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whatthebook69's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
shahlasmith's review against another edition
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
chispitainabox's review against another edition
2.0
It’s fine. I read this because I enjoyed Ralph’s Party (tho tbh I thought it was a thriller bc all the other Lisa Jewell books I’ve read were and by the time I figured out it was a whatever novel I was invested in the plot) and love a good sequel.
Anyway, it’s fine. Thoughtful depiction of realistic lives, character arcs were interesting. It’s a bit funny - the reactions some of the reviewers have to Jem’s choices are very telling. If I were to do it again I wouldn’t read it tho. it’s boooooring and slow.
Anyway, it’s fine. Thoughtful depiction of realistic lives, character arcs were interesting. It’s a bit funny - the reactions some of the reviewers have to Jem’s choices are very telling. If I were to do it again I wouldn’t read it tho. it’s boooooring and slow.
aziraphales_left_shoe's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
margaretmechinus's review against another edition
1.0
I listened for 7 hours and still had 5 hours to go when I gave up on this book about miscommunication. It is told from the point of view of both partners in this relationship, so it was frustrating to know that they both felt the same about each other, their kids, their love, their future….but every-time there was a chance to be honest and clear things up, they swallowed their words, lied, or turned to others. Enough already! Also there was a “making fun of Christianity” vibe which I didn’t like.
kdurham2's review against another edition
5.0
What a roller coaster ride. This sequel begins many years after Ralph's Party ends. Ralph and Jem are now living together with children - not happily, but so so. The book hops between Ralph's and Jem's points of view, which I adored.
A story that was heart wrenching but honest. Being someone that is in a relationship and has been in one for awhile and although we don't have children, we are currently partners raising a pup. I could understand the rut that one may find themselves in and how people change and with them changing the relationship must change as well.
The one thing I missed from the first book was the many characters that had stories that were interlocking. I wish there was just a little more of the previous tenants on Alamanac Road. The new characters were entertaining, but I missed continuing their stories along with Jem and Ralph's.
A great story that follows the couple that you will fall in love with from Ralph's Party. I will never spoil the ending, but I believe that this book will keep you hooked until the end.
A story that was heart wrenching but honest. Being someone that is in a relationship and has been in one for awhile and although we don't have children, we are currently partners raising a pup. I could understand the rut that one may find themselves in and how people change and with them changing the relationship must change as well.
The one thing I missed from the first book was the many characters that had stories that were interlocking. I wish there was just a little more of the previous tenants on Alamanac Road. The new characters were entertaining, but I missed continuing their stories along with Jem and Ralph's.
A great story that follows the couple that you will fall in love with from Ralph's Party. I will never spoil the ending, but I believe that this book will keep you hooked until the end.
jrobles76's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a huge fan of Lisa Jewel. This book is a sequel to Ralph's Party and think you really should read them in order to get the full effect. It could be read as a stand-alone novel, Jewell supplies you with all the background you need, but it just is better you read the first one.
While the first book was very much about "Young Love", this one is very much about "Adult Love" and how relationships require open communication to actually work. The story is told from both Ralph and Jem's points of view so you really get to see a relationships problem's from both sides. Ms. Jewell does a superb job of making you feel like both people are idiots but realistic idiots. I'm always amazed at the people I know who have problems with their loved ones, but never talk about it. You see that constantly in this book. But rather than being frustrating, you empathize. It's hard to tell someone what you feel, and communication is extremely difficult. Things get misinterpreted, so you stop even trying. And that's where relationships go wrong. And having kids doesn't make it any easier.
I won't spoil anything, but it's a great book and the ending had me crying. If you're a fan of Lisa Jewell, you'll definitely love this.
While the first book was very much about "Young Love", this one is very much about "Adult Love" and how relationships require open communication to actually work. The story is told from both Ralph and Jem's points of view so you really get to see a relationships problem's from both sides. Ms. Jewell does a superb job of making you feel like both people are idiots but realistic idiots. I'm always amazed at the people I know who have problems with their loved ones, but never talk about it. You see that constantly in this book. But rather than being frustrating, you empathize. It's hard to tell someone what you feel, and communication is extremely difficult. Things get misinterpreted, so you stop even trying. And that's where relationships go wrong. And having kids doesn't make it any easier.
I won't spoil anything, but it's a great book and the ending had me crying. If you're a fan of Lisa Jewell, you'll definitely love this.
jspru004's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
airba's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0