The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! š
emir214's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent
galleytrot's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
READ: Sep 2023Ā
FORMAT: AudioĀ
BRIEF SUMMARY:Ā
In this contemporary romance, Brother Patrick left behind a life of sex, drugs, money, and love in order to live a monastic existence of devotion and austerity, after one devastating night left him feeling out of control and in search of answers. Despite years of connection to God, heās still having trouble shaking off his all-consuming love for and connection to Elijah. A stricter order might be just what he needs give himself completely over to God, so when his Abbot decides to send him off to tour three Trappist Abbeys he might be willing to serve at, he is excited by the opportunity ā right up until Elijah shows up to check in on him with some distressing news, looking for answers of his own, and messing with the years of progress he hasnāt exactly made.Ā
THOUGHTS - OVERALL: 4.5 / 5āĀ
I wonāt be able to give this book a thorough review as per usual, because I threw this one on as background noise while I accomplished some work around the house. I was not taking technical notes, highlighting content, or consuming the work with undivided attention. As such, there was likely much that I missed, and it wouldnāt be fair to offer a truly critical analysis of the work.Ā
I can, however, say that I found this book to be emotionally compelling, wonderfully reverent, and filled with vibrant imagery. Religious stories arenāt especially my cup of tea, though theyāre always made immediately more interesting when characters explore their own faith within a doctrine that is typically exclusionary to their like. Itās faith itself that I am attracted to; even as a non-religious apatheist, I find faith in itself to be a wonderfully useful tool for people to access when they need a little bit of hope, beauty, and purpose in their life.Ā
This story is a very compelling example of faith making a significant impact on someoneās life for the better. As is likely clear from the bookās synopsis, Adrian is going to face a life-altering choice between devotion to God and devotion to Elijah, and the question of whether there is any scenario where he could possibly have both. I honestly felt myself rooting for him to stick with his vows and live the life that has been so healing and restorative for him, even though the obvious ādude, you can absolutely have bothā was always the correct mindset.Ā
Ā
This book has representation for gays and bisexuals. One of the main characters/love interests is black.Ā
The following elaborates on my content warnings. These may be interpreted as spoilers, but I do not go into deep detail. This list may not be fully comprehensive or complete, as I was not taking notes at the time.
This book contains: mentions of bi/homophobia, religious bigotry; alcohol use; infidelity; mentions of racism; mention of drugs and past drug use; mentions of past sexual abuse of a minor by a religious figure leading to a suicide; and, past suicidal thoughts and struggles with depression.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, and Infidelity
Minor: Biphobia, Drug use, Rape, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Racism, Suicide, Homophobia, and Pedophilia
symabee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Sexual content
Minor: Drug use, Suicide, Alcohol, and Religious bigotry
ka_ke's review against another edition
First of all it is not because of the LGBTQIA relationship. I simply canāt stand characters who beat themselves up while refusing to change.Ā
Graphic: Abandonment, Cursing, Gaslighting, Child death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Homophobia, Pedophilia, and Panic attacks/disorders
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