ellemnope's Reviews (2.4k)

Reading this book was a rough transition. I knew what I was getting into, but I don't think it's ever easy to start reading a novel about the Holocaust. The writing is without a doubt good. Using multiple points of view to tell the story was very effective and the descriptions were well executed. I will say that I could have done without the blunt depictions some of the sexual interactions between Anna and Callum. They seemed a bit out of place and unnecessary for the story in some instances. The other thing that prevented a five star read was the ending. Overall, I liked the wrap up, but the last few pages (which I understood the intention) were mildly confusing. It could've been written a little more thoroughly or they could have been left out completely. Either of those may have worked out better.

Beautifully written historical fiction. A very cute love story with wonderful characters. It takes a little bit to get started, but moves smoothly once it gets going. For the full review: http://erraticprojectjunkie.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-shoemakers-wife-by-adriana-trigiani.html

I'm finding that I'm into historical fiction a lot lately and this book definitely satisfied my desire for historical accuracy woven into a captivating plot. I found myself very involved in the book and experienced quite a range of emotions as I identified with the primary character. I initially read this book so that I could watch the movie. But now having read it, I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, with or without seeing the movie.

The historical detail of this book is what held my attention the greatest. Though the plot flowed smoothly and the characters were well written and likable, I enjoyed all of the little additional bits of information that were added to make the story more realistic. Though the plot was quite different, I found myself somewhat identifying this book with the movie Australia. The vernacular of the Australians took a little getting used to, but kept things light and easy. I read this book very quickly and had a hard time putting it down. I take that as a sign of a pretty darned good book. This is a book that I wouldn't mind reading over and over again.

Employed the 20 page rule for this book and it passed. I was worried at first. Slightly upset that I read this book prior to all of the books in the series being released. Live and learn. Looking forward to reading the next one.

I really quite liked this book. I'm not sure why I didn't love it...I just didn't. The writing was solid and the characters were great. I think it probably came down to two small factors: 1...I couldn't keep some of the minor characters straight. It seemed like there were a lot of people introduced fleetingly and I kept forgetting who was who. 2...The multiple narrator thing really didn't add a whole lot. I think it may have detracted a bit. Other than those things though, it was a really good read. My love for all things Alice continues...(even if it isn't Alice in Wonderland, but just a modern day adaptation of sorts).

Sweet story. Just like every other Nicholas Sparks book, I find it sucked me in quite quickly and made it a nice easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received this book as my first ever Goodreads win. I admit that I was skeptical at first, to be reading a book by a first time author, but I have to say that I am glad to be able to add it to my collection. The book is well-written in a simple, yet seemingly effortless manner. I loved Mira from beginning to end and the journey of the book is easy, a very good rainy afternoon read. Though this is her first novel, Mileti writes as though she has been producing published works for years. Her writing is comfortable and friendly. I particularly enjoy that she knows her field. I would've been sorely disappointed to have a book about a chef and restaurateur written by someone who is only guessing at the details. It is clear that she is a lover of food and the care that goes into preparing it. She also referenced my favorite chefs, which made the book even more endearing to me. I am looking forward to reading more of her books down the line.