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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
Probably a 3.5 star in fact but this was a nice light read. Good characters, fun setting and a happy ending. A nice literary break from the heavy stuff.
Violet has finally carved out a life for herself in Madison, Wisconsin. Her vintage store carries garments that are highly sought after and tell the unique stories of their previous owners. Her dreams of a bright future are hampered when her landlord puts her building on the market. Violet must let her newly made friends help her in her endeavor to save the shop.
I was attracted to this by the premise, which reminded me of The Secret Lives of Dresses. The plot centered around a vintage shop, but focused on three different women. There was character growth for all of them, and while some of the backstory for Violet was a little overdramatic (at least her perspective of it), the writing was slightly elevated chicklit.
Violet's story ends in a big, convenient rush, and some of the plot developments are pretty obvious, overall a quick, enjoyable read, with lots of fun vintage details.
Violet's story ends in a big, convenient rush, and some of the plot developments are pretty obvious, overall a quick, enjoyable read, with lots of fun vintage details.
Book Lust
This is the story of Violet, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Madison, Wisconsin. Approaching middle age, Violet is beginning to wonder more and more often if she will ever have a family of her own. This is also the story of April, an 18-year-old high school dropout who happens to be pregnant and recently left by her fiancé. Added to the story is Amithi, who after decades of marriage comes to learn that her husband has been unfaithful for most of that time. The stories of these women wind together with the stories of the items Violet carries in her store, as the women must learn how to trust and how to forgive.
I just made myself sick writing that synopsis. I think I requested this book from the publisher solely because it's set in Wisconsin and seemed mildly interesting. I was unaware that it was chick lit. That being said, it really wasn't terrible. It has all the clichés of women's literature, like the abusive ex-husband and the new man who, miraculously, is exactly what the woman has been looking for her whole life. It's feel-good nonsense where everyone gets exactly what they deserve in the end, no matter what. But it was entertaining and amusing at points, so I'll give it that.
In reality, Gloss is the owner of a vintage clothing store via Etsy and based out of Madison. I'm sure this book will help boost her business. She's writing what women want to read and I'm sure she'll make money from the book itself, but I think she could be a better writer is she moved away from women's literature and tackled more serious topics. Here's hoping.
Verdict:
Not my thing, but probably good for someone looking for a light read this summer.
This is the story of Violet, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Madison, Wisconsin. Approaching middle age, Violet is beginning to wonder more and more often if she will ever have a family of her own. This is also the story of April, an 18-year-old high school dropout who happens to be pregnant and recently left by her fiancé. Added to the story is Amithi, who after decades of marriage comes to learn that her husband has been unfaithful for most of that time. The stories of these women wind together with the stories of the items Violet carries in her store, as the women must learn how to trust and how to forgive.
I just made myself sick writing that synopsis. I think I requested this book from the publisher solely because it's set in Wisconsin and seemed mildly interesting. I was unaware that it was chick lit. That being said, it really wasn't terrible. It has all the clichés of women's literature, like the abusive ex-husband and the new man who, miraculously, is exactly what the woman has been looking for her whole life. It's feel-good nonsense where everyone gets exactly what they deserve in the end, no matter what. But it was entertaining and amusing at points, so I'll give it that.
In reality, Gloss is the owner of a vintage clothing store via Etsy and based out of Madison. I'm sure this book will help boost her business. She's writing what women want to read and I'm sure she'll make money from the book itself, but I think she could be a better writer is she moved away from women's literature and tackled more serious topics. Here's hoping.
Verdict:
Not my thing, but probably good for someone looking for a light read this summer.
Again, wish I had recorded this after I read, and NOT after reading 8 other books! I do recall that it was enjoyable, even if it was a little predictable. There was enough that was not so predictable that made it a good read.
I devoured this book in just a few days. I loved the characters and as a former Madisonian, the book captured Madison perfectly. I am positive that I had at least one date at Greenbush. It also captured what real legal drama is like. As an attorney, i also enjoyed that the legal battle is realistic. Too many times books that try to capture legal issues are just wrong and unrealistic. I think that is what I liked most about this book; it was real. Any of these women could have been my friends, the drama in their lives was realistic. So every time I picked it up, I felt like I was having coffee or a glass of wine with a friend and hearing the latest news in her life. I would highly recommend it and more so if you are familiar with Madison. Legal disclaimer: the author and I went to law school together. But if I had not loved it, I just wouldn't have written a review.
Not terrible but far from great. About halfway through I started skimming because as interesting as the 3 stories could have been, they just weren't. Also, the vintage aspect was completely unnecessary; I have discovered I enjoy vintage-themed books, but in this case, the vintage details were just cluttering up the book and did not add anything to the story for me.
Nice sweet story. Small town women rescuing each other and themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Just a pleasant, enjoyable read. Nothing spectacular. Nothing detracting or horrible. Lovable characters and happy endings.