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kelly_e's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Title: The Girl He Left Behind
Author: Beatrice MacNeil
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 2.75
Pub Date: May 12 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Slow paced • Poetic • Tragic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Willow's life hasn't turned out how she had planned. Left at the alter fifteen years ago by her high school sweetheart, Graham, she stayed in her home town to care for her ailing parents, but also consumed by a long held secret. When Willow hears news that Graham is returning, without his wife, she isn't sure what to think or how to feel. What she doesn't know if Graham holds his own secret as to why he left all those years ago. The Girl He Left Behind is a story of lies and truths, of long held secrets and regrets, and of embracing the past in order to move forward.
💭 T H O U G H T S
The Girl He Left Behind started out strong with vivid descriptive language and beautiful imagery. The metaphorical use of nature and the Cape Breton landscape are extremely well done, allowing the setting to connect with the mysteriousness of the plot. However, as the story went on, the writing felt disjointed, jumping back and forth in time. This book tries to fit several different genres (romance & mystery), yet fails to find a home within either, lacking in both thrill and romance. Willow's character development is well done. She is a force, a character full of spirit to begin, and haunted by her past throughout. Beyond that, the characters felt flat and poorly developed. Unfortunately, the story is forgettable despite the memorable cover.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Descriptive prose readers
• Second-chance love trope fans
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Perhaps it is Mother Nature herself who sets the discord. The female's olive plumage with its reddish-tinged tips is no match for the male's rich crimson plumage. Sweet whistles marinate the soft wind as the male's wings burst in mid-air. The morning sun sets a golden yoke upon them as they fly towards the tall trees and disappear."
Author: Beatrice MacNeil
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 2.75
Pub Date: May 12 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Slow paced • Poetic • Tragic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Willow's life hasn't turned out how she had planned. Left at the alter fifteen years ago by her high school sweetheart, Graham, she stayed in her home town to care for her ailing parents, but also consumed by a long held secret. When Willow hears news that Graham is returning, without his wife, she isn't sure what to think or how to feel. What she doesn't know if Graham holds his own secret as to why he left all those years ago. The Girl He Left Behind is a story of lies and truths, of long held secrets and regrets, and of embracing the past in order to move forward.
💭 T H O U G H T S
The Girl He Left Behind started out strong with vivid descriptive language and beautiful imagery. The metaphorical use of nature and the Cape Breton landscape are extremely well done, allowing the setting to connect with the mysteriousness of the plot. However, as the story went on, the writing felt disjointed, jumping back and forth in time. This book tries to fit several different genres (romance & mystery), yet fails to find a home within either, lacking in both thrill and romance. Willow's character development is well done. She is a force, a character full of spirit to begin, and haunted by her past throughout. Beyond that, the characters felt flat and poorly developed. Unfortunately, the story is forgettable despite the memorable cover.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Descriptive prose readers
• Second-chance love trope fans
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Perhaps it is Mother Nature herself who sets the discord. The female's olive plumage with its reddish-tinged tips is no match for the male's rich crimson plumage. Sweet whistles marinate the soft wind as the male's wings burst in mid-air. The morning sun sets a golden yoke upon them as they fly towards the tall trees and disappear."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness