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searser's review
5.0
An endearing story of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Not a page-turner in the thriller sense, but one that kept me eagerly reading and yearning for more of the story until the very end. I can’t wait to read more from Julie Cantrell.
parklandmom's review
3.0
While I absolutely loved, The Feathered Bone, I didn’t find this one as much to my taste. I’m not a gardener and I found there was way too much detail about flowers and gardening that I skimmed through all of those parts.
I didn’t feel the resolve between the sisters really fit. The story about the parents was awesome. The main character and the romantic interest were different. The sister was a character who was fascinating, but I would have liked to see her development more defined. I really didn’t see the Christian aspect within this book which was disappointing for me with this book being in Christian fiction.
I didn’t feel the resolve between the sisters really fit. The story about the parents was awesome. The main character and the romantic interest were different. The sister was a character who was fascinating, but I would have liked to see her development more defined. I really didn’t see the Christian aspect within this book which was disappointing for me with this book being in Christian fiction.
pammmiisue's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book. Really good characters. Sometimes I was frustrated by the main character but that was part of the story :)
lectora21's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
tashaseegmiller's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a lovely, lovely book. From the first page, I was hooked, in love with the voice of the narrator, of the characters, and anxious to see how it would all unfold. I loved the way that Cantrell showed lovely settings in both the desert and the south, demonstrated the conflict between sisters, showcased the complications of returning to a past, and the value that comes from the courage to finally be open and honest and vulnerable. Cantrell writing is lush and honest, and her characters well-rounded and multi-faceted. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience and introduction to Cantrell's works. I will seek out her writing again.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Perennials is a new novel by Julie Cantrell. Eva “Lovely” Sutherland grew up in Oxford, Mississippi. Thanks to her sister, Bitsy and her lies, Eva was quick to move to Phoenix when she turned eighteen. Laurel and Chief Sutherland will be celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary soon and they would like Eva to return home early. Eva just landed the account of her career with a tight deadline, but she agrees to return home. Unfortunately, Bitsy has not changed and is antagonistic (bitter, nasty, jealous). Eva helps her father plan a special memory garden as a surprise for her mother. It gives Eva a chance to work with her friend and former boyfriend, Fisher Oaklen as well as remember her dream of becoming a flower farmer. Eva is given an opportunity to look back on her life and decide what she wants for her future. Is it possible to go home again? Can Bitsy and Eva get past their differences?
Perennials is a spiritual novel (not Christian) with focus on Buddhism. Yoga and Buddhism are frequently mentioned throughout the story (Buddhist prayer wheel, yoga poses, etc.). The one Christian thing mentioned repeatedly is “Judas has a story” (two sides to every story). Julie Cantrell is a descriptive writer. She paints a picture with words. Ms. Cantrell describes nature (flowers, trees, birds) and the town in detail. Some of the flower descriptions are lovely (people who enjoy gardening will appreciate it). I found Perennials to be a slow-paced story that failed to capture and hold my attention (it actually put me to sleep which is hard to do since I suffer from insomnia). It is basically a story of sibling rivalry (I could go down the street to my sisters to experience this type of behavior) with a predictable ending (it turned out exactly as I predicted when I started reading it).
Perennials is a spiritual novel (not Christian) with focus on Buddhism. Yoga and Buddhism are frequently mentioned throughout the story (Buddhist prayer wheel, yoga poses, etc.). The one Christian thing mentioned repeatedly is “Judas has a story” (two sides to every story). Julie Cantrell is a descriptive writer. She paints a picture with words. Ms. Cantrell describes nature (flowers, trees, birds) and the town in detail. Some of the flower descriptions are lovely (people who enjoy gardening will appreciate it). I found Perennials to be a slow-paced story that failed to capture and hold my attention (it actually put me to sleep which is hard to do since I suffer from insomnia). It is basically a story of sibling rivalry (I could go down the street to my sisters to experience this type of behavior) with a predictable ending (it turned out exactly as I predicted when I started reading it).
suvata's review against another edition
3.0
Before:
I’ve read too many sad books lately. I’m hoping this one is at least a little happier.
After:
Not even close. Not only was this book sad it was also “sappy” and predictable but in a good way. If you understand that then you’ll more than likely enjoy it too.
I’ve read too many sad books lately. I’m hoping this one is at least a little happier.
After:
Not even close. Not only was this book sad it was also “sappy” and predictable but in a good way. If you understand that then you’ll more than likely enjoy it too.
maryquitecontrary_22's review against another edition
2.0
I'm puzzled as to why in the world this book was categorized as "Christian Fiction." It is most definitely not, in case that's what you're looking for.
I feel like there are two types of contemporary fiction female readers-- those who are looking for something more realistic, even though that means there's not always a happy ending, and those who prefer the feel-good stories even if it's a little cheesy. I always choose the former just like I'd prefer an inspired-be-true-events TV show over a Hallmark Channel movie any day. Because of this, Perennials just wasn't my taste. Every character in the book is one-dimensional, and we know by the second chapter how the novel will end. For some readers, this is exactly their cup of tea. Me, not so much.
P.S. I wish I loved the story as much as I fell in love with that gorgeous cover!mschrock8's review against another edition
4.0
Borrowed on Hoopla through JCPL.
Listening length 10 hr eight min
Listening length 10 hr eight min