Scan barcode
slizzo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Minor: Rape, Abortion, and Sexual assault
ehoffman563's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC ebook.
Like other readers, I expected this to be a dark comedy in line with the song/lyrics by The Chicks. While there were loose similarities, the plot focused more on the friendship between four girls/women from high school to early 30s: Rosemarie, Ada, Caroline, and Kasey (RACK). Rosemarie moves away after high school and travels the world. She has a semi-open relationship with both Esme and Leo. Ada runs the family business and married her high school sweetheart - they now have 4 sons together. Caroline went to pastry school and runs the local bakery. She recently married the town's rich kid. Kasey left for New York the night of graduation and is returning for the first time with a lot of secrets of her own.
Growing up in a small town is hell - I personally don't understand why people stay or return. But, this book tries to make the point that it's the people there who will support you through thick and thin that make all of the difference.
The beginning was slow, the middle sped along, and the ending was really not my style. I didn't care for some of the tropes that were included Rosemarie's cancer was not necessary. Nor was Caroline's pregnancy. The small town religious aspects also weren't my style and didn't really seem appropriate in the plotlines. 2/5 stars.
Like other readers, I expected this to be a dark comedy in line with the song/lyrics by The Chicks. While there were loose similarities, the plot focused more on the friendship between four girls/women from high school to early 30s: Rosemarie, Ada, Caroline, and Kasey (RACK). Rosemarie moves away after high school and travels the world. She has a semi-open relationship with both Esme and Leo. Ada runs the family business and married her high school sweetheart - they now have 4 sons together. Caroline went to pastry school and runs the local bakery. She recently married the town's rich kid. Kasey left for New York the night of graduation and is returning for the first time with a lot of secrets of her own.
Growing up in a small town is hell - I personally don't understand why people stay or return. But, this book tries to make the point that it's the people there who will support you through thick and thin that make all of the difference.
The beginning was slow, the middle sped along, and the ending was really not my style. I didn't care for some of the tropes that were included
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, and Murder
shellyb's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Four lifelong friends reunite in their hometown after the 15 years since high school graduation in this dual timeline story. The story flips between their senior year of high school in 2004 and 2019 when they’re all back in their hometown again for the first time since then.
When three friends suspect one of their own is in an abusive relationship, they confront her and convince her to leave - only her abuser discovers her plans and the abuse escalates. The other three know it’s time for this “Earl” to say goodbye.
For me this was just okay. The first 1/3 or so it was engaging and felt well told. But somewhere near the middle it really started to drag. You pretty much know how it’s going to go but it takes forever to get there.
Also, there were some weird descriptive and phrasing choices throughout the book. And there were times it seemed like the author just grabbed a thesaurus and picked out the most obscure synonym she could. And although the Christian stuff wasn’t super in your face and down your throat, I didn’t feel like it added anything to the story.
Overall, it could have been better but it wasn’t bad.
When three friends suspect one of their own is in an abusive relationship, they confront her and convince her to leave - only her abuser discovers her plans and the abuse escalates. The other three know it’s time for this “Earl” to say goodbye.
For me this was just okay. The first 1/3 or so it was engaging and felt well told. But somewhere near the middle it really started to drag. You pretty much know how it’s going to go but it takes forever to get there.
Also, there were some weird descriptive and phrasing choices throughout the book. And there were times it seemed like the author just grabbed a thesaurus and picked out the most obscure synonym she could. And although the Christian stuff wasn’t super in your face and down your throat, I didn’t feel like it added anything to the story.
Overall, it could have been better but it wasn’t bad.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Murder, Rape, and Domestic abuse
reneethebookbird's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
5.0
I wouldn’t call this a thriller. It’s more like Now and Then meets Beaches meets Sweet Magnolias. And some murder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Murder, Death of parent, and Cancer
Moderate: Drug abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Animal cruelty
More...