Reviews

The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor

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ruth24's review against another edition

4.0

[b:The Cottingley Secret|32600721|The Cottingley Secret|Hazel Gaynor|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499439852s/32600721.jpg|53181432] is really well portrayed by the front cover: it's a magical and just a really pleasant read, and such a breath of fresh air after a few books with heavy themes. Although it touches on war, loss, and grief, the overall feel of the book doesn't pull you down - it's hopeful.

I vaguely knew the story of the fairy photographs, but it was nice to read this version of the events. I liked both the past and present plot lines, which doesn't always happen. Is it just me or are almost all books set up this way nowadays? Sometimes it really irritates me, but it was executed well in [b:The Cottingley Secret|32600721|The Cottingley Secret|Hazel Gaynor|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499439852s/32600721.jpg|53181432]. I loved how the story connected all the women in Olivia's family. For this reason, it would be the perfect book to read with your mom/sister/grandma/aunt/daughter, or to give as a gift.

As for the romance,

Spoiler

I LOVED that Olivia didn't end up happily ever after with Ross. This is so much more realistic and also obviously much more sensible of Olivia to be focusing on herself after just ending an engagement with another man. This single fact brought the book from 3-3.5 stars to 4 stars -- it's a big deal to me! I really liked that Gaynor hinted at their eventual slow-build romance , so we got a little satisfaction knowing that it would work itself out in time without a cliched ending.

One thing I didn't like was Olivia's relationship with Jack. I see how he kind of had to be jerk in order for us to not sympathize with his character when Olivia straight up ignores him and breaks off the engagement, but I didn't find it believable that they'd ever been together.

lacykells's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

wardnek's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

3.5

lisett's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

laramarler's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

After an uncertain start, I loved this book! I enjoyed Olivia’s coming of age as a strong, independent woman and that she drew strength from family, particularly the women in her history, but also from her amazing found family! A wee bit o’magic and a lot of fun! The audiobook is particularly nice with the addition of the Irish, English, and South African accents. Will look for more by this author. Would lead to great discussion as a book club read.

therealbel's review against another edition

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5.0

I adored this book, historical fact and fiction mixed up together in the most charming way.

lcannone's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective medium-paced

5.0

Exactly the light read I needed now.

bookgirl_71's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

bethsponz's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved everything about this book. It is based on the real story of two girls’ photographed “fairies” during World War 1. These pictures were much speculated upon and still one picture is deemed possibly real. I found the story so interesting. It really makes you want to believe in fairies. I liked the actual pictures shown in the back of book to refer to. I kept flipping back to look at them! This is the third book I’ve read by this author. She is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

lfrase's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

An amazingly magical piece of storytelling.

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