alfalky's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Captivating right from the beginning, loved the tenderness and nuance around identity and relationships.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Child death, and Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse and Suicidal thoughts
melanie_reads_books's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I cried a lot reading this book; it was cathartic in a lot of ways. Zia’s story will resonate with women who have had to make difficult choices, risking the loss of everything they hold dear in order to find themselves. This is not a romance, so please don’t go into this book thinking that’s what you’re going to get. Instead you’ll get a story that is about many types of love: parental, familial, romantic… and the love we develop for ourselves as we nurse our bruised hearts through the trials of adulthood. The author did a fantastic job of depicting the utter loneliness that’s felt when moving to a new country and suddenly losing all connection to family and friends. The deep grief that Zia feels was so raw that I found myself moved to tears many times. I think this one will sit with me for a while.
Thank you to the author and HQ Fiction (Harlequin Australia) and Harper Collins, for the advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to the author and HQ Fiction (Harlequin Australia) and Harper Collins, for the advanced copy of this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Grief, Child death, Miscarriage, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Car accident, Gun violence, Racism, Religious bigotry, Violence, Mass/school shootings, Racial slurs, and War
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