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poetsofsweetpea's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I didn't dislike the book as much as I was disappointed. I thought the book would be about a magic Bookshop based on the title, description, and cover. I was surprised to find instead that it was really about women surviving abuse and also a love story and also a magical bookshop.
There were a lot of things going on, and as a result, a lot of questions were left unanswered. There was also a lot of convenient pieces of information given sentences before it was needed, even though there was ample opportunity to provide that context earlier in the novel.
Some of the relationships felt forced.
The ending was satisfying.
The POV'S were confusing at first, probably a me thing.
There were a lot of things going on, and as a result, a lot of questions were left unanswered. There was also a lot of convenient pieces of information given sentences before it was needed, even though there was ample opportunity to provide that context earlier in the novel.
Some of the relationships felt forced.
The ending was satisfying.
The POV'S were confusing at first, probably a me thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and War
jazzsilvestri's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.0
I’m not even sure I fully understand what I just read. Nothing about this felt cohesive and this felt like a book about a mystery of a lost manuscript rather than a book about a lost bookshop.
Opaline’s storyline was beyond confusing. I understand that at that time things were much different for women, however, the story of an arranged marriage felt more suited for a story taking place in the 18th or 19th century. On top of that, why was Opaline’s “brother” so obsessed with marrying her off and then one day kidnaps her and puts her in an asylum??? She had zero contact with him and it obviously wasn’t a money grab. The reasoning behind that plot line made zero sense. I understand he’s controlling but this was too much.
Opaline’s relationships were also quite confusing. She was in love with Armand in Paris, and the moment she leaves Paris she’s now in love with Matthew who happens to be married. And they have an affair? Or at least a kiss (which is still cheating. It seems like the author doesn’t have an issue with cheating since the other two main characters cheat as well). And who the hell is Jane?! I swear we were never introduced to this character until Opaline is in the asylum, otherwise I somehow blocked it out.
There was a lot of jumping in between plot points that made this books super confusing. We end one characters POV and when we came back to them we wouldn’t know how much time had passed and it felt as if we missed a lot of the story. I listened on audiobook and did so many double takes thinking I drifted off and missed chunks of the book only to realize I had not.
Now speaking about Martha and Henry, the way we were introduced to them made it seem as if their timeline wasn’t present day. But then we learn about cell phones and such so it must be somewhat present. So why does Martha not understand the concept of libraries? And the way Martha became basically a maid to a Lady was another confusing moment that made the timeline feel awkward and unclear. Also, how did she just get this job without any references???
At the end of the day none of the relationships were believable, the book wasn’t cohesive, and I’m sad the magical lost bookshop took such a backseat as to almost be nonexistent.
Opaline’s storyline was beyond confusing. I understand that at that time things were much different for women, however, the story of an arranged marriage felt more suited for a story taking place in the 18th or 19th century. On top of that, why was Opaline’s “brother” so obsessed with marrying her off and then one day kidnaps her and puts her in an asylum??? She had zero contact with him and it obviously wasn’t a money grab. The reasoning behind that plot line made zero sense. I understand he’s controlling but this was too much.
Opaline’s relationships were also quite confusing. She was in love with Armand in Paris, and the moment she leaves Paris she’s now in love with Matthew who happens to be married. And they have an affair? Or at least a kiss (which is still cheating. It seems like the author doesn’t have an issue with cheating since the other two main characters cheat as well). And who the hell is Jane?! I swear we were never introduced to this character until Opaline is in the asylum, otherwise I somehow blocked it out.
There was a lot of jumping in between plot points that made this books super confusing. We end one characters POV and when we came back to them we wouldn’t know how much time had passed and it felt as if we missed a lot of the story. I listened on audiobook and did so many double takes thinking I drifted off and missed chunks of the book only to realize I had not.
Now speaking about Martha and Henry, the way we were introduced to them made it seem as if their timeline wasn’t present day. But then we learn about cell phones and such so it must be somewhat present. So why does Martha not understand the concept of libraries? And the way Martha became basically a maid to a Lady was another confusing moment that made the timeline feel awkward and unclear. Also, how did she just get this job without any references???
At the end of the day none of the relationships were believable, the book wasn’t cohesive, and I’m sad the magical lost bookshop took such a backseat as to almost be nonexistent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
Minor: War
rworrall78's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Lovely premise and very interesting. But so many non sequiturs, great ideas not properly explored, and loose ends not properly tied up. So much falling into men's arms. Could have been great with tighter plotting and more editing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Murder
rhi_'s review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gun violence, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Minor: War
emilyanne_5's review
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book left me feeling so warm and fuzzy inside. The story was very simple but not boring. It was satisfying to read past and present with multiple characters intertwine into the conclusion. This book also did an excellent job addressing domestic abuse as well as the gross mistreatment of women in the early 1900s. This is a must read for your cozy fall TBR!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping
sujiekim16's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A secret bookstore lost but for the ✨right✨ person. Two storylines intertwined with love and intrigue for both books and people. A story of independence and growing into the person they were always meant to be! A great story for lovers of book and book stores, you'll find some great easter eggs and could put you in the mood to go look for your perfect bookshop.
This was a slow starter, that was almost too slow (nearly DNF’d in the first 25%). The story is compelling, but even the characters seemed to get lost every once in a while. The back half was rushed but caught my attention and was very satisfying to read. The story was good, but there were some loose ends that I wish had been tied at the end, and it did feel like this may not be a standalone, but no sequel seems to be coming.
This was a slow starter, that was almost too slow (nearly DNF’d in the first 25%). The story is compelling, but even the characters seemed to get lost every once in a while. The back half was rushed but caught my attention and was very satisfying to read. The story was good, but there were some loose ends that I wish had been tied at the end, and it did feel like this may not be a standalone, but no sequel seems to be coming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, and War
nelliepl's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, and Murder
ah_nailse's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
I honestly love the concept of this book. Really do. But it just felt poorly executed. The writing style felt a little juvenile, cliche, and not very mature. The characters were poorly developed, there were so many scenes and characters that offered nothing to the plot, and the author was trying too hard to throw in wise one-liners, but that got annoying. There were also a lot of spelling/grammar mistakes??? I feel like a better editor would have been able to help with that, tie together some of the plot inconsistencies throughout the book and give the characters a stronger voice. Woods poorly handled a lot of touchy subjects (domestic abuse, war trauma, etc) and I want to love this book and I can’t.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Murder, and War
emily_beth's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
Beautiful. Magical. I LOVED reading this book. I got goosebumps reading the very magical moments. I felt lost when I finished it. I wish I could read it for the first time again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and War
kiwij96's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child death, Violence, Xenophobia, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail