Release Day Review: Seven Perfect Things by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Thirteen-year-old Abby Hubble lives in an unhappy home in the Sierra Nevada foothills where her father makes life miserable for her and her mother, Mary. One day Abby witnesses a man dump a litter of puppies into the nearby river. Diving in to rescue all seven, she knows she won’t be able to bring them home. Afraid for their fate at the pound, she takes them to an abandoned cabin, where all she can offer is a promise that she’ll be back the next day.
To grieving widower Elliot Colvin, life has lost meaning. Looking for solace, he retreats to the hunting cabin he last visited years ago, before his wife’s illness. What he discovers is not at all what he expected: seven puppies and one determined girl with an indomitable heart.
As Abby and Elliot’s friendship deepens, Abby imagines how much better her life—and the puppies’ lives—would be if her mother were married to Elliot instead of her father. But when Abby’s father moves the family hundreds of miles away, Abby and her mother must decide how long they’re willing to defer happiness.
Seven Perfect Things is a story about joy, where to find it, how to know it when you see it, and the courage it takes to hang on to it once you have it.
To grieving widower Elliot Colvin, life has lost meaning. Looking for solace, he retreats to the hunting cabin he last visited years ago, before his wife’s illness. What he discovers is not at all what he expected: seven puppies and one determined girl with an indomitable heart.
As Abby and Elliot’s friendship deepens, Abby imagines how much better her life—and the puppies’ lives—would be if her mother were married to Elliot instead of her father. But when Abby’s father moves the family hundreds of miles away, Abby and her mother must decide how long they’re willing to defer happiness.
Seven Perfect Things is a story about joy, where to find it, how to know it when you see it, and the courage it takes to hang on to it once you have it.
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Seven Perfect Things was such a wholesome story. I loved that it was told from three different POVs: Thirteen-year-old Abby, her mother Mary, and their sort of neighbor widower Elliot. I especially enjoyed reading the chapters told from Abby's POV, because there is just something refreshing seeing the world through the eyes of kids. She was such a brave young girl, and I admired her strength and caring personality. The seven puppies were an extra element to the story that I loved. The friendship that blossomed between Elliot and Abby was very sweet, and I enjoyed seeing them grow more comfortable around each other. They also did a great job taking care of the puppies.
Mary is in a unhappy marriage and doesn't know how to get out of it. However, when Elliot shows her a way out, she's finally able to dream and plan a better future for her and her daughter. I enjoyed Catherine Ryan Hyde writing style and I thought this book had a very great flow/pacing. I was invested and intrigued by the story and characters, and looked forward to seeing how their life would turn out. It was fun, emotional, sweet and suspenseful at times. I highly recommend this book.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 35 published and forthcoming books, including JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT, HEAVEN ADJACENT, THE WAKE UP, ALLIE AND BEA, SAY GOODBYE FOR NOW, LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER, ASK HIM WHY, WORTHY, THE LANGUAGE OF HOOFBEATS, TAKE ME WITH YOU, WHEN I FOUND YOU, WALK ME HOME, and DON'T LET ME GO.
An avid hiker, traveler, equestrian, and amateur photographer and astrophotographer, she has a published book of photos, 365 DAYS OF GRATITUDE: PHOTOS FROM A BEAUTIFUL WORLD.
No comments: