Scan barcode
fleeta_mullins_reads's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
I did this one in audio, and it was a nice story. But it did seem a bit drawn out to me, a lot of repetitive filler. But still a nice story with likeable people.
I did this one in audio, and it was a nice story. But it did seem a bit drawn out to me, a lot of repetitive filler. But still a nice story with likeable people.
sjroth's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 I liked that this was written from Mitchell’s perspective, and that his personality was pretty unique. His response to grief felt genuine. The main characters were relatable and likable. I didn’t love Yvette’s storyline- that seemed a little over the top and unrealistic to me. I wish we had seen the romantic relationship grow and evolve a bit more- we got some hints along the way that feelings were deepening, but just one kiss at the very end. And I guess that always feels a little hokey to me when grown adults are professing their love at the same time they’re kissing for the first time. Overall, this was a pleasant read and I’d like to try The Library of Lost and Found by this author.
thelittlerusticreader's review against another edition
4.0
rom the very first page you’ll be invested. Phaedra Patrick weaves a remarkable story that will keep you engaged page after page. From the mystery of the woman in the yellow dress to the juggling act of parenthood after loss, she brings to life in moving way a very complicated tale. Strong notes of grief and sorrow prevail throughout the novel, but are balanced with humour, hope, and healing. Our characters make mistakes – oh so many mistakes – but they also come to realise that in life and in love there is no such thing as perfection.
I did find all the story threads a little distracting at times and the mystery, when revealed, a little ridiculous – a bit too much of a hot mess for my liking… but, I still read the majority of this title in a single session and stayed up way past my bed time because I didn’t want to put it down. We will take a lesson from the author and recognize that something can be fantastic and wonderful without being perfect. Overall, it was highly enjoyable (even though it made me cry!) – not as a light read, but as a heartwarming tale of making it through, scars and all, and the joy of finding those who help us grow and thrive. It’s charming, completely feel-good, and even a little bizarre.
My thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this title to read and review.
I did find all the story threads a little distracting at times and the mystery, when revealed, a little ridiculous – a bit too much of a hot mess for my liking… but, I still read the majority of this title in a single session and stayed up way past my bed time because I didn’t want to put it down. We will take a lesson from the author and recognize that something can be fantastic and wonderful without being perfect. Overall, it was highly enjoyable (even though it made me cry!) – not as a light read, but as a heartwarming tale of making it through, scars and all, and the joy of finding those who help us grow and thrive. It’s charming, completely feel-good, and even a little bizarre.
My thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this title to read and review.
pvcain's review against another edition
4.0
Lighthearted, sweet, with some lovely redemptive plot lines.
honeymilk's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating: 3.25/5
When I started this book, I was expecting a romance. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was a mystery, coming-to-terms with grief, and romance all rolled into one. I liked the characters enough and Poppy was adorable (I did find her a bit mature for her age, which made it slightly less believable, but I still loved her). Altogether, really sweet.
When I started this book, I was expecting a romance. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was a mystery, coming-to-terms with grief, and romance all rolled into one. I liked the characters enough and Poppy was adorable (I did find her a bit mature for her age, which made it slightly less believable, but I still loved her). Altogether, really sweet.
wanderingwordsmith's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This book was a read that will definitely tug at the heartstrings. We follow Mitchell, who is still grieving after losing the woman he loved. He's cut himself off from really feeling emotions and his whole world is his job and his daughter. At the beginning of the book he's a bit cynical towards anything romance and can come off as a bit cold, but seeing his growth and transformation was really a wonderful journey.
I expected the plot with the mystery woman to be a bit different and while I still fully enjoyed the story it surprised me when it was taking different turns. If you're looking for a story of warmth and learning to deal with grief and let go of self imposed guilt, then this is a good one for it.
This book was a read that will definitely tug at the heartstrings. We follow Mitchell, who is still grieving after losing the woman he loved. He's cut himself off from really feeling emotions and his whole world is his job and his daughter. At the beginning of the book he's a bit cynical towards anything romance and can come off as a bit cold, but seeing his growth and transformation was really a wonderful journey.
I expected the plot with the mystery woman to be a bit different and while I still fully enjoyed the story it surprised me when it was taking different turns. If you're looking for a story of warmth and learning to deal with grief and let go of self imposed guilt, then this is a good one for it.
psu06295's review against another edition
4.0
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick was the third book by this author that I have read. I so adored both The Curious Charms by Arthur Pepper and The Library of the Lost and Found that I was very excited to pick up this one up as well.
At its heart, the novel is a very sweet story about a man who has lost his way following the death of his partner and his journey back into a whole-hearted life. Phaedra Patrick shows us love in this story from all different angles - father/daughter, childhood friends, sisters, co-workers, new love, and old love. We see dysfunction and grief, and even crazy speed dating. On the flip side, we also see the quiet sweet moments and the grand gestures.
There is a lot packed into this book - family drama, a mystery and romance too. My only compliant is that I wanted more. I wanted more letters from the padlock people. I wanted more time with the side characters. I wanted the story fleshed out with more details. The characters were well-drawn, but I felt like we didn't get a chance to get under the surface of most of them. Maybe even a little more messiness . . . the ending came a little too soon and a little too neatly.
I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a light, feel-good read - especially anyone looking for some secrets of love. Or perhaps anyone who is looking for a great wedding toast.
I requested and received a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
At its heart, the novel is a very sweet story about a man who has lost his way following the death of his partner and his journey back into a whole-hearted life. Phaedra Patrick shows us love in this story from all different angles - father/daughter, childhood friends, sisters, co-workers, new love, and old love. We see dysfunction and grief, and even crazy speed dating. On the flip side, we also see the quiet sweet moments and the grand gestures.
There is a lot packed into this book - family drama, a mystery and romance too. My only compliant is that I wanted more. I wanted more letters from the padlock people. I wanted more time with the side characters. I wanted the story fleshed out with more details. The characters were well-drawn, but I felt like we didn't get a chance to get under the surface of most of them. Maybe even a little more messiness . . . the ending came a little too soon and a little too neatly.
I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a light, feel-good read - especially anyone looking for some secrets of love. Or perhaps anyone who is looking for a great wedding toast.
I requested and received a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
wulfwyn's review against another edition
5.0
I am so in love with this book. I have to admit, though, it wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be. Which is more than fine. I thought I was going to get a romance but it was so much more. I would definitely put this in the mystery genre though it easily does fit into romance. It also fits into loss and friendships, old and new. There is quite a bit going on but it unfolds so wonderfully that you aren’t overwhelmed in the least.
I love reading about someone’s journey and their growth. This does that with Mitchell. I ached at his love and loss for Anita. His relationship with Poppy is absolutely beautiful. He journey into fatherhood proves that it’s never too late to be a good parent. Then there are his relationships with Graham, Barry, Liza, Yvette and even Carl. I feel like this book could be in a genre called relationships. It is all about them. They all felt real; ordinary yet unique people. I already miss them. There is no dead body yet there is a mystery. I truly enjoyed it. This book has something for everyone.
I won an uncorrected proof of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Reviews are not required. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review and love for this book is based upon the story. Thank you to Goodreads, the author and the publisher for making this book available in a giveaway.
I love reading about someone’s journey and their growth. This does that with Mitchell. I ached at his love and loss for Anita. His relationship with Poppy is absolutely beautiful. He journey into fatherhood proves that it’s never too late to be a good parent. Then there are his relationships with Graham, Barry, Liza, Yvette and even Carl. I feel like this book could be in a genre called relationships. It is all about them. They all felt real; ordinary yet unique people. I already miss them. There is no dead body yet there is a mystery. I truly enjoyed it. This book has something for everyone.
I won an uncorrected proof of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Reviews are not required. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review and love for this book is based upon the story. Thank you to Goodreads, the author and the publisher for making this book available in a giveaway.
allisonbsk's review against another edition
2.0
Well, it was a fast read, but really just an okay read. I just never really connected with any of the characters nor did I feel the writing was that great. It was just really average, in my opinion.
erins33's review against another edition
3.0
Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review:
This was a very sweet story... almost too sweet. There was a lot going on and it felt a bit rushed at the end. There was also a sense of cheesiness to how nicely it ended. I always prefer some conflict and an epilogue. That’s being said, I love hallmark movies and this was that in book form!
This was a very sweet story... almost too sweet. There was a lot going on and it felt a bit rushed at the end. There was also a sense of cheesiness to how nicely it ended. I always prefer some conflict and an epilogue. That’s being said, I love hallmark movies and this was that in book form!