Eternal Summer of My Homeland is a gentle collection of stories about everyday life. While one story felt out of place, Garden City was unforgettable.

A husband tending a garden of his late wife’s favourite flowers—even after being ordered to clear the plot—became a quiet yet powerful expression of enduring love.

A reflective collection best read one story at a time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was a book I struggled to connect with. Following a married teacher and her relationship with one of her students, I found myself feeling emotionally distant from the story throughout.

Despite the push and pull between the characters, I never became invested in their relationship, and I finished the book feeling more disconnected than moved.

Not every book is meant for every reader, and this one simply wasn't the right fit for me.

This wasn't just a story about choosing between two people—it was about becoming the person you're meant to be.

Mike loved Larissa, but he spent so much time trying to be the version of himself he thought she wanted that he forgot to let her love the real him. Chris, on the other hand, quietly showed up, often sacrificing his own feelings out of loyalty and love for the people around him.

I appreciated that this book didn't paint anyone as purely good or bad. Mike's mistakes came from fear and insecurity rather than malice, and one of the most meaningful parts of the story was seeing him finally take responsibility for them. His growth wasn't about winning Larissa back—it was about becoming a better friend and a better version of himself.

Chris and Larissa's relationship was built on honesty, patience, and seeing each other for who they truly were. Their journey felt earned because it wasn't born from stealing someone's partner, but from people finding each other after everything had fallen apart.

One line that stayed with me was:

"Time changes things. It doesn't change people. People have to change themselves."

For me, that became the heart of the novel. Time can reveal who we are, but only we can choose to become someone different.

A thoughtful story about love, accountability, second chances, and the courage to stop pretending.

Beautiful Distance is a quiet, reflective read that can easily be finished in a single sitting.

Although the story revolves around illness and caregiving, it ultimately felt more like a meditation on love, grief, connection, and the uncertainty of being human.

The book is filled with thoughtful observations that made me pause and reflect. One of my favourite passages explored the idea that we spend our lives learning—not only about the world, but about ourselves, our pain, and how to live alongside it.

Another theme that resonated deeply was the idea that relationships don't lose their value because of distance. Fleeting or deep, near or far, all kinds of relationships matter.

This isn't a dramatic or plot-driven book. It's a quiet one.

The kind that gently breaks your heart while reminding you how precious connection can be.

A quick read, but not one I'll forget anytime soon. 🤍