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mgirardin's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
lesliekyla's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
scigeek22's review
5.0
So glad to have won this copy. Beautifully written historical novel. I want to start with saying that this book left me a bit of a wreck with tears on my face. But wrecked in the best way if that makes any sense. A completely engrossing story. The chapters are short and perspectives switch frequently but I like getting to see a bit of the story from each character’s perspectives. This book is about a lot of things but a powerful piece for me was this book’s take on grief. There is something I didn’t know before my first major loss that only people who have been similarly broken seem to get. This book is written in that way; I felt like I was with a group of characters who really got it. I also really loved that this book is about the war, but is a completely different take than I’ve ever read before. This story is about both of Beatrix’s families, the one she was born into and the one she discovers in Boston. A completely lovely family drama. Definitely one to read and make sure you have the Kleenex ready.
bethreadsandnaps's review
4.25
4.25 stars
I was entranced by the initial storytelling in this novel. Millie and Reginald, an English couple, send their 11 year old daughter Beatrix to ride out World War II in Maine with the Gregorys. Now I knew Londoners had sent their children to the countryside, but I did not know that some even sent their children to the United States! I'm not sure I could have done that.
Beatrix blamed her mother for being sent away and held resentment toward her, but she slowly begins to thrive with the Gregorys, with fill-in mother Nancy who had always wanted a girl and her two brothers William and Gerald.
After the initial few years Beatrix spends with the Gregorys, the pace of the novel quickens and we then jump several years at a time checking in on these two families. Of course, major milestones will occur of the next few decades. Overall, I really liked the journey; I almost wish the book had been longer since I got transported during the deep dives of their lives so found the jumps in time a tad abrupt.
I enjoyed the sections during WWII, when Beatrix is living in the household with the Gregorys. There are some relationships Beatrix has that I didn't *feel* as much as I wanted to feel, so ultimately I couldn't give this 5 stars. However, it was a fabulous reading experience.
I was entranced by the initial storytelling in this novel. Millie and Reginald, an English couple, send their 11 year old daughter Beatrix to ride out World War II in Maine with the Gregorys. Now I knew Londoners had sent their children to the countryside, but I did not know that some even sent their children to the United States! I'm not sure I could have done that.
Beatrix blamed her mother for being sent away and held resentment toward her, but she slowly begins to thrive with the Gregorys, with fill-in mother Nancy who had always wanted a girl and her two brothers William and Gerald.
After the initial few years Beatrix spends with the Gregorys, the pace of the novel quickens and we then jump several years at a time checking in on these two families. Of course, major milestones will occur of the next few decades. Overall, I really liked the journey; I almost wish the book had been longer since I got transported during the deep dives of their lives so found the jumps in time a tad abrupt.
I enjoyed the sections during WWII, when Beatrix is living in the household with the Gregorys. There are some relationships Beatrix has that I didn't *feel* as much as I wanted to feel, so ultimately I couldn't give this 5 stars. However, it was a fabulous reading experience.
lauramarie83's review
emotional
reflective
slow-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
3.75
mjsteimle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
lin127's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
emhromp's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.0
What a lovely story about life and love in all its forms. This is the kind of book that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Lovely and warm. Highly recommended ♥️
jaymieheintz's review
4.0
This book felt like a warm nostalgic hug. I felt like I was a part of the Gregory family and their lake house memories. Seeing the characters go through so many trials and life/cultural transitions over many decades was so unique and made me feel closer to the characters. This book has many POV’s and the chapters are usually no more than 3 pages. It takes awhile to get the hang of the multiple character POV’s, but once you do, it makes for a quick read. Although there are romantic relationships, they are not the focal point. It is more family focused. I found myself thinking back on my childhood memories and looking forward to the future of my family as well. “Blending the old with the new,” as Bea would say.