Reviews

Four Chambers by Julie Wright

kebreads's review

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5.0

The characters in this story went through quite the journey. I liked how the story was split into four parts, reflecting the title. The main characters faced a number of challenges, some of their own making, and many because of current and past pressures in their lives. I liked Andra and Everett, and of course Pearl. Andra and Everett were both hard working. They reached for their goals even when they did not have as much outside support as they would have liked. I really liked Pearl's involvement in this story. And I really liked the ending of the story. This is a great book!

Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 4.5 stars

hugbandit7's review

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5.0

Andra and Everett - soulmates tied together by red twine and nothing can break their destiny apart.

I loved this book. But then I have loved all the books that are in the Matchmaker series so far. This one spans about 8 years or so - from Senior year in college, through med school and residency. It was interesting to see how Everett and Andra would run into each other at different parts of their lives. There are 4 "parts" and aptly called the Four Chambers for the chambers of the heart.

Pearl isn't mentioned until about 1/3 of the way through the book, but she does appear quite often as Andra and Everett need her (unbeknownst to them) to guide them to each other.

They each have their own issues and "demons" to deal with and it was interesting to see how they dealt with various situations.

I loved the nicknames they had for each other - Everest with the S and Andrea without the E.

Overall a great book and worth reading!

saradavcamp's review

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3.0

I'm not exactly sure what to say about this book. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I think, for me, it was a little too disappointing and drawn out. Saying that, I feel like I'm being petty, since there's nothing actually wrong with the book itself. It was well written, but the main characters, although they were perfect for each other, just took way too long to get to it. It makes sense that she did the book that way, in a lot of ways I get it, but It just drove me crazy that she kept putting him off and putting him off.
OK, having said that, the book was very well thought out, it was interesting, and I did like it. I was just struggling with the female lead's resistance to any sort of relationship. In my mind, I kept thinking--they wasted all that time! They would have been great together if she could just get past her issues! Anyway. Sorry, it's not a bad book. I just think it wasn't great for me. Maybe 3.5 stars?

khorrocks's review

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4.0

Definitely chick-lit. But the added elements of the medical training required to become a surgeon made it a bit more interesting and unique. Also, the main characters were mostly likeable, and they seemed like they had a real connection. The "matchmaker" made a rare appearance - it was a nice addition, but I was mostly confused about who she was. Was she a real person? She seemed to disappear a lot. Maybe I need to read the other books in the series.

Just a few issues: 1. It has elements of women's empowerment (a woman heart surgeon who doesn't rely on her rich parents - awesome!) but then dashed it by making the feminists of the book super evil women. 2. Their nicknames for each other - so annoying. 3. The "four chambers of the heart" organization was clever, but I think it stretched out the story too long. Their obstacles from being together got a bit ridiculous in the end. 4.
Spoiler Who the heck got the surgeon position? Was it just a rouse from Miss Pearl the whole time? They sure went through a lot of grief fighting for that job, and it didn't even matter in the end.

momwithareadingproblem's review

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4.0

I received an eARC of this book via I Am a Reader in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Four Chambers
by Julie Wright is the fifth book in the Power of the Matchmaker series and — like its predecessors — is a sweet, heart-breaking story about two people on their last chance. Andra Stone is a senior in college when she decides to date Everett Covington, but one thing after another continues to keep them apart. Now over ten years later, they are given another chance at love but will their career ambitions tear them apart again?

Andra was not an easy character for me to like. She is an extremely smart, driven, young woman. While this was nice to see, it was also the downfall of her character. Because she is so driven, she tends to close herself off to relationships, leading to her living a very lonely life. Her parents are unsupportive, her boyfriend has cheated on her, and now she may lose her scholarship (all in the first chapter!). My heart went out to her, but because of the callous way she treats Everett I had a hard time truly liking her.

Everett is a sweet, easy-going character and reminds me a lot of my own husband (who also just completed the same rigorous training as the characters in the book). No matter what the author throws at this character, no matter how awful Andra treats him, he keeps coming back, not giving up on her. He brings out the best in Andra and because they started their relationship as friends that bond remains even when their romantic relationship is on the rocks.

I had a difficult time with the narration of the story. There was little dialogue and lots of info dump as each “chamber” takes place at one point in their lives and then several years pass between. I personally prefer more dialogue so this took some getting used to. I loved Miss Pearl’s role in this installment of the series. She is a “heart” doctor though she never really claims a role in the actual hospital but she shows up over and over again.

Overall I enjoyed the story. It was short, sweet, and a cute read. I think what I enjoyed most was reading the different aspects of being a doctor from the start of education up to their chosen career path. Andra wasn’t my favorite character, but I loved Everett and he brought out the good in her. Plus she had some growing to do throughout the book. If you enjoy light-hearted, clean, contemporary romance, I highly recommend this one and the others in Power of the Matchmaker.

clairelynn's review

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4.0

This was a cute read! I liked that the characters' were doctors and we followed through most of their education. I liked both Andra and Everett, their nicknames for one another, their crazy messed up families (especially Everett's family and how Andra handled them so well), how life kept throwing them back together, again and again. The only thing I didn't really enjoy was Miss Pearl, which is not so good considering that she's the common thread in this series apparently. I just found her unnecessary and verging on being slightly magical, which in this book, felt like a con, not a pro.

ghumpherys's review

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5.0

I've really enjoyed reading the books in the Power of the Matchmaker series and seeing the different ways that the authors incorporate Miss Pearl into the story. This was a wonderful story about two people being placed in each other's paths multiple times over many years. Not just a second chance story -- more like a third or fourth chance. There were some misunderstandings and both characters could have reacted better in certain situations, but that makes it all the more realistic. I appreciated how they both came from dysfunctional families and yet worked to over come that. I loved both characters and the way they always cheered each other on even when they were competing.
Spoiler(But I did have one question at the end - who got the job?)

I received a free e-book copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

lolaenvy's review

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emotional hopeful 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

4.0

Book was like Julie wrights other books.  Quirky, witty and Finn.  I enjoyed reading the matchmaker Miss Pearl. Quick, fun read. 

rachearl's review

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3.0

Good book, some parts too long, some parts to rushed.

tonishiloh's review

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Cute read
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