dhilderbrand's review against another edition
4.0
This was a wonderful story - no idea it was part of a series. Definitely doesn't end on a cliffhanger although I would read more easily. There was a very unexpected twist - I strongly encourage anyone NOT to read the back cover and just go for it. The first two chapters are rough... don't give up!
firesmythe's review against another edition
4.0
Another great novel by my favorite author. This book has a slow start but the storytelling draws you in and keeps the pages turning.
sherrisue76's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a touching book that I don't know why I waited such a crazy long time to read it. I read it for #RYBSAT which is Read Your Bookshelf A Thon. Can't wait to start the next in this series!
disneydamsel1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
It is a slow read. It is like a hallmark story. Beautiful concept albeit a little predictable.
ncrabb's review against another edition
4.0
Faye Murrow and Michael Keddington met while he was working at a meat market and she came in with some of her boisterous frat friends. Their worlds couldn’t have been more different. He grew up constantly broke and poor; she grew up wanting or needing nothing. But something about him attracted her; something about her made him realize that whatever he felt had nothing to do with her family money and everything to do with the ways in which she filled the dark places in his soul simply by being herself. His mom is dying; Faye’s off to Hopkins in Baltimore soon. The romance can’t last, and yet somehow it does.
He had to leave the market job because the demands of his ill and dying mom were increasing. So were her medical bills. After her death, Michael applies for and gets a job as a CNA at a nursing home in Ogden, Utah. It’s not great money, but it pays the bills. The residents come to like him, and he them. But particularly impressive to him is Esther Huish. She has lost most of her sight, and she’s picky regarding her walking companions.
As Michael finds a way into her heart and she his, the two talk of love unrequited and of second chances and redemption. Esther knows whereof she speaks. She once had the love of a young soldier, but because she lacked the courage to admit that love and bring it to fruition, life happened to both of them, and the opportunities they might have had never were.
Esther is good for Michael, since he and Faye are struggling to bridge the gap in their socioeconomic circumstances. Her dad hates him and has threatened to cut off all help to her if she stays with him. Believing that it’s in her best interest to end the relationship, Michael does. But unthinkably, he is charged with the beating murder of one of the residents, and he needs Faye’s love and support more than ever.
Evans's writing just somehow resonates with me on every level it can. This book worked in so many ways. The quotes from the aging Esther’s diary at the beginning of each chapter are both pithy and thought provoking. The relationship between Michael and Esther is touching and anything but artificial.
He had to leave the market job because the demands of his ill and dying mom were increasing. So were her medical bills. After her death, Michael applies for and gets a job as a CNA at a nursing home in Ogden, Utah. It’s not great money, but it pays the bills. The residents come to like him, and he them. But particularly impressive to him is Esther Huish. She has lost most of her sight, and she’s picky regarding her walking companions.
As Michael finds a way into her heart and she his, the two talk of love unrequited and of second chances and redemption. Esther knows whereof she speaks. She once had the love of a young soldier, but because she lacked the courage to admit that love and bring it to fruition, life happened to both of them, and the opportunities they might have had never were.
Esther is good for Michael, since he and Faye are struggling to bridge the gap in their socioeconomic circumstances. Her dad hates him and has threatened to cut off all help to her if she stays with him. Believing that it’s in her best interest to end the relationship, Michael does. But unthinkably, he is charged with the beating murder of one of the residents, and he needs Faye’s love and support more than ever.
Evans's writing just somehow resonates with me on every level it can. This book worked in so many ways. The quotes from the aging Esther’s diary at the beginning of each chapter are both pithy and thought provoking. The relationship between Michael and Esther is touching and anything but artificial.
erinhosthisaw's review against another edition
5.0
a {{many times}} re-read for me.
rpe’s books •always• five stars ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
rpe’s books •always• five stars ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
tiredmomliving's review against another edition
4.0
This book was such a perfect mixture of melancholy and joy. I think my only complaint was the narration didn’t seem fitting for the protagonist. The writing was beautiful, but it felt off for Michael. The ending was satisfactory without everything being tied in a neat, little bow, and I always appreciate it when an author can accomplish that.
papi's review against another edition
3.0
Another heart-string tugger from Richard Paul Evans. I've never read one of his books that I didn't appreciate. The Locket isn't written as well as some of his others -- I think he has grown as a writer over the years, as should be the case. Nonetheless, I liked it, and found it generally uplifting and occasionally inspiring. Despite being over 400 pages long, it is a quick read.