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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
When I was suggested to read this book I was in complete adoration of the book. Why? Well mainly because my favourite author had given a good review of it. So it made me want to read it. And it sure was the right decision, to read the book that is.
I did notice that the book seemed like it was suited for an easier level of reader, for those who are not as strong of readers. But that might also be because of how strong of a reader I like to think I am.
Character-wise, they are developed strongly and full of realistic personality traits, especially to the day and age that they are placed in. They don't seem to be made better than needed and not less than they should be. Overall, they are amazing in their creation.
Plot-wise, I absolutely adored the plot. In fact, there were certain parts of the book that made me want to throw the book (Which of course I would never do because if you are a true book-lover you would never harm a book, let alone throw it!) I loved the pace at which the plot moved, how it was full of twists and turns. It was a book that dragged me in and caused me to lose myself within it.
Structure-wise, I love the way that Kimberly Freeman made the novel switch from past to present and vice-versa. The book was filled with great paragraphs and I don't think I saw any punctuation errors or grammatical errors, and if there was, they weren't very obvious.
Now, there was at least one flaw that spoke out to me when I was reading besides the level of reading it was at. That flaw was that
But all in all, I rate this book a 4/5 because it was pretty good and it made me sad when the book was over because I wasn't able to stay in that world forever, which I had wanted to do.
Great job Kimberly Freeman!
I did notice that the book seemed like it was suited for an easier level of reader, for those who are not as strong of readers. But that might also be because of how strong of a reader I like to think I am.
Character-wise, they are developed strongly and full of realistic personality traits, especially to the day and age that they are placed in. They don't seem to be made better than needed and not less than they should be. Overall, they are amazing in their creation.
Plot-wise, I absolutely adored the plot. In fact, there were certain parts of the book that made me want to throw the book (Which of course I would never do because if you are a true book-lover you would never harm a book, let alone throw it!) I loved the pace at which the plot moved, how it was full of twists and turns. It was a book that dragged me in and caused me to lose myself within it.
Structure-wise, I love the way that Kimberly Freeman made the novel switch from past to present and vice-versa. The book was filled with great paragraphs and I don't think I saw any punctuation errors or grammatical errors, and if there was, they weren't very obvious.
Now, there was at least one flaw that spoke out to me when I was reading besides the level of reading it was at. That flaw was that
Spoiler
when Emma had just arrived at Wildflower hill, and didn't have much money as it had said earlier in the book that she had to sell her flat because she did not have enough money to keep it. And it said that Emma went and bought a "tiny vacuum cleaner, a CD player, and a portable phone- the only one in stock... I ordered two bouquets." (Page 246 of the paperback edition) So if she did not have money to keep her flat and barely any money to do other things, how then did she have enough money to pay for all of those items, as well as pay Monica for helping to clean the house? That just really stuck out to me and I couldn't shake it from my head.But all in all, I rate this book a 4/5 because it was pretty good and it made me sad when the book was over because I wasn't able to stay in that world forever, which I had wanted to do.
Great job Kimberly Freeman!
If ever I have felt heartbroken for a book character, if ever I have wanted to rage with fury at the injustice of the world in their life, it is in this book and for Beattie Blaxland. Oh. My.God, Beattie. I hurt for you, I cried for you, I loved with you and I was in awe of you.
How I devoured this book? I listened to the audio version from Audible and in fact, it is by searching my favorite reader, Caroline Lee, that I found this book. She can read me bedtime stories to the end of time, Ms. Lee. I loved listening to Beattie read by a Scottish accent!!! She is one remarkable talented reader, and so now, I have luckily discovered a new talented amazing author, Kimberley Freeman.
This style of the book - powerful women characters, one in the past-time-frame in the previous century (20th) somewhere between England and Scotland and another, usually a descendant of those women in the 21st century - seems to draw me in. Very similar to the Kate Morton style of writing and story-telling. The Secret Keeper comes to mind as another fantastic novel, or the best one of the works by Jojo Moyes - no, not before me or after you or any of those, which were you good yes but The Girl You Left Behind. I find this genre of story telling stunning. The only slight problem is that I'd rather the whole story be about the older generation of women. The 21st-century parts of the novels, I need to tolerate, in order to get the other pieces.
Now, back to Wildflower Hill, this story captivated me to no end. Beattie's youth in Glasgow, her trouble in getting herself pregnant by stupid selfish egotistical Henry, the way her world started diminishing early on with this pregnancy and continued to grow worse. In every turn of struggle, I wondered how much more can the author twist the knife and torture Beattie. The strength of spirit is not the right word for how she gets through. Beattie is one unforgettable woman and I think she'll stay with me for a very long time.
The writing is exquisite. The only not-so-exciting parts of this book are when we switch to Emma, the new century character, and she's alright but certainly not one to remember. She is a typical lost & confused & selfish 30-something modern western woman with love/career problems and very little perspective on actual life problems. It's not her fault. I'm probably similar in some ways. It's the function of our world, which is precisely what makes the story of Beattie so much more fantastical, tragic as it is.
[Possible spoiler alert in this paragraph] What I really appreciated about Ms. Freeman is that she knew where to take the story in those impossible turns and junctures, and every single time, it felt real. It felt as if that could be the next thing that happened and I was totally onboard. My most favorite part was the gamble with Rafael. It was that moment when courage prevailed and when Beattie seized an opportunity that very few could glimpse. I could listen to that section all over again and be thrilled for her!
Favorite quote is easy enough. When Cora says to Beattie: "There are two types of women in this world, Beattie. Those who do things and those who have things done to them. Try and be the first kind!"
So are you looking for a sad unforgettable and powerful story? Are you happy to switch back and forth in timelines and wait to patiently connect the dots? Are you willing to take a chance to get your heart ripped out on at least two occasions for Beattie?
If so, you need to go to Wildflower Hill. I'm off to find another book by Caroline Lee or another story by Kimberly Freeman. Hopefully, I can achieve both goals in one go!
How I devoured this book? I listened to the audio version from Audible and in fact, it is by searching my favorite reader, Caroline Lee, that I found this book. She can read me bedtime stories to the end of time, Ms. Lee. I loved listening to Beattie read by a Scottish accent!!! She is one remarkable talented reader, and so now, I have luckily discovered a new talented amazing author, Kimberley Freeman.
This style of the book - powerful women characters, one in the past-time-frame in the previous century (20th) somewhere between England and Scotland and another, usually a descendant of those women in the 21st century - seems to draw me in. Very similar to the Kate Morton style of writing and story-telling. The Secret Keeper comes to mind as another fantastic novel, or the best one of the works by Jojo Moyes - no, not before me or after you or any of those, which were you good yes but The Girl You Left Behind. I find this genre of story telling stunning. The only slight problem is that I'd rather the whole story be about the older generation of women. The 21st-century parts of the novels, I need to tolerate, in order to get the other pieces.
Now, back to Wildflower Hill, this story captivated me to no end. Beattie's youth in Glasgow, her trouble in getting herself pregnant by stupid selfish egotistical Henry, the way her world started diminishing early on with this pregnancy and continued to grow worse. In every turn of struggle, I wondered how much more can the author twist the knife and torture Beattie. The strength of spirit is not the right word for how she gets through. Beattie is one unforgettable woman and I think she'll stay with me for a very long time.
The writing is exquisite. The only not-so-exciting parts of this book are when we switch to Emma, the new century character, and she's alright but certainly not one to remember. She is a typical lost & confused & selfish 30-something modern western woman with love/career problems and very little perspective on actual life problems. It's not her fault. I'm probably similar in some ways. It's the function of our world, which is precisely what makes the story of Beattie so much more fantastical, tragic as it is.
[Possible spoiler alert in this paragraph] What I really appreciated about Ms. Freeman is that she knew where to take the story in those impossible turns and junctures, and every single time, it felt real. It felt as if that could be the next thing that happened and I was totally onboard. My most favorite part was the gamble with Rafael. It was that moment when courage prevailed and when Beattie seized an opportunity that very few could glimpse. I could listen to that section all over again and be thrilled for her!
Favorite quote is easy enough. When Cora says to Beattie: "There are two types of women in this world, Beattie. Those who do things and those who have things done to them. Try and be the first kind!"
So are you looking for a sad unforgettable and powerful story? Are you happy to switch back and forth in timelines and wait to patiently connect the dots? Are you willing to take a chance to get your heart ripped out on at least two occasions for Beattie?
If so, you need to go to Wildflower Hill. I'm off to find another book by Caroline Lee or another story by Kimberly Freeman. Hopefully, I can achieve both goals in one go!
I Loved this book ! Even though I enjoyed Emma's story line Beattie stole the show for me. I loved being transported back in-time watching Beattie grow from a confused young girl to a strong force to be reckoned with ! This book brought the 1920`s alive for me. I loved how it demonstrated that though it was a more of a struggle to become successful for a young single women during that was not impossible, and with a little luck and a lot of determination, talent , and a good head for business .............. to be continued
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail
Similar to the Kate Morton book I read recently (The Secret Keeper), but overall a really enjoyable book about a granddaughter who begins uncovering secrets about her grandmother's life. I found it to be well written and I really enjoyed learning about the grandmother's past. Can't resist a book with a strong, multi-dimensional female protagonist! Kept wanting to read on - so the sign of a good story for sure!