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caitlinjadams's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
First order bit: this was less Christmasy than I had been hoping for and until I came to Goodreads/Storygraph, I didn’t realize it was third in a series (for which I blame Libby), so some of my complaints (such as that it took a long time to get a solid hold on the cast of characters) likely aren’t fair. I think it still holds that this was a book that felt like it was trying to be an ensemble tv show more than it was trying to be a book. Probably my biggest gripe is that for a book told in third person limited POV with so so many different characters serving as the limited POV in turn, I could never tell whose POV I was reading without the markers of literally naming the character by name. If only there had been as many narrative voices as there were POVs. Still. It was a nice enough winter read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Homophobia, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Alcohol, Cancer, Medical content, War, and Violence
Minor: Addiction, Blood, Pregnancy, Murder, and War
morganperks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was my least favorite book in the series. I loved Mure and all the residence but I do not like Joel and Flora together. They are a toxic couple who don't know how to communicate. Joel is a grade-A jerkwad who uses his childhood trauma as an excuse for his behavior. Guess what buddy? We all have trauma! You're an adult time to get it together. Flora is too good for him. The real ones know that Charli and Flora would have made a superior couple. Also, WTF killing off the best character was uncalled for! Colton had the most character development out of anyone and what does get for it? A slow and painful death. Ridiculous!!! I dedicate 3 days of my life to reading this series and this is the thanks I get. \
On a completely unrelated note. What would one need to do in order to live on an island like this? Possibly owning a bakery or a bookshop...or as a teacher. Asking for a friend.
On a completely unrelated note. What would one need to do in order to live on an island like this? Possibly owning a bakery or a bookshop...or as a teacher. Asking for a friend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Death
Moderate: Blood and Miscarriage
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Islamophobia, Mental illness, Racism, Religious bigotry, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
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