Reviews with content warning for Antisemitism - Peaches & Honey: These Immortal Truths

There are a few books that I often think about for months (even years) after I've read them and Peaches and Honey definitely makes that list.

I am a scan reader sometimes but I found myself going slower and devouring every single word of this book. The only word I can think of that describes the writing style for this book is "elegant". Elegant without stuffiness. Somehow, the writing felt peaceful despite Anna dealing with wars, famine, and plagues. The emotions that Anna dealt with felt effortlessly conveyed to the reader. I felt her pain of losing people around her, her peace in finding a new home, her determination to save as many people as she could. The author did an amazing job of filling this book with deep, heartfelt emotion.

The romance was the slowest burn I think I've ever read. Centuries of friendship turning into love and admiration. I love a slow burn romance and this hit the spot.

I will never stop thinking about this book.

Content Warnings

kenzieburke's review

Go to review page

emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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

5.0

“Time touches everything.”

Following Anna’s journey as she learns how to live through time as an immortal was harrowing, beautiful, raw and so so real. Raeta’s writing is not only masterful, but the characters and the way she writes history through the lenses of Anna, Khiran, and the world around them, as we go through time, was truly amazing. I do love that the main characters are similar in their goals and morals, yet we really were able to see the duality in how they live, and experience the world with those goals and morals in mind.

A quote that really resonated with me while reading was: “Truths are for those who can afford to live it, not for those struggling to find any bright spot of light in a world that casts them into darkness.” I actually had many a crisis and realizations reading this book. Having to pause for several days just to sit with the story. Raeta goes back to this initial point several times and each time I was left awestruck.

But, another message I found really just lovely in this book, is the fact that there has horrible atrocities for centuries and people still find hope and love and fight for better. Even as corruption, greed and hate continue to manifest. I believe it’s message we always need to hear, especially right now. I adore Anna’s heart and spirit and how she can find those with hearts similar to hers and I love seeing little bits of each side character’s story throughout the time periods.

I do feel the story really shines in its main journey with Anna, as she figures out who she is with her newfound freedoms, in a world that rarely feels free.

That being said you will cry. A lot. I believe there is a story here that is going to sit and resonate with many people. With a bit of romance and pining that we all adore as a heaping bonus. Though, with all those the lovely parts however, comes the heavy. As the story shows, you often can and will experience both the light and dark sides to life. And trust, it gets very heavy so have tissues in hand.

If you loved the premise of Addie Larue I would definitely say you will love and adore Peaches & Honey. This was my first read by R. Raeta and I am genuinely excited to read more of her work, especially excited to see this story expand.

Thank you to R. Raeta for the arc and the opportunity to review Peaches & Honey.

Content Warnings

More...