I am not a big fan of time-travel or classics, and this book seemed to combine both. Therefore, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Forever Lovely, but I love to give new books a chance. I’m delighted to say this book was not only poetically written but humorous and adventurous. I’ve never read Jane Austen, but Forever Lovelycontains similar themes, as mentioned throughout the story. Linore did an excellent job combining modern and historical, not only in world-building but also in dialogue.
First Impression 4/5
Chapter one started right in the action, which I loved, with the characters trapped in the 21st Century. Immediately, it was evident how much research and precision was put into creating the differences in each time period. The author did a wonderful job keeping true to the historical and modern-day aspects.
Character Development 4.5/5
This book, I would say, is straight to the point and doesn’t leave much room for character growth, but each character is unique and interesting. Margaret probably changed the most in this book–finally becoming comfortable in her skin instead of always thinking less of herself. Her sister also transformed, though we see more of her “new self” than her old, bitter character, which is only mentioned in memory.
World-Building 5/5
The setting in this story was phenomenal. It went back and forth between the 21st Century and the early 1800s. I felt transported into each period at every turn. Everything was so vivid and delightful to read. The characters reflected the different periods wonderfully in their dialect, mannerisms, and tendencies. We also have the unique idea of a time-travel shawl, a hidden gem I never knew I wanted to find. It added a thrilling element to the plot and left room for endless questions and twists.
Emotions 3.5/5
Forever Lovely didn’t make me feel much apart from laughter and joy. There were a few precarious moments that would make one teary-eyed, but other than that, emotions weren’t a significant factor in this story, not that there were zero feelings. I’m not sure if it was because of the writing style, or perhaps the quick pace, or maybe just me being unable to connect to the emotions themselves. Whatever it was, something kept me from emotionally diving into this book. But I had no problem with this since the plot was fascinating enough!
Style 2.5/5
I don’t think I’ll ever like omniscient POVs. It makes things too difficult to follow, and I never know whose perspective I’m reading from. Although, I suppose it’d be EVERYONE’S.
However, I read this book from start to finish, and it wasn’t unbearable, considering it was a combination of things I don’t particularly search for in a book. The humor, faith, and mystery kept me turning the page. Though the readability, perspectives, and story structure placed many ruts in the flow, it was still unlike anything I’ve read, and I enjoyed it to the end.
Cleanliness 5/5
For a Christian-categorized book, it was essentially clean. There were many kissing scenes and mild implications, but nothing more than sweet romance. Some violence takes place, and murder is mentioned, though the details are vague and slight. Forever Lovely is perfect for all ages, but I believe an older age group would be more inclined to pick it up since there are more classical elements than modern.
Conclusion 5/5
This book ended wonderfully. We see some more character growth and story completion. I adored how things concluded. It left room for imagination, knowing the characters still had their whole lives to live. I love when books end this way, as if the story continues even if the pages don’t.
Final Rating: 4 stars
Recommended Age Group: all age groups
!Trigger Warnings!
Mild violence
Genres: historical, romance, time-travel, regency
Thank you, Linore, for contacting me via my blog and sharing your book with me! I enjoyed stepping out of my usual reading genres into something new. You provided a delightful adventure, and I’m grateful to have experienced it.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; all your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 ESV
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