poorlenore's review against another edition
As with all her novels, it was fantastic! I get so into her characters and their worlds. I love how she writes and it makes me feel like I can touch and taste the world she creates.
girlgotnoidentity's review against another edition
4.0
SUMMER. YOUTH. BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS. SMALL TOWN. LIFE.
A very heartwarming read. A great book to start my summer break.
A very heartwarming read. A great book to start my summer break.
kat7321's review
5.0
This is one of the best books I've read. Not in its literary sophistication, though it's solidly written, but in the experience of the story, the human emotions, the sheer beauty of perspective, even through events that are difficult and sad. I laughed out loud several times, and I certainly was brought to tears more than once. I was thoroughly enchanted by the main character, Calla Lily Ponder, and related to her experience easily, though there is little comparison between her life/character and my own. I listened to it on audio, and I must say that the accents were a boost to the flavor of the whole story. Wonderful, wonderful book. I may even listen to it again, and I never do that! Recommended!
impybelle's review against another edition
4.0
The only thing I didn't like, after it was all said and done, about The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder was the wrap up with Tuck.
I didn't mind that she went back to Tuck, and I didn't mind that he came back to her. But the fact that what kept them apart was Uncle Tucker intervening and swiping their mail (as well as feeding Tuck lies) seemed a little... predictable, somehow. Which probably says more about the way my mind works than anything else, but I think I would have prefered for Tuck to have just... gotten scared and then Uncle Tuck used that to his advantage. Easier to relate to, I guess.
That said, I really loved the book. It was easy to slip into and I cried when things didn't work out for Calla, and occasionally when things did, as well.
I didn't mind that she went back to Tuck, and I didn't mind that he came back to her. But the fact that what kept them apart was Uncle Tucker intervening and swiping their mail (as well as feeding Tuck lies) seemed a little... predictable, somehow. Which probably says more about the way my mind works than anything else, but I think I would have prefered for Tuck to have just... gotten scared and then Uncle Tuck used that to his advantage. Easier to relate to, I guess.
That said, I really loved the book. It was easy to slip into and I cried when things didn't work out for Calla, and occasionally when things did, as well.
sueann's review against another edition
4.0
At first it seems fluffy and naive (not necessarily a bad thing) and then this book will make you cry (amazingly, also not a bad thing. I'm thoroughly enjoying spending time with these characters. I love reading about familiar places in New Orleans, too.
judyward's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the Ya-Ya books so I was primed when I saw this book on audio at the library. I'm glad that I listened to the book rather than read it because the narrator caught the Cajun cadences which I would have missed on the printed page. This is the story of Calla Lily Ponder growing up in the tiny hamlet of La Luna, Louisiana surrounded by a loving family and endearing, if odd, town residents. But then this is the south and we would be disappointed without colorful characters. This is a book that is aching to be a movie, so, of course, there is love, tragedy, adjustment, tragedy, and again love. The reader knows that before beginning the story. I think that the book could have been better edited. There was too much repetition in the first few chapters and maybe some of the sections about the Moon Lady could have been tightened up. However, on the whole, it was a delightful read by a favorite author and I eagerly look forward to the next book by Rebecca Wells.
ericadeb's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book! It made me cry while waiting for a delayed flight in a crowded air port. Beautifully written and very touching. I love everything she writes.
fkshg8465's review against another edition
5.0
I was charmed until chapter 32, and then I'd just about had it and was determined to be angry until the very last word. But just like she did all throughout the book, my heart was seduced, twisted, burned, opened, reopened, and further opened. I loved all the characters in the book, even the ones that made me want to punch the proverbial wall. Calla Lily has the kind of friends everyone should have and should be honored to have. And even though I don't love romance novels, and even though there was a romance, I would not call this a romance novel. I'd call it a book of friendships that contained a romance. I also admit I cried a lot - too many raw nerves from my own life were exposed while reading the book, and they were activated on over and over again.