Reviews

Eight Bright Lights by Sara Gibbs, Sara Gibbs

jureader's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

5.0

read_with_courtney's review

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4.0

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Headline Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book marked the beginning of my holiday reading for the season, and I must say it was an absolute delight! It is narrated through the perspectives of three women, whose lives are intertwined yet also distinct and fascinating. What stood out to me is the remarkable positive representation in this book, which includes characters who are neurodivergent, body-positive, and of Jewish and Israeli backgrounds. This made the reading experience all the more enriching. This book was truly such a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and does an excellent job of giving a quick and easy explanation of some Jewish and Hanukkah traditions.

I initially had reservations when I saw that a portion of the story is set in Israel, given the current situation. However, I was relieved to discover that the author adeptly addresses the conflict and the struggles faced by both Israelis and Palestinians. She seamlessly weaves these elements into the narrative in a manner that is easy to comprehend and digest. The author has also made a statement regarding this, which can be found on her social media pages. I highly recommend reading it before delving into the book.

All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a delightful holiday read. I truly loved all of the characters and their stories. The book offers a unique breath of fresh air in the world of holiday romcoms!

jjha's review

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

emilycharman's review

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adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ellal59's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

ellal59's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Funny, lighthearted, romantic and overall brilliant 

msjayteerattray's review against another edition

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slow-paced

0.5


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imogen_caleigh's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

4.0

From heart wrenching to truely heartwarming 💕
Follow Hannah, Ella and Rachel as they manoeuvre their way through a wedding season and numerous life changes. 
Hannah’s journey and self-realisation was a growth for us all. In fact all girls growth had you feeling happy and sad along with them. 
Ella’s representation and work dramas was an excellent representation and written beautifully. 
Rachel’s storyline gave me some Letters To Juliet vibes which I loooooved. 
I have such a love hate relationship for multiple POVs, cause something happens then you have to wait for their chapter to roll back around and I just waaaant to know. Although despite that I adored following each girls stories and how they connected. 
I spent the whole book stuck on the ‘Two Weddings’ and wondering who the second wedding was gonna be and making speculations from the middle of the book onwards. The second wedding did not let me down nor did everyone’s ending.