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Yours, Constance
"The folk of Faerie are not all kind...."
In the days of yore, it is said, Faerie-beasts walked in the world of men, waiting to carry away the innocent and unprotected. And no one is more innocent than Ella Whittington, sixteen years old and suddenly possessed of a dazzling fortune.
Ella's dizzying rise to fame is watched by the skeptical Miss Constance Hanover, who soon suspects that society's darling is in danger. What she doesn't suspect is that her efforts to uncover the truth will drag her into a world of spies, magicians, and secrets more astonishing than she ever dreamed possible.
In the days of yore, it is said, Faerie-beasts walked in the world of men, waiting to carry away the innocent and unprotected. And no one is more innocent than Ella Whittington, sixteen years old and suddenly possessed of a dazzling fortune.
Ella's dizzying rise to fame is watched by the skeptical Miss Constance Hanover, who soon suspects that society's darling is in danger. What she doesn't suspect is that her efforts to uncover the truth will drag her into a world of spies, magicians, and secrets more astonishing than she ever dreamed possible.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2022
About the author
Emily Hayse
14 books150 followersEMILY HAYSE is a lover of log cabins, strong coffee, NASCAR, and the smell of old books. Her writing is fueled by good characters and a lifelong passion for storytelling. When she is not busy turning words into worlds, she can often be found baking, singing, or caring for one of the many dogs and horses in her life. A native of Michigan, she currently resides in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 23, 2025
I actually didn't really pay attention to the blurb when I bought this. I knew it was Emily Hayse and that I love her writing, so I just bought it. Which meant I had to read the blurb once I started reading so I knew what I was actually getting into.
The Good:
Well, Emily Hayse didn't disappoint. The characters, the setting, the dialogue, the prose, and the world-building were all brilliantly well-done and this is the first book set during the Roarin' 1920s that didn't make me depressed while reading it. The story is very real in terms of the struggles of the characters and of that time period, but also is full of truth and beauty, and I found the ending very touching. Plus it's the shortest book Hayse has released yet and made for an easy few hours' read.
The Bad:
Literally nothing to say here. Except I was sad the story ended so soon even though prolonging it would have made the story feel stretched.
What the Reader Thought:
I absolutely love the stories Emily tells. While they're all so vastly different from one another, they always feel new and unique and leave me contented when finished. This one was no different. I loved every glorious, shining minute of it. I especially loved how the story was so intricately woven to the point that even the little epigraphs above each chapter gave clues to the whole story. I found myself trying to figure out who everyone really was, and Leone especially had me considering a variety of options. I can't give away spoilers, but I was very satisfied with the ending, as bittersweet and yet hopeful as it was. Brilliantly well done!
Updated review:
This might be my favorite book of Emily Hayes' so far. The themes, the quotes, the characters, the atmosphere, all so brilliantly well done. The hangover is real, as are the feels.
The Good:
Well, Emily Hayse didn't disappoint. The characters, the setting, the dialogue, the prose, and the world-building were all brilliantly well-done and this is the first book set during the Roarin' 1920s that didn't make me depressed while reading it. The story is very real in terms of the struggles of the characters and of that time period, but also is full of truth and beauty, and I found the ending very touching. Plus it's the shortest book Hayse has released yet and made for an easy few hours' read.
The Bad:
Literally nothing to say here. Except I was sad the story ended so soon even though prolonging it would have made the story feel stretched.
What the Reader Thought:
I absolutely love the stories Emily tells. While they're all so vastly different from one another, they always feel new and unique and leave me contented when finished. This one was no different. I loved every glorious, shining minute of it. I especially loved how the story was so intricately woven to the point that even the little epigraphs above each chapter gave clues to the whole story. I found myself trying to figure out who everyone really was, and Leone especially had me considering a variety of options. I can't give away spoilers, but I was very satisfied with the ending, as bittersweet and yet hopeful as it was. Brilliantly well done!
Updated review:
This might be my favorite book of Emily Hayes' so far. The themes, the quotes, the characters, the atmosphere, all so brilliantly well done. The hangover is real, as are the feels.
January 12, 2023
This was my first Emily Hayse book, and I’m so excited to say that I’ve now read some of her writing!
Yours, Constance was incredibly original in all aspects with suspense and mystery built into a 1920s fantasy plot. I had no idea what to expect, and what I got was a fun ride!
All her characters were lovely! I guessed some of the plot twists, but that didn’t bother me in the least.
And I loved all the inclusions of the letters which allowed room for the title of this novel to really shine. There were also some lovely moments where the prose took flight and the themes went deep.
Also, this cover is so beautiful! The artwork is amazing, and I love all the touches of gold.
Overall, a very enjoyably tale! Well done, Emily! 🥰
Yours, Constance was incredibly original in all aspects with suspense and mystery built into a 1920s fantasy plot. I had no idea what to expect, and what I got was a fun ride!
All her characters were lovely! I guessed some of the plot twists, but that didn’t bother me in the least.
And I loved all the inclusions of the letters which allowed room for the title of this novel to really shine. There were also some lovely moments where the prose took flight and the themes went deep.
Also, this cover is so beautiful! The artwork is amazing, and I love all the touches of gold.
Overall, a very enjoyably tale! Well done, Emily! 🥰
September 25, 2023
This was a delightful read that was quite reminiscent of The Great Gatsby. There weren't as much fantastical elements as I expected. It's more of a Roaring 20s period piece with a bit of fantasy sprinkled in at the end. But it was a delightful period piece with some great characters and a gripping plot. The fact that Hayse managed to pull this off with the "POV character isn't the protagonist" angle that The Great Gatsby used is particularly impressive. Great read!
Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).
Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).
January 10, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Emily Hayse never disappoints. This book took me about quarter way through to understand the characters and plot, but it was worth the wait. I think my favorite thing about the author’s books is her prose—she just has a way with words that keeps me wanting to read.
One of the climatic scenes was a bit of a let down for me because I’d already guessed (and to me it was fairly obvious) who the murderer was. However, there was a twist I didn’t see coming that totally caught me off guard in the best possible way.
I was originally going to give this book 4 shining stars, but the last chapter especially…where Constance processes her grief over losing her sister and that loss truly hits her for the first time, and the ending lines brought this up to 4.5 glowing stars. Such a beautiful and bittersweet ending—so very good. 🥺🤍
“But more powerful than pain, I think, is beauty. It can break our hearts more than sorrow can, because it is more lasting. After pain and sorrow end, there is still beauty.”
Emily Hayse never disappoints. This book took me about quarter way through to understand the characters and plot, but it was worth the wait. I think my favorite thing about the author’s books is her prose—she just has a way with words that keeps me wanting to read.
One of the climatic scenes was a bit of a let down for me because I’d already guessed (and to me it was fairly obvious) who the murderer was. However, there was a twist I didn’t see coming that totally caught me off guard in the best possible way.
I was originally going to give this book 4 shining stars, but the last chapter especially…where Constance processes her grief over losing her sister and that loss truly hits her for the first time, and the ending lines brought this up to 4.5 glowing stars. Such a beautiful and bittersweet ending—so very good. 🥺🤍
“But more powerful than pain, I think, is beauty. It can break our hearts more than sorrow can, because it is more lasting. After pain and sorrow end, there is still beauty.”
April 29, 2023
I have heard nothing but praise for this book since it came out, and it absolutely delivered!
Emily Hayse has such a lyrical approach to storytelling, and her beautiful narrative always leaves me spellbound.
I loved Constance despite all her prickliness, and more than once saw glimpses of myself in her. With mystery, murder, and satisfying twists, Emily crafted a heart-moving story of loss, grief, the meaning of living, & finding beauty in the ashes, all while set against the glittery background of a Gatsby-esque era.
An absolutely stunning read!
Emily Hayse has such a lyrical approach to storytelling, and her beautiful narrative always leaves me spellbound.
I loved Constance despite all her prickliness, and more than once saw glimpses of myself in her. With mystery, murder, and satisfying twists, Emily crafted a heart-moving story of loss, grief, the meaning of living, & finding beauty in the ashes, all while set against the glittery background of a Gatsby-esque era.
An absolutely stunning read!
May 9, 2023
Set in the Roaring Twenties and tinged with magic, Your, Constance is an atmospheric treat. Constance Hanover seeks solace at dazzling, deafening parties for the pain of having lost her sister in a tragic accident. There, she meets and befriends Ella Whittington, sixteen-year-old heiress with her own sad past to haunt her.
Ella's father died recently, possibly murdered. Possibly murdered by her brother, in fact. Her brother has disappeared, leaving Ella in possession of a mighty fortune, and possibly many secrets as well. Constance watches and waits to see what happens next from the sidelines, gradually coming closer and closer to the truth that is tangled up with the tragedy surrounding Ella.
There are faerie stories woven throughout the book's text, little hints about things that might be going on in the story's background, all of which get deliciously resolved at the end. There was even one little twist I didn't see coming at all, which I appreciated.
Ella's father died recently, possibly murdered. Possibly murdered by her brother, in fact. Her brother has disappeared, leaving Ella in possession of a mighty fortune, and possibly many secrets as well. Constance watches and waits to see what happens next from the sidelines, gradually coming closer and closer to the truth that is tangled up with the tragedy surrounding Ella.
There are faerie stories woven throughout the book's text, little hints about things that might be going on in the story's background, all of which get deliciously resolved at the end. There was even one little twist I didn't see coming at all, which I appreciated.
August 27, 2025
The characters were intriguing and the tension was constant. I could definitely see the great gatsby parallels haha. My biggest wishes were for more payoff earlier on—the reveals were good but took too long and I think more crumbs early would have been so nice. 3.5 stars I’d say—very quick, very enjoyable
January 15, 2023
What a page-turner!! Emily has crafted magnificent, distinct characters who take on a life of their own throughout the story.
Although Yours, Constance is told from Constance's perspective, the side-characters are just as vibrant as she is. But her depth & layered personality are top-notch👌
It's a dazzling world of mystery, Gatsby-esque, lavish parties, & the reminder that there is always Beauty & Hope; sometimes, we're just not looking hard enough 😊
Although Yours, Constance is told from Constance's perspective, the side-characters are just as vibrant as she is. But her depth & layered personality are top-notch👌
It's a dazzling world of mystery, Gatsby-esque, lavish parties, & the reminder that there is always Beauty & Hope; sometimes, we're just not looking hard enough 😊
May 11, 2023
A glitzy world where not all is as it seems, Yours, Constance is a magical read that will sweep you away in a matter of sentences. Hayse has a lyrical, quick-reading prose that keeps you turning pages, desperate to know what secrets hide on the next page.
My only critique would be that I wish the story could've been longer. That the elements of the spies and secrets could've been delved into more. It felt like there was so much more that was unexplored. It also made me feel at an arms-length from the POV character Constance. That, as a reader, I never did quite get to fully see who Constance was.
But I still highly recommend this book as it is a quick, delightful read that I will be picking up again soon!
My only critique would be that I wish the story could've been longer. That the elements of the spies and secrets could've been delved into more. It felt like there was so much more that was unexplored. It also made me feel at an arms-length from the POV character Constance. That, as a reader, I never did quite get to fully see who Constance was.
But I still highly recommend this book as it is a quick, delightful read that I will be picking up again soon!
Want to Read
November 8, 2022THAT COVER.
April 4, 2023
This book really made me feel as if I'd stepped into its pages. I was swept away with Constance into a tale of intrigue and wonder, watching each scene unfold without any idea as to what would happen next.
There were so many lovely themes woven in seamlessly. I don't really know how to explain it further without giving anything away. Simply put, in spite of how short it was, this story left a special impression on me. Recommended to all who like a little mystery or fantasy!
(And I think it's best for interested readers to go into it without knowing too much!)
There were so many lovely themes woven in seamlessly. I don't really know how to explain it further without giving anything away. Simply put, in spite of how short it was, this story left a special impression on me. Recommended to all who like a little mystery or fantasy!
(And I think it's best for interested readers to go into it without knowing too much!)
December 27, 2022
Another fabulous read from Emily Hayse! A departure from her typical non-magical fantasy, Yours, Constance is a foray into history mixed with faerie lore and I loved every second of it. 1920s opulence and a mysterious murder, a dizzying social scene and an exploration of the many faces of grief, this book *might* just tie The Last Atlantean for my favorite of hers. 10/10 recommend!
I received an advance copy, all opinions are my own and a review was not required.
I received an advance copy, all opinions are my own and a review was not required.
December 29, 2022
I LOVED the characters in this one. A quick read with a fascinating world. The roaring 20s and hints of Faerie?! I loved it. The plot was slower, but I was so intrigued by the characters that I didn’t mind. And Emily Hayses’s prose is beautiful!
August 18, 2023
This was phenomenal! I've been hearing amazing things about Emily Hayse's books for a long time and don't know why I didn't pick one up sooner. Constance isn't a conventionally likeable or sympathetic main character, but she's incredibly relatable; her growth arc was one of the most beautifully and subtly executed I've ever seen in a novella. The story world is fabulous—think The Great Gatsby, but with hints of a fairy tale peeking through. Even though the plot is quieter on the surface—most chapters are parties, teatime, and picnics—the tension and sense of urgency ramps up with each chapter. Emily's prose is truly stunning; brisk and sometimes spare, but always deeply beautiful and emotive. The climax was thrilling (I certainly didn't catch on to who the culprit was) and the ending was so bittersweet and beautiful. A resounding five stars from me, and I can't wait to devour more of Emily's books!
January 3, 2023
A bit different from Emily's usual style, but I loved it all the same! In fact, it's currently tied with Seventh City for my favorite of hers. (Though I've yet to read Knights of Tin and Lead. And have my suspicions that will take top place 😉)
Part dazzling jazz age fantasy. Part cozy mystery with surprising twists. Part heartwarming look at healing through grief. And easily read in a single sitting. Making it the perfect book to curl up with on a stormy evening!
I loved Constance! A bit wild. A bit jaded. But very much kind and loyal and looking for hope. As thrilling as the parties and mysterious encounters are, it's her journey that truly makes this book shine.
Part dazzling jazz age fantasy. Part cozy mystery with surprising twists. Part heartwarming look at healing through grief. And easily read in a single sitting. Making it the perfect book to curl up with on a stormy evening!
I loved Constance! A bit wild. A bit jaded. But very much kind and loyal and looking for hope. As thrilling as the parties and mysterious encounters are, it's her journey that truly makes this book shine.
June 14, 2024
Wow....that was really good...
10/10
Beautiful writing and captivating story. Very rarely a story can blow me away this much.
I definitely recommend!
10/10
Beautiful writing and captivating story. Very rarely a story can blow me away this much.
I definitely recommend!
January 12, 2023
Wow
So, so gorgeous. What a beautiful story and the writing... Just... Wow. I adore this story. Constance and Ella and the rest of the characters. I felt like I was in the 1920s, but with faerie. Gorgeous.
So, so gorgeous. What a beautiful story and the writing... Just... Wow. I adore this story. Constance and Ella and the rest of the characters. I felt like I was in the 1920s, but with faerie. Gorgeous.
April 18, 2024
This book was a little outside the typical fantasy setting I gravitate towards, but I will read anything Emily writes, and she did not disappoint!
I devoured this in one sitting! The mystery sucked me in, and the intrigue and glimpses of magic in the ordinary were delightful.
2nd reading: The characters were beautiful. Such depth in a setting that at first glance looks shallow—like Constance, we learn to look closer, and appreciate each character on a deeper, more personal level. I wish I could have gotten to know them all better!
I devoured this in one sitting! The mystery sucked me in, and the intrigue and glimpses of magic in the ordinary were delightful.
2nd reading: The characters were beautiful. Such depth in a setting that at first glance looks shallow—like Constance, we learn to look closer, and appreciate each character on a deeper, more personal level. I wish I could have gotten to know them all better!
Read
March 17, 2026The vibes of this book were so fun! This is one of those books that could win on just the concept alone. I loved the blending of the roaring 20s and the fae folklore. Constance's arc was also especially poignant.
Also, the inspector is literally my fave, and I have no clue why. Dude is just so done with everything.
Sensitive topics/content:
-loss of a sibling
-alcohol use (including by minors, although I don't really know if that was a law back then)
Representation:
-none
Also, the inspector is literally my fave, and I have no clue why. Dude is just so done with everything.
Sensitive topics/content:
-loss of a sibling
-alcohol use (including by minors, although I don't really know if that was a law back then)
Representation:
-none
December 18, 2023
Another lovely story from Emily! She's one of my favorite authors and I loved this Great Gabsy-esque story with fairytale elements, mystery, and a touching story about grief and humanity. It is a novella and I gobbled this one up very quickly. <3
January 8, 2023
Wow! This was such a pleasant surprise and a wonderful read for the new year!
To be honest, given the setting in the roaring 20s, I almost wasn't quite interested until the words "fairie" caught my eye. Then there was the mystery in the tone... and like many of Emily Hayse's books, I took a chance and read.
And this was SO good! Not only you get the drama of young socialites in a world of parties, but there's also a perfect blend of mystery (both natural and fairie!) Plus, the characters! Each standing out on their own in such different ways. Our protagonist Constance Hannover, who's been giving me a lot of Mary Crawley vibes (Downton Abby). She's a bit of a cynic and a drifter, but there's a perfectly good reason for that, but as the story progresses, her good heart truly shines. Then there's Ella Wittington... such a sweet golden child I wanted to protect her from the ugly world. Other characters I was quite suspicious of-- Ella's creepy lawyer, and the... wild and handsome Leorne.
All these characters harbor secrets. And just when you think you figured them out... you're shocked by another twist! At the same time, you find yourself facinated by the mystery of the Fairie... and how there's beauty even in the mist of grief.
I could go on and on, but this is worth reading! Emily Hayse never disappoints in her beautiful stories of unlikely heroes and heroines with a blend of fantastical journeys!
To be honest, given the setting in the roaring 20s, I almost wasn't quite interested until the words "fairie" caught my eye. Then there was the mystery in the tone... and like many of Emily Hayse's books, I took a chance and read.
And this was SO good! Not only you get the drama of young socialites in a world of parties, but there's also a perfect blend of mystery (both natural and fairie!) Plus, the characters! Each standing out on their own in such different ways. Our protagonist Constance Hannover, who's been giving me a lot of Mary Crawley vibes (Downton Abby). She's a bit of a cynic and a drifter, but there's a perfectly good reason for that, but as the story progresses, her good heart truly shines. Then there's Ella Wittington... such a sweet golden child I wanted to protect her from the ugly world. Other characters I was quite suspicious of-- Ella's creepy lawyer, and the... wild and handsome Leorne.
All these characters harbor secrets. And just when you think you figured them out... you're shocked by another twist! At the same time, you find yourself facinated by the mystery of the Fairie... and how there's beauty even in the mist of grief.
I could go on and on, but this is worth reading! Emily Hayse never disappoints in her beautiful stories of unlikely heroes and heroines with a blend of fantastical journeys!
August 27, 2023
My goodness, this was a lovely book, and beautifully written too. Constance, the main character, was interesting and rather mature, which is always a breath of fresh air to see. I'm tired of purposefully immature and annoying narrators. I have also since been very fond of characters that are going through alot of stuff emotionally. Hashtag "relatable" I guess.
Anyway, here are some lovely lines (no spoilers):
"But I knew better than to dream myself. Dreams were things that broke and cut your fingers when they did."
"'Thank you', was all that came out of my lips, too used to irony and bitter words."
"The water was littered with laughter and streamers and dancing light."
The only things I didn't like is that it got slow at times, and I thought the ending chapters were confusing, but I might have read it too fast (and I don't feel like re-reading it, I have too many other things to do and read).
Anyway, here are some lovely lines (no spoilers):
"But I knew better than to dream myself. Dreams were things that broke and cut your fingers when they did."
"'Thank you', was all that came out of my lips, too used to irony and bitter words."
"The water was littered with laughter and streamers and dancing light."
The only things I didn't like is that it got slow at times, and I thought the ending chapters were confusing, but I might have read it too fast (and I don't feel like re-reading it, I have too many other things to do and read).
December 4, 2023
Dazzling. Memorable. Emily Hayse's signature incisiveness and brevity, with just the subtlest glimpse of otherworld.
Loved the realistic sense of the passage of time in this one, the well-played secrets, the epigraphs (chapter epigraphs in a book are wont to wear me down, for a variety of reasons: inconsistency, opacity, length, dullness; but YC's epigraphs were a relevant, consistent part of hinting at the bigger picture without ever trying to boost the narrative on their own).
I couldn't help wondering if this book were tied to the "Knights of Tin and Lead" world?? Could be totally off the mark, but one line re: the retired colonel struck a chord. Intentional callback or not, I enjoyed.
I love it when I can recommend a book not merely for its genre, its characters, and its atomosphere, but for its sheer artistry in all the above. Yours, Constance, this compact and penetrating story, has earned its place on my shelf of default recs.
Loved the realistic sense of the passage of time in this one, the well-played secrets, the epigraphs (chapter epigraphs in a book are wont to wear me down, for a variety of reasons: inconsistency, opacity, length, dullness; but YC's epigraphs were a relevant, consistent part of hinting at the bigger picture without ever trying to boost the narrative on their own).
I couldn't help wondering if this book were tied to the "Knights of Tin and Lead" world?? Could be totally off the mark, but one line re: the retired colonel struck a chord. Intentional callback or not, I enjoyed.
I love it when I can recommend a book not merely for its genre, its characters, and its atomosphere, but for its sheer artistry in all the above. Yours, Constance, this compact and penetrating story, has earned its place on my shelf of default recs.
April 27, 2023
I enjoyed the story quite a bit. Originally I was debating if I should've given this five stars. The ending of yours, Constance, falls a bit flat for me. I wished the story was just a bit longer. I loved Emily's writing style. She perfectly captured the 1920s period without the pessimism that is often found in other works.
As someone who isn't fond of the fantasy genre, there wasn't a point in the story where I felt bogged down or uninspired to continue. That is a testament to her storytelling.
The novel carries heavy themes that I wish I could go into without spoiling.
Yours, Constance gets almost everything right. The era, characters, and central mystery were handled with such love & care. I was tempted to give this five stars; if the ending had landed for me, I would have. I strongly recommend checking out Yours, Constance.
As someone who isn't fond of the fantasy genre, there wasn't a point in the story where I felt bogged down or uninspired to continue. That is a testament to her storytelling.
The novel carries heavy themes that I wish I could go into without spoiling.
Yours, Constance gets almost everything right. The era, characters, and central mystery were handled with such love & care. I was tempted to give this five stars; if the ending had landed for me, I would have. I strongly recommend checking out Yours, Constance.
September 13, 2023
I had heard SUCH good things about this book, and "1920s fantasy" isn't a very large genre so I was very interested to see how the author did it.
Unfortunately it didn't seem to have much of a story at all, in my opinion. There is an underlying mystery I feel like we don't see much of and then it's resolved. The main character doesn't do much or have much of a personality besides partying.
It wasn't nearly as "fantasy" as I had been hoping for and overall I just felt like it was lacking.
I do think that there were individual sentence that were beautifully written and can see why people like Emily Hayse's work! This book just wasn't for me.
Unfortunately it didn't seem to have much of a story at all, in my opinion. There is an underlying mystery I feel like we don't see much of and then it's resolved. The main character doesn't do much or have much of a personality besides partying.
It wasn't nearly as "fantasy" as I had been hoping for and overall I just felt like it was lacking.
I do think that there were individual sentence that were beautifully written and can see why people like Emily Hayse's work! This book just wasn't for me.
June 3, 2025
This was a fun, character-driven drama with a bit of mystery and a touch of fantasy!
I really liked this MC, her cynicism was entertaining without being a downer. The plot was simple but not lacking. I did feel a little blind to the setting, more descriptions would have been helpful.
Overall I look forward to reading another Emily Hayse book!
I really liked this MC, her cynicism was entertaining without being a downer. The plot was simple but not lacking. I did feel a little blind to the setting, more descriptions would have been helpful.
Overall I look forward to reading another Emily Hayse book!
January 30, 2024
This was such a lovely read and there were several places I underlined for quotes I really liked. The theme of grief is a timeless, wonderful story to read, in any kind of form.
March 26, 2024
THE PLOT TWIST.
That completely made the book for me.
That completely made the book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I would have loved for it to be longer!
July 2, 2025
Yours, Constance is a little different from Emily's other stories. It has less adventure. Our narrator, Constance, isn't at the heart of the action. But it's a lovely story. I read it in a single afternoon.
As always, Emily's writing is beautiful to read. Her author voice has a wonderful classic feel to it, which always fits so nicely with her stories.
The characters were great. While Constance is cynical, there's a frankness about her that you can't help but like. She's also the perfect narrator for the novel, giving us a glimpse into what happened that one summer. Ella Whittington is pure sunshine. Leone... he kept me on my toes until the very end.
I love how Emily led the reader to understand what was going on--even if Constance didn't--with the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. It was great. And while I was able to guess a plot twist off of those quotes, there was a twist at the ending that caught me totally off guard. It also made me want to reread the book and see everything in a new light.
The book felt a touch short, but I'm not sure if it could have been longer without weakening the story.
Also, the cover is absolutely stunning and fits the story so well.
Cautions: brief mentions of smoking and drinking
As always, Emily's writing is beautiful to read. Her author voice has a wonderful classic feel to it, which always fits so nicely with her stories.
The characters were great. While Constance is cynical, there's a frankness about her that you can't help but like. She's also the perfect narrator for the novel, giving us a glimpse into what happened that one summer. Ella Whittington is pure sunshine. Leone... he kept me on my toes until the very end.
I love how Emily led the reader to understand what was going on--even if Constance didn't--with the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. It was great. And while I was able to guess a plot twist off of those quotes, there was a twist at the ending that caught me totally off guard. It also made me want to reread the book and see everything in a new light.
The book felt a touch short, but I'm not sure if it could have been longer without weakening the story.
Also, the cover is absolutely stunning and fits the story so well.
Cautions: brief mentions of smoking and drinking
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews