Reviews

Honestly, it took a bit to get into the book. It may have just been me, or the gratuitous descriptions of minute details, but it just took a minute. Also, the back of the book was misleading, because for some reason the version I have just says "[Martha's] best friend" instead of "her best friend - her grandmother Zelda," which did change my expectations for the book a little. Still, I enjoyed it. Zelda is a firecracker, and I liked how well set up the reveal was, with all the early on references to various city life.

Spoiler

The dad was straight-up abusive though, so I'm glad he never truly got redeemed. And I'm glad that Martha was given a chance to mourn and release the life she could have had with Joe, rather than just having her brush it aside and/or ignore it. I also loved that Zelda was queer and in a relationship with a woman. Bonus points for that.

I loved Martha's growth in the story, and how she learns to listen to her needs instead of everyone else's. It's definitely a book that I would recommend to people pleasers everywhere.

dapplezee's review against another edition

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4.0

A lovely book about stories, secrets, and finding your way.

illyreadsbooks's review

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4.0

Martha has a hard time saying no. She lives her life saying yes to anyone who asks her to do something, in saying yes she has left no room for herself in her days. A mystery book with a dedication to her written in it changes everything. Family secrets are revealed and Martha has to decide if she is ready to stop saying yes to others, and start living her own life.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

schwartz0310's review

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2.0

Dragged on.

teresaalice's review

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3.0

I listened to this on audiobook. Not sure if the protagonists comes across as as much of a wet noodle when reading it, but I suspect so. I knew Patrick's books aren't super deep, but I like them as a break from the deep thrillers and murdery books I usually turn to.

bookishlybeauty's review

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emotional reflective slow-paced

3.25

cheitman45's review

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hopeful 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? Yes

4.0

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