Reviews

Restored by Kate Canterbary

pippa__rr's review against another edition

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emotional medium-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

3.75

sarnacle's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad tense fast-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? It's complicated

3.5

This revisit of Sam and Tiel was not strictly necessary, but it was still enjoyable, mostly to see past events in the series from a different perspective. And, of course, it’s fun to see the characters all interact in new and different ways, not to mention getting to know them better. 

The main storyline is a struggle because the subject matter is a difficult one. Trying to conceive and not being able to is stressful and heartbreaking. Other books I’ve read have addressed it and the “miracle baby” commentary fills the one and two star reviews. This is not that. I purposefully did not use the term infertility because unless a couple has been trying for more than a year and is unable to get pregnant, it’s considered normal. That’s not to say it’s not stressful. 

Whatever your take on the main plot, I found it to be the least interesting part of the book. It did give us insight into Sam and Tiel’s relationship and we saw their story through their own points of view, which was cool because liked their first book so much. But what I really enjoyed was 1) all things Riley: him coming into his own, his shenanigans, his character development, 2) the Walsh siblings’ interactions, and 3) hints of upcoming books. 

All in all a good book that helped flesh out the Walsh family dynamics. 

glyneth's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

dmmc's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

samsterleeee's review against another edition

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3.0

Cute little extended epilogue, of sorts, about Sam and Tiel.

jacquelyn816's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

mandyreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Gahhh one more book and then I'm caught up and have to wait for Riley's book like everybody else! I'm going to be in a huge book hangover by the end of this weekend.

heavenlyi's review against another edition

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5.0

I was so excited to learn we were getting more Sam and Tiel and I have to say, Restored has captured my heart. The Walshes are one of my favorite literary families. They are big, loud, and love giving each other hell on a regular basis. This series gets better and better with each book, and every time I read the newest one, I think this is my favorite. This book was amazing on so many levels; least of all was reconnecting with two of my favorite characters and their boisterous family.

“Tiel. I want to be married to you. I want to be yours, and I want you as mine. This is about us, and nothing else. Please, sweetheart, let’s pick a date, and then we focus on the important things, like honeymoon destinations and what to name our kids.”

In this book, we get a more mature Sam and Tiel. They are a solid unit now, and are committed to working on their issues together. It was refreshing to see how these two took on the obstacles they are faced with, including the challenges of getting married and starting a family. While they both still harbor insecurities, communication helps them avoid unnecessary drama. There is nothing forced in their relationship, everything between these two feels organic. The way Sam and Tiel love each other is beautiful.

“I get to keep you, I thought, and pressure swelled in my chest as I realized, for the millionth time, that this man belonged to me. He was going to be my husband, the father of my babies, the one I grew old and most likely senile with, the one meant all for me.”

I loved how the Walsh siblings support one another, it’s truly inspiring. You can see the growth this family has made from the first book. Kate’s writing is incredible, her witty dialogue and hilarious banter had me laughing out loud throughout the book. The emotion she pours onto the page grabbed me right from the start. There is humor, sadness, and struggle, all adding up to one incredible story.

“I want to give you everything, anything. My family, my name, my children, my everything. Take it all. Take me, and let me give you everything they couldn’t.”

This is not a standalone. The book’s timeline corresponds in part with The Cornerstone, and there are plenty of spoilers for the previous books, so I recommend reading the series in order.

kirbyj_'s review against another edition

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4.0

this one broke my heart completely.

oh sam and tiel, you both deserve the entire world.

sarahpalys's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0