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jaz_gets_literary's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
4.0
This was my first historical fiction book and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. I looked looking at 4 very different Black women going through the woes of love in 1910 Chicago. It was a very different time then and even though 3 of them came from wealthy families they still didn’t have the same plight. From societal pressures to family over involvement, these 4 woman having the decide if they are going to listen to everyone else or what their heart truly wants. What the heart wants can come with a price though. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the Jim Crow movement and how it did or did t sway the women’s decisions.
I believe I’ve found my way into a new genre and I cannot wait to read the next installment in November.
I believe I’ve found my way into a new genre and I cannot wait to read the next installment in November.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Racism, Classism, and Death of parent
filmnoirz's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
3.75
loved this so so so much. i love stories of Black resilience and success, especially when it goes beyond (albeit not as much as i would’ve liked) the capitalist view of what that is. the romance was so compelling and I loved almost all of the characters. there was no one I rooted for more than olivia and amy-rose (my girls!!!). I didn’t love the ending but I respect it, and like how the author left it kind of open ended.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Slavery, Violence, Death of parent, Police brutality, and Racism
a_libra_library's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Racial slurs, Racism, Classism, and Colonisation
bedtimesandbooks's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Slavery, Hate crime, Racism, Classism, Fire/Fire injury, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder
bbbeth's review
emotional
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin's Random House Children's UK for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for a review.
3 ⭐️
A big ol' bag of mixed feelings for me on this one!
There were times when I really enjoyed the book, enjoyed the characters, got invested in the relationships. It was interesting to read about Black characters in the turn of the century, an area I've not read into much before - so I've no idea how historically accurate it was, but definitely enjoyed it at times.
However... I do think in this case the four different POVs, all with largely separate plot lines, was too many. Most of the characters felt a little underdeveloped to me, as did the relationships. I found the pacing a little fickle in some places too - going a bit too quick sometimes, a bit too slow in others. I found some of the ~drama~ in the relationships both a little bit pointless and far too drawn out at points. I also thoroughly disliked John as a love interest, lol.Between Amy-Rose and Ruby's POVs, I thought he was a jerk for stringing them both along like that. It seems like they're being set up to mend their relationship in a next book, but I'm certain I want that to happen.
Overall, I didn't dislike this book - I generally enjoyed it and I certainly think others would too - but it was lacking in lots of areas as well, for me. I wasn't aware that this book is intended to be the first in a series, and it does finish with loose ends, which I don't love because I'm not sure yet whether I'd be interested in reading the next one. Only time will tell!
3 ⭐️
A big ol' bag of mixed feelings for me on this one!
There were times when I really enjoyed the book, enjoyed the characters, got invested in the relationships. It was interesting to read about Black characters in the turn of the century, an area I've not read into much before - so I've no idea how historically accurate it was, but definitely enjoyed it at times.
However... I do think in this case the four different POVs, all with largely separate plot lines, was too many. Most of the characters felt a little underdeveloped to me, as did the relationships. I found the pacing a little fickle in some places too - going a bit too quick sometimes, a bit too slow in others. I found some of the ~drama~ in the relationships both a little bit pointless and far too drawn out at points. I also thoroughly disliked John as a love interest, lol.
Overall, I didn't dislike this book - I generally enjoyed it and I certainly think others would too - but it was lacking in lots of areas as well, for me. I wasn't aware that this book is intended to be the first in a series, and it does finish with loose ends, which I don't love because I'm not sure yet whether I'd be interested in reading the next one. Only time will tell!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Slavery, Racism, Misogyny, and Police brutality
Minor: Classism and Violence
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