What do you think?
Rate this book
Paper Cranes
Cassie Caldwell is a confident and feisty widow who isn't afraid to speak her mind, even while attempting to navigate her way through the year after her young husband's accidental and sudden death. With the help of her family and friends, Cassie finds herself in the process of getting her life back on track and healing. Serendipitously, she receives a letter of condolence from Matt Brooks, an acquaintance from high school.
After reconnecting, both Matt and Cassie begin to realize that they might be more than just old classmates as they find themselves spending more time together and corresponding regularly. Cassie attempts to move on from her husband and accept her new life situation, while Matt comes to the conclusion that he is just as enamored with Cassie as he always was.
As their feelings deepen, Matt worries that he should protect Cassie from her own growing affection until he can understand the best way to move forward from his own past and explain it to Cassie.
After reconnecting, both Matt and Cassie begin to realize that they might be more than just old classmates as they find themselves spending more time together and corresponding regularly. Cassie attempts to move on from her husband and accept her new life situation, while Matt comes to the conclusion that he is just as enamored with Cassie as he always was.
As their feelings deepen, Matt worries that he should protect Cassie from her own growing affection until he can understand the best way to move forward from his own past and explain it to Cassie.
ebook
First published July 15, 2021
4 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 16, 2022
I don't typically read/enjoy romances, but because I am acquainted with the author I wanted to give this one a try.
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept and premise of the story: a young widowed mother finding love again after the tragic death of her husband. I deeply enjoyed Cassie's spunk and her genuine love for her children. I've rarely seen motherhood depicted as so rewarding, even if exhausting.
This book might be for you if:
• You want a fast-paced book you can escape into
• You want a guaranteed happy ending (something the author has expressed she values personally)
• You appreciate second-chance or second-love romances
•You appreciate stories set in Pittsburgh/Western PA
You might not be the intended reader if:
•You want long passages of prose or inner monologue. Cassie's character is vibrant and does not like things to get "boring." Paper Cranes is very plot-driven, so if you want long Thomas Hardy-style descriptions of trees, or elaborate self-examination of and by the characters this is not the book you are looking for.
A special thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept and premise of the story: a young widowed mother finding love again after the tragic death of her husband. I deeply enjoyed Cassie's spunk and her genuine love for her children. I've rarely seen motherhood depicted as so rewarding, even if exhausting.
This book might be for you if:
• You want a fast-paced book you can escape into
• You want a guaranteed happy ending (something the author has expressed she values personally)
• You appreciate second-chance or second-love romances
•You appreciate stories set in Pittsburgh/Western PA
You might not be the intended reader if:
•You want long passages of prose or inner monologue. Cassie's character is vibrant and does not like things to get "boring." Paper Cranes is very plot-driven, so if you want long Thomas Hardy-style descriptions of trees, or elaborate self-examination of and by the characters this is not the book you are looking for.
A special thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
August 14, 2021
This was a really nice simple love story, really loved the switching perspectives. I was a little taken aback by the dramatic “twist” but enjoyed reading and seeing how it played out. Reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks novel!
August 2, 2021
A quick and refreshing read.
Julie James’ debut novel is a sweet story of love, loss, and finding hope in times of grief.
With a cast of relatable characters and a setting that feels like home, Paper Cranes is a feel-good book that also packs a punch.
I appreciated the focus on the importance of working through grief and not just pushing it aside.
This one is great if you’re looking for a cozy romance that has a bittersweet touch.
Julie James’ debut novel is a sweet story of love, loss, and finding hope in times of grief.
With a cast of relatable characters and a setting that feels like home, Paper Cranes is a feel-good book that also packs a punch.
I appreciated the focus on the importance of working through grief and not just pushing it aside.
This one is great if you’re looking for a cozy romance that has a bittersweet touch.
October 2, 2021
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Paper Cranes by Julie James is a batch of pumpkin cinnamon rolls that didn't fully rise. All the right ingredients blend together for the right flavor, and it's tasty but a bit denser than planned.
[copy received. opinions my own]
Cassie, a mom to two children, is still trying to adjust to her reality of being a widow when she reconnects with an old high school classmate, Matt. She's been doing all right by herself with the help of her friends, but Matt's entrance into her life has stirred up feelings and possibilities. Maybe it's time to let go of the past and move into the future.
Julie James hit on a really interesting premise for a rom-com when she opted to explore romance after the death of a partner. The heroine was obviously strong, and the hero was obsessed with the heroine. However, for me, I desperately wanted characters who were more likable: Cassie came off very brusque while Matt bordered on creepy in his pursuit of Cassie. The plot dragged. I do want to point out that all the right elements were in the story, and I think a thorough developmental edit would smooth out these problems. I was pleased by the clean writing style that truly flowed. All in all, I want more from Julie James because I think she's an author to watch.
If you enjoy romance and stories about romance after death, Paper Cranes is for you.
[copy received. opinions my own]
Cassie, a mom to two children, is still trying to adjust to her reality of being a widow when she reconnects with an old high school classmate, Matt. She's been doing all right by herself with the help of her friends, but Matt's entrance into her life has stirred up feelings and possibilities. Maybe it's time to let go of the past and move into the future.
Julie James hit on a really interesting premise for a rom-com when she opted to explore romance after the death of a partner. The heroine was obviously strong, and the hero was obsessed with the heroine. However, for me, I desperately wanted characters who were more likable: Cassie came off very brusque while Matt bordered on creepy in his pursuit of Cassie. The plot dragged. I do want to point out that all the right elements were in the story, and I think a thorough developmental edit would smooth out these problems. I was pleased by the clean writing style that truly flowed. All in all, I want more from Julie James because I think she's an author to watch.
If you enjoy romance and stories about romance after death, Paper Cranes is for you.
August 19, 2021
This is the perfect book to curl up with when it’s cold and snowing outside. This story makes me want to snuggle up with this book and a warm mug, right beside a fireplace.
This novel has it all. I appreciated that James doesn’t shy away from writing the hard scenes – Cassie and her children’s grief and longing following Andrew’s death was raw, and there were many emotionally difficult scenes.
However, there were also light-hearted moments of banter and laughter between the characters, and fond memories of Andrew that the family bonded over. Beyond that, the relationship between Cassie and Matt kept me turning the pages, eager for answers on the mystery around him and where their relationship would lead.
This is the perfect book for you if you want something that feels real, with some mystery and a romance filled with witty banter.
This novel has it all. I appreciated that James doesn’t shy away from writing the hard scenes – Cassie and her children’s grief and longing following Andrew’s death was raw, and there were many emotionally difficult scenes.
However, there were also light-hearted moments of banter and laughter between the characters, and fond memories of Andrew that the family bonded over. Beyond that, the relationship between Cassie and Matt kept me turning the pages, eager for answers on the mystery around him and where their relationship would lead.
This is the perfect book for you if you want something that feels real, with some mystery and a romance filled with witty banter.
December 2, 2021
3.5 stars
Thank you so much to Julie James for the gifted copy of her book! It was a beautiful story of a mother processing grief of her husband and finding love anew. The storyline gave me Nicholas Sparks Bend in the Road vibes. I loved the back and forth correspondence between Cassie and Matt, it added so much more depth to their relationship!
Some of the character’s thoughts or dialogue seemed off maybe jilting or jarring somehow. It was hard to describe. But I would be interested in reading more from this author after having read this debut book!
Thank you so much to Julie James for the gifted copy of her book! It was a beautiful story of a mother processing grief of her husband and finding love anew. The storyline gave me Nicholas Sparks Bend in the Road vibes. I loved the back and forth correspondence between Cassie and Matt, it added so much more depth to their relationship!
Some of the character’s thoughts or dialogue seemed off maybe jilting or jarring somehow. It was hard to describe. But I would be interested in reading more from this author after having read this debut book!
December 22, 2021
4/5 Stars.
Was a super quick and easy read. Did just a good job with portraying on finding love after losing someone dear. Was into it within the first few pages.
Wish there was a little more to the ending. It was super rushed and it felt like not a lot of the issues were talked about. Overall was super glad it ending with some happiness!
Was a super quick and easy read. Did just a good job with portraying on finding love after losing someone dear. Was into it within the first few pages.
Wish there was a little more to the ending. It was super rushed and it felt like not a lot of the issues were talked about. Overall was super glad it ending with some happiness!
June 5, 2022
This is the first novel for this author. I like the idea behind the story but found the writing to be a bit too simple at times. It’s fast paced, which I like, but almost typical love story that’s a bit cliche. Looking forward to seeing how the author’s story telling skills grow, cause I think she’ll be good.
August 22, 2021
While Cassie Caldwell is grieving her husband’s sudden death, a high school friend drops back into her life. Little does she know their lives are more intertwined than she could have ever imagined.
My thoughts:
💌 Julie James’ debut novel is sweet and simple- I read it in less than 24 hours which is unusual for me! It is easy to read but hits on grief in a beautiful way.
💌 I love that Cassie didn’t follow the typical widower trope that we read about. She was very realistic to me- she learned to build her life back up again while raising two kids. She was still feisty and confident!
💌 Being set in Pittsburgh, this just felt like a warm hug to me. Thanks Julie for gifting me your first book- it will hold a special place on my bookshelf!
My thoughts:
💌 Julie James’ debut novel is sweet and simple- I read it in less than 24 hours which is unusual for me! It is easy to read but hits on grief in a beautiful way.
💌 I love that Cassie didn’t follow the typical widower trope that we read about. She was very realistic to me- she learned to build her life back up again while raising two kids. She was still feisty and confident!
💌 Being set in Pittsburgh, this just felt like a warm hug to me. Thanks Julie for gifting me your first book- it will hold a special place on my bookshelf!
August 20, 2021
Loved it! Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book. While reading this book I laughed out loud and teared up!
August 9, 2021
This is easily one of those timeless books that you can set aside a weekend for and just curl up and enjoy it from beginning to end.
The main character, Cassie, has just lost the love of her life and is trying to see straight in her new world. Nothing is easy when you're going through something like this, but the quirky and in-your-face manner of Cassie's personality allows you to laugh out loud at many points in this story when all you want to do is let your tears flow from feeling her pain.
Matt is also a pretty powerful character. He carries this heavy sadness throughout the story in a way that makes you feel for him without even understanding why. The connection between him and Cassie is reminiscent of how Cassie and her husband was in that synchronistic kind of way that you can't ignore.
There are so many great scenes throughout this book that bring raw, real life experiences into focus in a way that many may not understand. But Cassie's personality shines through like a beacon looking for its home again and you can't help but to love these characters deeply.
An amazing read and I can't wait for more from this debut author!
The main character, Cassie, has just lost the love of her life and is trying to see straight in her new world. Nothing is easy when you're going through something like this, but the quirky and in-your-face manner of Cassie's personality allows you to laugh out loud at many points in this story when all you want to do is let your tears flow from feeling her pain.
Matt is also a pretty powerful character. He carries this heavy sadness throughout the story in a way that makes you feel for him without even understanding why. The connection between him and Cassie is reminiscent of how Cassie and her husband was in that synchronistic kind of way that you can't ignore.
There are so many great scenes throughout this book that bring raw, real life experiences into focus in a way that many may not understand. But Cassie's personality shines through like a beacon looking for its home again and you can't help but to love these characters deeply.
An amazing read and I can't wait for more from this debut author!
August 17, 2021
So impressed with Julie’s first book! The characters are relatable, the story moves along at a great pace, and it’s an overall feel good story about loss and love. Can’t wait to see what she writes next!
July 19, 2021
This is the perfect book to curl up with when it’s cold and snowing outside. This story makes me want to snuggle up with this book and a warm mug, right beside a fireplace.
This novel has it all. I appreciated that James doesn’t shy away from writing the hard scenes – Cassie and her children’s grief and longing following Andrew’s death was raw, and there were many emotionally difficult scenes.
However, there were also light-hearted moments of banter and laughter between the characters, and fond memories of Andrew that the family bonded over. Beyond that, the relationship between Cassie and Matt kept me turning the pages, eager for answers on the mystery around him and where their relationship would lead.
This is the perfect book for you if you want something that feels real, with some mystery and a romance filled with witty banter.
This novel has it all. I appreciated that James doesn’t shy away from writing the hard scenes – Cassie and her children’s grief and longing following Andrew’s death was raw, and there were many emotionally difficult scenes.
However, there were also light-hearted moments of banter and laughter between the characters, and fond memories of Andrew that the family bonded over. Beyond that, the relationship between Cassie and Matt kept me turning the pages, eager for answers on the mystery around him and where their relationship would lead.
This is the perfect book for you if you want something that feels real, with some mystery and a romance filled with witty banter.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews