Scan barcode
lydi2001uk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
I throughly enjoyed this book. Although you know roughly what’s going to happen, I enjoyed the characters and plot! A good read
books_with_kayleigh's review against another edition
4.0
A captivating historical fiction - I can see why Goodwin is so popular, I was hooked by ruby's story and really felt her pains. Miranda needed a good dressing down! My only niggle is this did feel a little too long, there was an awful lot going on. But enjoyable none the less and I loved the rags to riches element being partially Ruby gaining employment learning a trade- a lovely touch.
Will be looking to pick up some of Goodwin's other titles for definite.
Will be looking to pick up some of Goodwin's other titles for definite.
novellenovels's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
dfordahlia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, Fatphobia, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Miscarriage
amberlyswords's review
2.0
This book was okay. Both the writing and the paced of plot was fine also I do think the book was bit predictable. the cover of book was okay and I think the characters well fleshed out.
cuppacora's review
5.0
5 Word Review: Family, desperation, betrayal, love, lies.
It was raining outside when I first picked up this book. Proper chucking it down, dark and gloomy and cold. It was a miserable day. And honestly? Rosie Goodwin books were made for miserable days. The sprawling saga stories take you on a journey where you feel every emotion and leaves you at the end feeling like a bit of a different person.
I had a blanket, a hot water bottle, a big pot of tea, a plate of custard creams. And I settled in.
From the very start, the vivid descriptions dragged me into Emerald's world. I felt her shock and her sorrow, and I felt her desperation.
For a story that slowly unfolds, the pace is amazing. I couldn't have put this book down if I wanted. So so much happens between the first page and the last, and the way the characters change felt very natural. It was almost exhilarating, and the danger in the plot really drove the tension.
Emerald is the main character, but I did warm to a few of the side characters - I wouldn't say no to reading more about them. But poor Emerald for much of the book is surrounded by people who don't want the best for her and who manipulate and use her. All she wants is family, and it was pretty heart-breaking to see her lose the one she knew, try to find her biological family, and try to piece together a found family. She goes through some very low points and seeing her get through them, seeing her resilience, filled my heart with hope.
This book isn't one to rush - usually a book of this length would take me four hours, I'd be done in a morning. But I lingered with A Simple Wish, I spent the whole day cooried up in my blanket, taking my time with Emerald's story and getting through far too much tea. It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday.
I know I've said it before, but Rose Goodwin is like the Catherine Cookson this generation. Her books are beautiful and all I really want is for them to be a lavish two part sprawling drama so I can fall into the story on screen too.
More...