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micaelamariem's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I won this arc in a goodreads giveaway and while I’m so thankful for having the opportunity to read it, I feel so guilty for not liking it. 🥲
There were times the writing was absolutely beautiful, like when Fallon found the perfect place to run her chocolate business. And the themes of moving on in relationships is a very potent one.
However, a lot of the time, the writing did feel juvenile. A lot could have been fixed by the characters actually talking with each other. I thought some of the reactions of the adult characters were either too unrealistic or too on the nose (specifically the therapy sessions). I also found the children characters to act unrealistically, too mature and well-behaved from my point of view, while also saying things that had them seem younger than seven.
And I think, as a whole, this book wasn’t for me. I think some of the themes, like the marital problems and menopause, I’m too young to truly appreciate, and then the way they acted I was too old to appreciate.
Just because this wasn’t for me doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it though. I see plenty of four star reviews here, and maybe I missed something, but I think it generally comes down to me being not the right target audience and not what I expected (I expected a general fading out instead of a massive falling out in friends).
There were times the writing was absolutely beautiful, like when Fallon found the perfect place to run her chocolate business. And the themes of moving on in relationships is a very potent one.
However, a lot of the time, the writing did feel juvenile. A lot could have been fixed by the characters actually talking with each other. I thought some of the reactions of the adult characters were either too unrealistic or too on the nose (specifically the therapy sessions). I also found the children characters to act unrealistically, too mature and well-behaved from my point of view, while also saying things that had them seem younger than seven.
And I think, as a whole, this book wasn’t for me. I think some of the themes, like the marital problems and menopause, I’m too young to truly appreciate, and then the way they acted I was too old to appreciate.
Just because this wasn’t for me doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it though. I see plenty of four star reviews here, and maybe I missed something, but I think it generally comes down to me being not the right target audience and not what I expected (I expected a general fading out instead of a massive falling out in friends).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Infertility, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Sexual content, and Death of parent
megbert581's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
This was very enjoyable. A relatable portrayal of the ups and downs and seasons of friendship. I also appreciated that we get to see Fallon’s work in therapy, it helps normalize it. We need more books like this! The only reason this isn’t a five star was I thought the ending wrapped up a little too neatly and I didn’t like Fallon’s decision about Carrie. I don’t think Beatrice’s toxic behavior should have affected her new friendship with Carrie, but that’s my opinion. </spoiler >
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Infertility, Infidelity, and Panic attacks/disorders
amobrien's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I want to preface by saying I do not think I'm the target audience for this book, that being said I enjoyed the story and felt connected to the characters though I have not gone through the same experiences. This book is described as a "mom-com" and I think that's totally accurate, which is why I don't think it's necessarily written for me, but Fallon's struggle to make and maintain friendships and find a sense of belonging are relatable to anyone, myself included! Fallon was instantly loveable, and I really admired her passion for her business. This was a fun and touching debut novel and I look forward to future works by Annie Cathryn.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility
Moderate: Infidelity
louisekf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic friendship