Reviews - Lightning in a Mason Jar: A Novel

109 reviews for:

Lightning in a Mason Jar: A Novel

Catherine Mann

3.88 AVERAGE

trishtalksbooks's review

3.5

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

foodpadnomadbooks's review

4.5

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

suzyggarcia's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Content Warnings

thistlereads's review

4.0

emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

samanthamarie13's review

4.0

emotional inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

julieb118's review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad fast-paced

maryminnett's review against another edition

3.75

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

georgiasbookescapes's review

4.0

dark emotional hopeful medium-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: No

Reviewing this one is an interesting one. I really got into it and enjoyed it looking at domestic violence and what would happen if a secret group of women supported others to escape. But in many ways it seemed so light it almost brushed over the complexities of escaping domestic violence? It definitely had its dark moments. And a core aspect of the story was that of the power of found family. So despite my rating it highly for my enjoyment, it’s not one I’d rate highly for looking at how hard it is to escape domestic violence and if you want recommendations I’d love to give them as it’s a passion topic of mine apparently especially with the love for a certain book that romanticises it. 🙃🙃

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!

booksbydorothea's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

5.0 stars
HIGHLY recommend

I loved this perfect historical fiction novel told in two broad timelines. It includes a strong cast of female protagonists along with evil male antagonists whom the women are escaping from.

An unofficial, underground escape method for women and children in untenable situations is the basic plot. Of course, there is mystery, danger, and unknowns.

The writing, characters, and storyline are so strong.

I loved that the story was set in the South during the 1970s and 1980s and also in more contemporary times. It made the plot so much more intense and powerful.

For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/06/review-lightening-in-mason-jar-kindle.html

Content Warnings

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