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A review by bookstacks_and_coffeecups
The Aloha Butterfly Kiss by Brooke Gilbert
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I believe I said something similar in my review of Brooke Gilbert’s The Irish Fall, but it bears repeating that her books are not your typical romance; and this one is no different. In addition to being #ownvoices and almost a scenic guide to the books setting, her books also fold in the realities of falling in love while being chronically ill.
In this novel we have Guin (Guinevere) and Locke who have an unexpected meet cute when she visits Hawaii for a Ukulele Convention. It doesn’t take long for either of them to realize they’ve finally found the person they can be their whole selves with. With Lockes Grandmother (Tutu), his best friend and two adorable service dogs who are in puppy love of their own, there’s lots to learn about the meaning of Ohana.
I’ve also said before but again as with her other stories this book is definitely heavier content then your typical romance novel and isn’t a quick read by any means but I think it’s worth taking the time to slow down and let this story work it’s way into your heart. It’s definitely my favourite of hers so far.
Quote that touched me:
“She looked down hesitantly at her arm. “I don’t really feel like the best version of myself anymore. I feel kind of incomplete these days. I wake up every day with my body unable to do what it’s supposed to do. Already battling itself before I even start the day. Hard to feel like your best version when you wake up that way. Like you’re already at a deficit, you know?” And then she shook her head, like of course I wouldn’t know.”
For me that’s what these books are about. Seeing yourself in the words. Reading what you can’t put into words yourself. In every one of Gilbert’s characters I’ve seen a bit of myself and this quote was such a perfect reflection of everyday feelings when living with chronic pain, illness, autoimmune disease. It is a gift that Brooke Gilbert shares her own journey with us through her fiction.
Please make sure to check out the content warnings for this one before reading which has been provided for the reader at the beginning of the novel.
Thank you to the author for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own
In this novel we have Guin (Guinevere) and Locke who have an unexpected meet cute when she visits Hawaii for a Ukulele Convention. It doesn’t take long for either of them to realize they’ve finally found the person they can be their whole selves with. With Lockes Grandmother (Tutu), his best friend and two adorable service dogs who are in puppy love of their own, there’s lots to learn about the meaning of Ohana.
I’ve also said before but again as with her other stories this book is definitely heavier content then your typical romance novel and isn’t a quick read by any means but I think it’s worth taking the time to slow down and let this story work it’s way into your heart. It’s definitely my favourite of hers so far.
Quote that touched me:
“She looked down hesitantly at her arm. “I don’t really feel like the best version of myself anymore. I feel kind of incomplete these days. I wake up every day with my body unable to do what it’s supposed to do. Already battling itself before I even start the day. Hard to feel like your best version when you wake up that way. Like you’re already at a deficit, you know?” And then she shook her head, like of course I wouldn’t know.”
For me that’s what these books are about. Seeing yourself in the words. Reading what you can’t put into words yourself. In every one of Gilbert’s characters I’ve seen a bit of myself and this quote was such a perfect reflection of everyday feelings when living with chronic pain, illness, autoimmune disease. It is a gift that Brooke Gilbert shares her own journey with us through her fiction.
Please make sure to check out the content warnings for this one before reading which has been provided for the reader at the beginning of the novel.
Thank you to the author for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own