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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
tklear's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
1.0
There should be trigger warnings about this book.
There are so many flashbacks and flash forwards, it is disorienting.
Additionally, the author does understand the Christian faith or Catholic faith the way she suggests. It makes me sad for her, the author.
I live in Carteret County and believe the author did capture the tenor of the town’s culture.
There are so many flashbacks and flash forwards, it is disorienting.
Additionally, the author does understand the Christian faith or Catholic faith the way she suggests. It makes me sad for her, the author.
I live in Carteret County and believe the author did capture the tenor of the town’s culture.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Suicide, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Dementia, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Abandonment, and Alcohol
melissasbookshelf's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Wow! This book is definitely one that lends itself to a bookclub discussion. Honestly, there’s a lot to unpack in this dual timeline story of familial relationships, second chances, chronic illness, and romance. This is the first book I’ve read by Kristy Woodson Harvey thanks to a Goodreads Giveaway win and won’t be my last. I enjoyed the way she interspersed the two timelines which built up to a climactic ending.
When Keaton Smith loses her high powered job and apartment all in one day, she agrees to her mother’s wishes to travel to Beaufort, N.C. to get her grandparents’ home ready to be sold. Keaton’s mother has kept most of the details about her parents from her children. Walking into her grandparents’ home for the first time for Keaton feels like a time warp back to the 1970’s. Everything is left as it was on the day her grandparents’ supposedly died in a car accident. As she unravels the mystery of her family’s past, she’s also drawn to the delightful residents of Beaufort, including her handsome next door neighbor Bowen and his adorable ten year old son Anderson.
In 1976, Rebecca “Becks” St. James is famous for her elaborate dinner parties which pair the perfect guests with the perfect dishes. She loves her life and thrives on caring for her family and those around her. When tragedy strikes her near perfect world, she has to decide how she’ll cope and what kind of legacy she’ll leave for her children.
This book completely grabbed hold of me and I couldn’t put it down especially once Keaton gets to Beaufort. I loved getting to know Becks not only through her own narrative, but her fascinating notebook of advice on recipes, dinners, and life. I loved Anderson, Salt, and all the darling residents of Beaufort. Keaton grew on me as the story progressed. I loved the transformation she goes through as she gets in touch with her roots, finds romance, and learns to appreciate other things in life besides her job.
The mystery kept me guessing. I had things figured out pretty early, and while I was right, there were a couple red herrings that made me second guess. I’m still not sure how I feel about the ending. I have all kinds of mixed emotions especially with how it affected the children and grandchildren. While I enjoyed how those in the present had more clarity and a better appreciation of their heritage and life, I’m still uncomfortable with how things played out.
This is definitely a great book for discussion. Recommend to those who love women’s fiction, contemporary mystery, and family dramas. There’s some mild swearing, innuendo, and drinking. I’d rate it PG. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
When Keaton Smith loses her high powered job and apartment all in one day, she agrees to her mother’s wishes to travel to Beaufort, N.C. to get her grandparents’ home ready to be sold. Keaton’s mother has kept most of the details about her parents from her children. Walking into her grandparents’ home for the first time for Keaton feels like a time warp back to the 1970’s. Everything is left as it was on the day her grandparents’ supposedly died in a car accident. As she unravels the mystery of her family’s past, she’s also drawn to the delightful residents of Beaufort, including her handsome next door neighbor Bowen and his adorable ten year old son Anderson.
In 1976, Rebecca “Becks” St. James is famous for her elaborate dinner parties which pair the perfect guests with the perfect dishes. She loves her life and thrives on caring for her family and those around her. When tragedy strikes her near perfect world, she has to decide how she’ll cope and what kind of legacy she’ll leave for her children.
This book completely grabbed hold of me and I couldn’t put it down especially once Keaton gets to Beaufort. I loved getting to know Becks not only through her own narrative, but her fascinating notebook of advice on recipes, dinners, and life. I loved Anderson, Salt, and all the darling residents of Beaufort. Keaton grew on me as the story progressed. I loved the transformation she goes through as she gets in touch with her roots, finds romance, and learns to appreciate other things in life besides her job.
The mystery kept me guessing. I had things figured out pretty early, and while I was right, there were a couple red herrings that made me second guess. I’m still not sure how I feel about the ending. I have all kinds of mixed emotions especially with how it affected the children and grandchildren. While I enjoyed how those in the present had more clarity and a better appreciation of their heritage and life, I’m still uncomfortable with how things played out.
This is definitely a great book for discussion. Recommend to those who love women’s fiction, contemporary mystery, and family dramas. There’s some mild swearing, innuendo, and drinking. I’d rate it PG. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Suicide, Death of parent, and Abandonment