rachelini's review
4.0
I especially liked hearing about the laying of the telegraph lines. I realize this is not the point of a romance novel, but it's part of why I like historicals so much.
anabelsbrother's review
5.0
TW: grief over death of a loved one, racism, gaslighting
My heart is so full now.
I love love love this story so much. Now that I've finished the book, Courtney Milan's storytelling skills amazed me, and I don't know why I was so surprised by it--this isn't my first Courtney book.
I adore Amelia so much. She's so wholesome and smart, and I love all her quirks. I love how she conquered her imposter syndrome (truly inspiring, I am jotting down notes here), how she became more confident in her skin after removing herself from her mother's house (and abusive environment, tbh).
Grayson, where do I start with Grayson? Dude needs a hug, badly. I adore his smart brains and how he takes care of Amelia, how he encourages her to trust herself. The way he always thought of his brothers with every accomplishment he made broke my heart.
There are so many elements of this book that work for me, but ultimately it boils down to the characters. Amelia and Grayson are surrounded by so many wonderful people (and one Benedict Worth, grown up and far away from home!), their love for each other and their banter are truly heartwarming.
Looking forward to the next book (which might take another 2 years but anyhoo this will give me time to reread the previous Worth books because I remember nothing)!
E-ARC is received thanks to the author.
My heart is so full now.
I love love love this story so much. Now that I've finished the book, Courtney Milan's storytelling skills amazed me, and I don't know why I was so surprised by it--this isn't my first Courtney book.
I adore Amelia so much. She's so wholesome and smart, and I love all her quirks. I love how she conquered her imposter syndrome (truly inspiring, I am jotting down notes here), how she became more confident in her skin after removing herself from her mother's house (and abusive environment, tbh).
Grayson, where do I start with Grayson? Dude needs a hug, badly. I adore his smart brains and how he takes care of Amelia, how he encourages her to trust herself. The way he always thought of his brothers with every accomplishment he made broke my heart.
There are so many elements of this book that work for me, but ultimately it boils down to the characters. Amelia and Grayson are surrounded by so many wonderful people (and one Benedict Worth, grown up and far away from home!), their love for each other and their banter are truly heartwarming.
Looking forward to the next book (which might take another 2 years but anyhoo this will give me time to reread the previous Worth books because I remember nothing)!
E-ARC is received thanks to the author.
mezzythedragon's review
4.0
This is my second Courtney Milan novel. A lot meatier and heavier than The Duke Who Didn’t, and I think I might have enjoyed it more if I started off with the first book in the Worth Saga. Benedict’s side-story didn’t seem to fit with this one book, and I wanted more info on Grayson’s family issues.
Also, the time passed a little too quickly for my taste. First, we see Amelia struggling to come up with the code and Grayson laying out the telegraph cables, and next chapter we find months had already passed, and Amelia had solved her problems. In addition, I would have loved more scenes between Grayson and Amelia, but the long-distance aspect was fitting for the story.
Still, I did enjoy this book. The issue with Amelia’s adoption is very relevant today, what with immigrant children still separated from their parents at the border and Indigenous children abducted, abused, and murdered at residential schools. The revelation Leland lets slip and the subsequent confrontation of Mrs. Acheson were compelling.
Also, the time passed a little too quickly for my taste. First, we see Amelia struggling to come up with the code and Grayson laying out the telegraph cables, and next chapter we find months had already passed, and Amelia had solved her problems. In addition, I would have loved more scenes between Grayson and Amelia, but the long-distance aspect was fitting for the story.
Still, I did enjoy this book. The issue with Amelia’s adoption is very relevant today, what with immigrant children still separated from their parents at the border and Indigenous children abducted, abused, and murdered at residential schools. The revelation Leland lets slip and the subsequent confrontation of Mrs. Acheson were compelling.
waclements7's review
5.0
This
Was so good, on so many levels. Highly recommended. It says I need 7 more words—I am so full of love for this book I don’t really know how to express it. It covers _so_ many issues with such skill, it’s a treat to read, but it makes you think, as well.
Was so good, on so many levels. Highly recommended. It says I need 7 more words—I am so full of love for this book I don’t really know how to express it. It covers _so_ many issues with such skill, it’s a treat to read, but it makes you think, as well.
gemmagetson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
mommytaco's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
sm_almon's review
4.0
I had a hard time sorting out my rating for this book. Looking at it as a romance, I would put it as 3 out of 5 stars, but looking at it generally as a book I was interested in reading, it is a 5 out of 5 - so that works out to a 4 out of 5 in my mind. I was a little disappointed by the romance (what little there was!), but overall I enjoyed the story Courtney Milan was telling in this book.
karsyn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
How Courtney Milan can produce a satisfying romance and individual growth arcs while also proving salient and emotionally-charged commentary about grief, loss, colonialism, family, culture, language, and communication is beyond me. Amelia and Grayson are one of the best couples I’ve gotten to read