Member Reviews
4.5
All my life, I've identified with a number of characters, although usually exclusively in fantasy or science fiction literature. I was taken aback by this book since it seemed as though Sophie Andrews had written my entire life narrative. Reviewers have noted that Cassandra has moments of being unlikeable, but who doesn't have moments of unlikeability when grief strikes?
Vince was simply dreamy. He really is my ideal man. I adore how perceptive and compassionate he was. Most of all, I find it unbelievable that I'm falling for a funeral director.
This book deftly examines grief, and you can tell that the author took great care to accurately convey the experience. The guilt of survivors, the psychological conflicts (like Cass's reactions and those of her mother and father), and the long-term effects may all be felt. However, this work also exudes optimism. As you observe, Cass gradually begins to embrace everything, and you cannot shut yourself up for the rest of your life.
This book literally made me laugh, made me cry, and made me want to recommend it around. It sounds morbid but it's really a form of coming of age in a way that no one wants -- to figure out who you are after the death of a close family member.
Cass idolized her big brother but was definitely aware of all the faults of the golden child of the family. But when her brother dies suddenly and unexpectedly, Cass becomes the one who is trying to keep her family together as everything seems to be falling apart. Both parents handle the loss in different ways but both are too lost in grief to think of her. She finds that there's a lot of help for losing a spouse or child but none for losing a sibling. As she navigates this new world and crushing grief, trying to pull her family back together, she also reunites with her brother's best friend, and her high school crush. There's a lot of talk about the layers of grief, complicated grief, recovery, found family, family trauma.
#arc
#netgalley
#loveatafuneralandotherawkwardconversations
This book! How can Sophie Andrews write a book that makes me cry nonstop and yet tell everyone I know that they must read this book!? It's one of my top 5 books ever (and I read many, many books!) that was impossible to put down. Vince Mancini is the man we all hope to have next to us as we go through unimaginable loss and the emotions that the loss brings with it. Adding in the shared history (especially as best friend of the deceased) and he becomes nothing short of the hero of this book! Please, please, Sophie Andrews, give us a second book with these characters!! Highly recommend (as if you didn't already know this!)
Love At a Funeral
Cassandra's older brother suddenly dies, and she and her family fall apart. This book was heart wrenching and insightful. Cassandra had to learn how to grief, and it took her a long time to come to terms with her loss. I was drawn to this book because I have been married into the funeral home life (25 years) or as Cass calls it the Underworld (I love the Persephone and Hades references). This book touches on so many parts of humanity: Grief, death, loneliness, family, romance and healing. Parts of this book had me in tears, then other parts had me swooning for Vince and Cassandra's relationship. The parts of the book that deal with the loss of her brother are raw and gut wrenching. I think the author did a beautiful job balancing the pain of losing a brother and all of the family drama that took place. It was healing for me to read how Cass worked through her pain with her parents. Highly recommend this one.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC!
3,5 ⭐
I have so much to say about this book... I went in expecting a cutesy romance (which I got btw) but it was not the main focus of the book.
The main focus of this book was grief and how everyone handles such a heavy topic. We see several different reactions throughout the book, how they deal with the news and how they deal with the afterwards. This book broke my heart time after time...
The story follows Cass as she deals with the loss of the brother. Her inner thoughts were so real and so raw that I just wanted to give her the biggest hug possible... I'm just glad Vince was able do it for me. Their relationship and how it developed was super cute and above all realistic, considering all the inner demons that Cass was fighting.
Although this is a story of grief and self-healing, I wished the romance element was more present in the book. I really enjoyed Cass and Vince's relationship and wanted to see more of them together as a couple, hence my rating.
And finally, thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
When I came across Love At A Funeral And Other Awkward Conversations on NetGalley, I hesitated. Many books with pretty covers had let me down, and the title seemed cliché. But I still read it anyway!
This book left me ugly crying between pages while also making me blush, giggle, and kick my feet as the depressing narratives were balanced with amusing banter and declarations of love. The blend of somber themes and lighthearted banter was masterful. What stood out most was the portrayal of grief. The story delved into the different ways people cope with loss, the harsh realities of death, and the rays of hope that come with acknowledging grief's actuality.
Cassandra, the protagonist, was portrayed with depth and complexity. She wasn't always pleasant, but that's what made her so exceptional. Her character displayed strength and vulnerability, insecurity and confidence, harshness and gentleness—all coexisting within her. I was particularly impressed by her brilliant mind, which was both revolutionary and liberating. The author, Sophie Andrews, did a commendable job of giving voice to the grief experienced by characters like Cassandra. I deeply appreciate how this book treated grief with the seriousness it deserves, as there's the heart to educate, inspire, and support—and these are the things I find beautiful in this story. I love a book that has substance!
Joanie and Vince were also highlights for me. Their patience and love towards Cassandra during her grieving process were heartwarming. I can only hope that in real life, people dealing with grief find such compassionate souls to help them through.
While I didn't expect the spicy scenes, they added an unexpected layer to the romance subplot.
I'm glad to have read this story! I recommend reading this as it sufficiently explores what grief is all about, sprinkled with witty banter and heartfelt moments. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity, and for including Vince's POV, which added another dimension to the story. I definitely don't regret reading this one!
When Cass’s brother dies suddenly at the age of 30, her family implodes. Her mum goes into a shell, her dad finds solace in drinking and it’s left to Cass to try to hold things together.
As an only child I can’t fully comprehend the bond between siblings but this story asks how we respond to people when we hear that a sibling has died. Somehow that’s not perceived as being as bad as losing a partner, parent or child, but the author questions this perception through the character of Cass. Written from personal experience, she explores the depths of Cass’s grief.
Cass finds herself alone in the world and although there is a strong attraction to the undertaker, a friend of her brother’s, she feels she needs to get herself together before she can commit to any kind of relationship.
I enjoyed this book and will consider my response in future if I hear that someone has lost a sibling.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
♡ 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5!) ♡
Keep your tissues ready, reader; you’ll need them!
The title of this book alone made me want to read it! Then, I read the blurb and was more than convinced. Alas, I requested an ARC and off I went. I finished the book the day I started because I was so hooked.
This book was a journey of emotion. As much as romance was involved, I feel like this book centred on grief and healing more, with romance as an extra (much appreciated) addition – which I loved. It also had real depth and feelings about Cass’s grief and healing, feelings that I think many people will relate to in their journeys. Not many novels get that grief/healing arc right in romance, but this book did it perfectly.
Throughout the book, I wanted to hug Cass (also my sister’s name!!) to let her know she would be okay. In my eyes, she deserved more out of her situation. I feel like she wasn’t treated as well as she could have been by those around her, minus Vince.
All in all, I loved this book and think others should definitely read it. I’ve already recommended it to some friends for their TBRs.
*I received an eARC copy in exchange for my honest review of this book*
Big thank you to NetGalley, Sophie Andrews, and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this book.
“I don’t think anyone can necessarily make someone grieving feel better.”
All I can say is wow!! This book made me feel so many emotions! I finished this book within 48 hours. I was completely immersed from start to finish. Whenever I wasn’t reading the book, I was constantly wondering about the characters within.
As a person who has dealt with plenty of grief throughout her life, I felt myself resonating with Cass. The way the author unraveled her grieving process throughout the book was done in a very real way. I loved how Vince was understanding throughout the whole book, making the romance a beautiful addition.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc! 💗
'You pretend like you can't do anything else, when I think you're just afraid of trying'
Cass considers herself the black sheep of her family, but when her brother and best friend Ray dies unexpectedly not only does she need to learn to live with her own grief but she needs to keep everyone around her afloat too. The last thing she expects to happen is for the funeral directors son Vince to enter her life and start her heart beating again. but can Love really blossom in the throws of grief?
I wasn't overly sure what to expect when I picked up this book but I am so glad that I did it was truly beautiful, hopeful and heart-wrenching. It had a depth and realness that I was not expecting and it made me feel all the emotions of the characters right along with them.
While yes this story does involve a romantic element and the MMC is a cute cinnamon roll with a surprisingly filthy mouth the overall story focuses more on loss and grief and the journey a person goes through after losing someone they are close to.
The story has light and hopeful moments and the ending is heart-warming so the book isn't all doom and gloom but when there is sadness it is necessary to the overall book. I genuinely believe these kinds of stories are needed, They reflect how everyone copes differently with death, the kinds of responsibilities that you take on that you never asked for, the survivors guilt you can feel and they way it affects relationships you already have or how you approach new ones. Overall I think the biggest thing I loved about this book is that it gives people on opportunity to feel seen when they have lost a sibling, that although a sibling relationship may be different you should still be able to grieve loud and it be okay.
I loved this book and urge others to read it too, I very much look forward to seeing what this author produces in the future.
A real rollercoaster of emotions and tied up in a bow with this book.
A real raw line of grief intertwined with a beautiful love story. Vince was perfection with his patience. I haven't felt that much emotion for a book in a long time. I cried at least 5 times (which is verrrry unlike me).
I can be a difficult read if you have/are experiencing grief in some way but highly comforting too.
*I recieved an ARC copy in return for my honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity*
This book is like a love letter to hopeless romantics who are grieving. Aka me. A girl just trying to live life after the loss of a loved one.
I was drawn to this book for a few reasons first was the cover. The second was Cass having a crush on a funeral director (my sister owns a funeral home) and third how she has dealt with the loss of her brother (I am also trying to find a way to deal with the loss of a loved one as stated above) as well as how to manage and cope with how others grieve and how you yourself grieve.
I just wanted to hug Cass throughout the book. She’s trying to process but still pick up the pieces around her with very little support but also trying to figure out who she is along the way. Vince may be my favorite Italian Funeral Director (don’t tell my sister) He’s her rock and support even though he also lost someone special to him.
I laughed, I cried, at times was so angry for Cass at the way people treated her. This book may not be for everyone but it was perfect for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book.
My interest was peeked when I saw the title and then read the summary. I love a good brother's best friend trope, and the way it was done was a bit different from the ones I usually read. This was an emotional read, that focuses on grief and healing. I definitely needed my tissues and was happy I had them close by as I was reading. Even though it was an emotional read and heavy at times, I enjoyed reading this.
Such a sweet story about handling grief and all the baggage that can come with it.
Be forewarned, have the Kleenex ready, anyone with a heart will cry. A. Lot. But the tears are worth it.
There were so many moments that resonated in the book. I appreciated the growth Cass has in the story. Good things can come from our darkest days.
This was a solid 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 — so I’ll round up 😉
A sweet story about comfort in the face of unspeakable tragedy. We can only hope that we find friendship and love that will support us through anything.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you sob from start to finish then look no further.
‘Love at a funeral and other awkward conversations’ has one of the most realistic and refreshing depictions of grief that I have read in a long time. I have not personally experienced the loss of a sibling (and I pray that I never have to) but I have experienced the loss of other family members and found so many aspects of this book incredibly relatable. Such as how you notice the tiny things that change whilst others may not, such as Cass parking her car in Ray’s old spot at Shayna’s, or the guilt of feeling that you’re grieving differently to others, are you doing enough? Or are you doing too much?
It was as if Sophie was reaching into my brain and pulling all of my thoughts out and even though this book has some heavy subject matter, I would still recommend it to everyone because it’s so beautifully done. Just have some tissues at the ready and don’t read it in public!
Also loved the romance, it was sweet but not cringy! I was worried that the love interest was going to come along and suddenly cass would suddenly just be in so in love that all of her troubles would go away and it would turn mushy and unrealistic. But that did not happen - yay! And the ending… I won’t give away spoilers but I happy cried (for the 500th time)
Not your traditional romance novel, but such a powerful story that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. This is a rollercoaster of emotions as we follow Cass’s journey through grief as she deals with the sudden death of her brother. This really shows how grief is a process that we all experience differently. Cass truly struggles to balance her own grief and attempt to hold her family together following the earth shattering news. Unexpectedly, she finds support from the funeral home director…who is also her brother’s old high school best friend and her childhood crush.
I found Cass to be very relatable in how she processes everything being thrown at her, even though it is not always easy to read. While I would not say that the love story is the focus of the plot, I absolutely adored witnessing the Cass and Vince’s relationship develop. The fact that the author pulled so many elements of this book from her own experience with losing her brother really makes this hit home even harder.
3.7⭐️
Fue un libro difícil, es el diario de quien está pasando por la perdida de su hermano mayor. Podemos ver como la gente enfrenta la pérdida de diferentes maneras.
Por un momento pensé que se utilizaría el amor como aquello que lo cura todo, afortunadamente no fue así.
Hubo una cosa que no me gustó y fue como se trató como la mala a Shayna (la esposa de Ray) y en cambio a la amante se le vio como una buena persona.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for and honest review.
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
🩶grief
🩷love after loss
🩶overcoming grief
🩷self discovery
🩶brothers best friend
Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversions is a journey through the grief of after losing her brother. The heroine, Cass, experiences alot of different emotions as she now has to cope emotionally but is now the only one holding their family together. Her lone support comes from the director of the funeral home that did her brothers service... who was also her brother's high school best friend and her crush.. ..Vince
This is an emotional book. We witness the heroine's journey through grief and how she manages to stand on her feet. The subject is rather delicate, death of a sibling and it's not the easiest read to get through.
Cass suffered through a lot of difficult decisions, moments amidst the grief.
This book is a very rare, raw, journey.
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for allowing me to read in advance.
I was immediately drawn to the description of this book on NetGalley and couldn’t resist requesting the ARC. To my delight, I was approved to receive it. I feel privileged to have the chance to dive into this special story. While the story delves into grief, it also offers a journey of healing and resilience. The author’s heartfelt note resonated with me, and I admire the strength and courage it took to write this book. It’s incredible how art and literature can provide solace during difficult times. Although the book delves into the intense emotions of loss, it also captures the power of love and support. Vincent, as a love interest, adds a lightness to the narrative, balancing the weight of the theme, but I don’t know if I would really label this as a romance. I felt like we could have done so much more with Vince in this story and since we did not, perhaps this could just be a story of loss, family and self-discovery? We get a more in-depth look at Cassandra’s grieving process than the romance element, which is totally fine, but I was kind of expecting more romance. The romance element is there, but I wanted more. If that makes any sense, because of that, I would rate this book 3 stars.