mini_elsa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pannamarchewka's review
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
thereadingwren's review
3.0
3.5/5
Wins title of "Most Surprising" because I'm over here totally loving this when it's a historical fiction - my LEAST favourite genre. And I'm now planning on reading the trilogy!
I'm still kind of in shock with how much I liked this. I thought I'd really hate it (even though it's Queer) because it's historical AND about a gay priest. There was a lot that could have gone totally wrong in this, but once I could get past the historical stuff it was really great.
The thing I love most about this is that despite being historical and despite one of the characters being a priest there was never one little tiny bit of shame about two men loving one another. There was no self hatred, no disgust about loving another man, and the clergyman still loved God and knew God loved him even though he loved a man. It was refreshing.
The romance was really great and I could definitely see the chemistry, I do wish it could have been developed a little more. Often times the guys would be so utterly into each other and sure of their relationship but then the next day they could hardly stand to be in the same room as one another even though nothing bad had happened. It was a little confusing.
The family vibes were really great. I love the children and how they were their own solid unit that eventually trusted the adults. It was all very beautiful and the dyslexia story line was a really great addition and both the father and son suffering through made their bond really special. Phillip getting closer to his kids and not wanting to leave them was the best part of this book.
THE ENDING, that was so beautiful, a perfect ending for Ben and Phillip and their brand new lives.
I doubt I'll ever give historical romance a 5 star, but this was really great and I'm looking forward to more of those wild Sedgwick's.
Wins title of "Most Surprising" because I'm over here totally loving this when it's a historical fiction - my LEAST favourite genre. And I'm now planning on reading the trilogy!
I'm still kind of in shock with how much I liked this. I thought I'd really hate it (even though it's Queer) because it's historical AND about a gay priest. There was a lot that could have gone totally wrong in this, but once I could get past the historical stuff it was really great.
The thing I love most about this is that despite being historical and despite one of the characters being a priest there was never one little tiny bit of shame about two men loving one another. There was no self hatred, no disgust about loving another man, and the clergyman still loved God and knew God loved him even though he loved a man. It was refreshing.
The romance was really great and I could definitely see the chemistry, I do wish it could have been developed a little more. Often times the guys would be so utterly into each other and sure of their relationship but then the next day they could hardly stand to be in the same room as one another even though nothing bad had happened. It was a little confusing.
The family vibes were really great. I love the children and how they were their own solid unit that eventually trusted the adults. It was all very beautiful and the dyslexia story line was a really great addition and both the father and son suffering through made their bond really special. Phillip getting closer to his kids and not wanting to leave them was the best part of this book.
THE ENDING, that was so beautiful, a perfect ending for Ben and Phillip and their brand new lives.
I doubt I'll ever give historical romance a 5 star, but this was really great and I'm looking forward to more of those wild Sedgwick's.
spacepulsar0269's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
max_pink's review against another edition
3.25
3.25 Stars
It's interesting to see how queer romance is tackled in historical periods. The writing was solid overall, but something about it lacks...tension? Propulsion? I don't know.
But the kids were cute and the small-town vibes were strong. Definitely worth a shot.
Joel Leslie did solid audio narration as well.
It's interesting to see how queer romance is tackled in historical periods. The writing was solid overall, but something about it lacks...tension? Propulsion? I don't know.
But the kids were cute and the small-town vibes were strong. Definitely worth a shot.
Joel Leslie did solid audio narration as well.
awishman's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kittykornerlibrarian's review
5.0
I love Cat Sebastian books... the characters are so well-developed and interesting, and the story is so well-plotted, and the romance is so amazing. I love that it's a gay relationship in historical fiction because there are so few of those. Phillip is a sea captain, coming home two years after the death of his wife to take charge of his estate and children for a season before returning to his ship. Ben is the vicar of the parish who has stepped in to care for the children until Phillip returns. Then they meet. It's a great story.
farrington's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hksmith's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-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? No
3.75
A great read, I hope Ben and Phillip lived happily ever after