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layla87's review against another edition
5.0
Let us all bow to the queen that is Suanne Laqueur.
After finishing this book, I have surmised that Suanne is a
because her words are simply magic.
Now for most of the book, I seesawed between two emotions:
Emotion 1:
Emotion 2:
Now let's break down the book in a short and sweet Q&A because after all the previously written reviews, I'm not gonna add anything to all the praise.
Q: Magic words you say? What makes it so special?
A: Vey few people can, for me, surpass this author's talent.
Exhibit A:
“My mother had a saying about parenthood,” Inez said. “You’re only as happy as your least happy child.”
Exhibit B:
“You grew up in a war. Your mind didn’t make a secret world to hide in, it made a dog for you to hold. I think that’s how Papi knew you would understand.”
Exhibit C:
"Jude ran a hand down Tej’s spine, smoothing invisible feathers. Tucking them back within because today was done and there’d be no more flying or fighting."
and on and on it goes...
Q: Wow... This is beautiful. Then why all the sobbing?
A:That is because of the subject matter, which I researched during and after reading the book. The very bad man in the book, who was real, did horrible horrible things. unimaginable torturous things. and he got away with it.
NOw what Ms. Suanne does is integrate what this bad man did in her story. So the horrors and their aftermath are experienced by her characters. Let me tell you, I barely stomached some scenes. It was very hard to read the torture in particular. It reminded me of the stories that my country's people went through and it hit very close to home. But I read every word, read through tears, through rage and through awe...
Q: I'm speechless... If the subject matter is this hard, what's the romance like?
A: Even though there is a romance in this book, between one of the story's narrators (Jude) and Tej.. it is not in the forefront of the story. don't get me wrong, the romance between them is what caused Emotion #2, but it's not the focus.
having said that... Tej completely stole me away, from the moment he said: "He's not worth it."
Q: So based on what you said above, I'm not even attempt to ask about the angst-o-meter.
A: *giggles in Suanne* This author can't write fluff so save her live. AND IT'S GLORIOUS.
Q: Good to know. And the steam-o-meter?
A: low... yeah yeah I know. Layla reading a low steam book... #gasp.
I didn't miss it, and trust me when I say that what little steam there is is AMAZING.
Q: and the HEA?
A: There is one... for everyone in this book., even if some of the people waited decades for theirs.
Honorable Mentions
- Tej being Lebanese, because we Lebanese people are THE BEST... #AllHailTheCedar
- Cleon (Jude's dad): GAWD he just broke my heart. his chapters were the most beautiful.
- Penny: I want to be like her when I grow up. So breakable but strong.
- Phil: The therapist: He had the BEST lines
- Serena: Because she was an un-revolting development.
- The cameo that shall not be named: Missed you baby. You did so good in this book.
Well lookie... This turned out to be on the long side.... Oh well.
After finishing this book, I have surmised that Suanne is a
because her words are simply magic.
Now for most of the book, I seesawed between two emotions:
Emotion 1:
Emotion 2:
Now let's break down the book in a short and sweet Q&A because after all the previously written reviews, I'm not gonna add anything to all the praise.
Q: Magic words you say? What makes it so special?
A: Vey few people can, for me, surpass this author's talent.
Exhibit A:
“My mother had a saying about parenthood,” Inez said. “You’re only as happy as your least happy child.”
Exhibit B:
“You grew up in a war. Your mind didn’t make a secret world to hide in, it made a dog for you to hold. I think that’s how Papi knew you would understand.”
Exhibit C:
"Jude ran a hand down Tej’s spine, smoothing invisible feathers. Tucking them back within because today was done and there’d be no more flying or fighting."
and on and on it goes...
Q: Wow... This is beautiful. Then why all the sobbing?
A:That is because of the subject matter, which I researched during and after reading the book. The very bad man in the book, who was real, did horrible horrible things. unimaginable torturous things. and he got away with it.
NOw what Ms. Suanne does is integrate what this bad man did in her story. So the horrors and their aftermath are experienced by her characters. Let me tell you, I barely stomached some scenes. It was very hard to read the torture in particular. It reminded me of the stories that my country's people went through and it hit very close to home. But I read every word, read through tears, through rage and through awe...
Q: I'm speechless... If the subject matter is this hard, what's the romance like?
A: Even though there is a romance in this book, between one of the story's narrators (Jude) and Tej.. it is not in the forefront of the story. don't get me wrong, the romance between them is what caused Emotion #2, but it's not the focus.
having said that... Tej completely stole me away, from the moment he said: "He's not worth it."
Q: So based on what you said above, I'm not even attempt to ask about the angst-o-meter.
A: *giggles in Suanne* This author can't write fluff so save her live. AND IT'S GLORIOUS.
Q: Good to know. And the steam-o-meter?
A: low... yeah yeah I know. Layla reading a low steam book... #gasp.
I didn't miss it, and trust me when I say that what little steam there is is AMAZING.
Q: and the HEA?
A: There is one... for everyone in this book., even if some of the people waited decades for theirs.
Honorable Mentions
- Tej being Lebanese, because we Lebanese people are THE BEST... #AllHailTheCedar
- Cleon (Jude's dad): GAWD he just broke my heart. his chapters were the most beautiful.
- Penny: I want to be like her when I grow up. So breakable but strong.
- Phil: The therapist: He had the BEST lines
- Serena: Because she was an un-revolting development.
- The cameo that shall not be named: Missed you baby. You did so good in this book.
Well lookie... This turned out to be on the long side.... Oh well.
jfreud's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Unpopular opinion I guess, but this is my favorite book in the series. It definitely feels the most cohesive - every relationship is delightful and interesting and sheds light on the overall family story.
atirandomness's review against another edition
5.0
As soon as this book was announced I figured out who Jude was and I’ve been patiently (impatiently) waiting to read his story. Anxious to see how things would play out since it’s been awhile since I read the first book in the series. As expected, Laqueur exceeded my expectations!!! Also as expected I will now proceed to reread this book (as one does) and then binge reread the rest of this series... again. Suanne Laqueur has that effect on me. I just love her. So so much. Also I miss Stef Finch. It’s past time for a dinner date with him.
essinink's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This is a hard one to review, because I really liked the first two Venery books.
In some ways, this is an extended epilogue to questions raised in An Exaltation of Larks. We're dealing with recent Chilean history again, though with new characters and additional complications.
I have to say that I managed to get through college--as an International Relations major(!)--with none of this being mentioned except in briefest passing (Not even in my unit on Latin American politics covered this). So in that regard, I think it's important to have contemporary novels that address this part of history. Cleon's sections are very difficult reading, but this should be known. It shouldn't be forgotten.
Unfortunately, I think it gets a bit muddled. We have Cleon in the Villa Grimaldi, we have Penny trying to sort her own trauma, we have Jude's past experiences with violent homophobia, we have Jude's new relationship with Tej, we have the entire bio-family plot which impacts everything else, we have a huge cast of side characters... the focus diffuses amongst these connected but separate plotlines, each of them vying for equal attention, and it's a lot to ask of a reader. There's an emotional climax to Jude's family arc about 83% into the book, and when I looked at the progress bar on my Kobo, my eyebrows hit my hairline trying to figure out what else the book could possibly need to cover.
The paragraph above covers most of my less-than-satisfied response, but there is one specific scene that bears mentioning. At about 92% into the book, a one-off Mapuche character is introduced. This character's sole purpose is to guide Jude to a paradigm shift via a dream and its interpretation, like some kind of phone-in Chakotay. They do not exist before this scene, and they do not exist after, and the fact that this scene exists in a modern novel is infuriating to me.
But it is a single scene in a book that--while unwieldy--isn't bad.
The bones here are very good. Suanne Laquer's writing and phrasing remains sensitive as always to dark topics. I was interested in Jude's family plot, I was interested (in a horrified way) with Cleon and Penny's histories, I was event kind of interested in Jude's relationship, but reading all of them at once didn't work for me.
In some ways, this is an extended epilogue to questions raised in An Exaltation of Larks. We're dealing with recent Chilean history again, though with new characters and additional complications.
I have to say that I managed to get through college--as an International Relations major(!)--with none of this being mentioned except in briefest passing (Not even in my unit on Latin American politics covered this). So in that regard, I think it's important to have contemporary novels that address this part of history. Cleon's sections are very difficult reading, but this should be known. It shouldn't be forgotten.
Unfortunately, I think it gets a bit muddled. We have Cleon in the Villa Grimaldi, we have Penny trying to sort her own trauma, we have Jude's past experiences with violent homophobia, we have Jude's new relationship with Tej, we have the entire bio-family plot which impacts everything else, we have a huge cast of side characters... the focus diffuses amongst these connected but separate plotlines, each of them vying for equal attention, and it's a lot to ask of a reader. There's an emotional climax to Jude's family arc about 83% into the book, and when I looked at the progress bar on my Kobo, my eyebrows hit my hairline trying to figure out what else the book could possibly need to cover.
The paragraph above covers most of my less-than-satisfied response, but there is one specific scene that bears mentioning. At about 92% into the book, a one-off Mapuche character is introduced. This character's sole purpose is to guide Jude to a paradigm shift via a dream and its interpretation, like some kind of phone-in Chakotay. They do not exist before this scene, and they do not exist after, and the fact that this scene exists in a modern novel is infuriating to me.
But it is a single scene in a book that--while unwieldy--isn't bad.
The bones here are very good. Suanne Laquer's writing and phrasing remains sensitive as always to dark topics. I was interested in Jude's family plot, I was interested (in a horrified way) with Cleon and Penny's histories, I was event kind of interested in Jude's relationship, but reading all of them at once didn't work for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Sexual violence
ufcasey's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
Absolutely, 100% pick up the first two books of this series (LOVE THEM). But then pretend this book never happened. The good news is that this 'series' does not even need this third book, because it's basically a completely separate story (the first two books are more interconnected). You can totally skip this one, which I recommend.
Here are the first two books that I *really* recommend you read (in order):
An Exaltation of Larks
A Charm of Finches
This book dealt with some really serious and traumatic topics, but I somehow never had any emotional connection to any of the events or the characters. Also, I do not care for the Beatles and man there were a LOT of Beatles references in this book. True story: I was convinced by friends to go see the Beatles 'Love' Cirque du Solei show in Las Vegas and I about fell asleep during it. That's how much I don't like the Beatles apparently.
Absolutely, 100% pick up the first two books of this series (LOVE THEM). But then pretend this book never happened. The good news is that this 'series' does not even need this third book, because it's basically a completely separate story (the first two books are more interconnected). You can totally skip this one, which I recommend.
Here are the first two books that I *really* recommend you read (in order):
An Exaltation of Larks
A Charm of Finches
This book dealt with some really serious and traumatic topics, but I somehow never had any emotional connection to any of the events or the characters. Also, I do not care for the Beatles and man there were a LOT of Beatles references in this book. True story: I was convinced by friends to go see the Beatles 'Love' Cirque du Solei show in Las Vegas and I about fell asleep during it. That's how much I don't like the Beatles apparently.
mimosaeyes's review
3.0
Me, well aware that Alex has a mysterious sibling out there somewhere who was born in Chile in late 1973, watching as Jude, who was born in Chile in late 1973, attempts to find his biological parents: huh, that's a funny coincidence.
That's not me being sarcastic, by the way. I was actually that dumb; I didn't connect the dots until I was pretty far into this book. It should have been obvious, though. Literally everyone in Venery is linked in a wacky, expansive family tree.
I do think Tej and Jude's love story proceeds a little too fast for me, and unlike the earlier two books in this series, the romance subplot doesn't dovetail as neatly with the main story. But I liked that homophobia, conversion therapy and hate crimes are addressed through Jude's character in such a realistic way. (A visual approximation of "I liked..." in this case would be me lying facedown on the ground, having been figuratively punched in the gut, giving a shaky thumbs-up.)
Suanne Laqueur really wrote three whole books with the overarching thesis that life is hard and we all need family and love can come in many forms, and I deeply appreciate her for it.
That's not me being sarcastic, by the way. I was actually that dumb; I didn't connect the dots until I was pretty far into this book. It should have been obvious, though. Literally everyone in Venery is linked in a wacky, expansive family tree.
I do think Tej and Jude's love story proceeds a little too fast for me, and unlike the earlier two books in this series, the romance subplot doesn't dovetail as neatly with the main story. But I liked that homophobia, conversion therapy and hate crimes are addressed through Jude's character in such a realistic way. (A visual approximation of "I liked..." in this case would be me lying facedown on the ground, having been figuratively punched in the gut, giving a shaky thumbs-up.)
Suanne Laqueur really wrote three whole books with the overarching thesis that life is hard and we all need family and love can come in many forms, and I deeply appreciate her for it.
loulou87's review against another edition
5.0
Let us all bow to the queen that is Suanne Laqueur.
After finishing this book, I have surmised that Suanne is a
because her words are simply magic.
Now for most of the book, I seesawed between two emotions:
Emotion 1:
Emotion 2:
Now let's break down the book in a short and sweet Q&A because after all the previously written reviews, I'm not gonna add anything to all the praise.
Q: Magic words you say? What makes it so special?
A: Vey few people can, for me, surpass this author's talent.
Exhibit A:
“My mother had a saying about parenthood,” Inez said. “You’re only as happy as your least happy child.”
Exhibit B:
“You grew up in a war. Your mind didn’t make a secret world to hide in, it made a dog for you to hold. I think that’s how Papi knew you would understand.”
Exhibit C:
"Jude ran a hand down Tej’s spine, smoothing invisible feathers. Tucking them back within because today was done and there’d be no more flying or fighting."
and on and on it goes...
Q: Wow... This is beautiful. Then why all the sobbing?
A:That is because of the subject matter, which I researched during and after reading the book. The very bad man in the book, who was real, did horrible horrible things. unimaginable torturous things. and he got away with it.
NOw what Ms. Suanne does is integrate what this bad man did in her story. So the horrors and their aftermath are experienced by her characters. Let me tell you, I barely stomached some scenes. It was very hard to read the torture in particular. It reminded me of the stories that my country's people went through and it hit very close to home. But I read every word, read through tears, through rage and through awe...
Q: I'm speechless... If the subject matter is this hard, what's the romance like?
A: Even though there is a romance in this book, between one of the story's narrators (Jude) and Tej.. it is not in the forefront of the story. don't get me wrong, the romance between them is what caused Emotion #2, but it's not the focus.
having said that... Tej completely stole me away, from the moment he said: "He's not worth it."
Q: So based on what you said above, I'm not even attempt to ask about the angst-o-meter.
A: *giggles in Suanne* This author can't write fluff so save her live. AND IT'S GLORIOUS.
Q: Good to know. And the steam-o-meter?
A: low... yeah yeah I know. Layla reading a low steam book... #gasp.
I didn't miss it, and trust me when I say that what little steam there is is AMAZING.
Q: and the HEA?
A: There is one... for everyone in this book., even if some of the people waited decades for theirs.
Honorable Mentions
- Tej being Lebanese, because we Lebanese people are THE BEST... #AllHailTheCedar
- Cleon (Jude's dad): GAWD he just broke my heart. his chapters were the most beautiful.
- Penny: I want to be like her when I grow up. So breakable but strong.
- Phil: The therapist: He had the BEST lines
- Serena: Because she was an un-revolting development.
- The cameo that shall not be named: Missed you baby. You did so good in this book.
Well lookie... This turned out to be on the long side.... Oh well.
After finishing this book, I have surmised that Suanne is a
because her words are simply magic.
Now for most of the book, I seesawed between two emotions:
Emotion 1:
Emotion 2:
Now let's break down the book in a short and sweet Q&A because after all the previously written reviews, I'm not gonna add anything to all the praise.
Q: Magic words you say? What makes it so special?
A: Vey few people can, for me, surpass this author's talent.
Exhibit A:
“My mother had a saying about parenthood,” Inez said. “You’re only as happy as your least happy child.”
Exhibit B:
“You grew up in a war. Your mind didn’t make a secret world to hide in, it made a dog for you to hold. I think that’s how Papi knew you would understand.”
Exhibit C:
"Jude ran a hand down Tej’s spine, smoothing invisible feathers. Tucking them back within because today was done and there’d be no more flying or fighting."
and on and on it goes...
Q: Wow... This is beautiful. Then why all the sobbing?
A:That is because of the subject matter, which I researched during and after reading the book. The very bad man in the book, who was real, did horrible horrible things. unimaginable torturous things. and he got away with it.
NOw what Ms. Suanne does is integrate what this bad man did in her story. So the horrors and their aftermath are experienced by her characters. Let me tell you, I barely stomached some scenes. It was very hard to read the torture in particular. It reminded me of the stories that my country's people went through and it hit very close to home. But I read every word, read through tears, through rage and through awe...
Q: I'm speechless... If the subject matter is this hard, what's the romance like?
A: Even though there is a romance in this book, between one of the story's narrators (Jude) and Tej.. it is not in the forefront of the story. don't get me wrong, the romance between them is what caused Emotion #2, but it's not the focus.
having said that... Tej completely stole me away, from the moment he said: "He's not worth it."
Q: So based on what you said above, I'm not even attempt to ask about the angst-o-meter.
A: *giggles in Suanne* This author can't write fluff so save her live. AND IT'S GLORIOUS.
Q: Good to know. And the steam-o-meter?
A: low... yeah yeah I know. Layla reading a low steam book... #gasp.
I didn't miss it, and trust me when I say that what little steam there is is AMAZING.
Q: and the HEA?
A: There is one... for everyone in this book., even if some of the people waited decades for theirs.
Honorable Mentions
- Tej being Lebanese, because we Lebanese people are THE BEST... #AllHailTheCedar
- Cleon (Jude's dad): GAWD he just broke my heart. his chapters were the most beautiful.
- Penny: I want to be like her when I grow up. So breakable but strong.
- Phil: The therapist: He had the BEST lines
- Serena: Because she was an un-revolting development.
- The cameo that shall not be named: Missed you baby. You did so good in this book.
Well lookie... This turned out to be on the long side.... Oh well.
bookqueen1974's review against another edition
5.0
This book was phenomenal! I wish I could give it 500 stars! I want to devour Suanne Laqueuer’s words and have them fill me up! Her craft in sculpting each phrase and weaving it into a beautiful tapestry of words is like nothing I’ve ever read!
shile87's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
“Love isn’t a bed and breakfast,”
LOVED IT!
I am not sure I can do it justice, I will try.
It is no surprise Suanne can freaking write an amazing emotional story. I am happy I got to experience her storytelling once again, her books are very readable.
This series is connected, I would highly recommend you start from book 1.
Told in three POVs; Jude, Penny and Cleón’s, this is the story of the Tholet family.. Jude’s family flees Chile and settles in Vancouver then later in Seattle. Slowly by slowly are taken back to Chile through the eyes of Penny and Cleón; Jude’s parents. We get to see what happened during that awful regime of that awful dictator. His name isn’t worth mentioning. Ugh! Human beings!! We can be horrible to our fellow humans. I had no idea all this had happened. Bits and pieces yes! But the whole picture nope! I love how it was all written, the research that went into this is immaculate. I loved Cleón’s POV. There is something about that POV that just clicks.
You are five.
You think, If I am ever lost, I want to be found like this.
The characters were great. It was an instant connection from the moment they were introduced on page. Fucking Phil was hilarious. The balance between the emotional stuff and humor was amazing.
Penny and Cleón are #relationshipgoals. I love their love. It is one for the history books.
I love Jude, dear lawd! This guy deserved a break. Tej! I freaking love him to the Sun and back. It reached a point I wanted more of him. Greedy me. Jav is still my favourite in this series. Jude and Tej – they fit perfectly. So good, so so good.
I’m attempting to seduce this gorgeous gentleman and he’s wisely being prudent about consorting with arrogant and audacious men he doesn’t know.”
“In other words, Tuesday.”
Tej pointed a finger. “That was unnecessary.”
I felt that this was not heavy as the previous books. It was emotional and sweet. A story about hope, healing, love and family bond.
ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review
“Love isn’t a bed and breakfast,”
LOVED IT!
I am not sure I can do it justice, I will try.
It is no surprise Suanne can freaking write an amazing emotional story. I am happy I got to experience her storytelling once again, her books are very readable.
This series is connected, I would highly recommend you start from book 1.
Told in three POVs; Jude, Penny and Cleón’s, this is the story of the Tholet family.. Jude’s family flees Chile and settles in Vancouver then later in Seattle. Slowly by slowly are taken back to Chile through the eyes of Penny and Cleón; Jude’s parents. We get to see what happened during that awful regime of that awful dictator. His name isn’t worth mentioning. Ugh! Human beings!! We can be horrible to our fellow humans. I had no idea all this had happened. Bits and pieces yes! But the whole picture nope! I love how it was all written, the research that went into this is immaculate. I loved Cleón’s POV. There is something about that POV that just clicks.
You are five.
You think, If I am ever lost, I want to be found like this.
The characters were great. It was an instant connection from the moment they were introduced on page. Fucking Phil was hilarious. The balance between the emotional stuff and humor was amazing.
Penny and Cleón are #relationshipgoals. I love their love. It is one for the history books.
I love Jude, dear lawd! This guy deserved a break. Tej! I freaking love him to the Sun and back. It reached a point I wanted more of him. Greedy me. Jav is still my favourite in this series. Jude and Tej – they fit perfectly. So good, so so good.
I’m attempting to seduce this gorgeous gentleman and he’s wisely being prudent about consorting with arrogant and audacious men he doesn’t know.”
“In other words, Tuesday.”
Tej pointed a finger. “That was unnecessary.”
I felt that this was not heavy as the previous books. It was emotional and sweet. A story about hope, healing, love and family bond.
ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review