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Little Wishes
For anyone who loves One Day in December and Me Before You, a sweeping love story, written with tenderness, warmth, and a generosity of spirit, about first love and second chances, a lifelong dream and finding the courage to follow your heart.
On her favorite day of the year, Elizabeth Davenport awakens in her cottage on the wild and windy Cornish coast, opens her front door, and discovers a precious gift: the small blue crocus and a note that begins I Wish . . . The notes are never signed, but she knows they’ve been left by her first and truest love, Tom Hale. Each of these precious missives convey a simple wish for something they had missed, and the life they might have shared, if circumstances hadn't forced them apart all those years ago. She has kept them all.
But on this day, what should have been the fiftieth anniversary of their falling in love, the gift fails to arrive. Could something have happened to Tom? Elizabeth has always been plagued by thoughts of “what if?” Propelled by worry and decades of pent up longing, Elizabeth packs a little suitcase, leaves Porthsennenon, and journeys to London . . . to find the love of her life once again.
Finding him, Elizabeth is faced with the desperate knowledge that any time they might have now is running out. Never before had she thought that she might truly lose time—forever. And now, knowing that life is too short, Elizabeth vows to fulfill as many of Tom’s wishes as she can. Yet she fears that her efforts may expose the shameful secret that, until now, has kept them apart.
Can she continue to hide the truth, or will she have the courage to reveal herself completely and finally make their dreams come true—before it’s too late?
On her favorite day of the year, Elizabeth Davenport awakens in her cottage on the wild and windy Cornish coast, opens her front door, and discovers a precious gift: the small blue crocus and a note that begins I Wish . . . The notes are never signed, but she knows they’ve been left by her first and truest love, Tom Hale. Each of these precious missives convey a simple wish for something they had missed, and the life they might have shared, if circumstances hadn't forced them apart all those years ago. She has kept them all.
But on this day, what should have been the fiftieth anniversary of their falling in love, the gift fails to arrive. Could something have happened to Tom? Elizabeth has always been plagued by thoughts of “what if?” Propelled by worry and decades of pent up longing, Elizabeth packs a little suitcase, leaves Porthsennenon, and journeys to London . . . to find the love of her life once again.
Finding him, Elizabeth is faced with the desperate knowledge that any time they might have now is running out. Never before had she thought that she might truly lose time—forever. And now, knowing that life is too short, Elizabeth vows to fulfill as many of Tom’s wishes as she can. Yet she fears that her efforts may expose the shameful secret that, until now, has kept them apart.
Can she continue to hide the truth, or will she have the courage to reveal herself completely and finally make their dreams come true—before it’s too late?
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2020
294 people are currently reading
11082 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Adams
4 books321 followersI was born in 1981, the youngest of five and the only girl. For a short period of time after that I might have been my mum's long awaited princess, but it became obvious that I was the kind of child who was more into mud pies and catching insects than I was pretty dresses. I loved my purple Doc Marten's, hated my floral wallpaper, and was never allowed to paint my bedroom black. No, not even the ceiling.
I went to school in Warwick, UK, and throughout my school years I loved art, music, and English, yet somehow managed to end up studying clinical science at university. Despite my graduation and subsequent employment as a physiologist in cardiology, my creative tendencies were never far away. And the one aspiration I could never let go of was that of being a writer, so on a wet new year's eve sometime around the turn of the millennium, I announced to a friend that I was going to write a book. It took another five years of note taking and day dreaming, but eventually I sat down to complete my first manuscript. It didn't get picked up, but it drove me into writing the second, and third, and so on and so forth. By early 2015 I had finished writing MY SISTER, and I was offered representation by the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV, and Film Agency. MY SISTER became my debut, and it is hotly followed by BETWEEN THE LIES in July 2018.
Now I write almost every day, starting at nine, finishing at some point in the afternoon. Sometimes people ask me where I get my idea's from, and it's a hard question to answer. Lot's of things inspire me, but if I had to sum it up in one word the answer would probably be people; the things we do, say, and the different ways in which we behave towards one another. When I’m not writing I love to read. The first book that I didn't want to end was Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, and the first book that broke my heart was Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Gerald's Game by Stephen King was the spark that made me want to write in the first place. I think I was probably about nine when I read that.
I like people who don't give up on their dreams, and those who show compassion for other people. I am crazy about my cat, and fortunate that the other people in my house tolerate him. I love travelling, and am lucky enough to live close to Greece which has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. I'm currently training for the London marathon, so if you've got training tips, or ideas on how to avoid shin splints, I want to hear them. Finally, if you love Game of Thrones you can count me as a friend, but if you shared my theory regarding the Tower of Joy before you watched THAT episode, or have access to a pre-release copy of The Winds of Winter, you can count yourself part of the family.
I went to school in Warwick, UK, and throughout my school years I loved art, music, and English, yet somehow managed to end up studying clinical science at university. Despite my graduation and subsequent employment as a physiologist in cardiology, my creative tendencies were never far away. And the one aspiration I could never let go of was that of being a writer, so on a wet new year's eve sometime around the turn of the millennium, I announced to a friend that I was going to write a book. It took another five years of note taking and day dreaming, but eventually I sat down to complete my first manuscript. It didn't get picked up, but it drove me into writing the second, and third, and so on and so forth. By early 2015 I had finished writing MY SISTER, and I was offered representation by the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV, and Film Agency. MY SISTER became my debut, and it is hotly followed by BETWEEN THE LIES in July 2018.
Now I write almost every day, starting at nine, finishing at some point in the afternoon. Sometimes people ask me where I get my idea's from, and it's a hard question to answer. Lot's of things inspire me, but if I had to sum it up in one word the answer would probably be people; the things we do, say, and the different ways in which we behave towards one another. When I’m not writing I love to read. The first book that I didn't want to end was Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, and the first book that broke my heart was Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Gerald's Game by Stephen King was the spark that made me want to write in the first place. I think I was probably about nine when I read that.
I like people who don't give up on their dreams, and those who show compassion for other people. I am crazy about my cat, and fortunate that the other people in my house tolerate him. I love travelling, and am lucky enough to live close to Greece which has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. I'm currently training for the London marathon, so if you've got training tips, or ideas on how to avoid shin splints, I want to hear them. Finally, if you love Game of Thrones you can count me as a friend, but if you shared my theory regarding the Tower of Joy before you watched THAT episode, or have access to a pre-release copy of The Winds of Winter, you can count yourself part of the family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
July 17, 2022
This is a Women's Fiction/Romance. This is a cute, but heartbreaking story. This book is told in (Then) and (Now). The two main characters Elizabeth and Tom loved each other when they where young, but somethings happen to pull them apart. They never fall out of loved with each other, and they each have secrets they have been keeping from each other. After 50 years, They meet up each other again and start their love back up. This books characters are so cute. This book did not pull me in from the beginning, but once I was pulled in I did not want to stop reading this book. I brought the audiobook from Audible, but the narrator I did not like. I won an arc of this book from goodreads giveaway, and I receive an e-copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is 100% my own opinion about this book.
February 6, 2021
When you love a book is your review usually longer or shorter? For me, sometimes I can’t stop gushing, and other times, I want everyone to experience it all for themselves. I could gush on and on about Little Wishes, but it’s one of those gems I want you to experience if it sounds like your kind of read.
I’ve learned I adore a love story with a what if- what if you had that second chance love story you see in the movies? When he doesn’t appear on schedule as he has each year since their parting, Elizabeth sets a plan into motion to find her first love, after nearly a lifetime of loving him. This is a hopeful story and utterly heartbreaking, too. It hit all the right buttons for me for a spin on contemporary romance, and I had a big cry. I loved the setting, the characters, and everything about this charming love story!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I’ve learned I adore a love story with a what if- what if you had that second chance love story you see in the movies? When he doesn’t appear on schedule as he has each year since their parting, Elizabeth sets a plan into motion to find her first love, after nearly a lifetime of loving him. This is a hopeful story and utterly heartbreaking, too. It hit all the right buttons for me for a spin on contemporary romance, and I had a big cry. I loved the setting, the characters, and everything about this charming love story!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 18, 2020
3.5 sweet but heartbreaking story
This book features the popular technique of “then” and “now” chapters to tell the love story of Elizabeth and Tom. We read about their short time together growing up in a seaside village in Cornwall and eventually we learn about the circumstances that tore them apart.
Tom has left the village but returns one day each year with a crocus (Elizabeth’s favorite) and a wish for something the two of them could enjoy together. The two never connect on these annual visits and both are filled with regret. The action really picks up as the appointed day comes and goes with no visit from Tom. Elizabeth sets out to find out what has happened to Tom.
These two make a sweet pair and I wish they would have sought each other out years ago! They were too sweet for me to yell at but a good life lesson here! Don’t sit and pine for your true love, patch things up pronto! And don’t let others around you make your life decisions! Of course, easy for me to say and things were very different during the time these two grew up.
Thank you to Book Club Girls/Harper Collins/William Morrow for the copy of this one to read.
This book features the popular technique of “then” and “now” chapters to tell the love story of Elizabeth and Tom. We read about their short time together growing up in a seaside village in Cornwall and eventually we learn about the circumstances that tore them apart.
Tom has left the village but returns one day each year with a crocus (Elizabeth’s favorite) and a wish for something the two of them could enjoy together. The two never connect on these annual visits and both are filled with regret. The action really picks up as the appointed day comes and goes with no visit from Tom. Elizabeth sets out to find out what has happened to Tom.
These two make a sweet pair and I wish they would have sought each other out years ago! They were too sweet for me to yell at but a good life lesson here! Don’t sit and pine for your true love, patch things up pronto! And don’t let others around you make your life decisions! Of course, easy for me to say and things were very different during the time these two grew up.
Thank you to Book Club Girls/Harper Collins/William Morrow for the copy of this one to read.
December 16, 2020
3.5 stars
I've read quite a few books with second chance romance plots and I'm impressed the author came up with an interesting setup for Little Wishes. I enjoyed the story and characters but wish it had left more of an emotional impact. It fell a bit short in that department.
Fifty years ago Elizabeth Davenport fell in love with Tom. However, they did not end up together due to certain circumstances. Once a year, a gift and a note that begins with "I wish..." is left on Elizabeth's doorstep. Forty nine years of gifts and wishes left by Tom but he doesn't stick around to ever talk to Elizabeth. Well this year, he fails to leave anything so Elizabeth becomes concerned that something might have happened to Tom. So she sets off to London hoping to reunite with her first love. The story alternates between the present day and 50 years ago when they first met, or got to know each other is a better way to phrase it.
The publisher synopsis goes into more detail and going into this book I thought it might be a tearjerker story. Now whether or not I would cry due to happiness, sadness, or a little bit of both, I was unsure, but I was eager to find out. There were some good moments in the story and
I liked the characters but I don't think this book reached it's maximum potential. The bare bones were laid out for something incredible and it just didn't reach that level.
Part of the problem is the story followed Elizabeth both in the present day and in the past for a long time. All of the sudden, you start getting Tom's perspective as well. While I liked hearing his version of events, I also like consistency and believe he should have been added early on in the story. What's even worse is very, very late in the game a third character is thrown in the mix which seemed to be added at the writer's convivence just to wrap up the story. That's one of my reading pet peeves as it comes across as the easy way out for the writer. Figure out how to tell the rest of the story with the already established voices, please!
Don't get me wrong, I liked the book. It just didn't wow me. That's okay as a pleasant read is better than nothing at all.
Thank you to William Morrow for sending me a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
I've read quite a few books with second chance romance plots and I'm impressed the author came up with an interesting setup for Little Wishes. I enjoyed the story and characters but wish it had left more of an emotional impact. It fell a bit short in that department.
Fifty years ago Elizabeth Davenport fell in love with Tom. However, they did not end up together due to certain circumstances. Once a year, a gift and a note that begins with "I wish..." is left on Elizabeth's doorstep. Forty nine years of gifts and wishes left by Tom but he doesn't stick around to ever talk to Elizabeth. Well this year, he fails to leave anything so Elizabeth becomes concerned that something might have happened to Tom. So she sets off to London hoping to reunite with her first love. The story alternates between the present day and 50 years ago when they first met, or got to know each other is a better way to phrase it.
The publisher synopsis goes into more detail and going into this book I thought it might be a tearjerker story. Now whether or not I would cry due to happiness, sadness, or a little bit of both, I was unsure, but I was eager to find out. There were some good moments in the story and
I liked the characters but I don't think this book reached it's maximum potential. The bare bones were laid out for something incredible and it just didn't reach that level.
Part of the problem is the story followed Elizabeth both in the present day and in the past for a long time. All of the sudden, you start getting Tom's perspective as well. While I liked hearing his version of events, I also like consistency and believe he should have been added early on in the story. What's even worse is very, very late in the game a third character is thrown in the mix which seemed to be added at the writer's convivence just to wrap up the story. That's one of my reading pet peeves as it comes across as the easy way out for the writer. Figure out how to tell the rest of the story with the already established voices, please!
Don't get me wrong, I liked the book. It just didn't wow me. That's okay as a pleasant read is better than nothing at all.
Thank you to William Morrow for sending me a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
December 20, 2020
4.5 stars.
Michelle Adams' newest book, Little Wishes , is sappy and romantic, just how I like it.
I mean, I’m not crying, you’re crying.
One day every year for the last 49 years, Elizabeth wakes to find a small blue crocus and a romantic note on the porch of her English cottage. The notes say things like, "I wish that today we could lounge in bed all morning, listening to the sound of the waves.” Although the notes aren’t signed, she knows they’re from her first and only real love, Tom, to mark the anniversary of their first kiss.
But today, on the 50th anniversary, there is no flower, no note from Tom. What could have happened? Despite the fact that they’ve had no actual contact in 50 years, Elizabeth leaves the small village where they grew up and heads to London to find out what might have kept Tom from delivering his annual gift.
When the two are finally reunited, Elizabeth discovers that Tom is terminally ill and he didn’t have the strength to keep their tradition going this year. But now that they are together, they’re determined to take advantage of every last second, and try to fulfill as many of the wishes Tom left for her through the years.
Given their love for each other, why did it take 50 years to get together? What secrets have been kept, what assumptions were made, what obstacles stood in their way?
Alternating between past and present, Little Wishes is a story about second chances and enduring love. I knew how the story would unfold but I was utterly captivated by it. I stayed up super late to finish it and, yes, I got a little weepy a few times.
Thanks to William Morrow Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Michelle Adams' newest book, Little Wishes , is sappy and romantic, just how I like it.
I mean, I’m not crying, you’re crying.
One day every year for the last 49 years, Elizabeth wakes to find a small blue crocus and a romantic note on the porch of her English cottage. The notes say things like, "I wish that today we could lounge in bed all morning, listening to the sound of the waves.” Although the notes aren’t signed, she knows they’re from her first and only real love, Tom, to mark the anniversary of their first kiss.
But today, on the 50th anniversary, there is no flower, no note from Tom. What could have happened? Despite the fact that they’ve had no actual contact in 50 years, Elizabeth leaves the small village where they grew up and heads to London to find out what might have kept Tom from delivering his annual gift.
When the two are finally reunited, Elizabeth discovers that Tom is terminally ill and he didn’t have the strength to keep their tradition going this year. But now that they are together, they’re determined to take advantage of every last second, and try to fulfill as many of the wishes Tom left for her through the years.
Given their love for each other, why did it take 50 years to get together? What secrets have been kept, what assumptions were made, what obstacles stood in their way?
Alternating between past and present, Little Wishes is a story about second chances and enduring love. I knew how the story would unfold but I was utterly captivated by it. I stayed up super late to finish it and, yes, I got a little weepy a few times.
Thanks to William Morrow Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
November 26, 2020
Heartwarming and heartbreaking. First love and second chances. Hopes and regrets. Michelle Adams has woven together pieces of the present and the past into this beautifully romantic tale. Elizabeth and Tom fell madly in love when they were young, but circumstances, secrets, and lies did not allow them to be together. Every year on the anniversary of their first kiss Tom leaves a blue crocus with a note containing a wish on Elizabeth’s doorstep. There is no other interaction just the flower and the wish. It is now the 50th anniversary and there is no flour and no note, so Elizabeth decides to set off to London to see what has happened to Tom. This sweet occasionally sappy story hit me right in the feels. These two characters Elizabeth and Tom had such an amazing connection, my heart eight for the years that they were apart. I loved how the story bounce between the now and the then slowly revealing the reasons these two who clearly belonged together spent most of their lives apart. The story was also filled with some humor both these characters had delightful personalities. My only tiny complaint with the book is that Elizabeth is only 67 and was thought to be old? As someone who is closer to 67 then I’m going to mention in this review all I could think was, well that’s not that far away. 😂 The audio was narrated by Joan Walker she gave the perfect voice and feel to these authentic and charming characters. A gorgeous love story guaranteed to pull on your heartstrings.
This book in emojis 🌊 🎨 🎣 💌 🌡 💔
*** Big thank you to William Morrow & Harper Audio for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This book in emojis 🌊 🎨 🎣 💌 🌡 💔
*** Big thank you to William Morrow & Harper Audio for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
November 15, 2020
Little Wishes by Michelle Adams is a heart-breaking and melancholy story about first love, mistakes, missed opportunities, and second chances. Elizabeth and Tom fell in love 50 years ago, but circumstances (and miscommunication) tore them apart. They haven't seen each other in half a century, but they never forgot each other. And every year, on their special day, Tom leaves a pot of crocuses and a note that starts with "I wish..." for Elizabeth at her cottage's door. Elizabeth looks forward to this day every year, until one year there is no note and no flowers. She decides to travel from Cornwall to London to find Tom and to, finally, confront the past.
It's a bittersweet story that left me wanting more. During the 50 years, Tom and Elizabeth had so many chances to reconnect and to sort out the mistakes that tore them apart, but neither Tom nor Elizabeth took them. They squandered these chances over and over because of fear or miscommunication until it was almost too late. It left me very frustrated! I will admit that Michelle Adams' writing style is beautiful, and Tom and Elizabeth's story is very moving, and so I can see why Little Wishes compared to Me Before You!
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
It's a bittersweet story that left me wanting more. During the 50 years, Tom and Elizabeth had so many chances to reconnect and to sort out the mistakes that tore them apart, but neither Tom nor Elizabeth took them. They squandered these chances over and over because of fear or miscommunication until it was almost too late. It left me very frustrated! I will admit that Michelle Adams' writing style is beautiful, and Tom and Elizabeth's story is very moving, and so I can see why Little Wishes compared to Me Before You!
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
November 30, 2020
Make sure you have tissues close if you pick up this book. A heartbreaking tale that was beautifully written in alternating chapters of past and present in this heart wrenching love story. The writing was excellent and the characters were lovable (perhaps too much, now that I’ve finished my heart hurts). Elizabeth fell in love with Tom when she was a young lady but a multitude of things stood between them: she was already engaged, their families, and social statuses. Despite living their lives apart their love stayed strong and Elizabeth’s proof is that on the anniversary of the day they first kissed Tom always brings her a flower and a wish for something he wished they could have shared together.
March 12, 2021
I had such high hopes for this one, but sadly I was disappointed.
A beautiful premise, and at the start I was looking forward to seeing it develop. The beginning was intriguing and exciting, and then for some reason several chapters later, I wasn't as engaged with the story. Maybe I am just an old romantic, but I got annoyed when they clearly had an amazing connection and then just lived their entire lives apart and were only joined by the gift he left at her house once a year. Why didn't either of them speak when they had 49 times to rejoin?
The timing of the introduction of the characters' past stories frustrated me as I felt the start hadn't properly grown on me yet.
I was definitely moved by the ending, but the decision making "in the name of love" really annoyed me and I wasn't convinced by the characters' reasons for their silence.
A beautiful premise, and at the start I was looking forward to seeing it develop. The beginning was intriguing and exciting, and then for some reason several chapters later, I wasn't as engaged with the story. Maybe I am just an old romantic, but I got annoyed when they clearly had an amazing connection and then just lived their entire lives apart and were only joined by the gift he left at her house once a year. Why didn't either of them speak when they had 49 times to rejoin?
The timing of the introduction of the characters' past stories frustrated me as I felt the start hadn't properly grown on me yet.
I was definitely moved by the ending, but the decision making "in the name of love" really annoyed me and I wasn't convinced by the characters' reasons for their silence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2020
Για κάποιον απροσδιόριστο λόγο, αρκετός κόσμος θεωρεί πως είμαι μια αναίσθητη μουλάρα και πως δεν συγκινούμαι εύκολα. Η πραγματικότητα, βέβαια, είναι εντελώς διαφορετική, αφού είμαι σε θέση να βάλω τα κλάματα με περισσή ευκολία, αρκεί να καταφέρει κάτι ν' αγγίξει τις πιο ευαίσθητες χορδές μου και να με συγκινήσει, όχι με τρόπο επιτηδευμένο και με μια βεβιασμένη επιτακτικότητα, ούτε με κλισέ μελούρες που αποτελούν -θεωρητικά- την εύκολη συνταγή, αλλά ούτε και με ακρότητες που σκοπός τους είναι να εντυπωσιάσουν -αλλά στην πραγματικότητα μάς αφήνουν με το φρύδι ελαφρώς ανασηκωμένο. Αυτό που προσωπικά μπορεί να με συγκινήσει δεν είναι άλλο από το απλό, το ειλικρινές, αυτό που έχει σκοπό να μιλήσει στην καρδιά και όχι στη λογική σου.
Μια τέτοια ιστορία είναι και το "Μικρές ευχές" της Michelle Adams-Theodorou. Η ιστορία της Ελίζαμπεθ και του Τομ που ενώ ξεκίνησε πριν από πενήντα ολόκληρα χρόνια, στην ουσία είναι σαν να μην ξεκίνησε ποτέ, αφού "πάγωσε" σε εκείνη την αφετηρία του "τότε" χωρίς να καταφέρει να προχωρήσει στο "μετά". Κι όμως, οι δυο τους δέθηκαν με μια αόρατη κλωστή, που όσο μακριά κι αν ήταν ο ένας από τον άλλον, στην καρδιά και στο μυαλό τους δεν χώρισαν ποτέ, και αυτό το επιβεβαιώνει ο μικρός γαλάζιος κρόκος που λαμβάνει όλα αυτά τα χρόνια η Ελίζαμπεθ, συνοδευόμενο από ένα σημείωμα που ξεκινάει πάντοτε με τη λέξη "εύχομαι". Και μπορεί το σημείωμα να μην φέρει υπογραφή, όμως εκείνη ξέρει, γιατί κάθε ένα από αυτά τα σημειώματα, είναι μια υπόσχεση που ποτέ δεν δόθηκε φωναχτά και μια επιθυμία που ποτέ δεν πρόλαβε να εκφραστεί.
Έτσι σφραγίζει ο Τομ την επέτειό τους, εκείνη του πρώτου τους φιλιού τόσα χρόνια πριν, που ποτέ δεν ξεχάστηκε και ποτέ δεν λησμονήθηκε, παρά έμεινε μια ανάμνηση για να συντροφεύει πορείες που ποτέ τους δεν ολοκληρώθηκαν και όνειρα που παρέμειναν κρυφά και φυλαγμένα, επειδή κανείς δεν είχε το κουράγιο να τα διαγράψει. Μέχρι που ξημερώνει η μέρα εκείνη της επετείου που η Ελίζαμπεθ δεν λαμβάνει απολύτως τίποτα και ο νους της δεν μπορεί παρά να πάει στο κακό, με την καρδιά της να χτυπά ξέφρενα στο στήθος της, όχι μόνο από ανησυχία, αλλά και γιατί όσα πάλευε να κρατήσει μέσα της, σκέψεις, συναισθήματα, επιθυμίες, έρχονται να την χτυπήσουν με δύναμη και να την παρασύρουν σε δρόμους που ίσως να μην έχουν επιστροφή, αλλά που ίσως να αξίζει να τους διαβεί.
Γενικά, έχω μια αδυναμία στις ιστορίες που μιλάνε για παλιές αγάπες που δεν ξεχάστηκαν με το πέρασμα του χρόνου και που παραμένουν δυνατές, όπως άλλοτε, μέσα στις καρδιές των ανθρώπων. Κρύβουν μια τρυφερότητα και μια νοσταλγικότητα μέσα τους, μα πάνω απ' όλα διαθέτουν μια δόση αλήθειας που λίγοι είναι σε θέση να παραδεχθούν, ίσως γιατί οι περισσότεροι άνθρωποι τείνουν να έχουν την τάση να υπερθεματίζουν πόσο τέλεια είναι η ζωή τους και πόσο σωστές οι επιλογές τους. Και όμως, δεν είναι λίγοι εκείνοι που έχουν ένα μικρό, μυστικό μέρος στην καρδιά τους, μέσα στο οποίο φυλάνε μυστικά ανομολόγητα και συναισθήματα που δεν αλλοίωσε ο χρόνος, επειδή δεν του δόθηκε καν η δυνατότητα να τα φθείρει, πράγμα που φέρει κάτι το βαθιά συγκινητικό, μα και τραγικό συνάμα, μαζί του.
Η συγγραφέας έχει δημιουργήσει μια ιστορία που όσες απορίες κι αν μπορεί να μας γεννά, είναι βγαλμένη μέσα από τις αλήθειες της ίδιας της ζωής. Γιατί καμιά φορά δεν είναι αρκετό το να θέλουν δύο άνθρωποι να είναι μαζί, όσο και ν' αγαπιούνται, γιατί οι συνθήκες δεν τους το επιτρέπουν να είναι μαζί. Όμως ποτέ δεν είναι αργά και πάντα μπορούμε να έχουμε μια δεύτερη ευκαιρία στο όνειρο, στην πραγμάτωση όλων εκείνων που κρατήσαμε βαθιά μέσα μας ως επιθυμίες απραγματοποίητες και ανώφελες, που ίσως όμως να φτάσει κάποια στιγμή η ώρα τους να εξοφληθούν, όχι απαραίτητα γιατί η ζωή κάτι μας χρωστάει, αλλά γιατί κάτι χρωστάμε εμείς σε εμάς.
Βαθιά συγκινητική και ανθρώπινη, εξαιρετικά ειλικρινής και τρυφερή, η αφήγηση της Michelle Adams-Theodorou μάς παρασύρει σε ένα αναγνωστικό ταξίδι γεμάτο έντονες στιγμές, συναισθηματικά φορτισμένες, που άλλοτε μας κάνουν να χαμογελάμε και άλλοτε να δακρύζουμε, που μας θυμίζει πως ποτέ δεν είναι αργά για να τολμήσεις, να ρισκάρεις, να διεκδικήσεις, να ζήσεις αυτό που λαχταρά η ψυχή σου, πως οι δεύτερες ευκαιρίες δεν έρχονται παρά μονάχα όταν είμαστε έτοιμες να τις δεχτούμε, αλλά και πως η αγάπη, τελικά, ίσως να μπορεί πράγματι ν' αντέξει μέσα στο πέρασμα του χρόνου, αρκεί να την φροντίζεις και να την κρατάς προστατευμένη, εκεί που κανείς δεν μπορεί να την πληγώσει.
Μια τέτοια ιστορία είναι και το "Μικρές ευχές" της Michelle Adams-Theodorou. Η ιστορία της Ελίζαμπεθ και του Τομ που ενώ ξεκίνησε πριν από πενήντα ολόκληρα χρόνια, στην ουσία είναι σαν να μην ξεκίνησε ποτέ, αφού "πάγωσε" σε εκείνη την αφετηρία του "τότε" χωρίς να καταφέρει να προχωρήσει στο "μετά". Κι όμως, οι δυο τους δέθηκαν με μια αόρατη κλωστή, που όσο μακριά κι αν ήταν ο ένας από τον άλλον, στην καρδιά και στο μυαλό τους δεν χώρισαν ποτέ, και αυτό το επιβεβαιώνει ο μικρός γαλάζιος κρόκος που λαμβάνει όλα αυτά τα χρόνια η Ελίζαμπεθ, συνοδευόμενο από ένα σημείωμα που ξεκινάει πάντοτε με τη λέξη "εύχομαι". Και μπορεί το σημείωμα να μην φέρει υπογραφή, όμως εκείνη ξέρει, γιατί κάθε ένα από αυτά τα σημειώματα, είναι μια υπόσχεση που ποτέ δεν δόθηκε φωναχτά και μια επιθυμία που ποτέ δεν πρόλαβε να εκφραστεί.
Έτσι σφραγίζει ο Τομ την επέτειό τους, εκείνη του πρώτου τους φιλιού τόσα χρόνια πριν, που ποτέ δεν ξεχάστηκε και ποτέ δεν λησμονήθηκε, παρά έμεινε μια ανάμνηση για να συντροφεύει πορείες που ποτέ τους δεν ολοκληρώθηκαν και όνειρα που παρέμειναν κρυφά και φυλαγμένα, επειδή κανείς δεν είχε το κουράγιο να τα διαγράψει. Μέχρι που ξημερώνει η μέρα εκείνη της επετείου που η Ελίζαμπεθ δεν λαμβάνει απολύτως τίποτα και ο νους της δεν μπορεί παρά να πάει στο κακό, με την καρδιά της να χτυπά ξέφρενα στο στήθος της, όχι μόνο από ανησυχία, αλλά και γιατί όσα πάλευε να κρατήσει μέσα της, σκέψεις, συναισθήματα, επιθυμίες, έρχονται να την χτυπήσουν με δύναμη και να την παρασύρουν σε δρόμους που ίσως να μην έχουν επιστροφή, αλλά που ίσως να αξίζει να τους διαβεί.
Γενικά, έχω μια αδυναμία στις ιστορίες που μιλάνε για παλιές αγάπες που δεν ξεχάστηκαν με το πέρασμα του χρόνου και που παραμένουν δυνατές, όπως άλλοτε, μέσα στις καρδιές των ανθρώπων. Κρύβουν μια τρυφερότητα και μια νοσταλγικότητα μέσα τους, μα πάνω απ' όλα διαθέτουν μια δόση αλήθειας που λίγοι είναι σε θέση να παραδεχθούν, ίσως γιατί οι περισσότεροι άνθρωποι τείνουν να έχουν την τάση να υπερθεματίζουν πόσο τέλεια είναι η ζωή τους και πόσο σωστές οι επιλογές τους. Και όμως, δεν είναι λίγοι εκείνοι που έχουν ένα μικρό, μυστικό μέρος στην καρδιά τους, μέσα στο οποίο φυλάνε μυστικά ανομολόγητα και συναισθήματα που δεν αλλοίωσε ο χρόνος, επειδή δεν του δόθηκε καν η δυνατότητα να τα φθείρει, πράγμα που φέρει κάτι το βαθιά συγκινητικό, μα και τραγικό συνάμα, μαζί του.
Η συγγραφέας έχει δημιουργήσει μια ιστορία που όσες απορίες κι αν μπορεί να μας γεννά, είναι βγαλμένη μέσα από τις αλήθειες της ίδιας της ζωής. Γιατί καμιά φορά δεν είναι αρκετό το να θέλουν δύο άνθρωποι να είναι μαζί, όσο και ν' αγαπιούνται, γιατί οι συνθήκες δεν τους το επιτρέπουν να είναι μαζί. Όμως ποτέ δεν είναι αργά και πάντα μπορούμε να έχουμε μια δεύτερη ευκαιρία στο όνειρο, στην πραγμάτωση όλων εκείνων που κρατήσαμε βαθιά μέσα μας ως επιθυμίες απραγματοποίητες και ανώφελες, που ίσως όμως να φτάσει κάποια στιγμή η ώρα τους να εξοφληθούν, όχι απαραίτητα γιατί η ζωή κάτι μας χρωστάει, αλλά γιατί κάτι χρωστάμε εμείς σε εμάς.
Βαθιά συγκινητική και ανθρώπινη, εξαιρετικά ειλικρινής και τρυφερή, η αφήγηση της Michelle Adams-Theodorou μάς παρασύρει σε ένα αναγνωστικό ταξίδι γεμάτο έντονες στιγμές, συναισθηματικά φορτισμένες, που άλλοτε μας κάνουν να χαμογελάμε και άλλοτε να δακρύζουμε, που μας θυμίζει πως ποτέ δεν είναι αργά για να τολμήσεις, να ρισκάρεις, να διεκδικήσεις, να ζήσεις αυτό που λαχταρά η ψυχή σου, πως οι δεύτερες ευκαιρίες δεν έρχονται παρά μονάχα όταν είμαστε έτοιμες να τις δεχτούμε, αλλά και πως η αγάπη, τελικά, ίσως να μπορεί πράγματι ν' αντέξει μέσα στο πέρασμα του χρόνου, αρκεί να την φροντίζεις και να την κρατάς προστατευμένη, εκεί που κανείς δεν μπορεί να την πληγώσει.
December 12, 2020
'Little Wishes' gave me 'P.S. I Love You' & 'The Notebook' vibes as well as the 2 books mentioned above. It's a bittersweet, heartbreaking, yet heartfelt & uplifting, poignant
story about love & loss, hopes & fears, truths & lies, told in past & present narrative. I love the books size, too, at 5 3/4 x 7 1/2". I will also endorse having some tissues nearby for some parts of this sweet book.
story about love & loss, hopes & fears, truths & lies, told in past & present narrative. I love the books size, too, at 5 3/4 x 7 1/2". I will also endorse having some tissues nearby for some parts of this sweet book.
August 28, 2021
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Elizabeth Davenport vive in un cottage in un paesino della Cornovaglia. Nonostante non abbia più molti motivi per uscire di casa, ogni anno attende con ansia il 7 settembre, giorno in cui, tanti anni prima, ha baciato per la prima volta il suo grande amore, Tom. Ogni anno da allora l’uomo è solito lasciarle dietro la porta di casa un croco e un bigliettino nel quale è riportato un desiderio, un qualcosa che avrebbero potuto fare insieme se solo fossero stati una coppia. La mattina del 7 settembre, puntuale, Elizabeth è fuori dalla porta di casa, ma, inaspettatamente, non trova nulla. Preoccupata che al suo Tom possa essere successo qualcosa, decide di recarsi a Londra per cercarlo, magari potrebbero essere ancora in tempo per realizzare un ultimo desiderio e per fare i conti con la causa che gli ha tenuti lontani.
“In quel momento era come se esistessero solo loro due, come se al mondo non ci fosse nient’altro. Nessuna promessa infranta, nessun errore, nulla a cui dovessero porre rimedio. […] Avrebbero potuto essere ovunque, in un altro tempo, in un luogo che apparteneva soltanto a loro.”
Esiste una forma d’amore capace di resistere al tempo e alla distanza, un sentimento che resta inalterato per anni, che sopporta i cambiamenti e che resta fedele alle promesse. È questo amore totalizzante che avvolge Elizabeth e Tom.
I due pur non vedendosi più, hanno mantenuto una forma di dialogo fatta di ricordi e piccoli gesti. Entrambi vivono nel reciproco ricordo, non hanno idea di come il tempo li abbia trasformati, non sanno nulla delle rispettive vite eppure non hanno smesso un attimo di amarsi.
Elizabeth è una donna sola che ha fatto della solitudine una compagna di vita. L’appuntamento annuale col suo Tom rappresenta la sua linfa, l’attimo di romanticismo che le regala un’autentica sensazione di gioia. Quando questo originale rituale non si ripete, sfida i timori e si avventura nella caotica Londra, è, questo, senza dubbio, un gran bel gesto d’amore.
Dinanzi alla grande prova che l’attende, non ha un attimo di esitazione, mette da parte le paure e cerca di rendersi utile aiutando il suo Tom (e se stessa) a concretizzare quei desideri che per quarantanove anni sono rimasti scritti su bigliettini di carta.
Il rapporto tra Elizabeth e Tom non conosce barriere, è come se i due non si fossero mai lasciati. Insieme troveranno la forza per non arrendersi, lottando pur sapendo di avere a che fare con un nemico molto più grande, invocando il tempo, che fino a quel momento è stato loro ostile.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice e scorrevole. La narrazione presenta un duplice piano temporale, un “Prima” nel quale i due protagonisti sono giovani innamorati e un “Oggi” nel quale, ormai in età matura, devono affrontare una difficilissima prova. Tra le pagine domina una grande delicatezza, stesso atteggiamento che assume il lettore nei confronti degli eventi.
Un romanzo non facile, sconvolgente e dalla grande impronta emotiva. Una lettura che celebra l’amore eterno.
Elizabeth Davenport vive in un cottage in un paesino della Cornovaglia. Nonostante non abbia più molti motivi per uscire di casa, ogni anno attende con ansia il 7 settembre, giorno in cui, tanti anni prima, ha baciato per la prima volta il suo grande amore, Tom. Ogni anno da allora l’uomo è solito lasciarle dietro la porta di casa un croco e un bigliettino nel quale è riportato un desiderio, un qualcosa che avrebbero potuto fare insieme se solo fossero stati una coppia. La mattina del 7 settembre, puntuale, Elizabeth è fuori dalla porta di casa, ma, inaspettatamente, non trova nulla. Preoccupata che al suo Tom possa essere successo qualcosa, decide di recarsi a Londra per cercarlo, magari potrebbero essere ancora in tempo per realizzare un ultimo desiderio e per fare i conti con la causa che gli ha tenuti lontani.
“In quel momento era come se esistessero solo loro due, come se al mondo non ci fosse nient’altro. Nessuna promessa infranta, nessun errore, nulla a cui dovessero porre rimedio. […] Avrebbero potuto essere ovunque, in un altro tempo, in un luogo che apparteneva soltanto a loro.”
Esiste una forma d’amore capace di resistere al tempo e alla distanza, un sentimento che resta inalterato per anni, che sopporta i cambiamenti e che resta fedele alle promesse. È questo amore totalizzante che avvolge Elizabeth e Tom.
I due pur non vedendosi più, hanno mantenuto una forma di dialogo fatta di ricordi e piccoli gesti. Entrambi vivono nel reciproco ricordo, non hanno idea di come il tempo li abbia trasformati, non sanno nulla delle rispettive vite eppure non hanno smesso un attimo di amarsi.
Elizabeth è una donna sola che ha fatto della solitudine una compagna di vita. L’appuntamento annuale col suo Tom rappresenta la sua linfa, l’attimo di romanticismo che le regala un’autentica sensazione di gioia. Quando questo originale rituale non si ripete, sfida i timori e si avventura nella caotica Londra, è, questo, senza dubbio, un gran bel gesto d’amore.
Dinanzi alla grande prova che l’attende, non ha un attimo di esitazione, mette da parte le paure e cerca di rendersi utile aiutando il suo Tom (e se stessa) a concretizzare quei desideri che per quarantanove anni sono rimasti scritti su bigliettini di carta.
Il rapporto tra Elizabeth e Tom non conosce barriere, è come se i due non si fossero mai lasciati. Insieme troveranno la forza per non arrendersi, lottando pur sapendo di avere a che fare con un nemico molto più grande, invocando il tempo, che fino a quel momento è stato loro ostile.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice e scorrevole. La narrazione presenta un duplice piano temporale, un “Prima” nel quale i due protagonisti sono giovani innamorati e un “Oggi” nel quale, ormai in età matura, devono affrontare una difficilissima prova. Tra le pagine domina una grande delicatezza, stesso atteggiamento che assume il lettore nei confronti degli eventi.
Un romanzo non facile, sconvolgente e dalla grande impronta emotiva. Una lettura che celebra l’amore eterno.
January 2, 2021
Thank you William Morrow for having sent me this copy of Little Wishes for a review.
This was a good but heartbreaking story. It is told between two different timelines a then and a now to give you what happened in the past as well as the present to lead up to where everything is now. It is about a lady named Elizabeth who loved a man named Tom back in the day and it was her first love.. they never got to be together though but every year Tom would leave something on her door step with a wish that he wish he could have done with her which she kept each one of them.. One day though on their 50th "anniversary" nothing is left on her doorstep and she wonders what happened? She decides to take a trip to where she thinks he lives and finds him very ill and not well... she starts spending time with him until his final days.
It was definitely a sad story and it was good that they were able to reconnect after all those years not together. Makes you wish you could go back in time sometimes and fix things that you wish you would have done!
This was a good but heartbreaking story. It is told between two different timelines a then and a now to give you what happened in the past as well as the present to lead up to where everything is now. It is about a lady named Elizabeth who loved a man named Tom back in the day and it was her first love.. they never got to be together though but every year Tom would leave something on her door step with a wish that he wish he could have done with her which she kept each one of them.. One day though on their 50th "anniversary" nothing is left on her doorstep and she wonders what happened? She decides to take a trip to where she thinks he lives and finds him very ill and not well... she starts spending time with him until his final days.
It was definitely a sad story and it was good that they were able to reconnect after all those years not together. Makes you wish you could go back in time sometimes and fix things that you wish you would have done!
February 24, 2022
Una storia veramente bella, un libro perfetto da leggere sotto l’ombrellone, proprio come ho fatto io. Una storia narrata tra il prima e il dopo, che risulta essere dolce, romantica, tenera e commovente ma non priva di difficoltà. Il prima con i due giovanissimi che si incontrano di nascosto visto le differenze sociali e il fatto che Beth sia promessa sposa, ma tra i due non mancheranno le avventure. E un dopo con i due vecchietti che si amano come se fossero ancora giovani, ignari del fatto che il tempo stringe per entrambi anche se “non è mai troppo tardi per vivere il grande amore”.
Una storia all’insegna dell’amore che ci fa capire come il tempo risolve le cose e che il grande amore, soprattutto il primo grande amore, anche se fa giri immensi, non smetterà mai di vivere dentro noi, ma rimarrà tutta la vita al sicuro.
Una storia all’insegna dell’amore che ci fa capire come il tempo risolve le cose e che il grande amore, soprattutto il primo grande amore, anche se fa giri immensi, non smetterà mai di vivere dentro noi, ma rimarrà tutta la vita al sicuro.
August 27, 2023
What a treasure of a book about a “first love” that lasted a lifetime. There’s just always something about your first love. It sets the precedent for any love that comes after. This story shows how powerful first love is, and you can’t help but feel for these characters as they spend 50 years truly loving each other.
“But if you can’t love somebody forever, what’s the point in loving them at all?”
“But if you can’t love somebody forever, what’s the point in loving them at all?”
November 19, 2020
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
Little Wishes was an endlessly romantic but intensely bittersweet second chance romance that reduced me to tears of frustration, heartbreak and, yes, eventually even of joy.
I will say up front that I have a feeling this book is going to be tough for some readers to get through. Not because of the writing, which was flowing, emotional and wonderfully descriptive. But because of the subject matter in regard to Elizabeth’s mother, and about our hero Tom. Without giving spoilers, his health was not what it was back when he fell in love with Elizabeth, which, considering their love story was fifty years in the making, was somewhat to be expected... Read More
Little Wishes was an endlessly romantic but intensely bittersweet second chance romance that reduced me to tears of frustration, heartbreak and, yes, eventually even of joy.
I will say up front that I have a feeling this book is going to be tough for some readers to get through. Not because of the writing, which was flowing, emotional and wonderfully descriptive. But because of the subject matter in regard to Elizabeth’s mother, and about our hero Tom. Without giving spoilers, his health was not what it was back when he fell in love with Elizabeth, which, considering their love story was fifty years in the making, was somewhat to be expected... Read More
April 21, 2021
I received this book, "Little Wishes" in a giveaway by publisher William Morrow. It sat on my coffee table for a bit of time, and I am so sorry I didn't choose this novel sooner. What a sweet love story! Admittedly, I cried at the end.
Little Wishes is a story that will tug at your heartstrings: a tale of what might have been, but also of how unrequited love is never lost and can be rekindled – even if it's 50 years later.
Michelle Adams sets her story on the Cornish coast, and though I have never been there, her beautiful writing had me feeling the wet spray of the ocean on my face. As a young girl, Elizabeth is faced with following her heart, or the wishes of her father, whom she knows wants nothing but the best for her, even if he is somewhat out of touch with his daughter's life and/or bogged down with emotional issues of his own.
Little Wishes is a story that will tug at your heartstrings: a tale of what might have been, but also of how unrequited love is never lost and can be rekindled – even if it's 50 years later.
Michelle Adams sets her story on the Cornish coast, and though I have never been there, her beautiful writing had me feeling the wet spray of the ocean on my face. As a young girl, Elizabeth is faced with following her heart, or the wishes of her father, whom she knows wants nothing but the best for her, even if he is somewhat out of touch with his daughter's life and/or bogged down with emotional issues of his own.
September 8, 2020
“Little Wishes” is the story of a short-lived love affair between the principal character, Elizabeth Davenport, (now 68 and living in Cornwall), and Tom Hale, (living in London), who have been parted 50 years for reasons disclosed throughout the book as the narrative alternates between the present and 50 years in the past. On the same date each year, Tom leaves a potted blue lotus on her doorstep as well as a note containing a wish for something they would have been doing if they were still together.
On the 50th year, Tom fails to leave a flower and a note, and Elizabeth realizes something must be wrong. She tracks down Tom at his last known address in London only to discover that he is terminally ill. Fighting against time, he and Elizabeth try to fulfill each of the 49 wishes that he left for her before it is too late.
Although at first the book’s premise seemed intriguing, I did not find the story very compelling. Specifically, I was unable to feel any connection to either the story or the characters, instead feeling a remove from the actions described both past and present. Perhaps this was due to the fact that the premise as executed was unrealistic. Pining for someone that you only knew a few months for 50 years feels more like an obsession than romantic. Moreover, the wishes themselves were fairly trivial—going to a movie, eating dinner in a restaurant, etc. In addition, I found the descriptions of her caretaker responsibilities towards the ailing Tom dreary and monotonous. For these reasons, I could only give the book a 3 star rating.
On the 50th year, Tom fails to leave a flower and a note, and Elizabeth realizes something must be wrong. She tracks down Tom at his last known address in London only to discover that he is terminally ill. Fighting against time, he and Elizabeth try to fulfill each of the 49 wishes that he left for her before it is too late.
Although at first the book’s premise seemed intriguing, I did not find the story very compelling. Specifically, I was unable to feel any connection to either the story or the characters, instead feeling a remove from the actions described both past and present. Perhaps this was due to the fact that the premise as executed was unrealistic. Pining for someone that you only knew a few months for 50 years feels more like an obsession than romantic. Moreover, the wishes themselves were fairly trivial—going to a movie, eating dinner in a restaurant, etc. In addition, I found the descriptions of her caretaker responsibilities towards the ailing Tom dreary and monotonous. For these reasons, I could only give the book a 3 star rating.
April 29, 2021
"ΜΙΚΡΕΣ ΕΥΧΈΣ"
Συγγραφέας: Μισέλ Άνταμς- Θεοδώρου.
📚Από το οπισθόφυλλο:
Πότε δεν είναι αργά για μια αγάπη που δεν πρόλαβες να ζήσεις....
Έχουν περάσει πενήντα ολόκληρα χρόνια από τότε που η Ελίζαμπεθ ερωτεύτηκε τον Τομ, αλλά και από την τελευταία φορά που τον είδε.Δεν έπαψε ποτέ να τον αγαπά,και είναι σίγουρη πως και εκείνος νιώθει το ίδιο.Το μάρτυρα ο μικρός γαλάζιος κρόκος που της στέλνει κάθε χρόνο μαζί με ένα σημείωμα που ξεκινά με τη λέξη Εύχομαι... Καθένα από τα πολύτιμα αυτά σημειώματα είναι και μια μικρή ευχή για κάτι που δεν μοιράστηκαν,για μια ζωή που δεν μπόρεσαν να ζήσουν.
Να όμως που, στην πεντηκοστή επέτειο τους, η Ελίζαμπεθ δεν βρίσκει κανένα γαλάζιο λουλούδι έξω από την πόρτα της και φοβάται πως κάτι έχει συμβεί.Με την αγωνία να την κατακλύζει και με τα συναισθήματα που κρατούσε κλειδωμένα μέσα της ολόκληρες δεκαετίες να την εμψυχώνουν ξεκινά να ανακαλύψει τι συμβαίνει στον Τομ.
Η Ελίζαμπεθ γνωρίζει ότι δεν της απομένει πολύς χρόνος και βάζει ως σκοπό να πραγματοποιήσει όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερες από τις ευχές που τις έστελνε ο Τομ μαζί με τα λουλούδια. Μόνο που φοβάται ότι με τις προσπάθειές της θα αποκαλυφθεί το φοβερό μυστικό που κρατούσε μια ολόκληρη ζωή....
Μπορεί να συνεχίσει να κρύβει την αλήθεια ή θα βρει το κουράγιο να εκπληρώσει, επιτέλους , τα όνειρα τους?
Συγγραφέας: Μισέλ Άνταμς- Θεοδώρου.
📚Από το οπισθόφυλλο:
Πότε δεν είναι αργά για μια αγάπη που δεν πρόλαβες να ζήσεις....
Έχουν περάσει πενήντα ολόκληρα χρόνια από τότε που η Ελίζαμπεθ ερωτεύτηκε τον Τομ, αλλά και από την τελευταία φορά που τον είδε.Δεν έπαψε ποτέ να τον αγαπά,και είναι σίγουρη πως και εκείνος νιώθει το ίδιο.Το μάρτυρα ο μικρός γαλάζιος κρόκος που της στέλνει κάθε χρόνο μαζί με ένα σημείωμα που ξεκινά με τη λέξη Εύχομαι... Καθένα από τα πολύτιμα αυτά σημειώματα είναι και μια μικρή ευχή για κάτι που δεν μοιράστηκαν,για μια ζωή που δεν μπόρεσαν να ζήσουν.
Να όμως που, στην πεντηκοστή επέτειο τους, η Ελίζαμπεθ δεν βρίσκει κανένα γαλάζιο λουλούδι έξω από την πόρτα της και φοβάται πως κάτι έχει συμβεί.Με την αγωνία να την κατακλύζει και με τα συναισθήματα που κρατούσε κλειδωμένα μέσα της ολόκληρες δεκαετίες να την εμψυχώνουν ξεκινά να ανακαλύψει τι συμβαίνει στον Τομ.
Η Ελίζαμπεθ γνωρίζει ότι δεν της απομένει πολύς χρόνος και βάζει ως σκοπό να πραγματοποιήσει όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερες από τις ευχές που τις έστελνε ο Τομ μαζί με τα λουλούδια. Μόνο που φοβάται ότι με τις προσπάθειές της θα αποκαλυφθεί το φοβερό μυστικό που κρατούσε μια ολόκληρη ζωή....
Μπορεί να συνεχίσει να κρύβει την αλήθεια ή θα βρει το κουράγιο να εκπληρώσει, επιτέλους , τα όνειρα τους?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2020
For some, a soulmate is met while young. This happens with Elizabeth and Tom, but they have so many hurdles in their way. In a small village in the English countryside, everyone knows everyone, rumors are rampant, and cover ups happen. What is your favorite day? For Elizabeth, it the day she fell in love. For 49 years, she receives a flower and a sweet note of ‘I Wish’. This year is the 50th, but she doesn’t receive a note...she needs to find out Why.
Oh. My. Goodness. This book gives you all the feels....first love, lies and truths, longing, lost opportunities, last love and family. For some reason, this book gives me some of the same feelings as PS I Love You, my favorite love story, but without any of the laughs. It’s beautifully, written, setting the scene of a small seaside village outside of London so perfectly you can feel the damp, ocean spray. The cast of characters is exceptional, so real and conflicted. There is still a lump in my throat.
Thanks to Ms. Adams, HarperCollins Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
Oh. My. Goodness. This book gives you all the feels....first love, lies and truths, longing, lost opportunities, last love and family. For some reason, this book gives me some of the same feelings as PS I Love You, my favorite love story, but without any of the laughs. It’s beautifully, written, setting the scene of a small seaside village outside of London so perfectly you can feel the damp, ocean spray. The cast of characters is exceptional, so real and conflicted. There is still a lump in my throat.
Thanks to Ms. Adams, HarperCollins Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
September 22, 2020
3.5 Stars
Ebook advance reader’s edition from Net Galley. Thank you to Net Galley.
Cute love story that takes place in two time periods. Elizabeth and Tom have been apart but thinking of each other for 50 years. They find each other in the present and we learn what kept them apart in flashbacks to the past.
I found the portion set in the present more engaging than that set in the past. It was sweet to see Elizabeth and Tom find their way together after years apart.
Ebook advance reader’s edition from Net Galley. Thank you to Net Galley.
Cute love story that takes place in two time periods. Elizabeth and Tom have been apart but thinking of each other for 50 years. They find each other in the present and we learn what kept them apart in flashbacks to the past.
I found the portion set in the present more engaging than that set in the past. It was sweet to see Elizabeth and Tom find their way together after years apart.
June 11, 2021
2,5 Stars
I very much liked the premise of the story. A love that outlives 50 years. Little messages with wishes and sometimes even gifts every year on the anniversary. Very romantic. But also very sad if you imagine that these 50 years could also have been lived together!
How the story evolves after Elizabeth doesn't find a message on her doorstep this year wasn't really my cup of tea, although there were bits that I liked - for example some of the wish fulfilments. But I also got bored a bit in between. And for the rest: I didn't see the relevance of the issues between Alice and Brian, James was too ambiguous to be real, Kates story was resolved in a strange way. Several things that didn't sit right with me.
I very much liked the premise of the story. A love that outlives 50 years. Little messages with wishes and sometimes even gifts every year on the anniversary. Very romantic. But also very sad if you imagine that these 50 years could also have been lived together!
How the story evolves after Elizabeth doesn't find a message on her doorstep this year wasn't really my cup of tea, although there were bits that I liked - for example some of the wish fulfilments. But I also got bored a bit in between. And for the rest: I didn't see the relevance of the issues between Alice and Brian, James was too ambiguous to be real, Kates story was resolved in a strange way. Several things that didn't sit right with me.
September 7, 2020
This is a beautifully written, tender, heartfelt, as well as tragic, love story that spans 5 decades. Michelle Adams expertly developed characters that will live in my thoughts long after the last page was turned.
The story begins when Tom jumps into the ocean and pulls out a woman, saving her life. The woman is Catherine Davenport, the mother of Elizabeth. Elizabeth is engaged to James, a doctor who is targeted to take over the practice of Dr. Davenport, Elizabeth's father, upon his retirement. Elizabeth comes from a family of privilege, however, she and Tom, who is a fisherman, went to school together where they live, on the Cornish Coast of England, in the village of Porthsennen. They strike up an instant friendship when Elizabeth expresses her gratitude to Tom for saving the life of her mother. This friendship begins a heartfelt, beautiful, yet painful road over the next 50 years.
Adams weaves the years, people and circumstances into a beautifully written love story. One that I suspect you'll have trouble putting down, as I did.
The story begins when Tom jumps into the ocean and pulls out a woman, saving her life. The woman is Catherine Davenport, the mother of Elizabeth. Elizabeth is engaged to James, a doctor who is targeted to take over the practice of Dr. Davenport, Elizabeth's father, upon his retirement. Elizabeth comes from a family of privilege, however, she and Tom, who is a fisherman, went to school together where they live, on the Cornish Coast of England, in the village of Porthsennen. They strike up an instant friendship when Elizabeth expresses her gratitude to Tom for saving the life of her mother. This friendship begins a heartfelt, beautiful, yet painful road over the next 50 years.
Adams weaves the years, people and circumstances into a beautifully written love story. One that I suspect you'll have trouble putting down, as I did.
November 15, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow HarperCollins Publishers for this advanced eBook copy.
Typo loc 1053: “It was as if somebody had flicked a switched...”
Then and Now chapter format, spanning 50 years. I was frustrated and sad with the plot/lie that kept them apart for so long. I appreciated the neat wrap up, but guess I wished for more between Tom and Elizabeth and Tom and Kate.
Did James really ever love her? Why not leave her alone? He could have had the practice without the girl, right? What was the motivation? And if Tom loved Elizabeth that much, why wouldn’t he have wanted to hear directly from her for himself? I understand you could argue that he loved her enough to stay away, but geez! All those wasted years! And then James didn’t love her enough to let her go? Compared to love Tom and Elizabeth had, the love James had for Elizabeth seemed paltry.
Typo loc 1053: “It was as if somebody had flicked a switched...”
Then and Now chapter format, spanning 50 years. I was frustrated and sad with the plot/lie that kept them apart for so long. I appreciated the neat wrap up, but guess I wished for more between Tom and Elizabeth and Tom and Kate.
Did James really ever love her? Why not leave her alone? He could have had the practice without the girl, right? What was the motivation? And if Tom loved Elizabeth that much, why wouldn’t he have wanted to hear directly from her for himself? I understand you could argue that he loved her enough to stay away, but geez! All those wasted years! And then James didn’t love her enough to let her go? Compared to love Tom and Elizabeth had, the love James had for Elizabeth seemed paltry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2021
https://dominicamat.blogspot.com/2020...
Αναρωτιέμαι αν έχει υπάρξει έστω κι ένας άνθρωπος ο οποίος δεν έχει κάνει ούτε μία ευχή σε όλη την διάρκεια του βίου του. Άραγε γιατί έχουν τόση μεγάλη σημασία για εμάς οι ευχές που κάνουμε,ακόμη κι αν κατά βάθος γνωρίζουμε πως δεν πρόκειται ποτέ να πραγματοποιηθούν; Ίσως γιατί οι ευχές,είτε μικρές είτε μεγάλες,κρύβουν μέσα τους μία άσβεστη ελπίδα πως κάτι μπορεί να αλλάξει κι ό,τι ονειρευόμαστε,να γίνει πραγματικότητα... Εγώ σας εύχομαι πάντα να μπορείτε να έχετε την δυνατότητα να κάνετε ευχές.
Κυκλοφόρησε πρόσφατα από τις εκδόσεις Μίνωας το νέο κοινωνικό μυθιστόρημα της συγγραφέως κυρίας Μισέλ Άνταμς-Θεοδώρου,με τίτλο ''Μικρές ευχές''. Ένα μυθιστόρημα που μέσα από την ιστορία του μιλάει για τις δεύτερες ευκαιρίες καί την δυνατότητα να ζήσει κάποιος/α,έστω κι αργά,ό,τι είχε ευχηθεί με όλη του/της την ψυχή. Ένα μυθιστόρημα συγκινητικό κι ελπιδοφόρο την ίδια στιγμή,που μου κράτησε πολύ καλή συντροφιά καί το διάβασα με την ίδια αφοσίωση από την αρχή έως καί το τέλος.
''Ποτέ δεν είναι αργά για μια αγάπη που δεν πρόλαβες να ζήσεις…
Έχουν περάσει πενήντα ολόκληρα χρόνια από τότε που η Ελίζαμπεθ ερωτεύτηκε ��ον Τομ, αλλά και από την τελευταία φορά που τον είδε. Δεν έπαψε ποτέ να τον αγαπά, και είναι σίγουρη πως και εκείνος νιώθει το ίδιο. Το μαρτυρά ο μικρός γαλάζιος κρόκος που της στέλνει κάθε χρόνο μαζί με ένα σημείωμα που ξεκινά με τη λέξη Εύχομαι… Καθένα από τα πολύτιμα αυτά σημειώματα είναι και μια μικρή ευχή για κάτι που δεν μοιράστηκαν, για μια ζωή που δεν μπόρεσαν να ζήσουν. Να όμως που, στην πεντηκοστή επέτειό τους, η Ελίζαμπεθ δεν βρίσκει κανένα γαλάζιο λουλούδι έξω από την πόρτα της και φοβάται πως κάτι έχει συμβεί. Με την αγωνία να την κατακλύζει και με τα συναισθήματα που κρατούσε κλειδωμένα μέσα της ολόκληρες δεκαετίες να την εμψυχώνουν ξεκινά να ανακαλύψει τι συνέβη στον Τομ. Η Ελίζαμπεθ γνωρίζει ότι δεν της απομένει πολύς χρόνος και βάζει ως σκοπό να πραγματοποιήσει όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερες από τις ευχές που τις έστελνε ο Τομ μαζί με τα λουλούδια. Μόνο που φοβάται ότι με τις προσπάθειές της θα αποκαλυφθεί το φοβερό μυστικό που κρατούσε μια ολόκληρη ζωή… Μπορεί να συνεχίσει να κρύβει την αλήθεια ή θα βρει το κουράγιο να εκπληρώσει, επιτέλους, τα όνειρά τους;'' (Περίληψη οπισθοφύλλου)
Η συγγραφέας,με λόγο οικείο καί σωστά δομημένο,θα μας παρουσίασει την ιστορία των δύο ηρώων της μέσα από ένα παράλληλο ταξίδι στο παρόν καί το παρελθόν. Η ιστορία τους είναι γλυκόπικρη,όπως άλλωστε είναι καί η ίδια η ζωή. Τα εμπόδια,που θα πρέπει να περάσουν για να καταφέρουν να αποκτήσουν αυτό που επιθυμούν,θα μοιάζουν σαν πελώρια κύματα μίας φουρτουνιασμένης θάλασσας που θα απειλεί να τους πνίξει. Όλα θα είναι εναντίον τους. Από τον κοινωνικό τους περίγυρο καί τις αντιλήψεις εκείνης της εποχής έως καί την προσωπική τους δειλία. Γιατί αν δεν τολμήσουμε να διεκδικήσουμε ό,τι αγαπάμε,αυτό μπορεί να ξεγλιστρήσει σαν νερό μέσα από τα χέρια μας...
Όπως προείπα,η εξιστόρηση των γεγονότων θα γίνει ταυτόχρονα σε παρόν καί παρελθόν. Ευτυχώς δεν υπάρχουν περιττές επαναλήψεις,ή,κουραστικές ''κοιλιές''. Αντιθέτως με αυτόν τον τρόπο,θα μας δοθεί η ευκαιρία να μάθουμε χρήσιμες πληροφορίες,τις οποίες αγνοούσαμε κι έτσι να έχουμε ολοκληρωμένη την εικόνα. Θα μπορέσουμε να κατανοήσουμε,ίσως καί να δικαιολογήσουμε,τις πράξεις,σκέψεις καί στάση ζωής των ηρώων. Η ταύτιση μαζί τους είναι δεδομένη,καθώς εκπέμπουν έναν ρεαλισμό καί είναι προσιτοί. Η συγγραφέας έχει κάνει πολύ καλή δουλειά όσον αφορά το ''χτίσιμο'' των χαρακτήρων των ηρώων. Τους ταιριάζει άψογα μέσα στον χώρο καί τον χρόνο,''ντύνοντάς'' τους με τα ταιριαστά χαρακτηριστικά που έπρεπε να φέρουν. Δεν βρήκα κάποιο ψεγάδι πάνω τους που θα επιθυμούσα να το αλλάξω.
Τί είναι αυτό που διατηρεί αναμμένη την φλόγα της ελπίδας; Αναμφίβολα για τον κάθε άνθρωπο είναι κάτι το διαφορετικό καί πολύ ουσιαστικό. Όσο ασήμαντο κι αν φαντάζει κάτι για εμάς,για κάποιους άλλους είναι η κινητήριος δύναμή τους. Κι αν τυχόν τύχει να το χάσουν,σπεύδουν να το αναζητήσουν. Γιατί πολλές φορές,αυτό το τόσο δα μικρό είναι πιο σημαντικό κι από αυτό που μπορεί πιθανώς να συμβολίζει.
Η ιστορία των δύο ηρώων μας διδάσκει πως μπορεί η δύναμη της αγάπης καί του έρωτα να μείνει παρούσα κι ακλόνητη στο πέρασμα των χρόνων,παρά τα όποια κοινωνικά κατεστημένα. Μας κάνει να πιστέψουμε στους όρκους αιώνιας αφοσίωσης καί πως κάτι ανάλογο είναι εφικτό,αν το επιθυμούν αμφότερες καί οι δύο πλευρές. Οι ανθρώπινες σχέσεις χρειάζονται συνεχόμενη προσπάθεια,σεβασμό,δουλειά,υπομονή,επιμονή,θαυμασμό εκατέρωθεν καί εκτίμηση. Όσο δύσκολα φτιάχνονται,τόσο εύκολα διαλύονται...
Διδακτικό καί πολυδιάστατο,λοιπόν,το μυθιστόρημα της συγγραφέως κυρίας Μισέλ Άνταμς-Θεοδώρου. Κατακρίνει τη στάση της κοινωνίας εκείνης της εποχής. Μας προτρέπει να μην ακούμε το τι λέει ο κόσμος καί να ακούμε την φωνή της καρδιάς μας. Κανένας δεν μπορεί,ούτε καί πρέπει να μας επιβάλλει με ποιον τρόπο θα ζήσουμε καί ποιον άνθρωπο θα επιλέξουμε ως συντροφό μας. Ευθύνη,βέβαια,δεν παύει να φέρουμε κι εμείς οι ίδιοι/ες. Εάν δεν αποτινάξουμε από πάνω μας προκαταλήψεις,τον εγωϊσμό,την δειλία καί τα δεσμά που μας βαραίνουν σαν χοντρές αλυσίδες στα πόδια,θα έρθει ο καιρός που θα το μετανιώσουμε πικρά... Πρέπει να διεκδικούμε μέχρις εσχάτων την ευτυχία μας καί να μην βάζουμε εμπόδια στον δρόμο μας...
Εν κατακλείδι,μπορώ να σας πώ ότι το βιβλίο ήταν μία πολύ ευχάριστη έκπληξη για μένα. Ανέτρεψε τους όποιους φόβους κι ενδοιασμούς,μπορεί να είχα στην αρχή ξεκινώντας την ανάγνωσή του καί με κέρδισε από τις πρώτες του σελίδες. Ναι,έμεινα πολύ ικανοποιημένη καί σας το προτείνω ανεπιφύλακτα. Για μένα είναι ένας ύμνος στις δεύτερες ευκαιρίες καί ένα ''κατηγορώ'' στις λανθασμένες καί ξεπερασμένες κοινωνικές πεποιθήσεις.
Καλές σας αναγνώσεις!
Αναρωτιέμαι αν έχει υπάρξει έστω κι ένας άνθρωπος ο οποίος δεν έχει κάνει ούτε μία ευχή σε όλη την διάρκεια του βίου του. Άραγε γιατί έχουν τόση μεγάλη σημασία για εμάς οι ευχές που κάνουμε,ακόμη κι αν κατά βάθος γνωρίζουμε πως δεν πρόκειται ποτέ να πραγματοποιηθούν; Ίσως γιατί οι ευχές,είτε μικρές είτε μεγάλες,κρύβουν μέσα τους μία άσβεστη ελπίδα πως κάτι μπορεί να αλλάξει κι ό,τι ονειρευόμαστε,να γίνει πραγματικότητα... Εγώ σας εύχομαι πάντα να μπορείτε να έχετε την δυνατότητα να κάνετε ευχές.
Κυκλοφόρησε πρόσφατα από τις εκδόσεις Μίνωας το νέο κοινωνικό μυθιστόρημα της συγγραφέως κυρίας Μισέλ Άνταμς-Θεοδώρου,με τίτλο ''Μικρές ευχές''. Ένα μυθιστόρημα που μέσα από την ιστορία του μιλάει για τις δεύτερες ευκαιρίες καί την δυνατότητα να ζήσει κάποιος/α,έστω κι αργά,ό,τι είχε ευχηθεί με όλη του/της την ψυχή. Ένα μυθιστόρημα συγκινητικό κι ελπιδοφόρο την ίδια στιγμή,που μου κράτησε πολύ καλή συντροφιά καί το διάβασα με την ίδια αφοσίωση από την αρχή έως καί το τέλος.
''Ποτέ δεν είναι αργά για μια αγάπη που δεν πρόλαβες να ζήσεις…
Έχουν περάσει πενήντα ολόκληρα χρόνια από τότε που η Ελίζαμπεθ ερωτεύτηκε ��ον Τομ, αλλά και από την τελευταία φορά που τον είδε. Δεν έπαψε ποτέ να τον αγαπά, και είναι σίγουρη πως και εκείνος νιώθει το ίδιο. Το μαρτυρά ο μικρός γαλάζιος κρόκος που της στέλνει κάθε χρόνο μαζί με ένα σημείωμα που ξεκινά με τη λέξη Εύχομαι… Καθένα από τα πολύτιμα αυτά σημειώματα είναι και μια μικρή ευχή για κάτι που δεν μοιράστηκαν, για μια ζωή που δεν μπόρεσαν να ζήσουν. Να όμως που, στην πεντηκοστή επέτειό τους, η Ελίζαμπεθ δεν βρίσκει κανένα γαλάζιο λουλούδι έξω από την πόρτα της και φοβάται πως κάτι έχει συμβεί. Με την αγωνία να την κατακλύζει και με τα συναισθήματα που κρατούσε κλειδωμένα μέσα της ολόκληρες δεκαετίες να την εμψυχώνουν ξεκινά να ανακαλύψει τι συνέβη στον Τομ. Η Ελίζαμπεθ γνωρίζει ότι δεν της απομένει πολύς χρόνος και βάζει ως σκοπό να πραγματοποιήσει όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερες από τις ευχές που τις έστελνε ο Τομ μαζί με τα λουλούδια. Μόνο που φοβάται ότι με τις προσπάθειές της θα αποκαλυφθεί το φοβερό μυστικό που κρατούσε μια ολόκληρη ζωή… Μπορεί να συνεχίσει να κρύβει την αλήθεια ή θα βρει το κουράγιο να εκπληρώσει, επιτέλους, τα όνειρά τους;'' (Περίληψη οπισθοφύλλου)
Η συγγραφέας,με λόγο οικείο καί σωστά δομημένο,θα μας παρουσίασει την ιστορία των δύο ηρώων της μέσα από ένα παράλληλο ταξίδι στο παρόν καί το παρελθόν. Η ιστορία τους είναι γλυκόπικρη,όπως άλλωστε είναι καί η ίδια η ζωή. Τα εμπόδια,που θα πρέπει να περάσουν για να καταφέρουν να αποκτήσουν αυτό που επιθυμούν,θα μοιάζουν σαν πελώρια κύματα μίας φουρτουνιασμένης θάλασσας που θα απειλεί να τους πνίξει. Όλα θα είναι εναντίον τους. Από τον κοινωνικό τους περίγυρο καί τις αντιλήψεις εκείνης της εποχής έως καί την προσωπική τους δειλία. Γιατί αν δεν τολμήσουμε να διεκδικήσουμε ό,τι αγαπάμε,αυτό μπορεί να ξεγλιστρήσει σαν νερό μέσα από τα χέρια μας...
Όπως προείπα,η εξιστόρηση των γεγονότων θα γίνει ταυτόχρονα σε παρόν καί παρελθόν. Ευτυχώς δεν υπάρχουν περιττές επαναλήψεις,ή,κουραστικές ''κοιλιές''. Αντιθέτως με αυτόν τον τρόπο,θα μας δοθεί η ευκαιρία να μάθουμε χρήσιμες πληροφορίες,τις οποίες αγνοούσαμε κι έτσι να έχουμε ολοκληρωμένη την εικόνα. Θα μπορέσουμε να κατανοήσουμε,ίσως καί να δικαιολογήσουμε,τις πράξεις,σκέψεις καί στάση ζωής των ηρώων. Η ταύτιση μαζί τους είναι δεδομένη,καθώς εκπέμπουν έναν ρεαλισμό καί είναι προσιτοί. Η συγγραφέας έχει κάνει πολύ καλή δουλειά όσον αφορά το ''χτίσιμο'' των χαρακτήρων των ηρώων. Τους ταιριάζει άψογα μέσα στον χώρο καί τον χρόνο,''ντύνοντάς'' τους με τα ταιριαστά χαρακτηριστικά που έπρεπε να φέρουν. Δεν βρήκα κάποιο ψεγάδι πάνω τους που θα επιθυμούσα να το αλλάξω.
Τί είναι αυτό που διατηρεί αναμμένη την φλόγα της ελπίδας; Αναμφίβολα για τον κάθε άνθρωπο είναι κάτι το διαφορετικό καί πολύ ουσιαστικό. Όσο ασήμαντο κι αν φαντάζει κάτι για εμάς,για κάποιους άλλους είναι η κινητήριος δύναμή τους. Κι αν τυχόν τύχει να το χάσουν,σπεύδουν να το αναζητήσουν. Γιατί πολλές φορές,αυτό το τόσο δα μικρό είναι πιο σημαντικό κι από αυτό που μπορεί πιθανώς να συμβολίζει.
Η ιστορία των δύο ηρώων μας διδάσκει πως μπορεί η δύναμη της αγάπης καί του έρωτα να μείνει παρούσα κι ακλόνητη στο πέρασμα των χρόνων,παρά τα όποια κοινωνικά κατεστημένα. Μας κάνει να πιστέψουμε στους όρκους αιώνιας αφοσίωσης καί πως κάτι ανάλογο είναι εφικτό,αν το επιθυμούν αμφότερες καί οι δύο πλευρές. Οι ανθρώπινες σχέσεις χρειάζονται συνεχόμενη προσπάθεια,σεβασμό,δουλειά,υπομονή,επιμονή,θαυμασμό εκατέρωθεν καί εκτίμηση. Όσο δύσκολα φτιάχνονται,τόσο εύκολα διαλύονται...
Διδακτικό καί πολυδιάστατο,λοιπόν,το μυθιστόρημα της συγγραφέως κυρίας Μισέλ Άνταμς-Θεοδώρου. Κατακρίνει τη στάση της κοινωνίας εκείνης της εποχής. Μας προτρέπει να μην ακούμε το τι λέει ο κόσμος καί να ακούμε την φωνή της καρδιάς μας. Κανένας δεν μπορεί,ούτε καί πρέπει να μας επιβάλλει με ποιον τρόπο θα ζήσουμε καί ποιον άνθρωπο θα επιλέξουμε ως συντροφό μας. Ευθύνη,βέβαια,δεν παύει να φέρουμε κι εμείς οι ίδιοι/ες. Εάν δεν αποτινάξουμε από πάνω μας προκαταλήψεις,τον εγωϊσμό,την δειλία καί τα δεσμά που μας βαραίνουν σαν χοντρές αλυσίδες στα πόδια,θα έρθει ο καιρός που θα το μετανιώσουμε πικρά... Πρέπει να διεκδικούμε μέχρις εσχάτων την ευτυχία μας καί να μην βάζουμε εμπόδια στον δρόμο μας...
Εν κατακλείδι,μπορώ να σας πώ ότι το βιβλίο ήταν μία πολύ ευχάριστη έκπληξη για μένα. Ανέτρεψε τους όποιους φόβους κι ενδοιασμούς,μπορεί να είχα στην αρχή ξεκινώντας την ανάγνωσή του καί με κέρδισε από τις πρώτες του σελίδες. Ναι,έμεινα πολύ ικανοποιημένη καί σας το προτείνω ανεπιφύλακτα. Για μένα είναι ένας ύμνος στις δεύτερες ευκαιρίες καί ένα ''κατηγορώ'' στις λανθασμένες καί ξεπερασμένες κοινωνικές πεποιθήσεις.
Καλές σας αναγνώσεις!
September 2, 2020
I feel very meh about this book. Every other chapter is from the past or the present in the lives of Elizabeth and Tom. They fell in love as teenagers and then were kept apart for 50 years. But every year, on the anniversary (of their first kiss? can't remember), he delivers a crocus and a wish to her doorstep. She never opens the door and he never waits for her. Then, one year, there is no wish and no flower. Elizabeth sets about finding him and when they reconnect, she is determined to fulfill every one of the 49 wishes.
So, it could have been a very sweet, moving, story, but I just kind of felt nothing much for the characters. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't move along.
My thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So, it could have been a very sweet, moving, story, but I just kind of felt nothing much for the characters. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't move along.
My thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This book was such a cute love story. I really enjoyed the chapters switching from past to present. I found the characters to be really lovable. If you’re in the mood for cute little love story than pick this book up.
* I won this book in a good reads giveaway! *
This book was such a cute love story. I really enjoyed the chapters switching from past to present. I found the characters to be really lovable. If you’re in the mood for cute little love story than pick this book up.
* I won this book in a good reads giveaway! *
January 12, 2021
(3.3) Net Gallery ebook
Thank you to Harper Collins and Net Gallery for an unedited e-copy for reading
A story of second chances, regret, amends, family, and love told in alternating chapters of then/now. An isolated seaside English small town is primarily “then” and modern day London is most of “now.” Even though you generally know where in time they are, there isn’t a strong sense or identification of time, the “then,” felt further back in time than the 1960’s, or timeless, potentially by design, or the small town/remote town customs lagging behind reality.
I was a little bit of a slow start for me, but it definitely grew on me and I was invested by the final third of the book. I found the present a story a bit more engaging, even though a lot of the intrigue occurred in the past. I felt the interactions between the mature couple and their children were very genuine and real, and I appreciated the love story throughout, but especially at the end.
I especially enjoyed the rugged, sea swept, southern English setting of the Cornish coastline. Its description was excellent and transported me to the salty, windy coast.
Recommended for fans of The Light Between Oceans (living with the repercussions of lies, rugged seaside) and The Switch, by Beth O’Leary, (although this one is definitely more sober and rather than the theme of a new start, is the theme of “it’s never too late”).
Thank you to Harper Collins and Net Gallery for an unedited e-copy for reading
A story of second chances, regret, amends, family, and love told in alternating chapters of then/now. An isolated seaside English small town is primarily “then” and modern day London is most of “now.” Even though you generally know where in time they are, there isn’t a strong sense or identification of time, the “then,” felt further back in time than the 1960’s, or timeless, potentially by design, or the small town/remote town customs lagging behind reality.
I was a little bit of a slow start for me, but it definitely grew on me and I was invested by the final third of the book. I found the present a story a bit more engaging, even though a lot of the intrigue occurred in the past. I felt the interactions between the mature couple and their children were very genuine and real, and I appreciated the love story throughout, but especially at the end.
I especially enjoyed the rugged, sea swept, southern English setting of the Cornish coastline. Its description was excellent and transported me to the salty, windy coast.
Recommended for fans of The Light Between Oceans (living with the repercussions of lies, rugged seaside) and The Switch, by Beth O’Leary, (although this one is definitely more sober and rather than the theme of a new start, is the theme of “it’s never too late”).
February 25, 2021
This was a very sweet story about Elizabeth and Tom and their love story across time and distance. This is a dual timeline story focusing on the present as well as 50 years previously.
Elizabeth is engaged to James, but is charmed by Tom's bravery when he saves her mother from falling into the sea.
Elizabeth quickly starts sneaking away to be with Tom and their love blossoms. She feels she needs to hide her relationship not only because she is engaged, but also because she doesn't feel her father would approve of this relationship.
Elizabeth's mother has Alzheimer's and her father wants to hide that fact from the small town gossip. He is also the town physical and has hired James to be his replacement in his retirement.
Elizabeth experiences as series of tragic hardships in a small timeframe that change her plans for her relationship with Tom. James realized that she doesn't love him, but he tries to change her mind in a series of untruths that change several life paths. Tom leaves the village and isn't heard from again.
Elizabeth and Tom continue to share 1 day a year when he brings her gifts and wishes to set on her doorstep so she knows he will always love her. On the 50th anniversary of this date, she doesn't get anything and sets out to find Tom to see if something has happened to her.
This story is wonderfully written and an was a great escape from reality.. Very well done!
Elizabeth is engaged to James, but is charmed by Tom's bravery when he saves her mother from falling into the sea.
Elizabeth quickly starts sneaking away to be with Tom and their love blossoms. She feels she needs to hide her relationship not only because she is engaged, but also because she doesn't feel her father would approve of this relationship.
Elizabeth's mother has Alzheimer's and her father wants to hide that fact from the small town gossip. He is also the town physical and has hired James to be his replacement in his retirement.
Elizabeth experiences as series of tragic hardships in a small timeframe that change her plans for her relationship with Tom. James realized that she doesn't love him, but he tries to change her mind in a series of untruths that change several life paths. Tom leaves the village and isn't heard from again.
Elizabeth and Tom continue to share 1 day a year when he brings her gifts and wishes to set on her doorstep so she knows he will always love her. On the 50th anniversary of this date, she doesn't get anything and sets out to find Tom to see if something has happened to her.
This story is wonderfully written and an was a great escape from reality.. Very well done!
February 15, 2021
I'm not a big fan of love stories. I liked a review I read about this one and thought I'd give it a chance. For much of the book, I wondered how the author could possibly make this story believable. In Cornwall, a setting I always love Elizabeth, a rich girl and Tom, a poor boy fall immediately in love after he rescues her mother from drowning. Their families don't get along, the girl is engaged to a doctor who can give her the life she deserves, the boy has a drunken father and and no job. Hopeless. And then, of course, they are separated. The typical, Romeo and Juliet tale. The twist in this one is that they have sworn to love each other forever and though they both go on to marry and have children with other partners, every year on the anniversary of a special night they once spent together, Tom comes from his home in London to leave a small gift and a wish for something they could have had or done together on her doorstep. He keeps this up for 49 years. She never opens the door. He never knocks. Then, on the 50th anniversary - nothing. So Elizabeth decides the time has come to find Tom and hear him out. Very realistic, right? And yet, I found myself drawn in as the stories alternate between what they had back in the day and what Elizabeth finds in the present. Still more a fantasy than anything else but engagingly told.
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