Wow, how could I let a treasure like this sit on my shelf unread for so long? A beautifully written love story, yes a little bit 'Lifetime movie-ish', but I adored it. Definitely a book I would recommend.
Helpful Score: 2
I don't know how anyone could read this story and not love it. The author demonstrates that not everything in life is happy go lucky, and when you do something with the best of intentions you still may hurt someone else in the process.
Helpful Score: 2
Absolutely wonderful book! If I could give it higher than a 5 star I would. It was very emotional, it made you laugh, it made you cry, it made you root for them. A must read, if you love romance with a deeper story!
Helpful Score: 1
This is one seriously good book. Couldn't wait to receive it on my WL and had to buy it. It was money well spent. One of the best romance books I've ever read and is definitely a keeper. Like another reviewer, I'd give it higher than a five star rating if it was available, but it is definitely a five star read.
Helpful Score: 1
This is probably one of my absolute favorite romances. So, so sad at times. I cried off and on throughout the whole book. I read it in a day and by the time i was done i had a killer headache from the crying but it was soooo worth it. An amazing, unforgetable story. I usually pick up a book immediately after finishing one, but it was a day or two before i could move on after finishing this one. It definately stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Sometimes I wonder if another review is necessary, but I think a few things should be explained.
1. the Publisher is Cerridwen Press which is also part of Elloras Cave. So if you are a fan of EC, you might not find this book is racy enough for you. I dont read much romance or erotica so this book fit me fine.
2. I really dont think book deserves the genre Romance, which I dont like, I would call it more womens fiction, contemporary fiction. It falls between a Elizabeth Berg and an Oprah book (but not as depressing).
3. It was kinda easy to see the outcome of the mysterious night that Nick's abusive father is killed. You wont feel duped, but you might want to say tell the truth already!!!
4. The end gets kinda sappy annoying. That is were it is really a romance. It kinda got wrapped up too easy. Alix, the main character, goes around in such a mess for years and in a few weeks she pulls her crap together. Cue music, tie it up in a pink ribbon. Ok not exactly, cause the author saves her behind by adding in her epilogue, that they didnt ride off into the sunset, and live happily ever after, but that it took time and work. My words not hers.
5. I read this entire book all 301 pages in one evening. It just clips along and at a steady pace, and I wanted to see the book through to the end.
6. It really is worth reading. I save 4 and 5 stars for those great books that move you forever. This one is not forgettable, but not sure if it will be a forever.
1. the Publisher is Cerridwen Press which is also part of Elloras Cave. So if you are a fan of EC, you might not find this book is racy enough for you. I dont read much romance or erotica so this book fit me fine.
2. I really dont think book deserves the genre Romance, which I dont like, I would call it more womens fiction, contemporary fiction. It falls between a Elizabeth Berg and an Oprah book (but not as depressing).
3. It was kinda easy to see the outcome of the mysterious night that Nick's abusive father is killed. You wont feel duped, but you might want to say tell the truth already!!!
4. The end gets kinda sappy annoying. That is were it is really a romance. It kinda got wrapped up too easy. Alix, the main character, goes around in such a mess for years and in a few weeks she pulls her crap together. Cue music, tie it up in a pink ribbon. Ok not exactly, cause the author saves her behind by adding in her epilogue, that they didnt ride off into the sunset, and live happily ever after, but that it took time and work. My words not hers.
5. I read this entire book all 301 pages in one evening. It just clips along and at a steady pace, and I wanted to see the book through to the end.
6. It really is worth reading. I save 4 and 5 stars for those great books that move you forever. This one is not forgettable, but not sure if it will be a forever.
I cant say enough about this book. If you like an emotional read , then you would like this. The best I've read in a long time. Highly recommended.
I'm always looking for this type of story line.
I'm always looking for this type of story line.
You could not ask for a better book to read, this one was fantastic. Once I started I could not put this book down. I read the book in just a little over a day.
I just finished the best book I've read in a long, long time. I am not a crier. I hardly EVER cry IRL. This book had me crying for like an hour. The HEA was so hard-fought and even up to the epilogue it was not a sure thing. Man, the pain these characters went through just broke my heart. It was not just the H/h suffering. It was clear that the choices made affected everyone around them as well as each other. I was so rooting for them, though. I won't be able to read anyting else for days because I know I won't be able to get Ms. Allred's characters out of my head! If you haven't read it, you really need to. It's a good, old-fashioned, angst-ridden, three-hanky romance!
It starts with 8 yr old Alix on a mission to save 10 yr old Nick. What begins as an act of pity immediately turns into friendship and eventually love for all time. Allred does a wonderful job taking you through the years of Alix and Nick's beginning, their separation then Nick's return. Their story is sweet, passionate, tragic, heartbreaking and redeeming.
If you're looking for a story that will pull on your heart strings then I recommend The Sweet Gum Tree. I can honestly say I will always cherish this book.
If you're looking for a story that will pull on your heart strings then I recommend The Sweet Gum Tree. I can honestly say I will always cherish this book.
What a great story! I loved watching Alix and Nick grow up together, and the author does an excellent job making their relationship and emotions seem so real and honest. I love stories where best friends fall in love, and this one is excellent. Although there are many ups and downs in their complicated relationship, I closed the book with a smile. A superb and sweet small-town romance.
