knparks58's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this story - the beautiful setting & the very likable characters. Introduction to domestic violence, friendship and how "life happens when were busy planning." An enjoyable read..
alliepeduto's review
3.0
I had such high hopes for this book! This was my first Susan Wiggs novel, and considering how beloved she is I figured I would love this, but it really missed the mark for me. I will say before anything else that the message here regarding domestic abuse and the importance of speaking out is absolute crucial, and my opinion of the book in no way reflects how I feel about these issues. We all need to support each other and believe women, especially those who have survived such terrible situations as displayed in this novel.
With that disclaimer out of the way though, I just didn’t enjoy this. The characters felt so flat, and while the stories of some of the women were absolutely tragic, the author didn’t flesh out the people behind the stories. Also, the timeline was too disjointed. The sections kept jumping between the old romance with Will and Caroline’s life in NY, and present day. And I did not understand the friendship between Angelique and Caroline, which was the whole catalyst for the novel. When the emotions aren’t believable, all the characters’ actions come off as confusing. I’m a big believer in show not tell when it comes to writing, and I feel like I was told things for 370 pages.
This seems harsh, especially because this book tries to tackle some really important issues. While I think those issues were handled with respect, it just wasn’t a good story. At the end of the day, I want to be swept away and moved by a beautiful story, and this just wasn’t the book to do it for me.
With that disclaimer out of the way though, I just didn’t enjoy this. The characters felt so flat, and while the stories of some of the women were absolutely tragic, the author didn’t flesh out the people behind the stories. Also, the timeline was too disjointed. The sections kept jumping between the old romance with Will and Caroline’s life in NY, and present day. And I did not understand the friendship between Angelique and Caroline, which was the whole catalyst for the novel. When the emotions aren’t believable, all the characters’ actions come off as confusing. I’m a big believer in show not tell when it comes to writing, and I feel like I was told things for 370 pages.
This seems harsh, especially because this book tries to tackle some really important issues. While I think those issues were handled with respect, it just wasn’t a good story. At the end of the day, I want to be swept away and moved by a beautiful story, and this just wasn’t the book to do it for me.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 3.5 STARS
2019; William Morrow/HarperCollins Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
I was interested in knowing more about the Oysterville Sewing Circle, and was disappointed how little of it was actually in this novel. While waiting on finding out more about the OSC, I sort of read the rest of the story in passing. I enjoyed this novel but also felt like there was something lacking due to my previous statement. I found that Wiggs handled domestic violence well for a lighter book. I have been a fan of hers since a friend lent me one of her novels, and I loved her Lakeshore Chronicles (so much so I cannot read the last novel in the series, lol).
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2019; William Morrow/HarperCollins Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
I was interested in knowing more about the Oysterville Sewing Circle, and was disappointed how little of it was actually in this novel. While waiting on finding out more about the OSC, I sort of read the rest of the story in passing. I enjoyed this novel but also felt like there was something lacking due to my previous statement. I found that Wiggs handled domestic violence well for a lighter book. I have been a fan of hers since a friend lent me one of her novels, and I loved her Lakeshore Chronicles (so much so I cannot read the last novel in the series, lol).
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
ispeakbooknerd's review against another edition
3.0
You may think you know your best friend inside and out, but the truth is you probably don't. This is the case for Caroline Shelby, when she discovers her best friend and fashion model Angelique dead of a drug overdose in her apartment. This occurs shortly after Angelique and her two children had moved in after she'd had some sort of domestic disagreement and showed up at Caroline's door with a black eye and her kids. Now she's dead. And Caroline is left as guardian for her two young children. Not knowing what to do, Caroline heads home to Oysterville, Washington, and immediately, before even arriving at her parents' home, runs into her best friend/first love, who is now married to the woman who was her childhood best girl friend. She's terrified about raising these kids right and about the career she left in tatters in New York City.
As with most women's fiction, our main character, Caroline, is a character you will root for. She certainly has depth in the sense of history and background story. The other main characters, Will and Sierra, do as well. However, these characters could be even more developed, I was left wanting in that department. The reader can definitely root for them, but the balance of virtues to flaws seems skewed. I find this to be quite common with women's fiction and romance books. They are definitely likeable, but just don't feel real to me.
The story was interesting enough to grab me, but didn't have the tightest grip on me. Admittedly, I feel a touch guilty for this because one of the main themes of the book is addressing the ever-important issue of domestic violence. I really respect the author for including this theme.
There were interspersed chapters from Caroline's past tossed about in the middle of the book, and this made the tale feel disjointed and clunky. The book's ending does not come about by a smooth transition, nor does the ending feel at all realistic.
Overall, this is a heartwarming tale, albeit slightly unglued from reality. It's nice to see karma do its thing, and heaven knows I enjoy a story about a woman reinventing herself after difficulties. I'd recommend to fans of women's fiction and romance.
As with most women's fiction, our main character, Caroline, is a character you will root for. She certainly has depth in the sense of history and background story. The other main characters, Will and Sierra, do as well. However, these characters could be even more developed, I was left wanting in that department. The reader can definitely root for them, but the balance of virtues to flaws seems skewed. I find this to be quite common with women's fiction and romance books. They are definitely likeable, but just don't feel real to me.
The story was interesting enough to grab me, but didn't have the tightest grip on me. Admittedly, I feel a touch guilty for this because one of the main themes of the book is addressing the ever-important issue of domestic violence. I really respect the author for including this theme.
There were interspersed chapters from Caroline's past tossed about in the middle of the book, and this made the tale feel disjointed and clunky. The book's ending does not come about by a smooth transition, nor does the ending feel at all realistic.
Overall, this is a heartwarming tale, albeit slightly unglued from reality. It's nice to see karma do its thing, and heaven knows I enjoy a story about a woman reinventing herself after difficulties. I'd recommend to fans of women's fiction and romance.
mommamel11's review
4.0
Caroline Shelby, aspiring fashion designer, left her small town of Oysterville, to try her fortune on the red carpets of NYC. Tragedy strikes: Caroline loses both her best friend and her reputation. She finds herself with no option but to return home to her family and friends, including her former best friend who is married to her first love. Caroline soon finds a use for her talents, bringing together a community of women to sew for the greater good. This is a satisfying story that considers a difficult issue. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
extraaardvark's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.75
kbranfield's review
5.0
The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs is a poignant, heartwarming novel that features a meaningful and topical storyline.
Caroline Shelby is on the cusp of attaining her dream of becoming a successful fashion designer when her hopes and dreams are soon dashed by her boss Mick Taylor. She is still reeling from her professional loss when her best friend Angelique Baptiste unexpectedly dies. Caroline is now the guardian of Angelique's two young children, six year Flick and his five year old sister Addie. Soon after, she packs up the children and leaves New York to return to Oysterville, her hometown on the Washington coast. Living with her parents, Caroline hopes to salvage her tattered career but getting used to instant motherhood takes some adjustment. Determined to understand what happened to Angelique, Caroline puts together a domestic violence support group for the women in her area. Growing into her new life, Caroline finds unexpected success with her fledgling design line. But will the opportunity for success slip through her fingers when she decides to confront her past in New York?
Growing up, Caroline is the only one in her family whose future plans did not include working in her family's wildly popular restaurant. She has spent the past several years working hard and barely scraping as she pursues her career goals. Powerless when she is betrayed by someone she trusts, Caroline is frustrated at being forced to start over again. She is also very concerned by her suspicions that Angelique is being abused. After her friend's death, Caroline has no choice but to return home. She is grateful for her family's support but Caroline is troubled by the uncertainty about their future.
Caroline's happiness over reconnecting with Will and Sierra is tempered by her unresolved feelings about her childhood friends. The high point of her childhood summers revolve around Will's yearly visits with his grandparents. They spend every waking minute together and their easy camaraderie results in shared secrets and a deep emotional bond. Fast forward a few years, and Caroline is now best friends with Sierra. But the addition of Sierra to her summers with Will causes unforeseen complications for Caroline. Deciding the best course of action is moving to New York after high school graduation, Caroline tries to forget how she feels about Will. After he and Sierra marry, her friendship with the couple gradually fades away. Which is why Caroline is so stunned to discover she still has feelings for Will. What impact will Sierra's decision to chase her own dreams have on Will and Caroline?
The Oysterville Sewing Circle is a captivating novel of family, redemption and ultimately, love. The narration weaves back and forth in time and provides a touching portrait of Caroline's and Will's magical summers and close friendship. The characters are richly developed with relatable strengths and all too human foibles. The coastal setting is idyllic and quite healing as Caroline, Addie and Flick settle into their new life together. The domestic abuse aspect of the storyline is heart-wrenching and realistically portrayed. Caroline's struggles with her former boss shine a much needed light on how easy it is for powerful men to take advantage of the women who work for them. With a realistic storyline and endearing characters, Susan Wiggs has deftly woven together a multi-layered and deeply affecting novel that will touch readers hearts and linger in their minds long after the last page is turned. I absolutely adored and highly recommend this charming yet sometimes bittersweet novel.
Caroline Shelby is on the cusp of attaining her dream of becoming a successful fashion designer when her hopes and dreams are soon dashed by her boss Mick Taylor. She is still reeling from her professional loss when her best friend Angelique Baptiste unexpectedly dies. Caroline is now the guardian of Angelique's two young children, six year Flick and his five year old sister Addie. Soon after, she packs up the children and leaves New York to return to Oysterville, her hometown on the Washington coast. Living with her parents, Caroline hopes to salvage her tattered career but getting used to instant motherhood takes some adjustment. Determined to understand what happened to Angelique, Caroline puts together a domestic violence support group for the women in her area. Growing into her new life, Caroline finds unexpected success with her fledgling design line. But will the opportunity for success slip through her fingers when she decides to confront her past in New York?
Growing up, Caroline is the only one in her family whose future plans did not include working in her family's wildly popular restaurant. She has spent the past several years working hard and barely scraping as she pursues her career goals. Powerless when she is betrayed by someone she trusts, Caroline is frustrated at being forced to start over again. She is also very concerned by her suspicions that Angelique is being abused. After her friend's death, Caroline has no choice but to return home. She is grateful for her family's support but Caroline is troubled by the uncertainty about their future.
Caroline's happiness over reconnecting with Will and Sierra is tempered by her unresolved feelings about her childhood friends. The high point of her childhood summers revolve around Will's yearly visits with his grandparents. They spend every waking minute together and their easy camaraderie results in shared secrets and a deep emotional bond. Fast forward a few years, and Caroline is now best friends with Sierra. But the addition of Sierra to her summers with Will causes unforeseen complications for Caroline. Deciding the best course of action is moving to New York after high school graduation, Caroline tries to forget how she feels about Will. After he and Sierra marry, her friendship with the couple gradually fades away. Which is why Caroline is so stunned to discover she still has feelings for Will. What impact will Sierra's decision to chase her own dreams have on Will and Caroline?
The Oysterville Sewing Circle is a captivating novel of family, redemption and ultimately, love. The narration weaves back and forth in time and provides a touching portrait of Caroline's and Will's magical summers and close friendship. The characters are richly developed with relatable strengths and all too human foibles. The coastal setting is idyllic and quite healing as Caroline, Addie and Flick settle into their new life together. The domestic abuse aspect of the storyline is heart-wrenching and realistically portrayed. Caroline's struggles with her former boss shine a much needed light on how easy it is for powerful men to take advantage of the women who work for them. With a realistic storyline and endearing characters, Susan Wiggs has deftly woven together a multi-layered and deeply affecting novel that will touch readers hearts and linger in their minds long after the last page is turned. I absolutely adored and highly recommend this charming yet sometimes bittersweet novel.
sd4k's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0