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saraens's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Even though I knew exactly where this book was going and there were no surprises I enjoyed it every step of the way. I found it funny, sad, and sexy. It’s not often a book feels heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
evasbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
slow-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? No
5.0
alamayhem_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This novel has a great family atmosphere while also adding a touch of romance that helps to bring the whole story together. There is also a great character arc for the main character, Calla, that I genuinely enjoyed watching unfold throughout the story.
Going into this novel, I was not sure how to feel about it. I definitely view it as more of a contemporary fiction novel versus a romance novel. Since I am fond of contemporary fiction, I ended up really enjoying this story. However, if I were to go into it with more of an expectation for a romance, I feel like it would have fallen a little short of my expectations.
My favorite part of this novel was definitely the family story. I loved reading about the family overcoming their difficulties and choosing not to hold onto past grudges. I also really connected with Calla and the dad, Wes, so by the end I was definitely a sobbing mess. It was heartbreaking to read about and I did not expect it to get thAT sad haha. It was such a great ending though and I appreciated the sad parts as they made the story that much more enjoyable.
Lastly, I was talking about this with my romance book club, but we are not sure if we want to continue the series. While most of us are happy with the fact that the first book ended so perfectly, we are also curious to see what the next books will be like. I most likely will continue the series because I loved the first book so much, but I am a bit nervous that it will mess up the story for me, as the first book really had the perfect ending with room to imagine what the character’s lives would be like in the future.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel for its family themes while also having a great love story interwoven into the plot. I rate this book 5/5 stars !!
Going into this novel, I was not sure how to feel about it. I definitely view it as more of a contemporary fiction novel versus a romance novel. Since I am fond of contemporary fiction, I ended up really enjoying this story. However, if I were to go into it with more of an expectation for a romance, I feel like it would have fallen a little short of my expectations.
My favorite part of this novel was definitely the family story. I loved reading about the family overcoming their difficulties and choosing not to hold onto past grudges. I also really connected with Calla and the dad, Wes, so by the end I was definitely a sobbing mess. It was heartbreaking to read about and I did not expect it to get thAT sad haha. It was such a great ending though and I appreciated the sad parts as they made the story that much more enjoyable.
Lastly, I was talking about this with my romance book club, but we are not sure if we want to continue the series. While most of us are happy with the fact that the first book ended so perfectly, we are also curious to see what the next books will be like. I most likely will continue the series because I loved the first book so much, but I am a bit nervous that it will mess up the story for me, as the first book really had the perfect ending with room to imagine what the character’s lives would be like in the future.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel for its family themes while also having a great love story interwoven into the plot. I rate this book 5/5 stars !!
romancingthereader's review
5.0
I had no reason to sleep on this book for so long. But I’m cleaning out my Kindle at end of year, and this made the short list of books I had to read NOW. And I wasn’t disappointed.
scotcheroo's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I have mixed feelings about this. Jonah's and Calla's relationship is my main holdup just because he treated her like crap and I will never understand that kind of relationship where you both prank each other. Him calling her Barbie just seems mean, and he continues doing it. The only way I'm able to rationalize his behavior is that his own estranged dad died from cancer and he hardcore regrets how it ended with them. He also realizes that Wren has told Calla basically nothing of his situation. But this still doesn't excuse him hiding her luggage for a week while they live in the Alaskan wilderness. Who tf does that!? And then that argument outside of the grocery store! But because he's so good looking she gets over it fast enough.
Like he judges her as being a "city-girl" before he's ever even met her. But then Calla is ridiculous. Who packs designer clothes and boots to Alaska. And she didn't even bother to google where she's headed? This I didn't believe with how attached she is to her phone.
The relationship between Wren and Calla also bothered me at first until we find out why he gave up contact with her. He had promised to visit for the first time for her 8th grade graduation but then an emergency happened rescuing someone that prevented him going, so he made up an excuse and then when Calla's mom told him he should get out of their lives for good he thought it was best for them both. He still cared about Calla though. And now that he's dying / dies of lung cancer it was good for Calla to experience being with her Dad even for a short time. I like that Simon is kept in the picture too because IMO that's the most important part - he's the one who actually raised Calla and their bond will always be more important.
The book ends with Calla's mom making a surprise visit to say goodbye and Wren dies 5 days later. Calla and Jonah go their separate ways since she's a city-girl and he's tied to Alaska. But then 2 months later he shows up on her doorstep saying this isn't working and that he's wiling to move to the more populous Anchorage, Alaska if she'll go with him. The book ends with Calla saying she'll have to think about it but its on a positive note. I can't believe there are 3 more books in the series since it seems like this wraps up their relationship in a happily-for-now ending.
Like he judges her as being a "city-girl" before he's ever even met her. But then Calla is ridiculous. Who packs designer clothes and boots to Alaska. And she didn't even bother to google where she's headed? This I didn't believe with how attached she is to her phone.
The relationship between Wren and Calla also bothered me at first until we find out why he gave up contact with her. He had promised to visit for the first time for her 8th grade graduation but then an emergency happened rescuing someone that prevented him going, so he made up an excuse and then when Calla's mom told him he should get out of their lives for good he thought it was best for them both. He still cared about Calla though. And now that he's dying / dies of lung cancer it was good for Calla to experience being with her Dad even for a short time. I like that Simon is kept in the picture too because IMO that's the most important part - he's the one who actually raised Calla and their bond will always be more important.
The book ends with Calla's mom making a surprise visit to say goodbye and Wren dies 5 days later. Calla and Jonah go their separate ways since she's a city-girl and he's tied to Alaska. But then 2 months later he shows up on her doorstep saying this isn't working and that he's wiling to move to the more populous Anchorage, Alaska if she'll go with him. The book ends with Calla saying she'll have to think about it but its on a positive note.
isabellerose17's review against another edition
4.0
Going into this book I was worried I was going to find it a bit boring but it was the complete opposite! I love Calla and Jonah and the city girl meets grumpy small town guy dynamic and although there were parts where my heart broke, it was such a beautiful read! 4.5⭐️
amyjsdolan's review
4.0
i always tell myself men in books being dicks is a dealbreaker and i’ll never change my mind about them and then i do