Review: May We Make Them Proud by Issabelle Perry
May We Make Them Proud by Issabelle Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a beautiful novellette that truly tugs at the heart. I can’t wait to see more from this talented author!
Characters – Let’s start off with sweet Wren who has been through so much. She’s reeling from her father’s death and doing all she can to keep his beloved bookstore going. Her grief and reactions were so real, and her desperation palpable. However, she wasn’t a character who was constantly drowning in sadness (which would be perfectly authentic as well, but a bit harder to read.) And then there’s Jax, the long-lost boyfriend who shows up at the bookstore and literally signs up to be in a Pride and Prejudice book club. I loved his giving heart and how far he went in pursuing Wren. The whole second-chance romance was super sweet (but definitely included some rocky moments throughout.)
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The bookstore was such a cool setting for a lot of the scenes, and I also enjoyed the small-town feel (especially the bus station, and you know I was just loving that scene. If you read the book, you will understand.) And the writing style – oh my. It was absolutely gorgeous and so fitting for this book. This was a spot-on contemporary with relatable dialogue, smooth prose, and excellent transitions. This author can write. And finally, the plot – not super involved, given it’s a novellette, but well-paced and left me feeling as if the story was complete. So well-done.
Theme: So incredibly beautiful. Wren’s struggles with grief and questions was addressed so gently and realistically, made all the more touching because of the author’s own story. Grief isn’t an easy, smooth trip, but rather filled with messy moments and so much heartache. But even in that, God is with us and leading us through those dark valleys. He remembers us. And the part about the stars – so beautiful. I loved it!
Overall, a beautiful debut novellette that fans of contemporary fiction should read in a hurry!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
