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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Sometimes the age gaps in these books really creep me out. Like the fact that are main character is half the age of the other…. Idk… I still really liked it though.
I... didn't really like this. :( Which is a bummer, because every time I pick up a Harper Bliss book, I know that I'm in for a reasonably good time. Sometimes she hits it out of the park, sometimes it's just so so, but in general I really like her writing and the ways she approaches issues like family and grief and new love. But there was nothing about this novella that was especially striking or fun or insightful or good. I mean, I liked having a character learning to live with a disability, I liked seeing troubled parental relationships, I liked seeing a prickly protag. But all of the emotion in this was just... I don't know, on the surface somehow. There was no subtlety or intricacy of feeling. Lots of telling, no showing. The writing wasn't great. I'm not sure how they handled the co-writing, if one author was responsible for one character, but it didn't feel like Naomi and Eileen had much chemistry at all. I sort of sped through the latter half of the book, because I felt like it kept getting worse the more I read.
Bummer!
Bummer!
Stars: 3 Stars
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Stephanie Murphy
Series: Stand Alone
Steam Level: Steamy
I had high hopes for this book. Two of my favorite authors, hurt/comfort, age gap, and family drama, all together in one book had me excited. I wish I enjoyed this more.
Quick Thoughts:
- The disability/injury rep in this is very well done and a believable motivation behind Eileen’s actions
- Eileen’s avoidance in acknowledging what happened to her, how it affects her daily life, or be realistic about her recovery time felt spot on and what had me connecting to her. (Been there, done that, have multiple stupid t-shirts)
- The romance felt a little rushed and a little too unbelievable and very meh. I honestly didn’t really care if they got together. Not a great feeling to have when reading a Romance
- If Naomi’s mom knows/is friends with Eileen’s mom like the story says, I think her conversation with Naomi would have gone a bit differently
- I understood and believed the reason for the third act break up, what I didn’t believe was how quickly it was “resolved.” It felt like they didn’t actually talk about everything they needed to
- The whole thing with Jane and her photography and cheating felt like a dangling plot line that could simply be lifted out and not affect the story
- Also, the dad at that last family dinner felt a lot too little, far too late. It actually made me dislike him more
- I’m not sure if it was the narration or the writing that made it hard to keep track of who’s POV I was listening to but it took quite a bit of concentration at times to keep track
- This is the first time I’ve listened to this narrator and I will reserve judgement on her work since I was solidly meh about this story
Overall I was disappointed with this book. My expectations might have been too high for this book and that’s why I felt let down. It’s not a bad story, it just feels incomplete and choppy.
Harper Bliss and T.B. Markinson have written some hits in the past, but Life in Bits didn’t quite land for me. I’m a big fan of age-gap romances, so I was excited to dive into this one. Unfortunately, while the premise had promise—an age-gap holiday romance with themes of healing and connection—the execution left much to be desired.
The story felt dated, and Eileen’s repeated observations about Naomi’s youth, energy, and zest for life became tiresome rather quickly. It leaned too heavily on this contrast without giving the characters much depth beyond it. Eileen’s struggles, while central to the story, didn’t resonate in a way that felt real or compelling, and Naomi’s role often seemed more like a convenient catalyst for Eileen’s growth rather than a fully realized character in her own right.
The subplot with the spiteful mother’s abrupt change of heart was difficult to buy into, and while the book had a few touching moments, they weren’t enough to elevate the story or make it memorable.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but think of Meryl Wilsner’s Mistakes Were Made, a standout age-gap romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I may be rereading it soon if only as a palate cleanser after this one.
I wanted to love Life in Bits—the setup had everything I usually enjoy—but the flat characters and predictable arc kept it from being the satisfying holiday read I was hoping for.
The story felt dated, and Eileen’s repeated observations about Naomi’s youth, energy, and zest for life became tiresome rather quickly. It leaned too heavily on this contrast without giving the characters much depth beyond it. Eileen’s struggles, while central to the story, didn’t resonate in a way that felt real or compelling, and Naomi’s role often seemed more like a convenient catalyst for Eileen’s growth rather than a fully realized character in her own right.
The subplot with the spiteful mother’s abrupt change of heart was difficult to buy into, and while the book had a few touching moments, they weren’t enough to elevate the story or make it memorable.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but think of Meryl Wilsner’s Mistakes Were Made, a standout age-gap romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I may be rereading it soon if only as a palate cleanser after this one.
I wanted to love Life in Bits—the setup had everything I usually enjoy—but the flat characters and predictable arc kept it from being the satisfying holiday read I was hoping for.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
Life in Bits by Harper Bliss and T.B. Markinson is a touching holiday romance perfect for cozy winter nights. Narrated by the talented Stephanie Murphy, this age-gap love story is filled with warmth, introspection, and just the right amount of holiday cheer.
Eileen Makenna, a world-renowned photographer, returns home broken and unsure of her future after a life-altering event. Enter Naomi Weaver, a lively, optimistic small-town woman whose dedication to helping others is as infectious as her zest for life. The grumpy Eileen and sunshine Naomi dynamic is classic opposites attract, and their chemistry shines throughout the story.
The age-gap element adds a layer of depth and complexity to their relationship, making their journey to love both tender and rewarding. And let’s not forget the steamy scenes that spice things up and keep the chill of winter at bay!
Stephanie Murphy’s narration is well done, capturing the characters’ emotions and the cozy holiday atmosphere beautifully. Her performance brings the opposites-attract tension between Eileen and Naomi to life, making this short and sweet listen even more engaging.
If you’re looking for a quick holiday read with themes of healing, love, and personal growth, Life in Bits is a great pick. With grumpy sunshine vibes, steamy moments, and festive charm, it’s the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Sexual content
Minor: War
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This missed the mark for me.
I loved the disabled older woman perspective. Return to hometown is one of my guilty pleasures, and I love when characters have layers and are not always what they seem when they are first introduced, but there was just something missing.
The characters had playful chemistry, but it mostly revolved around young people vs. old people jokes. It never really moved on from that, which was a bit disappointing and eventually was overused in my opinion.
It is always a treat to have an ice queen melt during a Christmas setting, but the Christmas nostalgia seemed a bit rushed. It worked for the story, but it made the overall effect less cozy than I had hoped.
If you like age gap romances and ice queens I recommend giving it a try.
I loved the disabled older woman perspective. Return to hometown is one of my guilty pleasures, and I love when characters have layers and are not always what they seem when they are first introduced, but there was just something missing.
The characters had playful chemistry, but it mostly revolved around young people vs. old people jokes. It never really moved on from that, which was a bit disappointing and eventually was overused in my opinion.
It is always a treat to have an ice queen melt during a Christmas setting, but the Christmas nostalgia seemed a bit rushed. It worked for the story, but it made the overall effect less cozy than I had hoped.
If you like age gap romances and ice queens I recommend giving it a try.
This was a really sweet age gap romance but two fantastic authors. I enjoyed the storyline and the relationship between Eileen and Naomi. This was such a sweet way to get into the holiday spirit!!