Reviews

Write My Name Across the Sky by Barbara O'Neal

mermaird's review against another edition

3.0

I rarely read contemporary books centering around women like Write My Name Across the Sky. Due to several circumstances, sisters Willow and Sam's lives end up tangled with their aunt, Gloria. While Gloria and Willow were easily likeable, Sam was a character whom I find hard to relate. She seemed to be making it a mission of her own to push away everyone around her, inlcuding her own flesh and blood.

Willow's softness towards her sister despite being lashed out at so many times, made my heart ache. It did feel like Sam would never get her redemption arc if not because of Willow. While the two sisters struggle to bond again, Gloria kept a secret of her own, threatening others around her as well if the secret came out. Overall, this one was a rather nice read, and I was glad these three women managed to find their bond once again.

Many thanks to Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for my honest review.

pink_alex's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

4.5

Sam and Willow are sisters with a very complicated relationship. Sam blames Willow for everything that is wrong with her and her life. Willow fights for her love, attention and approval. 
Their relationship is tested when Willow moves back to New York after their aunt Gloria, who raised them, calls for help. 
Once a stewardess Gloria was involved in some illegal art dealing and might have to face the consequences now. 
All three women face their individual struggles and growth while dealing with their relationship to each other. 
I enjoyed following their story. I really liked Willow and the way she develops. I also liked how the art storyline webs everything together. 

cassiesnextchapter's review against another edition

4.0

Write My Name Across the Sky by Barbara O'Neal totally caught me by surprise!

It was a slow-burn beginning as you got to know three characters through alternating POVs… until about 25% in, and then I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! It’s a mix of family drama, lit-fic, mystery, and a bit of romance too. The neurodivergent and queer rep is done thoughtfully and respectfully. The rifts between characters feel so viscerally real - I felt hurt and angry and frustrated and hopeful too. I haven’t seen this one around much, but I hope to see it more. It definitely deserves it! GO GET YOUR COPY! I’m off to read her backlist!

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Booksparks for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

kdurham2's review

4.0

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

Gloria, a seventy-something, is an aunt and an influencer and living in a great apartment in New York City until events of her past make it into the news and she feels as though her whole life is threatened. She has asked one of her nieces to come home, Willow, who is between gigs and is ready to flee Los Angeles and regroup in New York City surrounded by family. Sam is her older half sister and she is having issues of her own as her gaming company has flatlined without a release that created any buzz and is in jeopardy to lose it all.

themaritimereader14's review

4.0

I loved [b:When We Believed in Mermaids|43717362|When We Believed in Mermaids|Barbara O'Neal|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560378056l/43717362._SY75_.jpg|68012209] and the cover of this new book by Barbara O'Neal instantly caught my eye!! Her writing is so captivating and I immensely enjoy her ability to tell a story. I devoured Write My Name Across the Sky and loved reading it. It's hard to classify the genre of this book as anything other than straight contemporary fiction although there is a smidge of romance, a smidge of a historical storyline, and some suspenseful plot points. It is utterly and completely readable and I told my book bestie that I'd recommend this as an ideal vacation type of read because it absorbed my attention entirely and left me with a smile on my face -- what more can you ask of a book!?

I loved these characters, though one of them (intentionally) took a bit to warm up to - but Willow and Gloria in particular were so lovable. Music & comfort food & art are some of the themes throughout this book that really reflects on family & childhood and how that affects one's life as an adult.

Can't recommend this one enough! Thank you to Lake Union & Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

macrosinthemitten's review against another edition

4.0

Willow and Sam, sisters who spent most of their childhood living with their aunt Gloria when their rockstar/heroin addicted mother dies. Gloria, now I’m her 70s, lives in a fabulous brownstone in New York, reflecting on her life as a flight attendant. When her lover from the past is arrested in connection with a series of art that was stolen by the Nazis, Gloria is faced with running and abandoning all she has made in New York, or risk being captured by her connection with Isaac. Willow and Sam are also struggling with lives that aren’t quite panning out the way they had hoped or planned. When all 3 are brought together because of various circumstances, they all must look inward and decide what is truly most important. I enjoyed this book but it was different than I thought it would be. I assumed it would be more focused on the art heists during the post-war period. While it didn’t, I really liked the book even though Sam is a very unlikeable character.

brandy_reads's review against another edition

3.0

The word that came to mind for me when I finished this book was engaging. From start to finish I wanted to know where each of these women's stories would take them. You get alternating POV'S from Willow, Sam, and Gloria and I enjoyed each one. However, to describe Sam's character as prickly was a major understatement - to me, she was downright mean. I was entertained by Gloria's references to her Instagram account and keeping up engagement etc. Where this lost the mark for me was the ending. I knew the direction it was heading in, but it was just all wrapped up so quickly and easily after all the angst leading up to it... and then it went to an epilogue. I almost needed a couple chapters more in between.

Thank you @talesbysel for buddy reading this with me.

abbilaka's review

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.5

spowers2627's review

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed my first book by Barbara O'Neal. When I was not reading the story, I found myself thinking about these characters and their compelling storylines. Three women, each navigating a difficult personal experience. Despite being together, these ladies are not sharing the details with the each other, highlighting the complexities of family relationships. Underneath all the struggles and hurts a love shines through and holds these three women together. I felt for each of the characters and I loved the richly detailed setting in the New York apartment with a rooftop garden. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

marisae's review

4.0

This tale of two sisters and their aunt lives up to Barbara O'Neal's name and talent. A great book which leads the reader to buy into and love the characters. A well-developed tale of relationships, drama, and love, it definitely leaves you wanting more. I thought that there could have been more to the ending, it seemed a bit abrupt. Regardless, a wonderful book for O'Neal fans and others! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC.