msrichardsreads89's Reviews (2.64k)

Overall I really enjoyed it, but I felt it dragged a bit in places. The story line was good, but I didn't connect to the characters as much as I would have liked. I loved learning about the history of Korea and how the war and political tension affected the citizens of the country. 

 This was such a unique reading experience for me. Cold Enough for Snow is a quiet novel that is seemingly simple but is actually quite deep. We follow an unnamed narrator as she recounts a trip with her mother to Japan. As the novel progresses, we begin to wonder if the mother is real or if she is imagined. The timeline is nonlinear with memories from the narrator's life. Au's prose is rhythmic and controlled, and the novel is well paced with an elegiac feel. This reflective, thought provoking book will stick with me for a while, and it is one that I will reread in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fitzcarraldo for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

I really wanted to like this book. The characters lacked depth, and the book felt more like a summary than a story. I was expecting a touching story that focused on a family fleeing their country for safety. I could not connect with the characters, and I was apathetic while reading. I think if this had been longer, I would have enjoyed it more. The writing was beautiful.

Amanda Flower is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, and she did not disappoint me with Put Out to Pasture. I loved the farm setting and the laid back surroundings. The main character was fun and relatable. I was really invested in her story. I loved her animal companion, Huckleberry. The book was well paced, and the mystery was very well written! I'm excited for the next book! 

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.