C Allen

The Hallmark Movie of Books

Revisado: 11-28-22

If you like Hallmark movies, this story is basically the book form of those. It's *really* cheesey and predictable (except for the cliffhanger, which I did not expect), and I definitely rolled my eyes several times throughout the book. Like other reviewers, at times I was annoyed by the main character's exaggerated emotional immaturity, and the mediocre writing (a lot of telling you how things are instead of showing you how they are, if that makes sense). Lots of cliche stereotypes and repetitive descriptors (like "his/her eyes widened". At one point I imagined the character's eyes as wide as they get when you hold them open with your fingers because they kept getting wider throughout that interaction). I also didn't love the narrator, especially when she used different voices for different characters. That was harder to get past for me.

But if you're looking for a light, easy listen to break things up, this book isn't a bad choice. It's cute, despite the things I mentioned above, just like Hallmark shows. I'll probably end up listening to the other two books when they come out because I do like the cheese factor every now and then.

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Fantastic Story, Easy Listen

Revisado: 04-14-22

I happened upon the film adaptation on Netflix and absolutely loved it, without knowing it was a book first, so of course I had to read it as well.

Overall, this book is an easy listen. I love that there are narrators for each character's voice, bringing their characters to life in a beautiful way. Part one of the book is a little slow story-wise, but I didn't mind it because I love this era in history (and I loved the film, so I knew to stick with it). Part two is beautiful. It does a wonderful job marrying the heaviness of the events of the occupation with the positive survival stories that came out of it so you don't feel like you're reading a history textbook.

Even after listening to it, I still love the film. Yes, there are lots more details to the story in the book, as expected, but I think they do a great job bringing it to life on the big screen. It makes me want to skip housework today to go watch the film!

If you love WWII and enjoy a tender, understated romance story, this is a great book to check those boxes.

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Captivating From the Very Beginning!

Revisado: 11-10-21

I loved this book so much! It's a historical fiction meets magical fantasy meets mystery meets romance all wrapped up in a perfectly chaotic and tidy bow. It's a captivating telling of a woman's exploration of the world and, in turn, of herself, as she tampers with magical forces beyond her control. I was enamored with her story from the very beginning. My audible gasps and cheers throughout the entire book are evidence of that.

Kenneth Baldwin does an exceptional job lulling you into security by placing enough predictable details into the story to make you feel like you've figured it all out, that when the plot twists come you're left completely stunned. Each chapter left me craving more, until I couldn't put it down anymore and binged-listened to last several chapters in one sitting instead of running errands like I'd originally planned. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

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