Reviews

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

kristymorse5's review against another edition

emotional sad

4.0

amajorendeavor's review against another edition

5.0

The story is absolutely heartbreaking. Lisa Wingate tells it well. I was brought into the story each day and felt the emotion of the people she created. It is a book that you have to pace yourself with; the emotions weigh heavily with each chapter. The voice actors did a wonderful job bringing the words to life. It is a difficult story to read because of the truth contained inside.

jayceeangello's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

haleyschmitz's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring sad slow-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

Really did not enjoy the writing, subplots, or main character Avery. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Child death, Death, Kidnapping, and Trafficking

Moderate: Child death and Child abuse

fmmiller88's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

5.0

A traumatizing story about one woman's journey into the Tennessee Children's Home Society. This was heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. I couldn't help but be engaged to the story. Even though the outline of the story was predictable, the journey there was nothing like I imagined. The horrors that the children had to go through was like nothing I could have ever endured. I recommend this to everyone. I listened to it on audio and the narration was perfect.
My favorite quote is:
"People don't come into our lives by accident."

samelizabeth's review against another edition

5.0

I CANNOT believe this is based on a true story - my jaw DROPPED when I heard that. This book is beautifully written and I loved listening to this story. I recommend reading it! I now want to look more into this true story - it is the saddest thing I am baffled it actually happened …

amacsuga's review against another edition

4.0

This story is truly heartbreaking, and the fact that it's based on real historical events makes it even more unbelievable. I listened to the audiobook version & the narrators did such a beautiful job telling the story. I found myself pausing between chapters to do some research because I was genuinely shocked by what I was reading. Learning about this history has been an eye-opening experience, and I'm glad to have come across it.

Spoiler

My only critique is during the first half of the book, Avery's POV didn't quite resonate with me. I don't know if this was intentional by Lisa (?). Additionally, the romantic angle between her and Trent, while I understand its development, doesn't seem necessary within the context of the story.

4/5

jleigh92's review against another edition

emotional informative fast-paced

5.0

drnaynay's review against another edition

emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mchake's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25