Reviews - When We Were Widows

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137 reviews for:

When We Were Widows

Annette Chavez Macias

4.04 AVERAGE

kaylaco_'s review

3.75

emotional inspiring sad fast-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

I really enjoyed this read and was not what I thought it would be. It was not as sad as I thought it would be. the advice on how to deal with grief was great and spot on. The glimpses of romance were so sweet; however, this is not the main plot of the story. The lack of communication could be frustrating at times, and I wished we may have gotten past timelines to see the deceased husbands' falling in/out of love with the FMCs.

sweettea_and_a_book's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

When We Were Widows was a touching and heartfelt multigenerational, mother-daughter story! It touched on the family's history, bonds, disconnect and restoration. I love books like this.

👩🏽‍❤️‍👩🏽 👩🏽‍❤️‍👩🏽 👩🏽‍❤️‍👩🏽

3 generations of women, mothers and daughters, all widows, unexpectedly living together. I loved seeing how these ladies shared so many of the same experiences. I hate that they missed so many years grieving alone, when they could have leaned on each other for support, encouragement and strength through it all.

The character I had the hardest time with was Yessica, the youngest of the brood and the one I should have been able to relate to more. I really disliked her for much of the story! She was so selfish and I don't do well with selfish characters; they're always my least favorite. But, she grew on me in the end.

I loved Anna, and I loved Grandma. They remind me of my mother and I. You won't see one without the other. We're so codependent, it's pitiful, but I wouldn't have it any other way LOL

My favorite parts were when all of the 3 ladies were in the kitchen cooking together, laughing and working together to create a delicious feast. I also loved Grandma sharing her history, which empowered her daughter Anna to share her story.

It was a feel-good story of reconnecting, forging bonds and riding the waves of grief. It all wrapped up so well.

pbaeza's review against another edition

5.0

emotional inspiring lighthearted sad medium-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

kyproff's review against another edition

3.5

emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

booksandthemes's review against another edition

4.5

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

This beautifully written, heartfelt story weaves together themes of loss, family, and the quiet strength of women. Following three generations of widows—Yesica, Ana, and Mama Melda—the book captures the complexities of grief, the layers of miscommunication, and the deep bonds that both divide and unite families.

What I loved most was how Macias explores the intimate dynamics between these women, showcasing their struggles with their identities and relationships after the men they loved are gone. Yesica’s restrained nature, Ana’s resilience, and the Mama Melda’s wisdom make for a narrative rich with emotional depth. The story also integrates family traditions, especially through food and shared memories, brings a beautiful sense of warmth and connection coupled with the heartbreak.

The story was an important reminder of the need for open communication, forgiveness, and finding strength in shared experiences. Annette’s writing is simply exquisite—her ability to balance heavy topics with moments of joy and tradition left me absolutely moved. This story is not just about loss; it’s about rediscovering love and hope within the family ties that sustain us. I absolutely adored it. I am anxiously awaiting to read the next book Annette graces us with!