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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
If there’s a way to absolutely crush a debut novel, Ellie Palmer figured it out. This might just be one of my favorites from 2024! The year is still young, but this book is definitely trending on the "favorites" side of things.
Let’s start with Adam—he’s the cutest. At first, I didn't know what to make of him. The funeral interaction definitely threw me off. But then you get to know him, and I still feel like there's so much to know. But I love his introverted self helping another introvert through a tough time of figuring out who the heck she wants to be.
Some other things I loved: I loved how Sam’s notifications tied into New Year's and the trivia tournament. When Adam mentioned halfway through that Sam was going to introduce him to the love of his life on New Year's, I knew Sam was playing matchmaker, even from beyond. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but it was so sweet! That little detail was so crucial, too, because without it, Adam’s actions might’ve seemed a bit questionable. But knowing that he had Sam’s blessing the whole time made their romance feel heartfelt and genuine.
The Lewis family, on the other hand, made me cringe. While I understood the sister’s motives, her actions were frustrating. What did she really think was going to happen? It felt like unnecessary drama.
One of the most poignant aspects of the book was Alison’s journey of self-discovery, particularly after her BRCA diagnosis. Watching her re-learn who she wanted to be and find her footing again was powerful. The hiking desire got old though for sure, but I guess I understand the emphasis. She may not be my favorite FMC, but she definitely served her purpose in the story and brought some meaningful depth to it.
And I have to mention Al’s friends—I loved them! They were such a fun conundrum of a group, and honestly, I’d be thrilled if each of them got their own book. I could easily see their stories being just as compelling and heartfelt.
Overall, Ellie Palmer’s debut novel is a heartwarming and sweet. Ready for the next one!
Let’s start with Adam—he’s the cutest. At first, I didn't know what to make of him. The funeral interaction definitely threw me off. But then you get to know him, and I still feel like there's so much to know. But I love his introverted self helping another introvert through a tough time of figuring out who the heck she wants to be.
Some other things I loved: I loved how Sam’s notifications tied into New Year's and the trivia tournament. When Adam mentioned halfway through that Sam was going to introduce him to the love of his life on New Year's, I knew Sam was playing matchmaker, even from beyond. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but it was so sweet! That little detail was so crucial, too, because without it, Adam’s actions might’ve seemed a bit questionable. But knowing that he had Sam’s blessing the whole time made their romance feel heartfelt and genuine.
The Lewis family, on the other hand, made me cringe. While I understood the sister’s motives, her actions were frustrating. What did she really think was going to happen? It felt like unnecessary drama.
One of the most poignant aspects of the book was Alison’s journey of self-discovery, particularly after her BRCA diagnosis. Watching her re-learn who she wanted to be and find her footing again was powerful. The hiking desire got old though for sure, but I guess I understand the emphasis. She may not be my favorite FMC, but she definitely served her purpose in the story and brought some meaningful depth to it.
And I have to mention Al’s friends—I loved them! They were such a fun conundrum of a group, and honestly, I’d be thrilled if each of them got their own book. I could easily see their stories being just as compelling and heartfelt.
Overall, Ellie Palmer’s debut novel is a heartwarming and sweet. Ready for the next one!
I thought I was going to like this book... I don't know what to rate it because I liked it in the beginning but it got a little slow later on. I don't know if it's because I'm only a teenager and I'm not the right audience for this. I requested it because I thought the synopsis was more of a romance and while there was a romance, I felt like it was more centered across grief and other things.
I didn't feel much of the chemistry between the two characters. I felt like it was a little rushed but maybe that was just me. I don't really know who I would recommend this book to but I personally didn't like it because I did not relate to it since I am still a teenager.
2.5 stars, thank you Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons.
I didn't feel much of the chemistry between the two characters. I felt like it was a little rushed but maybe that was just me. I don't really know who I would recommend this book to but I personally didn't like it because I did not relate to it since I am still a teenager.
2.5 stars, thank you Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely loved this book! It was witty, real, heartwarming, and written so incredibly well! And the ending had a twist I didn’t expect which made my heart all mushy. I absolutely devoured this book!
What a delightful read!! And finally some accurate medical details! I liked that the author delved into survivors guilt and the complex feelings that come from a preventative double mastectomy!