by Marisa De Los SantosI first heard about this lovely book from Lesley's Book Nook. She gave it lots of positive raves and, since she's never recommended a book I didn't like I quickly added it to my TBR list. All these months later (or maybe it's been over a year) I finally took the chance to enjoy it myself.
I loved the different views from the various main characters. It proved a very effective means of getting to know each character and empathizing with them. Each had concerns and flaws. I was surprised that one of my least favorite characters during the first part of the book could elicit feelings of compassion from me later on.
This is a masterfully written story of relationships. There are secrets that are uncovered, crisis to overcome, friendships made and challenged, marriages weakened and/or strengthened, ties between children and parents tested, and a major illness. Written out like this it sounds like it might be a hard book to read, maybe too sad; but it's really not. It's an immensely interesting and enjoyable story.
My favorite characters were Dev, a 'genius' 13-yr-old and Cornelia, a young married wife of a handsome, charming, down-to-earth doctor. These two tell the story from their points of view, along with the 'Stetford-type wife', Piper.
17 comments:
I'd really love to read this! Thanks for the review!
I liked this book, but I liked the first one, Love Walked In, even better. If you haven't read Love Walked In, I think it's enough of a stand-alone book that reading the second one first doesn't really matter. I'm glad you enjoyed this one!
I have to second what Tricia wrote. I adored Love Walked In...fantastic book!! If you haven't read that one you must!! Trust me! Belong to Me was a good read too!
I forgot to tell to tell you that I really enjoyed your thoughts on this!! Great review!
This has been on my TBR list probably since Lesley wrote about it. I'll have to borrow it from you. I have Love Walked In so I'll try to read it first.
Oh, two positive reviews. I will have to make an effort to get around to this one!
This was a great review. I added this book to my ever growing TBR pile/list.
Also I just wanted to let you know that I gave you an award. The Premio-Dardos Award come on over and check it out. http://readingmama.blogspot.com/2009/04/premio-dardos-award.html
Oh, I'm so glad I didn't lead you astray with my recommendation! I just love Marisa de los Santos and can't wait for another publication by her. I'll probably have to read Belong to Me a second time, just to satisfy my craving for her lovely writing. And I, too, was surprised that a certain character was able to elicit feelings of compassion from me later on in the book. :)
Lovely review!
Amy, I think you'd enjoy it.
Tricia, thanks for the recommendation. I've heard good things about Love Walked In.
Staci, another vote in favor of Love Walked In. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it.
Framed, I'll be happy to borrow Loved Walked In from you. Unfortunately, I can't return the favor. I got Belong to Me from the library.
Kailana, hope you like it. I think you will.
Pabast, thanks for the award. Mighty sweet of you to pass it my way.
Les, thanks for the compliment. And for the recommendation.
I loved de Los Santos's first book so I appreciate this review... one more reason to pick it up!
I liked her first book, too, but I liked this one much better!
I am reading this right now! I really loved her first book and your review makes me more excited to really get into the book (I am only a couple chapters in)...thanks!
I've had this book on my TBR shelf for awhile now. I haven't yet read anything by the author but I've heard nothing but great things about her work. I am glad to hear you enjoyed this one!
Nadine, I ordered Love Walked In today because of everyone's recommendations.
Jenclair, I think you're the 1st one to say you liked the 2nd one better.
Obsessed, I look forward to your thoughts about this book.
Literary Feline, I understand about books that have been on the shelf for awhile. We both probably have dozens. Just know that you have a good book to look forward to.
My book club is reading Love Walked In this summer. I will have to read Belong to Me after that -- great review.
I always find it really interesting and cool when a character can be so unlikable but still elicit a compassionate response from me. I think that is a very impressive feat for an author. Glad you liked this one!!
I too really enjoyed this book!
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