instead of being invested in Stella and Elizabeth's story.
The characters barely discussed any issues they have in a deeper, meaningful way. The therapy sessions rarely got elaborated on, Stella's depression is diminished to a point where you wonder whether it's really because of her husband's death or because she's finally coming to terms with her sexual orientation. The (possible) panic attack scene was simply stated in a sentence without any further comment either.
Overall, it's a a nice book for those who enjoy a slow-burn that only goes skin-deep regarding mental health issues.
To me the prose often sounded too matter-of-fact and emotionless. I like to dive into the psychological side of certain issues instead of just reading about them as mere facts which is the reason why I spent a lot of time vaguely interested instead of being invested in Stella and Elizabeth's story.
The characters barely discussed any issues they have in a deeper, meaningful way. The therapy sessions rarely got elaborated on, Stella's depression is diminished to a point where you wonder whether it's really because of her husband's death or because she's finally coming to terms with her sexual orientation. The (possible) panic attack scene was simply stated in a sentence without any further comment either.
Overall, it's a a nice book for those who enjoy a slow-burn that only goes skin-deep regarding mental health issues.
judeinthestars's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It’s the third time I review this story—as fanfiction here, as Emily Waters’ debut novel there—and I have loved every one.
Honey in the Marrow is one of the best stories I’ve read about grief and it also has one of my favourite almost-first kiss and one of my favourite first sex scene. Stella’s and Elizabeth’s journey towards themselves and each other is beautiful and Anastasia Watley more than does all the emotions justice.
The voices aren’t always distinct enough for me, except for Elizabeth’s, which is absolutely swoon-worthy, and I lost focus at times but the writing made it easy enough to follow and/or catch up. There is, however, a sensuality to the narration that serves this story perfectly. I mentioned in my review of the book that it was both mellow and deep, and Anastasia Watley’s voice is that as well, as is the pace, thick and smooth, warm, strong yet soft.
The author announced recently that her next book will be published on January 17th 2024 and I’m very excited to find out where she takes us next.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
tricia_r's review
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
ghostlycreature's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
milysanz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
3.75
tarpel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I’ve had a year of testing the waters in lesbian romance and after a lot of fails, I have to say, I really loved the writing in this one. Succinct and to the point, but without losing it’s heart. Nice story about grief and finding love later in life.
letsgetwaxy's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 I had a hard time getting through this. It was soooo boring, and they ended up having no chemistry