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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
The Second Home definitely threw me for a loop with family drama I was NOT EXPECTING. I knew there were going to be strains in the relationships between the siblings, but I was quickly taken aback by their cause. In some ways, that made for a compelling read, but without including any spoilers, it also involved one of my least favorite tropes so that took away from my enjoyment.
Poppy felt much more developed as a character than the other two siblings, even though she didn’t appear in the book more than Michael or Ann. I think that also kept me from feeling as attached to the family as I might have otherwise. I received an arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Although I really enjoyed the setting and was rooting for all the characters, the situation that caused all the drama and misunderstandings didn’t seem realistic to me. And it took too long to tell the story. Shorter would have been better for me. Your mileage most likely will vary if you’re a fan of this genre.
This book was a family drama, similar to the writing style of Elin Hildebrand (similar in writing style to to 28 summers and summer of ‘69). A family drama based around a family from Milwaukee who travels to Cape Cod every summer. The happy place for the family takes a turn one summer and the events become what ultimately caused tension and drama amongst the kids. This story focuses on family, love, and forgiveness and encourages people to face their problems.
Some of these characters were so annoying and self centered, it was hard to root for them
Some of these characters were so annoying and self centered, it was hard to root for them
A beautiful book about family and the strong emotional connections that can be formed to a place. I love it when the setting feels like a character all on its own.
I have read where some people have said that the book is a lot like reading in Ellen Hildenbrand but could not disagree more. The only thing that this book and Hildenbrand spoke to him in common is that this book with that out on Nantucket a part of the book. That is the only similarity whatsoever.
The story was good, but it was difficult to always sympathize with the characters. It just seem like they were not always consistent.
The story was good, but it was difficult to always sympathize with the characters. It just seem like they were not always consistent.
This was an OK novel, but I felt it could have been stronger. The premise is that Ann manages to track down her estranged sister, Poppy, after their parents die in a car accident. Poppy returns to the Milwaukee, WI, home, where they grew up. Ann is going to sell their house on the Cape, where they spent every summer. One thing Ann conveniently leaves out of documents is that their parents adopted Michael when he was sixteen. Naturally, the siblings, who haven’t spoken in years, have to come together to determine what to do with the property.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES JUNE 2, 2020.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES JUNE 2, 2020.
I thought I knew what to expect from this, and in some ways it followed a fairly predictable path, but in others the. plot took some unusual turns. I particularly enjoyed the personal relationships and found the ending quite moving.
I read an advanced copy of Shoulder Season and knew I needed to read more by Christina Clancy. This one is her first book and I loved it! She makes you feel everything the characters are feeling. This one had some tough issues in it, which did not make it the best beach read, but it was so good. I will give a warning for those who want to know This is about a family and their beach house. I seem to be drawn to books with lake houses and beach houses. One night changes everything for their 'normal' family. I teared up at the end. You as the reader know all the secrets but you have to wait for everything to be revealed and go through the pain all over again. I saw reviews that people did not like the premise because of a misunderstanding. I am someone who hates books with misunderstandings but I did not feel like this was a misunderstanding. They are insecure kids and an adult who took advantage of them.
"I tell her she needs to learn how to live in the present."
"The present is a hard place to be sometimes."
Spoiler
rape and suicide"I tell her she needs to learn how to live in the present."
"The present is a hard place to be sometimes."
There were parts of this book that were amazing and then there was chapter 24 which was a different rhythm/feel/writing...and was one heck of a clunker- it distracted in how bizarrely different and out of Place it was- I get that it was needed to begin the untangle- but clunky and Ill paced.
Some of the characters were so well developed and some were severely lacking- Ed and Connie were so beloved but we never got to know them-
We knew more about Brad and DeeDee- about Kit- than about the parents-
I’m excited this is a first novel because Ms Clancy is a strong writer- and I look forward to more of her-
Some of the characters were so well developed and some were severely lacking- Ed and Connie were so beloved but we never got to know them-
We knew more about Brad and DeeDee- about Kit- than about the parents-
I’m excited this is a first novel because Ms Clancy is a strong writer- and I look forward to more of her-
I was really into this book in the beginning, but it became more frustrating and less interesting as I went on. Spoilers?? CW- pedophilia, rape of a minor (adult man / late teen girl)