Another review described this book as a hallmark movie. That is exactly what it is, from the characters to the plot. The octopus was a good twist on the classic story but it is predictable and a bit painful at times. The conflict survives so long because of assumptions that no one questions. Literally, no one processes any new information until the last quarter of the book. Half of the book was spent seeing characters obtain all the clues but not use them properly. There is so little growth with the characters as well. There is some but not significant.

That being said, the characters are real, not all morally good, but they felt very real in their reactions and actions. The author knows how to write. The book is so smooth to read. The interactions between the characters are interesting and managed well. There are plenty of side characters that are seen more than once and have their own lives. It’s clear the author planned very well.

To me, the book was not revolutionary but it was well written. And sometimes that’s all I need for an afternoon.

I read her other book “when women were dragons” earlier this year. This is startlingly similar. The characters have similar dynamics and the writing style is very much the same. It was a little disappointing but she does write those characters so well. I didn’t really want to stop reading.

This was heartbreaking yet inspiring at the same time. She is so good at putting emotion on the pages and making it flow. I get sucked in so easily with her books.

I’m so glad that the side characters got some one-on-one content. I feel like the author has really improved through these last five books. The art is still a little off in some places, but the plot and quality of the overall book is so good now. There are so many important conversations that were included relating to the beginning of the relationship that I feel like many authors don’t really include. I’m sat at the edge of my seat waiting for the next book.