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pnwreader42's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Exhausting miscommunication
misschelle007's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
spow's review against another edition
2.0
When seventeen year old discovers she is pregnant, she writes a letter to her boyfriend Chris to let him know he’s to be a father. When he never responds, she leaves England and moves halfway around the world with her parents. Eighteen years later and now in New Zealand, Amy has built a new life as a successful baker when one day, Chris walks into her café and back in her life. Seeing him again brings up so many emotions and questions—why did he desert them, why is he back now?
I was drawn to this book after reading the synopsis, but this book was not for me. While the premise had be interested, as the chapters moved on I just got more and more frustrated at Amy and her friends for their actions (or inactions). I could understand her keeping things to herself at first, but as time went on, it started to become hypocritical for Amy to hold back her HUGE secret because she questioned whether she trusted Chris. I was probably the most frustrated when revelations on Chris’s life were revealed and Amy acted like a wrong party—as if she wasn’t doing the same thing (or in my opinion, worse).
I also struggled with how Olivia was introduced to the story. For me, her chapters started without explanation and further in the past than necessary so it left the reader confused where this part of the book fit into the overall story. This look into the past could have been done just as efficiently through flashbacks with Amy, especially since current day Olivia was not a vital for the story either.
The ending…with how messy this whole story was, the fact that everything tied up neatly with a bow was also frustrating to me. Amy lies for months but has no repercussions? I know this is a book, but it’s just not realistic at all. I personally almost root for a happy ending in books but this one just came about way too easily for me to enjoy it. I really wanted to like this book more than I have, but at the end of the day I don’t think I can give more than 2 stars. I hope others are able to enjoy it more than I did.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion**
I was drawn to this book after reading the synopsis, but this book was not for me. While the premise had be interested, as the chapters moved on I just got more and more frustrated at Amy and her friends for their actions (or inactions). I could understand her keeping things to herself at first, but as time went on, it started to become hypocritical for Amy to hold back her HUGE secret because she questioned whether she trusted Chris. I was probably the most frustrated when revelations on Chris’s life were revealed and Amy acted like a wrong party—as if she wasn’t doing the same thing (or in my opinion, worse).
I also struggled with how Olivia was introduced to the story. For me, her chapters started without explanation and further in the past than necessary so it left the reader confused where this part of the book fit into the overall story. This look into the past could have been done just as efficiently through flashbacks with Amy, especially since current day Olivia was not a vital for the story either.
The ending…with how messy this whole story was, the fact that everything tied up neatly with a bow was also frustrating to me. Amy lies for months but has no repercussions? I know this is a book, but it’s just not realistic at all. I personally almost root for a happy ending in books but this one just came about way too easily for me to enjoy it. I really wanted to like this book more than I have, but at the end of the day I don’t think I can give more than 2 stars. I hope others are able to enjoy it more than I did.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion**
kjwidran's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ellareadbooks's review against another edition
1.0
DNF!
All I can say is this felt like it was written for a Facebook mum!
All I can say is this felt like it was written for a Facebook mum!
hugsyj_15's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
blondierocket's review against another edition
4.0
Rounded up from a 3.5. I sped through this story and it was interesting. I was pretty sure I had the secrets figured out early on but it was a good vacation read about long lost loves, mistakes made, forgiveness, and finding happiness.
That’s more than two books in a row that challenge my knowledge of other countries and their customs and language, which also made it an extra learning experience.
Thanks to NetGalley for this early read.
That’s more than two books in a row that challenge my knowledge of other countries and their customs and language, which also made it an extra learning experience.
Thanks to NetGalley for this early read.
jess_llaine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
licurl64's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars. Quick read, but pretty angsty. Very predictable.
cstaude's review against another edition
4.0
Well told story!
Enjoyed this novel about two friends. Told from the past and the present and via two different perspectives, this plot moved quickly and engagingly to its conclusion. The central idea is perhaps we never understand life fully as we are living it, especially when we are young and emotionally all over the place. I loved the friendship between Amy and Olivia particularly because neither of them had the “ideal” life. This was worth reading and satisfying!
Enjoyed this novel about two friends. Told from the past and the present and via two different perspectives, this plot moved quickly and engagingly to its conclusion. The central idea is perhaps we never understand life fully as we are living it, especially when we are young and emotionally all over the place. I loved the friendship between Amy and Olivia particularly because neither of them had the “ideal” life. This was worth reading and satisfying!