Scan barcode
raquel46's review
5.0
Courtney Walsh has done it again! Seriously the best book! I hope she will do more books of Emily and Hollis.
flowersofquiethappiness's review
4.0
This one is a super sweet and emotional read! Ms. Walsh is so good at that combination. It's been a little while since I read one of her stories, so this was like renewing an old friendship. :)
One of the highlights for me was the details on the theatre. Knowing that Ms. Walsh has a great deal of personal experience in that area, her wealth of knowledge and the joy it brings her shown through her descriptions. I connected with that part of Emily's life, even though I have zero experience and know nothing about it myself. I love when that happens in a story.
Another of my favorite things was Hollis' family. They are so loving and caring for each other! And since Emily is in desperate need of such in her life, I loved seeing how they swept her up into being part of them and made her comfortable. Plus they helped provide a safe place for Hollis to figure out his relationship with his daughter. They truly are one of my favorite fictional families now. They're not perfect, none of the characters are, but the flaws only endear them further.
The romance bits were adorable, of course. (Which was only to be expected! This is a Courtney Walsh novel after all.) I appreciated that they were friends first, a good friends-to-lovers romance is one of my favorite tropes and Ms. Walsh handles the transition really well. Because goodness the chemistry between these two! Yet both Emily and Hollis have a lot of growing to do, so I especially appreciated the slow way the romance heated up, giving both time to process through all the stuff they needed to.
Overall, I really enjoyed the emotions I connected with while reading. The grief, the uncertainty, the fear, the familial love, and most of all the hope that threaded everything together from beginning to end. Several moments brought smiles, while others made me turn the next page as quick as I could to find out how a character would respond. Beautifully written, Ms. Walsh continues to solidify her spot on my list of awesome writers!
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
One of the highlights for me was the details on the theatre. Knowing that Ms. Walsh has a great deal of personal experience in that area, her wealth of knowledge and the joy it brings her shown through her descriptions. I connected with that part of Emily's life, even though I have zero experience and know nothing about it myself. I love when that happens in a story.
Another of my favorite things was Hollis' family. They are so loving and caring for each other! And since Emily is in desperate need of such in her life, I loved seeing how they swept her up into being part of them and made her comfortable. Plus they helped provide a safe place for Hollis to figure out his relationship with his daughter. They truly are one of my favorite fictional families now. They're not perfect, none of the characters are, but the flaws only endear them further.
The romance bits were adorable, of course. (Which was only to be expected! This is a Courtney Walsh novel after all.) I appreciated that they were friends first, a good friends-to-lovers romance is one of my favorite tropes and Ms. Walsh handles the transition really well. Because goodness the chemistry between these two! Yet both Emily and Hollis have a lot of growing to do, so I especially appreciated the slow way the romance heated up, giving both time to process through all the stuff they needed to.
Overall, I really enjoyed the emotions I connected with while reading. The grief, the uncertainty, the fear, the familial love, and most of all the hope that threaded everything together from beginning to end. Several moments brought smiles, while others made me turn the next page as quick as I could to find out how a character would respond. Beautifully written, Ms. Walsh continues to solidify her spot on my list of awesome writers!
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
taryn_a's review
5.0
Sweet, delightful romance. And THANK GOODNESS the main characters act like normal people. One keeps a secret from another for a good reason (was asked to and wasn't their secret to tell) and when it comes out, the other character accepts that there was a good reason and doesn't flip out for no apparent reason like most fiction characters. That in and of itself is enough to recommend this book. And for me, it had theater and baseball, so it was right up my alley. :)
storybookcorner's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
bookapotamus's review
4.0
If for any reason, you want to be transported to sunny, idyllic Nantucket beaches - then read this book.
If for any reason, a long-ago accident with mysterious circumstances piques your interest - I recommend this one.
If for any reason, you love a juicy family drama with realistic, relatable flawed characters - this one’s for you.
If for any reason, second chances, forgiveness and a Hallmark-esque story warms your heart - dig into this book.
So many reasons!
If for any reason, a long-ago accident with mysterious circumstances piques your interest - I recommend this one.
If for any reason, you love a juicy family drama with realistic, relatable flawed characters - this one’s for you.
If for any reason, second chances, forgiveness and a Hallmark-esque story warms your heart - dig into this book.
So many reasons!
randikaye's review
What a beautiful, thoughtful read this was! If For Any Reason transports us to the island of Nantucket where we meet Emily, returning for the first time since her mother tragically passed away 18 years earlier. Upon her death, Emily finds a book full of letter from her mother, written 'if for any reason' she was unable to offer her advice in person. It is through these letters and lessons that Emily has lived her life, keeping love at a distance. What a beautiful idea this was... the idea of letter from a mother to a daughter. As a mom with a young girl, it certainly tugged at my heartstrings and made me think.
Upon her return to the island though, many questions about her past- her father and her mother's death- leave her wanting answers. Throughout the course of the story, we uncover those truths in such a beautiful way. While I must admit I figured out a pretty key 'mystery' very early on in the story, I couldn't put it down trying to put it all together. I loved Emily's character and it was such a delight to watch her discover herself and what it means to belong as the story progressed. And the romance? Oh yes, it was a great one and I did not want it to end!
I believe this was the first book I have read by Courtney Walsh but it certainly will not be the last. If For Any Reason is a fantastic read... one sure to bring on the tissues!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
Upon her return to the island though, many questions about her past- her father and her mother's death- leave her wanting answers. Throughout the course of the story, we uncover those truths in such a beautiful way. While I must admit I figured out a pretty key 'mystery' very early on in the story, I couldn't put it down trying to put it all together. I loved Emily's character and it was such a delight to watch her discover herself and what it means to belong as the story progressed. And the romance? Oh yes, it was a great one and I did not want it to end!
I believe this was the first book I have read by Courtney Walsh but it certainly will not be the last. If For Any Reason is a fantastic read... one sure to bring on the tissues!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
jazzyjan94's review
3.0
This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/2020/04/13/blog-tour-if-for-any-reason/
Courtney Walsh is an author that has been on my radar for a while but for whatever reason I have never had an opportunity to pick up one of her books, however I found If For Any Reason intriguing and I was very much in the mood for a summer read.
However, even though there is a romance that takes place, there are also some heavy topics that are discussed throughout the novel such as the death of a parent and abandonment.
The first 100 pages reeled me in and I was fully invested in the story, however about halfway through the novel, the story seemed to lose steam and some of the things that end up happening, especially to the main characters just seemed a little melodramatic. But I did enjoy the story for the most part and following Emily and Hollis on their journey. I also really enjoyed the split timeline of showing Emily’s mom’s past, as well as the letters that she left for Emily. Another complaint I have is that I wish there had been an epilogue because the ending seemed kind of abrupt…and while the ending makes sense, I still would have loved gettinga look at these character several months, or even a year after the end of the plot to see how they are doing.
While there were things about If For Any Reason that I did not like, it was still a good read and I highly recommend for anyone looking for a good beach read that also deals with a few hard topics. I’m looking forward to checking out some of Courtney Walsh’s other novels. 3/5 Stars.
Courtney Walsh is an author that has been on my radar for a while but for whatever reason I have never had an opportunity to pick up one of her books, however I found If For Any Reason intriguing and I was very much in the mood for a summer read.
However, even though there is a romance that takes place, there are also some heavy topics that are discussed throughout the novel such as the death of a parent and abandonment.
The first 100 pages reeled me in and I was fully invested in the story, however about halfway through the novel, the story seemed to lose steam and some of the things that end up happening, especially to the main characters just seemed a little melodramatic. But I did enjoy the story for the most part and following Emily and Hollis on their journey. I also really enjoyed the split timeline of showing Emily’s mom’s past, as well as the letters that she left for Emily. Another complaint I have is that I wish there had been an epilogue because the ending seemed kind of abrupt…and while the ending makes sense, I still would have loved gettinga look at these character several months, or even a year after the end of the plot to see how they are doing.
While there were things about If For Any Reason that I did not like, it was still a good read and I highly recommend for anyone looking for a good beach read that also deals with a few hard topics. I’m looking forward to checking out some of Courtney Walsh’s other novels. 3/5 Stars.
adventuresofaliterarynature's review
5.0
“If For Any Reason”, I loved this title and the way it played into the story. When I first heard it, it sounded a bit strange but I didn’t think much about it. Then as the story of this book started to unfold it made complete sense and I loved it.
Courtney Walsh knows how to put her characters through the hard things in life and she writes in such a beautiful way that their pain, struggles, and emotions become yours. I always connect with her characters in a way that I don’t often do and it’s honestly beautiful. This was definitely the case with Emily and Hollis. Emily was such a broken character, she had lost so much and built so many walls and my heart honestly broke for her. But I loved watching her journey to healing and finding where she belonged. And Hollis, while it was his own choices that led him to where he was he’s deep remorse and dedication to being better was enough to endear him to me. I also loved the quiet way he broke down Emily’s walls and showed her unconditional love. I really enjoyed the way their relationship played out and how real they were able to be with each other.
Jolie was a sweet kid and the author did a great job of writing an authentic preteen who was still likable! I also loved Hollis’s family!
The setting of this story was beautiful and the escape to Nantucket was exactly what I needed on these dreary winter days!
If you like fiction with a lot of heart, tender romance, and emotions that reach deep then I cannot recommend this book enough!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Courtney Walsh knows how to put her characters through the hard things in life and she writes in such a beautiful way that their pain, struggles, and emotions become yours. I always connect with her characters in a way that I don’t often do and it’s honestly beautiful. This was definitely the case with Emily and Hollis. Emily was such a broken character, she had lost so much and built so many walls and my heart honestly broke for her. But I loved watching her journey to healing and finding where she belonged. And Hollis, while it was his own choices that led him to where he was he’s deep remorse and dedication to being better was enough to endear him to me. I also loved the quiet way he broke down Emily’s walls and showed her unconditional love. I really enjoyed the way their relationship played out and how real they were able to be with each other.
Jolie was a sweet kid and the author did a great job of writing an authentic preteen who was still likable! I also loved Hollis’s family!
The setting of this story was beautiful and the escape to Nantucket was exactly what I needed on these dreary winter days!
If you like fiction with a lot of heart, tender romance, and emotions that reach deep then I cannot recommend this book enough!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.