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bhnmt61's review against another edition
3.0
I confess I skipped the middle third of this book. I'm reading it for an online book club, and while I find de los Santos' writing to be absorbing and lyrical, like the previous book of hers I read (Love Walked In), I am too snarky for these all these lovely people. In both books, the tension comes because of the difficult situations her characters are thrust into, not because they have any real flaws. In the last one, Cornelia finds herself caring for a young girl due to a situation that is practically a fluke. In this one, that young girl Clare is all grown up and about to marry the wrong guy, not because she was stupid or selfish, but because she loves him too much to hurt him. Even their flaws are because they are too sweet or too kind.
It's all just a bit too saccharine for me. Good lord, I was longing for some snark or some sarcasm in this book. As in the last one, Clare's snarky best friend was the most interesting part (for me, anyway), and she only has a few brief appearances. So I flipped over and read the last 35 pages and yup, people just keep on being more loving and more understanding and more wise. I see no reason to go back and read the part I skipped. I've tried two de los Santos novels now, and while I can understand their appeal-- she really is a good writer, and if I was in the mood for a feast of sweetness, maybe it would have gone better-- but I doubt I'll be reading another one.
It's all just a bit too saccharine for me. Good lord, I was longing for some snark or some sarcasm in this book. As in the last one, Clare's snarky best friend was the most interesting part (for me, anyway), and she only has a few brief appearances. So I flipped over and read the last 35 pages and yup, people just keep on being more loving and more understanding and more wise. I see no reason to go back and read the part I skipped. I've tried two de los Santos novels now, and while I can understand their appeal-- she really is a good writer, and if I was in the mood for a feast of sweetness, maybe it would have gone better-- but I doubt I'll be reading another one.
katerintree's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
rosemwood's review against another edition
5.0
I fell in love with this story. Clare meets Edith and a few weeks later Edith wills her house to Clare. Clare spends the rest of the time searching for Edith secrets.
I loved how the author wrapped me up into this story with her. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I loved how the author wrapped me up into this story with her. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
doomslugreads's review against another edition
2.0
Doesn’t stand on it’s own, though it certainly could have, with slightly more effort. Need to have read Love Walked In and the sequel to that one (I’ve only read the former) and you need to have read them semi-recently. Wish there had been more development for some of the side characters.
chaymay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
mtzbookworm64's review
5.0
Clare abruptly breaks off her wedding with Zach and meets a stranger, Edith, on the same day. Only to find out days later that Edith has died and left her “the Blue Sky House.” Clare and her best boy friend Dev unravel the mystery of Edith. A compelling family story of love, sacrifice, courage and faith.
babsbee's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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? Yes
4.75
What a wonderful story this was! Edith's story was so beautifully written--especially the imagery of being in the salt marshes. I loved seeing the growth of Clare also. Even with the twists and turns this book took, it is the kind of book I wouldn't mind reading again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Terminal illness
jabreads23's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't realize this book was part of a trilogy. It's been several years since I've read Love Walked In and Belong to Me. As soon as Clare started describing Cordelia, I knew that I knew her. The writing style is a bit more lofty and formal in this book but the story has so much heart and you just fall more in love with Edith page after page. Marisa de los Santos might need to write more about Clare and Dev just so we can revisit with her entire family once again.
romanici's review against another edition
4.0
Easy, enjoyable read. A bit predictable, but in the best way.