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duczii's review against another edition
1.0
I am not sure this book deserves even one star. I didn't realize it was a cheap romance novel. I don't think I have read a book more full of cliches than this one, but of course I don't normally read these kinds of books. Goodness.. and the narrator was incredibly annoying.
alwayaredhead's review against another edition
3.0
It was just okay. The first few chapters were quite confusing, until you realized the author kept jumping back and forth from two different characters. I did not enjoy the ending at all. Story lines were tied up far too quickly.
sarah_reading_party's review against another edition
4.0
As always, a lovely novel by Sarah Jio. I love the juxtaposition between contemporary stories and historical fiction, with a bit of mystery and romance. This one was a bit darker and sadder than some of her other books, but still an engaging read. Poor Penny, poor Ada. So much grief and sadness. I predicted the ending, but hoped it wouldn't be that way. Worth the read!
saram618's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second book I have read by this author (the first was "The Last Camelia"). Both books were very similar: present-day woman moves to a new place, discovers something about a mystery from long ago, story from the past about a woman in a tough situation, both stories cross over, love ensues, etc. While I liked this book, it didn't seem like it was anything new thanks to the formula it stuck to. It was was VERY quick read (I think it took me all of 3-4 hours) and there while there was nothing wrong with it, there was nothing amazing about it either. I think I'll only read another of this author's books if there is a deviation from this prescribed plot. It works, but 3 times would be too many.
tearsinthesea's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t think that I would like this book but it was really well written. The back and forth between the time period and characters were easy to follow which is a major bonus for me! I really liked the plot it was kind of unique. Very sad at some parts, a little mushy in others. Unexpected love- which I’m guilty of enjoying. I don’t want to say the ending was crazy or a huge twist but it was definitely entertaining!
sarahprandall's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a little light, but still enjoyable & the perfect book to start off my holiday break. Jio excels at weaving together stories from the past & present, even if it can be a little predictable.
desiree_boom's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Infidelity, and Grief
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer and Miscarriage
dilldaise's review against another edition
5.0
My second book by her. I love, love, love her stories. Must read more!
cher_n_books's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars - It was alright, an average book.
Sigh. I love Sarah Jio's books. Sure, they're formulaic, but I love her recipe. Any time I pick up one of her books, it is easy to escape (most often to the Pacific NW, a favorite destination of mine), and her novels are warm and comforting reads. It's always like having one of your favorite holidays foods that you rarely make because it's too fattening or time consuming to have on a regular basis.
That being said, this would have easily been a solid 3-3.5 star book for me if I simply had not read the epilogue. If you are picking this one, I earnestly recommend that you close the book as soon as you see the word "Epilogue" without continuing to read another word. The book ended in a fine and dandy place, but then she turned it into a preposterous farce of a conclusion. Seriously, just skip the epilogue.
Pictures from the author's blog of the houseboat she rented while writing this novel.
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Favorite Quote: Some of life’s most beautiful things grow out of the darkest moments.
First Sentence: I step down onto the old dock and it creaks beneath my feet, as if letting out a deep sigh.
Sigh. I love Sarah Jio's books. Sure, they're formulaic, but I love her recipe. Any time I pick up one of her books, it is easy to escape (most often to the Pacific NW, a favorite destination of mine), and her novels are warm and comforting reads. It's always like having one of your favorite holidays foods that you rarely make because it's too fattening or time consuming to have on a regular basis.
That being said, this would have easily been a solid 3-3.5 star book for me if I simply had not read the epilogue. If you are picking this one, I earnestly recommend that you close the book as soon as you see the word "Epilogue" without continuing to read another word. The book ended in a fine and dandy place, but then she turned it into a preposterous farce of a conclusion. Seriously, just skip the epilogue.
Pictures from the author's blog of the houseboat she rented while writing this novel.
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Favorite Quote: Some of life’s most beautiful things grow out of the darkest moments.
First Sentence: I step down onto the old dock and it creaks beneath my feet, as if letting out a deep sigh.
antidietleah's review against another edition
2.0
This is my second Jio book and I've decided I just don't like her style, which is a shame since she's a local author. I just don't love the juxtaposition of the two stories from two eras (50's and current) and adding flashbacks is just too much. There was a point in the story where (no spoilers) one of the characters pulls a "Don Draper" and I kind of laughed about similarities in the story then a couple chapters later, she actually makes a reference to Mad Men and Don Draper, obviously her inspiration for the 1959 storyline. I just had to shake my head. I honestly feel like the story could have been a good one but it just came off as hokey, and too neat and tidy, the stories too parallel. And the ending? Unreal. And not in a good way. It just makes a farfetched tale even more unrealistic.