_sarah_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
Maeve Binchy's books are unfailingly saccharin and schmaltzy. But if that's the kind of thing I'm in the mood for, no one does it better. It's very comforting to read her books because you always know what you're going to get--a happy (or at least an uncomplicated) ending.
lisalit's review against another edition
4.0
C'était un vrai bonheur de lire ce livre. Il est très positif et met de très bonne humeur !
L'histoire se passe dans la campagne irlandaise où une maison d'hôte : Stone House se met en place pour accueillir des visiteurs pendant une semaine en hiver. On apprend à connaître les différents hôtes avec leurs différentes péripéties.
Je rêverai de passer une semaine dans cette ambiance où un feu est toujours allumé, un chat toujours prêt à vous faire des câlins et un paysage magnifique à observer.
Ce livre c'est une bouffée d'air frais en haut d'une falaise irlandaise.
Le niveau d'anglais est accessible, pas de difficulté particulière, c'est un livre qui se lit vite. Je vous le conseille surtout lorsqu'il ne fait pas beau dehors et que vous êtes bien installé dans une ambiance chaleureuse!
L'histoire se passe dans la campagne irlandaise où une maison d'hôte : Stone House se met en place pour accueillir des visiteurs pendant une semaine en hiver. On apprend à connaître les différents hôtes avec leurs différentes péripéties.
Je rêverai de passer une semaine dans cette ambiance où un feu est toujours allumé, un chat toujours prêt à vous faire des câlins et un paysage magnifique à observer.
Ce livre c'est une bouffée d'air frais en haut d'une falaise irlandaise.
Le niveau d'anglais est accessible, pas de difficulté particulière, c'est un livre qui se lit vite. Je vous le conseille surtout lorsqu'il ne fait pas beau dehors et que vous êtes bien installé dans une ambiance chaleureuse!
chailady's review against another edition
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
4.0
The first half of the novel is the backstory in how the inn came to be a part of the village. The second half is a series of vignettes telling the stories of the first guests. Both were interesting, but the second half lacked the clarity and energy of the first half. I would have loved a true epilogue.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Grief
rlk7m's review against another edition
3.0
This was simply nice, light-hearted storytelling. It made me smile and giggle, and it didn't require any deep thinking. A lovely way to end my own week in winter break from work.
juliana_aldous's review against another edition
4.0
Reading a Maeve Binchy novel is like having a comforting cup of tea on a cold day. I was sad to hear that Ms. Binchy died this past year and this was her last novel. This is just a sweet story that has all the reasons to like Binchy--an Irish location an a cast of colorful local characters. Some lead solitary lives, some find love, some make major changes to their circumstances while others do not, most wear sensible clothes. Sweet... her stories are always sweet. Just enough sadness without being full on tragedy and enough joy to balance the sadness. This particular Binchy takes place in a hotel. A woman returns to her hometown with a secret and opens a hotel. The story focuses on the cast that work at the hotel and also the guests that arrive the first week. The end seemed a bit unfinished--like maybe Binchy was holding on to the last few chapters to wrap this novel up.
monicamjw's review against another edition
5.0
A delightful way to end/begin the year. Classic Maeve Binchy with wonderful characters and interwoven stories.
leelee77's review against another edition
3.0
Not her best book, not as good as Tara Road, Quentins or Nights of Rain and Stars but still an enjoyable read. Would have liked to have seen how the characters got on after their week even if it was just a small chapter tying it all up.
gloriamitchell821196844's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
orygunn's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderful book, enhanced by the amazing voice talent that read the book on tape. Off to search for another Maeve Binchy work.