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Book Review of The Apple Orchard (Bella Vista Chronicles, Bk 1)

The Apple Orchard (Bella Vista Chronicles, Bk 1)
Kristalo avatar reviewed on + 70 more book reviews


I'm having a hard time deciding how well I liked this book. The writing was beautiful, and the story intriguing. I read it quickly. I really liked the flashbacks to the Nazi invasion. It was one of those stories you like as you're reading it, but when it's over you're not quite sure if you liked it. The family was so dysfunctional I had a hard time keeping up. Tess wasn't my favorite heroine ever, but her journey was nice to watch. The romance between her and Dominic was nice too. Just nice. I liked that it evolved slowly and wasn't a Hi, I'm in love with you, romance. But I just didn't feel the chemistry. And what was up with Isabella? She was so sad and lost. I expected to hear that she had some horrible calamity like cancer. Major denial issues with her. Then, suddenly, all of their issues are solved, a little too easily, and they are all living the perfect lives. For all the beautiful writing and the almost nostalgic feel, I expected something a little deeper and lasting.