Scan barcode
A review by lauren_soderberg
Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate
2.0
2.5 stars:
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this novel to read and review!
I went into reading this book expecting more of a typical romance/rom com-type novel. 'Love and Other Mistakes' doesn't quite fit into either mold, and, in my opinion, fits into a much narrower niche. If I had to describe the genre, I'd say it's Christian Fiction with a dose of Christian Romance. There is no explicit sexual content or language, though I wouldn't go so far as to say that there aren't still more sophisticated themes and issues present throughout.
I applaud Jessica Kate for seeking to weave a more nuanced romantic tale, and think there is definitely an audience who will appreciate the Christian elements and the lack of explicit content. These stories are important, and help to diversify the genre. However, the presentation of all of these components together just didn't work for me. While there are heavier issues and conflicts that are explored (such as terminal illness and infidelity) a lot of the resolution to said conflicts didn't feel earned. This was especially present in the infidelity storyline, where there was more emphasis put on the forgiveness element than to the perpetrator actually showing any remorse. Perhaps this is more realistic in some ways, but it almost felt abusive because it was a parent/child dynamic, and it left me feeling uncomfortable and frustrated.
Perhaps the overarching theme of the novel is that forgiveness heals, regardless of whether or not the aggressor wants said forgiveness. I just craved more explication and more of a connection to the characters. Overall, I'd say this is a great book for someone who already has a knowledge of the Christian community that Kate writes about, and who would enjoy a chaste exploration into love and forgiveness.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this novel to read and review!
I went into reading this book expecting more of a typical romance/rom com-type novel. 'Love and Other Mistakes' doesn't quite fit into either mold, and, in my opinion, fits into a much narrower niche. If I had to describe the genre, I'd say it's Christian Fiction with a dose of Christian Romance. There is no explicit sexual content or language, though I wouldn't go so far as to say that there aren't still more sophisticated themes and issues present throughout.
I applaud Jessica Kate for seeking to weave a more nuanced romantic tale, and think there is definitely an audience who will appreciate the Christian elements and the lack of explicit content. These stories are important, and help to diversify the genre. However, the presentation of all of these components together just didn't work for me. While there are heavier issues and conflicts that are explored (such as terminal illness and infidelity) a lot of the resolution to said conflicts didn't feel earned. This was especially present in the infidelity storyline, where there was more emphasis put on the forgiveness element than to the perpetrator actually showing any remorse. Perhaps this is more realistic in some ways, but it almost felt abusive because it was a parent/child dynamic, and it left me feeling uncomfortable and frustrated.
Perhaps the overarching theme of the novel is that forgiveness heals, regardless of whether or not the aggressor wants said forgiveness. I just craved more explication and more of a connection to the characters. Overall, I'd say this is a great book for someone who already has a knowledge of the Christian community that Kate writes about, and who would enjoy a chaste exploration into love and forgiveness.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**