Member Reviews
As a huge fan of genealogy this book was not put downable, and captured me from the start to the finish.
I am so glad I took the opportunity to read this novel. I quickly fell in love with it and my interest stayed strong until the end. I enjoyed the characters both from the past and the current storyline. I loved the dual narrative tied together from the old love letters found in her grandmother's bottom drawer. Two great love stories wrapped together in a creative, well written, and very enjoyable read.
I loved this story, although I wouldn’t say I couldn’t put it down, because I did. It wasn’t a hard read by any means but it also wasn’t the smoothest. It was set in more than one country (Phillipines and US – more than one city in the US too), more than one time period in each country, the stories jumped back and forth and its partly told in letters and partly in prose – so yeah not always the smoothest. That said, I absolutely love the actual story and I particularly loved that it was based on the authors own history.
It’s about Ali, who finds love letters written by a man to her great grandmother before the first world war, and ultimately how those letters led her to unravel her family’s history and in some respects, settle her own future. Brilliant concept. Would totally recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ecopy for my Kindle.
My only regret in reading this book is that I didn't take time to read it sooner! What a lovely and touching historical fiction book about family spanning over sever generations starting before WWII. The lives of 4 generation of women with stories of love and loss, war and peace, and most of all, how decisions one makes effect the lives of future generations. When the story concludes not all of the details of the previous generations are revealed- maybe there's a sequel?
I don't normally read romance books, but this one is an historical fiction book with romance entwined making it a great read!
This book spans a century and goes from the past to present. It was a beautiful story about love among other things. I was not disappointed in this book, I loved it.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
Thankyou to NetGalley, Atacama Books and the author, Mar Wood, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Genealogy in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
What's remarkable story. I really was enthralled with this novel from the start. The storyline was well written and the characters realistic. A highly emotional read, so have those tissues handy.
A beautifully written tale.
Mae Wood has crafted a beautiful masterpiece that spans oceans and generations. It touches on war and loss, love and life, and hopes and dreams. It weaves its way effortlessly through timelines to create a stunningly written story filled with bittersweet connections.
Dnf 20%. I loved the blurb and concept of this story, but its feeling very one sided. Not a lot of dialogue which is something I don't like. I think the execution just isn't working for me. We're getting past/present moments. I just I'm not getting the fuzzy feelings of how Alice and Elliot met, and within 5 days they are basically pen pals. We don't see what happens during those 5 days, and I think it would bring something more to the characters bc at this point Im not connecting with them at all. Some things are also already becoming repetitive at this point. Sadly, this one didn't work for me.
This book gives you the post and the present all in one hit. It is a love heartfelt story. I'm new to the historical genre but this for me ticked all the boxes. Thank you to both NetGalley and Atacama Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review.
Beautiful intertwining stories of vibrant characters spanning 100 years. I liked that the book is a mix of third person narration and letters/emails.
I absolutely loved this book!
This book spans the past and the present through the viewpoints of Ali, Elliott and Alice. I adored the romance of Elliott and Alice's brief relationship and the letters they shared. Ali's character develops realistically throughout the book as she learns more about the relationship and the life of her great-grandmother.
Genealogy is an intriguing, beautifully written novel and it will stay with me for a long time to come.
Historical romance is not my thing. Sweet romance- eh, give me all the steam. So, when Mae told me she was writing a story based on old love letters she found, and it was a kissing story, I was nervous. I mean, I had to read it- it’s Mae. Let me say, I AM SO GLAD I DID!
Genealogy is a captivating story that stays with you long after you finish. As the present meets the past, you are immersed in a love story that spans generations and continents. I adored the characters, and felt a wide range of emotions.
This story is a treasure, and I am so happy I read it.
'Geneaology' was a delight to read from start to finish. The characters were so well-written that I cared what happened to all of them, the dual timelines were woven beautifully together and the structure was skillful. This was the novel equivalent of a delicious meal at a fine dining restaurant: just enough, but you'd love some more.
. Although a bit wordy at times, the author creates good connection between her reader and her characters so that they can feel the emotions the hero and heroine struggle with throughout the book. For lovers of historical romance, I recommend this book.
I am speechless. I absolutely adored this novel! Historical fiction mixed with current day is my favorite. Knowing this novel was based on Mae’s great grandmothers letters makes it more heartfelt and endearing. I love the character of Ali and the life struggles that she faces makes her real and believable. Adored Elliot and Alice. I love erveything about this novel. Thank you NetGalley and Mae Wood.
I had seen this book on offer through NetGalley. I actually checked it out numerous times because the premise kept drawing me in but I didn't think I had the time to fit it into my reading schedule. Lo and behold I got a message from a GoodReads group with an excerpt of the first few pages and there was no way that I couldn't not request an ARC. I was thrilled when I was approved.
This book is one of the best books I've read this year!!!!
Ali discovers 100 year old letters written to her Great Grandma Alice from a man named Elliott. She decides that as the new owner she will read the letters written during a time that when you wanted someone to hear your words and know your thoughts it wasn't achieved with the quick click of a button but through putting pen to paper and penning out what you want your words to convey. Hoping that your correspondence makes it into their hands and with it you receive a reply. After reading all of the beautiful and poignant letters Ali feels the need to track down Elliott's descendants and share his words and part of his life and story with them. She sets into motion a series of events that lead her to connect with Elliot's Great Grandson, Ben and quite possibly the path her life should be on.
I loved the triple POV in this one. We get Elliott's thoughts and feelings for Alice, we get Ali's feelings as she goes through the motions of discovering Alice's first great love and then we get the story from Alice's POV. It all tied together so perfectly and with an ending that made my heart feel full.
If you read any book before the end of this year it needs to be Genealogy. It really is such a touching and heartfelt look at a time so different from how lives are lived today.
**Received ARC through NetGally. Voluntairly reviewed**
I was completely entranced by this story from beginning to end. I loved the switch between past and present. Getting to experience several love stories at once was different, but the best was seeing how earlier love stories can impact later ones. This is such an emotionally, heartwarming read. I definitely recommend if you just want to feel good.