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cassiesnextchapter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5/5
CW: death of a patient, death of a grandparent (mentioned), negligent parent, blood, panic attacks, gaslighting, divorce/separation, cheating
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Stuck at a crossroads after her dissertation plans are put on hold, Rowan McKinnon finds herself agreeing to serve as a plant consultant to restore a vineyard for the Brady family’s new winery. She comes across Harrison “Harry” Brady, an obstetrician dealing with his own struggles after losing a patient. Both addressing the pains of their pasts, Rowan wonders if she’s ready to commit to somebody.
While not quite a rom-com, Bend Toward the Sun is a mature, rich romance novel that will leave you wanting more. You can instantly feel the connection between Rowan and Harry within the first couple of chapters and Devon does a really good job of capturing their swoon worthy love story.
This book definitely has a similar aesthetic to Where the Crawdads Sing, so you’re really going to have a good time if you enjoyed that book. Rowan’s love for nature is beautifully illustrated in Bend Toward the Sun, so much so that it makes the Brady’s vineyard to be a whimsical place where anything can happen.
Even though Bend Toward the Sun is a bit slow in the beginning, this book is definitely worth pushing through to read. Perfect for readers who want a dramatic romance similar to Where the Crawdads Sing, Bend Toward the Sun is definitely a book to look out for.
CW: death of a patient, death of a grandparent (mentioned), negligent parent, blood, panic attacks, gaslighting, divorce/separation, cheating
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Stuck at a crossroads after her dissertation plans are put on hold, Rowan McKinnon finds herself agreeing to serve as a plant consultant to restore a vineyard for the Brady family’s new winery. She comes across Harrison “Harry” Brady, an obstetrician dealing with his own struggles after losing a patient. Both addressing the pains of their pasts, Rowan wonders if she’s ready to commit to somebody.
While not quite a rom-com, Bend Toward the Sun is a mature, rich romance novel that will leave you wanting more. You can instantly feel the connection between Rowan and Harry within the first couple of chapters and Devon does a really good job of capturing their swoon worthy love story.
This book definitely has a similar aesthetic to Where the Crawdads Sing, so you’re really going to have a good time if you enjoyed that book. Rowan’s love for nature is beautifully illustrated in Bend Toward the Sun, so much so that it makes the Brady’s vineyard to be a whimsical place where anything can happen.
Even though Bend Toward the Sun is a bit slow in the beginning, this book is definitely worth pushing through to read. Perfect for readers who want a dramatic romance similar to Where the Crawdads Sing, Bend Toward the Sun is definitely a book to look out for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Blood
Moderate: Infidelity, Gaslighting, and Death
danielle_isreading's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
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
4.5
I loved this story. So, so beautifully written. Jen Devon is incredible and I can't wait to see more from her.
I wish we'd gotten a little more of Rowan's backstory earlier in the story, which is the only reason this is not a slam dunk 5 stars.
But seriously, read this book.
I wish we'd gotten a little more of Rowan's backstory earlier in the story, which is the only reason this is not a slam dunk 5 stars.
But seriously, read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death
Minor: Gaslighting
buttermellow's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Blood
kb33's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can’t wait for more by this author. I loved this book. The Rowan and Harry’s story wasn’t my favorite love story ever, but the writing was so good, the setting and characters were so easy to imagine and love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Blood
Moderate: Abandonment, Grief, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Death
Minor: Gaslighting
nina_readsbooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death and Emotional abuse
bstayslay's review
challenging
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
risseandshine's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
Tears have been shed, ladies and gentlemen.
This tear jearker of a book follows Rowan McKinnon, a botanist who believes she is not cut out for love because of a painful past. Enter Harrison Brady, an obstetrician who has his own bruises but unreluctantly wears his heart on his sleeves. The two form a connection that obviously turns into something more, but their different views on love and relationships hinder them from cementing their feeling for each other. Eventually, love, both the romantic and familial kind, plays its crucial role in them finally giving in to the inevitable.
I am not exaggerating when I say that THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A ROMANCE BOOK IN THIRD PERSON POV. I will never shut up about how the writing in this book is pure ART. The imagery. The ANGST. THAT. ANGST. Those last few scenes had me staring into nothingness while listening to the audiobook and then lo and behold, a tear falls. Then two. Then the next thing I knew, I was ugly crying.
I can see why people might not vibe with this story. Rowan, our heroine, may get a tad bit frustrating especially paired up with a hero who is as soft and straightforward about feelings like Harry. Rowan had more resistance, and for good reason. Although, it takes a while for said reason to unravel. But I'm telling you right now that if you get frustrated, don't give up on her and keep reading! She and Harry were written (again, the writing!!!!!) in a way that you understand and support them even if they make decisions that make you want to pull all your hair out. It will all be worth it for that big sigh of relief (and happy sobs) at the very end.
It's just a pity that I only read this via audio. The audiobook was fantastic on its own, but I would have loved it even more if I had a physical copy to fully appreciate the poetic quality of this story.
I am also hoping this is the start of a new small town romance series! Because Duncan-Temperance and Malcolm-Frankie???? GIVE THEM TO ME RIGHT NOW I'M BEGGING. I'M HERE FOR THE FRIENDS TO LOVERS/GRUMPY-SUNSHINE!!!!
With all that said, GO GIVE THIS BOOK A READ. This debut novel is a powerful and impressive one you wouldn't want to miss!
This tear jearker of a book follows Rowan McKinnon, a botanist who believes she is not cut out for love because of a painful past. Enter Harrison Brady, an obstetrician who has his own bruises but unreluctantly wears his heart on his sleeves. The two form a connection that obviously turns into something more, but their different views on love and relationships hinder them from cementing their feeling for each other. Eventually, love, both the romantic and familial kind, plays its crucial role in them finally giving in to the inevitable.
I am not exaggerating when I say that THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A ROMANCE BOOK IN THIRD PERSON POV. I will never shut up about how the writing in this book is pure ART. The imagery. The ANGST. THAT. ANGST. Those last few scenes had me staring into nothingness while listening to the audiobook and then lo and behold, a tear falls. Then two. Then the next thing I knew, I was ugly crying.
I can see why people might not vibe with this story. Rowan, our heroine, may get a tad bit frustrating especially paired up with a hero who is as soft and straightforward about feelings like Harry. Rowan had more resistance, and for good reason. Although, it takes a while for said reason to unravel. But I'm telling you right now that if you get frustrated, don't give up on her and keep reading! She and Harry were written (again, the writing!!!!!) in a way that you understand and support them even if they make decisions that make you want to pull all your hair out. It will all be worth it for that big sigh of relief (and happy sobs) at the very end.
It's just a pity that I only read this via audio. The audiobook was fantastic on its own, but I would have loved it even more if I had a physical copy to fully appreciate the poetic quality of this story.
I am also hoping this is the start of a new small town romance series! Because Duncan-Temperance and Malcolm-Frankie???? GIVE THEM TO ME RIGHT NOW I'M BEGGING. I'M HERE FOR THE FRIENDS TO LOVERS/GRUMPY-SUNSHINE!!!!
With all that said, GO GIVE THIS BOOK A READ. This debut novel is a powerful and impressive one you wouldn't want to miss!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gaslighting and Death
treereads's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gaslighting and Death
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