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A review by readingrooibos
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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? Yes
5.0
My word to describe this book has to be flawless. I mean it when I say I was gripped from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down.
The premise? Three women are all stood up by the same man, Joseph Carter, on Valentine’s Day. The story weaves through the perspectives of the three women as we learn more about Joseph, and try to piece together exactly what happened on Valentine’s Day.
As Beth O’Leary always does so masterfully, this story packs so much heart into its pages. The writing feels like a warm cup of tea- sweet, strong, comforting. I could sink into her words all day. Her main characters are strong and unique. The supporting characters fill the story will love and heart. This book has love, emotion, and mystery wrapped up in one package.
My only caution is with the way this book was marketed- don’t go in expecting a light rom-com read. This packed an emotional punch and dealt with tough topics including-
workplace harassment, caring for a loved one with dementia, and loss.
The book felt like a hug- but at times it was a “hug-you-while-you-sob-hug”. (Seriously I cried A LOT while reading this book.) There are moments of joy and laughter, a motley crew of characters, and so much love in this book. While not the light and breezy read I expected when I picked this up, this book was more than I could have wanted.
The premise? Three women are all stood up by the same man, Joseph Carter, on Valentine’s Day. The story weaves through the perspectives of the three women as we learn more about Joseph, and try to piece together exactly what happened on Valentine’s Day.
As Beth O’Leary always does so masterfully, this story packs so much heart into its pages. The writing feels like a warm cup of tea- sweet, strong, comforting. I could sink into her words all day. Her main characters are strong and unique. The supporting characters fill the story will love and heart. This book has love, emotion, and mystery wrapped up in one package.
My only caution is with the way this book was marketed- don’t go in expecting a light rom-com read. This packed an emotional punch and dealt with tough topics including-
The book felt like a hug- but at times it was a “hug-you-while-you-sob-hug”. (Seriously I cried A LOT while reading this book.) There are moments of joy and laughter, a motley crew of characters, and so much love in this book. While not the light and breezy read I expected when I picked this up, this book was more than I could have wanted.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Dementia, Grief, and Sexual harassment