mlottermoser's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Racism, and Toxic relationship
jamielibrary's review against another edition
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Alcohol
kdailyreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
I really loved this book! I had a feeling I would, because I loved Martin’s previous books, too. Martin writes romantic relationships so well, but her Playbook series made it clear she is also gifted at writing female friendships. So when I learned she was writing a book where the female friendship was the central focus, I preordered. This book did not disappoint! Similar to other books of hers, I stayed up way too late reading.
I loved the main characters. I want to be best friends with Lauren and Jude. They have very different personalities, but they are both loyal, supportive, creative, organized, fun, and loving and clearly have a family-strong bond. Addy is adorable and was described multiple times as “magical,” a perfect description. I liked the subplot of Hudson and Lauren’s relationship as well, and I enjoyed all the scenes that had details about Lauren and Jude’s podcast and newsletter.
I enjoyed the many mother-daughter relationships portrayed in this novel: Lauren and Addy, Jude and her mom, Lauren and her mom, even Addy and Jude as a “bonus mom” or fun aunt and Addy and Stephanie as a stepmom. I could relate so much to Lauren’s feelings as a mom, wondering if she is doing a good job and trying so hard to make everything fun and magical while also making sure Addy was safe and had strong role models (also the shoe struggle. The shoe struggle is REAL). My relationship with my own mom isn’t particularly similar to Lauren’s or Jude’s relationships with their moms, but I did relate to the overall theme of family expectations. It’s often a challenge to let go of perceived or real expectations, accept people and yourself for who they/you are, and to set boundaries. This book explores this aspect of familial relationships really well.
The ending of this book really hit me strongly. I’m not going to discuss it here because of spoilers. I will say it was very emotional and I was very satisfied with how Martin ended the story.
Overall, this was an entertaining, engaging, and moving read. I’m glad it’s on my shelf to reread in the future!
I loved the main characters. I want to be best friends with Lauren and Jude. They have very different personalities, but they are both loyal, supportive, creative, organized, fun, and loving and clearly have a family-strong bond. Addy is adorable and was described multiple times as “magical,” a perfect description. I liked the subplot of Hudson and Lauren’s relationship as well, and I enjoyed all the scenes that had details about Lauren and Jude’s podcast and newsletter.
I enjoyed the many mother-daughter relationships portrayed in this novel: Lauren and Addy, Jude and her mom, Lauren and her mom, even Addy and Jude as a “bonus mom” or fun aunt and Addy and Stephanie as a stepmom. I could relate so much to Lauren’s feelings as a mom, wondering if she is doing a good job and trying so hard to make everything fun and magical while also making sure Addy was safe and had strong role models (also the shoe struggle. The shoe struggle is REAL). My relationship with my own mom isn’t particularly similar to Lauren’s or Jude’s relationships with their moms, but I did relate to the overall theme of family expectations. It’s often a challenge to let go of perceived or real expectations, accept people and yourself for who they/you are, and to set boundaries. This book explores this aspect of familial relationships really well.
The ending of this book really hit me strongly. I’m not going to discuss it here because of spoilers. I will say it was very emotional and I was very satisfied with how Martin ended the story.
Overall, this was an entertaining, engaging, and moving read. I’m glad it’s on my shelf to reread in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Moderate: Racism, Toxic relationship, and Medical content
abbyreadsbigbooks123's review
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Addiction, and Alcohol
jenkneebee's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Bullying, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Grief, Infidelity, Medical content, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
reading_ladies_blog's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Medical content, Cursing, Addiction, and Alcohol
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