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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Slow start, and it took me forever to really connect the two storylines. But loved the setting and telling of family, secrets, and love - and that everyone’s story deserves to be told.
3.5 stars rounding up to four. Wanted more of Hannie's story.
ABC Challenge: B
I was glad that I did not give up on this book. It was tough at first, with lack of motivation to read and slow paced in the beginning. It kept me stay because I remind myself, this book have been on my shelf for so long and what if it will get better later? Sure enough, it does but it doesn’t always make me any better because I start to like it too late. Wish they dig alittle deeper into Gossett family and property and Louisiana people. I feel it is tad rushed with their reveal and I’m sure they could’ve done more with Benny Silva’s relations with LaJuna and her family.
I was glad that I did not give up on this book. It was tough at first, with lack of motivation to read and slow paced in the beginning. It kept me stay because I remind myself, this book have been on my shelf for so long and what if it will get better later? Sure enough, it does but it doesn’t always make me any better because I start to like it too late. Wish they dig alittle deeper into Gossett family and property and Louisiana people. I feel it is tad rushed with their reveal and I’m sure they could’ve done more with Benny Silva’s relations with LaJuna and her family.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Get the audio version. So good! Best read of the year so far!
informative
medium-paced
I don’t love the formula this author employs. And then the random revelation on the last page? Unnecessary. I appreciate learning about history and the author’s bibliography. Also enjoyed the reference to Fort Worth’s “Hell’s half acre.”
I enjoyed this book, especially the portions of it set in the post-war period. The contemporary - well, late 20th century - parts, a little less so, but still good. I could definitely do without the plot twist, the plot twist came out of nowhere and did not make sense. Sure, it sort of fits with the theme of family separation, but also it does not, because only one of the parties is aware of said separation? And nobody is actually looking for anyone? Or maybe, I just preferred the protagonist to simply serve as a conduit for telling the stories of folks in this small southern town, without delving too much into her own. But oh well, we can't have it all. Overall, a fun book, and the questionable plot twist is, thankfully, at the very end.
I loved this book! I almost didn't read it though because I hated Before We Were Yours (yes, I know I am the only person on earth who didn't like it), but this book totally redeemed Lisa Wingate for me. The audio was A++, you really should listen to it if you can.
I normally don't like books written in dual storylines of past and present, but this one worked for me because Wingate parallels them so well. Also, the two narrators are quite effective in capturing the mood of their stories. I loved all the history and truth that are in this book, Wingate must have puts in hundreds of hours of research, which I admire. I am a self-professed history buff, and this quote captures why it is so important to know the truth of the past: "Everyone has history. Just because we're not always happy with what's true, doesn't mean we shouldn't know it. It's how we learn, how we do better in the future. Hopefully anyway." Part 9, 6 minutes.
Hannie is a brilliant character, rich in personality, courage, and grace. I like how Wingate included the character Moses in this book, no doubt based on the real person Bass Reeves (who was the actual inspiration for the Lone Ranger, too bad Hollywood white washed his truth). I also liked that even though the ending is somewhat happy, it is still messy, not tied up in a neat bow. There is still disappointment there, just like in real life, but with hope sprinkled on top.
I gave it four stars out of five, because I think Wingate is a romantic, and she started to move in that direction, but thankfully, didn't get very far. I think adding romance takes away from the history. I also think that she did a pretty good job not having a "white savior" hero in the past timeline, but she was leaning towards that in the modern timeline, which gets under my skin sometimes, but it was just a leaning... so maybe I should round up to 4.5 stars. I highly recommend this historical fiction novel, even if you don't care about the history, it is an engaging read.
I normally don't like books written in dual storylines of past and present, but this one worked for me because Wingate parallels them so well. Also, the two narrators are quite effective in capturing the mood of their stories. I loved all the history and truth that are in this book, Wingate must have puts in hundreds of hours of research, which I admire. I am a self-professed history buff, and this quote captures why it is so important to know the truth of the past: "Everyone has history. Just because we're not always happy with what's true, doesn't mean we shouldn't know it. It's how we learn, how we do better in the future. Hopefully anyway." Part 9, 6 minutes.
Hannie is a brilliant character, rich in personality, courage, and grace. I like how Wingate included the character Moses in this book, no doubt based on the real person Bass Reeves (who was the actual inspiration for the Lone Ranger, too bad Hollywood white washed his truth). I also liked that even though the ending is somewhat happy, it is still messy, not tied up in a neat bow. There is still disappointment there, just like in real life, but with hope sprinkled on top.
I gave it four stars out of five, because I think Wingate is a romantic, and she started to move in that direction, but thankfully, didn't get very far. I think adding romance takes away from the history. I also think that she did a pretty good job not having a "white savior" hero in the past timeline, but she was leaning towards that in the modern timeline, which gets under my skin sometimes, but it was just a leaning... so maybe I should round up to 4.5 stars. I highly recommend this historical fiction novel, even if you don't care about the history, it is an engaging read.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes