My head was spinning as I read this book, and I never was able to get into the rhythm of the story told through messages, all in a snappy narrative. TMy head was spinning as I read this book, and I never was able to get into the rhythm of the story told through messages, all in a snappy narrative. The sibling relationship between Izzy, Penelope and Luke is fun, but their random commentary sidebars were distracting from my attempts to visualize Penelope's setting. Hopping between texts and emails (often without the story finished- a habit of Penelope's) was jarring and made it difficult to keep everything straight. I enjoyed Penelope's effervescent personality, which bubbled off the pages. She compares herself to Mary Poppins and Maria VonTrapp, and I would concur, with the addition of about twenty Red Bulls. She has plenty of witty opinions on the world and people around her, but I had difficulty connecting to her or any of the characters because of the reading whiplash I experienced from the format. I would recommend this book to fans of Gilmore Girls, it definitely reminds me of Lorelei's fast-talking quirky conversations.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own....more
The stunning cover first caught my eye with this book. I didn't realize it was the third in the series, and while it can technically be read as a stanThe stunning cover first caught my eye with this book. I didn't realize it was the third in the series, and while it can technically be read as a stand alone, I feel like I missed some character development from the previous books since the author referred to Sophie's past and her relationship with the Caldwell's quite a bit. Sophie grew up in the local orphanage and doesn't have good memories there, but has thrived and become skilled in journalism and newspaper printing. I admired her work ethic and her passion for influencing the world for good, especially by advocating for the downtrodden. Sadly I lost interest in the story when the writing style failed to keep me connected to the characters and the plot. There was some foreshadowing of future complex dynamics but the pace was just too slow for me. I think this book would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction and small-town settings.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own....more
Opposites attract can be such a fun dynamic, and Harper and Rusty are definitely lifestyle opposites! I think what makes them work is the values they Opposites attract can be such a fun dynamic, and Harper and Rusty are definitely lifestyle opposites! I think what makes them work is the values they have in common. It was a pleasure watching them get to know each other on a deeper level and the respect they developed for each other. It can be a bit tricky when a makeover is involved- but because Harper didn’t judge Rusty before he got a haircut and new clothes, it didn’t make her seem shallow when she also appreciated him after. I liked that we learn why maintaining her image has been important to her, and see her progression as she allows herself to relax, slow down, and take time to accept herself when she’s not top of the game. I thought the author handled the topic rather well. Harper’s lessons also involve letting herself lean on her friends, confide in them, and make time for relationships, rather than getting caught up in the rat race. We get to know more Maple Falls residents in this third book and I love how they give the story more depth. The subplot with Harper’s parents added to the story, but I felt like the chapters with her mother’s perspective were a little angsty and long for my taste and stalled the main story with Rusty and Harper. I hope we get a book or novella telling the story of the fourth member of this group of friends, especially since there were hints of foreshadowing woven in.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own....more
Loading...
