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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
2.5 maybe? man, I could not get into this book. I can dig a light plot but it falls flat when the characters aren’t all that compelling either. really struggled to care about the duck mystery or understand why the main character zeroed in on that particular item and story when the house was full of weird items and her aunt presumably had a ton of weird stories. the dialogue didn’t feel realistic.
there were fun parts and the final third was infinitely more interesting than the rest. bummed I didn’t like this more - I love Linda Holmes’ first novel!
there were fun parts and the final third was infinitely more interesting than the rest. bummed I didn’t like this more - I love Linda Holmes’ first novel!
3.5 ⭐️ There was a lot to love about this book. Slow to start, but definitely picked up.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Despite the few unchecked flaws in the first half, I really liked this book. I'm beginning to think low-stakes fiction with a great story line is my happy place.
Went in blind, and I'm happy I did.
Went in blind, and I'm happy I did.
At its heart, Flying Solo is a light, warm read about creating your own happiness. The duck mystery that drives the plot of Flying Solo is fun, but this book stuck with me because of what Linda Holmes has to say about women who chose to remain single. Laurie is getting over a failed engagement, but like her late great-aunt Dot, she is sure in her choice to remain alone. Both these women remain content with the life they built for themselves, without a conventional partner. I also liked the idea that there is more than one option for romantic happiness, and it is ultimately what works for the people involved.
I really enjoyed this story. It followed some of the standard tropes of contemporary romances but with its own relationship style twist and a super fun mystery. I listened while on a long drive and it was very entertaining. I would definitely recommend. 4.5*
Read like a Hallmark Christmas movie. About halfway through when the duck story line finally took off, it got more interesting. Definitely a book I finished as quickly as possible not because I loved it but just to finish (but didn't dislike it enough to stop reading).
More like 3.5. It was okay. Predictably romantic and quick to read. Just didn’t have anything that wowed me. A nice simple beach book to pass some time relaxing and reading.
I really enjoy this author’s writing style! Who knew a book about an almost 40 year old woman tasked with deciding what to do with her recently deceased Great Aunt’s personal belongings would grip me from beginning to end?? I sure didn’t expect this! I loved how this simple story grew from the discovery of a wooden decoy duck into a full on mystery with a bit of suspense and romance sprinkled with witty banter and schemes throughout. I love the way this author gives real conversation and thought to her characters, it’s not a hallmark movie where characters just “know” they’ll love each other forever, but rather there are raw real moments that develop these characters in a way that has you begging for an epilogue and being so happy to find there is one and it’s actually good. I don’t know if I’m making sense because I’m being vague to avoid spoilers for who knows why, I write these reviews for myself and never expect anyone to read them after all. So yeah, I enjoyed the crap out of this story about a freaking wooden decoy duck. The end.