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jessicaychambers's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
jesseswe's review
3.0
A sweet book about grief, loneliness, letting go, and moving on. I love these kinds of books where the main character goes through hard times and coming out changed on the other side. It often makes me cry.
I read this author's first book and enjoyed so when I got the chance to read this I jumped at the chance expecting the same. But sadly no. This one lacked that depth that I enjoy in this kind of book. I never really cared for the characters and some parts of the story I found not necessary. But it’s sweet though..
Thanks to net galley for letting me read it and give my opinion.
I read this author's first book and enjoyed so when I got the chance to read this I jumped at the chance expecting the same. But sadly no. This one lacked that depth that I enjoy in this kind of book. I never really cared for the characters and some parts of the story I found not necessary. But it’s sweet though..
Thanks to net galley for letting me read it and give my opinion.
travelsalongmybookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Geraldine Verne’s Red Suitcase- Jane Riley
When Jack Verne died, his wife Geraldine wanted to keep him close by so they could still be a team. Not like a photo tucked in a purse but the whole of him in an urn. She decides to use one of their red suitcases so wherever she goes, Jack can go too.
But Geri hasn’t left the house for 3 months, she is shrinking within herself and fading from living a life.
Then she has an accident and has to accept help from her friends and worse still meals on wheels has been organised and she doesn’t want it. Told to stop wallowing and sinking into self pity she grudgingly accepts. And so things begin to change for her.
I did feel quite sad reading about Geri at the start, a very genuine portrait of grief and loneliness and it struck a chord with me due to a recent bereavement. All the things that you remember about a person that pop into your head, especially after a 50 year marriage which Geri has had. She is frozen, fearful, and isolated and needs help and it’s a little bit heartbreaking.
Then she meets Lottie who brings the meals and a real friendship slowly begins to develop, they help each other and slowly Geri begins to enjoy life again.
This book will pull at your heart strings, I defy you not to love Geri, Lottie and Len. I felt quite a connection to the characters.
Geri really reminded me of my Granny who lived life to the full in her widowhood, had gumption and did some amazing things This is heartwarming, gently funny and quirky and simply just a lovely read.
It’s given me a few ideas for when my time comes that’s for sure!
✩✩✩✩
[AD-PR PRODUCT]
Thanks to Jane Riley, Fmcm Associates ,Rhiannon Morris and Lake Union Publishing for my copy of this book.
marianeedstoread's review against another edition
4.0
Geraldine Verne is struggling through the grief of losing her beloved husband, Jack, after 50 years of marriage. He was her soulmate and they still had so much they wanted to do together. So, she carries around a red suitcase as a substitute for Jack. She dances with him in her home, drags "him" from one room to another and even takes him for an outing to the zoo. Worried about her mental health, her good friend, Len, signs her up for Meals on Wheels so she can get fresh food delivered daily. Geraldine resists at first but soon finds friendship with one of the Meals on Wheels volunteers, Lottie, who is dealing with her own sort of grief.
I loved this novel! It's such a sweet book about grief, but also about love and companionship. From the neighborhood kids who she finds herself baking for (and who in turn bake for her) to her friend Len who keeps an eye out for her, to 20-something year old Lottie with whom she forges a new friendship. Through the love and encouragement of those around her, Geraldine finds a way to process her grief, let go of the past, cherish her memories and move forward.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this e-copy of the novel.
I loved this novel! It's such a sweet book about grief, but also about love and companionship. From the neighborhood kids who she finds herself baking for (and who in turn bake for her) to her friend Len who keeps an eye out for her, to 20-something year old Lottie with whom she forges a new friendship. Through the love and encouragement of those around her, Geraldine finds a way to process her grief, let go of the past, cherish her memories and move forward.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this e-copy of the novel.
hadewygh's review
4.0
The kind of book that you would like to finish in one sitting, curled up on the couch with a large pot of tea next to you on a lazy Sunday. The somewhat predictable story reads wonderfully smoothly and you soon fall in love with the eccentric Geraldine. She mourns her dearly beloved husband Jack in her own way and slowly finds her way back into a life without him. Heartwarming friendships help her, all of them characters you're happy to get to know. Even her dear late husband has come up with a plan for her. What touched me was that you gradually come to understand the love between Geraldine and Jack and especially why he was so fond of his special life partner and their life together. I’m looking forward to read more books by Jane Riley.
sadiereadthat's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
This book is the story of Geraldine, who recently lost her husband, and is not dealing with it well. They were together for many years and did not have children, so the loss is very difficult for her to handle. She does have some very close friends and neighbors who are helping her get through it.
This book had a similar vibe to A Man Called Ove. We are dealing with an older woman who lost her love and is having trouble adjusting to the new normal. I found Geraldine to be endearing and I found myself rooting for her at every turn. I wanted her to feel better and to be comfortable moving on without her husband. She learns to lean on the people around her, though she is very reluctant to do so at first. She grows and the people around her grow to be part of her new family.
This book is the story of Geraldine, who recently lost her husband, and is not dealing with it well. They were together for many years and did not have children, so the loss is very difficult for her to handle. She does have some very close friends and neighbors who are helping her get through it.
This book had a similar vibe to A Man Called Ove. We are dealing with an older woman who lost her love and is having trouble adjusting to the new normal. I found Geraldine to be endearing and I found myself rooting for her at every turn. I wanted her to feel better and to be comfortable moving on without her husband. She learns to lean on the people around her, though she is very reluctant to do so at first. She grows and the people around her grow to be part of her new family.
shelleyann01's review
5.0
I love these types of books, sad but uplifting at the same time. Isn't that how real life really is? What a beautifully written novel. While with a serious undertone it still has many funny, joyful moments. I don't understand the low ratings for this title as I adored it. It is well structured and accurate on several levels such as the personality of the main character and the detail of the different journeys she takes...both mental and physical.
I read this book in one sitting, not only because it is short but because I enjoyed being on Geri's journey so much. The best thing I took from this novel was the fact that Geraldine didn't do this on her own. It took a community that included old friends and new. All. The. Stars.
Disclosure:
Thank you NetGalley, Jane Riley and Amazon Publishing UK for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
#GeraldineVernesRedSuitcase #NetGalley
mholles's review
4.0
A Lovely book. Geri's husband, Jack, dies and his last wish is that she take his ashes somewhere exotic. Geri can't bear to take herself out of the house and doesn't know how she'll honor his last request. It takes old friends, new fiends, and young friends to help Geri find a way. Chapter and section headings based on the Dewy Decimal System were a nice touch.
sharonrhh's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Such a lovely, heartwarming read.
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