Julia > Recent Status Updates

The book started off slowly, but I’m enjoying it a bit more. Some good tidbits in here. I’ve already highlighted several sections of some wisdoms.

I read this book a long time ago when it first came out and struggled through it. Thought maybe it's just the curse of 2nd books (Iron Flame, anyone?) and remembered the ending being exciting. 3rd book released and I tried to reread the series and just couldn't. Finally, I listened to my friends and started Graphic Audio. Got through the 1st with minor annoyance, but am quickly remembering why I hated this one.

I read this book a long time ago when it first came out and struggled through it. Thought maybe it’s just the curse of 2nd books (Iron Flame, anyone?) and remembered the ending being exciting. 3rd book released and I tried to reread the series and just couldn’t. Finally, I listened to my friends and started Graphic Audio. Got through the 1st with minor annoyance, but am quickly remembering why I hated this one.

This is starting to feel like it’s going to be the first DNF of 2024. If we’re going to write toxic characters can they at least have more personality than a tan velvet throw pillow? I don’t even remember why this book was on my list. Freaking BookTok or BookStagram has lead me astray.

25% in and this may be a DNF. TJR is usually pretty good about writing strong feisty women, but Daisy is annoying as all get out. The mark is being missed.

I think it might be too much to ask to have a decently normal main character. I cannot believe that the “couple” in this book are over 40. They speak like 20yo. The weird thing Lu has going on where her “inside voice becomes her outside voice” is very cringy and a big turn off. Can normal women not exist in romance novels? Also, Keanu as a soulmate and stalking him? Why? The celebrity should have been made up

I rented the audiobook version and I think that’s my downfall. The way this person is reading the book keeps making me very aware that they are a separate person reading the book and I keep falling out of the story. Granted, the story isn’t amazing to begin with, but it’s a cozy mystery, so I’m not expecting a ton!
After reading more reviews, I’ve decided to give this a try reading with my own head voice.

So far the book is reading like a man who is very excited to play out his Medieval sexual fantasies and is cloaking it in a story about cathedral building. The scene with Agnes, the baby, Tom, and Ellen is just confirming this. My friends have rated it highly so I’ll keep reading in the hopes that it gets better, but I know worse is coming.

I don’t know that I’m going to finish this book. I’m almost done and I do want to see if she divorces her husband, but is it worth it? I’m making the judgment that if a writer can’t add tension or have a woman doubt herself without copious amounts of alcohol, then they are a bad writer. I’m so sick of the trope that women can only mess up their life if they drink. It’s tired and it’s old.

I’m a bit annoyed with this book because while the premise is good, it features yet another woman who is spacey and can’t seem to communicate. I’m tired of books like these. Where are my insanely smart women who can eavesdrop and pop popcorn at the same time. It’s a low bar, but I want it.

I’m loving every section so far and it’s helpful. However, I read the section on crying & while I understand the point they are making, Angie’s reaction to crying made me bristle. I don’t cry at work & I’ve always been confident - I don’t feel called out. It’s her condescension about it. People who cry maybe aren’t meant for the field she’s in & that’s ok. It’s ok that not everyone is like you.