karentje's review against another edition
5.0
I think this might very well be the best book Jay Northcote has written so far. There’s just so much emotion in this story. And the writing… it’s simply incredible. Such a pleasure to read, especially the almost poetic, evocative descriptions of nature and some of the MC’s internal musings. A book to be savored and enjoyed, never rushed.
Luke and Stephen get off to a rough start, but I very much enjoyed the slow but sure way their friendship developed. Stephen is a tough nut to crack. His heart, health, pride and self-esteem have suffered countless blows. He’s lost so much: his parents, his health, a job he loved, … and he finds it nearly impossible to believe he can have happiness again. He’s super prickly and antagonistic as a result, but so vulnerable underneath his hard exterior. Luke, on the other hand, is very open about how he feels and tries his hardest to form a connection with Stephen. He’s such a sweetheart and has his own cross to bear unfortunately. Luke and Stephen both tugged on my heartstrings something fierce.
This book has an almost magical “Secret Garden” feel to it, with a prominent role going to Nature, with all its beauty and promise of growth and resilience. The garden slowly blossoming under Luke’s care wonderfully mirrors the progress both Luke and Stephen make as well.
A deeply moving story, beautifully written.
Recommend.
Luke and Stephen get off to a rough start, but I very much enjoyed the slow but sure way their friendship developed. Stephen is a tough nut to crack. His heart, health, pride and self-esteem have suffered countless blows. He’s lost so much: his parents, his health, a job he loved, … and he finds it nearly impossible to believe he can have happiness again. He’s super prickly and antagonistic as a result, but so vulnerable underneath his hard exterior. Luke, on the other hand, is very open about how he feels and tries his hardest to form a connection with Stephen. He’s such a sweetheart and has his own cross to bear unfortunately. Luke and Stephen both tugged on my heartstrings something fierce.
This book has an almost magical “Secret Garden” feel to it, with a prominent role going to Nature, with all its beauty and promise of growth and resilience. The garden slowly blossoming under Luke’s care wonderfully mirrors the progress both Luke and Stephen make as well.
A deeply moving story, beautifully written.
Recommend.
tragicgloom's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Addiction, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Mental illness
Moderate: Drug abuse and Grief
Minor: Suicide, Vomit, Death of parent, and Cancer
nangadelia's review
3.0
3.5 this was very cute. Two people healing together while taking care of the garden. Adorable.
kira_dance's review
4.0
This author was new to me. The book is focused exclusively on the two MCs; all other characters are plot devices only. The book describes a fairly slow burn between these two lonely, unhappy men, one struggling with depression, and the other with a debilitating illness. Aside from one character’s unlikely wealth, their relationship progresses with a sort of gritty realism, as opposed to a romanticized version. Well, at least it’s realistic until until we eventually overload on repetitive insecurity; honestly, one of these characters behaves so stupidly, he would end up alone in real life. Overall, the audiobook was enjoyable (and short), rather than amazing.
whatcha_listening_to's review against another edition
4.0
Stephen & Luke
I enjoyed the falling in love parts of this book and how Luke enjoys himself in ways he never would have if he hadn’t taken the opportunity presented to him.
Stephen I understand isn’t and hasn’t been himself since becoming ill. And I get the attitude I totally do but he snaps a lot at Luke. There are a few times in the book where I wish Luke had stood up for himself a little more.
The ending was my favorite. <3
Again Hamish does an amazing job giving these two their own voices.
I enjoyed the falling in love parts of this book and how Luke enjoys himself in ways he never would have if he hadn’t taken the opportunity presented to him.
Stephen I understand isn’t and hasn’t been himself since becoming ill. And I get the attitude I totally do but he snaps a lot at Luke. There are a few times in the book where I wish Luke had stood up for himself a little more.
The ending was my favorite. <3
Again Hamish does an amazing job giving these two their own voices.
novel_nomad's review against another edition
3.75
Ugh! I loved this romance! There was such a lovely connection between the two men allowing them to develop a bond beyond their own pain and struggles.
tipene_jeffares's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0