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A review by downsophialane
A Holly Jolly Ever After by Sierra Simone, Julie Murphy
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A mid-book surprise baby is always going to get a lot of people offside, and I'm sure the authors were aware of this (Sierra Simone in particular famously prefers to polarise her readers rather than play it safe). I thought this twist worked quite well for the heroine's post-purity culture journey. Winnie's subsequent distance and, yes, the miscommunication throughout stems logically from her purity culture trauma and Kallum's established flaws as a man who had never needed to step up and grow up. I understand miscommunication can be frustrating for some readers but honestly this seems like a good example of that trope to me... They're not just stupid, it comes from their own misconceptions and backstories... Exactly as miscommunication happens in real life!
I was a little disappointed that apart from one fleeting mention that she still has a "connection" with God, there is no mention of Winnie's relationship to her faith (beyond the purity culture imposed upon her) but that's a me thing; this isn't another Priest so I won't review it like it was trying to be.
Can I say, these epilogues from Teddy's POV are a stroke of genius because all I want is more from him!
I was a little disappointed that apart from one fleeting mention that she still has a "connection" with God, there is no mention of Winnie's relationship to her faith (beyond the purity culture imposed upon her) but that's a me thing; this isn't another Priest so I won't review it like it was trying to be.
Can I say, these epilogues from Teddy's POV are a stroke of genius because all I want is more from him!
Graphic: Chronic illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Blood and Alcohol
Minor: Body shaming and Miscarriage