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gatorreads's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
2.0
cindypager's review against another edition
5.0
This is a lovely tale about Benedict Stone, a somewhat overweight, underwhelmed jeweler from a family of jewelers. Benedict's life is somewhat uprooted when his estranged brother's daughter, Gemma, shows up on his doorstep.
Both Benedict and Gemma have secrets... but together they help each other past their dark places.
Little passages about various gems are sprinkled through the book - delightful!
Both Benedict and Gemma have secrets... but together they help each other past their dark places.
Little passages about various gems are sprinkled through the book - delightful!
susie_bee's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
asanford's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable and engaging listen. Great narrator. Fun story about discovery and family with cool information about gemstones that tie the story together.
amberinhonduras's review against another edition
4.0
Another sweet, easy read by Phaedra Patrick that reminds you of what's important in life. Benedict is so bumblingly endearing and Gemma is so teenager-y that you can't help but love them.
leesey's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
azenithk's review against another edition
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
2.75 rounded up
werthers's review
3.0
I received free copy of 'Wishes Under the Willow Tree' in exchange for an honest review.
Set in a small village in Yorkshire, Benedict Stone is still struggling to come to terms with his wife moving in with a friend when his 16 year old niece turns up on his doorstep. After falling out with his brother some 18 years before, he was unaware of her existence. Having a slightly unruly teenager move in with him happens to be the kick up the bum that Benedict needs to get his life back on track, along with a little help from some gemstones.
A very easy little read - I did enjoy 'Wishes Under the Willow Tree' but I didn't find it to be particularly exciting. It was quite sweet and could easily fall into the 'heartwarming' category, however. Most of the story is predictable, but the characters are likeable and although the storyline didn't necessarily excite me, it did interest me.
Set in a small village in Yorkshire, Benedict Stone is still struggling to come to terms with his wife moving in with a friend when his 16 year old niece turns up on his doorstep. After falling out with his brother some 18 years before, he was unaware of her existence. Having a slightly unruly teenager move in with him happens to be the kick up the bum that Benedict needs to get his life back on track, along with a little help from some gemstones.
A very easy little read - I did enjoy 'Wishes Under the Willow Tree' but I didn't find it to be particularly exciting. It was quite sweet and could easily fall into the 'heartwarming' category, however. Most of the story is predictable, but the characters are likeable and although the storyline didn't necessarily excite me, it did interest me.
bluenicorn's review against another edition
2.0
This was one of the best book discussions to date. Not because it was a good book, but because almost everyone agreed that it wasn't. Oh, how I love when they express unfiltered scorn! Well, at least when I agree with the scorn. This book was just kind of a mess. Their favorite part (and I guess mine?) was hearing about the different gem stones. They loved Arthur Pepper, so it was unexpected. Constantly surprised by this group!