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Ah well, it is a typical chicklit by Kinsella. No need to really focus or think about what's going on. It's like listening to friends gossip around you. Fun and lighthearted, even if it drones at random places. Skim through a few parts and you still won't miss much.
3.5 stars
Nothing great or memorable but an easy read. Enjoyable.
Nothing great or memorable but an easy read. Enjoyable.
3.75 stars
It had a sort of mystery at the end which added some spark to the story.
It had a sort of mystery at the end which added some spark to the story.
3.75 stars
Among all the books in the series, I like this the best. Guess I'm warming up to the characters, but Sky was beautiful inside out.
Among all the books in the series, I like this the best. Guess I'm warming up to the characters, but Sky was beautiful inside out.
Ah, well... It was decent with bits of humor that bring out a chuckle.
3.8 stars
It is well written (I'm trying to ignore the adverbs) with random bursts of humor. Anthony is a magical character (he is a real person though). Sunshine is my absolute favorite followed by Eunice.
The story is beautiful and blends two storylines very well. You won't get confused at any stage. The writing is clear because the writer knows what she is doing.
You can connect the dots quite early but the 'how' will keep you reading. And those tiny tales related to the lost items are heart touching. Somehow I ended up loving them more.
Two things that pushed my rating back are-
The rushed ending. After writing 280 odd pages of a story, the ending just went poof. It doesn't have to be dramatic but it didn't have the intensity it should.
Laura! What do I say here? She has all the required elements that will make you want to feel for her; cheer for her. But I felt nothing more than mild irritation as the book progressed. Despite the human-like fictional character, I couldn't just feel for her. She was supposed to play an important role; she does too. But t left me dissatisfied rather than like it.
Overall, this is a book one should read if they like sweet and meaningful stories. The paranormal incidents add to the depth of the story (because I've always liked such stuff when it's done well).
It is well written (I'm trying to ignore the adverbs) with random bursts of humor. Anthony is a magical character (he is a real person though). Sunshine is my absolute favorite followed by Eunice.
The story is beautiful and blends two storylines very well. You won't get confused at any stage. The writing is clear because the writer knows what she is doing.
You can connect the dots quite early but the 'how' will keep you reading. And those tiny tales related to the lost items are heart touching. Somehow I ended up loving them more.
Two things that pushed my rating back are-
The rushed ending. After writing 280 odd pages of a story, the ending just went poof. It doesn't have to be dramatic but it didn't have the intensity it should.
Laura! What do I say here? She has all the required elements that will make you want to feel for her; cheer for her. But I felt nothing more than mild irritation as the book progressed. Despite the human-like fictional character, I couldn't just feel for her. She was supposed to play an important role; she does too. But t left me dissatisfied rather than like it.
Overall, this is a book one should read if they like sweet and meaningful stories. The paranormal incidents add to the depth of the story (because I've always liked such stuff when it's done well).
3.5 stars
A short and sweet companion novella, as the title says. Somehow, it didn't seem much like set in 1956 but I don't belong to the region so it could be my lack of detailed knowledge about the place.
A short and sweet companion novella, as the title says. Somehow, it didn't seem much like set in 1956 but I don't belong to the region so it could be my lack of detailed knowledge about the place.
3.7 stars (Rounded to 4 because 3 seemed too less)
Immediately after finishing the book, I was mighty disappointed. But then I let it sink and read her interview that followed. It was interesting to see her basic idea and how as a reader I preferred the characters. Should I mention they were in contrast to each other?
The book is written by a woman of color about two families of color. But the book deals with the families rather than focus on white-black racism. The theme is there, subtle enough to remind you of the fact. That's all.
Without revealing much, I liked Dana and Gwen, despite their apparent 'faults' and 'negatives'. Chaurisse and Laverne just couldn't add that punch. Raleigh was who he was- a shadow with no apparent presence yet the book isn't the same without him. He cannot be separated from the story.
The two-part narration in different POVs was interesting to a point but fizzled when it shouldn't. I'd rather have Dana tell me about the most important scene (which was dragged way too far with no reason and was as bland as it can get). Her character has a spunk that comes from knowing she has no option but to be strong and care for herself. Same with her mom, Gwen.
Chaurisse was made an innocent victim (which she actually is) but it wasn't convincing enough. Despite all faults, it's Dana and Gwen who grabbed my attention.
No surprise that I loathed James. He was ugh! The end wasn't surprising in a way. He stayed true to his character. The writer does deserve credit for not giving it a happy ending. (Even if it is something I always prefer).
This is not a light book to read but it isn't too heavy either. No tears for any character. (I do cry when reading books)
Overall, if you like books with complex relationships and true to life characters, you might like this one. Not enjoy, like.
Immediately after finishing the book, I was mighty disappointed. But then I let it sink and read her interview that followed. It was interesting to see her basic idea and how as a reader I preferred the characters. Should I mention they were in contrast to each other?
The book is written by a woman of color about two families of color. But the book deals with the families rather than focus on white-black racism. The theme is there, subtle enough to remind you of the fact. That's all.
Without revealing much, I liked Dana and Gwen, despite their apparent 'faults' and 'negatives'. Chaurisse and Laverne just couldn't add that punch. Raleigh was who he was- a shadow with no apparent presence yet the book isn't the same without him. He cannot be separated from the story.
The two-part narration in different POVs was interesting to a point but fizzled when it shouldn't. I'd rather have Dana tell me about the most important scene (which was dragged way too far with no reason and was as bland as it can get). Her character has a spunk that comes from knowing she has no option but to be strong and care for herself. Same with her mom, Gwen.
Chaurisse was made an innocent victim (which she actually is) but it wasn't convincing enough. Despite all faults, it's Dana and Gwen who grabbed my attention.
No surprise that I loathed James. He was ugh! The end wasn't surprising in a way. He stayed true to his character. The writer does deserve credit for not giving it a happy ending. (Even if it is something I always prefer).
This is not a light book to read but it isn't too heavy either. No tears for any character. (I do cry when reading books)
Overall, if you like books with complex relationships and true to life characters, you might like this one. Not enjoy, like.
2.2 stars
The book really had me confused. She wanted to be a dedicated widow, hates her boss, wants a baby, but suddenly she's in love with the boss and he is already in love with her and whatnot!
The entire epilogue doesn't have the hero anywhere in it.
I usually like her books but this one was a big jumble of contradictions. The stars are for her writing which is easy to read.
The book really had me confused. She wanted to be a dedicated widow, hates her boss, wants a baby, but suddenly she's in love with the boss and he is already in love with her and whatnot!
The entire epilogue doesn't have the hero anywhere in it.
I usually like her books but this one was a big jumble of contradictions. The stars are for her writing which is easy to read.
Short and sweet story. Not just a love story as it also deals with the main character Elle becoming assertive and voicing her opinions/ decisions instead of being trampled by others.