Reviews

Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

cinderellee's review

emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

tshea's review

slow-paced

3.25

marisagomez25's review

emotional funny lighthearted sad fast-paced

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

4.0

bertharochestergraduates_8's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.25

tashadandelion's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad 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

4.0

cheypreston's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief and Vomit

Moderate: Child death

amacsuga's review against another edition

5.0

This book was given to me as a gift from my mom, who is actually Sarah Grunder Ruiz's former teacher! I went in to this story completely blind, kind of expecting a fluffy romance, however, I'm coming out afterwards pleasantly surprised. This book was so nostalgic for me, as it takes place in Palm Beach County, my hometown. I painfully, excruciatingly relate to Jo - I mean, come on, she was also born in North Carolina and relocated to South Florida lol. In all seriousness, Jo is navigating a devastating loss, grief, guilt, vulnerability, a shit past relationship the list goes on. The depth of every character introduced, the raw emotions while simultaneously balancing lighthearted banter, shenanigans & a love story was so refreshing. Reading about some of the big feelings I have experienced was therapeutic and I was drawn in to the story every step of the way. This was truly a beautiful and impressive debut novel.

Spoiler

I also appreciate that this book didn't end in a rushed proposal.

5/5 stars

kuharski990's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-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? Yes

4.5

swinans's review against another edition

hopeful medium-paced

4.25

kelliejohnson19's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny slow-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

3.0