Reviews

Everything After by Jill Santopolo

michelleantunez's review

5.0

This book was nothing like what I was expecting but it was so much better. Such honest real and raw conversations about therapy, miscarriage and grief. A couple finding its way back to each in one of the most realistic ways I have found it being portrayed. I loved this story I have a feeling its going to stay with me for awhile.

alonziik's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.5

areadingrose's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I think part of the beauty in second chance romances is seeing the evolution and growth of characters. This book I fear is missing that smooth transition. Emily is either music Emily or therapist Emily. I didn’t feel the transition or the assimilation of these versions of who she is. 

I think this book does a wonderful job of highlighting the incredibly challenging dynamics of child loss however that should be included in a warning or in the synopsis in some way. A book that struggles with such difficult topics but is under the guise as a romance is not the best. 

I didn’t dislike this book as much as I disliked the light we lost. However I think it has a lot of similar issues. Where a woman defines her character based on the personalities of the men in her life rather than defining herself on her own terms. When Emily finally starts trying to figure out what she truly wants it turns out it’s just a compilation of the only men she’s ever loved in her life at the same time, I’m not convinced it has anything to do with her. 

This review feels harsh but I think it’s deserved.

takeahikedani's review against another edition

2.0

My friend lent me this book and described it as such, an "airport" book. One you pick up while traveling to occupy your time and is an easy enough read. I found the story interesting enough to finish the book, but nothing ground breaking. It lacked substance. The characters were flat out annoying. All the decisions seemed childish and selfish for adults with their supposed backgrounds. The most relatable character was her husband, but even he had reactions that came off as underdeveloped and childish.

genthebookworm's review against another edition

5.0

This was the perfect book for an end of summer vacation week. I absolutely loved the ease of the writing style and found it a hard read to put down. The story follows the life of a married woman who gave up on her love of music after an accident many years before. Along with her love of music, she left behind her first love.

As both music and her previous relationship make their way back into her life, everything about her present-day self and marriage is questioned. I highly recommend this one and I plan on sharing more closer to its spring 2021 publication date!

{Thank you to GP Putnam and Edelweiss for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.}

beegcly's review against another edition

3.0

This was probably a 3.5 for me!

rachel1731's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

• 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

3.0

laura_orosz20's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

2.5

abbiegalipeau's review against another edition

4.0

ok i liked this, but i really wanted a different ending for emily — that’s probably on me, though, for gaslighting myself to think this was a different kind of second chance book.

ecb_15's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25