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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
"JoJo Moyes writes the books that make the whole world sing!" /Manilow
3.5 stars
I quite liked the part of the story set in 1916, even though it wasn't very original. I didn't care so much about the present day story though. The theme of stolen artwork during the war was interesting, and I liked how you're presented with all the different views from people involved. However, I didn't particularly like Liv and I think the present-day story was drawn out too much. Despite this, it did keep my attention. Towards the end I also got a bit of a Legally Blonde feel, and everything worked out a bit too nicely. It had a bit more of a romance/chick-lit feel to it then I would like to see in fiction on war.
I quite liked the part of the story set in 1916, even though it wasn't very original. I didn't care so much about the present day story though. The theme of stolen artwork during the war was interesting, and I liked how you're presented with all the different views from people involved. However, I didn't particularly like Liv and I think the present-day story was drawn out too much. Despite this, it did keep my attention. Towards the end I also got a bit of a Legally Blonde feel, and everything worked out a bit too nicely. It had a bit more of a romance/chick-lit feel to it then I would like to see in fiction on war.
Pleasantly surprised. I was expecting another boring and predictable chick lit novel. Very inventive and creative plot. Loved it!
amazing story. if you didn't love me before you go back and read her historical fictions. this one and ship of brides and the last letter to my lover.
I have 2 ratings for this one. The historical story was a 5 star for me and the modern day storyline was more of a 3. For all the beautiful detail of the WW1 storyline, the modern storyline felt unrealistic and contrived.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this novel. A rich and woven tale set in a tumultuous time period. The characters are fluid, with a strong and smart female protagonist. I could not put this book down! Everything you have wanted in a historical fiction novel, without a corny romance weighing it down.
The beginning and the end of the story were interesting but there is a huge chunk in the middle that lost me as an audience
This is one of the hardest books to rate, for me. There were parts that I really loved about it, and parts that I didn't like at all. This was a difficult read for me, and that is partly my fault. I read Me Before You in a day, and loved it so much that I quickly picked up the one beside it on the shelf. I didn't even bother to read the dust jacket but jumped right in, assuming it would be another contemporary similar to the first. That's where I went wrong. I actually love historical fiction way more than contemporary but Jojo had gotten me into the mood for contemporary. So, it was a bit shocking to be thrown way back into World War I France. It took me a while to get into the flow of the story and then when I had become fully invested in Sophie's life and outcome, I was hauled back out of it! Well, that's what it felt like anyway. I had a very hard time with the contemporary half of the book, and found myself skimming a lot, trying to get back to Sophie's story. Thankfully, Jojo did get back to Sophie eventually, and that helped, but it wasn't until the last few chapters, that I became riveted by the story and then closed the book feeling like it had all been worth it. I decided to give it 3 stars for all of these reasons, and also because I don't love stories about art, "then and now" stories, or contemporary romance, and this one had all 3 of those. I wasn't really into the quick relationship that developed either...it seemed a bit unrealistic. I do understand how this book has so many 5 star reviews, and do feel that her writing deserves them but I'm just not in love with this book like I was with Me Before You. That doesn't mean that I don't have faith in her other books, and will likely give her another chance very soon!
I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction but I really loved this book and the Sophie/Edouard storyline was my favorite part of the book. I didn't mind the Liv/Paul story but it just didn't keep my attention like Sophie's story did.
Thanks to Goodreads and Viking Books for the copy of this book. One of my favorite books I have read this year!
Thanks to Goodreads and Viking Books for the copy of this book. One of my favorite books I have read this year!