Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I really can't stop reading this series. It's like eating chocolate: once I start I can't stop. This book has surprised me to no end and I love it for the beautiful things it has taught and shown me - gratitude, love and forgiveness. This book really filled my heart with wonderful things. I am super excited to read the next one!
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book as part of a reading challenge. The prompt was to read the first book you touched on a shelf without looking. I'm writing this review full in the knowledge that I have never read this type of romance book before. I don't think I ever will again.
Debbie Macomber's writing is not for me. I felt like I was being spoon-fed everything. The characters had very similar voices, and those voices didn't seem to match their ages. I kept having to remind myself that one of the main viewpoint characters was younger than I am. It got to a point in the book, about a third of the way in, where I was editing it in my head into a format that I'd find more appealing. I'm having difficulty figuring out what people are looking for in her books. I don't mean this as a jab at the author or people who like her writing. I don't think the writing is awful. I don't think the readers are awful. I honestly feel like I'm missing something here, because a lot of people like this type of romance. I guess it just really isn't my kind of thing.
Debbie Macomber's writing is not for me. I felt like I was being spoon-fed everything. The characters had very similar voices, and those voices didn't seem to match their ages. I kept having to remind myself that one of the main viewpoint characters was younger than I am. It got to a point in the book, about a third of the way in, where I was editing it in my head into a format that I'd find more appealing. I'm having difficulty figuring out what people are looking for in her books. I don't mean this as a jab at the author or people who like her writing. I don't think the writing is awful. I don't think the readers are awful. I honestly feel like I'm missing something here, because a lot of people like this type of romance. I guess it just really isn't my kind of thing.
I loved the idea of this book and the "prompt" of love letters. But there are definitely some things that I wasn't a fan of.
First of all, I don't think the way the book is build up works. Each chapter rotates between the three women, so each chapter is dedicated to one of the women. For me, I got really caught up in the life of one of the women, so when the chapter ended and I was forced to read about another women I was annoyed. It made me not want to keep reading, which is why it took me so long to finish this book. Besides, I think the narration is flawed. Jo Marie's chapters are told in a first person perspective where we get to hear Jo Marie's own thoughts and experiences - which is fine. But Maggie's and Ellie's chapters are told in an all knowing outside narrator (third person). I think it would make sense if Jo Marie somehow knew everything about these two other women, but as proved in her own chapters, she doesn't know everything about them. So I don't think it makes sense.
Second of all, the language is quite boring. All the characters speak the same way and because of that they kind of become flat to me. Of course they have different backgrounds and each chapter is different, but for me it was very easy to mix up who was talking and who wasn't. The dialogues seem forced and the way they speak also seems kind of weird to me. Debbie Macomber tells us, doesn't show which made me, as a reader, feel as if she thought I was stupid.
BUT as I mentioned at the start, the idea of love letters, different backgrounds and problems, and the way that they're all united in the end is good - the execution? Not to much. I'm not a fan of the open ending, but I think it's because you have to read the whole Rose Harbour series - which I don't intend to do.
Debbie Macomber truly tries to make an original kind of story line in this idyllic-sounding town that you'd want to visit yourself.
First of all, I don't think the way the book is build up works. Each chapter rotates between the three women, so each chapter is dedicated to one of the women. For me, I got really caught up in the life of one of the women, so when the chapter ended and I was forced to read about another women I was annoyed. It made me not want to keep reading, which is why it took me so long to finish this book. Besides, I think the narration is flawed. Jo Marie's chapters are told in a first person perspective where we get to hear Jo Marie's own thoughts and experiences - which is fine. But Maggie's and Ellie's chapters are told in an all knowing outside narrator (third person). I think it would make sense if Jo Marie somehow knew everything about these two other women, but as proved in her own chapters, she doesn't know everything about them. So I don't think it makes sense.
Second of all, the language is quite boring. All the characters speak the same way and because of that they kind of become flat to me. Of course they have different backgrounds and each chapter is different, but for me it was very easy to mix up who was talking and who wasn't. The dialogues seem forced and the way they speak also seems kind of weird to me. Debbie Macomber tells us, doesn't show which made me, as a reader, feel as if she thought I was stupid.
BUT as I mentioned at the start, the idea of love letters, different backgrounds and problems, and the way that they're all united in the end is good - the execution? Not to much. I'm not a fan of the open ending, but I think it's because you have to read the whole Rose Harbour series - which I don't intend to do.
Debbie Macomber truly tries to make an original kind of story line in this idyllic-sounding town that you'd want to visit yourself.
I have always been a fan of Debbie Macomber, especially when I’m in the mood for a simple predictable chick-lit. Although sometimes they tend to blend into one another with their predictable plot lines and likeable characters. This one seemed to stand out a bit more for me. I was truly invested in learning more about the Inn keeper, and her weekend guests. They each have secrets in their dark pasts, but they have the best intentions. Although the ending is still predictable, it had me looking foreword to the next book in the series. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next one.
This is quick, feel-good book. I love the continuing story of Jo Marie and Mark. Debbie Macomber never fails to deliver a wonderful story.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads first reads program. Rating: 3.5 stars
I have read many Debbie Macomber books and I have to say that this much is much better than her previous new release, Blossom Street Brides. I found myself happy to be back at the Rose Harbor Inn checking in with Jo Marie and the guests at her inn. I feel like Debbie Macomber has written a good novel that is perfect for a weekend trip. I do have to say that I did find the relationship between Tom and Ellie a little different and I'm not completely sold on that storyline. Spoiler alert....unlike many of her previous novels Debbie Macomber has tied up the ending with nice bow and it feels like everyone lives "happily ever after" but that is not the case in this novel. I do have to say that I kind of like the ending although it leaves the potential for a possible heartbreak, which yeah isn't that great, but we'll have to tune into the next Rose Harbor book to see if that is the case. Honestly I highly doubt a heartbreak will be but the suspense will keep me intrigued until the next volume in this series.
I have read many Debbie Macomber books and I have to say that this much is much better than her previous new release, Blossom Street Brides. I found myself happy to be back at the Rose Harbor Inn checking in with Jo Marie and the guests at her inn. I feel like Debbie Macomber has written a good novel that is perfect for a weekend trip. I do have to say that I did find the relationship between Tom and Ellie a little different and I'm not completely sold on that storyline. Spoiler alert....unlike many of her previous novels Debbie Macomber has tied up the ending with nice bow and it feels like everyone lives "happily ever after" but that is not the case in this novel. I do have to say that I kind of like the ending although it leaves the potential for a possible heartbreak, which yeah isn't that great, but we'll have to tune into the next Rose Harbor book to see if that is the case. Honestly I highly doubt a heartbreak will be but the suspense will keep me intrigued until the next volume in this series.