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A Long Thaw
Following on from the bestselling ebook MONSOON SEASON comes O’Rourke’s second novel, which explores the power of secrets and the unbreakable bonds of family.
Cousins Abby and Juliet were born into one big, close family. But when Juliet’s parents divorce, it tears the family apart and sends the girls in very different directions.
Juliet grows up too quickly, forced to be responsible for her younger sisters as well as an alcoholic, single mother. Abby grows up a pampered, sheltered only child.
As women, they try to mend the rift and come to terms with the way their shared history connects them, in spite of the years apart.
Told in alternating narrative, A Long Thaw explores how the two women are shaped by the traumas and triumphs of childhood. It’s a story about the power of secrets and the unbreakable bonds of family.
Cousins Abby and Juliet were born into one big, close family. But when Juliet’s parents divorce, it tears the family apart and sends the girls in very different directions.
Juliet grows up too quickly, forced to be responsible for her younger sisters as well as an alcoholic, single mother. Abby grows up a pampered, sheltered only child.
As women, they try to mend the rift and come to terms with the way their shared history connects them, in spite of the years apart.
Told in alternating narrative, A Long Thaw explores how the two women are shaped by the traumas and triumphs of childhood. It’s a story about the power of secrets and the unbreakable bonds of family.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2014
51 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Katie O'Rourke
7 books91 followersI was born and raised in New England, growing up along the seacoast of New Hampshire. I went to college in Massachusetts and graduated with a degree in gender and sexuality. I live in Tucson, Arizona where I am always writing my next book.
I'm a hybrid author. My debut novel, Monsoon Season, was traditionally published along with A Long Thaw, which I later rereleased on my own. Finding Charlie, was chosen for publication by KindleScout in 2015. I released my fourth novel, Blood & Water in 2017. Unclaimed Baggage, and the sequel, Reclaimed Baggage, are available now.. I write family sagas with overlapping characters, so they're all connected.
If you'd like to get updates about sales and new releases, please join my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cPZnKH
I'm a hybrid author. My debut novel, Monsoon Season, was traditionally published along with A Long Thaw, which I later rereleased on my own. Finding Charlie, was chosen for publication by KindleScout in 2015. I released my fourth novel, Blood & Water in 2017. Unclaimed Baggage, and the sequel, Reclaimed Baggage, are available now.. I write family sagas with overlapping characters, so they're all connected.
If you'd like to get updates about sales and new releases, please join my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cPZnKH
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 9, 2014
"Looks like it's going to be a long thaw."
Abby has always had a safety net, unlike her cousin Juliet, who has an absent father and a drunk mother who depends on her financially. Abby is her cousin's keeper and protector. Not that Juliet can't protect herself...
Juliet is tough, in many aspects of her life, except when it comes to love. Perhaps her poor choices in men are because her father abandoned her and her sisters at a young age. All Juliet wants is a man who won't leave her, and then there is Abby, who has a list of 50 qualities that are required in her perfect mate.
Allen made a mistake ten years ago, and as a result he lost his wife and his daughters. He rationalizes that they don't need him, they have each other, but he tells his family otherwise. At Thanksgiving dinner, a family secret is let out, leaving everybody to question, "why?", and "how could I have missed so much?" "What can be done to make things right?"
This broken family sets out to make things right, because life goes on, and as long as life goes on, there will be more chances to get it right.
I liked this story, because I like stories that center around family. Juliet and Abby have a bond that cannot be broken. Even after not seeing each other for ten years, they immediately click back together. They take care of, and lean on one another. These girls act more like sisters than cousins. They are lucky to have this bond, and they both need each other more than ever.
I did have some problems with this story though. For one, there are no chapters. The story is separated by segments, chronicling each character's POV, (specifically Abby, Juliet, Mary the Grandmother, Rachel the aunt/mother, and Allen the uncle/father). There was a lot of back story throughout the book. It would get to a really good part, and the next segment would go way back in time which irritated me. If the story was structured differently, I would have given it 4 stars.
Another thing I found peculiar, but in no way did I take it into consideration for my review, was that I thought the author was from the United Kingdom. I say that because of her language: "favour", "kerb", "pyjama", "favourite", "colour", "neighbour", "behaviour", etc. When I saw she was from New England, I was very surprised. I wonder why she writes British-English?
The ending was anti-climatic, and disappointing. I felt that there should have been more.
This is what I took away from the The Long Thaw, by Katie O'Rourke, that life goes on. That as long as you are here breathing on this earth, you have a second chance at making things right! What a powerful message!
Overall, this is a good story, and I did like it. 3 Stars!
***I received a copy of The Long Thaw, by Katie O'Rourke in exchange for a fair & honest book review.
Abby has always had a safety net, unlike her cousin Juliet, who has an absent father and a drunk mother who depends on her financially. Abby is her cousin's keeper and protector. Not that Juliet can't protect herself...
Juliet is tough, in many aspects of her life, except when it comes to love. Perhaps her poor choices in men are because her father abandoned her and her sisters at a young age. All Juliet wants is a man who won't leave her, and then there is Abby, who has a list of 50 qualities that are required in her perfect mate.
Allen made a mistake ten years ago, and as a result he lost his wife and his daughters. He rationalizes that they don't need him, they have each other, but he tells his family otherwise. At Thanksgiving dinner, a family secret is let out, leaving everybody to question, "why?", and "how could I have missed so much?" "What can be done to make things right?"
This broken family sets out to make things right, because life goes on, and as long as life goes on, there will be more chances to get it right.
I liked this story, because I like stories that center around family. Juliet and Abby have a bond that cannot be broken. Even after not seeing each other for ten years, they immediately click back together. They take care of, and lean on one another. These girls act more like sisters than cousins. They are lucky to have this bond, and they both need each other more than ever.
I did have some problems with this story though. For one, there are no chapters. The story is separated by segments, chronicling each character's POV, (specifically Abby, Juliet, Mary the Grandmother, Rachel the aunt/mother, and Allen the uncle/father). There was a lot of back story throughout the book. It would get to a really good part, and the next segment would go way back in time which irritated me. If the story was structured differently, I would have given it 4 stars.
Another thing I found peculiar, but in no way did I take it into consideration for my review, was that I thought the author was from the United Kingdom. I say that because of her language: "favour", "kerb", "pyjama", "favourite", "colour", "neighbour", "behaviour", etc. When I saw she was from New England, I was very surprised. I wonder why she writes British-English?
The ending was anti-climatic, and disappointing. I felt that there should have been more.
This is what I took away from the The Long Thaw, by Katie O'Rourke, that life goes on. That as long as you are here breathing on this earth, you have a second chance at making things right! What a powerful message!
Overall, this is a good story, and I did like it. 3 Stars!
***I received a copy of The Long Thaw, by Katie O'Rourke in exchange for a fair & honest book review.
July 30, 2017
I enjoyed this book and now plan to read her first book Monsoon Season.
Cousins Abbey and Juliet meet up after many years apart. They were close as children in the long summers they spent together.
They discover a lot about each other and their places in the family. They have both been through trials and tribulations in adult life, but the wish to re-engage with each other brings about a bond.
Juliet's parent's divorce saw her mother move herself and children to the other side of the country to California. Juliet had mostly to bring up her younger sisters because of her mother's neglect.
Abby's life has been totally different as the only child to well-heeled parents.
They find eventually, that their closeness is still apparent, despite the years.
The plot is quite complex but not too much to ruin the book. I liked the characters and think they were well depicted. I recommend this book as a great read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Kate O'Rouke for this opportunity.
Cousins Abbey and Juliet meet up after many years apart. They were close as children in the long summers they spent together.
They discover a lot about each other and their places in the family. They have both been through trials and tribulations in adult life, but the wish to re-engage with each other brings about a bond.
Juliet's parent's divorce saw her mother move herself and children to the other side of the country to California. Juliet had mostly to bring up her younger sisters because of her mother's neglect.
Abby's life has been totally different as the only child to well-heeled parents.
They find eventually, that their closeness is still apparent, despite the years.
The plot is quite complex but not too much to ruin the book. I liked the characters and think they were well depicted. I recommend this book as a great read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Kate O'Rouke for this opportunity.
May 23, 2015
Cousins Abby and Juliet have reconnected after years of separation. As secrets from the past are revealed, an entire family is forced to reevaluate their lives and face an uncomfortable truth. This story is about the bonds of family and how the past shapes the future.
This is the second book I've read by Katie O'Rourke, and I love the way she consistently builds realistic characters I can root for. From the outside looking in, Abby has her act together, but her love life paints a different tale. She knows what she wants but doesn't always articulate her needs. Juliet is the character I could sympathize with the most, and by far, she is the most complex. She's an interesting mix of street smart and naive. A difficult childhood has left her wise beyond her years in some ways, but far behind in other areas.
The strong, closeknit family suffers a blow when a huge secret is revealed. Hurt and betrayal drive a wedge between them, but the love is still there. While one character's mistakes might seem unforgivable, there is more to the story. In this book, as in real life, there is always more to every story, and O'Rourke reminds us that things aren't always what they seem to be. Sometimes decisions have unintended consequences that change the course of your life.
If you're looking for a thought-provoking, well-written novel, I would highly recommend this book.
This is the second book I've read by Katie O'Rourke, and I love the way she consistently builds realistic characters I can root for. From the outside looking in, Abby has her act together, but her love life paints a different tale. She knows what she wants but doesn't always articulate her needs. Juliet is the character I could sympathize with the most, and by far, she is the most complex. She's an interesting mix of street smart and naive. A difficult childhood has left her wise beyond her years in some ways, but far behind in other areas.
The strong, closeknit family suffers a blow when a huge secret is revealed. Hurt and betrayal drive a wedge between them, but the love is still there. While one character's mistakes might seem unforgivable, there is more to the story. In this book, as in real life, there is always more to every story, and O'Rourke reminds us that things aren't always what they seem to be. Sometimes decisions have unintended consequences that change the course of your life.
If you're looking for a thought-provoking, well-written novel, I would highly recommend this book.
January 17, 2014
Katie O’Rourke writes brilliantly about the craggy landscape of young adulthood. Childhood lessons and loyalties clash with the insuppressible urge to make new connections, romantic relationships are seldom easy or drama-free and sometimes, a return to family is exactly what is needed. A Long Thaw is a rich, nuanced story about something universal: the attempt to be happy with ourselves and hopefully, with someone else. A big-hearted and deep-thinking novel about two young women navigating the peaks and valleys of love while relying on their friendship and family bond to keep them balanced along the way.
May 16, 2018
I purchase this book because of the cover, what can I say it is beautiful and intriguing. The storyline is peculiar and almost made me seasick with the jumping around. you would fall head-first into the story and it's going so fast and you can't wait to find out what happens only to turn the page and you have gone back in history 20 30 years and it never seem to pick back up where it should have. just when you started falling into the past it would jumped back to the present. The storyline had a lot of potential I wish the book had been laid out better to where the story could have made more sense. I get where the author was going but the ending was not an ending. it just left me mad and wanting a true ending. while she says None of her books have sequels they're all standalones she mentions all the characters overlap. So maybe I'm missing something but I don't plan on reading any of the other books to find out
January 11, 2019
I recently finished this novel by Katie O’Rourke. I love books about interpersonal relationships and this one did not disappoint. It deals with the friendship between two cousins and their extended family as well as their significant others. A Long Thaw was well- written, with excellent character development. The storyline had lots of action so it kept my interest and made it hard for me to put the book down. I always manage to see myself reflected in O’Rourke’s writing, and I find myself thinking about her novels long after I’ve finished reading them. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
December 2, 2025
This book is an engaging and thought provoking read that captures attention from the very first page. The author does a wonderful job of weaving together interesting ideas, relatable characters, and a strong sense of purpose. The writing is clear, the pacing is smooth, and the themes are meaningful, leaving readers with plenty to reflect on.
Whether you’re reading for entertainment, inspiration, or knowledge, this book offers something valuable. It’s well crafted and enjoyable, making it a great addition to any reader’s collection.
Whether you’re reading for entertainment, inspiration, or knowledge, this book offers something valuable. It’s well crafted and enjoyable, making it a great addition to any reader’s collection.
April 20, 2018
A Thoughtful Narrative
Multiple POW can be difficult to control, but O’Rourke handles it with confidence. A Long Thaw is a narrative about families, about secrets and lies, about guilt and forgiveness. It is a thoughtful presentation of the difficulties every individual can encounter, growing and ripening. I admire the author for her delving into this sensitive area. Recommended as a challenging and ambitious book
Multiple POW can be difficult to control, but O’Rourke handles it with confidence. A Long Thaw is a narrative about families, about secrets and lies, about guilt and forgiveness. It is a thoughtful presentation of the difficulties every individual can encounter, growing and ripening. I admire the author for her delving into this sensitive area. Recommended as a challenging and ambitious book
May 4, 2017
Another winner
And my favorite of the three so far. O'Rourke has a unique sensibility for the infinite range and variations of family and couple relationships. While she concentrates on two cousins, the relationships of the entire family are explored. Makes one think of one's own friends and family and how each relationship affects other relationships.
And my favorite of the three so far. O'Rourke has a unique sensibility for the infinite range and variations of family and couple relationships. While she concentrates on two cousins, the relationships of the entire family are explored. Makes one think of one's own friends and family and how each relationship affects other relationships.
April 18, 2019
This was the first book I read by Katie O'Rourke. I fell in love with the cousins. Their lives started as best friends as children, as time passes separations altered the lives of both families. When the past catches up to the here and now, answers and revelations come to light. The writer brings reality to us with these ladies. An enjoyable read.
May 12, 2017
I enjoyed the book. I liked we saw the story unfold using multiple characters. Each time the POV changed it was well indicated so I wasn't ever confused as to who was telling this particular part of the story.
June 12, 2017
My experiences with the free books from Kindle Unlimited has been quite hit or miss. I'm happy that this was a hit - I actually really enjoyed this book of family drama. The characters were interesting and compelling and the writing was great. I'll definitely try more by this author.
January 3, 2018
Family drama.
Two cousins live different lives due to the choices the parents of one cousin made. Not believable as families do not normally loose touch with cousins and grandkids when their parents divorce.
Terrible ending!
I just did not like the story and writing.
Two cousins live different lives due to the choices the parents of one cousin made. Not believable as families do not normally loose touch with cousins and grandkids when their parents divorce.
Terrible ending!
I just did not like the story and writing.
December 6, 2019
It’s a good solid book. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but I don’t think it’s what I got. The characters were relatable and it was nice to hear from so many different characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via BookCave in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via BookCave in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2025
A gentle, emotional story about family and healing.
Katie O’Rourke delivers a thoughtful, beautifully written journey that feels honest and deeply human. A simple but meaningful read.
_Silent Book Club
Katie O’Rourke delivers a thoughtful, beautifully written journey that feels honest and deeply human. A simple but meaningful read.
_Silent Book Club
February 14, 2018
I read this book in one sitting. Highly readable and well-written. It definitely keeps the reader intrigued to find out what happens.
June 26, 2018
Really, really enjoyed this book. Once I started reading this I quickly found I didn't want to put it down. A realistic and gripping storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat.
December 2, 2025
Your writing voice is powerful and distinctive, making this story an absolute standout.
@Silent Book club
@Silent Book club
Want to read
December 2, 2025Silent Book club .This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading absolutely brilliant.
December 2, 2025
What a great discussion Silent Book club. I really enjoy the book.
December 2, 2025
Simple, professional, and thought-provoking.
December 2, 2025
It was really enjoyable reading this book with our club, the emotional journey and deep family secrets gave us so much to discuss.
February 12, 2014
In her second novel following 2012′s Monsoon Season, Katie O’Rourke returns with a story of the heartbreaks and joys of family. As children cousins Abby and Juliet were inseparable, spending their summers creating a lifetime of memories together. Everything changed when Juliet’s parents divorced and her mother moved her to the opposite coast: while Juliet lived a struggle-filled life in California, all but raising her two younger sisters in the shadow of their mother’s neglect, Abby was left to grow up as the privileged only child of a loving, sustained family. Years later, Abby and Juliet come back into each other’s lives and realize that the two close-knit little girls have grown into two very different young women; but with faith in the power of family and friendship they’ll find that the girls they once were are still close at heart. Through familial struggles, boyfriend woes, and all the trials and triumphs of life, Abby and Juliet will be reminded of how they’ve each been the one person the other could always depend on.
A Long Thaw carries many of the same wonderful qualities that made Monsoon Season such an impressive debut and extends them into a somewhat more expansive sophomore novel. O’Rourke’s prose has a definite talent for drawing me into the story from the first page; the world of her fiction comes to life with impressive clarity and her characters are immediately interesting. I felt deeply connected to Abby and Juliet; their closeness was almost sisterly in the way that they didn’t really skip a beat reuniting, despite whatever years and secrets were there between them. As characters their differences balance each other out in a terrific paradox: sheltered, fortunate Abby is the protective one while Juliet, for all of the hardships in her life, is the more vulnerable of the two. They were, by effect, like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly, in many ways two halves of one whole. In the same vein, their differences give way to plenty of misunderstandings – such as Juliet’s ability to always pick the wrong man and Abby’s perpetually high expectations of others – but as the story progresses it’s particularly interesting to see their vices switch. The novel became, for me, an engrossing look at two vastly different yet perfectly attuned characters, and how they bring each other closer and further away from their best selves.
Beyond their relationship as cousins, family dynamics play an even broader role in A Long Thaw, particularly between Juliet’s father Allen, Abby’s mother Rachel, and the cousins’ grandmother Mary. O’Rourke rotates her narrative focus to encompass all of these characters, a unique strategy that allows her to take the reader momentarily away from the current happenings of the story and back into the history of each person, revealing a depth of insight into all of the different personalities that come together in the novel. It would be easy for these asides to distract the reader, to cause us to lose interest when we’re taken away from the action, but it’s a testament to O’Rourke’s talent with building intriguing characters that we are willing to venture back into the past with them, ever curious to learn more. The pacing of O’Rourke’s prose is beautiful in itself, her narrative handled with serene straightforwardness; the recollections of Abby and Juliet’s New England summers as children captured, at least for me, the truest and most personal essence of familial memories. The novel’s atmosphere had a way of feeling instantly familiar while the story and structure were a constant reminder of its singular uniqueness. That alone makes A Long Thaw a worthwhile read, but perhaps its greatest charm lies in the full-heartedness of its two heroines and the contagious feeling of connectivity we get from them. With its deeply thoughtful prose and warm, honest storytelling, A Long Thaw proves again O’Rourke’s talent for taking us out of our own world and into the realm of truly engaging literature.
(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on February 12, 2014 at LiteraryInklings.com. A copy of the book was provided for the purpose of review.)
A Long Thaw carries many of the same wonderful qualities that made Monsoon Season such an impressive debut and extends them into a somewhat more expansive sophomore novel. O’Rourke’s prose has a definite talent for drawing me into the story from the first page; the world of her fiction comes to life with impressive clarity and her characters are immediately interesting. I felt deeply connected to Abby and Juliet; their closeness was almost sisterly in the way that they didn’t really skip a beat reuniting, despite whatever years and secrets were there between them. As characters their differences balance each other out in a terrific paradox: sheltered, fortunate Abby is the protective one while Juliet, for all of the hardships in her life, is the more vulnerable of the two. They were, by effect, like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly, in many ways two halves of one whole. In the same vein, their differences give way to plenty of misunderstandings – such as Juliet’s ability to always pick the wrong man and Abby’s perpetually high expectations of others – but as the story progresses it’s particularly interesting to see their vices switch. The novel became, for me, an engrossing look at two vastly different yet perfectly attuned characters, and how they bring each other closer and further away from their best selves.
Beyond their relationship as cousins, family dynamics play an even broader role in A Long Thaw, particularly between Juliet’s father Allen, Abby’s mother Rachel, and the cousins’ grandmother Mary. O’Rourke rotates her narrative focus to encompass all of these characters, a unique strategy that allows her to take the reader momentarily away from the current happenings of the story and back into the history of each person, revealing a depth of insight into all of the different personalities that come together in the novel. It would be easy for these asides to distract the reader, to cause us to lose interest when we’re taken away from the action, but it’s a testament to O’Rourke’s talent with building intriguing characters that we are willing to venture back into the past with them, ever curious to learn more. The pacing of O’Rourke’s prose is beautiful in itself, her narrative handled with serene straightforwardness; the recollections of Abby and Juliet’s New England summers as children captured, at least for me, the truest and most personal essence of familial memories. The novel’s atmosphere had a way of feeling instantly familiar while the story and structure were a constant reminder of its singular uniqueness. That alone makes A Long Thaw a worthwhile read, but perhaps its greatest charm lies in the full-heartedness of its two heroines and the contagious feeling of connectivity we get from them. With its deeply thoughtful prose and warm, honest storytelling, A Long Thaw proves again O’Rourke’s talent for taking us out of our own world and into the realm of truly engaging literature.
(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on February 12, 2014 at LiteraryInklings.com. A copy of the book was provided for the purpose of review.)
February 9, 2019
‘The Long Thaw’ is a great goodread. The title refers to what it’s like when two cousins are reunited and develop a strong bond after being separated and raised differently. The descriptive writing style created characters I cared about and could feel what each was experiencing. This is an emotional read that leaves the reader with good feelings. Read it! It’s definitely worth it.
May 26, 2015
This is the second book I’ve read by Katie O’Rourke, and it reminded me a lot of her first novel, Monsoon Season. Both books are compulsively readable, and more complex than you expect. A Long Thaw is about two cousins, Abby and Juliet, who grow up as friends but lose touch when Juliet’s parents divorce and she moves across the country. As adults, when Abby finds herself going through a difficult break-up she decides to look up her cousin, and they begin to rebuild their friendship. It turns out this family has an ugly secret. Juliet hasn’t heard from her father in years, but he’s been pretending to the rest of his family that he sees his daughters regularly.
One thing I really liked about this book was the portrayal of Abby’s relationship with her ex-boyfriend. Abby has high standards for relationships, due to her parents’ own happy marriage and their constant support. When her boyfriend’s commitment feels lacking, she takes the tough step of ending things, even though everyone around her says the guy is perfect. I really admired that about her. And I could very much relate to how her story progresses.
The other thing I appreciated was O’Rourke’s depiction of a web of family relationships and how important and difficult these relationships can be. Juliet’s father isn’t all bad, and neither is her mother. The rest of the family isn’t perfect either -- but they are a support network when things get tough, a network that Juliet basically didn’t have.
As with Monsoon Season, I wanted more at times. Details like what Abby and Juliet did for a living and who their friends were seemed kind of sparse. I like a long, complicated read and this was a book I nearly finished in a day. Still, I enjoyed every bit of this book, and wanting more is rarely a bad thing.
One thing I really liked about this book was the portrayal of Abby’s relationship with her ex-boyfriend. Abby has high standards for relationships, due to her parents’ own happy marriage and their constant support. When her boyfriend’s commitment feels lacking, she takes the tough step of ending things, even though everyone around her says the guy is perfect. I really admired that about her. And I could very much relate to how her story progresses.
The other thing I appreciated was O’Rourke’s depiction of a web of family relationships and how important and difficult these relationships can be. Juliet’s father isn’t all bad, and neither is her mother. The rest of the family isn’t perfect either -- but they are a support network when things get tough, a network that Juliet basically didn’t have.
As with Monsoon Season, I wanted more at times. Details like what Abby and Juliet did for a living and who their friends were seemed kind of sparse. I like a long, complicated read and this was a book I nearly finished in a day. Still, I enjoyed every bit of this book, and wanting more is rarely a bad thing.
May 12, 2015
Some books are like warm and comfortable blankets, and this is definitely one of those books. Once you start, you will be hooked and won't want to stop reading.
I'm not usually big on books that can easily fit into the category of women's fiction. I tend to bore easily without a lot going on in the plot and so stories of relationships and family are usually not my thing, but this author knows how to tell a story that will capture your attention and hold it.
This book is filled with very authentic dialogue. I felt as if I were overhearing a conversation rather than reading a book. The story is told in revolving points of view and that allowed for me to get to know each character on an individual basis. This made it simpler for me to keep track of who was who and to really feel a bond forming with each character.
These characters are realistic, are unafraid to show emotion and kept me wanting to learn more about them. This is a story of growing up, of learning to accept the hand we were dealt, and a story of redemption and the power of family bonds. Beautifully written and engaging, I can't imagine anyone not getting lost in these pages.
Recommended.
I'm not usually big on books that can easily fit into the category of women's fiction. I tend to bore easily without a lot going on in the plot and so stories of relationships and family are usually not my thing, but this author knows how to tell a story that will capture your attention and hold it.
This book is filled with very authentic dialogue. I felt as if I were overhearing a conversation rather than reading a book. The story is told in revolving points of view and that allowed for me to get to know each character on an individual basis. This made it simpler for me to keep track of who was who and to really feel a bond forming with each character.
These characters are realistic, are unafraid to show emotion and kept me wanting to learn more about them. This is a story of growing up, of learning to accept the hand we were dealt, and a story of redemption and the power of family bonds. Beautifully written and engaging, I can't imagine anyone not getting lost in these pages.
Recommended.
July 22, 2014
I read Katie O’Rourke’s previous novel ‘Monsoon Season’ a couple of years ago, I don’t remember much about it, except that I enjoyed it, but I think I preferred this one.
The two characters were very different, Abby maybe a little too settled, Juliet not settled enough. They really did something for each other, in a way it was a coming of age novel, for both of them.
I think as a character I liked Abby best, or at least I identified with her the most, she’s quite similar to me, Abby. Juliet was a little blind. I think she wanted things to be a certain way now she had left her home, and she denied evidence that suggested things weren’t better, or how she wanted them to be.
Whilst I identified more with Abby I did find Juliet’s story more interesting, and I was more eager to read her chapters.
At one point I did think that maybe things were feeling a bit artificial (and I can’t say what without spoilers) but it was an easy event to accept, and it was something which became a moment which had to happen.
The two characters were very different, Abby maybe a little too settled, Juliet not settled enough. They really did something for each other, in a way it was a coming of age novel, for both of them.
I think as a character I liked Abby best, or at least I identified with her the most, she’s quite similar to me, Abby. Juliet was a little blind. I think she wanted things to be a certain way now she had left her home, and she denied evidence that suggested things weren’t better, or how she wanted them to be.
Whilst I identified more with Abby I did find Juliet’s story more interesting, and I was more eager to read her chapters.
At one point I did think that maybe things were feeling a bit artificial (and I can’t say what without spoilers) but it was an easy event to accept, and it was something which became a moment which had to happen.
July 31, 2014
Did I enjoy this book: I had a really hard time getting into this book. At times, I’d find myself enjoying the story only to have it cut off and shifted to a different character’s point of view in a different setting. I found this style of writing frustrating and unsatisfying.
Parts of the story read more like a newspaper article than a fictional story. I didn’t feel like I was in the novel with them. I felt like I was simply reading someone else’s story.
All in all, A Long Thaw was disappointing. The story idea was strong. The characters were likeable. But the abrupt changes in scenery and bland writing style killed it for me.
Would I recommend it: No.
As reviewed by Belinda at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/07/re...
Parts of the story read more like a newspaper article than a fictional story. I didn’t feel like I was in the novel with them. I felt like I was simply reading someone else’s story.
All in all, A Long Thaw was disappointing. The story idea was strong. The characters were likeable. But the abrupt changes in scenery and bland writing style killed it for me.
Would I recommend it: No.
As reviewed by Belinda at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/07/re...
April 26, 2014
It was a good quick read. Nothing stood out - the characters aren't overly memorable and the story line doesn't get all that deep into the topics it skims over.
August 21, 2018
Book in bad need of professional editing. Good idea for story, okay hook, but difficult to read.
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