A review by lilalhreads
The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I loved the idea of this book and was really anticipating the release but unfortunately I was not a fan. 

The things I didn’t enjoy:
— Everyone annoyed me. Literally every character. I know they were tackling some serious issues (ptsd, alcoholism, etc.) but I just could not stand any of them. Esther is supposed to be this help anyone who is need, kind christian woman and her internal monologue was so incredibly judgmental. 
— Cooper was supposed to be dealing with the fact that he’s taking custody of his little sister and she was hardly in it?? I just feel like if him taking custody was supposed to be a big plot point she should have been more prevalent to the plot.
Also I know their dad only stuck around because he was sick but what was the point of Cooper even taking custody if they were all living together anyways
— Iris is 26, doesn’t have a steady job/income and yet is somehow able to afford not one but two houses?? Make it make sense

I would have preferred if the story had focused on just the funeral ladies and the ups and down of putting together the cookbook 
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