tashreads2manybooks's Reviews (1.06k)

I'm very torn over the rating of this book. It reads very simply and nothing interesting really happens, but it is a beautiful character study of two complex people, and an even more complex relationship. It is clear that Rooney is a gifted writer- often, a simple turn of phrase made me catch my breath. So, it's a 4.5 star rating for now, but we will see how long these characters stay with me, and it may be bumped to a 5.

This is the second Jess Kidd novel I’ve finished this year, and it’s safe to say I am now a certified fan. I love the way she weaves together humour, horror and the supernatural. I adore her characters. Looking forward to her new novel due out next year.

This book had the lowest average rating on my TBR list, so I went in with low expectations. But I turned out to be pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t a great novel but it was quietly charming and comforting to be back in a familiar story line. Obviously being set in present day makes some of the plot problematic and Emma is selfish, judgmental and irritating- but isn’t she always?

Great read. It packs a punch - and I'm kinda in love with Starr's family now.

1.5 stars. *Sigh* *Eye Roll*. I know the original was set in 1807 or something, but I thought this was supposed to be a modern take on the Austen tale. Possible spoilers to follow: The men are all generals, or entrepreneurs or lawyers, the women are.... well, they don't really have jobs, because who needs a job when daddy or a prospective hubby can look after you *another eye roll*. Cat's obsession with vampires and Twilight really made her seen all the more juvenile and unlikable, and Ellie needs to 'woman up' (before the epilogue) and get out from under her father's shadow - WHO WONT ALLOW HER TO GO TO SCHOOL!!!. Hmmm - modern tale indeed.

3.5 stars. I found the story intriguing, the characters rich and well written, and the symbolism beautiful. However, it was very repetitive and long-winded - sometimes I found myself thinking - what was that all about? Did we really need to know what he had to eat for breakfast, lunch AND dinner? I am of the Chekov school of thought, if there is a gun introduced in the story, then the gun should, at some point, be fired ....

Um, this read like some middle age man's wet dream. I understand nostalgia and regret (I've been there!) but the way this story played out was just weird, or maybe I'm too prudish and narrow minded. Whatevs! Next...