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abbysalmon's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kiminindy's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the characters in this book. I love how her books intertwine with each other. Usually there is a cross over character. I didn't want it to end.
sannebanana's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mschrock8's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet stories, but WAY TOO MANY sentences ending in prepositions.
klukovka's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
3.0
To be rated/reviewed after June book club meeting
This was probably a 3.5-star rating for me because this was a feel-good read and an enjoyable page turner. I didn't realize until after I'd finished the book that it was part of a series set in Elmwood Springs, Missouri. It read like a standalone, so it was definitely easy to dive right in and get to know the residents of Elmwood Springs. If there are any in the series that center around Aunt Elner, I'd pick that one up in a heartbeat -- she was great!
The story begins in the 1800s and moves forward to the present, showing how the town and residents evolve over time. I loved the early residents and how they genuinely cared for one another, and how that spirit carried through the generations.
I have one quibble with the book, though. I wish there had been a family tree or list of all the characters. As the years progressed, I had a hard time keeping the names and relationships straight and ended up skimming a little towards the end for that reason. The chapters set in the cemetery helped remind me of who was who, but I wished more than once that I could have just flipped to a list. Maybe that would've been less of an issue if I'd read the earlier books in the series.
This was probably a 3.5-star rating for me because this was a feel-good read and an enjoyable page turner. I didn't realize until after I'd finished the book that it was part of a series set in Elmwood Springs, Missouri. It read like a standalone, so it was definitely easy to dive right in and get to know the residents of Elmwood Springs. If there are any in the series that center around Aunt Elner, I'd pick that one up in a heartbeat -- she was great!
The story begins in the 1800s and moves forward to the present, showing how the town and residents evolve over time. I loved the early residents and how they genuinely cared for one another, and how that spirit carried through the generations.
I have one quibble with the book, though. I wish there had been a family tree or list of all the characters. As the years progressed, I had a hard time keeping the names and relationships straight and ended up skimming a little towards the end for that reason. The chapters set in the cemetery helped remind me of who was who, but I wished more than once that I could have just flipped to a list. Maybe that would've been less of an issue if I'd read the earlier books in the series.
geisttull's review against another edition
3.0
Nice story. Based in town all her books are set so if I had re-read some of the older books I think it would have been better. I kept getting a glimmer of recollection but not a clear remembrance.
mysterymom40's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Murder, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, Death, Ableism, Domestic abuse, War, and Miscarriage
Minor: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, and Xenophobia
References to weight and obesitykatietopp's review against another edition
4.0
Decent book. Cute concept. Wish it was more exciting.
julieb118's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this one - I loved the time span of the town - and loved that we got to see the full life of many favorite characters.