bobachel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
At first, I thought all of the different time period jumps were a little annoying, but in the end I think they moved the story along well. The characters were well-developed for the most part, but I had some issues with the way Uncle Linus was written.
Spoiler
He didn’t have to be written as a sadistic creep for us to believe he would have searched so link for the daughter of his beloved sister.I also think Nell was written somewhat unbelievably. The author hints in her author’s note that Nell’s reaction to finding out she was essentially adopted was a bit extreme. I agree.
Spoiler
Nell basically pushed out her entire family - including her daughter! - because of this news. She isolated herself. I don’t find it believable that she would have lived the rest of her life that way. Perhaps there would have been some initial shock and isolation, but it seems implausible that not even become a mother would have warmed her heart.Anyway, I enjoyed the book. I’ll read more Kate Morton. If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of mystery, this book is not likely to disappoint.
Moderate: Miscarriage
lynnannwalsh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Grief, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Sexual harassment, Adult/minor relationship, Abandonment, Child abuse, Confinement, Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infertility, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Murder, War, and Sexual content
decembermagpie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Miscarriage, Medical trauma, Death, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Death of parent
naye's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy
Minor: Ableism, Car accident, Confinement, Death of parent, Incest, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Murder, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
misskatielyn313's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Kidnapping, and Miscarriage
littledevonnook's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, Grief, and Death