Reviews

Goldenrod by Ann McMan

misthios_pat's review against another edition

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5.0

The reading of Goldenrod was like swallowing a big pill with no water, quite uncomfortable at times. It is more sombre than the previous two – that even though tackles touchy subjects have a heavier touch of humour.

But don't get me wrong, Ann's notorious humour is present in Goldenrod, it's just that the more unsavoury situations kinda leave an aftertaste. I don't know, it's like an undercurrent of tension that didn't allow me to properly relax, but not enough to make the reading really uncomfortable. Just made me aware of something not quite right. And lot happens here and not in a overwhelming way, quite the opposite. We have the time to process things.

I probably said it before, but after Syd/Maddie, Roma Jean is just my favourite character and sometimes I even wonder if, even if for a tiny margin, she doesn't take first place. She's just "pure" like, it's so nice to see a character this sweet not yet tainted by bad stuff or people. Every time she's in a scene I have the best time, I'm so glad she's finding her way in life and with such a nice support, considering....

Talking about my favourite people, I didn't love Syd's (and Maddie's) actions in a couples of occasion. I love her, but meddling is my pet peeving and I cannot look the other way. Lizzy would be better off without Tom any day. He seems to be a nice guy, but you guys, the bar for men is so low sometimes that doing the bare minimum seems like they became god themselves. And I'm not even sure Tom does the bare minimum. But in any case this should be something Lizzy should decide and act on her own, it's no one else's business. So that really annoyed me. But I loved Syd and Maddie in every other bit and they are forgiven haha.

And I'm so happy for everything that went their way now, I just cannot wait to dig in the Covenant to revisit what else life gets to present these two and the outcome of the whole shebang we saw last.

charlieavocado's review against another edition

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4.0

I don't understand. For one, how do you just end there? I just... I'm not okay. Will there be more?

Nothing touches Jericho, it would be hard to with these sequels. At times I feel like this book overstretched itself, trying to keep up with too many characters, including new ones who while very interesting, just weren't necessary. Didn't allow for depth the previous two had. Much too rushed in many parts. Needed way more Roma Jean and Charlie, but what they had was fabulous, just not enough. Like a single bite of a perfect pie, when you had enough room for the entire slice.

I just have so many more questions than I ever did going in. The book really suffers from being drawn in too many directions. Sigh. Still, love these characters, stories, etc, deserves it's 4 stars for that. I won't dock more than a star for being spread too thin, even though I'm very tempted to, because I just didn't have enough. Sigh.

Also pet peeve, story is current, as in post election, and yet clearly the previous books aren't (though were when written), so it's a bit weird timeline wise for the books by incorporating real life times when the time between books was greater than what passes in the books. I also could do without incorporation of religion, but whatever. Bible belt is hard to escape.

katchoogranger's review against another edition

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reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

0.5

jamietherebelliousreader's review against another edition

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4.0

4 stars. Book one is still my favorite but this one is definitely my second favorite. That ending was crazy and I’m glad that there’s a fourth book because I need answers! This book had a lot of serious and heavy moments in it and the homophobia plot line had my blood boiling. But through it all there was still that same cozy small town feel, humor, and lovable characters. Syd and Maddie (and the rest of the gang) have been through so much and with
SpoilerSYD AND MADDIE GETTING ENGAGED OMG!
I can’t wait to see the HEA these characters get.

ire7's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad

3.0

elvang's review

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5.0

June 12,2021 update. Relistened to catch up on this third book in the Jericho series. Nice to get reaquainted with Maddie and Syd, Charlie and Roma Jean, Henry, Dorothy, Celine, David and Michael. Time to solve the mystery at the end of this book with the fourth book in the series, [b:Covenant,|58314782|Covenant, (A Jericho Novel, #4)|Ann McMan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623427507l/58314782._SY75_.jpg|91429809]

Excellent audio book and story. The simple (and beautiful) romance and introduction to the colourful locals in [b:Jericho|12594758|Jericho|Ann McMan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1315809882l/12594758._SY75_.jpg|17609725] set the groundwork for this series.[b:Aftermath|16164302|Aftermath|Ann McMan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1353553524l/16164302._SY75_.jpg|22007679] ramps up the humour while adding more depth to Maddie and Syd's relationship along with the bond they form with Henry.

In Goldenrod, McMan continues her love affair with the Jericho locals but shines in her ability to illuminate the darker aspects of small town life. Henry's dad has returned but Henry feels lost, torn between his love for his dad and his love for Maddie and Syd and their farm. The mayor is proving to be as intolerant and aggressively conservative as the present administration in Washington. A child is abused by her parent, finding comfort in the books she borrows from the bookmobile piloted by Roma Jean. There are friendships and new loves blossoming but a darkness hangs over the community.

This is a powerful read I highly recommend.

blschuldt's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked this one more than 2! I really love the Buddy, Dorothy and Henry squad they’re so cute. Lots of interesting stuff going on and a cliffhanger ending!!!

wc4's review

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5.0

Book #3 of the Jericho series and it's as good as ever. We follow more of Sydney, Maddie, David, Michael, Henry, and Roma Jean, as they deal with love and life. But, other characters also feature prominently. Buddy, who is autistic, gets a lot of page time in this book. Henry's father is also featured more, with him contemplating how to make a better future for his son. Maddie's mom has her own story arc through the book, as she deals with new love. This book deals with some serious issues. First is a homophobic and xenophobic mayor. There's also dark tone of child physical abuse affecting Henry's friend, Dorothy.
Some things are left unfinished at the end so definitely will be reading boom #4 when it comes out in 2021.
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