katiemayveil's review against another edition
5.0
I had previously read these books in random order (which you most certainly can) I am re-reading them in order of brother. This book tells the story of the second eldest Jonquil brother, Layton. 5 years ago he estranged himself from his family and society, now through the efforts of a lady-turned governess his past is brought to a peaceful resolution. This book touches on several serious topics including suicide and death of family members.
millysreads's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
valeriew's review against another edition
5.0
What a cute book! I loved the characters. It was a good story line
janaya's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide and Mental illness
sarahunsaker's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this!! It even made tear up a little at the end.
leslie_books_and_socks_rock's review against another edition
4.0
This book was ok. While it was mostly enjoyable, I was waiting for a bigger final moment that will solve the problem. It was subtle. This book was less than 200 words, not worth the price they're asking for, but I'm glad I borrowed it from my parents. I guess maybe I just wanted more. Layton's issues definitely were dealing with heavy stuff while Marion's didn't seem like much of a disaster and especially by how quickly it resolved. I enjoyed seeing the other family members that I enjoy so much.
carolynsbookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ellingtonfeint's review against another edition
5.0
You know, although this is a great story, it needs more. There's not enough time, but it could have so much more depth. And I LOVE this cover, but it's not Marion! She has red hair!
Layton is the one of the Jonquil brothers that needs saving the most I think, even more than Stanby, although I would have to reread it to be sure of that. But the fact that in Harold's story, he's still got some grief, although I have a feeling Stanley needs more in a further story too. There was actually a lot set up in this book that I wouldn't have got in the first read. It's funny, I feel like I know them all so well, but I've only ever read them all once, I think bc it's an ongoing series that releases so often, and the characters are all followed up so well and included in the next books. But rereading leaves me comparing the depth of writing Sarah M Eden captured in her later books, and the slightest bit of that being less here. She's always been a good author, but now she's an even better one, and I love these characters so much, I wish they could have the benefit of that kind of writing too.
Marion needed to be ultra cheery for balance, but even she struggled later on, and even Mater seemed a touch dictatorial this time.
There just wasn't enough time spent on everything!
And there was a lot of sad.
The stories of her family, that all started the same way, and the miraculous drops of gold were wonderful.
I do like that Phillip dropped his mask quite a bit, bc he is closest with Layton, so that emphasised that relationship.
I guess I just didn't relate to Layton as much, but it's a 5 starrer, because it has to be.
Layton is the one of the Jonquil brothers that needs saving the most I think, even more than Stanby, although I would have to reread it to be sure of that. But the fact that in Harold's story, he's still got some grief, although I have a feeling Stanley needs more in a further story too. There was actually a lot set up in this book that I wouldn't have got in the first read. It's funny, I feel like I know them all so well, but I've only ever read them all once, I think bc it's an ongoing series that releases so often, and the characters are all followed up so well and included in the next books. But rereading leaves me comparing the depth of writing Sarah M Eden captured in her later books, and the slightest bit of that being less here. She's always been a good author, but now she's an even better one, and I love these characters so much, I wish they could have the benefit of that kind of writing too.
Marion needed to be ultra cheery for balance, but even she struggled later on, and even Mater seemed a touch dictatorial this time.
There just wasn't enough time spent on everything!
And there was a lot of sad.
The stories of her family, that all started the same way, and the miraculous drops of gold were wonderful.
I do like that Phillip dropped his mask quite a bit, bc he is closest with Layton, so that emphasised that relationship.
I guess I just didn't relate to Layton as much, but it's a 5 starrer, because it has to be.
breezymor's review against another edition
5.0
I read the entire Jonquil series in 2 weeks cause it was that good. This was the first one that I read in a day flat but there were multiple that I finished in less than 24 hours. The way that each and every book is unique and so well written just blessed my readers heart
daree_222's review against another edition
5.0
After reading all of the books by Sarah Eden, this was my very favorite!