inspirationalfiction

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

so-so

Major caveat here: if I didn't have a vague idea of how this trilogy ended, I wouldn't be continuing to the next book. At the moment, I deem it worthwhile to continue, because I think having the full story told in this manner will add to the catharsis/emotional impact of the ending. But, from a 'single book' perspective, Evans has made a bold choice in making the entire work background for the narrative 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? that is hinted at continuing in the next book, in the prologue. You know how I feel about cliffhangers. There are multiple timelines, lead up to an important event, flashbacks, and backstory, but you're not only JUST getting the set up, you're getting ALL of the ways life has been shitty for this character. 3d

Robotswithpersonality 3/? When this was pitched to me, I thought my biggest issue would be the mistakes, the choices the main character has made and how they've affected other people, but as it turns out, those pale in comparison to all the horrible things that happened to this character growing up. What makes me so damn sad is how much of the experiences related mirror the life story of so many abused and disadvantaged people. 3d

Robotswithpersonality 4/? It just puts the idea of highlighting one character who found a second chance in a strange fairy tale, chosen one light that I think could be more mocking than escapist to those who've had to deal with real trauma and it's aftermath without that kind of luck. How close do the books as a whole come to the huckster self-help vibes of the sales seminar narrative, live your dreams, change your life, etc? 🤨 3d

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Robotswithpersonality 5/? I know this author is famous for Christmas books - do they also follow the 'I have wacked your thumb with a hammer (emotionally upsetting background) now here's a chocolate bar (happy/hopeful ending) now don't you feel grateful and joyful (the ache of endorphins and the thrill of sugar)' formula? 3d

Robotswithpersonality 6/? Skilled emotional manipulation is a cornerstone to a number of different kinds of narratives, but when the story really doesn't have more plot than just everything these people have gone through, it makes the message conveyed that much more crucial, and I worry that I will rate the latter books in this trilogy higher based on how they make me feel, (an accomplishment in itself) even if the story itself is...lacking. 3d

Robotswithpersonality 7/? By which I mean I'm looking for a message that isn't too tired and I'm not sure I've glimpsed it yet, and if you're going to spend nearly 300 pages making me sad, there really should be a damn good reason, beyond life lessons I figured out a decade ago. 3d

Robotswithpersonality 8/? I also admit to being on shaky ground with the amount of God/Bible references - it really does feel like those who are lapsed from a religion are in some ways closer to it or at least never fully separated - and the simple moralizing that always seems to follow in its wake. 3d

Robotswithpersonality 9/? Also feeling a little odd about proposed end goal of the trip - that's a lot of years to suddenly decide on a need to resolve that particular issue - I think a journey for personal growth/redemption/reflection/planning for a different future, without relying on absolution from a particular individual, might be a healthier mindset, but love makes you do the wacky. 🤷🏼‍♂️ 3d

Robotswithpersonality 10/? So given all that, why would I continue? Because a smart reader who recommended this to me started with the third book in the series and then went back, so I still have hopes for where the story goes. And since I read the first book first, why not read the second book, second? Thanks goodness the full trilogy is out, I'd lose my shit if I had to wait after this ending. 3d

Robotswithpersonality 11/11 P.S. I don't know if Evans shares the main character's Mexican heritage or OCD, but that rep is in here.
⚠️suicide, child abuse, racism, racist-based violence/hate crime, assault 3d

8 likes10 comments

Mshookquilts

The Christmas Town | Donna VanLiere

pick

Perfect Christmas story filled with small miracles (some will say impossible & I‘ll say similar to ones I‘ve experienced) and hope. Lauren‘s life has been hard (though not as bad as others). She‘s looking for a family for Christmas. A series of unexpected events may just give her one.

6 likes

marleed

The Carousel | Richard Paul Evans

pick

I‘m always surprised how much story RPE creates inside these little books. I own all three books but didn‘t realize they were a series and picked the third book to read. My opinion might differ if I had the backstory, but I was never sure if I was Team Faye or Team Blythe - both seemed lovely. … This book written in 2000 has several lines reading as micro aggressions today - I wonder if I‘d have realized that 24 years ago - I hope so.

AnnCrystal 📚🎅💝. 2mo

63 likes1 comment

carolpharmd

The Walk: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

pick

Less detail about the food & meals being eaten would have been preferable; but, overall ~ a thoughtful read.

robinb

The Metropolitan Affair: On Central Park #1 | Jocelyn Green

so-so

OK, I‘ve managed a Bail and an almost Pan on this one for my #ReadYourKindle picks in May so far…I‘m on a roll! This one unfortunately was simply boring (not much actually taking place), and there was entirely too much waffling back and forth by the main character on whether one character was a good guy or bad guy. And there didn‘t seem to be much chemistry in the romance portion. Now that I think of it, it really does sound like a Pan.😆 2/5⭐️

CBee

robinb #coverlove 8mo

Crazeedi At least you're getting books off your kindle! I find some I bought just weren't very good 8mo

robinb @Crazeedi I‘m discovering that as well. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think I bought this because I had already read one from this author that was just “OK” and thought this one might be better. 8mo

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CBee Definitely a great cover though! 8mo

robinb @CBee Right??! I definitely had to mention that!! Love it! 8mo

Crazeedi @robinb yes 8mo

57 likes6 comments

mom_of_4

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story | Dee Henderson

pick

I highly recommend this book. It was soooooo good I couldbt put it down. I got it from the library this morning at 10 and just finished it. I can see I am going to fall in love with this series. Now on to the Prequel for this series.

24 likes

mom_of_4

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story | Dee Henderson

This is such a great book. Im really loving it.

21 likes

Princess-Kingofkings

The Mark of the King | Jocelyn Green

@Bookwormjillk thanks for the invite @Eggs 1) Sharon Garlough Brown, Jocelyn Green, Kate Quinn. 2) The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green ~ historical fiction gets me every time 3) not a fan of series but found the Family Honor Series in a LFL by Karen Ball

Eggs Thanks for playing! Hope you have a great Wednesday ❣️ 10mo

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