Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
Pages: 272 (8 Hr. 3 Min.)
Publisher: Macmillan (Flatiron Books)
My Rating: ⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“From New York Times bestselling author Holly Goldberg Sloan, a compelling and heartfelt novel for fans of Maria Semple and Emma Straub about a family trying to restore a ramshackle beachside motel―and their own lives
What good was thinking the future only held cloudy skies? Wasn’t the reality that pieces of blue were always there, waiting to break through?
When Paul Hill drowns in a surfing accident, his broken-hearted wife, Lindsey, and their three children are left in huge financial trouble. Once Paul’s life insurance finally comes through, Lindsey impulsively uses the money to buy a charmingly ramshackle motel in Hawai’i, hoping for a fresh start. Teenage Olivia quickly develops a crush on a handsome but monosyllabic skateboarder. Twelve-year-old Carlos reinvents himself as a popular kid named Carl. And Sena, the youngest, will do whatever it takes to protect her beloved motel chickens.
But while the kids adjust, Lindsey is flailing, trying to pretend she knows how to bring a motel―and herself―back to life. Then a handsome stranger rolls into the motel parking lot, and she’s surprised to feel a long-dormant part of herself stirring. She accepts his offer to help, unaware that he may have secrets of his own. And all the while, out in the Pacific, the trade winds are fiercely blowing.
Funny and tender, full of twists and turns and heart, Pieces of Blue is a portrait of an irresistible family learning to start over.”
My Review:
I think this is simply a case of maybe it’s just not for me – so take my review with a pinch of salt and don’t let it influence you. This is simply my experience with this story and I just couldn’t get into it. I received a free copy from a Goodreads giveaway and an early copy of the audiobook as well. I tried reading from both formats and still just failed to connect with it. I’m not incredibly surprised, as this is not my typical genre, but sometimes I get pleasantly surprised, just not this time. I didn’t feel any connection to the characters, whether that is because they aren’t full fleshed out I’m not sure. Something about the writing and the flow of the story overall wasn’t great. The POV swaps were a little jarring to me, and instead of expanding on my understanding of the characters it just felt like getting crumbs. I didn’t find the “drama” all that convincing, like it was trying to be more than it really was. All of these things I think failed to engage me with the message of the story and I just wasn’t feeling it. Again, not every book is for every reader, and this one just wasn’t for me. I’m not saying it’s a bad book or the author is a bad writer; I’m sure there will be plenty of people who love it – I’m just not one of them.
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
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