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writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition
3.0
This book seemed like it would be an intriguing read, plus I love that cover. I liked the mix of mystery with the love of books. It's a bit slow moving but that didn't really bother me. My main problem with it is that I just didn't find it all that memorable. The story is told in present day with flashbacks to the past. I found the past segments interesting, probably more so than what was happening in present day.
One thing that I found missing with this being labeled a Christian book, is that it didn't feel as inspirational as I would have liked. I don't need scripture quoting and endless talking about God, but I would have liked to have felt inspired in some way after reading it. Instead, it felt more like a run-of-the-mill contemporary fiction with a mystery. In the end, I enjoyed this and I liked how things ended up for the characters, but I didn't love it as much as I wanted to.
This is the first and only book I've read by this author. Would I read another book by her? Maybe. I think this was well written, even if it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
One thing that I found missing with this being labeled a Christian book, is that it didn't feel as inspirational as I would have liked. I don't need scripture quoting and endless talking about God, but I would have liked to have felt inspired in some way after reading it. Instead, it felt more like a run-of-the-mill contemporary fiction with a mystery. In the end, I enjoyed this and I liked how things ended up for the characters, but I didn't love it as much as I wanted to.
This is the first and only book I've read by this author. Would I read another book by her? Maybe. I think this was well written, even if it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
parklandmom's review
5.0
This author is phenomenal and the book is fabulous. The story draws you in and keeps you there.
forestidylls's review against another edition
5.0
Erin Bartels really has a way with words. I loved this book. It was unique and classic all at the same time, and her ability to smoothly transition from present to past tense and back again left me wide-eyed with admiration as a writer. I'll definitely be looking up more books by this author.
dawnyamk's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
leannaaker'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? Yes
5.0
melmo2610's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very unusual read. This is my first read by Erin Bartels and and it put me in a mind of an author I grew up reading-Judy Blume. I enjoyed the dual time aspect of the novel and thought it was very well written. The cover is definitely eye-catching and will make my list of favorite 2019 covers. The story moved well and kept me intrigued and invested. I loved the book store and the bookish aspects. It’s a little heavier then I was anticipating and I do wish that certain aspects had been more tied up. An Epilogue would have been nice. All in all, an interesting read and I liked it enough, that I will read more from this author.
noodles_library's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
bkostel's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
flowersofquiethappiness's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This is very much a gripping read! I was pulled into Robin's world from the first few paragraphs and stayed glued to the pages. As her past is slowly revealed and we discover just what has made her into the person she is today, I was thoroughly intrigued. However, I have to say that while I was very much invested in where her journey would take her, there were several moments that jarred me out of the story. The overall flow just wasn't as smooth as I wanted. And the ending...well, it simply fell a little flat for me. I was expecting more of something during the final pages and never found it. Things finished up a little too cleanly and quickly for me. So while I was captivated by the storyline, I closed the book feeling disappointed. But overall, still a wonderfully told story!
This is very much a gripping read! I was pulled into Robin's world from the first few paragraphs and stayed glued to the pages. As her past is slowly revealed and we discover just what has made her into the person she is today, I was thoroughly intrigued. However, I have to say that while I was very much invested in where her journey would take her, there were several moments that jarred me out of the story. The overall flow just wasn't as smooth as I wanted. And the ending...well, it simply fell a little flat for me. I was expecting more of something during the final pages and never found it. Things finished up a little too cleanly and quickly for me. So while I was captivated by the storyline, I closed the book feeling disappointed. But overall, still a wonderfully told story!