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jenbsbooks's review against another edition
3.5
I liked this ... didn't love it. There was a part of the storyline that could cause a little controversy (although I don't see that yet in any of the reviews, which surprises me a little). That part totally resonated with me though. The most basic premise seemed a little too standard (girl goes historical house, connects with the past, the place and with the hot guy). There were a few too many coincidental happenings ... really?
I had both the audio and Kindle copy, and was frustrated with the audio Table of Contents (only listed the POV, no numerical chapters/headers) ... it made it very difficult to shift between formats and find my place. Kindle TOC gets the thumbs up. I wonder if the physical copy even has a TOC? Doesn't seem to be the way in fiction today.
While there were a couple recipes included at the end - there weren't any discussion questions (a trend today that I adore!) I can think of some myself (there would be several things worthy of discussion) but I like ones right there at the end, as often they make me think of something I would NOT have on my own, or just to delve a little deeper, which usually ups the appreciation.
So, some SPOILERS ...
**the whole religious differences and conflict could be a great discussion. Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian ... can/should a marriage happen between different faiths? How does the "love thy neighbor" work when shunning other faiths, or your own family? For religion to have played such a large part in Beck/Townsend's early relationship ... it didn't seem to even make an appearance at all later on (... was Keaton religious at all either?)
**Suicide ... I'm a little surprised there weren't trigger warnings, or complaints by some readers appalled by the actions taken by Becks, Townsand and Peter. Me? I absolutely agree with all three characters. I realize it's a slippery slope, but I often think we as a people are more humane to pets (putting them down when their quality of life is in question) than to society. I know some people will want to fight and stay until the bitter end, and that's their choice. It's NOT really a choice if that's not what you want. Yes, you can refuse treatment, but it's "unethical" to end a life on one's own terms. So many of Beck's thoughts are my own ... my children are grown, and while yes, they'd miss me, they'd be okay. Hubs would be okay. I don't want to grow old. I fear disease and the impact it would have on my loved ones and would so much rather just go out before things got bad. This would definitely make for an interesting bookclub discussion!
**Too many coincidences/oddities though ... that Peter just happened to move next door after Victoria told Becks about the situation (without really giving all the information/she didn't know herself). That a doctor who has already helped someone die would move next door to Becks and Townsend right when they are contemplating their own end ... and then NOT even having that be a part of the plan at all, except as blackmail to get him to sink the car ... was that a "distraction" or to keep Townsend from driving it (as that was pretty much a moot point by then). That Virginia and Lon were so freaked out that they didn't go back to the house to find the letter/poem ... for DECADES. They just paid the taxes and such on the house and let it sit there year after year for that long? The fact that Becks and Townsend had such life-altering health concerns right at the same time ... lucky!
There were three narrators for the three POVs, Keaton (present day), Becks (1976) and Townsend gets just three chapters (1935, 1976) ... I think his are journal entries? His journal is mentioned (and read) and it first person/past tense. Keaton is first person/present tense and Becks is third person/past tense. So in addition to the different voices of the narrators, the writing presentation was different too. I think it was harder to connect with Becks ... maybe because of the 3rd person, it felt a little removed/distant.
Content - clean, no proFanity, very minor sexual content
I had both the audio and Kindle copy, and was frustrated with the audio Table of Contents (only listed the POV, no numerical chapters/headers) ... it made it very difficult to shift between formats and find my place. Kindle TOC gets the thumbs up. I wonder if the physical copy even has a TOC? Doesn't seem to be the way in fiction today.
While there were a couple recipes included at the end - there weren't any discussion questions (a trend today that I adore!) I can think of some myself (there would be several things worthy of discussion) but I like ones right there at the end, as often they make me think of something I would NOT have on my own, or just to delve a little deeper, which usually ups the appreciation.
So, some SPOILERS ...
**the whole religious differences and conflict could be a great discussion. Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian ... can/should a marriage happen between different faiths? How does the "love thy neighbor" work when shunning other faiths, or your own family? For religion to have played such a large part in Beck/Townsend's early relationship ... it didn't seem to even make an appearance at all later on (... was Keaton religious at all either?)
**Suicide ... I'm a little surprised there weren't trigger warnings, or complaints by some readers appalled by the actions taken by Becks, Townsand and Peter. Me? I absolutely agree with all three characters. I realize it's a slippery slope, but I often think we as a people are more humane to pets (putting them down when their quality of life is in question) than to society. I know some people will want to fight and stay until the bitter end, and that's their choice. It's NOT really a choice if that's not what you want. Yes, you can refuse treatment, but it's "unethical" to end a life on one's own terms. So many of Beck's thoughts are my own ... my children are grown, and while yes, they'd miss me, they'd be okay. Hubs would be okay. I don't want to grow old. I fear disease and the impact it would have on my loved ones and would so much rather just go out before things got bad. This would definitely make for an interesting bookclub discussion!
**Too many coincidences/oddities though ... that Peter just happened to move next door after Victoria told Becks about the situation (without really giving all the information/she didn't know herself). That a doctor who has already helped someone die would move next door to Becks and Townsend right when they are contemplating their own end ... and then NOT even having that be a part of the plan at all, except as blackmail to get him to sink the car ... was that a "distraction" or to keep Townsend from driving it (as that was pretty much a moot point by then). That Virginia and Lon were so freaked out that they didn't go back to the house to find the letter/poem ... for DECADES. They just paid the taxes and such on the house and let it sit there year after year for that long? The fact that Becks and Townsend had such life-altering health concerns right at the same time ... lucky!
There were three narrators for the three POVs, Keaton (present day), Becks (1976) and Townsend gets just three chapters (1935, 1976) ... I think his are journal entries? His journal is mentioned (and read) and it first person/past tense. Keaton is first person/present tense and Becks is third person/past tense. So in addition to the different voices of the narrators, the writing presentation was different too. I think it was harder to connect with Becks ... maybe because of the 3rd person, it felt a little removed/distant.
Content - clean, no proFanity, very minor sexual content
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
bibliomaniac22's review
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
thesistersread1's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
mrsmisko's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
bookishllly's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wow! This was an interesting read filled with good mystery, suspense and surprises and was a celebration of true love and family values.
It is told in alternating storyline about a granddaughter and the grandparents she never met.
This small town read touches on family, love, relationships, history and choices. The author treated the sensitive topics with grace and dignity.
I love the alternating storyline where we are treated to budding romance between Becks and Townsend and Keaton and Bowen. It also allowed us insights into the past.
The mystery was done beautifully and it took almost to the end to figure out what exactly happened. My conspiracy theory was disproved.
The small town aspect was good. It was interesting getting into residents’ businesses and lives.
If you are looking for a nice summer read with a fantastic location then you should consider this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
sunshine608's review
dark
sad
slow-paced
2.0
I felt like this had a lot of promise, but just fell short. At times it felt like the book skipped around- for example, the relationship between Keaton and Anderson. I actually went back to see if I missed something but it was like BOOM- they are in love. It skipped over some parts and then it felt like an attempt to circle back. I did like the mystery aspect of it- what happened to Becks and Townsend but at times even their relationship felt like it was missing something. Beck's flashbacks didn't feel historical and I just overall felt like something was missing that could tie the story together
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
olivias_bookrecs's review
slow-paced
3.5
Loved Keaton’s relationship with her brother and am glad we got POVs from Keaton and her grandmother. Slower-paced, some romance and mystery, cute southern beach town. Not a lot of depth to Keaton’s relationship with Bowen but I loved her interactions with Anderson.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Suicide
kdailyreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Infidelity, Blood, Medical content, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infertility and War
hellosarahpham's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Dementia